Overview: This is my second installment of my memories of cruising. I am doing this for my own sanity and to remind everyone of our positive times in the past and what the future might bring. During these troubling times with politics and a global pandemic, focusing on something we all consider to be positive is good therapy. Add in your comments of how or what you would do on your day-two when cruising. Lets have some fun with this and leave our negativity out. Try just to have fun in our thoughts. Disclaimer: I am retired 63, a stroke victim yet healthy now, gone on 24 cruises, and spoiled to the core. My reference to the NCL Haven™ is not meant to show what I can afford or I am better than anyone else. It is just my personal favorite experiences. Truth be told, my best cruise was my first. That was 40 years ago, in the cheapest inside cabin on the SS Norway. It was my honeymoon and it was magical. My next cruise in the end of May 2021, will be my 41st wedding anniversary on the same cruise line, now called NCL with my Adult Children. A full circle over 40 + Years. Day 2: Cruise Memories 06:45 AM: I just can’t sleep in today, just can’t. Shower and in-suite coffee on the balcony. All you can see and hear are lovely waves. This is what I have been waiting for all year. 07:30 AM: First Breakfast in the Haven Restaurant. We start with French Press Coffee, of course. Appetizer of smoked salmon from the side fresh buffet, those danishes are calling my name though. With a huge smile, I order my favorite Breakfast, Steak & Over Easy Eggs skip the potato’s. Whole wheat toast with grape jelly. At the end, I always get one single danish. I am trying to not gain my normal 10+ lbs. from this cruise. I am quite clear in my own mind, I will fail. 09:00 AM: Explore the ship. Even after 24 cruises, going deck to deck is so much fun for me. People are just getting up. Still easy to get an elevator and no real crowds in the main walkways. Important to me to find the cigar bar for later enjoyment and there it is next to the Mojito Bar. Also, where is the slot tournament to be held at 01:00 PM, priorities folks. Where is the gym and finally where all the hot tubs on board. 10:30 AM: Gym. 30-minutes on the treadmill. Attempt to allow a bit of those food calories to get used. I know by day three, the exercise will be doomed. All I can think about is going down those huge water slides and driving the electric go carts. My hope is the lines are not to long. On my way back to my suite, I hear that wonderful sound of metal drums by the main pool. The smile begins to become a part of my day, as it always does on past cruises. Entering my suite, my family asks where I have been. I tell them and they are disappointed I did not take them with me. What I see is none of them have even gotten out of bed yet. 12:00 PM: Lunch by the Haven Pool another favorite pastime. Time for the best cheese burger on any cruise ship. No bun, of course. Really, no bun. French Fries YES, bun no? My wife orders a bottle of wine and takes half of it goes back to the room. God love that upgrade to the Premium Plus Drink Package. My wife loves ordering a bottle vs. a glass. It is a vacation isn’t it. This was her plan and I support it. She loves wine in the suite for night time balcony viewing. 01:00 PM: Slot Tournament, my entire family is entered, it is a tradition. We learned to have a few drinks first, because it is so stressful. We always play and never win. This year, my wife whom never gambles makes it to round two. We are so proud of her and consider that a victory. Since I am in the casino anyway, where is that “Buffalo Gold” machine. I feel the cash leaving my wallet forever. Why do I watch those YouTube Slot Guru’s. They are not good for my pocketbook. 02:30 PM: A littler poorer yet still happy, I get ready for my first water slide experience. Every cruise I do the same thing. I find someone whom is a afraid to do the water slide, and talk them into doing it with me. My record for number of consecutive slides is 10. The issue are those darn stairs, I am no spring chicken anymore. All the kids think I am funny because I am as excited as they are to slide. My last victim was my wife who became a huge fan. 04:00 PM: Did I hear “BINGO” or was it “Deal or No Deal”. It is like a magnet for me. The crowds, the joy of watching someone WIN. I debate myself. Do I start drinking NOW or hold off until right before dinner. Hold off today, smart move. I go back to the suite through the casino watching a older woman (that is saying a lot, I am 63) get a jackpot on the machine that took all my money earlier. Happy for her though, kind of. 05:30 PM: There are some ship snacks waiting on the table in the suite, which is always different every day. Today it is those world famous chocolate covered strawberries. Time to clean up and dress for dinner and the show. My wife as usually, is looking at the sun burn she got sitting on the deck and saying, “I think I over did it a bit.” I notice she is in a very happy mood and the bottle of wine in the room is out. I ask her when she started drinking? She smiles and tells me, 12:00 PM, at lunch. Stupid question on my part. I am the light weight in my family on drinking. However, when I get serious, I am serious. Pre-Dinner drinks on the balcony, it is so lovely. 07:00 PM: Dinner tonight is a specialty restaurant. My habit is to go to the steak place the first night. Martini shaken not stirred, slightly dirty with two blue cheese stuffed olives. Shrimp cocktail, Fresh Bread with really good butter, Blue Cheese Wedge and a Rib Eye Medium Rare Plus. I am so full, I simply can’t eat all the fully loaded potato. Maybe a few bits. I have to sit for a while and have some Coffee with Baileys. I am feeling no pain and starting to relax a bit. New York Cheese cake is the finale. “There is cheating and then there is Cheese Cake!” 09:30 PM: I know I am tired because I would usually be in bed by now. The food, drink and excitement of the day is telling my body, pass on the show. I used to listen to myself, not anymore. I will get my second wind shortly and so will you. The show which on the first night is usually a production. We always sit in the last row on the end by the door. We have seen some fantastic and not so fantastic shows. We are not expecting much. Then the music starts and it is all Latin dancing. 90-minutes has never go so quick. This show was incredible. My wife for the first time was on her feet doing a standing ovation. 11:00 PM: This is when my wife and I start to argue. She wants to party some more, I want to chill in the room. Translation, go to sleep. I know her, the moment she hits the pillow, with the sun she got that day, add the food and drink, that is all she wrote. We get to the suite, on the desk are the passes for the excursion we are taking in the morning, I love that. Never gets old. I, just want to dream again about my next day’s breakfast of Steak and Eggs. Tomorrow I add a waffle I thing. We attempt to look at the agenda for the next day however never make it more then 10-minutes before the waves put us to sleep. Perfect second day in my book.
Warning: this story will contain mentions of unhealthy relationships and adult themes. The main character also has some character traits that may differs from your own, please do keep that in mind. Review and comments will be appreciated (Customisation) There once was a dashing bachelor (That looked like )(uses the OH male feces) Face 1 Face 2 Face 3 Face 4 (Hairstyles) James Bond (black slick backed) Don Diego Vega (dark brown wavy hair slicked back long neck) Steve Rogers (Short blonde side swept hair) Agent J (Short kinky curls) Is this him? Yes No (go back to customisation) What is his name? (Default: George) (Surname) (Default: Bishop) There he meets A beautiful woman A handsome man A beautiful woman Face 1 (Asian; has pale skin, dark almond eyes, straight black mid-back hair with a mid-part) Face 2 (Hispanic: has tan skin, deep brown eye and over shoulder-length volumes wavy hair with side bangs.) Face 3 (Afro-American: dark skin, expressive brown eyes with long blackish brown chest-length kinky curly hair.) Face 4 (Caucassian: pinkish skin with freckles, clear blue round eyes, collarbone length layered dirty blonde hair) A handsome man Face 1 (Asian: pale skin, dark almond eyes, straight black hair put up in a pompadour style) Face 2 (Hispanic: tan skin, with slicked back wavy hair that always looks like it is coming undone.) Face 3 (Afro-American: dark skin, expressive brown eyes, with a crewcut with tight natural curls.) Face 4 (Caucasian: pinkish skin with freckles, clear blue eyes, dirty blonde hair in a Taper haircut.) As the two peoples eyes lock across the room. The sensation of a pull drives them to get closer to one another. As the dashing bachelor offered his hand his partner gladly accepted it. Leading into a dance that lasted the rest of the night. The whole world faded away to the sound of the Jazz band, their breathing and their dancing. As their lips moved to meet... ???: “Oh come now Joanna, you know that is no way that would ever happen.” (Record Scratch) Joanna: “Oh for craps sake, George I was getting to the best part.” George: “Forgive me for finding it uncomfortable that you have decide how my love life is going to go.” Lance: “He does have a point there sis.” Joanna: “Way to stand up for your sister Lance.” Lance “Look I’m all for love conquers and all that jazz but it is kind of difficult to make a love life for someone else.” George: “Thank you.” Lance: “I mean he isn’t a completely lost cause. I’m sure some desperate soul will take him.” Lance: “I mean he’s got dads looks, and he managed to get with mom when they were young.” Lance: “That might make up for his zero tact.” George: “Your faith in me is awe inspiring.” Lance: “Oh cheer up. With your upcoming trip to Vegas, maybe you’ll have luck in love and not just on the poker table.” Joanna: “Maybe you’ll meet someone special!” You snort, finding the idea silly. George: “I wouldn’t bet on it.” Chapter 1: One night in Vegas In an underground speakeasy decked out in old decor from the 20th centuries first half. You sit there nursing your drink. After a long day at the office you love nothing more than when you can enjoy your secret fancy. Dressed up in an old-fashioned pinstripe suit and a fedora. You feel like a king, this little piece of haven in Chicago that seemed to be frozen in time. You feel your friend beside you stir, he himself having to relax from work as well as dreading an upcoming event. After his fifth sight you opt to actually talk about it. You take a swing of your drink and decide to talk about the elephant in the room. Or more accurately you decide to talk about the issue in pre 1940’s slang George: “Your bear cat of a sister still giving you a hard time?” Jeremy: “Noneofya.” He mumbled. George: “Look Pally, I known you since we were scrubs and had squat. What's eating you?” Jeremy: “That dame will chisel me out of every dime I own.” George: “Stephie acting like a Big cheese cause she is getting hitched?” Jeremy: “She wants everything spiffy and I’m quite sure her ankle biters will be paying the bills. My folks are on my case regarding my dame.” You think for a moment. Jeremy and Katie had been together for four years. They got one another, they lived together. George: “Stephie’s lucky her guy thinks she’s the Cat's meow.” You said reflecting on everything you ever heard regarding Darren, he was a good guy. Definitely not the smartest but he loved Stephanie like she was the only woman alive. You just wondered why anyone would want to spend time with that woman. Jeremy: “Alright, real talk.” Jeremy said as he dropped ‘the act’, we were no longer hot shots in the prohibition era. We were now just George Bishop and Jeremy Jackson a financial advisor and a computer wizard. George: “In all do honesty I do not see why you need to go there? Aren’t bachelorette parties strictly female?” Jeremy: “They used to be, but I am quite sure I am not going with them to be pampered like the bridesmaids.” George: “Then your function is?” Jeremy: “If I were to guess, fall guy and pack mule.” Jeremy: “I think she is also doing it to brag, that ‘she did it first.’ To rub it in Katie’s face.” George: “You never really care what your sister does. Why now?” Jeremy: “Because they are pressuring me and Katie. Not just my family but next to everyone we know. ‘When is the wedding? What is the venue? How many guests? Are you going to have it this year?’ Look I love my girl, but none of us is in rush to walk down the aisle.” Yeah, you know, you were the first one Jeremy told about his plan to propose. You were happy for him but at the end of the day it was up to Katie and Jeremy. Not you or their families. However the rest of the world seemed to think differently. Mom: “Oh sweetheart, happy valentine’s day! Are you spending it with someone special?” George: “Mom, you know I am not looking for someone.” Mom: “Oh, don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find that certain someone sooner or later.” Yeah, it isn’t enough your sister is married and your brother is utterly twitterpated with his boyfriend. You need to ensure your oldest is also with someone. Boss: “Mr. Bishop, I must say. I am impressed with your work ethics, but we have decided to go with Mr. Robinson as the face of the company.” Never minding the fact that you worked twice as hard as said college. George: “I understand. May I ask what made you choose him?” Boss: “We did research and found that your college would be favourable, due to circumstance.” Translation: we wanted a man that was married and not the workaholic bachelor. Stranger 1: “You see that guy over there?” Stranger 2: “You mean the one with the RBF?” Stranger 1: “Yeah, probably one of those loners, will never find anyone.” Stranger 2: “I mean who goes to a restaurant like this alone?” Honestly? You can’t have a meal alone? George: “Yeah, I know that feeling.” Jeremy: “Seriously.” Both of you take a sigh. Jeremy: “But in all honesty. Thank you for coming along, I really appreciate it. Would probably loose my mind if I went alone.” George: “Of course.”
It would be a shame to lose my partner in crime.
My boss would be pissed if I didn’t.
Who would turn down free drinks?
Jeremy: “Yeah sounds about right.” *Choice 1* George: “Remember how we got back at Marcus Thatcher?” *Choice 1* Jeremy: “Oh, I remember. Too bad he didn’t check the file we sent, it might have saved him some embarrassment.” *Choice 1* George: “Big tough football star being fooled by ‘two scrawny’ freshmen.” *Choice 1* Jeremy: “And we were hailed as heroes for a month.” *Choice 1* Jeremy: “Wait, don’t tell me HR department has been on your case.” *Choice 2* Geroge: “Yep, too much overtime.” *Choice 2* Geroge: “Never mind I make sure that everything is quality controlled.” *Choice 2* Jeremy: “Geesh. Well glad to know I could be of service.” *Choice 2* Jeremy: “Ah there it is, I knew you had a hidden agenda. *Choice 3* George: “Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy, when have I ever hid something from you?” *Choice 3* Jeremy: “Alright fair, you are honest to the point of insult.” *Choice 3* Geroge: “You asked for my opinion, besides those shoes where ugly as sin.” *Choice 3* Both of you laugh, you had been in each other’s life since kindergarten. You where the odd ducks, most kids and adults always considered you to be cold or judging. Even if neither of you had that intention. Jeremy raises his glass. Jeremy: “To intellectual companions.” George: “To intellectual friends.” You said as you raised your own drink in a toast. The weekend finally arrived for the trip. You arrived at O’Hare airport with a good three hours to spare. You crack open the book you brought with you. It was a supernatural detective story you received as a gift on last birthday a few months back. While you applaud your sister for trying, it was still jarring to follow all the supernatural deus-ex-machinas that discarded real detective work. So that is how a 31 year old was reading a supernatural book in broad daylight. George: ‘ with gun drawn, Duskraven made her way down the basement, the surroundings smelled of blood and muck.’ Geroge: ‘Romano’s empire was now in full display in front of her. Fae, lined the walls, eyes hollow and only the movement of their chest indicating they were still alive.’ George: ‘Duskraven took out her polaroid camera, it was a risky but if this would ever have a chance to justice. Her leads and information would need to be solid if she wanted to take down the vampire cartel. She just hoped the light for the camera would be noticed.’ George: ‘With a blinding light the entire basement lit up temporarily blinding her, when she regained her sight again a new horror met her eyes. Multiple pairs of hungry red eyes.’ Jeremy: “George!” You tear your eyes away from the book in your hand. There is Jeremy and Katie, hand in hand. Seeing them together was always a happy occasion. Katie and Jeremy met at your favourite speakeasy a few years back. You didn’t blame your friend for becoming interested in the ICU nurse. Curly red hair and big blue eyes. Even if the courtship had started out rocky due to both of them being so shy. They overcame that hurdle and found something they wanted. Sometimes however you wished you didn’t feel like you were interrupting them. George: “Good morning, is Stephanie and her friends also here?” Katie: “No they had a sleep over at Daria’s house. So they will be carpooling.” You look at your clock and it was about two hours before the plane would take off, your bags where checked in and you were ready to leave and get to the section where the gates would be. But there was still no sign of Stephanie. As you though you heard a rumbling sound. Both you and Katie looked at Jeremy as a sheepish grim grew on his face. Katie: “Told you, a ham sandwich wouldn’t hold.” Jeremy: “It will hold till lunch, which is a few hours away.” George: “You sure that is a good idea?” Jeremy: “Tell you what, I’ll go if you come with me and Katie.” Katie: “So what do you say?” McDermott's · Sure, I could have a bite. (💎12) · Perhaps we shouldn’t Diamond Choice: George: “Alright, let us have something to eat.” Jeremy: “Good! Airplane food leaves much to be desired.” Katie: “You always think with your stomach.” Jeremy: “Yet you love me.” Katie: “Yes, odd isn’t it?” You make your way inside and stay in line. You look at the menu and order · Breakfast burrito · Bacon and scrambled eggs · Fruit and oatmeal You order your food along with a big coffee. You all slide into the booth, Katie had her yogurt in hand both of you looked worryingly at Jeremy’s breakfast. (Tilting tower of pancakes) (Holy crap!) You swore for a moment both you and Katie was reading each other’s mind. ‘He is going to puke.’ George: “Hey Jeremy, think you can get some napkins?” Jeremy: “Sure.” As he left you plied a few pancakes away, making sure that you saved the top one so he wouldn’t notice. Katie making sure the tower didn’t fall. She gave a thumbs up, thanking you. George: “So Katie, how have you been?” Katie: “There is always a lot of things to do at the ICU, sometime I wonder where humanity is headed.” George: “Really, that bad?” Katie: “How would you explain having a locomotive lodge up your rectum?” George: “How did that happened?” Katie: “They claim they fell on it, if I had a dollar every time this happened I wouldn’t have any student debts.” You shake your head, you have been thinking a bit about what Jeremy said at the Speakeasy. You had also noticed that something was up with Katie, she was on edge. George: “Katie…” 1.“Did you want to go on this trip?” 2.“Has Mr and Mrs Jackson been pressuring you?” 3.“Do you want to get married?” Katie: “In all honesty no, but Stephanie has made me a bridesmaid. I need to partake in these things. Even if I wish I didn’t.” *Choice 1\* George: “Why?” *Choice 1\* Katie: “I wish I could care as little about protocol as you do, but she is Jeremy’s sister, if I say no it might affect my relationship with Jeremy and his family.” *Choice 1\* Katie: “Yes, I mean no, I mean… it’s complicated.” *Choice 2\* George: “How come?” *Choice 2\* Katie: “I’m 30 years old George, time is ticking. They want grandchildren to spoil.” *Choice 2\* George: “And you have to be married to do that?” *Choice 2\* Katie: “Of course I love Jeremy.” *Choice 3\* George: “That wasn’t the question, do you want to get married?” *Choice 3\* Katie: “It is just so big, all those expectations. I… it scares the crap out of me.” *Choice 3\* George: “Listen, I will tell you something.” You said using your stern voice. George: “Jeremy loves you, he chose you. You chose him. That is the truth at the end of the day.” Katie looked at you, a shy smile graced her lips. She mouthed a thank you. Jeremy made his way back to you with a great pile of napkins. You all begin to take part of the meal. During the entire meal Katie and Jeremy’s shoulders touched and they looked as content as they could be. (‘Loving it’ you had breakfast at McDermott) None diamond choice: George: “Let us just sit down and relax, we should be in Las Vegas at 1 am. Knowing Stephanie we will probably eat something there before heading to the hotel.” Katie: “Maybe, I’ll get some water at least.” Jeremy: “Good idea.” (‘Not hungry’ you didn’t have a McDermott breakfast) As all of you wait for the supposed ‘bride’ you hear commotion. Sure enough you see a brunette with a close to permanent scowl on her face. Followed but two very flustered women. “There you are! WHERE have you been?!” Her tone is as pleasant as you remember, nails on a chalkboard. Jeremy: “We have been here waiting for you.” Stephanie: “You aren’t even going to help me with my bags. What type of brother are you?” Jeremy: “Well we are here, we have about half an hour before the plane leaves. So let’s get to the gate.” Stephanie just huffed. Storming away. George: “Wow she is in a good mood.” You state sarcastically. Jeremy: “Yeah she gets like that some time.” Jeremy: “Just try not to set her of, she can be a handful.” Katie: “I mean how bad could it possibly be?” You were never the very superstitious type, but you were quite sure that Katie just opened Pandora’s Box. From the time the plane touched ground in Nevada everything that could set of Stephanie did. Stephanie: “URRGH!!! where is that shuttle! He is LATE!!” Jeremy: “They told us like five minutes ago there is traffic jam.” Stephanie: “Then he should have planned it earlier!” Stephanie: “I will not wait an hour! WE have a schedule to follow!” George:’ This coming from the woman that almost missed the plane to her own bachelorette party.’ Daria: “They say it is only another 15 minutes.” Stephanie: “I DON’T CAREEEEE!” Stephanie: “What do you mean that our suits where not booked?” Receptionist: “You never sent in the deposit for your stay.” Stephanie: “THAT WAS GEMMA’S JOB!” Gemma: “I told you, the suits needed to be paid for by the same person that booked them.” Stephanie: “You are a bridesmaid, you are supposed to make things work!” George: ‘Honetly…’ George: “Sigh…” Stephanie: “THIS ISN’T WHAT I ORDERED!” Waitress: “Yes it is, you wanted a calamari.” The poor waitress looked exhausted and probably wanted to be anywhere but here, not that one could blame her. Stephanie: “NO IT ISN’T! I wanted the pasta with bacon and cheese.” Katie: “A cabonara?” Jeremy: “Stephie we are at a seafood restaurant.” George: ‘IS she ever satisfied?’ All of us where back at the hotel, Stephanie insisting that they ‘needed’ a new set of clothes for the casino and club they were planning on hitting. Jeremy looked ready to just give up. George: “You know, you could simply say no to her.” Jeremy threw an exhausted glair at me. Jeremy: “If it was so simple neither me, you nor Katie would be here right now.” George: “And you wouldn’t be here doing this Sisyphean task, which obviously brings you missery.” Jeremy: “Yeah well, I still want my parents in my life, if I didn’t do this, they would never let me live it down.” What to wear to the casino? · Tuxedo 007 (💎 15) · Basic black Diamond option: Jeremy: “You look like James Bond.” George: “I’ll have a martini, shaken not stirred.” You said and an amused smile spread across Jeremy’s face. None diamond choice “I Think I’ll stick with this.” “Fair enough, I am too exhausted to care anyway.” Jeremy said with a tired smile. You both left the room, making our way to one of the pulsing centres of the strip. There in the golden casinos you thought finally your luck would finally turn for the better. That the glamorous atmosphere would rub off on the soon-to-be bride. Causing her to stop doing her impression of a screeching barn owl and let ALL of them enjoy Sin City. Well it seemed to have worked, for now. Both you and Jeremy where at the black jack tables, enjoying yourself. While the ladies were back at the slots machines. Jeremy folded a while ago, it is just you and one more. You looked down at your cards a jack and an ace. You opponent opposite you had this confident smirk on his face. But you saw how the sweat was running down his face. He was bluffing. George: “Hum…”
Act as if you have a bad hand
Act arrogant and self-assured
Do not react at all and watch the man squirm
You decide to let your brows furrow in what would look like frustration. The man opposite you lets the edge of his mouth turn in a smirk. His confidence boosting with every minute. *Choice 1* You decide to put on the theatrics, giving a smile like the cat that ate the canary you look at your opponent. That is growing more and more agitated by the minute. *Choice 2* You keep your face natural, a lot of people often comment that you look angry whenever they see you. You could only assume it was true because your opponent was practically squirming in his seat. *Choice 3* When he reviles his hand, you pause for a moment before reviling yours. You won. George: “I’ll be taking these.” You said as you dragged them back chips and split them evenly between you and Jeremy. You had started with the same amount of tokens. Even if you did work with money daily, this was one of those occasions you allowed yourself to be a bit more relaxed regarding that subject. Jeremy: “Nice one.” George: “All in a day’s work.” Jeremy: “So what next?” Before you could answer you hear commotion from the opposite side of the casino. The screeching voice meant that Stephanie was somewhere in the middle of it. Both of you sigh, knowing that your happy hour was over. Sure enough there at the era leading into one of the shows where Stephanie and her entourage, all of them except Stephanie wearing baby pink dresses and Stephanie herself wearing a sash reading ‘all hail the bride’ along with a tacky tiara probably worth a five dollar bill at most. She was screaming at a bouncer, while all the others tried in vain to calm the soon-to-be bride. Stephanie: “You are an idiot! What service is this!?” When we had arrived there was already an audience forming. Yeah this was common whenever Stephanie was involved. ‘Drama Queen’ had been your nickname for her during high school for a reason. Jeremy: “What happened?” Bouncer: “Your friend here slapped one of your dancers, something about them stealing from them.” Stephanie: “I am the BRIDE! I am not supposed to have to pay for anything during my bachelorette party.” Jeremy: “Stephanie, what about we get some fresh air, okay?” Jeremy said as he tried to deescalate the situation. He gently grabbed her arm, but Stephanie was having none of it. It felt like it all happened in slow motion, Stephanie turned around and a closed fist and rage connected it with Jeremy’s face. Your friend flew back and hit his head on the floor pretty hard. Stephanie didn’t even care to check what state her brother was in. Katie flew to her fiancés side and the sight of your friend’s bleeding face was enough to make you see red. George: “Alright enough.”
Scold her
Embarrass her
Give her the evil eye
George: “Stephanie, you are way out of line.” *Choice 1* Stephanie: “No I am not!” *Choice 1* George: “You have taken no responsibility during this trip, you have been rude to every member of the party, you have caused a scene at every place we have been to. Do I need to keep going?” *Choice 1* Your voice is like ice, you swear the temperature just dropped a few degrees. As you pointed out everything she has done during the less than 24 hours you been together. *Choice 1* Stephanie looks angrily at her bridesmaids as is she is waiting for them to defend her. *Choice 1* They do not, they know you are just stating the truth. *Choice 1* George: “Your own brother did not want to be on this trip, he begged me to come along. Doesn’t that tell you just how vile you have been acting?” *Choice 1* Stephanie: “You listen here…”*Choice 1* George: “No you listen for once in your life!” *Choice 1* You rarely let your emotions out but Stephanie was a special case. *Choice 1* George: “If this is how you treat people, do not be surprised when Darren leaves you at the altar. He deserve better than this.” *Choice 1* With that as a closing line you left, Jeremy might need to get to the hospital. He was worth more than Stephanie would ever be in your eyes. *Choice 1* As you leave you are quite sure you hear someone applauding. *Choice 1* With determined steps you made your way to one of the waitresses. *Choice 2* George: “Excuse me.” *Choice 2* You hand her a 50 dollar bill as you grab a big jug glass filled with beer and briskly walk back to Stephanie that is still screaming profanities. Because of her back being turned to you she didn’t see you. You saw how people began to take out their cameras and phones. No one made a move to stop you. *Choice 2* With one quick movement you had poured it over her and a shriek of surprise entered your ears. *Choice 2* Stephanie: “What the fuck is wrong with you!?” *Choice 2* George: “Are you done with your little temper tantrum?” *Choice 2* Stephanie: “What!? How dare you!” *Choice 2* George: “You have been acting like a spoiled five year old since the moment we landed. I am surprised no one has done anything until now.” *Choice 2* Stephanie: “You are so not coming to my wedding!” *Choice 2* George: “It isn’t a loss, I was never here for you. Now excuse me I have more important things to deal with.” *Choice 2* You left Stephanie to deal with the people that had gathered for the ‘show’ and she began to scream at them and calling them all sorts of names. But no one was intimidated, they found it hilarious. *Choice 2* You grab hold of Stephanie, until she has no choice but to look at you. She is screeching, calling you every slur and bad name in the book. Your hands are firm on her upper arm, you just hold no squeezing, no pushing. You keep your eyes locked on her, you must have stood there quite a while until finally her defiant stare became weaker and weaker. *Choice 3* You kept hold of her until she burst out into tears. At that point you let her go. Knowing you had knocked her down a peg. *Choice 3* But Stephanie wasn’t your main concern, Jeremy was. You moved to stay with Katie and Jeremy, the crowd parted as the red sea as you walked by. All in stunned silence. *Choice 3* George: “Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Jeremy grimaced at the questing, blood still trickling down his face from where he had been punched. Luckily the nose would heal, the only question was what colour it would be in time for Stephanie’s wedding. Jeremy: “I’ll be fine, Katie is here too. She knows what she is doing.” Katie: “Having your fiancé being a nurse does have its perks huh?” Jeremy: “Yeah one of many.” The two of them smile at one another, before Jeremy turn back to you. Jeremy: “Think you can manage your own?” George: “I think I can stay out of trouble for one night.” Jeremy: “Maybe, see you tomorrow George.” Katie: “Have a nice night.” With that the two of them made their way up to the hotel rooms. You decided to check out the hotel bar. Despite being 10 o’clock it was surprisingly empty. Some people where there, some having already had a few to many. But what caught your eye was a stranger sitting at the end of the bar. There sitting in a knee-length ocean blue dress was a woman, leaning over resting her elbows at the counter. She had a faraway look in her face as she absentmindedly stirred her drink. *♀* There sitting a young man, nursing his drink. His blue vest and slacks combo suited him well with the crisp white shirt. His attention seeming being elsewhere. *♂* You sit down by the bar and is about to call on the bartender when I noticed a man, clearly intoxicated made a move on the man/woman at the end of the bar. Drunk Idiot: “Hello there, did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” The person in question just rolled hehis eyes. Clearly not in the mood to be the object of drunk admiration. Drunk Idiot: “How about you and me go up to my hotel room and get to know each other a bit more.” Haven seen the man/woman in question do every none-verbal que but slapping the idiot you decide enough was enough. He had disturbed you and the rest of the bar enough. With the smoothest and coolest tone of voice you could muster you cleared your throat to get the drunk man’s attention. It wasn’t appreciated to say the least. Drunk idiot: “What the hell do you want prick.” The smell of alcohol radiating off him, one would think he had bathed in vodka. It was surprising no one had tossed him out from being a nuisance earlier. George: “I do believe that you are bothering him/her. Please stop.” George: “Look we are old friends, its noneofya business so bug off.” George: “Oh really, then what is your friends name?” Drunk Idiot: ”What?” George: “What. Is. your. friend’s. name? If you are old friends you should surely know it.” Drunk Idiot: “It’s ummm… Terry.” ???: “That is not even close.” With both of you staring straight into him, mentally cornering him. Drunk idiot: ”Screw this.” The man declared in frustration and with that the idiot stormed off leaving both of you alone. After making sure the guy was out of sight you turned back to the stranger. He/She gave you a grateful smile. ???: “Thanks’ I really appreciate that?” George: “It was nothing.” You said making yourself ready to go back to your seat. ???: “Wait!” The stranger called after you, out of sheer politeness you turned back around. He/she Seemed a bit nervous, what now? ???: “Can I at least buy you a drink?” You thought for a moment. You were on your own, Jeremy was probably nursing the bruise with some painkillers and you did not want to risk running into Stephanie or any of the bridesmaids. It also felt wrong to not take the opportunity to experience Vegas however. So you accepted. ???: “Well What’s your poison?” He/she asked in a joyous tone.
Matrini
Old Fashioned
Red Wine
With a quick wave they called the bartender over. ???: “So what brings you to Vegas?” George: “Bachelorette party.” ???: “Did it have anything to do with that brunette that slapped one of the dancers and had security physically lift her out?” George: “Bingo.” ???: “No one got seriously hurt?” George: “Thankfully no.” With that the bartender served the drink and the stranger slipped a 50 dollar bill. You lift the glass in a gesture for a thank you. And let the beverage slip down your throat. It was nice, it was a good year and the taste was strong but not overpowering. You noticed that his/her eyes were on you, almost as if they were trying to decipher your character. George: “What are you doing?” ???: “Trying to get a read on you, some say what you order is often an indication of who you are.” George: “Really? Then what can you say about me?” You asked, deciding to humour them. ???: “I can say that that you are a man that know what he wants and how you want them.” *Martini* ???: “You are an old soul, you probably know your liquor well. My guess you have a great library at home.” *Old fashioned* ???: “You are quite classy, and you can find a way to get drunk before noon.” *Red wine* With that you give an amused chuckle. George: “Well there is some truth to that statement.” You take a look at the drink they self are nursing. (Dark n Stormy) (Humm...) George: “If I were to do the same to you, I guess you have a sweet tooth and might have wanted to be a pirate at some point.” At that comment the stranger began to laugh. It was the infectious kind of laugh that made someone warm form the bottom of their stomach. ???: “Alright you got me there.” He/she then stuck out their hand. (My name is..) (Default name: Skyler) George: “‘Skyler’ it is a pleasure to meet you.” You said as you shook it. You take in Skyler’s look. You had to admit that they were an attractive specimen of a man/woman. George: “The name is George Bishop.” Skyler: “George Bishop, how professional sounding.” He/ she said as if they were tasting your name in their mouth. George: “Well I do hope so, would be difficult to be an advisor if people believed I was a joker.” Skyler: “Ah, so you are one of those people that look at you and stamp ‘rejected’ on every paper?” George: “I believe that I am fair in my judgement.” George: “How about yourself?” At that their eyes fell. Skyler: “Right now, I’m a 30 year old trying to figure out my next move.” George: “How come?” Skyler: “Lost my job due to relationship issues between my manager and her boyfriend. Apparently, me being friendly was mistaken for flirting.” Skyler: “What, they want a grumpy Greeter at the door?” George: “That is unprofessional.” Skyler: “Yeah, well relationships are messy.” George: “Agreed.” Skyler: “I must say the way you handled that woman, it was surprising.” Skyler said in a genuinely impressed voice. George: “You were watching?” Skyler: “Kind of hard not to, I’m surprised half the hotel didn’t hear her.” George: “Someone had to show her she isn’t the Queen of Sheba.” Skyler: “What are your thought on marriage?” You shoot up a bit, a bit startled by the blunt question. George: “My thoughts?” Skyler: “You seem like a guy that know what he thinks. I want to pick that brain a bit.” It had been a while since someone had so blatantly flirted with you. To be fair you were a bit surprised. Dating had often been a minefield for you. George: “Marrige…”
It’s an institution
It’s a partnership
It’s indescribable
George: “Historically it was a way to ensure land, money and heirlooms where added into a new household.” *Choice 1* George: “It was also a safety for children back in the day, since basterds often faced quite a few challenges from being born out of wedlock.” *Choice 1* George: “It is a symbol of trust, that you do have someone that you can count on.” *Choice 2* George: “But at the end of the day, if you are unfair to that partner hey might not stay.” *Choice 2* George: “To describe marriage is like trying to describe oceans and water. Even with similarities we can see, gathering it all in an explanation would probably not give a fair judgement.” *Choice 3* Skyler: “To me it’s a promise. ‘To have and to hold’ it is silly in this day and age were people divorce left and right for trivial things.” Skylers eyes became dark, falling into deep thoughts. You had never been the poetic kind, but there was a sweet sentiment in Skyler’s view on things. Your parents where still married over 30 years now. Your sister was due some time in December, your brother was off celebrating a two year dating anniversary and your paternal grandmother still loved her deceased husband dearly. To you it just never happened, perhaps it wasn’t for you. George: “That we can agree on, people are so afraid they will settle. At the first sign of trouble they leave.” Skyler: “So that woman form before… how long do you think her marriage will last?” George: “If she acts like she did tonight, I wonder if her husband will even stay for the ceremony.” You looked at your new companion and in an unusual turn of events you called the bartender over. George: “Can I buy you a drink?” With that Skyler smiled, deciding to keep you company. Sometime later you awake to the sound of your alarm clock. You feel a splitting headache, you drag you hand over your face as you do you feel a cold metal band around your finger. Pulling back as your eyes focus you see that it is a plain sliver coloured band. (is that?) · Oh no… Feeling more sober than ever before you realised just what a mess you got yourself into. George: ‘I just got married in Vegas.’ Well, you’re screwed.
I yell at my Mom to hurry up as she tries to recreate the pokerstars Team Pro patch on my Run It Once hoodie. She flinches and pricks her finger with the needle. lol dumb bitch I think to myself as I dunk my tendies into Chik Fil A sauce. Tonight is my live cash debut. I watched all of Doug's Polker (lol) hands. I read all the UpSwing articles and browse this sub religiously. I would be an online crusher if it weren't rigged and if the rake weren't so high. These live donks won't know what hit them. I finish my dinner and snatch my hoodie from my Mom. "Have fun playing with your friends," she says as she hugs me. I want to tell her there are no friends at the table. There are only Sharks and Fish and I'm a Mother Fucking Great White. Instead I take the opportunity to remove her debit card from the purse sitting at the table. My $400 bankroll might need a little assistance against the live variance. I slip on my RIO hoodie over my UpSwing tank top, then finish with a Favorable hat. I check my backpack and find everything I need for the upcoming grind: granola bars, power bank, sunglasses, wireless headphones, 2 big Monsters, and my preflop charts. I get on the subway (Mom needed the mini van for church) heading to Encore Boston Harbor. I feel all the eyes of the commuters on me. They've never seen a man like me before: 140 LBS all muscle and discipline. I DARE someone try to angle me today at the table. I will fucking delete them from existence. I finally arrive, and walk through the resort towards the Casino doors. A security guard in a Red Jacket stops me. He points at my bag, "You can't bring that inside." Immediately my eyes get hot and I try to quickly blink back the tears. I get ready to explain that I have a medical problem and the items in my bag helps reduce sensory overload and high-stress inducing-- "You can't bring those energy drinks inside sir." "Oh." I take my Monsters out of the side pockets and throw them in the bin. The Security Guard nods, "Welcome to the Encore." Wow, what an asshole. He gets a little authority and goes on a power trip. I scan the casino floor for the poker room and find the sign. I take the escalators up and approach the front desk. "Hi, I'd like to play 3NL." "I'm sorry, do you mean $1/3 No Limit?" the Manager replies. I chuckle. These morons have never played online where the real pros are. "Yeah, that's the same thing as 3NL. It's what we call it online." "Right. Do you have a card?" I hand over my Driver's License. "Uh no, a Red Card. Do you have a Red Card with us?" I can feel the tears forming again. I told my Mom to write down everything I'd need to play and of course she fucks it up. I need a Red Card to play and she didn't make me one. Can't even fucking trust family. The Manager sees my eyes water, "It's okay if you don't. We can have one made for you. What are your initials?" "J. Z." I'm gonna fool this room into thinking Jay Z is here LOL. "You're all set. It shouldn't be too long. You're number 4 on the list." "Thank you." 10 minutes later they call me and I sit down. Everyone is drinking except 1 Asian kid with a face mask. The goofy MAWG with a big stack (about 300BB effective) welcomes me to the table as I sit down to his left. "Look guys we finally got a pro to teach us how to play." I can see through his laughter that he's afraid of me. He realized a human PIO solver just got position next on him. Unfortunately for him, I'm not here to give lessons. I give the Chip Runner $100 (I figured out an unbeatable short stack strategy) and go to the bathroom to go over my preflop charts. When I return, 30 minutes later, my chips are there and I'm ready to play. First hand, I get JdJh UTG+1. MAWG straddled so I'm first to act. I try to go all in but my hands are shaking and I drop $40 in chips before it goes over the line and Asian pro calls string bet. Bet is $60. It folds to MAWG. "Why so much?" he asks. I don't say anything. I close my eyes and curse myself for not taking out my sunglasses earlier. "You have Jacks?" he continues. I make a mental note to protect my cards better because clearly this dickhead is peaking at my cards. MAWG folds. EZ game. I slide a Red bird to the dealer as she moves the pot towards me. Our hands touch. She thanks me for the tip and calls me honey. I'm fucking in. Definitely gonna smash that later. 1 hour later I'm in the BB with 6c6d. It limps to me and I check. Flop is 7s6h5s. Check, I check to trap, checks to CO who bets $10. BINGO. Folds to me, I make it $50, LJ calls, CO jams for $200, I call with my remaining $40, LJ tank calls. LJ covers. Turn Ad. River Ks. I groan. No one wants to show first and floor is called. CO shows 75o. I think my set of Sixes are good. LJ shows 4d3d. What a fucking slow roll. I rebuy, this time to the max $300. These guys clearly don't know how to play, and they'll make even more errors deepstacked. Asian pro opens to $15 from MP. Folds to me on the BU with AdAh. I think about how I'm going to mix. 12.5% raise to $30. 16.8% raise to 45, 25.7% raise to $60, and 52.3% Call. I run an RNG generator in my head and decide on a Call. Flop J43r. Asian pro Cbets $15. I run RNG again and call. Turn 9. Asian pro overbets $75. I tank and wince, pretending this is a tough spot. 5 minutes later I turn to the Dealer, "All In." Asian pro snap calls and shows KsKd. I wait. River 5. I show and Asian pro mucks. Fucking OWNED LOL. Everyone at the table tells me Nice Hand. They ask why I didn't 3bet. I remind them I could have but I have to balance my calling range. "If I had like Ace Five suited I would have 3bet to like $73 so his MDF is really hard. MDF is Minimum Defense Frequency by the way. I figured it out with PIO which is a Solver. I node lock the scripts and run the trees and it gives me a balanced GTO aggregate." The table gets quiet now. No one is talking anymore. I try to think of a way to liven up the table. I see the Player across from me order a sandwich and I yell "LOOSEY GOOSEY. LOOSEY GOOSEY.". Everyone looks at me weird. Fucking normies. Another hour later I'm UTG with AKs and I open to $15. Asian pro calls in CO. MAWG calls in BB. Flop Q98. Check, I CBet $30 to apply pressure. I have a range advantage and this is a great board for me if I have Aces or Queens. Asian pro and MAWG calls. Turn Q. Check, I barrel again for $100. I can have AQ and QQ. Call, Call. River 5. Check. I'm sweating and I feel like I want to throw up. But I have to continue the story. I rip it in. All In $455. Asian pro snap folds. EZ. MAWG tanks... and tanks... I can't stop shaking my feet and my mouth is dry. MAWG flips over his cards. KQs. "Is this good?" I give him absolutely nothing. My phone vibrates and I nearly shit myself. "Fuck it, I call." I don't show my cards and pretend I didn't hear him. "I said I call." I stare at my hands. The Dealer waves to me "He said call." I freeze up. I'm in shock. Asian pro asks for floor, and I sheepishly reveal my cards. AdKd. MAWG gets out of his seat mad as fuck "Fuck you man. You fucking piece of shit. You slow rolling fuck." I don't know what's going on. Dealer moves my card to the middle and announces "Nut Flush." and mucks MAWG's cards. BOARD: Qs9h8d Qd 5d Floor gets security and they remove MAWG from the Casino before I decide to give this fat ass a public beat down. It takes me 30 minutes to stack my chips. My hands are shaking from the adrenaline. I have $1310 in front of me. I want to leave but I don't want it to look like a hit and run. I check my phone and see my Mom's text.
I'm going to bed. Good night Sweetie.
Perfect. "Sorry guys, my girl texted me and she wants me home," I tell the table. No one says anything. I rack up and cash out. I wake up my Mom and tell her to pick me up. On the way home I tell my Mom about how I beat a table full of pro players and the sick hand against the Asian pro and MAWG. I open my wallet and show her all the Hundreds. She asks what her debit card is doing there and I lie and say she gave it to me. Old age is getting to her. All in all, a great session. I got in the streets and mixed it up and came out a Champion. Round 2 is coming soon, and this time I'm coming for the $2/5 shit regs.
Hi folks, Any feedback is welcome whether it's advice, TLC, or some hard home-truths. I'll be as succinct as I can be:* \having just finished I can see that I've given a lot of history and can be a bit 'ranty' at times. I hope it's still worth reading.) TL/DR:Allow financially ruined MIL to move in; snoop on MIL's phone; discover MIL's revived gambling addiction; discover MIL slandering me to DW and BIL1; I want MIL gone but DW doesn't; I've actually become the bully. The distant past I started dating my wife (DW) 18 years ago (we're both 36 now) and have been married the last 7. DW comes from a different cultural background (W. African) but has grown up here in the UK since the latter part of her childhood. I have always got on well with MIL as she is an amiable person who is very good at making friends. There are some cultural issues that I struggled to accept. For example, there is an expectation to almost venerate anyone even slightly older (I've seen DW look down on people 6 months her junior) even if their character or actions are not worthy of respect. I feel that MIL has used such cultural differences to subtly manipulate her children in an effort to shield herself not just from criticism but from a mere questioning of her position. On a personal level, MIL is just absolutely terrible with money; she is very materialistic and flashy; she has a gambling problem; has spent years out of work; been indebted to loan sharks; applied for store cards in her childrens' names. I initially found it quite shocking when we started dating at 18 years of age that MIL's BF would march DW crying to the nearest ATM to withdraw cash from the little money she earned from her Saturday job. If my DW did not acquiesce she was called 'stingy' or made to feel that she was ungrateful towards her mother. This all came to a head at the start of the recession in 2009 when MIL declared herself bankrupt. I'm not sure of the exact details but she was able to avoid foreclosure of her home and continued to live there until around 2016 when the eventual rise in property prices meant the bank would be able to recover their debts. Although she was unemployed for almost all of this period she did make a successful effort to curb her gambling and limit her extravagance. She also rented out literally every room in her house to source an income, and, of course, continued to 'borrow' thousands from DW and BIL1,2,3 This time roughly coincides with the birth of our daughter (DD) who was/is extremely sick. DD has a very complex heart and lung disease as a result of a genetic disorder and spent most of the first 2 years of life in hospital. I have lost count of the number of surgeries and interventions she has had or the number of times that we've been told that 'this was it'. I have had to perform CPR on her myself on 2 occasions. Around the time of my daughter's second birthday her health had begun to make a turn for the better and it looked as though we might be discharged home for good. However, DD would be coming home on a ventilator and would need constant 1:1 supervision. With my MIL's pending homelessness and our obvious need for practical support someone had the bright idea (I don't even know who's idea it was) that MIL moves in with us. I was apprehensive given her poor financial history and I thought that living with someone who demanded the respect she did might be difficult. Further still, it was obvious (certainly now) that it would be very difficult to extricate ourselves from this arrangement without causing a great deal of upset. BIL1,2,3 all had their own properties but no room for MIL and although we were renting we were the only ones with room for her. I eventually agreed that she could live in our house and said that I would expect no rent from her. Firstly, I thought she could do with a helping hand in finding her feet again, financially speaking; secondly, that by accepting rent from her would grant her tenant rights and would make it difficult to ask her to leave should things not work out. This arrangement was conditional on the understanding that whatever money she would recover from the sale of her property (less debts) she would gift towards a deposit for a more suitable property for the benefit of us all. If we found ourselves in financial difficulty we would expect her to contribute whatever she could to keep a roof over our heads and we would expect her help with the domestic running of the house and the care of our daughter. Lastly, she should never, ever ask us for money again. As it happens, she contributed nothing towards a deposit after she moved in. I expected that there might be little or nothing left over the sale of her property when accounting for her debts so this did not surprise me, however, it was irritating to find her cagey when asked about the matter (remember that she doesn't like being questioned) and was always vague when asked about the precise numbers involved. Oh well! She did find work again but also found herself back in the local casinos. Whilst I thought this was very foolish on her part I was also a little sympathetic that she had no social life. She had, after all, lost many of her friends through arguments over money. At least this was a way to get her out of the house and if she wasn't troubling me or DW for money then what did it matter? Being bankrupt meant that she had no access to 'traditional' credit so it would be difficult for her to cause any financial difficulties for us in any case. However, she soon began asking her children for money to which they always caved in. I just don't understand! She an addict guys, you're not helping her! Aside from the fact this is breaking a second condition for her moving in, I don't understand how someone with a steady income and with no outgoings is having to beg for money. As part of her domestic contribution, DW would ask MIL to pick up essential household items. This too soon descended into farce; MIL would refuse to pay even £2 for a load of bread and pint of milk, not even on a you-now-owe-me-£2-I-collect-later basis. MIL would stand in front at a cashier for up to 30 minutes on the phone to DW harassing her to transfer some money. Often this would be when DW was dealing with an emergent situation with my daughter and couldn't respond. I cannot understand how you cannot spare two fricking pounds!! To resolve the issue DW thought it would be a good idea to give the MIL a debit card to an unused bank account where we would put in money from our joint account to use entirely for these sort of circumstances. Her argument would be that it would give us more visibility on what the money was being spent on. Stupidly, I agreed. Very soon I was seeing payments for fuel, the occasional spend at a department store, or a cash withdrawal. There was never anything super extravagant but it would always be hidden amongst other household expenditure and would occasionally cause the account to go overdrawn. I began to grow more frustrated; not only did she not contribute anything from the sale of her property, and not only is she not contributing anything from her current income, she was becoming a financial drain. I don't mind helping anyone out but we are not talking about someone going through hard times (we still willingly send money to her Dad in W Africa) or someone who is sick, elderly, or disabled. We are talking about a grown woman of working age who is in full-time employment and who should have learned a very hard lesson about financial management by now. At the very least she should be thinking of her own future and retirement and using the last years of her working life to save at least something to live on. At this point the cultural paradigm of having to frequently gift one's elders with money was beginning to cause division between DW and I. When I would ask DW about such transactions she would attempt to cover up MIL's behaviour by trying to claim some of these transactions were made on her behalf. Ultimately, DW thinks that I should just let this low-level theft slide. I think from the sake of my own sanity that she's right but I just cannot understand why DW and BIL1,2,3 do not stand up to MIL. In her favour, MIL was actually very good with the domestic running of the house; always making sure meals were cooked and that the laundry was done. DW thinks I am ungrateful and fail to recognise what she does do, but whilst I am actually very grateful I point out that this was a condition of her moving in. There are there are the other typical issues that go with living with a MIL (and this MIL in particular). Aside from the obvious loss of privacy I feel that she would try to influence my daughter's upbringing in a way I'm not totally comfortable with. She would chastise my daughter's carers over petty things like the way they might greet her in the morning. Whilst she is very good at cooking and she leaves dirt and grease all over the kitchen and finger print marks on the walls throughout the house. She's heavy handed and constantly breaks things. Just the usual living-with-other-people stuff that I might ordinarily let slide but when coupled with the other issues her presence eventually became like a dripping tap and I knew I would snap very soon. The recent past\* \3 months ago.) DW and I have both tried to work despite having a very sick child. We aspire to move out of the ghetto we live in and lead as normal and happy a life as possible given our circumstances. DW earns at least twice as much as I do but there is so much more of a demand on her in her role, particularly in terms of commuting and travelling overseas. On the other hand, I work two miles from our home, in a role I have more a less defined myself, and for an employer who is very easy to impress. Therefore, it makes sense that it falls upon me to do the pick-up and drop-off for DD, and although both DW and I attend the more important appointments, it is solely up to me to attend the many less important ones she has. I am left with DD after she comes back from school until DW comes home in the evening, and it usually falls upon me to do my daughter's daily medical cares with one of our carers. I'm not looking for pity as DW does a tremendous amount to balance a demanding job with looking after DD, but if anything goes wrong it is the unspoken expectation that I be the one to pick things up. Both our employers have been extremely flexible with us particularly when our daughter's been in hospital. DW thinks I can do better for myself. Whilst I agree, I think that given how hard, under present circumstances, to give enough to an already flexible employer, in a role I should be able to do with my eyes closed, that it would be almost impossible to take on a more demanding role. MIL is supposed to help look after our daughter some afternoons and during school breaks whilst I 'work from home', but I often found myself pulled away from my work as MIL has become preoccupied; preparing a meal (I know I shouldn't moan about that) or getting ready for bingo (which I feel okay to moan about). I have found her to be carelessly inattentive; occasionally she has brought a 2 y/o cousin round and I have often caught him about to run out onto the road and once had found him at the bottom of the stairs after having fallen down from the top. Basically, I am picking up more of the slack than DW realises and my position at work is becoming increasingly untenable. One day this spring break, the MIL disappeared on three separate occasions when she was supposed to be looking after DD. The first was to go to the supermarket, the second to visit a friend, and the last to go to the casino. I'm supposed to be getting work done from home and she had already agreed to childmind so I begin to quietly seethe. When DW came home that evening I blew up over all the issues with MIL and what I saw as DW's unwillingness to challenge her. I felt that she was refusing to see how her behaviour was becoming impossibly burdensome to the family but particularly to me. I left home and stayed at a hotel for a few nights primarily to get away from it all but also to put DW in the position I was in. i.e. having to juggle care whilst doing a full-time job. In hindsight I've not been able to decide if going away for a few nights was a good idea or not; certainly, for my sake of mind it felt like I had no other option but since returning home I have begun to suspect that MIL has started to turn DW against me. Things settle down a bit and we spent the following weekend with some family friends. On the way back, DW gets a call from MIL to say she has found some a bug in her bed and that we (DW and I) will have to pay £300 to have her room fumigated. I say nothing but find myself keeping my feelings bottled up once again. I have no idea where these bed bugs cam from but the infestation seems confined to MIL's room, yet we find ourselves having to pay for it despite her never paying a frigging penny in the house! Not a few days later I see two separate £100 cash withdrawals from the card the MIL had been given so now I'm furious. I ask DW about these and she has no idea what they're about. She calls her mum and apparently an Aunty had left her purse on the train, so MIL had decided to give £200 of our money away without even asking. At this point I am about to blow my top! The next day (or the day after) I see MIL's phone alone in the kitchen and knowing she has no security on it I decide to snoop through her messages (remember to give it to me straight, Reddit). My intention was to see any messages between this Aunty and MIL that either verified or otherwise her version of events. What I see are messages that show that on a typical night that they are at the casino (maybe 3/4 times a week) they might spend £200-300 a night. In one message I see that MIL is asking Aunty to transfer ~£1200 to her account. I don't know if this was because it was shared winnings or if it was to cover a significant loss but it's clear to me the sums of money they are dealing in. Bear in mind that she cannot even spend a mere £2 on bread and milk. I am almost apoplectic, but not quite. Suspecting that MIL was turning her against me I decided to snoop further. What I see are messages calling me selfish, a bully, an idiot, a chameleon who pretends to be nice to her face. These are a little irritating to see but do not over concern me because there is probably some truth in them all; having children has certainly made me realise that I am more selfish than I had noticed, and perhaps I truly am an idiot for letting MIL into our home. I do pretend to be nice to her despite my feelings for the sake of peace in my home, so I see the chameleon thing more as a compliment that the insult it was intended to be. What was more troubling were messages along the lines of 'he's not worth it'. I sense the implication behind those words but having since asked DW what she thought MIL meant I have yet to receive a straight answer. The closest I get to an answer from DW is that 'I am my own woman and can make up my own mind!'. What really blind-sided me was the message she had sent to BIL1 accusing me of abandoning DD. She said almost unintelligibly 'whys his pledge to his daughter?' and 'he calls himself a dad, pfft'. She made out that I didn't like spending time with DD. BIL1's response was merely that I am an attention seeker. Again, DW has since tried to downplay these remarks because MIL doesn't explicitly say 'cherrygander is a terrible father', but for me the intent is there. After seeing these messages I immediately approached DW to ask if she thought I was a bad father. She looked shocked at the question and firmly said 'no' but asked who had said that I was. I told DW it was MIL that said this and with MIL being in the next room I immediately confronted her about it. She tried to play dumb and DW asked where this had all come from. I told her she had better ask BIL1. I went upstairs to get a few things before heading out and punched the wall in a fit of rage and ended up breaking my hand. I have long had issues with anger but I have learned over time to become more stoic. This was a total failure! In hindsight I feel disappointed not in the harm I caused myself but that I couldn't use this anger more constructively (or cunningly). In any case these were just the opinions of an imbecile and shouldn't have mattered to me. I think because of all the trauma we have been through with the well-being of DD, seeing her so close to death so many times, it was hard to hear anyone question my fatherhood. No-one could say that either DW or I have been any less than totally and utterly devoted to DD but yet here they were doing just that. This felt like an attack on my perception of reality and my extension my very sanity. The MIL has since moved in with my BIL ostensibly because of the bed bugs. My anger has not even subsided a little bit since then and feel that MIL had stabbed me in the back. More worryingly I feel a little betrayed by DW too for even lending her ear to that sort of nonsense. I feel that we might be able to work things out if she appreciated just how strongly I feel about this or how much it matters but feel like I'm not being listened to at all. Consequently, our marriage has begun to suffer. At a recent gathering with mutual friends I was asked if MIL was still living with us. I say 'no' and quickly move on. When someone later says to DW that they hear MIL has moved out she thinks I've been telling all and sundry about our family life. She looks at me with total contempt and says that MIL and I have just had a 'tiff' and that no-one has moved out. I'm being made to feel like I'm just having a 'hissy fit'. DW tells me that she cannot kick her own mother of our house and feels that I am forcing her to make an unreasonable choice between MIL on one hand and me on the other. I can see why she might think this but it is an inaccurate perception. My request is not that she must never talk to MIL again but that I should not be forced to live with a woman that I neither chose to marry or bring into this world. MIL's claims of me being a bully are suddenly becoming self-fulfilling as it seems (from their point of view) that I am trying to control who DW has contact with. In DW's mind her mind, MIL hasn't left at all but as far as I am concerned she is gone for good. To avoid being seen as trying to stoke the flames I have foolishly not forced the issue of what to do with MIL's belongings. In hindsight, I think this may have given the impression that there is a possibility that may change my position. I would like to sit down, just the two of us, to work out our differences but DW wants a three-way discussion involving MIL which I see as an attempt to coerce me to into letting MIL stay. When I ask for a one to one conversation she says that I am too difficult to talk to. She is probably right too but I refuse to have my intelligence insulted with horse-shit excuses on behalf of MIL. Increasingly, it feels like there is a growing gulf between us and I worry resentment is beginning to set in. The now This Sunday, whilst we were doing our daughter's medical cares, we hear someone coming through the front door. DW pops her head out of my daughter's bedroom and see that it's MIL. We finish up and I make it clear to DW that I want MIL to leave. I tell her that her being in the house is as provocative as if I brought my (hypothetical) girlfriend round and I'm liable to say some unpleasant things if she says. DW was typically dismissive and I was made to feel like I was acting up. I stayed upstairs out of the way for the next 5, 15, 45 minutes. Eventually MIL goes and I ask DW if she let her know that she cannot be here whilst I am in the house. She answered in the negative and said MIL would coming back shortly. I simply repeated my request. MIL did come back and left again soon after and this happened a couple more times. The last time she came back she came with FIL who had arrived in the UK just 2 days prior. I repeat my displeasure to DW several more times but my concerns are dismissed. In the end I go down and confront MIL who is in the kitchen cooking a meal for FIL. I ask her to tell me what this supposed pledge to me daughter is that I broke. She just looks disdainfully at me and starts playing dumb. At this point I lose patience in playing these games and tell her to leave. She tells me she's not going anywhere, kisses her teeth, and turns back to her cooking. I just see red! I grab the saucepan and throw it across the floor (very stupid, yes, I know) before shouting at her to leave. Chaos descend with much shouting and pointing fingers in each other's faces. I point out her hypocrisy as she 'abandoned' her own children to a supposedly abusive man in Africa whilst she sought out employment here. I said much, much nastier and personal stuff. She threatened to call the police which I encouraged her to, but she didn't. She did eventually leave but the argument rumbled on between DW and I with FIL seemingly oblivious to events of the past few months. It was a bizarre afternoon, with my parents showing up out of the blue (everyone has a key and our house seems to have a revolving door). Perhaps 20 minutes later, BIL1,2 barge their way into the house push, slap, and attempt to punch me. It's all a frigging circus at this point; I'm shouting at everyone to leave, DW is screaming at everybody hysterically, BIL1 is threatening to cut my throat. At this point I have no option but to call the police myself. By the time the police show up BIL1,2 have gone. Statements are taken and assurances are given that they will follow up on allegations of assault. I said that I didn't want to press charges unless they show up again. However, the police ask me to spend the night away from home until things cool down. The future? It all feels like a bit of a game, like we're all acting out our perceived roles in the Karpman drama triangle (and there definitely is an element of acting). I've decided that I want to stop playing this game and have cut off contact until I'm asked to do otherwise. Apart from a brief 10 minutes to collect some belongings I haven't been back. I'm just waiting for more accusations that I've again abandoned my family. This week we were supposed to be on what would have been our first vacation in five years. As it happens, I've confined myself to a room in my parent's house to mull things over. I don't even know what to do any more. I'm afraid I've become the bully that MIL said I am. This is challenging my perception of reality and actually driving me insane. Then again, how many bullies thinks of themselves as such? I don't think it's true but if that's how DW sees me then it doesn't really matter what I think. I would really appreciate some sage advice right now. Edit: I'm surprised anyone has been able to read this with all the typos. I've tidied up a few. Edit2: I hear clearly the need for therapy, individually and collectively, and it's something I'll to get sorted if DW agrees. I'm glad to see that I'm not going crazy or being totally unreasonable. I appreciate everyone will probably be seeing things from my perspective but it is helpful to have a more external perspective on things. In the immediacy, I am going to give it a few more days before I try going back home or making contact just so that I can clear my head. Thank you all for your replies and words of support. I'll update the sub with any new developments. Edit3: The text messages
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