I intended to surprise my mom on her birthday, but something unexpected happened. I was shocked to see my ex-husband sound sleeping in her bed as I walked into her bedroom! Together, were they?
I planned to give my mother a birthday surprise. Surely, it’s the considerate actions that matter?
I got her a fresh arrangement of daisies from the flower store where I work since she loves daisies.
I drove to her place, the lovely smell of flowers filling my automobile. Since I knew she was still at work, I entered using my own key.
But bewilderment struck when I took the flowers and opened the door.
Why were men’s shoes located at the entrance?
Since Mom has been a widow for many years, I started to feel uneasy. Had she made a new acquaintance? That would be really uncomfortable!
As I made my way farther inside the home, I heard her bedroom’s strong, regular snoring.
Who may that be?
I just could not believe that she was done with me. Although her love for Dad seemed unending, perhaps circumstances had changed.
Hold on. Did that imply that she wasn’t working? Was she going to spend the day with her new companion?
How opulent!
I tipped over to the bedroom door and gave it a little push, grinning playfully. I had no interest in getting to know her new boyfriend.
I just wanted to see whether she was taking afternoon naps too. But as I glanced inside, I froze in disbelief.
My ex-husband was lying on my mom’s bed. HE IS MY EX-HUSBAND!
I was seeing things that I couldn’t believe. It seemed like a twisted, terrible joke. My ex was my mom’s covert afternoon buddy!
Had she been having secret affairs with him? Was this the reason for her opposition to my making amends with him?
How daring of them all!
Feelings of hurt, rage, and betrayal overcame me. I wanted to scream, but I was unable to do so.
I then discreetly retreated, shutting the door behind me.
Sensing the daisies had outlived their usefulness, I set them on the kitchen counter. I strolled about for the next few minutes, trying to take it all in.
Do I need to wake him up? Shall I go now and pretend nothing happened?
Not at all!
I required clarification.
However, I was reluctant to face him. He had no familial ties and was my ex. He was free to sleep with whoever he pleased.
But my mother was another matter entirely.
Waiting for her to get home from work allowed me to talk to her first or address them both, which was the best course of action.
I was determined not to let this get away with it. Whatever “this” was.
I was unable to understand the circumstances. Could it be that I’m reading things wrong?
Time crawled agonizingly, and my frustration mounted. I chewed my nails and began to tap my foot.
I doubted my ability to wait much longer.
But as soon as I thought I would lose it, I heard Mom’s car come into the driveway.
My pulse quickened. It was time to have the talk. Was I prepared at all?
Mom entered the room with a smile on her face.
I went here to celebrate her birthday, but my countenance was laden with accusations when I saw her.
“You’re coming to surprise me, honey? She laughed, “You ought to have hidden your car,” but as soon as she saw my expression, her grin vanished. “What’s off?”
“What’s off?” I almost let out a cry. “I’ll explain the issue to you! Why is my former spouse dozing off on your bed?
Mom’s gaze expanded. “Oh my god,” she said. “Things are not as they seem!”
“So, what’s happening?” I was becoming agitated.
Thank goodness Mom went right to the point.
She told me that the night before, my ex-husband had shown up at her home intoxicated and said how much he missed me.
How come?
It seems that he believed I was still living with her because I had moved in after our divorce.
His error was understandable.
Mom was unable to ignore him and let him to collapse on the couch. He must have walked into her chamber in his intoxicated state.
That was where he had spent the whole day napping!
“Why did you allow him entry at all?” Furious, I asked. “Despite my doubts, you’ve been telling me not to make amends with him.”
Mom bit her lip and said, “He was heartbroken, sweetie.” “He remarked that his greatest error was letting you leave. I was unaware of his conflicting feelings.
Despite my shock, Mom’s kind comments helped me to relax. I was worn out.
After giving the scenario some thought, I laughed uncomfortably because it was so stupid and outlandish.
I sank into the couch and said, “It’s unbelievable that he came here.”
Mom gently offered, “Well, if both of you are having second thoughts, maybe you should talk.”
Pay attention to him? following everything? I had my doubts.
Our split was not easy. We couldn’t agree on when to establish a family, and his profession got in the way.
It make sense at the moment to get divorced in order to avoid animosity.
Perhaps Mom was correct. I have to listen to him and to myself. I had to wake him up first.
I said to my mother, “I’m going to wake him,” and I entered the kitchen.
I sneaked over to Mom’s bedroom and got her an iced drink.
He remained stretched out and was sleeping gently. I inhaled deeply before dousing him in water.
He awoke with a cry and a limp. “What the—?” he said, appearing puzzled.
I crossed my arms and sarcastically muttered, “Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”
He blinked, sighed in recognition of me. He murmured, wiping his face, “Oh my god.”
He became aware of his surroundings and his whereabouts.
After gathering myself, I perched on the side of the bed. Would you mind telling me why you’re in my mother’s bed?
With a straight face, he apologized profusely.
Taking a big breath, he related what had happened the night before, just as Mom had said.
Then he opened out completely, expressing his sadness for our split and his desire for another opportunity.
“I acknowledge that I did not give you priority,” he murmured, clearing his throat.
I felt the same way.
“I made a mistake and caused you pain,” he said, seizing my hands. But my love for you never wavered. It took me some time to recognize my error.
My heart grew softer at his regret. We may have ended our marriage too soon.
With teary eyes, he begged, “Can we try again?”
I responded, “Thanks for mentioning that.” “But words alone won’t make up for what happened.”
He gave a nod. “I’ll go above and beyond.”
“All right,” I groaned and got up. “We can discuss later. Mom’s birthday is tonight, and we are going to supper.
When he smiled at me, I had a return of my past emotions.
Thus, to honor Mom, the three of us attended a dinner. We got used to it eventually, albeit it was difficult at first.
Since my ex had played a major role in my life, it seemed appropriate. Perhaps we could pull it off.
Indeed, we did.
We went to counseling, went on another date, and had to relearn how to trust and communicate. Even though it wasn’t always simple, we were dedicated.
We remarried in a modest ceremony with close friends and family a year later. Although it wasn’t as large as our first, it was nonetheless ideal.
Years later, with two children, we couldn’t be happier.