The Beginning of the End

When you think you're happy, everything looks better than it really is. Situations seem to always work out even though you thought it was the worst thing ever. Gavin and I have been married for three wonderful years. He has been away on an antiquities business trip for two months while I have been home planning our anniversary reunion.

New York in the winter is absolutely breathtaking. There is so much to see and do in the city, but I wanted to get away for a few days and spend time with my husband. Is that so wrong? I booked a room for the weekend at Idylwilde Inn. I was thinking that leaving the city would be great for us.

We arrived just in time to get settled for dinner. Our room was clean yet straightforward. I noticed that Gavin was extremely quiet during our cab ride and putting away our luggage and belongings. I laid across the white quilted queen-sized mahogany bed, enticing him to speak.

"You seem lost in thought tonight.", I urged.

"Kali," he almost wanted to yell, "I know you put a lot of effort into this weekend. I'm tired. I haven't been home for nine weeks; I'm tired of not sleeping in my bed; I'm ready for this day to be over."

My eyes teared, choking on anything to say. What was there to say? I had ruined our anniversary. "We can go home."

"No!" he shouted. "I will not waste money."

"But I did this." I was getting very defensive. How dare Gavin act like he does everything. "My money, not yours."

A chime cut our conversation short. "Dinner is now being served in the main courtyard."

We stomped down the stairs to our table, earning strange looks from the other guests. A pear tree sat in the middle of the courtyard. The fruit was almost ripe, and they smelled delicious. It reminded me of my best friend Sarah Baker and her famous pear tarts. I speed walked to the table under the tree.

Twinkle lights lined the courtyard to give it an extra unique magical feel. I let childhood dreams take me away for just a moment. I closed my eyes and breathed in the crisp air. Gavin was scowling at me when I opened them. What was his problem tonight? I would think after two months of not seeing your wife, you would be happy. I guess I keep getting more wrong by the minute.

"May I start you off with a glass of vine?" our hostess asked.

"Yes," we answered in unison. At least we agree on one thing. "I would like a glass of chardonnay, please." Gavin was trying to be sweet all of a sudden. I wasn't so convinced.

"I'll have the same, please."

"Yes, ma'am. It will be right out." Our waiter whisked away to the bar and returned within minutes with our wines and a loaf of pumpernickel bread and butter. The bread was still warm when I cut it, and the butter melted immediately. I knew this was going to be a great meal, even if Gavin was rude.

We ate our Lobster Cantonese with rice pilaf in silence. We declined dessert. The chef did an impeccable job, but I had a bad feeling something was going to happen.

After dinner, I grabbed my coat; I wanted fresh air. I walked out on the back porch facing a pond. The pond had just frozen enough for people to skate on it. Mostly they were sliding around in their sneakers, but I was game. I was doing great until I almost fell face first over a limb sticking up out of the ice. Out of nowhere, Gavin grabbed my arm to save me.