Chapter 1

Alma was watching Ennis from across the table, he was a good man, but lately he barely touched her, or spoke 2 words to her. She tried to grab his attention, but he would either do something with the children, or go off doing stuff that she swore he did just to get away from her. The only time he was truly happy was when he went on those months long trips up the Mountain. He never talked about his time, all he would say it was hard work, and it brought good money in. She longed for his touch, she longed for his lips against hers. She felt maybe it was her looks after the children were born she was looking tired, but she knew it wasn't that. She knew probably those nights he came home with beer on his breath he probably was with some other woman. She knew this town was small, but no one ever said they saw him with anyone. He looked down the table at her, and she smiled, and he smiled back, but she could see he wasn't happy. He loved being a Daddy, but she felt it in her heart he wasn't happy being married to her. She jumped up grabbing the plates, Jenny and Alma Jr yelled, "Ma Ma, I wasn't finished"

"Yes you were go to your room, and finish your homework". They jumped up running to their rooms upset. Ennis got up walking over to Alma who was by the sink.

"What is up with you Alma, they were not finished"?

"Well I was they shouldn't play with their food, I have to do the dishes. You never want them doing chores, they should do them, and not always get away with not helping out because of you. I have to deal with them the months you are away, your leaving next week, they should help around here."

"Fine I just think their homework is more important, and they need to look forward to their futures"

"What I have isn't good enough, I cook, and clean, and do everything for this family, and I get no respect"

"I respect you, what are you talking about"?

"You don't even look at me Ennis how do you think that makes me feel? I'm sick because I'm jealous of my own daughters, you at least talk to them. You take them for walks, you never think to ask me"

"Why didn't you say you wanted to come"?

"Because you could have asked"

"Alma I don't understand why your doing this now? I work to give you, and my Daughters this home, and the food on the table. I have to leave for months, you knew that so why are you trying to make me feel bad"?

"I'm getting a job, I need this for me, I'm tired of just being a housewife, and nothing else"

"You are a wife, and a Mother"

"Yes Mother, but really Ennis a wife, you have not touched me in months, so really am I your wife or your maid". Alma threw the towel at him, "Finish drying the dishes, I'm going to bed alone". She stormed down the hall Ennis held the counter, he knew she was right, but he couldn't help it, this marriage was a cover up to a lie he has been living his whole life. He loved Jack, but hated him at the moment, because of him he finally had to face who he was, and he hated it.