My parents and I sat in the living room watching television. Dad happily sat there without a care in the world. Mom was on the other side of the sofa. From an outsider’s perspective we appeared to be your regular, run-of-the-mill family. The secret I felt obliged to keep was tearing me up on the inside.
Mom looked at my dad, scooted over to him and placed her hand on his. This was it. I knew what was about to happen.
“Barry, we need to talk,” mom said.
My heart was beating fast. Mom looked over at me.
“Daniel it’s late. Would you go to your room, please?” Mom asked, looking at her watch.
I walked away and stood behind the wall.
“What is it, honey?” Dad innocently asked.
There was a tense pause.
“GOODNIGHT, DANIEL!” mom yelled. She knew I hadn’t left.
I made my way to my room. Inside I let my emotions get the best of me and wept. Mom was truly leaving dad for Mark, her own brother.
Dad walked into my bedroom a short while later. He looked as though he had been crying.
“Hey, Dan,” he said quietly. “Your- your mother and I are getting a divorce.”
He continued.
“Your mother has just told me she doesn’t love me anymore. twenty-nine years of marriage and then suddenly… this.”
“Is she in love with someone else?” I asked, wondering if mom had mentioned ‘another man’.
“I just don’t know, Dan,” he said, shaking his head. “Anyway, you better get some sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
He left the room. It was also the last time I saw dad at the house.
Every now and then I visit dad in his new, small apartment. Mom had him fired, so he can't afford anywhere better. He tries to remain positive, but I see through his facade. Dad eventually found out that mom was “seeing someone” but to this day, still doesn’t know who.
Mark moved in shortly after dad, claiming everything right up to the family car. A month had already passed, and even then, every waking moment made my stomach somersault. My mom and uncle were in an incestuous relationship.
Mark was working out at his gym, so I felt comfortable enough to get a drink without seeing my mom and uncle together. I couldn't bear another patronizing "Champ" from Mark.
“Oh, here he comes!” I heard mom say from the kitchen.
Mom was leaning on the counter with a glass of wine in her hand. Her friends Julie and Trish were there. I resented them for calling my dad a loser, even though they were nothing to look at either.
“Don’t be rude, Daniel. Say hello to my friends.” Mom sternly said.
“It’s ok, he’s just shy! Trish remarked, while Julie giggled.
"Hello," I said bluntly.
"Aww, he's looking more and more like Barry each day," Julie said with a hint of pity. "Still no job?" she asked my mom.
"No," my mom said, talking to Julie and Trish as though I wasn't in the room. "At his age, I'd been a manager for five years."
"He's got a lot of catching up to do!" Julie quipped.
I left the kitchen, only to hide behind the door to eavesdrop. There was a pause in the conversation until Trish changed the subject.
“Oh Susan, I’m so jealous!” Trish said while sipping her wine. Forget the social stigma, if Mark were my brother, I’d dump my husband for him as well!”
I briefly turned my head to see Trish stroking mom’s stomach, a very slight bulge was appearing where my unborn sibling was.
“What are you hoping for?” Julie asked.
“I’m just happy I get to have one last child before I reach the menopause.” Mom said while smiling. “But another son would be nice.”
“At least this time he’ll have an alpha male for a father!” Julie said.
The three of them laughed as I walked back upstairs. Wish I never left my room now.
A few days later, Mark called me downstairs. Mom and Mark were in their usual cuddling position on the sofa.
“Hey, champ! Your mom and I want to tell you something,” Mark said.
I sat on the chair opposite them.
“Sweetie, Mark and I are going on vacation in The Bahamas for a week, where no one knows we're brother and sister. We’d very much appreciate it if you joined us!”
Mark tapped mom’s stomach.
“It’s to celebrate your new sibling… and your mom finally leaving your dad.” He grinned.
Mom gave a little giggle, playfully hitting Mark's arm.
“Oh, stop it, Mark! But yes. Also, I don’t think it’s good for you to be cooped up in your room all day. A little sunshine will do you good!" Mom said.