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Steven drove up to his house and shut off the motor. He leaned back in the seat. He'd had an exhausting day at work and would like nothing better than to enjoy a relaxing dinner and quiet evening with Beth. He knew that wasn't possible! Things had changed since his two boys had come to live with them. Young Matthew and Mark were filled with an exuberance that never seemed to waiver. They were two tiny dynamos, demanding all of Beth's and his time. Steven was glad they were strong and healthy, but they were a disruption in their lives and were creating much dissention. Beth was due to have his baby shortly and continuously complained about how hard she was finding it to cope.

Steven remained where he was, dreading having to listen to yet another account of how badly the boys had behaved that day. Turning his thoughts to Tamara, he wondered how she was managing alone. He knew how desperately she must be missing her sons and there were times in the past week when he wished he hadn't acted so angrily towards her that day in the hospital. But fear for the boys' safety had caused him to lash out at her and to react the way he did. Deep inside, he knew how much Tamara loved her sons and hadn't meant to place their lives in jeopardy, yet he wouldn't allow himself to relate those feelings to her. The boys might be a handful, but he was glad they were there to welcome him home at the end of the day.

Screams of delight greeted Steven as soon as he opened the front door. He settled them down with the promise of a story before they went to bed, then went in search of Beth. He found her sitting at the kitchen table, crying. "I can't take much more, Steven" she wailed. "If you don't make arrangements soon for those two little hellions of yours, I'm packing my bags and leaving you!" Steven was taken aback by her declaration. Sure, she had cause to complain, but were things really that bad? In that moment, he realized just how little he knew about the woman who was bearing his child. Would she react this way every time things didn't go her way? He reminded himself that she was probably over-reacting because of the pregnancy and would feel more motherly towards the boys once the baby was born. He suggested she take a nap while he prepared dinner and put the boys to bed. As Beth was leaving the room, she turned around and, in a steely voice said, "Make those arrangements soon, Steven!"

Unaware of the night slipping by, Tamara and her mother remained at the kitchen table. They were both physically and emotionally drained. There seemed to be nothing else to be said, so they sat there in silence, each with their own thoughts. Looking at her mother, Tamara wondered if she dare to believe what she had told her. Her mother had made similar promises to her in previous years, only to rescind on them time and time again. So why should she trust her this time? Only a fool would do so! Yet, Tamara wanted to believe her. At this moment she longed to be held by her, to be her little girl again. No! She refused to allow herself to be hurt again.

Getting up from the table, Tamara said, "Im very tired, Mother. You may sleep in the guest room, if you wish." Then she walked out of the room.

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