Description

Nobody ever sees the hard work. They've never heard that relentless alarm clock buzzing at 3am, after only a few hours of sleep. They've never stayed up all night navigating through a maze of differential equations, completely exhausted They never felt the gritty humiliation of urinating in a cup with a stern and obviously unhappy woman watching your every move. They've never been injured from a fall on a rock face with five pitches of hard climbing and three miles of rugged wilderness between you and rescue. They don't see that. They don't see the sacrifice and the pain. All they see is the polished product, as if it came from nowhere in a puff of smoke. 

She never saw any of that. All she saw was someone "living the life" as she liked to put it. But Alicia has always been self-centered, never taking the time to really get to know me. She never asked the hard questions. Had she done so, she would have known that I was never blessed with an easy life. I have worked since I was 13, doing every menial job you can imagine. I am not complaining. It's just a fact.

Alicia was clueless. She didn't ask, and I didn't tell. As I have said, I've never been one to talk about myself much. I listen, I observe, and I read between the lines. In doing so, I learn. And I learned a lot about Alicia - far more than she thought I had. 

For example, I had known for a long time that things were not all wine and roses between her and Jason. That was obvious to anyone who was the least bit observant, and I am nothing if not a keen observer of human nature. The constant complaining about his jealous nature, the alleged unfair restrictions he placed upon her, the way they avoided socializing as a couple, and the forced behavior between them when they were together - all this screamed their relationship was in trouble. On top of that, there was her relentless flirting with males at the gym; there was one with whom she was especially smitten. I thought it was a bit extreme, but what do I know? I'm single; I know nothing of married life. I do know it didn't take a genius to figure out what was going on.

I also know I did not want to get involved. I politely dismissed Jason's occasional requests urging me to talk to her on his behalf. I am not a couple's counselor; I had no desire to get in the middle of their mess. Darlene, on the other hand, reveled in their problems. To her, Alicia was a gold-digging opportunist, and Jason had foolishly fallen for her charms. I don't think Darlene was wrong, but it was a bit more nuanced. Alicia could be funny and sweet and charming when she wanted to, and when she was, it was hard not to love her. We all did. She could also be curt and dismissive and entirely rude, but we seldom saw that side of her. 

Darlene, on the other hand, saw right through her. She was determined to do whatever it took to protect her son. At first, she tried to talk to Jason - to reason with him, but that only made him angry and resentful. While it was true that Alicia could be difficult, she was a beautiful trophy wife. What man does not want that? If the truth were known, even Howard was under Alicia's spell.

So, Darlene began sowing seeds of doubt, all the while collecting evidence. She was playing the long game, destroying their relationship slowly and methodically. And she justified her ruthless behavior by convincing herself that she was protecting her son. Someone had to, and she alone could do it. And now that Jason was dead, Darlene was determined to take those children away from Alicia permanently. It didn’t matter that Alicia was a good and loving mother. Darlene was angry. She blamed Alicia for her son's demise, and, again, she might have been right.

His demise started after Alicia and Jason had been married for several years, Alicia was beginning to question the wisdom of her life choices. Sure, she enjoyed an easy life, with all her needs and wants met at the swipe of a card. She had two beautiful children, for whom she would gladly lay down and die. She did all the right things - she was at every PTA meeting, she taught Sunday school, she attended the kids' activities. She was, in my opinion, "living the life".

She never had to wake-up at 3am; she didn't need to know math; she had never been drug tested; and she surely hadn't suffered on a mountain. Hers was a life of leisure and comfort. But despite all that, Alicia was growing increasingly unhappy; she felt as though she was missing out. I think she longed for freedom and adventure - the polished product. She didn't see the hard work.

Jason was opposed to her going on extreme adventures. He wanted to do family-oriented activities. He insisted that the children were young and needed their mother present. He said she didn't have the luxury of disappearing for extended periods - especially to go on what he considered to be dangerous adventures. I believe he had a valid point. But Alicia didn't see it that way. She thought she could have it all. She couldn't; no one can. 

Alicia started acting out - complaining about Jason to her friends, looking at and lusting after other men, staying away from home longer than she should have. That's when the arguing started and the tension between them grew. Thankfully, they had the grace to keep it from the children. They were, after all, great parents.    

All this did not escape the eagle eye of Darlene, who called her son almost every day. She asked the right questions and gave the right answers. She was a master manipulator, just as cunning if not more so than Alicia. Poor Jason, he was caught in the middle of these two force majeurs. Alicia knew what Darlene was up to and Darlene knew what Alica was up to. They were like two masters playing chess, with Jason playing the role of the pawn. It was a fair match until a most fortunate, unfortunate incident occurred that allowed Alicia to capture Darlene's queen - for a short time at least.

The family was on a skiing trip when Jason got the urge to impress his wife and family. He got on a snowboard and rode the ski life up the mountain. Rather than staying in his comfort zone, he decided to get on the double diamond slope - not the best decision he had ever made.

He hadn't made it very far, when he lost control and fell. Paramedics were carting him off that slope in short order. He had broken his leg in two places. Apparently, these were far more than hairline fractures; Jason was in surgery for hours being put back together with nuts, bolts, and other metal implants. 

Alicia and the children sat around and waited, but the children became cranky and tired. So, Alicia took them back to the hotel room and waited for updates on Jason's condition. This proved to be a critically bad move on the chess board of the ongoing match between Alicia and Darlene. No sooner had Alicia left the hospital, than Darlene arrived ready for her next move. It wasn't a checkmate, but she had certainly captured a rook.

While Jason was under anesthesia, Darlene took the lead, playing the role of concerned mother to perfection. Innocently inquiring about Jason's wife and children. The nurse, who had just arrived for the night shift, had not seen Alicia. She had no idea what to respond.

Darlene the master manipulator declared, "Well, I'm sure she's doing her best." 

"Of course." The nurse replied, attempting to hide her disapproval at Alicia's absence.

Darlene continued, "I'm his mother, and I'll be here all night - whatever it takes. Can you bring me a roll away cot?" She asked sweetly.

"Ma'am, visiting hours are from 8am - 7pm. I'm sorry, but you'll have to come back tomorrow morning" The nurse replied. 

The next morning, Darlene arrived promptly at 8am bearing gifts - flowers, breakfast, and coffee for the hospital staff. As always, she was impeccably dressed. She wore a beautifully tailored suit that hugged her tall slender figure, and a cashmere overcoat draped casually over her shoulders. Perfectly coiffed hair framed her handsome face in a most elegant manner. Darlene's wealth was obvious, yet never ostentatious. She didn't have to flaunt her money; she reeked of it. 

Settling in next to Jason, who slept peacefully, Darlene took out a copy of Moby Dick. Having majored in English literature at Yale, Darlene knew all the classics and always kept a copy of one of them with her. She loved reading and believed the world would be a better place if everyone read.

Darlene had no tolerance for ignorance. In her opinion, those who made no effort to educate themselves and rise above the insipid, insidious masses were a waste of resources and potential. She felt a sense of smug superiority over Alicia, who as Darlene put it "had never read a book in her damn life". Despite her disdain, Darlene was far too intelligent and cunning reveal her true feelings openly. She kept her opinion about Alicia's lack of education confined to her trusted allies, while maintaining a polished facade of civility in public.

Her jabs at Alicia were always well-crafted, shrouded in a veil of concern - however disingenuous. She was the master manipulator, well-read and well-spoken and always several steps ahead of those around her.

Darlene had won over the hospital staff immediately with the coffee and fancy pastries. She made it a point to remember each of the nurses' names because as she knew "there is no sweeter sound to a man (or woman) than the sound of their own name".  She greeted everyone warmly and offered sincere although calculated compliments. Darlene knew exactly how to maneuver through society - every stratum, every social setting. It wasn't long before the hospital staff was singing her praises, completely unaware that they were being manipulated. 

And when her son finally came to, Darlene was right there, the epitome of the devoted mother - the one whom men cry out for on the battlefield in their dying moments.

"Mom!" Jason exclaimed. "When did you get here?"

"I came as soon as the hospital called me. Of course I took the first flight out." Darlene assured him. "You are still my precious boy, even though you're all grown up. I will always be there for you." 

"Oh my God. Thank you, Mom." Jason said, I can't believe you're here." 

"You can count on me, Jay." Darlene declared before slipping in a casual, "Where is your wife, Dear?"

Jason hesitated, "I guess she with the kids." 

"Oh of course. She's busy. Well, I'm here, Dear - for whatever you need. You can count on me." Darlene voice was sweet, masking her criticism.

"Thanks, Ma." Jason muttered. "I really messed myself up." he mused.

"Well, Dear. Accidents happen." Darlene reassured him. "Tell me what happened." She was the devoted and concerned mother. She was also positing herself as the one constant in Jason's life - the person who truly cared.

"Ma," Jason confessed. I thought I could do it. I really did. And I heard your voice saying "fortune favors the brave". So, I went for it." He paused. "I guess it doesn't favor the foolhardy."

Darlene smiled.

"Ma, I bit off more than I could chew." Jason lamented. 

Darlene, always understanding added, "Darling, this too shall pass. It's just a mere bump in the road. Now is not the time for regret. Now is the time for healing."

"Ma, I'm tired." And Jason laid his head down, closed his eyes, and fell asleep. 

Darlene gazed at he only son for a while lovingly then went back to Moby Dick. The hospital room fell silent, save for the humming and beeping of countless machines.

When Alicia finally arrived, disheveled yet still radiant, she the tension in the air. She had stepped into the lion's den, and Alicia was prey. The hospital staff, already poisoned by Darlene's skillful manipulation, regarded her with suspicion. The nurses - all women, were immune to the charms that Alicia so easily wielded over men. In fact, her beauty alienated them even more, they resented it.

Alicia lacked the decorum and social skills that came so effortlessly to Darlene. She had mastered the art of using her femininity and beauty to manipulate men - men only. And now, surrounded by overworked and plain-looking women, Alicia found herself losing ground. Her usual tactics proved to be a liability with everyone there except Jason, who was still madly in love with her. He still could not resist her charms. 

Jason lit up when he saw his beautiful wife enter the room. Despite their troubles, he was smitten with her. Most relationships are at least a little bit unbalanced, and Jason was definitely the more devoted partner. Alicia knew it; she played him like a well-tuned violin. Darlene knew it too, and it infuriated her.

"Hi, Babe. How ya feeling?" Alicia asked sweetly.

"Infinitely better now that you're here." Jason squeezed her lovely hand.

Darlene stood up and quietly exited the hospital room. This overt display of emotion was more than she could stomach. It saddened her to no end knowing her son was so hopelessly in love with this harpy. How could he be so blind? Furthermore, she was intent on her ongoing scheme. 

By the end of the day, Darlene had convinced everyone with the exception of Alicia that the best course of action was to take Jason to her house while he convalesced. Darlene had a staff that could attend to his every need, and there were no children there who might disturb him – or worse yet, accidentally reinjure him. She presented it as a most prudent plan, yet her motives went deeper that Jason's physical recovery. 

Alicia knew Darlene had ulterior motives; Alicia also knew she had the high ground. Darlene had won the battle, but the war was far from over.

As it turned out, Alicia loved being home alone. It was the first time in her life that she had experienced autonomy. She had gone from Sheila's iron thumb to Jason's jealous eye, always having someone to answer to. Alicia had never had the luxury of doing what she wanted. Now with Jason at Darlene's, she had her kids, her card, and her freedom, and that's all she ever wanted. 

Sex with Jason had long since become a chore, rather than a pleasure. It was an obligation - a quid pro quo. She would indulge him when she wanted something - a night out with a friend or a day away from family obligations. She knew it; he knew it, but it remained unspoken. To Alicia, it was an uncomfortable and even painful affair - something she merely endured. To Jason, the infrequency of it made him want it even more.

Needless to say, Alicia was not in a hurry for Jason to come home. Let him stay with Darlene as long as he wanted. 

Darlene, on the other hand. loved having her baby boy under her roof. She pampered him and catered to his every whim. Her chef made his favorite meals, while the maids kept the room neat and tidy. She had even hired a masseuse - a pretty little thing to rub him wherever and whenever he wanted. Happy endings were, obviously, included in the services.

When Jason was strong enough to get out of bed, Darlene started hosting regular dinner parties. Darlene was the quintessential host, and her dinner parties were always lavish affairs. She invited Jason's old friends - those he had grown up with, who shared his social standing. The guest list was carefully crafted to include a selection of single, attractive and accomplished women - all of whom she considered far better matches for her son than Alicia. 

To Darlene, these gatherings were far more than dinners; they were moves on the chessboard, calculated to capture Alicia's queen. It didn't work. Alicia had positioned herself too strongly. All of Darlene's efforts fell flat. Jason was smitten with Alicia.

Howard was laisse faire. While he wanted peace in the family, and he didn't share Darlene's disdain for Alicia, he answered to one authority, - Darlene. Darlene ran the show, and he did as he was told. So, even though he didn't harbor any ill will toward Alicia, he kept his interaction with her to a minimum in front of Darlene. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with his wife's wrath. 

Howard was also a busy man. He spent much of his time on the golf course; he was passionate about the game. He also took frequent trips to look at buildings and other real estate. So, he wasn't around to witness Darlene's machinations. While he knew his wife, Darlene was clever enough to keep her darker motives hidden. She maintained a facade of propriety in public.

Jason was completely clueless. Darlene was his mother, and she could do no wrong. Darlene was not only rich, but she was also and fun and full of life. She loved parties and happy hours. She was a connoisseur of fine wine; she knew gourmet cuisine; and she was cultured and worldly. The family's membership in an exclusive country club, one reserved for only the oldest and most established families, was a testament to their status. Jason loved all this. Who wouldn't? 

Jason took a backseat to his mother, who commanded center stage. Darlene's communication skills were her superpower; no one was as comfortable in front of a crowd as Darlene. She craved the spotlight; she lived for it. And if anyone dare threaten her position or outshine her, she squashed the competition immediately - subtly, of course. Her tactics were nearly invisible.

Perhaps that was the real reason behind her dislike of Alicia; Alicia had the attention of men wherever she went. Alicia's youth and beauty trumped Darlene's charm and social grace. Every time Alicia entered a room, all the men's eyes were upon her. Darlen felt threatened, and it angered her to no end. Though she would never admit it- even to herself, Darlene was jealous. So, she went with the narrative the Alicia was simply beneath them. She was trash, and Darlene wanted better for her precious boy.  So, she deferred to Jason in the company of those she considered to be eligible females - the girls Jason had grown up with, the girls whose families belonged to their country club, the girls who went to fancy universities. 

Jason, who was given to introspection around strong women, seemed to revel in the chance to assert himself. He loved recounting his skiing accident as though it was a war story of unparalleled bravery.  It got better and more heroic each time he told it. 

"Double diamond runs are my go-to." Jason boasted to a group of his friends at one of Darlene's gatherings. "I don't ever have any trouble on them." He lied. "I think I've been skiing with most of you. You all know. It wasn't exactly my first rodeo." 

Walter, who was always in Jason's corner no matter what added, "Damn, Dude. We used to hit it hard in Mammoth. Remember that time Bryce broke his leg. That was sick, Man."

"Oh yeah, how could I forget. He was stoned, remember." Jason quipped. Darlene was the cool Mom. One could say anything in front of her.

"Those were the days." Walter lamented. "How's your family?"

That was all it took for Jason to get out his phone and proudly show off his family to the guests at the party. Darlene's expression changed from one of gaiety to one of contempt. It was not the desired effect Darlene had hoped.

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