The final chapter
The stroke I had was mild, however it was severe enough that I had to give up my job at HI-Tech Computers. I was no longer able to do the complex calculations required, so I was released with a medical disability pension of 60% of my pay.
We were not in financial straits. The house and both cars were paid for, and we had some money invested, and a little more in a savings account. Since we were married, I had let Kathy pay the bills, etc. I thought it would teach her financial responsibility. I also planned on getting some other job that was not so demanding, part time perhaps.
Kathy loved to go shopping for clothes and jewelry, and have lunch at her club with her friends. I thought now was the time for her to cut back a little.
"Fine, if you can't afford me I'll get a job," she said in a huff.
I did not want her working either. What I wanted was a stay at home wife that maybe, would want to have children. I knew that if I objected it would only make her more determined, so it would be better to say nothing. Besides, chances of her getting a job were small. She had taken the easiest course in college, Liberal Arts, which did not qualify her for much.
Much to my surprise, 3 days latter she told me she got a job. "Take me out to dinner to celebrate, and I'll tell you all about it."
The dinner part I didn't mind. I did most of the cooking anyway so it was more of a treat for me. Over dinner, she told me she got a job in marketing with Universal Cellphone.
"What do you know about marketing? For that matter, what do you know about cell phones?"
"My new boss Frank will teach me all I need to know. Stuff like advertising, and promotion, and customer service. I am, like his assistant, so I will be working under him."
I wondered how come she was on a first name basis with her boss already. I still did not like the idea of her working, but I felt it probably would not last long. Kathy liked sleeping in so after being late a few times, her boss would probably fire her.
Much to my surprise she kept her job. I think part of the reason was she did not start work until 10:00, although it made her late getting home. Still she seemed happy, so I was happy for her also. Then subtle changes started.
Since I was unable to find work, she had me cooking all the meals and doing the housework. She had always been a bit domineering with me, but since I lost my job it became worst.
Each morning she would give me a list of things to do. " When I come home I'll inspect, so if you don't want to be punished, take your time and do it well. That's a good boy. Now before I go, is there anything on my list you don't understand?"
My mind may have been affected a little from my stroke, but that was no reason to treat me like a moron.
Several nights later she said, "Billie, please make a martini and have it ready for me when I get home. I like a cocktail before dinner. In fact make two. I'll have the other one relaxing after dinner while you clean up and do the dishes. Remember, I like them chilled."
I felt this was pushing it a little but she did say please so I agreed hoping this was the last request.
It was not. One Friday night it was about 7:30 before she got in. "I have been on my feet all day at the trade show, and I am tired. Get down on the floor and massage my feet while I have my cocktail." And later, "That's good Billie, now kiss them to show me how much you love me."
Later that evening, " I am running out of clean underwear. Do the washing while I watch this video I rented. Make sure you hand wash my panties. Also iron my miniskirt and try not to ruin anything."
What happened to please? She was no longer asking but demanding. Other changes were also taking place. I no longer sucked her in the morning, and often at night she wanted a massage, not sex.
Kathy started staying out later. One night, coming home to a cold supper she said, "It's OK Billie, I had dinner with a customer and my boss." On a few other occasions she and her boss Frank, took a customer out for a few drinks. She never used to talk much about her boss but lately she would mention small things like how witty or smart he was.
One evening she came in with a bag in her hand. "Billie I have a present for you, an apron. Now before you start complaining just try it on." So to amuse her I put it on. It was a flowery thing with ruffles. "That looks so cute. I want you to wear it when you prepare my dinner, and especially this Wednesday."
"What's so special about Wednesday?"
"Frank and I have to go to a 3 day convention in Las Vegas. The flight leaves at 7 in the morning. Since we live so close to the airport and Frank lives way on the other side of town, Frank is going to stay here overnight. I want you to prepare a real good dinner for us."
She was becoming more demanding all the time. Monday night she told me since she was on her feet a lot, I should ask if she wanted a foot massage. "I shouldn't have to tell you everything. Try and anticipate my needs."
Tuesday evening she called me into the bedroom. She had pulled all the sheets unto the floor. "Don't you even know how to make a bed? You had better do a much better job than that or I'll make you sleep on the floor. And while you are at it, put fresh sheets on the bed."
As a result of all that, I was feeling nervous Wednesday. I hated wearing that stupid apron, especially since her boss was coming, but now was not the time to upset her. I had the dinner almost prepared, the wine bottle open and cocktails made by the time they arrived. Kathy introduced Frank to me, "Doesn't he look pretty in his brand new apron? Billie, serve our drinks in the living room, then you can run along and finish preparing our dinner. Be a sweetie and have it ready for us in 20 minutes."
I was starting to feel like a servant. At dinner she really embarrassed me. Kathy had told me to pour the wine. I had filled their glasses and was about to pour mine when she said, "No Billie, if you have some we won't have enough for a second glass, so please drink water tonight."
My face must have turned beet red. I was tempted to tell her to get lost, and drink it anyway, but that would only embarrass her in front of her boss, so I would wait until later to talk to her about that.
After dinner they sat on the sofa watching TV while I was busy washing and drying the dishes. We have a dishwasher but she won't let me use it. She said hand washing does a much better job. Finally I'm finished and come into the living room to join them. "Billie my feet are tired. Come and massage them."
And to Frank she said with a smirk, "He is so good at that. Maybe if you ask him nice, he will massage yours too. Ok Billie, now kiss my feet all over and tell me how much you love me."
