Daughter 03 How It Began

Sara was always the loving, devoted daughter, but her loyalties are tested when her mother's midlife crisis shatters the family... and threatens her marriage.

How did weekly catch-up calls with her mom spiral into infidelity?

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Previously on Daughter:

Sara's world continues to unravel in the wake of her mother's infidelity, leaving fractures in her relationships with her father, brother, and husband.

Drowning in guilt, she replays her choices over and over, questioning whether she was complicit in her mother's betrayal by staying silent. She wrestles with new and unsettling thoughts about marriage, monogamy, and fidelity, ideas seeded by her mother's radical redefinition of love and commitment.

Emotions flared between Jon and Sara during their discussion at home. He confronts her on her silence, her values, and... most alarmingly... her questions about open relationships.

For the first time in their marriage, trust between them feels fragile.

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MONDAY April 15 2024 | 6 PM | One Day after the Brunch

Sara placed the last of the rinsed dishes in the dishwasher as the familiar tones of the best day floated from her cell.

Her mom's ring tone...

... second time today.

With a heavy sigh, she let it go to voicemail.

She normally caught up with her mom 2 to 3 times a week, outside of the weekly family dinner, and the Sunday brunches at the Meadows Diner.

Unlike her friends, who rolled their eyes at their mothers, Sara had always seen Julie as her best friend. A steady presence, a guide through adolescence... always listening, never judging.

Julie had always been open about sex. She taught Sara to love her body, gifted her a vibrator in junior high, and prepared her for love, heartbreak, and everything in between.

Not to sell her dad short. He was great and always supportive. She loved the life that they had provided her and her brother Scott. While the family wasn't rich, her parents had made enough good financial decisions to afford a comfortable life that included allowing her mom to stay at home and raise them during their younger years.

She vowed that she would always support her parents. Which was why Sara was upset that her love for her parents, particularly her mom, had come back to bite her on the ass so hard.

Sara's hand drifted to her pendant, remembering her mother's words on trust and honesty. Now those memories felt tainted, like family photos suddenly revealed to be staged.

Placing a pod in the dishwasher, she closed the door, keyed in the setting, and grabbed her cell from the counter. She sat on the couch in her living room, facing the balcony doors.

The familiar ringtone chimed again, vibrating in her hand.

Her stomach twisted. She could pick up. She should pick up. Her fingers hovered over the screen.

Sara's chest tightened as she stared at the photo... her mother, smiling, as if nothing had happened. As if she hadn't lied. As if she hadn't ruined everything.

The screen dimmed. Voicemail. Again. Sara exhaled sharply, throwing her phone onto the couch as if it had burned her fingers.

She wasn't ready to talk. Not about the diner. Not about the lies. Not about how her mother's mess was seeping into her marriage, cracking things with Jon.

She pulled the blanket tight around her shoulders, like a suit of armor, as she curled into the couch's arm. But it was no match for the chill creeping in from the glass. The rain's steady patter mirrored the unrelenting buzz of her phone... both impossible to ignore, yet unbearable to face.

How had weekly catch up conversations with her mom turn into infidelity?

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October 2023 | 6 Months before the Brunch | It Begins.

Her mom was in a mood. Sara had been busy setting up Halloween decorations on the dining room table when the phone rang. Sitting on the kitchen counter, she switched the call to speaker.

"Hi mom! How are you?"

"Not great Sara, I feel... old... forgotten," Julie's voice carrying the weight of her years over the phone. "I look in the mirror, and all I see are wrinkles and graying hair. What happened to the woman I used to be?"

Sara listened attentively, but was unsure how to help. Maybe this was normal... aging, doubt, fear of being forgotten.

"Mom. Dad still looks at you like you're the only woman in the room."

"Yeah, when he's not at work or doing something else to avoid me."

"That's not even remotely true, I've never seen him avoid you. I mean, think of all the times I caught you two naked in the kitchen!"

"Sara, please... this isn't about... him."

"Then what's it about? Dad loves you, and would do anything for you. Have you brought this up with him? Why don't you plan a trip somewhere for the two of you to reconnect?" Sara asked.

"hmff." was the only response Julie offered.

Sara understood. Aging meant fading. She brushed a hand across her cheek, smoothing the fine creases. "Well... there's probably a cream for that."

Their conversations over the next couple of weeks progressed to how she no longer knew who she was. Even though she had a successful career as a writer, she had been a wife and mother for so long... "What's next?" asked Julie. "I want more than going to brunch and shopping with the neighborhood girls on weekends."

"Why don't you pick up some hobbies with dad? You both love music and dancing. You could go see one of those old New Wave bands you and dad used to like. Or, you could join a dance group and learn new dances together. Meet people with similar interests." suggested Sara.

Her mother just sighed...

******

December 2023 | 4 Months before the Brunch | Holidaze

It was a week before Christmas. With Jon out of the apartment with Scott for the day, Sara had finally found a quiet moment to wrap his gifts with care. The secrecy, the anticipation... it was almost as fun as watching him open the present. This must have been how her dad felt, disappearing into the garage or his office to wrap her and Scott's gifts when they were kids.

She settled at the dining room table, surrounded by crinkled wrapping paper and tangled ribbons, a sense of calm enveloping her. But as she measured out a strip of paper, her mom's ringtone cut through the quiet from the kitchen.

Scissors in hand, she playfully mimed stabbing herself, tongue lolling to the side, before getting up to answer. Her mom had been a bit of a downer these last few weeks. Hopefully, she'd found some Christmas spirit.

"Hi, Mom," she said, forcing a note of cheerfulness into her voice.

But no such luck. Her mother's new complaint was, "Men have stopped noticing me." The words hit Sara with more surprise than she expected.

"Mom, I..." Sara said, pacing the length of her apartment. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to reconcile the vibrant woman she knew with this insecurity. "I mean, look at you! You've always been the kind of woman men fumble over just to say hello to. You're still hot."

Sara knew her mom was an attractive woman... annoyingly so, even at 54. She remembered how her friends would often make MILF jokes during school bake sales and soccer games. How her friend's father's would stumble their words around her. Sara was proud that her mom remained respectful to these men, but true to her family.

Her mom continued, "while she and her father are still intimate... it wasn't the same. Familiarity had replaced excitement. It was good, not great. She was missing something. She had no new tales or adventures to tell."

"That last statement was concerning." thought Sara. She was clearly out of her depth in advising her mom in this type of situation. Her mom needed to talk to someone more qualified. But Julie pushed back on seeing a therapist.

Sara had moved out two years ago. Scott had just left. So why did everything feel like it had collapsed in only nine months?

Her mother didn't answer. She just changed the subject.

"Have you seen all these posts about modern feminism lately?" Julie asked. "I was scrolling through social media, and there was this post about women reclaiming their bodies after 50. It really made me think..."

I've been reading about women reclaiming their power," Julie said, her voice lighter, almost excited. "How we don't have to just disappear after 50. We can be free. Live our own truths."

She hesitated, then added, "What do you think about how my body, my choice is evolving? They say it's more than just reproductive rights now... that it's about breaking outdated ideas about marriage."

Sara had scrolled through social media feeds, staring at the confident, almost defiant faces of women her age, hashtagging #Empowered, #SexualFreedom. She listened to vloggers praise modern feminism, while deriding what they considered toxic masculine behavior.

And yet, Sara found that she couldn't relate with their experiences. She considered much of the messaging to be extreme. When had feminism become so... hate filled?

Her mom did hit a nerve however as Sara found herself questioning whether the rules, and options around monogamy were changing.

Sara tried to voice her doubts carefully. "Mom, I'm not sure these social media accounts are giving the best advice..."

"But it's not just online," Julie interrupted. "The women at work feel the same, Sara. You should see them... especially Mary. She just got divorced and she's absolutely glowing. She says she's never felt more alive."

"Is that what you want?" Sara asked cautiously. "To divorce dad?"

"I don't... I'm not saying that." Julie hesitated "But I see how my body, my choice preaches sexual freedom, exploration, and fulfillment. Don't you think that's empowering?" Julie's voice had taken on an almost dreamy quality.

"Maybe for younger, single women," Sara said firmly, "But Mom, we're married. I've never felt suppressed with Jon. He makes me feel safe, like I can be myself, and I'm free to explore and expand my sexuality within our marriage. Are any of these friends of yours married?"

Julie waved the question away. "One is, but that's not the point... and thanks for reminding me that I'm old, Sara."

Sara closed her eyes, exhaling sharply. "That's not what I..."

But Julie cut her off. "This is about women finally having control over their sexual identities," she said, her tone taking on a note of superiority. Then, with a pointed pause, she added, "And anyway, you can't compare a vibrant young man like Jon to your father."

Sara bit her tongue and let the comment slide.

******

January 2024 | 3 Months before the Brunch | Girl's Night Out

With the last of the Christmas decorations packed away in their plastic bins, all that remained was bringing the tree down to the apartment's back courtyard, where workers would mulch it for spring planting. Jon had already wrapped the tree in a plastic bag to minimize the mess before heading out. Sara tucked the final storage bin into the bedroom closet.

As she walked back into the living room to sweep up the stray pine needles, her mother's ringtone cut through the lingering scent of pine. She paused, fingers running through her scalp, massaging the tension there.

Her mom had joined in their holiday activities and even made a great Christmas dinner, but Sara noticed something was off. Her mom seemed distracted, distant. She wasn't as playful with her Dad, and Sara couldn't remember the last time she'd seen them touch in that effortlessly affectionate way they used to. When she and Scott were younger, they'd have to peel their parents apart just to get anything done. Now, that easy love seemed... lost.

Mom's advice had always been Sara's north star, but lately her words felt... different. The woman who had taught her about respect and commitment now spoke of freedom and experiences with an almost desperate hunger.

Sara could let the phone ring, get back to her cleanup, but with a heavy sigh, she sank onto the couch and answered.

"Happy New Year, Mom. How are you?"

"Happy New Year, honey! I'm doing well, thanks."

Sara arched a brow. That was a change.

Julie gushed about her new Friday night tradition... dinners with work friends, followed by clubbing. With Dad's approval, of course.

Good food, lots of wine, and fun conversation. Afterwards, they walked to a nearby club to dance. It had been years since she had been out dancing, and never in a modern club atmosphere. Julie felt free as she danced with her friends and sometimes random strangers. She only danced, however, and never indulged in anything inappropriate.

"Oh, well, that sounds like fun. I'm happy for you," said Sara. "You sound more like yourself. I'm glad that you talked to dad about this. Why don't you ask him to join you at the club one night?"

Julie's only response was to keep talking about her thrilling night out.

******

February 2024 | 2 Months before the Brunch | Trouble Brewing

Valentine's Day had come and gone. Sara was still buzzing from the evening Jon had planned for them.

It was completely unexpected... couples rock climbing at an indoor facility, something they'd never done before, followed by an amazing sushi dinner, and then back home for serious lovemaking. They hadn't gone to sleep until 3 a.m., and Sara made sure Jon knew exactly how happy she was with his surprises.

But for her parents, Valentine's Day had been a different story. "Your mother didn't want to do anything," her dad had told her, frustration lacing his voice. "She worked late, barely ate the dinner that I prepared, and then she went straight to bed."

Sara tried to sympathize, but the contrast between her own happiness and her parents' strained relationship gnawed at her.

Her mother's mood, however, seemed to have blossomed during the next call. She was almost giddy as she recounted her latest night out with friends. They'd found a new club, and after a few songs, a group of younger men asked them to dance.

"Oh no..." Sara thought, her stomach tightening as her hand reached for her pendant, as her mom continued.

She was paired with a handsome man... screw it, he was hot. He was respectful during the slow numbers, and energetic during the faster songs. They took drink breaks every so often and engaged in small talk, but spent most of the time dancing. Julie looked around and saw that her friends were also enjoying themselves. Mary had really gotten close and was grinding on her man during the fast songs. Patty was back at the table making out with her guy... but Julie couldn't find Sophie anywhere.

Concerned, she tried to make a move back to the table to ask Andrea, but a slow song came on and her guy surprised her by grabbing her by the waist and pulling her in close. She nestled her head against his chest, enjoying the swaying, as his hands wandered to cup her ass and hold her in place. Rather than being shocked, she felt... exhilarated. Butterfly feelings overwhelmed her. She looked up and gazed into his lustful eyes.

Without saying a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. It was a soft kiss at first, but quickly turned urgent as tongues invaded and intertwined. Julie felt one hand on her back, as the other held her in place by the waist. She gasped free from the kiss, but he pulled her tighter, raising her up a little, as he ground his pelvis against hers.

Sara's stomach clenched. What? Did she say that she kissed some guy? "uh, mom?" interrupted Sara. Her grip tightened around her necklace, twisting it as if she could wring out the shock and disgust. "Mom, did you say... you kissed him?"

Julie ignored her question and continued on.

He gently massage her butt as he guided her across the dance floor. She was enjoying the sensations. Her face flushed as she felt his excitement against her lower abdomen as he kept nudging himself against her pubic bone.

Overwhelmed, she looked up to see his lips, once again, descending upon hers. She indulged in his firm kiss, then achingly pulled away and excused herself, going back to the table.

He followed her, allowing her to explain, in between apologies, that she was married. This was happening too fast.

The admission did not faze him, as he had seen her ring. He told her they were just having some fun. He then apologized to her for taking advantage of the situation and told her he would abide by her feelings and would let her take control.

Julie relaxed and saw that Andrea, her ride back to her car, was not ready to leave yet. She calmed her nerves with a drink and went back out to dance. Exhilarated... but conflicted.

Sara gasped, "Mom!" clutching the edge of the counter as if it could keep her from spinning off into this strange new world her mother was creating.

Julie continued to roll over Sara's reactions. "Monday at work, I learned that the nights out usually ended up with Mary and Andrea having sex with the men that they met. I never noticed because they would set up to meet the guys after I went home. They apologized for last night though, as those men aggressively pushed things forward quicker."

Sara's skin numbed as the feeling of pins and needles overwhelmed her from scalp to thighs. Julie pressed forward.

Julie sighed. "I also learned that Sophie has someone. A guy she meets up with after dancing. She says her husband knows."

Sara's stomach dropped. "Knows... and doesn't care?"

Julie hesitated. "He doesn't have a choice. He won't leave her."

Sara shook her head as she remembered to breathe.

"I didn't know what to say. I couldn't claim any high ground after my actions. It made me wonder if relationships had changed so much? Do married men accept this now?"

"No! They don't!" cried Sara, trying to control herself. "How could you do this to dad?"

Julie disregarded Sara's questions and thought about her sex life with Tony. They still had sex 2 to 3 times a week. She had considered herself a lucky woman to be with such a loving man, but after that Friday night, she started feeling that maybe... she wasn't always satisfied. She definitely didn't feel the spark or butterflies like she did when she was dancing with William.

Her sexual relationship with Tony was comfortable. They made love. Tony knew her body so well. But she no longer felt the thrill of the chase, as she had already been caught.

She mumbled out loud. "Could I have both a lover and my husband, like Sophie?"

"Mom! No!!!"

"Oh, umm, Sara... please. I'm almost finished." Julie then explained how she spent the next few weeks thinking about her situation, while continuing to go out with her friends on Friday nights. She did nothing more than dance and kiss with William. She tried to dance with other men. But they never matched the heat that she felt from William.

He seemed genuinely interested and concerned with her fears... and desires. He listened to her. She felt comfortable talking about things that she had not discussed with Tony.

Sara's brain exploded. Her mother just admitted that, at the very least, she was emotionally cheating on her father.

"So let me get this straight. You've been going out every Friday night with a group of divorced women, under the guise of a friendly dinner, only to end up trolling for guys at a nearby club? Does dad know about this extra activity?"

"No. Not yet..."

"Gee, I wonder why mom... this... this is insane. Do you even hear yourself?" for Sara, these conversations had taken a very dangerous turn.

Her mom was being influenced by a group of women that were preying on her insecurities and fears and showing her other options. She had to get her mom back on track and talking to her father.

"Sara, don't be like that. I deserve to feel passion again. I'm can't just be confined to being your father's wife... I'm a woman with needs, and I get to choose what fulfills me.

"When has dad ever limited you? He loves you. This... this isn't just about you." Sara's voice was tight, barely containing her anger.