I'll Be Seeing You

One.

"Don't get an attitude, Alyssa. I don't want to be late."

"Chris, I'm always the one who picks Lilly up on the weekends, and I've never once been late. Do I need to remind you what happened the day of her first softball game?"

"Let's go," he snapped.

I didn't say another word. He knew I was right. I had been picking Lilly up and doing everything for her for nearly a year now. Last summer, not long after Chris and I got together, Lilly's mom, Lisa, had asked if we could bring her to her first softball game. Chris agreed—but then got drunk the night before. The next morning, I couldn't wake him up.

Panicked, I called Lisa and explained. She said it was fine if I came alone. That was the first time I met her—and I was a nervous wreck. But Lisa was far more laid-back than I'd expected. She just laughed and said, "That's typical Chris," and told me she was fine with me doing whatever I wanted with Lilly. She said Lilly talked about me all the time, and it made her feel good knowing her daughter had someone like me in her life—even before we'd officially met.

It was such a relief. But I couldn't help but wonder what she meant by typical Chris behavior. I would soon find out though.

When Chris and I first met, it was at a party. Everyone was drinking—just adults blowing off steam, nothing unusual. He had a great job, seemed responsible, and I had no reason to think anything of it. But within a few months of living together, it became clear: this wasn't casual drinking. Chris had a serious problem.

Every night on his way home from work, he'd stop at the gas station and grab a twelve-pack. By the time he got home, most of it was gone. He'd pass out shortly after and sleep until it was time to go to work the next day. On weekends, we'd ride four-wheelers with his family, and for the most part he stayed sober during the day. But when evening came, so did the alcohol.

I always looked forward to weekends with Lilly. That's when Chris would pull himself together again—and for a little while, I could enjoy the man I first fell for.

The ride to McDonald's was silent at first. We were meeting Lisa downtown, and the drive wasn't long. But when we reached the end of the dirt road, Chris spun the tires, slamming onto the main road, then floored it.

"Will you please slow down?" I asked, bracing myself.

"Why?" he smirked. "You don't wanna go out Bonnie and Clyde style?"

"That's not funny, Chris."

"I'm not trying to be funny, Alyssa."

I didn't say another word. I wasn't in the mood to fight. I just wanted to get Lilly and enjoy the weekend.

When we pulled into the McDonald's parking lot, Lilly came running out, smiling ear to ear. Without even saying goodbye to her mom, she climbed into the backseat, ready to go.

"I wanted to ask you all something," Lisa said as she placed Lilly's bags in the trunk.

"How much money do you need?" Chris muttered.

"Not everything is about money, Chris," she shot back. "I was wondering if you guys would like to keep Lilly for the rest of the summer. I'll be working a lot, planning the wedding, and getting ready for the new baby. I know she'd love more time with both of you."

"That would be amazing!" I said quickly, cutting in before Chris could respond.

"Of course, we'll keep her," he added, softening. "Alyssa's home all the time, so she'll be with her while I'm at work. I'll make sure they've got money for shopping and fun stuff."