The Gemini: Emancipation

2- Wine & Champagne

May 1996

Roger smiled. A display packed with amazement and some word greater than love that he hasn't figured out yet. Of course love has synonyms, but none of them are good enough. Perhaps he should work on creating a new term one of these days. And when he does, this little sparkle will get full credit for it.

He wanted to hold her, but he knew that picking her up would cause her to wake. She just got to the point where she's sleeping the majority of the night through. Roger took that to mean that she's growing up fast.

Don't be too quick, his heart hoped.

He's thoroughly enjoying every minute of this. Being a father. He could think of a few good things, but none of them are better than this. Not anymore. Brie turned his whole world around. The hazel-eyed beauty made everything right.

Almost everything.

Looking down at the seven-month-old sleeping away in her crib, Roger felt contented though a tad eager. An eagerness that he had to tamp. He wanted to wake her so that he could cover her with hugs and smooches.

"I just love you so, little mama." he whispered.

A full night's rest is a Godsend, one that he's sure his wife is more than thankful for. But it came with one disappointing aspect in Roger's eyes. No more late night daddy-daughter hangouts. No more talking each others ears off; Brie babbling of course, she's such a vibrant little thing. No more playing with her thousand count toys. No fun.

The late night hours are peak time for him still. Fresh from a studio session or a Paisley show, Roger always has plenty energy to spare, and he dedicated it to his and Brie's playdates. Jody would often get sore at him because of it. Telling him, "You're gonna ruin her sleeping habits and she'll be just like you. And when it happens, just make sure you're here to deal with her."

Yeah, yeah.

Stormy weather or sunshine, Roger knew he would always be here for his little princess.

She fidgeted now in her slumber, stretching out her arm while making the cutest pout. That pout turned into a dimpled half smirk as she settled back into rest.

Offering one last heart-melting smile, Roger decided to let her be. Leaving out of the nursery, he walked a short ways down the hall to his and Jody's room.

He couldn't ignore how the atmosphere changed the closer he got. No longer did he feel warmth. No more did he feel comfort. When he opened the door, the sight that he saw filled him with everything opposite. Disappointment, annoyance, and concern.

There on the left side of the bed laid his wife, passed out. Her body in something of a tidder on the edge of the mattress. One arm hung off the side, her hair spilled over just the same. One minor move and no doubt she would thud over onto the floor.

Speaking of the floor, when Roger's eyes scanned the scene he saw two wine bottles sitting at the bedside. Next to them, an empty glass is tipped over. Moving closer, he picked up the items. One bottle is drained completely while the other is over half done.

Annoyance progressed to anger. He's ticked. If Brie's nanny weren't here, he'd be downright pissed. He wanted to yell. He needed to leave. He couldn't stay in the same room with Jody. He doesn't want to.

Instead of going to one of the other bedrooms, after he changed his clothes, Roger went back to the nursery. He needed calm and there isn't anyone more capable of giving that to him than his daughter.

In there he reclined on one of the lounge chairs. It took him a while to fall sleep and once he did, it was with a heavy mind.

September 1996