Running Fields

Family Gathering

Being with Gary around my family was something I had never enjoyed. He was loud and obnoxious and although he hadn't always been so nasty, he'd always been somewhat an embarrassment to present.
I cradled Cherry in my arms, my beautiful daughter and although she was now 2 years old she was still my baby. She never cried much but smiled often and she had beautiful crystal coloured eyes which were a stunning sight for anyone to view. Cherry was mesmerising and pretty much everybody loved her. Her looks were hypnotic. And that is what she had taken from Gary, his looks. He was also hypnotic. Anyone who knew Gary would tell you just how amazing he was, stunning and charismatic and talkative of course. Gary was the kind of guy who could completely make up a story and still sell it to be completely true and it'd be believed.
I can't quite remember the first time Gary ever showed me his true colours but I know that it wasn't long after our marriage had happened. We had a big traditional wedding with banquets and meals and music and everyone looked beautiful. We were a couple that was pleasing to any eye. Tall dark handsome man and short blonde, blue eyed bride with curves off the charts. Big breasts, big bum. And soon after the marriage a big bump too and along came Cherry. But since Gary turned the way he was I had promised myself I would keep the family going and keep Cherry in a perfect life, I wanted her to have everything she needed and never have to worry.
My mother came downstairs holding a massive box full of board games and toys, she gave me a rattle and some little toys to give Cherry. "Ah these are quite good," she said cheerfully and she handed me some little puzzles.
"I'm sure Cherry would like these, although her dad might have to help her out a bit she's still young," She chuckled.
I smiled at Gary who sat quietly, frowning at me. "Yes or Mommy will help Cherry, I don't think Gary is too fond of games." I made a light joke about his grumpy scowl, my mother laughing again.
She stood to go into the kitchen and prepare the meal for the family around, my sisters and brother and uncles. We did this every year for Christmas.
I sat now in the far corner of the lounge,which was huge, and Gary clutched my arm. "Why would you say that for?" he whispered, almost spitting into my ear.
"I was just joking because you looked grumpy," I said, I was desperately trying to laugh it off.
"Now you've made me look bad Katherine."
I frowned at Gary, "Don't be so silly."
I took Cherry into the bathroom and changed her smelly diaper and when I opened the door I saw Gary outside with his coat zipped up and shoes on also holding my own coat in his hand. "Come on we are leaving,"
"What? We've only been here one hour Gary! My mother is cooking still!"
"Get a move on."
He took Cherry and put on her little coat. And I went into the kitchen, "Hey mum.. We have to leave now somethings come up.. Sorry,"
My mum looked a little disappointed but kissed my cheek and told me to have a good day and of-course like she always had, she put a slice of cake into a little tub for me to take home.
I got into the car and Gary drove us home angry, turning sharp corners and breaking sharp. This was his little way of telling me it was all my fault.
And of course it never ended until I admitted it and I'd always apologise.