The Last Weekend

By Cathryn Dines

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rustik Haws LLC
• Release date: May 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781952617591

Cathryn Dines

Cathryn Dines participated in Twelve Step recovery groups for over thirty years. She also taught the principles for groups in her church and a detention center. The story of Karen Douglas and her family is based on real experience. The names have been changed, and the details of some incidences and circumstances have been altered to preserve privacy and anonymity of individuals. Cathryn now lives in Ottawa, close to her three children (her younger son, "Andrew" died of Multiple Sclerosis in 2019). Her four grandchildren are her greatest joy.

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The Last Weekend by Cathryn M. Dines

This is a work of fiction. All names of characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 by Cathryn M. Dines

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any form by any means, including, but not limited to, recording, photocopying, or taking screenshots of parts of the book, without prior written permission from the author or the publisher. Brief quotations for noncommercial purposes, such as book reviews, permitted by Fair Use of the U.S. Copyright Law, are allowed without written permissions, as long as such quotations do not cause damage to the book’s commercial value. For permissions, write to the publisher, whose address is stated below.

ISBN: 978-1-952244-07-0 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-952617-59-1 (eBook)

Printed in the United States of America.

Rustik Haws LLC

100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 600

Tampa, FL 33602

https://www.rustikhaws.com/

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

To Aunt Marg, who was always a beautiful expression of faith and love.

Introduction

There are books, movies and TV shows which tell the stories of the drinking and recovery of alcoholics. Less familiar are the stories of their families.

The children of alcoholics very often become, or marry alcoholics. They are usually badly hurt by their past experiences, and bring their own disfuntional behaviour to the situation. Each person often feeds the other’s problems, unwittingly and unwillingly.

This is the story of one family, based on true experiences over many years. It illuminates the struggles of the families, which often go unattended. The problems of the alcoholic seem more urgent, and so engrose the family members that even if they recognize, they overlook, postpone, or neglect, their own needs.

I hope this story will illustrate the dilemma of the families, the resources available, and the possibility of recovery for them.

Cathryn M. Dines

Ottawa, 2010

Chapter One

As she walked out of the school, she paused and looked around for a moment. Spring had come suddenly, almost overnight, as it often did in the north. The sidewalk leading to the parking lot was dry and bare of snow or ice, but was covered with sand and grit, which she could feel through the soles of her boots. The snow banks, streaked gray and black with the grime of winter, were dripping little rivulets of water, which pooled on the patches of brown grass and formed muddy puddles at the edge of the sidewalk. It was a dirty, unattractive scene, but it unmistakably heralded the coming of warm weather and the shedding of bulky winter clothing. She felt younger, lighter, and her pace quickened as she threw her shoulders back. She walked briskly to the parking lot and got into her car.

As Karen Douglas pulled out of the lot, she felt apprehension envelope her. Her teaching assignment in the learning disabilities class would end in June, as she had been replacing a teacher who would be returning from maternity leave. The job was going well, but she knew that the employment prospects for the fall were no better than last year, when she had been declared redundant due to declining enrolment. That had been a biting disappointment, and it had seemed so unfair. Neil abused one opportunity after another, yet he always seemed able to get another, often better, position. She had worked so hard for so long, but she couldn’t seem to establish a permanent base of security for herself and her children.

After five years of supply teaching and taking university courses towards her degree in the evenings and summers, including upgrading her teaching skills through courses in special education, she had been hired on a permanent contract two years ago. She had been doing the laundry one evening when the phone call came from the vice principal to tell her that she had been hired following her interview. Karen had forgotten about that job prospect, as she regularly applied for any opening for which she was qualified and just as regularly lost out to someone with seniority or more experience. It had happened so often that she had become quite casual about interviews and referred to them as fishing expeditions. She had almost given up hope of landing a catch. Now, unexpectedly, she had finally been successful. She could hardly believe it. When she hung up the phone, she called to her daughter, Peggy, I got the job! I’m hired. I’ll have a contract! Peggy squealed and hugged her, and they danced around the kitchen and laundry room in exultation. When her son Andrew came home a bit later, he too rejoiced with them.

That had been a good year. They had relished the predictable schedule and the reliable income. Karen had enjoyed the job, there was such a feeling of accomplishment to see the children making progress under her tutelage, and she had been in a school with a dedicated, friendly staff. Though she was back supply teaching this past year, she had had several long assignments and they had managed financially, but Karen longed for security. She sighed deeply and whispered softly, One day at a time, Karen.

As she stopped for a traffic light, she deliberately turned her thoughts to the plans for the coming weekend. Besides all the usual chores, she would be helping her twelve-year-old daughter, Janet, with the last-minute details for a four-day school trip. She chuckled to herself as she thought of Janet’s excitement, mounting as the departure day approached. The trip was a biyearly event at Janet’s middle school. Several teachers and parent volunteers escorted all the grade seven and eight pupils to Toronto, to visit Queen’s Park and see the Provincial Parliament in session, and to tour the city’s famous landmarks and attractions.

When Janet had signed up last September, she had been very business-like about all the preparations. She worked with the other students on various money-making projects to raise funds to apply to the fare and accommodations. By baby-sitting, she had saved nearly a hundred dollars for spending money. Now, as the arrangements were being finalized, she bubbled with enthusiasm. The educational aspects of the trip were of great interest to Janet and her friends, but it was the firsts that had Janet so keyed up. She had never been to Toronto, and she had never travelled except with the family.

Janet and her best friend, Liz, discussed their plans endlessly on the phone and in Janet’s room, assembling wardrobes, examining clothes and cosmetics. Periods of silence were broken by scuffling and giggling. Janet had packed, unpacked, and repacked a different set of outfits every night for the past week. The cap was that Liz would spend Sunday night with Janet so that Neil, Janet’s father, could drive the girls to the airport Monday for the 7:00 AM departure. Liz’s parents were separated, and Liz’s mother would be late for work if she went to the airport.

As Karen walked in her front door, Janet came running down the stairs.

Mom, guess what! Mr. Brant gave us our motel room assignments today. Liz and I get to sleep in the same room with Alison and Kelly!

That’s great, honey, Karen smiled. But stay in the same room would be more accurate. I predict there’ll be precious little sleeping. She turned into the living room. Peggy, eighteen, was sitting in the swivel chair, one leg under her, the other stretched out so she could push the chair back and forth with her toe. The sun coming in the window glinted on the golden tones in her blonde hair. She smiled as she saw her mother, and her blue eyes twinkled with mischief. Andrew had his six-foot, three-inch body sprawled over the sofa.

Hi, Mom, they said at the same time.

Hi, she replied. You’re both home early today.

Steve might be calling me to work this weekend, Andrew answered.

Oh, good! Karen knew that his savings were low as he came to the end of his last year in college.

And I have to crack the books. I have a test tomorrow, Peggy said, grinning at her mother as she rocked back in the chair. She was very casual about her final high school results.

Don’t hurt yourself rushing up the stairs, Karen said, grinning back at her.

I’ll start right after dinner. I can ace this one, Peggy replied.

Yes, she probably can, with minimal effort, Karen thought as she walked back to the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of juice then returned to the living room and curled up in the comer of the loveseat facing Andrew and Peggy. Janet lay on the floor in front of the fireplace, chin in hand.

Hard day? Andrew asked.

No, things are going well now. I’m comfortable with the routines, and the kids seem to have accepted me. But I heard that the job situation is as bad this fall as it was last year. I guess I’m a little down.

Peggy leaned forward and gazed intently into Karen’s eyes. Things always work out, Mom, you know that. You’ve got a good reputation with the board. You’ll be kept busy.

Could you manage if you had about the same amount of work as this year? Andrew asked.

I’ll have to. But I’m tired of ‘managing,’ and there seems to be no improvement in sight.

The expenses will be less with Peggy and me gone, Andrew replied.

Karen sank back and looked at them. She’d known, of course, that they would be leaving home, but suddenly she realized how much she would miss them, and how terribly her life would change. They were not easily intimidated, whereas she and Janet were appeasers. For the first time, she contemplated Janet and herself trying to cope. She knew they couldn’t. She swallowed, controlling the tears that threatened, stood up, and said, I’d better start dinner. She went to the kitchen and began the meal preparations.

Andrew came into the kitchen followed by the girls.

What are we having? he asked as he opened the refrigerator and poured himself a glass of milk. He sat down on a stool at the kitchen bar.

Pork chops, Karen answered.

Yuck. But I guess I can stand it, thinking of all the good stuff we’re going to have while Jan’s away.

Mo-om! Janet wailed. They said you’re having take-out all next week!

That’s right! Peggy put in quickly. Pizza on Monday, McDonald’s on Tuesday, Kentucky Fried Chicken on Wednesday, and Chinese on Thursday.

That’s not fair! Is it true, Mom?

What do you mean, not fair? Andrew interjected. You get to eat out every night. And besides, I didn’t even get to go on the Toronto Trip. He examined the apple he had taken from the fruit bowl and took a large bite out of it.

Yeah, Peggy said as she took the salad vegetables out of the refrigerator. And with you not here, we can afford it.

Mom! Is it true? Janet repeated.

Karen had her emotions under control now. She looked Janet in the eyes, smiled, gave her a little wink, and said, What do you think?

I guess not, Janet answered.

You’ll have a great time, Jan, once you’re through the strip search at the Toronto airport, said Andrew.

Mom! Janet wailed again. They don’t search you at the airport, do they?

Of course they do! Peggy quickly added. It’s an international airport, and what would be a better cover than a bunch of elementary school kids? She turned her head to hide her smile as she energetically tore up the lettuce.

That’s enough! Karen ordered. You’ve gone past a joke. It sounds as if you’re ganging up on her. Peggy, you know how you hated it when the boys teased you.

Jan, I’m sorry. We really were just kidding. Peggy said contritely.

Andrew stood up, rumpled Janet’s hair, and said, Are you OK? Sure, Janet replied.

I’ll go get wood for the fireplace boxes, Andrew said as he walked toward the back door.

Thanks, Karen said as she put a pot on the stove. She turned the pork chops and said, Janet, you can start setting the table now.

Peggy had finished the salad and was putting the vegetables back into the refrigerator.

Mom, she said, Michael phoned. He’s coming for dinner on Sunday.

Oh, good, Karen replied. How is he? They hadn’t heard from him for weeks.

He didn’t say anything, so I guess he’s fine. Just wants a good meal. And to see us, of course.

And do a couple of loads of laundry, Janet added, delighted to get in on the banter.

Andrew came in with an armload of logs and headed down to the family room. Karen continued with the meal preparations. She put a platter on the dining table, then called, Jan, you forgot the napkins.

In a minute. Janet was watching TV, quiet for the moment.

Karen glanced at the clock. "Ten to six. Neil should be here by now, "she thought. It was he who insisted on sitting down to dinner on the stroke of six.

Andrew returned with a second load of logs for the living room. He put it in the basket and then went to wash his hands. He checked the time as he came into the kitchen, lifted the lids of the pots, and said, Looks ready to me.

Dad should be here any minute, Karen replied. Just then they heard the car pull into the driveway. We can start dishing up in a few minutes, she said to Peggy.

Neil came in the back door. Karen turned to greet him, but stiffened as she looked at him. Dinner’s ready, she said, busying herself at the sink.

Neil passed through the kitchen without looking at anyone.

I have to check my answering machine and the mail, he said.

We can start putting things on the table, girls. He won’t be long. Karen spoke softly. She knew Peggy was watching her intently, but she began putting the food into serving dishes. As she passed Andrew, their eyes met. They realized that they both knew, and they wordlessly agreed to act as if everything was fine. Karen could see that he had tensed up. The laughter and the easy grace were gone. He’s becomes different person, she thought.

Andrew watched his mother adjusting things on the table. He could see her fear, even though she was trying to look casual.

Janet, get the napkins, she said sharply.

Neil strode into the room and wordlessly took his place at the head of the table. The rest of the family sat down in silence, their eyes on their plates. Karen passed the dishes around and asked Neil, How was your day?

Where’s my napkin? he demanded. Janet glanced at her mother, but Peggy jumped up and went to kitchen to get them.

Daddy, Liz and I did get put in the same room as Alison and Kelly.

That’s great, Jannie, Neil replied, smiling at her. He shifted sideways in his chair and leaned his elbow on the table as he ate. Without warning, he smashed the table with his fist. Karen could feel her throat close and her mouth dry up. There’s no mustard on the table! Can’t anyone in this house do anything right? This time Karen went to the kitchen.

I filled the fireplace boxes, Dad.

And left a mess on the hearth, Neil retorted.

Andrew reached for the salad bowl. Neil’s fist crashed on the table hard enough to make the cutlery rattle. Karen stifled a gasp and glanced at the girls. Janet was rigid, staring at her father; Peggy put her hands in her lap, keeping her eyes on her plate.

Neil shouted at Andrew. Do you have to act like a pig at the table? Andrew swore softly under his breath as he stood up, picked up his plate, and walked out of the room. Good riddance, Neil remarked. Peggy took a breath and stood up.

Excuse me, she said, choking back tears, and she followed Andrew to the family room. Janet struggled to finish her dinner. Karen pushed her food around on her plate. Neil finished his dinner silently.

May I please be excused? Janet asked.

Sure, Lovey, Neil answered. Janet quietly left the table and went up to her room.

Would you like anything else? Karen asked. Where’s my tea? he replied.

I’ll get it.

She put the cup down at his place. He picked it up as he stood up, shoved his chair away, and stomped to their bedroom. She could hear the news come on the TV. She sighed as she began to clear the table. As she cleaned up the kitchen, her thoughts raced.

I shouldn’t have asked him about his day. I should have started on a happy subject. He’s anxious to make that sale. We’ve got so many bills. He’d have said something if he’d made it. Besides, I knew the moment he walked in that he’d started again. Her stomach had tightened into a churning knot. She took a deep breath to alleviate the tension. As she loosened up a bit, the words, Admitted we were powerless, came into her mind. When will I learn? she asked herself. I’m taking responsibility for his behaviour. Will I ever stop reacting before I even realize it?

Peggy and Andrew came into the kitchen. As he put his plate in the dishwasher, he asked, Are you OK?

Yes, she said, forcing a smile.

Peggy put the mustard in the refrigerator. "Will you be going to