Read Online Weeds in the Garden of Love by Steven J. Daniels - Free Book Online

consequences. She had met some fellow Filipino nannies in the park, and they had become friends. She discussed her predicament with them. They all agreed she had no choice. She had to tell. Rita prayed for the courage. She was fond of Craig and believed he was a kind and loving man. Rita put her trust in him and finally told him what she had witnessed.
    “ Mr. Craig. I have something I need to tell you, but I don’t want to get Mrs. Chrissie in trouble.”
    “ What is it, Rita?”
    “ Please, Mr. Craig, understand, I only tell you this because I am worried about the children.”
    Craig was determined to get to the bottom of this. “What about the children? What is it?”
    “ It’s about their safety. I’m afraid something bad will happen to them.”
    Craig had a sick feeling in his stomach. His parental instincts had kicked in. If his children were in danger, he had to protect them. “The children’s safety? What about their safety?”
    “ Please don’t tell Mrs. about this,” Rita said.
    “ I promise, Rita. Chrissie will never know you told me.”
    “ Well  Mr. Craig. I know if you say you promise not to tell Mrs., I know you won’t. I have seen Mrs. have some drinks in the morning—sometimes, and then she drives Robbie in the car.”
    “ Do you mean alcohol, Rita?”
    “ Yes, Mr. Craig.”
    Chrissie normally drives Robbie to playschool, Craig thought. I can’t believe she would drink and drive, especially with him in the car. “Are you sure, Rita?”
    Rita was nervous and her voice was quivering. “Absolutely sure, Mr. Craig. She puts vodka into her orange juice. I see her do that, many times. She keeps it in the kitchen cupboard. I’m only afraid she will crash with Robbie in the car. I do not wish to get Mrs. into trouble.”
    “ It’s okay. You did the right thing.”
    Rita was relieved Craig understood. She thanked him and went to her room.
    Craig remembered Olivia’s words: “If drinking is causing a problem in your life, you may have a drinking problem.” May have a problem ? T here is no “may” here. If Chrissie is drinking in the morning, she definitely has a problem. Craig considered calling Olivia but changed his mind. It would upset her, and I have no real proof. I’ll handle this myself.
     
    * * *
     
    Chrissie was aware she was drinking more than normal. She attributed it to stress at work. She vowed to cut back once this busy season was over . Chrissie had never been able to cut back before but told herself this time would be different. It wouldn’t.
    It is never different until the alcoholic admits they have a problem. That’s why admitting you are powerless over alcohol is the first step of the A.A. program. It’s also the biggest step towards recovery.
    Most of us, at some point in our life, meet a drinker like Chrissie; able to drink you under the table and still drive you home. She began experimenting with alcohol at age thirteen when she swiped bourbon from her father’s liquor cabinet. From the first swig, she had a higher tolerance for alcohol than her girlfriends. They would be either passed out or throwing up, while she was looking for more to drink. In college, she loved to party but rarely, if ever, got drunk. She was always among the last to leave.
    In the early years of their marriage, Craig and Chrissie drank socially. Like most of her fellow expectant girlfriends, Chrissie drank during her pregnancies. She enjoyed her evening cocktail after work, and wine with meals was a must. When the kids were older, Craig and Chrissie’s drinking slowly escalated. Social drinking was the norm for everyone in their circle of friends whether they gathered for neighborhood barbeques, BYOB pool parties or pizza after their kids’ soccer games.
    Chrissie’s consumption had always surpassed Craig’s. He was well aware he could not keep up to her. By the time Craig was ready to leave a party, Chrissie was only getting started. They would argue, and Craig would leave.