Summer love-9
The trickle of soft red wine being poured into a single glass broke an awkward silence that had until that point had been persistent and unrelenting. I positioned myself to his right and leaned against a blue pillow, casually propping my arm against his. Mom sat on the large white couch making herself comfortable before dinner was served. It had been a long day like many others and she needed time to unwind which usually meant a warm soak in the tub, music and the occasional glass of red wine. She was a straight-laced, small town, God-fearing woman who remembered where she came from but years of sophistication could not be hidden. Her questions were broad and friendly but it was apparent that she would be honing in on more important details later.
Inquiries regarding education and career goals were interspersed in a causal way that masked a dogged concern regarding his past. He eagerly pieced together sentences and informed her that he was studying Engineering and had already been a draftsman in Damascus for several years. He was the second of 7 children, and his father owned a store in the business district downtown. He smiled graciously and appeared happy, even enthusiastic in response to each and every query.
What he lacked in mastery of the English language he easily made up for tenfold in a polite and appropriate disposition. No request was too large and he would never utter a complaint but contentedly agreed to help whenever needed. A freshly shaven face coupled with dark eyes, black hair and an attitude of worldly yet humble reservation all added to his charm.
His expertise and know how was offered from that point forward in various areas and overshadowed any flaws that might have been visible in this initial stage. A random sheet was sewn into a couch cover for a new floral sofa on the middle floor, a large wooden food dispenser was hand crafted for Bosco and meticulous details on jobs that needed attention were finished in a timely manner.
A dream had become reality but would ever so slowly evolve and blur into abuse, control and rage.
We know where this is going now but, sadly, at the time, you were totally unaware.
Hugs.
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Thanks Peter hugs back
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Well written, Lynn. I feel the suspense of what is yet to come. What is not said. Hugs and love!
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Thank you so much!
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You are welcome!
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HE sounds like such a good man. But he was hiding was total control! Now you are the one in control! I’m so proud of you!! Keep writing!!!
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Thank you Alice! I wanted to remember and to explain how it started and how we all thought he was so amazing! Once that ground work was laid it was hard to imagine what was happening and so I assumed it was me!
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They are excellent at manipulation. What could anyone say at that point?
Leslie
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yes he was “perfect”
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Maybe that was the clue – he was perfect, when no one is perfect.
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yes I agree! That is one of my signs, the person being perfect, which is not perfect at all!
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To obtain what is desired a mask is never ruled out. xx
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hmmm very true xx
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xx
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xxx
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I think my mum fell for my Dad in just the same way.
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yes!!!!!!!
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Oh! This hurts so much 💜🌹
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yes xx I thought it was destiny, a dream and my soul mate
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I know, I know 💜💜yet all is good now 💜💜🌹🤗
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the calm before the storm…(K)
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Yes for sure
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You were do strong
Everything in the early years seemed so perfect! No one can predict what the future holds. What’s important is that you were strong enough to overcome control and abuse and to move forward.
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Thanks Gary!
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I wonder if the abuse, control and rage were always there under the surface, or whether his brain had a cruel unravelling?
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I don’t know? He was very sweet in the beginning. But I am guessing maybe it was learned and so once in marriage and then having kids he just went on auto pilot.
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Some people are masters at wearing masks….and it takes such a long time to catch a glimpse of it going askew…
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That is so true. It was a slow move from dream to reality and took years. I guess he laid this nice guy foundation so well it was hard to believe anything else.
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Your writing portrays that so well. It’s hard, even now, to ‘see it’ and know what awaits you even though it is now past.
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Shudder! Entrenching himself with his charisma.
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yes I thought he was dream man!
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Sadly it was a nightmare in too many ways. But your children were the blessing to come.
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Chilling last sentence
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Thanks for reading Derrick x
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What a manipulator he is! He’s thinking only of himself – so obvious now but it wasn’t then.
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yes very true
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Very revealing to bring your family’s point of view and relationship with him into your account of how you felt attracted to him. You always end with saying “but that is not the whole story”. This is the heartbreaking account of his treatment of you and also a superbly written memoir/autobiography. Splendid work, Lynn. .
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You are so kind! Thank you so much Ina! xxxxx
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Did you ever meet any of his family, Lynn, before you got engaged with him? Is it just him, or is it his whole family that is like him?
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I never met them. I was a secret and no one knew until our son was six months old. He didn’t tell me this until we were in the relationship. I didn’t understand it. So, he told his brother once we had our son and his brother told his family. They were furious and did not want to meet me. I forced it and went to Syria 2 months pregnant with an 8 month old baby. He stayed behind and I went to meet them and hope for their approval.
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Wow. Did you get their approval?
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A wolf in sheeps clothing for sure. But I must say, you walked away, you have a wonderful lot of children that have all grown up and love and support you, You are home!!! And getting ready to enjoy the wedding of your daughter. How wonderful!! XXXkat
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Thanks sis xoxo
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Wow. Did you get their approval?
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He really played a role didn’t he? He should have got an oscar for that early period 😦
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Yes true!
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