Sheet Music - A Rock 'n' Roll Love Story

He heard the quiver in her voice and looked up from his paper.

“Every day that passes I feel like you want me here less and less.  If that’s what you want, I’ll throw some things in a bag and head back to New York this afternoon because I can’t take much more of your attitude.  Nothing I do is right and you seem hell bent on pushing me away when all I’m trying to do is help.”

He rolled his eyes at her, which only fueled her fire.  “I don’t want you to leave but I would like you to back the hell off.”

“Go to hell,” she spat.

She spun to leave but Michael caught her by the arm and stood, getting right into her face.  His face contorted with an anger he hadn’t felt in quite some time.

“Look, I'm trying to deal with this by myself and maybe you think I'm doing a shitty job, but considering  I lost my brother and my career all with the same bullet, I think I'm dealing with it just fine!  Thanks for asking.”

Annie stepped away, putting space between herself and his fury.  “The point is, you don’t have to deal with this by yourself!  There are plenty of people that are more than willing to help you get through this; for example, me.  God damn it, I’m your wife and you won’t even open up to me!”

He reached out and pulled her against his chest.  “I’m sorry,” he whispered, kissing her temple.  “This is more than I ever thought I’d have to deal with in my lifetime and it hurts.  It hurts a lot.  I hated him on more days than I loved him but, now that he’s gone, I can’t think of anything else.  I miss him.”

Annie crumbled against his body.  It was the first time in weeks he had touched her or expressed any real affection.  “I know you do.  We all do.”

“Then understand that what I need right now is time and lots of space.  It’s the only way I know how to deal with this.  That doesn’t mean it’s the right way to grieve but it’s the best way for me.  Okay?”

She nodded and dried her cheeks.  “Barbara said if you’re feeling up to it, she has some boxes with Brian’s things you can go through.”

Michael sat back in the chair and rubbed at his chin.  “I don’t know.  I’ll have to think about that.”

“Do whatever makes you comfortable,” she answered and left the deck.

An hour later, Michael appeared down stairs, freshly showered and shaved.  He had on a clean pair of jeans and a white t-shirt that matched the plaster cast on his left arm.  The keys to the car jingled in his hand.  Annie jumped at the sight of him.

“I’ve decided to take Barbara up on her offer,” he spoke softly.

“Okay.  Do you want me to drive you over there?” Annie asked, standing from a chair.

“No.  I think I can handle it.”

Annie stepped closer.  “Are you sure?  The doctors don’t want you driving.”  Instantly, she saw him tense and back away.

“Yes, I believe I can handle it.”

She followed him to the front door.  Part of her was thrilled he was actually leaving the house but another part wanted to go with him.  Her heart ached for any scrap of attention he might give to her but instead, he was going to Barbara.  When the door closed behind him, she cried for hours.

The first visit led to a second and then a third.  Annie thought the trip down memory lane was meant as a one-time offer for Michael and began to question Barbara’s intentions.  As far as she was concerned, he was spending too much time at Barbara’s house and not enough time with her and the baby.  Her jealous streak was getting the best of her.

Annie and Bonita were doing the last of the lunch dishes when Michael entered the kitchen.  He was dressed and ready to leave again.

“Where are you going?” Annie asked, setting down a glass onto the counter.

“Where do you think?” Michael answered with sarcasm as he collected his keys from the counter.

“I thought you were going to the beach this afternoon with Sammi and me.”

Feeling uncomfortable with Annie and Michael’s raised voices, Bonita beat a hasty retreat into the laundry room.

“Does that have to be today?” he asked.

“I suppose not, but that’s not the point.  You said we’d all go together.”

“Well, I’ve already promised Barbara I would start cataloging the shit in the studio today.”

“Does that have to be done today?”

“Annie, I’m sorry.  We can go tomorrow.  Does it really matter if we don’t go today?”

Annie turned her back to him and shrugged her shoulders.  “I’ll take Sammi by myself,” she said with disappointment.  “I’m getting used to doing things with her by myself.”

“Look, I’m doing the best I can to keep everyone happy, Annie!”

Hearing his words, Annie spun around in anger.  “I'm your wife!  As far as I'm concerned, I should be the only one you should worry about keeping happy.”

“Can we argue about this later?” he asked, drifting toward the door.

“Go to hell.” The slam of the door echoed in her head for several minutes.  Feeling angry and dejected, she called Barbara’s house.

“Michael?” Barbara chirped.

“No, it’s me, Annie.  But rest assured, he’s on his way.”

“Is there a problem?” Barbara asked, sensing the hostile tone in Annie’s voice.