Settling

I am one of many like me who have traded my ideal for reality. I couldn't make it, never got more than forty two K, same pay the receptionist got paid. A guy who made good money offered me a 'deal'. Pretend we were a couple and I could live with him. He had a two bedroom and two bath unit in a nice high rise in uptown.

For months I lived there without incidence, but pressure from family and friends for him not take advantage of me and marry me mounted and mounted. Thanksgiving was the worst. I had to tell him, and he said 'why not get married?' I couldn't answer, I had no words. We got married, eloped.

Nothing changed inside the house. Like living with an older brother, except a brother who had given up on any housekeeping. Things devolved into a traditional role relationship. Sex was next. In a year you would have thought it was a relationship that was years in the making. I used 'my husband' he used 'my wife'

Today, seven years later, a terrible pandemic, back to work after two children, this time with a Masters I got on line, we bought a house out where we could afford it, two cars, a pool, pre school , T ball, the whole enchilada, we are one more couple on the street.

I have a friend or two stuck on principle living on the edge of poverty, making do.

Next time I'll write about bring chased around the room. But that's between the two of us and I'm afraid not exhilarating enough for you.