Falice 2

The Happy One

Alice stares blankly up at the ceiling as Hal thrusts into her. He's all out of breath from what she hears in earshot. When he finishes, he rolls over and lays on his back on his side of their bed. He doesn't bother to cuddle up next to her.

She hasn't moved since they started. And now she's got nothing but a satisfied husband and an own lack of satisfaction. He never gives her the pleasure she craves. He tires himself out before getting her to finish. It's something that doesn't surprise her.

She turns her back to him. On her side, she reaches over for the lamp on her nightstand and shuts it off in order to go to sleep.

When she no longer hears his panting, she knows he's fast asleep. It's only then her tears are free to leave the corner of her eyes.

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FP keeps Gladys faced down on the mattress; he doesn't want to look at her. He doesn't remember getting himself thrown into this situation. He just remembers coming home from the Whyte Wyrm and they screamed at each other over the new bills, no doubt. Now they're relieving some stress the only way that gets them to not rip each other's head off for a few minutes.

FP pulls out before he can release inside of her. She falls limp when her legs shake in shock. He's pulling his boxers and jeans up from his ankles by the time she turns around to look at him.

He opens the refrigerator door and pulls out a bottle. He flops down on the chair and cracks it open. It's a blessing and a curse when it touches his lips. Gladys doesn't come out to join him; he likes that; he doesn't want to deal with her right now.

He looks over at the clock on the counter. He sighs and leans back against the chair. He's not going back into the room with her. His mind is already set on the couch.

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"Daddy! Daddy, look!" Little Polly comes running up to Hal. He scoops her right up and pecks a kiss to her cheek. "Look, I won a ribbon today in Ms. Crabapple's class for having the bestest painting."

"That's my girl."

Alice comes in after her with Betty strolling behind. Betty runs over to her father too. "Ms. Honey said I'm a good teacher. Archie did good on the new story quiz this week. She says I helped him learn a lot."

"I'm not surprised. You've been helping him a lot with his reading." Hal praises her too. He then looks over at Alice. "You finally made it home. I bet the girls are hungry. I know I am."

Alice sighs. "You know I left the office long after you, Hal. And I went to pick up the girls after I finished the article. I'd appreciate it if you could offer a hand in the kitchen every now and then too."

"Girls, why don't you get washed up? We're going to Pop's." The girls scurry upstairs to the bathroom. "Mary or Fred could have picked them up after school if you knew you were going to be off later than usual."

"You could have worked something up if you were that hungry."

"I was at a meeting on our behalf. I couldn't have possibly been here cooking something when you're the one who's supposed to take responsibility for it."

Alice scoffs. "I'm not a live-in maid. I am your wife. We're supposed to be partners and partners can depend on each other to keep the house running."

Hal stifles a laugh. "I'm the reason you even get the privilege to live this good life. The least you can do is be a good wife. Is that so hard?"

Alice simply walks away. It's not worth the argument if he won't listen to a word she says.

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