****DISCLAIMER****
This is a complete work of fantasy. All sexual participants are 18-years of age or older.
****AUTHORS NOTES****
After several changes I finally finished the chapter. I must say this one gave me some fits. Thank you so much for taking time to read my work... I really hope you enjoy...
CHAPTER 9
Since Monday and the laundry room incident, Jacob had been receiving Karen's cold shoulder. She was not acting angrily in any particular way; however, the typically caring and loving mother was very standoffish and unaffectionate towards her son.
Most days, Jacob could not leave the house without Karen insisting on a hug or a kiss on the cheek. Even on occasions when she would drop him off at school, the doting mother would demand a quick show of affection before letting her little man out of the vehicle.
Embarrassingly, Jacob would go along with it, praying that no one saw his mom kissing his forehead as if he were still in grade school. However, the past two mornings, she had asked for nothing of the sort and barely told him 'goodbye' or 'have a good day.'
Normally, when Jacob would get home from school, Karen made it a priority to find out about his day. She would pepper him with questions for every detail, no matter how dull or insignificant. Now, if they conversed at all, it was usually him starting the conversation with his mother replying with short and direct answers.
Even Robert noticed during dinner on Monday and Tuesday the strange rift between his wife and son. Usually, when Jacob excused himself from the table, he would thank his mom for a great meal and give her a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing upstairs. This night, like the night before, the two barely talked or even made eye contact.
After dinner on Tuesday night, Robert helped Karen with the dishes and asked out of curiosity, "Is everything okay with you and Jake?"
"What do you mean?" Karen replied while rinsing off a plate.
"I've noticed the last two nights you two have hardly spoken a word to each other." Robert took the rinsed plate from Karen and placed it into the dishwasher. He then asked, "Did he get into trouble at school or something?"
Karen chuckled and shook her head, "No... it's nothing like that." She then turned off the water faucet and continued, "It's just a teenager thing." She then waved her hand, "You know how boys can be."
With concern, Robert asked, "Well, maybe I speak with him. You know... man to man?"
"NO!" Karen blurted out. Shocked from the outburst, Robert stepped back just a little giving his wife a confused look.
Calming down a bit, Karen softened her voice and continued, "I mean... no... sweetheart." The beautiful wife gave her husband a soft smile, "This is more of a mother and son issue, and I just think it best if I handle it."
"Is everything alright?" Robert asked with concern.
As Karen closed the dishwasher, she replied, "He's just at that stage where he is going through some... stuff, and it has him a bit confused. Plus, he's testing my rules and trying to stretch boundaries." She then patted Robert's chest and said, "But don't you worry... I have it all under control."
Robert leaned against the counter and smiled. "I bet it has to do with a girl... doesn't it?"
From the fact that she was the 'girl' in question, Karen could feel her pulse elevate, and her cheeks began to burn. Trying to act calmly, she nodded and replied, "Ummmm... yes... I guess you could say that. He is at that age, after all." The sudden wave of guilt made the shameful wife look away from her husband.
"Well, if you need me to get involved..." Robert said as he stepped closer. "Just know I always have your back."
Karen smiled and replied, "Thank you, Sweetheart... I know you do." Desperately trying to find a way to change the subject, Karen said, "Say... isn't your ballgame about to start?"
Checking his wristwatch, Robert replied, "Oh, you're right... it is. I didn't realize it was getting this late." Looking back at Karen, he continued, "I hope we win... I made a small wager with Tom from the office."
Narrowing her eyes, Karen replied in a joking tone, "Well, I hope you didn't bet the farm?"
Robert shook his head, "Nah... just lunch." He then chuckled and added, "I'm confident the Braves will win, but I'm not stupid."
Karen put her hand on her husband's shoulder and said, "How about this... why don't you go on into the den, and I will finish up in here?"
"Are you sure?" Robert asked with a smile, like a child asking for permission.
Smiling back, Karen replied, "Yes... I'm sure. We're just about done anyway. Once I finish, I'll come and join you."
Robert then gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips and happily left for the den. Once he disappeared, Karen breathed a big sigh of relief.
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On Wednesday afternoon, Jacob hurried home from school. Ms. Turner was due to arrive in less than fifteen minutes for a visit and 'check-up' on his condition.