by Alexis Elizabeth

Created on: March 20, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2011

As I pulled into the short gravel drive I noticed that my wife was loading the kids into the van. Immediately I felt heat rise up through my collar singeing my ears. I knew she'd probably planned some family outing and expected my participation. I scooped up the six pack that I had bought on my way home and tried to brace myself for the battle grounds I was about to set foot on. I had worked an hour over my usual shift and I just wanted to sit in my chair, drink my beer and watch my television set.

To my dismay Alexis strutted up to me, pulled me down eye level with her, pressed her lips against mine, then trotted back over to the van.

"Have a nice evening," she sang as she hopped up into the driver's seat. I was very relieved. Her taking that seat signified to me that I wasn't invited. When we go out together she never drives. I guess she can't handle a little constructive criticism.

I tried watching the news, but that's all I was doing, watching. My anger began to rise with each passing minute as I replayed all the moments in my life that Alexis had taken over, made decisions for me. Two hours later it took everything I had to restrain my rage as I heard the key rattle in the lock of the front door. I took my stance in the front hall, jaw locked and ready to pounce when I was greeted by a small chattering army of smiles. Each one of the kids carried drawings bearing a cross or a bearded man.

Guilt flooded my heart as I realized that they had only attended some religious function. I quickly regained my composure and was able to greet my wife with a hug and a tight smile as she trailed in last.

"So, where'd you go?"

"I've only been telling you about this all week. Bevin invited me to a seminar at her church. I thought it would be nice to give you a break from the kids, so I brought them along for the children's classes."

I still had no clue what she was talking about but I didn't really want to get into it.

"Yes. That's right, I think I do remember you mentioning that."

Many weeks had passed and Alexis and the kids continued to attend this new church every Wednesday and Sunday. I didn't mind much because those were the only two days that I was allowed to be the king of my castle. Unfortunately as her interest in the bible studies it became a very messy castle. Unlike her previous ventures, she truly seemed happy. She picked fights with me less frequently and became more affectionate. I was happy for her, but jealous at the same time. It bothered me to think

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