Elenna cared for Cooper. She really did. But after Edison's arrival into the world, she realized something she almost wished she hadn't:
She cared for Arlo so, so much more.
Cooper was a great guy. Perfect, in fact. But Elenna was beginning to miss the touch and presence of an older man. Arlo had it all together; He lived a full life and had many accomplishments, and then looked for a woman to love and spoil. Though she loved Cooper, she was starting to realize that a life with him and the uncertainty that accompanied it might be too much for her to handle. It may have been shallow, but all Elenna ever wanted was to be a spoiled trophy wife with a handsome husband.
To stay with Cooper, well... all she'd have is a handsome husband.
She knew a strong career in the music business would be hard to come by, especially in this small coastal town. But to hurt Cooper like that, to say she didn't think he'd make it big... she didn't know what would happen. She had to keep her priorities straight, and as of right now, she had two.
The first was to protect her son, Stephen. She had to stay in this for him until she could find a way out... the more time she spent with Edison, the more she began to panic.
The second was to keep a normal face around Cooper. She couldn't let him know how she felt. he was so in love with her... Elenna liked the attention, and the sex was great... But as the days wore on, Elenna began to miss Arlo more and more. She couldn't stay in this relationship. She needed the comfort of an older man...
And a thicker wallet.
Cooper was spending long days at work, and it seemed like nothing was coming from it. No raise, no promotion, no money, even. How was she supposed to support the two boys they had at home? Worse yet, the small home they all shared was getting smaller by the second.
She sought comfort in little Stephen's presence, and began to neglect Edison. At least, when Cooper was gone.
When Cooper was home, she made sure to put on a happy face and give Edison all the attention he needed.
For the first few months, guilt overwhelmed her. It kept her up at night.
But after a while, the guilt began to disappear. She started to become a shell of what she once was, living only for Stephen. She used to be miserable, looking for a way out... but seeing Cooper's smile when she held Edison made her throw in the towel. She'd suffer through it all. He was too happy. What else could she do? She made the decision to leave Arlo for Cooper. Now she'd live with the consequences.
Besides, he loved Stephen. Whenever he came home, his sons were his priority. He spent as much time with both of them as possible.
But Cooper started to sense a change in his wife. He wasn't sure what was wrong, but he could tell something was up.
"Elenna, do you want to talk?", he'd ask every now and then. "I'm here for you. If you need to get something off your chest, I'm your guy. You seem a little down lately..."
But he always got the same response.
"I'm okay, really," she'd reply. She rarely made eye-contact. She only seemed interested in their sons.
But Cooper had something up his sleeve. It wouldn't take too much longer to uncover, but he was sure it would make her feel better.
Another year went by, and Stephen was no longer a toddler.
It was like he grew right before their eyes!
Now that Stephen was too big for his crib, Cooper figured it was time to roll out his grand surprise...
He got a raise! And a nice one, at that. But that wasn't all... those long days at work just paid for a new house. On a cliff. Overlooking the ocean, and the spot where Cooper proposed to Elenna.
He was so happy, and so so excited to share this news with his wife. He left work the night of Stephen's birthday with a spring in his step, cheering the whole way home. He couldn't wait to unveil this gift.
When he got home, Elenna was in the boys' room. She had just put Edison to sleep.
Cooper slowly began to tell his wife about their new home. It would be ready for move-in within a week, and he'd already gone out and furnished it! He put his savings into this home, and it would be such a great step for them as a family. They'd finally have a home that didn't need more TLC than their sons.
Her face showed little emotion. Her mind was clearly someplace else.
"Elenna..." Cooper sighed, pulling her close. "Do you know what this means for us? For our family?"
She smiled softly and dropped his embrace. He looked hurt.
"I'm really happy, Cooper. Really. This is wonderful... I'm just... I'm just tired."
"You've been tired an awful lot lately, then," Cooper replied, staring at the ground. She put a hand on his shoulder.
"Two little boys. What do you expect?" She softly smiled again and brushed his cheek. "I know I haven't been myself lately. But this new home, maybe that's exactly what we need, hm?"
He glanced back up at her and returned the smile.
"I hope so."'
Cooper took a few days off of work to pack up the house and spend time with the boys. Elenna was still quiet, but seemed somewhat happier knowing they were moving soon. Cooper had a lot on his mind. He was starting to worry about his family, and Edison seemed less and less happy each day. Was Elenna not caring for him? What was she thinking about? Where was that flame?
He took a jog each night to clear his mind. He'd push through this. He had to.
A month later, the Barons were fully moved in to their new abode. It was a small sea-side cottage, quaint and comforting. It felt like home.
It was like a new beginning, he thought. This home, it was a solid foundation for their family to grow upon. The boys would thrive. Elenna would be happier. So much happier.
After all, Cooper was hitting his mid-thirties. He couldn't afford to waste another minute of his life hoping things would get better. He was going to take a stand.
He was going to make things right.
[View of The Baron Cottage]
[The view from the family room, overlooking the spot where Cooper proposed]
[Indoor view of the new Baron household. 2 bedrooms, one bath, full kitchen, living room, and fireplace]
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