for love not hate

3
ForLoveNotHate ~ D. Lee Cox 12 years ago he told her he could forgive the drinking and drugs; those were things that could be worked out. But if she ever wanted a divorce, cheat. 2 weeks later she didn’t come home for more than 24 hours. He was used to her coming home the next morning, either by herself, with a friend, or the police. He learned to get the kids out in the morning before she got home, shot red eyes, slurring words in a completely different pitch, stumbling, looking for a fight. A fist fight. But that time it was clear she wasn’t coming home. When she finally answered her phone her response was, “I’m at my boyfriend’s.” 10 years ago the divorce was final. He won the house, the car, and the kids. And every bill that came with them. The kids hated him. He was strict. Homework, chores, respect, character, honesty. On her weekend, she’d leave the kids with friends so she could go out. She skipped the middle child’s birthday for a night out with the boyfriend. She claimed them on her taxes. 8 years ago she got sober. She remarried. She bought a nice house in a solid upper-middle class neighborhood in a slightly above average school district. 5 years ago he lost his job. And while he found another almost immediately, it was across state. He would have to go to court to convince a judge to let him keep the kids. Rarely is a father given custody, even rarer is one winning it twice. Without the monetary means to fight, he gave up custody.

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What would you do for love that hate couldnt make you do? Divorced father finds the limit.

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ForLoveNotHate~ D. Lee Cox

12 years ago he told her he could forgive the drinking and drugs; those were things that could be worked out. But if she ever wanted a divorce, cheat.2 weeks later she didnt come home for more than 24 hours.He was used to her coming home the next morning, either by herself, with a friend, or the police.He learned to get the kids out in the morning before she got home, shot red eyes, slurring words in a completely different pitch, stumbling, looking for a fight. A fist fight.But that time it was clear she wasnt coming home.When she finally answered her phone her response was, Im at my boyfriends.10 years ago the divorce was final. He won the house, the car, and the kids. And every bill that came with them.The kids hated him. He was strict. Homework, chores, respect, character, honesty.On her weekend, shed leave the kids with friends so she could go out.She skipped the middle childs birthday for a night out with the boyfriend.She claimed them on her taxes.8 years ago she got sober. She remarried. She bought a nice house in a solid upper-middle class neighborhood in a slightly above average school district.5 years ago he lost his job. And while he found another almost immediately, it was across state. He would have to go to court to convince a judge to let him keep the kids. Rarely is a father given custody, even rarer is one winning it twice. Without the monetary means to fight, he gave up custody.4 years ago he learned the oldest was smoking cigarettes.That same year the youngest was suspended for fighting.On his weekends he heard casual stories about how the step-father had started drinking again, the shady kids that showed up to the parties, and how oldest cousin was caught shooting up in the bathroom on her birthday.Late that year the oldest, still a minor, was arrested in another state, having taken his mothers car without permission to the beach.3 years ago the youngest child demanded to live with her father as she no longer felt safe at her mothers.He made the arrangements. She started school. Perhaps because she wasnt used to rules like: wash dishes, keep your room clean, no smoking, no boys when Im not home, she decided to move back to her mothers.Home, she always referred to it - home. His place was never home.2 years ago the middle child was arrested for loitering and possession.The next day he called the police in his ex-wifes town.Look, officer, Im certain you know this house. Youve been called out there several times. I can tell you there are drugs and minors and all the citations you need to make your months quota can you not just go out there?No sir. We need evidence within the house, probable cause to enter the house without a subpoena.So unless you can actually see underage kids drinking in the house, or smell marijuana coming from inside, or heard a gunshot inside the house, theres nothing you can do? Seriously. All you need to do is knock on the door. When that thing opens the stench of bong water will knock you on your ass!Sir, unless we have probable cause we cant even knock on the side door.Officer my kids are in danger!Im sorry sir, theres nothing we can do.Last month he was told his ex-wife had started drinking again last year.The eldest moved out. Said his mother was drinking heavily. Said the middle was taking pills from a kid that beat up the stepfather. Said the youngest was smoking pot.He called the police again.And again the same story.Last week he resigned himself to what would have to be done the kids out of there permanently.Tonight they were having a party. He stood at the front door. He put his cell phone to his ear, called the police, told them where they could find him, and hung up.When he could see the blue lights coming down the thoroughfare he knocked on the door. From his jacket he removed a paper bag full of marijuana and set it on fire.When he heard someone unlocking the door, he unholstered his weapon, and pushed his way in. The police would have more than enough reason to remove the kids now.