"What can i do?    I  love them both so much." 

Marty was definitely the picture of a man with a problem.   His wife had made plans for the weekend and he had promised Ellie weeks ago that he would spend  time with her.      He had spoken to Ellie on the phone  a few  nights before and she had sounded so happy about his coming to stay the weekend.     Marty just didn't have the heart to tell her he couldnt make it.

Marty and Ellie's relationship had began long before he met Doris and it had survived so many traumas.    Marty knew Ellie would always be there for him and that she loved him without reservation.   He loved her the same way.    When Marty met and fell in love with Doris he knew that it would be a blow to Ellie.     He tried to explain to her that just because he was marrying Doris it didn't mean that THEIR relationship  was over, but Ellie  knew it would never really be the same between them.   She was right.    Although he still loved her as much as ever, they only saw each other on special occasions and it was never as satisfying as it had been before his marriage.

The real trouble started when Doris insisted they move to be closer to her parents.   It was a good move in some ways.    The kids loved their school,  Marty's business was thriving and Doris was happy.    Ellie was heartboken and he thought she blamed Doris for making him go.

He knew that there were no other men in Ellie's life.    He meant everything to her.

Sometimes he wished she would find someone, but another part of him was glad she had remained faithful.    He knew he was being selfish in that respect but he couldn't help it.   The thought of Ellie making love to another man was upsetting to him.   He wanted her to be a one man woman.

If only Doris hadnt invited her family over this weekend everything would have worked out fine.  He could have told her he was going away for the weekend.    Why the hell hadn't she reminded him it was her parents anniversary?    Now he would have to listen to the sadness and disappointment in Ellie's voice when he broke the news.   He would send her the biggest bouquet of flowers but it just wouldn't be the same.

The ringing of the telephone interrupted Marty's thoughts.

He picked up the phone.   "Hello?"  It was Ellie.

"Marty,  I''m so glad I caught you before you left.    i wont be able to see you this weekend after all."

"Oh no!   You're not ill are you?"

" Oh heavens no, nothing like that.   I've been invited to spend the weekend with a friend and I've accepted.     I hope you understand.   It's a man from work and I have to tell you Marty, I really like him."

"What!  You can't be serious?

"I'm very serious."

"But we were supposed to spend this weekend together?"

"Oh come on now Marty  I've already spoken to Doris and I know about the party this weekend."

"You spoke to Doris?  What did you say?"

"Dont worry about Doris,  she understands and approves and agrees that its time I started dating again.     Marty Its time YOU realizied that I have to build a life of my own.   Your father has been dead for a very long time."

"I know Mom, Doris is always telling me I'm not being fair by wanting you to live the rest of your life with a son and a memory.     Have a good weekend Mom."

"Thank you son, and Marty.... You can still send me the flowers."

"Ha ha Mom, you know I will.    I love you.   Goodnight."