Page 13 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance
“Why is it so hard for people to get along?” I asked as a tear rolled down my cheek. “Seeing you two, I wonder if I’ll be in your shoes someday. Will Stanley and I grow apart and go our separate ways? Will I become someone who’s face is full of unhappiness?”
Eleven
MY QUESTION MUST have acted as a sort of emotional smelling salt. My mom and Barbara both came alive with concern. But I didn’t care. I stood up, put my hands on my wider-than-usual hips and scowled back. “You’re both very strong women, and I want to look up to you as role models. But if you’re my future, I need to rethink everything.”
Before Mom or Barbara had a chance to respond, I called out to my frisky pup, Ben. He came running over, and I headed to the foyer closet. I grabbed my coat and began to put it on as both Mom and Barbara came into the foyer. Again, I ignored them. I’d seen the truth.
Under the personalities of the two strong women, there were two unhappy, bitter people. I couldn’t end up like them, not with a baby to think about. I put a leash on Ben and let myself out of the house while they were both trying to convince me to stay.
As I headed for home, I was careful to navigate the sidewalk. Even if it wasn’t slippery, I had to be aware of what I was doing and be safety conscious. I couldn’t let my emotions overwhelm me. If I did, I’d start crying, and my eyes would go blurry. Then I could trip and fall. I had to take charge of myself or I’d eventually end up like my mother or my mother-in-law. If that happened my child would have an old, bitter parent to deal with. I wanted so much more than that for both of us.
By the time I arrived home, I was much calmer. The cold, brisk air was a cleansing agent that helped me to think with more clarity, and I knew what to do next. I needed a tranquil place where I could relax and review my options on how to go forward.
Stanley and Stan Sr. must have decided to forget decorating the porch. When I arrived home, they were busy assembling a family of Christmas deer. Each had their own deer to put together so I guess there was nothing to argue about.
Stanley came over to me as soon as I walked up the driveway. “Gloria, I thought you were having lunch at your Mom’s.”
My mom’s dejected face came to mind. “Change of plans,” I said with as little emotion in my voice as possible. “I’m driving over to my Dad’s house.”
Stanley took my hand. “What happened? You seemed so happy this morning when you spoke with your mom.”
As Stanley was talking to me, I noticed that his father stopped working on the deer decoration. Stan Sr. stood up with a look of concern.
“Gloria, Stanley said that my wife was going to be there too. Is that right?” he asked.
I nodded. “She was there,” I said, but I refused to go into detail. If Stan Sr. wanted to know more, he could talk to his wife.
Stanley gave me a pleading look. “Did my mother do or say something that, that—”
I slipped my hand out of Stanley’s and headed for the house. “I’m sorry, both of you, but I don’t want to talk about it. After I get my purse and car keys, I’m leaving. So please remove your projects from the driveway.”
I must have been very firm with my announcement because neither son nor father seemed to know what to say. However, as I was letting myself into the house, I heard Stan Sr. make a comment to Stanley. “Sorry, son, but it appears that your wife is running out on you just like your mother ran out on me.”
I refused to listen to any more of his comments and quickly went inside to get my things. But once I shut the front door, Ben began jumping up on my slacks. I think he was picking up on the mood of all the folks around him. I petted his furry head and smiled at my sweet, little pup. “Ben, it’s okay, but you have to understand that people’s lives are more complicated than yours.”
I drove to Dad’s house wondering if he’d be home. If he wasn’t, I had a key to his house. When he gave it to me, he said I should think of his place as my home away from home. My dad wasn’t always so thoughtful. He’s come a long way in being sensitive to the needs of his family. However, when I got to his house, I knew someone was there. Lolly’s car was parked in the driveway. I parked next to her car, wondering why my sister was visiting our father. Earlier, when we spoke, she said she and Gerald were going to do a little indoor decorating that day.
I got out of the car, put a leash on Ben, and paused. I’m usually full of energy, but with a baby on board, I’m feeling tired more and more of the time. Ben is my opposite. After a quick snooze on the way over, his eyes were bright, and his body was all wiggly and excited.
After a restful moment, I let Ben out of the car. He danced around on the end of his lead, letting me know we needed to get into the house as quickly as possible. He loves visiting my fatherbecause, like Mom, Dad has treats. Within minutes of arriving, Ben and I are usually standing in the kitchen while Dad gets me something to drink, and Ben gets something yummy to eat.
I went to the front door and knocked a couple of times. There was no answer, so I used my key. After I let myself in, I announced my presence. “Hi, it’s Gloria! Is anybody home?”
A voice called out from upstairs. It was my sister Lolly’s voice. “Gloria? Come on up.”
I was on my way to the stairs, but Ben wouldn’t have it. I’d taken off his leash, and he was letting me know what I was supposed to do. In this case, he kept running towards the kitchen and back to me. It’s always hard to say no to his pleading, doggy eyes, and I was soon getting him a biscuit out of a canister marked “Ben.” He accepted the treat in a polite manner and ran off to his dog bed.
While Ben was enjoying his treat, I went upstairs looking for Lolly. I found her in a spare bedroom. For a moment, it was like looking at a younger version of Mom. The older she gets, the more Lolly resembles our mother. My brother takes after our father. As for me, I sometimes wonder if my parents brought the wrong baby home from the hospital. My mother says that’s silly, that I’m a combination of both her and Dad. Maybe so.
I walked over to one of the two reading chairs by the window. Lolly sat in the other chair. I once had a similar furniture arrangement in one of my bedrooms. However, things changed when the room was converted into a nursery.
I barely sat down when Lolly gave me a puzzled look. “What are you doing here?” she asked in a demanding tone. “You’re supposed to be at having lunch at Mom’s house.”
“And you’re supposed to be at home with Gerald, decorating,” I said.
Lolly’s face wilted into an miserable scowl. “What’s wrong with Gerald? Why is he questioning the names I picked out for our baby?”
I frowned back. “I thought both parents should have a say in naming their baby.”
