Page 13 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)
Thirteen
AFTER MY LATE lunch, Mom called. When she found out that Stan Sr. had returned to his motel, she asked if she and Barbara could come over.
As I waited for them to arrive, I sat on the sofa, watching little Ben gnawing on a new chew toy.
When the doorbell rang, Ben dropped his toy and jumped out of his bed.
The pup accompanied Stanley as he went to the door to let our visitors in.
I sat waiting with a blank look on my face.
I didn’t know what to say to either Mom or Barbara.
Mom came into the living room, saw me and hurried over to where I sat. She took a seat next to me. “Gloria, please forgive me. I behaved very poorly when you came to my house.”
I didn’t want to cause my mom more distress. I forced myself to speak up. “Of course, I forgive you.”
My mom waited, as if she thought I should say more than I did. Finally, she sat back and shrugged. “I wish I had a better excuse for my actions, but I’m just upset.”
I wanted to ease her mind, but a sharp kick from the baby made me grab my belly instead. I wasn’t expecting it and let out a little gasp of discomfort.
Stanley had been getting his mother settled, but when he heard my gasp, he hurried over. “What’s happening? Are you okay?”
I started to say I was fine when there was another sharp kick. I’d had similar experiences before, especially in the previous trimester, so I wasn’t alarmed. Still, Stanley, my mom, and Barbara were suddenly surrounding me with looks of concern. Again, I wasn’t sure what to say.
Then I saw Barbara’s face. It was filled with a look of panic. I quickly got out a few words. I assured her I was fine. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem to believe me.
“Oh, my goodness,” she said, “I’ve been so selfish coming here and upsetting you, Gloria! I better leave immediately.”
“No, please don’t go,” I said. “You’re my second mom now, and I want us to get to know each other.”
Barbara was already on the move and heading for the door, but she stopped and looked back at me. “Really, you think of me in that way?”
I held my hand on my pregnant belly and silently communed with our unborn baby.
I got the feeling it had simply been adjusting its position and was doing okay.
A peaceful feeling followed, and I smiled at Barbara.
“I’m glad you’re here. It means our family has an opportunity to get closer, and I like that. ”
Barbara crept back to her chair, still wearing those hunched shoulders she often exhibited recently. “I didn’t want to burden you and Stanley, but I didn’t know who to turn to.”
I stared at Stanley and gave him the look that said he needed to return to his mother’s side. He got the message and went over to where she sat. He spoke in a quiet but firm tone. “Mom, Gloria’s right. We’re family. We need to talk about things that are troubling you.”
My mother stood up, smiled at me and then at Barbara and Stanley. “Why don’t I get us all a cup of tea?”
Mom’s suggestion eased the tension I sensed in the room. There was also Ben’s reaction. As soon as my mom headed for the kitchen, he ran to her side. His fluffy white tail was wagging as he followed her. I’m sure he was hoping for a homemade biscuit handout.
I used the moment to glance around the room. My attention immediately settled on the Christmas decorations that Stanley and I had recently added to the space. The holiday items were cheerful and had a magical quality, a quality that included enchantment and hope.
I particularly focused on a treasured Santa figurine.
His jolly smile resurrected a Christmas feeling I’d had since childhood.
It was one of happiness and joy that seemed somehow absent at other times of the year.
As I gave myself a moment and drifted into a holiday mood, I had a wonderful thought about Barbara.
In my mind’s eye, she stood tall and straight.
The image made me think she could reclaim the strong, beautiful self that raised a son whom I adored.
As I continued to look around the room, my eyes met Barbara’s. “Second Mom,” I said, “please, don’t give up on life.”
Barbara blinked back. “What?”
I continued, using my most earnest voice.
“I met your son, Stanley, at a time when I was a complete mess. During that stressful period, I questioned who I was. When it came to answers, I felt at a loss. Now, I look back at that time and realize how lucky I was to question how I saw myself. Slowly, with guidance and love from my mom and Stanley, I was able to discover so much more of who I truly am.”
Barbara’s gaze dropped to her lap as she took in a deep breath. “I’m glad that you were able to get through that difficult time. And I’m happy that Stanley was there for you.”
“Maybe you’re ready to do what I did,” I said.
Barbara shook her head. “I wish that was true, but it’s probably too late for me.”
I pushed myself out of the sofa’s confines and went over to Stanley’s mom. Once more our eyes connected, but only for an instant. After that brief glimpse, Barbara went back to staring at her clasped hands.
I refused to be put off by her attitude. “I don’t think it’s too late, but I can relate to your feelings. I know how it feels to be isolated, alone and hopeless.”
Barbara shifted in her chair. “That’s hard to believe. You look so together, so happy.”
“That’s because I learned to let others in and accept their support.”
Stanley leaned over and hugged his mom’s shoulders. “Please, Mom, let us be there for you.”
Barbara gave him a furtive look, the kind a frightened animal has when it’s been hurt. It was followed by a breathy inhale. Finally, she turned back to me. “I want something better, that’s all. I’m tired of being someone who doesn’t count for anything.”