by Kate Gilead
No words needed.
Then, I help him carefully nail the plywood boards over the doorway.
Even though he won’t be back here again either, he’s still determined to discharge his every last responsibility with honor and integrity.
And that’s only one of the reasons why I love him.
That done, we walk together to our vehicles, where we share a kiss before starting the road home.
Chapter Eleven
Jack
CHRISTMAS TIME
“No, you can’t just change the rules in the middle of the game!” Mikey, laughing, throws his cards on the table, pushes his chair back and turns to look at me. “Can you believe this? She’s not even trying to hide her cheating!”
I hold up my hands. “I’m staying neutral, dude. Sorry!”
“Chicken,” he teases.
“Bawwwk bawk bawk,” I say, grinning.
“What do you mean, cheating? An ace can be a one, or an eleven, that’s why it’s a wild card! How is that cheating?”
Molly drops me a wink, blue eyes twinkling.
“Wha…oh, what’s wrong, sis, you got something in your eye I guess?” Mikey teases her.
We all laugh.
“‘Kay, cut me some slack, I haven’t played rummy since we were kids,” Molly says. “Remind me, what’s a wild card in this game again?”
“A wild card is a wild card, it means it can be anything. And you never called wild-card rules at the start of the game. You can’t pull it out of your ass halfway through just because you have a shitty hand.”
“Oh, you can’t?” Molly laughs. “Why not? What better time is there?”
Mikey laughs, crinkling his nose at his sister, just the same way she does it. “Oh, sure. If I’d tried that when we were kids, you’d have never let me get away with it,” he snorts.
“Well, I better get dinner started now. Alright, Mikey, you got me this time. But next time, your ass is grass!”
Mike brings his soda into the living room where I’m sitting, plunking himself into the chair across from me and immediately getting absorbed in his phone.
When Molly and I picked him up at the airport nearly three months ago, it was great how happy they were to see each other, but how different they are in looks kind of knocked me for a loop.
I wasn’t expecting to be able to look straight into Mikey’s eyes, for one thing. It’s hard to get a sense of how tall someone is just from Facebook photos. Molly told me that he looks like their father, who was apparently tall, with dark hair, while Molly is blonde, short and curvy, like her mother. So I don’t know why I was surprised.
But yeah, the kid is as tall as me. Dark haired and dark-eyed, like their absent father. At eighteen, he’s probably finished growing vertically. But he’s skinny, still got some filling out to do, like most young men his age.
And he’s eager to get filled out. We were barely in the car for the ride home before he was asking me questions about my work-out routine and how I got so pumped.
Hah!
They might look different, but Molly and Mike are alike in a lot of ways.
It’s been fun, and kind of poignant, getting to know him. And seeing his and Molly’s sibling dynamic together reminds me so much of my own with Todd, it gives me a pang sometimes.
Their interactions are still sometimes on the immature side, but I think they’re making up for lost time. And hell, my interactions with Todd were pretty immature at times too, right up until he passed. And we were both in our thirties by then.
Some things just never change, I guess. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Looking back down at my tablet, I get to work getting my crew scheduled for the end of the Christmas break. Already so inundated with business, I’ve had to turn down jobs left, right and center.
Yeah. It was the right time to go out on my own. And to Molly’s relief, my day consists more of supervising than running a saw or a skidder, so she’s pretty happy with that these days too.
Although, I still get my hands dirty, like any man should.
“Pssst!”
I look up at Mikey. He sits up and peers at the doorway to the kitchen, where we can hear the sounds of Molly getting dinner prepared. He puts a finger to his lips. “Shhh,” he whispers. “I need to talk to you about what to get Molly for Christmas.”
“Sure,” I whisper back. “Right now?”
He nods.
Louder, I say, “Hey Mike, can you give me a hand in the garage for a sec?”
“Sure Jack, no problem,” he says, way too loudly.
I roll my eyes at him, garnering a contrite expression that, again, reminds me very much of Molly.
Inside the garage, we stand by the tool bench, where we each pick up a random tool to make it look good if Molly comes out.
“Leaving your Christmas shopping a bit late, huh?”
“Huh? It’s still a week away,” he says. I just smile and shake my head. “Besides, I want to make it special. Something to cheer her up. She’s trying to keep a good face about it, but I know she’s still really bummered about Mom.”
“Yeah, I know. I wish I knew what to do about that,” I say. “But it’s their relationship, and they have to work things out for themselves.”
He picks up a piece of wire from the tool bench and begins fiddling with it, twisting it in a tight circle with a pair of pliers. “It’d be a lot easier if Mom wasn’t so stubborn. So, set in her ways. She has some real old-fashioned ideas about men, and how they should be the head of the house, and the providers, and all that.”
“You don’t agree with that?”
“Of course I do. Mom always said I had to learn how to be the man of the house, and tried to show me how. Even when I was younger, she gave me responsibilities, as much as I could handle.”
“That must’ve been hard for her, trying to be your mother and your father.”
He nods thoughtfully “Mmmhmm. I definitely think the man should be the head of the house, but he’s gotta earn that. Not just be a control freak and egomaniac like Claude. He’s a good provider, but maybe someone that insecure shouldn’t be calling all the shots.”
“Good point.” Again, I think how interesting it is that this kid can sometimes be so…well, child-like, and other times, so mature for his years.
“And it’s really hard on Molly I think, because Mom was more…more of a parent when we were growing up, even though she couldn’t be there as much because of her job.”
“How do you mean?”
“I mean, like, she still had rules. Strict rules. Don’t get me wrong, she made sure we had fun too, but, some things were, you know, not up for negotiation. Bedtimes, chores, the way we talked to each other, treated each other. She didn’t like it if we were mean to each other or fought. Once, I slapped my sister and Mom was livid. She made it very clear that you never hit a woman, ever. Always be a gentleman, right?”
“Molly told me about that. She said she hit you first but your mom was more upset with you. And that was the last time you two ever hit each other.”
“Yep. It wasn’t the first, though. It was just the first time we got caught.” He laughs. “We were just kids. But Mom made herself clear. Maybe it’s not fair to have a different expectation for your son than your daughter…”
“I think it’s perfectly fair. You have to teach your kids things that apply to them, not pretend life’s gonna be the same for each of them.”
“Totally. And she did, because she was, proper, you know? Didn’t swear or come home drunk, ever. She never brought any men home like some single mothers do.”
“Molly said that Claude was her first relationship after your father left. So maybe she was too busy. Or maybe, she didn’t put herself out there.”
“Yeah, all that. It sure isn’t because she wasn’t pretty enough. I mean, you’ve seen her photos. No, she was just proper. Still is. No sex or living together before marriage…oh! Um… I’m not saying that I have a problem with �
�I don’t think you and Molly are doing anything wrong, okay? And I know Molly’s had boyfriends, so…yeah. But you’re different. She’s totally serious about you.”
“It’s mutual, but I think you know that. So, let me make sure I’m getting you. A big part of the issue with your mom right now is that Molly and I aren’t married?”
“Oh definitely. She hasn’t said anything to me about it, but I doubt she’s changed her mind. She was always so strong in her opinions on that.”
“A lot of people have those traditional beliefs. Nothing wrong with it. But Molly hasn’t said a word to me about it.”
He gives me an odd look. “You know Molly believes in marriage too, don’t you?”
“I…well, I know she wants to be a wife and mother, yes. But her beliefs aren’t quite as strict or old-fashioned in every sense.”
He falls silent for a moment, untwisting the wire from around the pliers, before twisting it back around the other way.
I’m starting to get the feeling this might be Mikey’s idea of a man-to-man talk.
And it’s making me smile.
Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because of the special Christmas surprise that I have for Molly, hidden in the toe of one of my dress shoes in the closet.
“I guess…I guess it would be good…I mean, it’d help if Molly had something good to tell her. Something Mom thinks is proper. She sure didn’t think it was proper that Molly wouldn’t do what Claude wanted. She definitely didn’t want Molly and me to go live together in the city. She wanted us to live at home until we get married.”
“Yes, Molly told me how much friction that caused. And how much it hurt your mother that Claude and Molly weren’t on speaking terms.”
“Shit, I know. It’s all been real hard on my mother. And yes, Mom’s attitude about how things should go, in, you know, relationships, is definitely making my sister more anxious about the situation.”
“I know my part in all this has caused problems. I just didn’t realize the fact that we aren’t married is that big a deal.” I look at him closely. “How about you? It’s making you anxious too, isn’t it, Mike?” I nod towards the wire, which he’s now untwisting and twisting back again.
“It is,” he says, looking me straight in the eye. “I’m…well I feel kind of responsible for my sister. I guess I still have that upbringing in my head too. When they got married, Claude became the head of the family, to my mom. But, like I said, he’s not…he’s not really all that good at it, in some ways. I mean, look at him. He’s under criminal investigation, so what does that tell you?”
“You got that right, buddy.”
This kid is impressive. Ever since he got here, he’s been great . He got a job right away and is saving for college. He does what needs doing without being told. I haven’t even had to clear the snow off the driveway or take the trash out since he’s been here.
Doing what he’s supposed to be doing, like a man should.
I didn’t think I could be more impressed with this kid…this young man, I should say. But he just keeps exceeding my expectations.
“Mike? I think I get what you’re saying. And I think I’ll be able to set your mind at ease about that shortly.”
“Oh really?” He puts the pliers back on the bench and looks me in the eye. “You saying….you’re gonna pop the question?”
“Yes, but you better keep it to yourself. I’ve got the ring upstairs. I’m doing it Christmas Eve.”
“Hell, yeah! That’s great! Dude! Congratulations!”
He slaps me on the shoulder and holds his hand out. We shake, and his grip is strong and firm, like a man’s should be.
“Mike?” I stand up straight, square my shoulders and speak to him respectfully. “I think you’re a fine man. And a fine head of the family. And I want you to know that my intentions towards your sister never wavered from the day we met. I knew from the moment I set eyes on her that she is the one for me.”
“Wow. Okay, that’s awesome.”
“Okay? I’m deeply in love with her and always intended to marry her. I’m saying this to you man to man.”
“I gotcha. Thanks!” He beams at me.
“I should add that, despite your mother’s distress right now, I think she’s a fine woman too. She did a great job with both of you. I’m proud to have Molly as my wife and you as my brother-in-law.”
He nods. “Right back atcha, Jack. Hey, your mom’s pretty cool too. I think she took to me and Molly the first time she was here after we moved in. And we’re both fond of her already.”
“My mother is impressed with you both. She’s gonna love having Molly for her daughter-in-law. You know they’re already working on a quilt together. Molly loves it. Makes her happy.”
I smile, thinking how ridiculously happy Molly makes me.
“Phew, okay, glad that’s over with.” Mike pretends to wipe his brow. “That’ll make Molly real happy, but I still have to think of something good to get her for Christmas. You got any ideas?”
“Actually, yes. She wants snowshoes. I was checking them out online but…”
Mike’s phone notification goes off. “Just a sec, this might be my boss with my holiday schedule.” He pulls it from his pocket.
Then he looks up at me with wide eyes. “Wow! Unreal…we were just talking about her. It’s Mom. She wants to…well, look.” He holds it up so I can see it.
Son, I need to see you and Molly. I’ll be in the area tomorrow around two o’clock. Let me know if this works for you. Love you.
Chapter Twelve
Jack
We look at each other for a few seconds.
“What should I say?” Mikey asks.
“What do you mean? Don’t you want to see her?”
“Yes! I haven’t seen her since March break. What I mean is, is that okay with you?”
“Of course. She’s your mother. She’ll always be welcome here.”
“Mike! Mikey? Where’d you guys go?” Molly’s voice drifts out to us from within the house.
“In the garage,” Mike calls out. In a moment, she appears at the door, holding her phone. “Mike, Mom just texted me! She wants to come by and see us tomorrow…”
“I got the same text,” Mike says.
“Oh. Is that cool with you, Jack?”
“Of course! No need to ask. I can’t wait for you three to resolve things so you’ll be happy again.”
“Thank you honey!”
Chewing her lip, she thinks for a moment, then thumbs a reply.
* * *
The next day, as the appointed time approaches, the three of us are restless, anxious and on edge. We’re trying to distract ourselves by watching TV in the living room but Mike and Molly are both constantly checking their phones.
I really hope this is going to be a good visit, I think to myself. I really hope Molly, and Mike, get some peace about it now.
The doorbell rings.
Molly leaps to her feet. “I’ll get it!”
Mikey and I look at each other, then jump up and follow her.
Molly swings the door open.
The woman standing there could all but be Molly’s twin. An older version, for sure, but she’s short, blonde and beautiful.
Just like Molly.
And, just as it was with Mikey, her photos don’t do her justice. Age has not dimmed the beauty of this woman, only mellowed it.
And my breath catches as I realize I’m seeing how my Molly is going to look in twenty year’s time.
Yes indeed, I am a lucky man.
“Mom! Mom…come in,” Molly says, but her voice breaks. She puts her hands to her mouth.
“Hi, Mom,” Mikey says, looking uncertainly at his sister.
“Hi guys,” their mother says, quietly. She tries to smile, but, seeing how stricken Molly looks, her chin instantly begins to tremble.
Then she puts her hands to her mouth, squeezes her eyes shut and just…wails.
“Oh my God! Mom…Mama…c
ome in, come in,” Molly says, her own voice breaking as she holds her arms out to her mother.
“We missed you, Mom,” Mikey says, his voice cracking too.
Damned if a lump doesn’t form in my own throat. I swallow, blink, and get myself under control.
Mike and Molly gather their mother into their arms. Both of the older woman’s arms come up and she pulls her children close.
I step away to put the kettle on and give them some privacy.
* * *
A few minutes later, after their mom has visited the powder room and tidied herself up, the three of them come looking for me in the kitchen.
“Jack? This is my mom, Jean. Mom, this is Jack.” Molly’s face is still red from crying.
“Hello, Jack.” Jean shakes my hand, her eyes and nose still reddened as well. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” Then she smiles, and yes, it’s Molly’s smile.
“Nice to meet you too.” I smile back at her. “The kettle’s on. Anyone like some tea or coffee?”
“Tea would be lovely, thank you.”
“Come on, Mom. Have a seat.” Mike pulls out a chair for her at the table.
“Thank you son,” she says. Her voice is very soft and gracious.
And, tired. She sounds tired.
Molly and I bustle around in the kitchen, getting the tea makings. Molly takes out a tin of fresh baked Christmas cookies and a rum cake she made last week.
Gathering around the table, everyone busies themselves stirring tea, putting cookies on their plates and fussing with napkins.
No one is saying a word.
“Um,” I say, clearing my throat. “Would you prefer if I let the three of you speak in private? I could go catch up on some work, if you like.”
Mike and Molly both look at their mother.
She looks from one to the other, and then to me.
“No, this involves you too Jack. But I’m not here to recriminate with anyone. I’m here to put a stop to all this…nonsense. To make peace. And to let you all know, I’ve left Claude.”
Her chin trembles, but she takes a deep breath and sips her tea, her blue eyes anxiously seeking Molly’s.
“Oh, Mom,” Molly says softly. “I’m so sorry.”