by Cathy Zane
With Sarah inside the house and out of earshot, Maggie whispered to Kate, “She still hasn’t told Lizzy about Robert not coming.”
“Really? How do you know?”
“Because Lizzy asked her and Sarah said he’d probably be here soon. Then she told me that she just wants to deal with it after the party.”
“Another Scarlett moment, I guess. It probably feels like too much to deal with right now.”
“I guess. I suppose she’s thinking of Lizzy.” Maggie tied another balloon to the railing. “I mean, I’m not a parent so what do I know. Maybe it is better this way.” It didn’t seem better, though. It seemed wrong.
“I . . .”
Whatever Kate had planned to say, she didn’t get a chance. Sarah had just come out of the house.
Sarah walked out of the house with eight small Easter baskets of different pastel colors looped over her arms. “We definitely have a theme going here. Mag, I’m so glad you thought to get the pastel balloons. I didn’t think to tell you that.”
“Well,” Maggie said, “I’d like to take credit, but it was actually the store clerk who suggested it when I told her about the Easter theme.”
Sarah smiled. “Then I’m glad you listened to her!” She lined the baskets up on a table dressed with a pale-yellow table cloth. Lilies in a Waterford vase—a gift from Robert’s mother, Cynthia—served as the centerpiece. One of the many small touches Sarah had added in an attempt to please her mother-in-law. She gazed up at the sunny sky and then around at the decorations, grateful for the beautiful day. She looked at her friends and realized that she felt relaxed and happy. She was surprised to admit it, but she was actually glad Robert wasn’t coming. He would have silenced some of Cynthia’s criticism, but being attentive to his mood would have been stressful for her. She’d be able to relax more without him here.
“Hello there,” a familiar voice called out.
“Hi Carol,” Sarah called back as she went inside. Maggie and Kate followed her in. As she greeted Carol and Cynthia at the door, Sarah could see several other guests coming up the walk after them. “Kate,” she said turning back to face her, “could you get the girls for me?”
Kate nodded. “Sure thing.” She turned and disappeared down the hall.
Sarah greeted Carol and Cynthia with hugs and offered to take their purses and coats.
“Maggie, I think we’ll use the den for everyone’s things,” she said, holding out the contents of her arms toward her.
Maggie stepped up to help. “Sounds good.” She took the coats and purses and headed for the den.
As more guests arrived, Sarah directed the girls to a table on the deck that was covered in butcher paper and buckets of crayons for drawing and encouraged the parents to help themselves to hors d’oeuvres.
Once all the guests had settled in, Sarah took a minute to stop and catch her breath. All the girls were at the coloring table and the adults were talking in pairs or groups. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves. She checked her watch, calculating her timing. Most of the adults were slowing down on the food and a couple of the girls had stopped drawing. Probably time to move things along.
Sarah went to the table with the baskets and called out to the girls, “It’s time for the Easter egg hunt!”
All the girls came running except for one determined artist who was putting the finishing touches on an elaborate bunch of multicolored flowers.
“Erin, honey,” Sarah said, “we don’t want to start without you. You can draw some more later if you want.”
Erin looked up and reluctantly left the table to join the other girls, who were excitedly squirming and talking over each other. Sarah quieted them and gave instructions as she handed out the baskets. “Wait here until everyone has a basket. The eggs are hidden on the deck and in the yard.” She handed the last basket to Emma and then yelled, “Okay. Go find ’em!”
All the girls squealed and scattered.
Maggie walked over to stand next to Sarah. “You lucked out with the weather. This is the clearest I’ve seen Mt. Rainier in a long time.”
Sarah glanced out at the mountain, framed by a cloudless blue sky. “I know.” She lifted her face up to feel the warmth of the sun on her skin. “This is the most beautiful day we’ve had in months.”
“Alert,” Maggie whispered, glancing over Sarah’s shoulder. “Mother-in-law approaching.”
Sarah turned. Cynthia was walking gracefully across the deck. As always, she was stylishly dressed, with impeccable makeup and hair and an air of pretentiousness. Carol, more relaxed and casually dressed, walked alongside her.
They stopped in front of Sarah and Maggie.
“The girls all look so nice in their dresses,” Cynthia said.
“They do,” Sarah said, surprised but pleased by Cynthia’s pleasantness.
“I hope they don’t ruin them with this egg hunt.”
Sarah felt instantly deflated. You’re such a fool. Why do you even get your hopes up with her?
“Mom, relax,” Carol said. “They’re having fun.”
“I’m just saying it would be a shame to—”
“Let’s go get you a drink.” Carol moved closer to her mother and took her arm to steer her back into the house. She glanced at Sarah and rolled her eyes.
“I don’t care for a drink. Or for being patronized.” Cynthia forcefully pulled her arm away from Carol and strode back into the house.
Carol grimaced. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” Sarah said.
“No. It really isn’t okay. But it’s sweet of you to be so accepting.” Carol turned to go after her mother. “I’d better go do some damage control.”
Maggie stepped closer to Sarah once Carol was out of earshot and erupted. “What’s with her today? Can you say woke up on the wrong side of the bed? And in a major way!”
“It’s not just today,” Sarah said. “That’s how she always is.”
“Seriously? That sucks. Brings to mind Jane Fonda in Monster-in-Law.”
Sarah smiled. “I know. I keep hoping she might actually mellow with age, but I’d probably have better luck with hell freezing over!” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized she could say the same thing about Robert. Like mother, like son.
“Yeah, that’s probably a lost cause. I sure hope Robert protects you from her when he’s around!”
“Yeah,” Sarah said slowly, choosing her words carefully. She couldn’t tell Maggie that he was just like her. She’d lose all credibility. “One of the many reasons I wish he were here today.”
“I hear you,” Maggie said. “But I’m here. I can be his stand-in. She messes with you again and I’ll give her a piece of my mind.”
Sarah felt her stomach clench. The last thing she needed was Maggie creating a scene. “Thanks for the sentiment. But it’s fine. I really don’t let it bother me.” She hated lying to Maggie. In fact, she longed to tell her the truth, but at the moment, it wasn’t an option.
“If you say so. Just let me know if you change your mind.”
“I’ll do that,” Sarah said. She was pretty sure Maggie wouldn’t do anything, but she’d try to keep them apart, just in case.
“So, what’s next?” Maggie asked.
“We’ll serve the cake and then I’m gonna tell them a story here on the deck. After that we’ll go inside and open presents.”
“Great. You cut and I’ll serve.”
“Thanks.” Sarah began to cut small pieces from the bunny’s ears. “I feel bad cutting into this. It’s such a work of art!”
“A work of art that’s meant to be eaten!” Kate said as she joined them. “Let me take over. I have no problem cutting it up!”
Sarah smiled and handed her the knife. She wiped her hands on a napkin and called out to the girls, who were finishing up their egg hunt.
“Okay, girls. Bring your baskets and come sit up here on this blanket. It’s time for cake and then I have a special story for you.”
> She felt a little nervous. She hoped the story went over okay. Maybe she should have tried it out on Lizzy first. But she wanted to surprise her. And Robert. And now he wouldn’t even be here to hear it. Shit, listen to yourself. Stop moaning and just tell the story. This is about Lizzy, remember? Quit being such a baby. Besides, he probably would have thought it was stupid.
Once the cake was served and the girls were settled on the blanket, Sarah began to tell them the story of a little brown rabbit who felt different because all the other rabbits had beautiful white fur. He kept to himself and was very lonely until something happened that changed everything for him. The girls, and even the adults who had come closer to listen, were captivated until the very end.
“. . . and the little rabbit never had to be alone ever again. The end.”
The girls and adults clapped and Sarah curtsied. “Now, let’s go into the living room so Lizzy can open her presents!”
The girls all jumped up excitedly and ran for the house. Kate approached as Sarah was picking the blanket up off the deck. “Great story,” she said, reaching out to help Sarah fold the blanket. “Where did you find it?”
“I made it up.”
Kate raised her eyebrows. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. I was just gonna read something. But then I woke up with this idea the other day so I decided to go with it.”
“Well I’m glad you did. It was great. Really creative and sweet.”
Another mother approached and said, “Nice story Sarah.”
“She wrote it herself!” Kate said.
“Really?” The mother turned from Kate back to Sarah. “I didn’t know you were a writer. It was really wonderful.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” Sarah smiled as they all walked into the house together. It was the first time someone had acknowledged her as a writer for a while. She had to admit that it felt good.
Sarah quickly scanned the living room. All the girls were huddled together on the floor, playing with Lizzy’s newly opened gifts, and the adults were sitting around the room on the sofa and chairs, watching and talking. She smiled when she saw six-month-old Cody in his baby carrier, periodically sucking his pacifier in his sleep. She remembered Lizzy at that age, and how precious those moments when she would finally fall asleep had been. Cody’s mother, Jane, looked relaxed as she sat at the end of the sofa, engrossed in a conversation with another mother.
“Can I get more coffee for anyone?” Sarah asked the room.
Several mothers nodded.
“Yes, dear, that would be lovely,” Cynthia said. “I’ll take one sugar and a small amount of cream, please.”
Carol got up and motioned to Sarah. “Stay put. Sit down for a bit. I’ll get it.”
“I’ll help you,” Maggie offered.
Sarah saw the look on Maggie’s face and knew she was trying to hold herself back from telling Cynthia off. At least she had the good sense to get out of the room before she said something she regretted.
“Pompous old biddy,” she said under her breath to Sarah as she passed her. “Why doesn’t she get her own frickin’ coffee?”
Sarah suppressed a smile as she watched Carol and Maggie leave. She sank down into a chair, relieved for a little break. Adrenaline had been pouring through her body since she’d woken up that morning, and now she was exhausted. At least the party was winding down and everything had gone just as she’d envisioned it. In fact, it had been perfect. Lizzy seemed really happy.
The only thing missing was Robert. These were the moments she wanted to share with him. Why didn’t he get that? How could she make him understand that he was missing out on so much? If they could all just spend more time together, he would see what he was missing.
Jane waved to Sarah from across the room to get her attention. “May I use your bathroom?” she asked in a loud whisper.
Sarah nodded. “Sure. It’s right down the hall. Second door on the right.”
Sarah looked around the room as she watched Jane gently tiptoe through the mass of girls on the floor. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Everyone except Cynthia; she looked quite dour. But then, nothing ever seemed to please her. Especially when it came to Sarah. Sarah was sure she was missing Robert, who was clearly her favorite of her three children. The oldest and the only boy. Sarah wondered how Carol could stand it. She knew she would have taken the path of Robert’s youngest sister and moved across the county. The farther away the better.
Cody dropped his pacifier and began to whimper. Sarah started to get up, but Lizzy beat her to it. She scooted over to him, put the pacifier back in his mouth, and rubbed his head.
“Here Cody,” she said sweetly. “Here it is. It’s okay.”
Cody quieted and began sucking the pacifier.
Tears filled Sarah’s eyes as she watched their interaction. Kate walked over and gently put her arm around her. “She’s going to be a great big sister,” she whispered.
Sarah turned to Kate and smiled through her tears. “She sure is.” She gave her a quick hug. She was glad Kate knew she was pregnant and was seeing in Lizzy what she was seeing.
Maggie and Carol came back with a tray of coffee and began handing out cups as Sarah drifted into thoughts of Lizzy and the new baby. This was a good thing. Lizzy would be a great big sister. It would be wonderful for her. Surely Robert would see that. She chided herself for worrying; she was just being silly. It would be okay. Better than okay. It would probably bring them closer together.
“Carol, dear,” she heard Cynthia say. “Could you get me some more cream? This is a bit dark for me.”
“Sure Mom,” Carol said, taking the cup from Cynthia and rolling her eyes as she passed Sarah. Sarah smiled at her, wondering how she did it. Carol had the patience of a saint—a quality Sarah didn’t possess, especially when it came to Cynthia. She knew when to keep her mouth shut, but her truer instincts were more in line with Maggie’s. It would feel really good to just tell her off.
She looked over at Cynthia and wondered what she would be like at her age. Cynthia didn’t seem happy—but then, Sarah had never been close enough to her to ask. She knew that Cynthia had friends; she played bridge and had lunch with them at the country club. Maybe she was content with her life, but it seemed very lonely to Sarah. She knew how lonely she was with Robert gone so much, and she at least had work. Cynthia didn’t even have that. She seemed to live vicariously through her children, especially Robert. But her affection had never extended to Sarah—and Sarah knew why. She was a big disappointment to her mother-in-law. Cynthia had always expected to have a daughter-in-law from her world. And Sarah was definitely not that girl.
“Bye. Thanks for coming,” Sarah said to the last of the guests as she closed the front door. She walked back into the living room just as Carol and Maggie entered from the kitchen. Kate was on the floor with Lizzy and Emma, playing with Lizzy’s gifts, and Cynthia was sitting close by on the sofa, still cradling her coffee cup in her hands.
“The food is put away and the dishes washed,” Carol said. “Anything else we should do?”
Sarah shook her head. “No, not at all. You’ve done plenty.” She was truly grateful for all the help, but now she just wished everyone would leave so she could take a nap.
“No problem,” Carol said. “It was fun! My boring big brother definitely missed out!”
“He might beg to differ!” Sarah said and then frowned. “I’m surprised he hasn’t called yet.”
“Well, feel free to give him my two cents’ worth for not being here!” Carol said.
“I ditto that!” Kate said, looking up from her play with the girls on the floor.
“Mom, about ready to go?” Carol said, turning to Cynthia.
Sarah turned away to hide her grin. She knew Cynthia had been ready to leave for a while.
“Yes,” Cynthia said. “I’ll just need my coat and purse.”
“I’ll get it,” Maggie offered, and she rushed out to get her belongings.
Sarah
chuckled inwardly. Maggie was just as eager to get rid of Cynthia as she was.
Cynthia put her cup down on the coffee table, pushed herself up off the sofa, and walked to stand under the archway that opened into the foyer. Sarah was still thinking about Robert and wondering why he hadn’t called, so she missed the look Cynthia flashed her way.
“Sarah,” Cynthia said sternly. “I’m leaving now.”
Her tone jolted Sarah back to reality. Earth to Sarah. Why weren’t you paying better attention? You know how important these formalities are to her.
“Lizzy,” she said, standing up. “Nana is leaving. Please come say good-bye.”
Lizzy ran to her grandmother. “Bye Nana.” She gave her grandmother a hug.
“Good-bye Lizzy. You had a very nice party. Do you have a thank-you for your Nana?”
“Thanks, Nana.”
“It is politer to say ‘thank you,’ Lizzy,” Cynthia said, her irritation apparent.
Sarah felt her stomach clench. She knew Robert would hear about this. She could hear Cynthia’s words now. The girl has no manners. Like mother, like daughter. She should have prepped Lizzy. Or at least prompted her. Just more evidence for Cynthia of her shortcomings as a mother.
“Thank you,” Lizzy said, looking to Sarah for direction. Sarah smiled and put her hand on Lizzy’s upper back to reassure her.
“You are very welcome, my dear,” Cynthia said.
Carol stepped up. “Hey, what about your favorite aunt?” She kneeled and reached out to give Lizzy a hug.
Lizzy smiled and hugged her back. “Thank you, Aunt Carol.”
“Sure thing, munchkin. You had a really great party!”
Lizzy beamed. “Yeah! It was the bestest party ever!”
“It was the best party, Lizzy,” Cynthia said. “Bestest isn’t a word.”
Lizzy looked up at her grandmother, but Carol quickly stood up between them and took her mother’s arm.