Helen
“Payton and Abby, whatever you don’t eat I want you to take and share with everybody at home. There’s plenty to go around. One of my favorite things about the day after Christmas is having you over to finish the rest of the food.”
“I think everybody can agree the food always tastes better the second day. Besides, the worst is to enjoy a big feast at someone else’s house and go back home to an empty fridge.” Abby frowned.
“Same here. This morning Emmie woke up talking about Cousin Jolene’s barbecue, and Cole wanted more cabbage,” Payton said in between taking bites.
“There’s plenty more where that came from. Isn’t that right, Jolene?”
“Yes, ma’am. Take as much as you like. That way you can spare me from packaging and freezing everything.”
“Payton, I’m so glad to see you have more of an appetite today. You didn’t have much on your plate last night. The babies need their nutrition.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’m giving them as much as I can. I’m sure as soon as I get past this stage of sporadic nausea then everything will be just fine.”
“I’m sure it will. Payton, I’m so happy for you and Cole. To think after all these years you didn’t believe you could get pregnant. It just wasn’t meant to be in your previous marriage. God has his perfect timing, and I’m so happy the time is now, with Cole.”
“So am I. Although I will not lie. The doctor made me a little nervous with all the high-risk pregnancy talk because I’m over thirty-five. It’s not exactly what you want to hear after finding out such good news.”
“Payton, women do it all the time. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last, dear,” I said.
“I know. Just tell that to my nervous system.”
“You’ll be fine, Payton, really. And you know we’ll be there with you every step of the way,” Abby said.
“You girls sure have stuck together like glue over the years, haven’t you?” Cousin Jolene asked.
“Pretty much. This is the first time we’re coming together the day after Christmas for lunch at Mom’s house without Rebecca,” Abby replied.
“Yeah, you’re right. Even when I was married to Jack and living in Connecticut, I always managed to be here for Christmas week. I’m sorry to bring it up but have you spoken to her since last night, Mom?”
“No. Ethan quietly got her things together, packed the baby up, said goodnight and they were on their way. I really think she had too much to drink. ”
“Even if that’s the case, it’s still no excuse. She almost ruined Christmas for everybody. The least she could do is apologize. And, what about you, Cousin Jolene?” Payton seemed downright irritated. So was I for that matter.
“What about me? I didn’t create a scene at the dinner table. My guest and I were on our best behavior.”
We all looked at Jolene. Only she would think it was a good idea to bring the new owner of the inn to the house, creating such an awkward situation. It just so happens he was a younger looking version of her husband George, and when I say younger, I really mean a lot younger! I could see how she would be attracted to him. Especially after a few glasses of her favorite beverage. But what on earth he saw in her, I’ll never understand.
“You were on your best behavior alright. I’m going to call you Cousin Jolene, the flirt.”
“Abby, I do not understand why you would say such a thing.” Jolene played innocent but we all knew better. She couldn’t even keep a straight face because she knew Abby was telling the truth.
The doorbell rang.
“Mom, are you expecting company?” Payton asked.
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“I’ll bet five bucks it’s Rebecca,” Payton said.
“Don’t even waste your money, you know how stubborn she is. It will be days before she comes around to admitting she was wrong,” Abby said.
“Oh, come on. It’s just a little friendly wager.”
“Will you two stop it?” I said.
Sure enough, at the front door I could see Rebecca’s silhouette through the side panel. Whatever she had come to say after yesterday’s fiasco had better be really good. I opened the door and waited for her to speak. When she said nothing I turned around and started heading back to the kitchen.
“We’re in the back having lunch if you’d like to join us. Close the door behind you.”
Rebecca entered the kitchen with a shy and timid look on her face. I was having a hard time falling for it. There was nothing about my youngest child’s fiery personality that was shy or timid.
“Grab yourself a plate,” I offered.
“Thank you, but I didn’t come to stay long. I figured you all would be here, and I just wanted to come by and apologize for my behavior last night.”
Payton leaned over to Abby. “I would’ve totally won the bet,” she said out loud.
“Uh oh, let me grab some popcorn for round two. This is better than my daytime soap operas. Much more entertaining,” Jolene said.
Rebecca rolled her eyes at Jolene.
“My momma used to tell me if I rolled my eyes they would wind up permanently in the back of my head,” Jolene said as she made a plate of food.
“Rebecca, have a seat.” I motioned toward a chair.
She sat at the center island and began to speak.
“I owe all of you an apology for what I said last night. I had way too much to drink and completely embarrassed myself and all of you, of course.”
“If that’s how you behave after having a few of glasses of wine, then I’d hate to see what would happen if you had hard liquor.” Jolene continued to tease.
“Jolene!”
“No, she’s right. I already had a few glasses before we left the house. I anticipated it was going to be a difficult night and tried to do whatever I could to relax. Either way, there are no excuses to justify my actions. I’m sorry.”
“Rebecca, why were you expecting anything other than just having a good time with your family? I don’t get it. You’ve had this ongoing chip on your shoulder ever since we all drove out to the countryside to pick out a tree. And, the things you said last night were terrible. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Don’t think for one minute that it was a coincidence that your father turned on the record player at just the right time. I believe he did it to shine a light on what’s most important. Our love that stood the test of time is what’s most important. Not something that’s been buried in the past and is no longer apart of our lives. No, ma’am. Both you and John Murphy lost this battle.”
“Don’t be mad at him, Mom. I’m the one who poked around and asked him questions.”
“He should’ve referred you back to me. And, then there’s Payton. Spoiling her announcement like that.”
“I swear I didn’t know. It was just a guess.” Rebecca looked toward Payton and a tear ran down her face.
“I’m sorry, Payton.”
“Hey, what about me? You weren’t too nice to me either, young lady. I figured you were probably just jealous of me and my hot date,” Jolene said.
Payton spit her soda out across the table. Leave it to Jolene to say something so ridiculous in the middle of a serious conversation. I was thankful for her just the same. We needed someone to break the tension. Although I was spit fire mad at Rebecca, she is my daughter and I knew eventually I’d come around to forgiving her. This time, at least.
“I’m sorry, I’ll clean it up. Cousin Jolene caught me off guard. You really have the hots for David don’t you, Jolene?” Payton asked.
“Nahh, that was my silly way of making y’all laugh. He’s cute and all, but nobody can love me the way my George did. I was just trying to save this young lady from being disowned by her family, that’s all.”
“Nobody is going to be disowned,” I said.
“Not this time. Let her try it again and you might sing a different tune.” Jolene instigated.
“Jolene!”
“There won’t be an
other time. I won’t lie. I hate feeling like no one respects me in this family. I always get told to hush up, or I’m the last to know what’s going on. It feels like everyone always keeps secrets from me and I can’t stand it. But that doesn’t give me the right to hurt you back. From the bottom of my heart, I’m truly sorry.”
“Rebecca, I don’t think anyone is intentionally trying to do anything to hurt you. But if you really want to be respected, it has to begin with you growing up and acting more mature. We’re tired of having these interventions with you,” Abby said.
“And, my darling daughter, if I might add one last thing. There’s a big difference between someone keeping a secret from you versus you minding other folks’ business. I love you with every fiber of my being, but what happened between your father and I is our business. We’re the ones who get to decide if we want to share our story. Not the other way around.”
“You’re right, Mom. You’re all right. I’m the one who’s to blame.”
“You’re not entirely to blame. If I hadn’t been rattling off at the mouth the night you came over, this probably wouldn’t be a topic of conversation. I take responsibility for my wrongdoing as well.” Jolene confessed.
Everybody sat in silence for a moment.
“Hey, it’s rare that I apologize about anything so you better take it for what it’s worth. They don’t call me a pistol for nothing.” Jolene chuckled.
“I second that, Jolene. But, since we’re all gathered here, I’m going to put this topic to rest once and for all.”
“Mom, you don’t have to put anything to rest,” Payton said.
“I know, but I want to. I don’t want John Murphy to have the last word on what happened many years ago. I want to share my side of the story. When I look at Rebecca, I see a mirror image of myself over forty years ago. I was a free spirit, hot tempered, and even…”
“A party animal.” Jolene interrupted.
“Yes, that, too. Even as a newlywed I had my share of having a good time until the sun came up.”
“A few times we didn’t know where we were the next morning when we woke up!” Jolene said.
“Jolene, this is my story. May I tell it please?”
“I’ll hush. Go right ahead.” She urged.
“We always had a good time while visiting your uncle. During the last summer festival we attended we should’ve been satisfied with the day’s events and called it a night. But we didn’t. There was always an after party with us. Unfortunately, too much drinking and partying never leads to anything good. After a night of backyard dancing and carrying on, John’s brother, invited me to take a walk. We were all good friends, so why would I think anything of it. Plus, like yourself, Rebecca, I had more to drink than I should’ve. Jolene was there. She could tell you. One thing led to another and I found myself in his arms. He even went as far as kissing me before, thankfully, your father walked in and knocked the daylights out of him.”
“That’s it? This whole thing was about a kiss?” Rebecca asked.
“Rebecca, I was a married woman. I had no business wandering off with anybody except my husband.”
“Okay, I get that. But, I’m sure John’s brother knew what he was doing as well.”
“It didn’t matter. I had to take responsibility for my actions. Your father defended me, but I know I hurt him at his core. For a while I was afraid he wouldn’t speak to me anymore.”
“It’s interesting you should say that, Helen. I figured William would be a little upset, but I was always confident that you’d continue to be together until the very end. Never once did I think you two would split after that happened. George felt the same way. I’m sure he’d say the same today if he were living. I know he would,” Jolene said.
“Thank you, Jolene. It was still a terrible thing to go through. It embarrassed me among family and friends, and it created a wedge between Will and I for a little while. I vowed to him and myself that I would never go down that road again.”
“It looks like we’ve all been through our trials,” Abby said.
“Yes, but we’re still here. Together and stronger than ever. That’s what’s most important. Not some mistake that happened over umpteen years ago,” Payton added.
“Man, I really feel like a piece of dirt. I was being such a hot head. My feelings were hurt and I was just acting out of my emotions and not considering the cost. The truth is, if it weren’t for you and Dad pressing through the most difficult times together, there would be no Abby, no Payton, or me. I wouldn’t have a husband or a son to call my own. We wouldn’t be a family.”
“There she is. Ladies and gentleman, the level-headed side of Rebecca has finally resurfaced,” Payton said.
“Shut up, Payton!” Rebecca giggled.
“I’m serious. I welcome this version of you to hang out and stay a while.” Payton walked over and mashed the side of Rebecca’s head on her shoulder.
“Yes, please do us all a favor and warn us before your evil twin returns. That girl is a force to be reckoned with. You can’t tell her anything!” Abby ruffled up Rebecca’s hair a bit just to mess with her.
“I promise to try to keep her at bay. But, seriously, you guys, I’m really sorry for all the drama yesterday and all the pain I caused. Mom, I’m your youngest, and I’m still learning. Please forgive me. And, Payton, again I’m so sorry to you and Cole. You deserved a spotlight on your special announcement and I took that away from you.”
“Actually, you didn’t take anything away from us. After you left, we announced that we’re expecting twins,” Payton said.
“What! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited for you!! Please let me make it up to you by throwing your baby shower!”
“Everybody standing in this room is my witness. On this day, December twenty-sixth, Rebecca is claiming full responsibility for throwing my baby shower!”
“Consider it done.” Rebecca gave Payton a high five.
We settled our differences that day over leftover Christmas dinner and words of wisdom from Jolene. It reminded me that my family was everything but perfect. Not that I ever really thought we were the picture of perfection, but I did have a way of welcoming pink elephants in the room and being overly concerned about our image. It was time to let that go and cling even harder to what mattered most, family.
Epilogue: Payton
It felt good to have the family back to some sense of normal after our Christmas fiasco. The new year was upon us and I was back in full swing at the store, with Abby as my temporary help. I received a call from Natalie requesting to take a leave of absence for a couple of months. She said she was going back to Texas with her aunt to clear her mind and decide on her next steps. I understood and wouldn’t think of denying her the time. Although, I had a funny feeling she wouldn’t be returning after announcing she was going to Texas. Only time would tell.
“Okay, Abby, spill it.”
“What?”
“Whatever is bothering you, just spill it already. You haven’t been acting like yourself for the last couple of days. It’s like you have something weighing on your mind and you’re in a daze.”
“You know me too well, Payton.”
“We’ve only been sisters for an entire lifetime. If I don’t know you by now, then something is wrong. So, spill it. What’s bothering you?”
“Wyatt and I are having financial problems. Major financial problems. And, of course, I wanted to put on a smile for the family over the holidays. But in reality, I’m distracted with thoughts of how we’re going to get ourselves out of this mess.”
“How bad is it?” I asked.
“It’s to the point where I have to give up my dream of staying at home with the kids to help make ends meet. We have a ton of consumer debt that’s been piling up. You know how it goes. A minor charge here, and a minor charge there. It all adds up. That plus the cars and the house. Something has to give.”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“Neither did I. Wyatt always takes care o
f the bills, and he’s terrible when it comes to telling me no. When I wanted the neighborhood with all the nice amenities he said yes, when I wanted a new SUV he said yes, and even down to all of our shiny toys and gadgets. It was always a yes. It’s not even fair for me to blame it all on him. It’s my fault, too. Anyway, we’re getting down to the wire and I’m applying for jobs as we speak. It’s actually good that we’re talking about this now, Payton. If I get a job offer, I’ll have no choice but to accept, which means I won’t be able to help at the store anymore.”
“Abby, I think I have an idea. For now, would you consider working here at the store with me? I can guarantee you a full-time position for the next couple of months. Maybe you wouldn’t have to worry about the job search until Natalie confirms her return date. What do think?”
“Really? That would be fantastic. But are you sure? I mean, I’d put in the work, but are you sure you want to work with your sister?”
“Why not? It’s a win-win situation if you ask me. I don’t have to worry about being shorthanded, I totally trust you, and it buys you a little time to figure out your next steps. Plus, you can start getting paid!”
“Payton, I can’t thank you enough. This truly means the world to me.”
“Come here and give me a hug. You’re always trying to be the tough older sister who can handle everything on her own. It’s okay to let others look out for you sometimes, Abby.”
“Ha, I’m learning that lesson now more than ever.”
“Good. Now that I helped you solve your problem, I need help solving a problem that showed up in the mailbox yesterday.”
“What’s up?”
I laid an envelope down on the counter with the flap wide open. A handwritten letter was partially exposed, revealing cursive writing in blue ink.
“I didn’t think people wrote letters anymore. Who’s this from?”
“She goes by the name of Maxine.”
“And? Who’s Maxine?”
“I don’t want to spoil it for you. First, read the letter for yourself, then we can talk about Maxine after.”
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