Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [11]
Maureen was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open, her mother-in-law’s attention fully focused on one of the two granddaughters who were the objects of her wholehearted devotion.
“There’s my precious sweetheart,” Kate Roberts exclaimed, gathering Aubrey into her arms. Aubrey erupted into delighted giggles.
Where has the whining, demanding three-year-old that I had to deal with this morning vanished to? Kate glanced over, and Maureen pointedly flashed her a pasted-on smile.
“And what have we here with Rabbit? Did Rabbit bring a friend?” Kate asked.
Aubrey vigorously nodded her head, intentionally giving Maureen a “told you so” look of triumph.
“Mom, I really need to …” But Kate’s attention was fixated on Aubrey, unmistakably communicating that Maureen was to wait. How she wished she could simply announce Gotta run, and exit gracefully. But after all these years, Kate still intimidated her. Maureen read her cues and stood by, physically patient if not emotionally so.
A guessing game developed over the animal’s name. Maureen glanced helplessly at her watch while Kate offered several silly suggestions until finally Aubrey quipped, “No. But you’re close, Gramma. It’s Jonesy Giraffe.”
An unintended early rescue by Aubrey, and Maureen jumped at it. “I’ll be back to pick her up around three, Kate. Is that too late?”
“’Course not. Little precious here and I have lots to do today, don’t we, sweetheart? Well, Aubrey and I and Rabbit and Jennifer Giraffe, right?”
Aubrey burst into laughter again, barely getting out “Gramma, no!” before Maureen took her chance to escape.
She gave daughter and mother-in-law quick pecks on their cheeks and hurried down the sidewalk, calling out, “Thanks, Kate,” over her shoulder.
“Wave bye to your Mommy,” was followed by a cursory wave and the firm click of the closed door.
Again Maureen imagined herself telling the gang and soaking up empathy about in-laws. Consolation for out-of-control children. Understanding about husbands who came home from work too tired to deal with families. Laughter would erupt and then all frustrations would be forgotten, if only temporarily. By the time Maureen turned into the church parking lot, she was smiling to herself, eager to get the meeting going and then enjoy lunch.
“Good morning, Kath!” she cheerily called out to the pastor’s wife. Maureen beamed at Kathy; Kathy waved and beamed back. Maureen asked herself, Wonder if a pastor’s wife ever needs to put on an act, hiding hurt feelings? Arguments at home? She shook her head. I can’t picture Kathy ever dealing with irritable kids.
After a hectic but productive morning, Vanessa wandered into Maureen’s room, greeting her friend with an enthusiastic hug. With three active boys and a good deal of her own energy, Vanessa was the perfect choice for VBS games director. For she was the eternal tomboy. Most women—the gang included—openly envied her exuberance and still athletically slim figure, though Vanessa herself appeared oblivious to it.
“Didn’t see Emilie anywhere, did you?”
Vanessa shook her head. “Was she supposed to be here?”
“Yeah, she was. I just talked with her yesterday. She said she’d be here.”
“Hope she’s not sick or anything.”
“Yeah, me too.” Maureen glanced around, making sure no one was close enough to overhear as they walked out of the church. “You’re not going to believe this. But Emilie and Ed are talking about having another baby.”
“You’re not serious?”
“Better not mention it, okay?” They climbed into Vanessa’s sports car, the concession to her love of speed and daring. “I shouldn’t have said anything. But Emilie really is serious about this.” A slight pause. “And so is Ed, evidently. They think it’s what God wants.”
“Oh, good heavens, Mo. Don’t tell me you’re falling for that?”
“Nessa, honestly—”
“Honestly nothing, Maureen. Between you and me? If Ed is saying he heard God’s voice telling him to have another little E-kid, then he needs to be on meds.”
Maureen tried, but failed to stifle a chuckle. “Ed didn’t say that. And he’s not hearing voices, silly.