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About Sue Part 1
Sue was going to die.
At 78 years old, this was far from news to her.
The last 8 years she spent meticulously planning each interaction with her family to inspire nothing but joy and memories.
Her one wish, that the end of her life would be remembered in a pale but lasting light.
Exactly two weeks ago Sue’s life above ground was snipped abruptly too short.
It only took two phone calls.
The first was the bank telling her, her late husband, and love of her life’s Social security and life insurance conveniently washed up, exactly two days apart from each other. Leaving her fresh out of a reliable income.
The second phone call was a peppy sounding insurance representative calling to inform her that the cost of her heart medication had almost tripled in cost due to popular demand.
Sue is tired.
Sue is old.
Her bones creak and ache upon standing. Her hands are thin and frail from a lifetime of hard work and decay.
After the second phone call with the peppy insurance representative, ending with, “I hope this phone call and my service was satisfying to your needs.”
She spent a lot of time staring at her hands.
Sue had more than done her part in this life. She raised a bright, hard working man. Who as a bullheaded boy had to be beat lovingly, into a sweet and humble human being. Ever the challenge he proved to be, Sue could never be more proud of the man he grew into.
She raised a daughter, who from her exit of the womb deemed herself a free spirit.
Always fussing, insatiably curious, and never understanding why things wouldn't be how her five year old mind thought it should be. But as she grew her curiosity evolved into wit, her fussing into a drive for life, and her stubbornness her branded mark of independence.
Sue was confident she had paved a decent example for her children to excel as parents. No, they never had the latest and greatest but she could rest easy knowing her legacy and teachings will live on.
She loved a hard working man that never strayed. He had worked all hours of the day to keep the mold off their evening bread. He may not have been there for every emotional development of their children's lives, He left that to Sue. He did however make sure his family never had to be without clothes, food and warmth. He proved to be not just a suitable partner, which is all Sue’s parents ever wished for her, being considered homely in her face, but a wonderful husband and ultimately her best friend. His passing over ten years ago now, was the second hardest thing she had ever had to endure. Picturing him in heaven. Sue sighed softly happy she would reunite with him soon.
Sue taught her children proper manners though easing away from the strict hand her parents raised her with. Her children knew how to be humble in the eyes of the Lord. She worked every odd job she could get in her prime. Making up any loose ends financially as life progressed. When her son Dennis needed expensive textbooks for his college classes, when her daughter Jenna worked so hard all year in school at a chance to study abroad for a semester, or when her husband broke his leg on the job and went without work for almost a month, Sue worked, always making sure they never had to say they missed out, or worst went without.
Sue stared at her hands. At all the lines, creases, blue protruding veins, and the small scars. Remembering every diaper, spanking, hug, and loving caress that she had given and received.
Ultimately her life had been a good one. A short hard life but a good life nonetheless.
Mid December was here and Sue knew she must choose.
She looked around her home the walls decorated excessively with family photos past and present. Kodiak perfect memories all frozen in time. Reflecting Sues abundance of love for her family and the full life she had lived.
She had enough money to buy another month of medication, but not enough for her next mortgage payment.
She could declare bankruptcy. But what would be the point? Sues tired, old and ready for rest, and on top of it all, Christmas was almost here...
Two days before christmas Sue mustered the energy to call a cab. Embarking on her inevitable last trip to the mall thoughts of her family and her past weaving an intricate tapestry in her mind.
The sounds of bustling people so engrossed in what last minute gifts were forgotten would normally have overwhelmed slow moving Sue, but this day was different. The threatening stampede of stressed shoppers nor the questionably odd wafting smells of the food court was going to discourage Sue this day.
She finds herself in a memorabilia shop.
A silver picture frame silhouetting a baby angel to one side and a blank space designed for a picture worth keeping on the other. Sue bought two. One for her daughter and one for her son. Their childhood pictures of the family all together already enveloping the blank space in her mind's eye.
On to the toy store for her two grandchildren. Shanna and Lorren. Lorren loved horses more than she loved cheese pizza and Shanna last Easter, her bright eyes glowing threw messy brown bangs, had spent hours explaining her barbies life stories to Sue. So their gifts were relatively easy. Lorren got the biggest most realistic horse the store had to offer that neighed when you pushed it's ears. For Shanna the new year barbie so she would forever remember the year it was received, and as a bonus both came with silver heart shaped locket with a simple “I love you now and forever- Love Grandma Sue,” engraved where she hoped her picture would go.
Satisfied and with only two pennies to spare Sue left the bustling mall knowing she would never return. She hobbled to the curb where her cab was waiting.
…..,.......................
Christmas eve was here and Sue delicately packaged her gifts in bright wrapping fit for the cheery festivities she gleefully anticipated. In a short two hours her driveway would be packed to the brim with all three cars. Her granddaughters would be loud and excited for the nicely wrapped gifts under the tree. Her daughter would eagerly ask for the millionth time for her recipe book as she ate her favorite dishes Sue had copied from her own mother. Her daughters husband would cheerfully make the grandchildren scream in delight as he doted them, pretending to be the grinch out to get their presents and smiles. Her son would smile, drink in hand as he brought up stories of work, old, and of his dad who he missed dearly. His wife would anxiously watch the children at play always the overdressed worry wart.
Sue knew the song and dance inside and out and yet she didn't wish for anything more and would settle for nothing less. She told no one of her plans to not be joining them in the new year, for it would only ruin the festivities. She did however write both her children a small letter filled with her love and a formal goodbye. Each envelope had, written in big bolded letters; DO NOT OPEN UNTIL NEW YEARS EVE! Sue just truly hoped they would listen.
The fantasy scene played over and over on repeat enveloping Sue’s mind so fully that she did not hear the first car pull into the driveway and was startled by a soft knock on the door.
Sue’s heart skipped a beat. “They are here! They are finally here!”
Skipping as much as a 78 year old lady can she opened the door, pure joy filling her.
The crisp winter air hit Sue as a happy welcoming which abruptly died when she looked into her son's face. Dennis stood at the front door, anger blistering his usual serene complacent face holding messily wrapped Hors d’oeuvres in one hand and presents trapped in the traditional garbage bag style, in the other. His wife Liyla had long thin lines running from her eyes down to her chin corrupting her makeup. She managed to put on her best fake smile upon seeing Sue.
Shanna was the most shocking of the sight. Dressed in all black with green tipped spiky hair her face was snow pale which made the dark eye and black lip makeup near impossible for Sue to recognize her own granddaughter. Sue gasped as she looked over the chains that draped menacingly off every edge of her baggy clothing. For a brief moment Sue thought she was going to faint from the pure presence of Satan inhabiting the once sweet girl she hoped she still knew.
Sue’s jaw fell open but words failed her.
“Hello Mum, Sorry we are late. I brought your favorite wine.” Dennis muttered threw near fully clenched teeth and a smile that threatened to rip at the corners of his lips.
Liyla smiled and quickly hugged Sue then like a weary starving cat, desperately pressed her way into the house. Sue turned from the doorway at her forced allowance for Liyla to pass.
Dennis followed his wife. Shanna stopped in front of Sue smiling ear to ear.
“Merry Christmas Grandma!” Shanna chirped cheerfully then full bear hugged her before running off down the hall after her mother.
“Yes, Merry Christmas…”
Recovering from the shock Sue followed her son into the kitchen where her son had half thrown the platter of tiny crackers with cheese topped with chicken on the only counter space left. Then made busy work wrestling the cork that ruefully trapped his wine.
“Dennis…? Shanna? What happened?” Sue asked grasping for answers
“Mum I'm sorry we tried everything to get her to change before coming over. Could we not make a big deal about it and just try and get through the holiday?”
Pursing her lips Sue fought back every scared and worried thought she had on the subject and decided to submit to her sons request.
“..Ok all i want is to enjoy the holiday with my family... I won't mention it.”
With Sue’s forced acceptance of the situation the cork loudly birthed into the air.
“I don't think there is going to be any joy this Christmas. I promise to enjoy next year.” Dennis said before putting the wine bottle to his lips, forgetting to let the wine or himself breath. It only took seconds before the bottle sat a quarter lower than it had been a moment before.
Sue reached for the bottle forcing it from her son's hands, to pour herself a full glass of wine before hobbling into the cozy living room. Slowly she sat herself into her recliner and looked at her beautiful Christmas tree decorated in deep red with blue lights and ornaments. To her white electric fireplace that slightly clashed with the deep green stockings she hung so delicately with care. Slowly, in the small things she found a tiny hope for the feastivities and prayed.
Liyla must have found a moment in the bathroom to brush up on her make up for it no longer betrayed her smiling face. She sat across the living room on Sue's lavishly fluffy blue cushioned couch staring intently at the electric fire. Her legs crossed at the knee tightly. Her arms were also crossed and she had them pulled into herself making her red blouse wrinkle. Liyra wherever she goes looks ready to sell you a house. Sue thought. I mean a pant suit on Christmas? She shook her head at the thought then took a deep pull from her glass letting the smoke flavored dry red seep it's way down to her belly hoping it would hit her head just as fast.
“Liyla how have you been? Tell me, how's the housing market? Make any great sales since I last saw you?” Sue tried to make the questions sound light hearted but could ultimately hear herself falling flat.
Liyla nodded more to mentally prepare herself for small talk than to answer Sue’s question.
“Uhm.. Yes I sold a cozy 3 bedroom just down the road from here last month. The family who bought it had a very modest down payment needless to say I think I may have went a little overboard on presents this year.” Liyla smiled sheepishly trying to still the hot panic rising in her chest as her words rushed out.
“Oh wonderful that's great! I'm so happy for you.” Sue chimed finding the proper tone. “Tell me what else is new?” Sue asked but the question went unanswered as the front door swung open with a bang. Sue jumped and then jumped again as her daughter and granddaughter tumbled threw the door.
“Oh Jenna!” Sue stood and half bounced to her daughter and the same golden haired, God loving granddaughter from memory, Lorren.
“Hi Mom! I hope we are not too late. You haven't started eating without us, have you?” Jenna spoke beaming at her mother.
Jenna had always been her mother's daughter. Calling home 'just to check in'. Jenna truly was Sue's best friend and even though they talk on the phone it had been just six months since they last saw each other. Which to Sue, had been way too long.
“Oh Jenna I'm so happy you made it!” The delight in Jenna's face gave Sue hope that her last Christmas wouldn't also be her worst.
"Lorren! Merry Christmas my sweet girl!" Sue chirped turning to embrace her god loving grandchild.
"Merry Christmas Grandma! What did you get me? Was it money? I hope it's money!" Lorren replied bouncing with excitement.
"Well I guess you have to wait and find out. And who knows you might get something that will be better than money." Sue responded laughing. "What's better than money?" Asked a puzzled Lorren.
Sue lead them into the house and went back to the door to wait for Jenna's husband. Who was strategically putting all the presents into bags to carry them into the house on one go.
"Nick, it's ok to take more than one trip to the car, don't kill yourself trying to bring all that in." Sue warned as Jenna's husband struggled to juggle the load. Half leaning backwards, Nick hobbled towards the door with 4 trash bags on each arm and clutching another to his chest.
"No worries Sue, I'm a good mule." He laughed. "And I don't believe in taking second trips"
Sue shook her head and snorted. She turned to Jenna as her daughter unlayered herself down to an ugly festive sweater. "That husband of yours is as stubborn as they come." Sue chuckled.
"It's his best and worst quality Momma... Oooh boy it smells so good here! Where is everyone?" Jenna asked after taking a swooping look over her childhood home.
Sue turned from the door "Well Liyla is sitting on the couch right...oh I guess she must of went into the kitchen with Dennis. And come to think of it, I haven't seen Shanna since she came inside."
Jenna gave Sue a puzzled look nodded and headed for the kitchen with Lorren tailing not far behind. Sue kept the door open until Nick finally managed his trek from the icy driveway to the door.
"Merry Christmas Sue." Nick said as he entered the house.
Sue covered the formalities with Nick as she helped direct him in the living room. The bags in Nick's hands stacked forming, what can only be described as a melting tower of Pisa covering his face almost entirely. After Nick's slow moving balancing act, both Sue and Nick headed into the kitchen to meet up with the rest of the family.
From the living room she rounded the short hallway into her dining room which she prided the beautiful deep blue walls and polished birch wood table and chairs. Through the opening from the dining room into the kitchen she saw Liyla with her hands in prayer position in front of Jenna, half shaking. Lorren stood behind her mom half hiding her face and clutching the back of Jenna's coat. Dennis was turned away from the girls. His head rested against his hand which was flat on the fridge. While his other hand still had the bottle of wine captive, forgetting the use of a glass.
Sue approached the scene with Nick a step behind. "What's going on in here?" Sue asked.
Liyla flinched back into her normal composer. Straightening her back as she cleared her throat, "Hey Sue have you seen Shanna? I wanted her to come say hi to everyone."
"...You know I have not seen her since she came in." Sue responded half glad she didn't have to see what Satan has made Shanna to be. Sue became anxious at the thought.
Dennis, with his head still against the fridge told Liyla to check the bathroom. Liyla turned and stared at him holding tension in her pause then turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Nick stepped passed Sue threw the narrow opening to stand with Jenna. He took her hand and they shared a brief silent conversation before Nick looked up to Dennis. "Hey Dennis, Merry Christmas! Would you mind helping me sort the presents under the tree?"
Dennis slowly turned, took another long swig from the wine before nodding and setting the bottle down. He then followed Nick out of the kitchen. Lorren who had been watching everyone, decided to follow her dad and Uncle confusion gleaming in her eyes.
Jenna with her chin down faced Sue and crossed her arms. She then took a long inhale before jestering to all the homemade food over taking the counters of Sue's kitchen.
"Here mom you ready to start loading up the table? I'll help!" Jenna turned and picked up the giant bowl of garlic mashed potatoes but Sue stopped her by touching her shoulder.
"Jenna...what's going on? Is everything alright?"
Sue asked concerned.
"Oh Mom, let's just get through the holidays. Don't worry so much they will be fine. Bankrupt Smankrupt Dennis has a good head on his shoulders he will muster through."
"What do you mean bankrupt? Dennis is bankrupt? But Liyla said she just made a huge sale?!" Sue exclaimed.
"Oh shit mom…….I thought you knew"
Nick called for Jenna down the hall. Jenna sheepishly put her head and the bowl down. Muttering sorry as she hurried past Sue.
Sue could almost cry. Everything is falling to pieces right in front of her. Is this the ending I deserve?
She reached for the bottle that Dennis had at last set free, to find it empty.
Oh Lord above help me find the family I once knew. Give them strength to overcome obstacles in their lives. Find the will that lives in Lorren's heart to defy Satan himself and find you. Cleanse her of her unholy ways. Lord please give me a good last Christmas.
Sue prayed with everything she had and went and found her own stash of wine before trekking back into the living room.
Shanna stood in the living room talking to a surprised looking Lorren. But the rest of the house was still. Where has everyone gone?
Sue waddled over to the girls.
"Girls? Where are your parents?"
Shanna turned towards Sue, dark makeup crowding once the most adorable little girl Sue knew. Shanna with no emotion responded,
"Probably all fucking each other over."
"SHANNA!! What did you just say young lady?" Sue couldn't believe her ears.
"That's what the text on my mom's phone said. You fuck me over I'll fuck you over!"
Sue could faint. She felt like she had been transported into another person's life. A sinners life. Had she fell out of grace with God? Had Satan taken full control of her family? Does she have to die not knowing if her family will meet her in heaven when it is their time? No more tests Lord I'm hours away from your pearly gates please just don't let this be my last day. Not like this.
"Shanna your not allowed to curse those are adult words and they will not be said by you in my house!"
"I didn't do anything! I told you what I saw! They said it I repeated it! Yell at them! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Shanna screamed then stomped her way out of the house. Slamming the front door behind her making Sue's Christmas reef fall off the door.
"LYRA!" Sue yelled "DENNIS!"
........
@PeightonMakany
© PeightonMakany
At 78 years old, this was far from news to her.
The last 8 years she spent meticulously planning each interaction with her family to inspire nothing but joy and memories.
Her one wish, that the end of her life would be remembered in a pale but lasting light.
Exactly two weeks ago Sue’s life above ground was snipped abruptly too short.
It only took two phone calls.
The first was the bank telling her, her late husband, and love of her life’s Social security and life insurance conveniently washed up, exactly two days apart from each other. Leaving her fresh out of a reliable income.
The second phone call was a peppy sounding insurance representative calling to inform her that the cost of her heart medication had almost tripled in cost due to popular demand.
Sue is tired.
Sue is old.
Her bones creak and ache upon standing. Her hands are thin and frail from a lifetime of hard work and decay.
After the second phone call with the peppy insurance representative, ending with, “I hope this phone call and my service was satisfying to your needs.”
She spent a lot of time staring at her hands.
Sue had more than done her part in this life. She raised a bright, hard working man. Who as a bullheaded boy had to be beat lovingly, into a sweet and humble human being. Ever the challenge he proved to be, Sue could never be more proud of the man he grew into.
She raised a daughter, who from her exit of the womb deemed herself a free spirit.
Always fussing, insatiably curious, and never understanding why things wouldn't be how her five year old mind thought it should be. But as she grew her curiosity evolved into wit, her fussing into a drive for life, and her stubbornness her branded mark of independence.
Sue was confident she had paved a decent example for her children to excel as parents. No, they never had the latest and greatest but she could rest easy knowing her legacy and teachings will live on.
She loved a hard working man that never strayed. He had worked all hours of the day to keep the mold off their evening bread. He may not have been there for every emotional development of their children's lives, He left that to Sue. He did however make sure his family never had to be without clothes, food and warmth. He proved to be not just a suitable partner, which is all Sue’s parents ever wished for her, being considered homely in her face, but a wonderful husband and ultimately her best friend. His passing over ten years ago now, was the second hardest thing she had ever had to endure. Picturing him in heaven. Sue sighed softly happy she would reunite with him soon.
Sue taught her children proper manners though easing away from the strict hand her parents raised her with. Her children knew how to be humble in the eyes of the Lord. She worked every odd job she could get in her prime. Making up any loose ends financially as life progressed. When her son Dennis needed expensive textbooks for his college classes, when her daughter Jenna worked so hard all year in school at a chance to study abroad for a semester, or when her husband broke his leg on the job and went without work for almost a month, Sue worked, always making sure they never had to say they missed out, or worst went without.
Sue stared at her hands. At all the lines, creases, blue protruding veins, and the small scars. Remembering every diaper, spanking, hug, and loving caress that she had given and received.
Ultimately her life had been a good one. A short hard life but a good life nonetheless.
Mid December was here and Sue knew she must choose.
She looked around her home the walls decorated excessively with family photos past and present. Kodiak perfect memories all frozen in time. Reflecting Sues abundance of love for her family and the full life she had lived.
She had enough money to buy another month of medication, but not enough for her next mortgage payment.
She could declare bankruptcy. But what would be the point? Sues tired, old and ready for rest, and on top of it all, Christmas was almost here...
Two days before christmas Sue mustered the energy to call a cab. Embarking on her inevitable last trip to the mall thoughts of her family and her past weaving an intricate tapestry in her mind.
The sounds of bustling people so engrossed in what last minute gifts were forgotten would normally have overwhelmed slow moving Sue, but this day was different. The threatening stampede of stressed shoppers nor the questionably odd wafting smells of the food court was going to discourage Sue this day.
She finds herself in a memorabilia shop.
A silver picture frame silhouetting a baby angel to one side and a blank space designed for a picture worth keeping on the other. Sue bought two. One for her daughter and one for her son. Their childhood pictures of the family all together already enveloping the blank space in her mind's eye.
On to the toy store for her two grandchildren. Shanna and Lorren. Lorren loved horses more than she loved cheese pizza and Shanna last Easter, her bright eyes glowing threw messy brown bangs, had spent hours explaining her barbies life stories to Sue. So their gifts were relatively easy. Lorren got the biggest most realistic horse the store had to offer that neighed when you pushed it's ears. For Shanna the new year barbie so she would forever remember the year it was received, and as a bonus both came with silver heart shaped locket with a simple “I love you now and forever- Love Grandma Sue,” engraved where she hoped her picture would go.
Satisfied and with only two pennies to spare Sue left the bustling mall knowing she would never return. She hobbled to the curb where her cab was waiting.
…..,.......................
Christmas eve was here and Sue delicately packaged her gifts in bright wrapping fit for the cheery festivities she gleefully anticipated. In a short two hours her driveway would be packed to the brim with all three cars. Her granddaughters would be loud and excited for the nicely wrapped gifts under the tree. Her daughter would eagerly ask for the millionth time for her recipe book as she ate her favorite dishes Sue had copied from her own mother. Her daughters husband would cheerfully make the grandchildren scream in delight as he doted them, pretending to be the grinch out to get their presents and smiles. Her son would smile, drink in hand as he brought up stories of work, old, and of his dad who he missed dearly. His wife would anxiously watch the children at play always the overdressed worry wart.
Sue knew the song and dance inside and out and yet she didn't wish for anything more and would settle for nothing less. She told no one of her plans to not be joining them in the new year, for it would only ruin the festivities. She did however write both her children a small letter filled with her love and a formal goodbye. Each envelope had, written in big bolded letters; DO NOT OPEN UNTIL NEW YEARS EVE! Sue just truly hoped they would listen.
The fantasy scene played over and over on repeat enveloping Sue’s mind so fully that she did not hear the first car pull into the driveway and was startled by a soft knock on the door.
Sue’s heart skipped a beat. “They are here! They are finally here!”
Skipping as much as a 78 year old lady can she opened the door, pure joy filling her.
The crisp winter air hit Sue as a happy welcoming which abruptly died when she looked into her son's face. Dennis stood at the front door, anger blistering his usual serene complacent face holding messily wrapped Hors d’oeuvres in one hand and presents trapped in the traditional garbage bag style, in the other. His wife Liyla had long thin lines running from her eyes down to her chin corrupting her makeup. She managed to put on her best fake smile upon seeing Sue.
Shanna was the most shocking of the sight. Dressed in all black with green tipped spiky hair her face was snow pale which made the dark eye and black lip makeup near impossible for Sue to recognize her own granddaughter. Sue gasped as she looked over the chains that draped menacingly off every edge of her baggy clothing. For a brief moment Sue thought she was going to faint from the pure presence of Satan inhabiting the once sweet girl she hoped she still knew.
Sue’s jaw fell open but words failed her.
“Hello Mum, Sorry we are late. I brought your favorite wine.” Dennis muttered threw near fully clenched teeth and a smile that threatened to rip at the corners of his lips.
Liyla smiled and quickly hugged Sue then like a weary starving cat, desperately pressed her way into the house. Sue turned from the doorway at her forced allowance for Liyla to pass.
Dennis followed his wife. Shanna stopped in front of Sue smiling ear to ear.
“Merry Christmas Grandma!” Shanna chirped cheerfully then full bear hugged her before running off down the hall after her mother.
“Yes, Merry Christmas…”
Recovering from the shock Sue followed her son into the kitchen where her son had half thrown the platter of tiny crackers with cheese topped with chicken on the only counter space left. Then made busy work wrestling the cork that ruefully trapped his wine.
“Dennis…? Shanna? What happened?” Sue asked grasping for answers
“Mum I'm sorry we tried everything to get her to change before coming over. Could we not make a big deal about it and just try and get through the holiday?”
Pursing her lips Sue fought back every scared and worried thought she had on the subject and decided to submit to her sons request.
“..Ok all i want is to enjoy the holiday with my family... I won't mention it.”
With Sue’s forced acceptance of the situation the cork loudly birthed into the air.
“I don't think there is going to be any joy this Christmas. I promise to enjoy next year.” Dennis said before putting the wine bottle to his lips, forgetting to let the wine or himself breath. It only took seconds before the bottle sat a quarter lower than it had been a moment before.
Sue reached for the bottle forcing it from her son's hands, to pour herself a full glass of wine before hobbling into the cozy living room. Slowly she sat herself into her recliner and looked at her beautiful Christmas tree decorated in deep red with blue lights and ornaments. To her white electric fireplace that slightly clashed with the deep green stockings she hung so delicately with care. Slowly, in the small things she found a tiny hope for the feastivities and prayed.
Liyla must have found a moment in the bathroom to brush up on her make up for it no longer betrayed her smiling face. She sat across the living room on Sue's lavishly fluffy blue cushioned couch staring intently at the electric fire. Her legs crossed at the knee tightly. Her arms were also crossed and she had them pulled into herself making her red blouse wrinkle. Liyra wherever she goes looks ready to sell you a house. Sue thought. I mean a pant suit on Christmas? She shook her head at the thought then took a deep pull from her glass letting the smoke flavored dry red seep it's way down to her belly hoping it would hit her head just as fast.
“Liyla how have you been? Tell me, how's the housing market? Make any great sales since I last saw you?” Sue tried to make the questions sound light hearted but could ultimately hear herself falling flat.
Liyla nodded more to mentally prepare herself for small talk than to answer Sue’s question.
“Uhm.. Yes I sold a cozy 3 bedroom just down the road from here last month. The family who bought it had a very modest down payment needless to say I think I may have went a little overboard on presents this year.” Liyla smiled sheepishly trying to still the hot panic rising in her chest as her words rushed out.
“Oh wonderful that's great! I'm so happy for you.” Sue chimed finding the proper tone. “Tell me what else is new?” Sue asked but the question went unanswered as the front door swung open with a bang. Sue jumped and then jumped again as her daughter and granddaughter tumbled threw the door.
“Oh Jenna!” Sue stood and half bounced to her daughter and the same golden haired, God loving granddaughter from memory, Lorren.
“Hi Mom! I hope we are not too late. You haven't started eating without us, have you?” Jenna spoke beaming at her mother.
Jenna had always been her mother's daughter. Calling home 'just to check in'. Jenna truly was Sue's best friend and even though they talk on the phone it had been just six months since they last saw each other. Which to Sue, had been way too long.
“Oh Jenna I'm so happy you made it!” The delight in Jenna's face gave Sue hope that her last Christmas wouldn't also be her worst.
"Lorren! Merry Christmas my sweet girl!" Sue chirped turning to embrace her god loving grandchild.
"Merry Christmas Grandma! What did you get me? Was it money? I hope it's money!" Lorren replied bouncing with excitement.
"Well I guess you have to wait and find out. And who knows you might get something that will be better than money." Sue responded laughing. "What's better than money?" Asked a puzzled Lorren.
Sue lead them into the house and went back to the door to wait for Jenna's husband. Who was strategically putting all the presents into bags to carry them into the house on one go.
"Nick, it's ok to take more than one trip to the car, don't kill yourself trying to bring all that in." Sue warned as Jenna's husband struggled to juggle the load. Half leaning backwards, Nick hobbled towards the door with 4 trash bags on each arm and clutching another to his chest.
"No worries Sue, I'm a good mule." He laughed. "And I don't believe in taking second trips"
Sue shook her head and snorted. She turned to Jenna as her daughter unlayered herself down to an ugly festive sweater. "That husband of yours is as stubborn as they come." Sue chuckled.
"It's his best and worst quality Momma... Oooh boy it smells so good here! Where is everyone?" Jenna asked after taking a swooping look over her childhood home.
Sue turned from the door "Well Liyla is sitting on the couch right...oh I guess she must of went into the kitchen with Dennis. And come to think of it, I haven't seen Shanna since she came inside."
Jenna gave Sue a puzzled look nodded and headed for the kitchen with Lorren tailing not far behind. Sue kept the door open until Nick finally managed his trek from the icy driveway to the door.
"Merry Christmas Sue." Nick said as he entered the house.
Sue covered the formalities with Nick as she helped direct him in the living room. The bags in Nick's hands stacked forming, what can only be described as a melting tower of Pisa covering his face almost entirely. After Nick's slow moving balancing act, both Sue and Nick headed into the kitchen to meet up with the rest of the family.
From the living room she rounded the short hallway into her dining room which she prided the beautiful deep blue walls and polished birch wood table and chairs. Through the opening from the dining room into the kitchen she saw Liyla with her hands in prayer position in front of Jenna, half shaking. Lorren stood behind her mom half hiding her face and clutching the back of Jenna's coat. Dennis was turned away from the girls. His head rested against his hand which was flat on the fridge. While his other hand still had the bottle of wine captive, forgetting the use of a glass.
Sue approached the scene with Nick a step behind. "What's going on in here?" Sue asked.
Liyla flinched back into her normal composer. Straightening her back as she cleared her throat, "Hey Sue have you seen Shanna? I wanted her to come say hi to everyone."
"...You know I have not seen her since she came in." Sue responded half glad she didn't have to see what Satan has made Shanna to be. Sue became anxious at the thought.
Dennis, with his head still against the fridge told Liyla to check the bathroom. Liyla turned and stared at him holding tension in her pause then turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Nick stepped passed Sue threw the narrow opening to stand with Jenna. He took her hand and they shared a brief silent conversation before Nick looked up to Dennis. "Hey Dennis, Merry Christmas! Would you mind helping me sort the presents under the tree?"
Dennis slowly turned, took another long swig from the wine before nodding and setting the bottle down. He then followed Nick out of the kitchen. Lorren who had been watching everyone, decided to follow her dad and Uncle confusion gleaming in her eyes.
Jenna with her chin down faced Sue and crossed her arms. She then took a long inhale before jestering to all the homemade food over taking the counters of Sue's kitchen.
"Here mom you ready to start loading up the table? I'll help!" Jenna turned and picked up the giant bowl of garlic mashed potatoes but Sue stopped her by touching her shoulder.
"Jenna...what's going on? Is everything alright?"
Sue asked concerned.
"Oh Mom, let's just get through the holidays. Don't worry so much they will be fine. Bankrupt Smankrupt Dennis has a good head on his shoulders he will muster through."
"What do you mean bankrupt? Dennis is bankrupt? But Liyla said she just made a huge sale?!" Sue exclaimed.
"Oh shit mom…….I thought you knew"
Nick called for Jenna down the hall. Jenna sheepishly put her head and the bowl down. Muttering sorry as she hurried past Sue.
Sue could almost cry. Everything is falling to pieces right in front of her. Is this the ending I deserve?
She reached for the bottle that Dennis had at last set free, to find it empty.
Oh Lord above help me find the family I once knew. Give them strength to overcome obstacles in their lives. Find the will that lives in Lorren's heart to defy Satan himself and find you. Cleanse her of her unholy ways. Lord please give me a good last Christmas.
Sue prayed with everything she had and went and found her own stash of wine before trekking back into the living room.
Shanna stood in the living room talking to a surprised looking Lorren. But the rest of the house was still. Where has everyone gone?
Sue waddled over to the girls.
"Girls? Where are your parents?"
Shanna turned towards Sue, dark makeup crowding once the most adorable little girl Sue knew. Shanna with no emotion responded,
"Probably all fucking each other over."
"SHANNA!! What did you just say young lady?" Sue couldn't believe her ears.
"That's what the text on my mom's phone said. You fuck me over I'll fuck you over!"
Sue could faint. She felt like she had been transported into another person's life. A sinners life. Had she fell out of grace with God? Had Satan taken full control of her family? Does she have to die not knowing if her family will meet her in heaven when it is their time? No more tests Lord I'm hours away from your pearly gates please just don't let this be my last day. Not like this.
"Shanna your not allowed to curse those are adult words and they will not be said by you in my house!"
"I didn't do anything! I told you what I saw! They said it I repeated it! Yell at them! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Shanna screamed then stomped her way out of the house. Slamming the front door behind her making Sue's Christmas reef fall off the door.
"LYRA!" Sue yelled "DENNIS!"
........
@PeightonMakany
© PeightonMakany
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