Barbara nodded. “I just need a few minutes.”
“Good,” Mom said, “because Stanley is worried about both of you.”
Eighteen
WHEN BARBARA AND I returned to the living room, I felt a little uncomfortable. I’d been doing so well before my crying outburst. However, Mom came to the rescue by diverting attention away from me. She invited everyone to check out the snacks and get ready for a movie.
Stanley spoke briefly to his mom and then came over to where I stood. He took my hand and asked if we could talk in private. I looked over at the rest of the group. They were lining up at a sideboard where there was a display of tasty snacks. The offerings included a veggie platter that Stanley and I brought along, tiny meatballs, mozzarella sticks, and a snack mix that included cereal squares, honey roasted nuts, chocolate bits and pretzels. Mom and Adam provided drinks and popcorn.
When Stanley led me into the kitchen, I could see the strain in his face. I wasn’t making his concerns about pregnancy anyeasier with my behavior. “I’m sorry if I’m adding to your worries, Stanley,” I whispered. “On the plus side, I think I’m getting to know your mom.”
Instead of replying, Stanley put his hands around me and held me as close as possible with baby bump between us. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I should have made more of an effort to talk to my parents instead of getting you in the middle.”
I gently pushed him back. “They’re not just your parents anymore,” I insisted. “We’re all family now. Your mom and dad, my parents, we’re all in this together, Stanley.”
“Yes, but I don’t want you overwhelmed by problems. Right now, you need peace and as little stress as possible.” He sighed. “You don’t want our baby born on Christmas, right?”
I crossed my arms. “My mom reminded me of what you said about it. If the baby comes on Christmas, that will be a wonderful gift for all of us. As for a child having a birthday on Christmas, we’ll find a way to make that birthday special.”
Stanley smiled. “Would you have minded having your birthday on Christmas?”
I couldn’t give him a quick answer. I had to imagine what that would be like. As soon as I did, I saw little Glory relishing her extra big pile of presents under the tree and feeling like a very special little girl. The vision made me smile. “I would have been fine.”
I was still smiling when Barbara came into the kitchen. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m interrupting,” she said with a frown.
I uncrossed my arms. “It’s okay. We were just discussing the possibility of the baby coming on Christmas day.”
Barbara’s face went instantly bright. “A Christmas baby? Do you know I hoped Stanley would be born on Christmas? But he was early. When I saw him, I didn’t care about a date anymore. I just thanked my lucky stars for a beautiful, little boy.” Shepaused and her eyes went glassy. “And Stan Sr. was such a proud daddy. He kept saying how blessed we were.”
Stanley blinked back. “I didn’t know Dad felt like that.”
Barbara nodded. “He was and is proud of you, but he doesn’t have the smarts to act like it. Maybe it’s the way he was raised. His father was very stern and demanding.”
Stanley looked down. “I never knew my grandfather very well, but the couple of times I was around him, he was a very stiff and gruff individual.”
Barbara bit her lip. “I think your father tried his best not to model himself after the man, but he hasn’t always succeeded.”
“No matter, he didn’t have a right to treat you poorly,” Stanley said.
“I agree,” I said.
Barbara clasped her hands nervously. “I guess I didn’t believe in myself enough to notice until now.” She stared at Stanley. “Anyway, I’m going back to your house. I want to get my car and return to the motel.”
“Aren’t you staying for the movie?” I asked.
“No,” Barbara said as she straightened up a little. “I’m thinking about calling the man who said I was his angel.”
Stanley smiled. “I bet he’d appreciate it. Would you like me to walk you back?”
Barbara nodded. “That would be nice.”
I watched them leave the kitchen and thought about my mother. After the divorce, her attitude had been a lot like Barbara’s. Neither woman seemed to have much confidence in themselves. Happily, Mom went for counseling, and it helped.
But Mom's lack of confidence wasn't the only reason for her divorce from my dad. As the years went by and their kids grew up, my parents didn’t have much in common. Their views on almost everything were very different. However, Barbara and Stan Bickerman share many interests. Both their lives revolvearound volunteer work and helping others. Hopefully, in their case, a divorce might be avoided if they can clear up the emotional roadblocks that stand in their way.
I left the kitchen hoping for the best. As I walked into the living room, I caught a glimpse of Stanley and his mom leaving. I noticed the rest of the group was sitting around with snacks in hand. The food looked tasty, and I realized I was hungry. I was on my way to the sideboard when my sister, Lolly, intercepted me.
“I’m glad you’re not crying anymore,” she said. “But goodness, I don’t blame you for getting upset.”
