Sunday Afternoon Tearoom

Daughters & Mothers by Cara Ransom

I nod. “Do you think it’s good news?”

He shrugs. “Possibly.”

“She did have a tone when she mentioned Erin. You think it’s bad news?”

“Could be.” Dallas reaches out and takes some cheese.

I look at him, annoyed. “Which is it? Good or bad?”

He tosses the cheese into his mouth and chuckles. “Which answer would you like?”

I pick up a cracker from the tray and toss it at him. “You’re no help.”

Dad comes downstairs and greets us. “Hey, you two. How you doing?”

I stand. “We’re good, Dad. How are you?”

“Keeping busy,” He removes his tool belt from around his waist and tosses it near the closet. Dad retired a year ago and kept busy with a never-ending series of unnecessary house projects. First, was the dishwasher, then the kitchen cabinets, and the upstairs bathroom sinks.

“What are you working on today?”

He grins. “I’m knocking down the wall in your sister’s old bathroom.”

I shake my head. “Dad, no.”

Janice returns with a fruit tray. “You’re not knocking down any walls. You barely finished the last two projects you started. I’m still using the downstairs sink.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted a walk-in closet?” he picked grapes from the tray and ate.

Janice gently puts the tray down beside the other. “We have different priorities now.” She says firmly while sitting. Dad nods. 

I see gray hair on Janice’s head. Her eyes are tired, yet aging does not appear on her face. Unlike Dad, Janice is still working. As the charge nurse, she manages the other nurses on her floor. Between working at the hospital and dealing with Dad, I’m sure she’s stressed.

Janice doesn’t talk about that though. She never lets on about what sets her off. Recently, she’s become my biggest confidant. When I need to know how to deal with something I’ll call her. Unknown to Dallas, a big source of our marriage is my stepmom.

“Ok, so what’s the news?” I ask anxiously.

“Don’t you want to wait for your sisters?” Dad asks me.

As if on cue, Eliza comes into the house. “I’m here. I’m here!” She’s out of breath and stands at the door. Her hands shake from the cold, yet her jacket is open.

“Emma?” Dad asks with hope in his voice.

“Meeting,” Eliza answers.

“Great, now let’s start,” I clap.

Dad opens his mouth, but Janice puts her hand on his arm. “Erin.”

Eliza holds up her phone. “He just texted me. He’ll be late.”

Janice looks at Dad worried. “I don’t want to do this without him, Eddie.”

“I can get him on FaceTime.” Eliza starts calling.

I can’t take it anymore. “Is someone sick or something?”

Dad shakes his head. “No, this is good news.” I look at Dallas with relief. 

“What’s good news?” Erin’s voice comes on the phone.

Eliza holds her phone up. “Everyone say hey.”

“Hi, son.” Dad waves.

“Hey, sweetie.” Janice smiles.

“What up, bro,” Dallas shouts.

“He lives here!” I shout. “You saw him this morning. Now what’s the news?”

“Well, we,” Janice starts.

“Is this about mom being pregnant?” Erin announces.

“Pregnant?” we all shout in disbelief. -