Page 34 of We Wish You a Messy Christmas

“Mom complains about everything,” she said. “You just have to learn to ignore her.”

“So the intervention plan didn’t really work?”

“It’s hard to say. I mean, it seems like she’s thinking about it. But she’s so miserable with the pain in her hip and her blue hair and my grandma here and all. Well, it’s a lot. I almost feel sorry for her.” She grinned. “Almost. But, really, I don’t mind having Sadie here with me, especially if you’re busy helping your dad. Sadie’s good company.” She moved from the chair to the couch, stroking Sadie’s soft coat. “She makes me happy.”

Malcolm beamed at her. “I love that about you, Olivia.”

Olivia felt some consolation. Maybe nothing had changed between them after all. Still, she wanted to reassure him.

“Believe me, I know my mom is extremely difficult. And to be honest, I don’t know if that’ll ever change. Pastor Justin’s suggestion for a therapist makes so much sense, if we can get her to agree to it, and even if she does . . .” She shrugged. “You know what they say about leading a horse to water.”

“I know.”

“But I’ve been learning something during my stay here.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m seeing that I can separate myself from her, you know, like I can emotionally step back. I don’t have to feel responsible for her bad behavior. We are totally different people. I am her daughter, and I’ll always love her, but I don’t have to let her control my thinking or my life. As you know, she’s always been a control freak. But more than ever, I’m aware that I am not her. She might want me to be, but I’m not. I think spending all this time stuck taking care of her and seeing all her weird obsessions, well, it’s sort of been therapeutic for me. Does that make sense?” She studied him, somewhat surprised by her own confession because it was the first time she’d said this out loud. But she believed it.

Malcolm nodded with what looked like relief. “That’s so good to hear, Olivia. Thanks for telling me that. I can see how that would happen while you’ve been around her so much lately.”

“Yeah, instead of running away and feeling guilty like I usually do, it’s like I’ve been thrown into the fire with her, so to speak, and it’s not comfortable, but it’s been a great life lesson.” She sipped her coffee. “So, how are things at your parents’ house? Are you resolving your plumbing problems?”

“No, that’s not what I’ve been working on with him. That can’t be resolved until they get their septic tank emptied. Although Dad found a guy over in the valley who might be willing to come in a few days. Not before Christmas, though, and it will be expensive.”

“I’m glad your family is being forced to come here to celebrate. I just hope my Grinchy mom doesn’t ruin it for everyone.”

“Are you kidding?” He laughed. “You know my family, Livvie. They will be loud and crazy, and I’m pretty sure your mom will be drowned out by their exuberance.”

“That’s perfect.”

“Good morning, kiddos.” Dad came into the den, still wearing his bathrobe and slippers. “Thought I heard voices in here.”

“Did we disturb you?” Malcolm stood.

“Nah, I was already up. But not before you early birds.” He opened the blinds to a steely gray sky. “Looks like weather on the way. The forecast is snow in the mountains, but looks like it might hit the foothills too. Wouldn’t it be great to have a white Christmas?”

“Oh, I hope so.” Olivia pointed to her mug. “I made coffee. Want me to get you a cup?”

“Thanks, honey.” Dad sat in his chair and sighed happily. “It’s so great having family around. I’ve sure missed that. It’ll be lonely when you kids go back to the city.”

As Olivia went for her dad’s coffee, she could still hear him and Malcolm talking. Taking her time, she listened as Malcolm explained about his work with Doc Wheeler this past week, and how it might become an opportunity for him to move back home.

“I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed small-town living. Can’t beat the commute to the clinic. Can you believe it only takes me about three minutes to get there?”

“I know what you mean. Sometimes, if the weather is good, I walk to work,” Dad said.

Listening to the two men visiting congenially felt so good, like this was what was meant to be, and she longed for it to be permanent. Was that even possible? But hearing Mom’s bell ringing, she knew it was time to go assist her, and so she hurriedly took Dad his coffee and then excused herself. Today would be a long day with Mom’s grim attitude toward the houseful of guests expected this evening. Olivia knew it would take more patience, prayer, and emotional distancing to get through it.

***

After a very trying morning of attempting to pacify her agitated mother while Grandma busily prepared things in the kitchen for the evening festivities, Olivia was ready to throw in the towel when Cindy showed up with two large shopping bags. Assuming she was bringing food and was here to assist Grandma, Olivia led her toward the kitchen.

“Hi there,” Lulu called out above the cheery Christmas music. “Are you here to help?”

“Yes, but I was hoping to visit with Jane first.” Cindy paused to set the bag on a barstool, then extracted a pink box from on top. “I have something for Jane for Christmas. But I wanted her to have it early.”

“Mom’s in her room.” Olivia lowered her voice. “She’s kind of sulking.”