Page 35 of We Wish You a Messy Christmas

“She’s definitely in a foul mood today.” Lulu set a mixing bowl in the sink. “Doing a great imitation of Ebenezer Scrooge.”

“Maybe this will cheer her up.” Cindy smiled. “Come on and see.”

“Let me get this cake in the oven first,” Lulu said.

Curious and hoping the contents of that box really would lift Mom’s spirits, Olivia led the way. Hopefully it didn’t contain something from the bakery since they used pink boxes too. Mom had just been complaining about being sick of sweets and predicting they’d all gain an extra ten pounds before the holidays were over. And naturally, she wanted the holidays and all the trappings and trimmings gone as soon as possible.

Olivia knocked three times like her mother had instructed, then cautiously opened the door. “Mom, there’s someone here to see you.”

“Tell them I’m not seeing anyone today,” Jane growled from her wheelchair, which was still facing away.

“Cindy has something for you,” Olivia pressed on. “Early Christmas presents.”

“Tell her I’m not interested,” Jane snapped. “As far as I’m concerned, Christmas is canceled this year.”

“Oh, Jane,” Cindy said gently. “I’m sure it must feel like that to you. Goodness, you’ve had such a hard go of it. But I hope you won’t give up.”

Jane spun her chair around to face them. She saw the gifts in Cindy’s hand, but her expression was hard to read. She was probably trying to seem polite, but underneath that fake veneer she appeared to be seething.

Cindy seemed oblivious or just adept at ignoring bad manners as she sat on the chair by Jane.

“You know my middle daughter, Ruby? Well, she’s a licensed hairdresser and works at a Seattle salon. So, several days ago, I asked her to hunt something down for me.” She opened the pink box and removed a platinum wig, holding it up in front of Jane. It was cut in a bob that looked like an exact replica of Jane’s hair—before it turned Smurf blue.

Jane blinked in astonishment. “What . . . how did you . . . I don’t understand.” But she wheeled her chair closer, reaching out to touch the hair. “It feels real.”

“It is real.” Cindy beamed at her. “I had Rob text me some photos of you that I texted to Ruby, and she managed to find this for you.” She stood up. “Should we try it on?”

Jane simply nodded, waiting as Cindy fiddled with the wig. “Of course, it would probably be better if your hair was shorter or in a wig cap.”

Olivia, feeling a mixture of disbelief and gratitude, held up the hand mirror for her mother. “Oh, Mom, it really looks like you.”

Jane was still trying to tuck stubborn strands of damaged blue hair out of sight, but she seemed pleased. “It really does resemble my old hair,” she said quietly. “Impressive.” She looked up at Cindy. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Isn’t it just perfect?” Cindy looked exuberant. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. It looked just like you.”

“Let me pay you for it—”

“No, Jane. This is a gift. Just receive it as a gift. Please.”

Jane pursed her lips, then slowly nodded. “Thank you.” She was still fiddling with her blue hair. “If I had some scissors, I’d just hack this horrible blue mop off.”

“Maybe I can help you with that. You know, I cut Erik’s hair and all the kids’ hair until they got too old and wouldn’t let me. I’m fairly handy with the scissors.”

Jane commanded Olivia to go to her bathroom, specifying exactly which drawer to find scissors in. As Olivia fetched them, she could hear her grandmother coming into the bedroom and gushing over the wig. When she returned, she saw that Lulu was carrying a brightly colored Christmas gift bag.

“Isn’t it perfect?” Olivia said as she handed Cindy the scissors and a towel and set down a wastebasket to catch the hair.

“Oh, Cindy.” Lulu patted her back. “You truly are a wonder.” She held up the bag. “As long as we’re celebrating Christmas early, I wanted to give you this, Jane.” She set the bag in Jane’s lap. “I thought you might wear it tonight.”

Jane’s brow creased slightly, but she didn’t say anything as she slowly opened the bag. Preparing for some weird item of clothing that her mother would hate, Olivia actually held her breath as red tissue paper was removed to reveal what looked like some kind of silky garment. Jane looked surprised as she extracted it. In shades of blues, greens, and a bit of silver and gray, it was a sophisticated paisley print that reminded Olivia of some of her mother’s favorite scarves.

“Do you remember hostess gowns?” Lulu asked. “From the seventies? I remember seeing them in movies, but I never had one myself. Elegant ladies would use them for entertaining, and I hear they’re making a comeback. At least that’s what the woman at Boho Girl Boutique told me. It’s something to wear if you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party. Anyway, it’s not really my style, but something about it reminded me of you. And if you don’t like it, I will not be the least bit offended. The woman assured me you can exchange it for something else.”

“Let’s get a good look at it.” Olivia lifted the garment from her astonished mother’s lap, unfurling it and holding it up. “Oh, Mom, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Look how the full skirt just flows.”

“And since it’s loose, it can slip right over your head and drape over your legs, so you won’t have to put on these pants you’ve been complaining about.” Lulu pointed to the detested warm-up pants.

Jane mutely nodded as she fingered the silky fabric.