The next few months went pretty well for Diana. She and William became great friends with the Smiths and Richards. She cantored, was a lector, distributed the Eucharist to parishioners at communion and was in a mental health support group at the parish, lead by her friend Maureen. It seemed to be going very well until Monica Jones approached her in June, after Mass.
" Diana, so this is why I haven't seen you. You go to Saturday vigil Mass! Kids, say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Reid. Where is your son?" The Jones family usually went on Sunday.
" He refuses to come, unfortunately," said Diana.
" That's a mortal sin," piped up a little Jones boy about Spencer's age.
"Johnny! That's not something we talk about to others. For who are we to judge. Isn't that right Tom?" said Monica flashing a smile at her husband.
"Yes it is, my dear. Sorry about my son," said Tom.
" No problem," said William.
" I'm starting a book club of the book, Fascinating Womanhood. Have your heard of it?," asked Monica.
"Yes, I have," replied Diana.
" You should join us!"
" I don't agree with it."
" Oh, don't you? What does your husband think of it?"
" It just isn't my cup of tea, Monica," said William who was a little surprised that this woman was so into traditional gender roles, that she thought it was his duty to convince his wife to read a book.
" Oh, well. I'll pray your son comes to church," said Monica.
" So do I, Monica," replied Diana with a hint of anger.
As they were walking out the door, their friends Liz and Rob approached with their teenage daughters.
" Hi William, Diana, how's Spencer?,"asked 16 year old Lucy.
" He's all right, he just loved those Star Wars novels you gave him," replied William.
" You,ok Diana you look upset," asked Liz.
" I was talking with Monica Jones."
" Oh, she's a talker."
" Not when someone disagrees with her. She seemed very taken aback that Diana and I didn't agree about that book she's pushing," said William.
" Oh, that book, that makes her look like a Stepford wife," said 18 year old Julia.
" Like my mother used to be, before she found a traditionalist cult," said Diana.
" Oh my gosh,I'm didn't know, Diana. On a lighter note, want to get coffee after daily Mass on Friday?," asked Liz.
" Yes, I would, very much. It's good that there are people like you. You must have been a wonderful sponsor," said Diana.
"Thanks, Diana. I'll let you know when Anna comes down from Reno again. She's just great," said Liz of the young lady she sponsored.
" Sounds good. See you Friday."
"Yes, bye," said Liz.
Once in the car Diana asked Veronica," Do you think Monica is manic?"
" No, that's just her personality. She told me a lot of her college friends were like that too. She went to a pretty conservative Catholic school, and is really interested in homeschooling and isn't good at agreeing to disagree and says she's on fire for Jesus, but it's rather off putting isn't it?" replied Veronica.
" Oh, yes, just like my parents," replied Diana.
" She's harmless though. She means well."
" I know I should believe you. Pray I do."
" Diana if you start feeling off and/ or keep on thinking about her and how she makes you feel, please let me know,ok, honey," said William.
" Liz and her family should be considered part of my support group. If anything happens to me, I'd want their help," said Diana.
" That's a great idea," said William.
" Diana, Monica doesn't have to be a part of your life. I'm glad you firmly, but politely declined her offer today," said Veronica.
" I don't need to hang out with those who make me uncomfortable," said Diana.
" That's right, you don't. I'll see you tomorrow, ok? Have a good day, you two."
" Veronica, thanks for everything. I'm so glad you moved to Vegas before my first hospitalization. It helps me feel better knowing you'll always be here." Diana got out to hug, her friend who had arrived at her apartment.
" Thanks, Diana, I'm not going anywhere and neither is the Lord," said Veronica.
" Or me, not to say I'm God, because I'm not," said William putting his arm around his wife's shoulder.
" Oh, William," said Diana who then rolled her eyes and flashed a smile.
Spencer as usual was having fun geeking out with his friend Jeff, his friend/ babysitter from next door.
After Jeff left Spencer asked, " Hey Mom, did your belief in the real presence comfort you, the homily comfort or inspire you?," asked Spencer.
" Yes, honey. Thanks for asking. That's very considerate."
" It's important to ask about how others feel. That's what they say in my social skills group," said Spencer.
" Thanks for using what you've learned, Spencer," said William.
" William,we need to write that homily quote down,"said Diana.
" Yes, ' I may not be where I want to be, but I thank God I'm not where I used to be.'" Said William as Diana wrote it down taping it to the bedroom door.
After Spencer went to bed, Diana asked William, " Is it right for me to cut Monica from my life?"
" Yes, it is. If you see her and she says something that makes you feel uncomfortable, you can leave or change the topic. You don't need that stress."
" No, She gives me a bad feeling. I'm not sure if it's paranoia or not."
" Keep the communication open about it with me, ok. We have that relapse prevention plan to consult, ok?"
" Ok, William. I love you so much. Don't ever leave me."
" I won't, Diana. Want me to make us some herbal tea?"
" Please."
They sat together in quiet praying, before sipping their teas and snuggling . Both felt a few minutes of peace. Two weeks latter, that peace was hard to find.