It was Christmas morning and Lisa was looking forward to having breakfast with some church friends. She was also very much looking forward spending the rest of the day with Oliver's family.
Oliver began the day by kissing Lisa under the mistletoe. It was wonderful.
They then went to a church friend's apartment for breakfast, George and Elizabeth Cooper. George had grown up with Oliver. He went to the same church as well as the same private school together as a child. His wife, Elizabeth was also born into a wealthy family who had always lived on the Upper East.
"Did you enjoy the Christmas Eve service last night Lisa?", asked Elizabeth.
"Oh yes I did. It vas vonderful. Did you enjoy it?"
"Oh yes, I did! The music was wonderful. I always enjoy hearing the Christmas story", said Elizabeth.
"I liked how he said that some people are like angles", said Lisa.
"You mean angels, Lisa", said Oliver gently.
"That's vhat I said!",said Lisa.
"Well I don't think I've ever felt I've had people like angels in my life, but I do enjoy that church very much. What are the rest of your Christmas Day plans?", asked George.
"We'll be at mothers all afternoon. We have to be there by 11:30. Cynthia and her husband Edward will be there as well", said Oliver.
"I've always enjoyed talking to her and was glad I was able to make it to the wedding. Where are she and Edward living now?", asked Elizabeth
"Chicago", Oliver replied.
"Oh that's a wonderful city! Do you get there often?", asked Elizabeth.
"I haven't been since before the war actually. They always come here to visit", said Oliver.
"How is your mother? We had another party that we had to go to after church last night otherwise we would have stopped and chatted", said George.
"She's the same as always. She couldn't stop talking about how exited she was to see Cynthia the last time I saw her", said Oliver.
"Well I'm sure she must be enjoying her visit. Your mother is a wonderful woman Oliver!", said Elizabeth.
The rest of breakfast Elizabeth spent talking about her role models at church and the conversation turned talk about work among Oliver and George and the Opera and Symphony among Elizabeth.
"Olivah look at the time, ve must get to your motha's",said Lisa.
"Oh you're right honey! It's been wonderful seeing you George and Elizabeth but we must get to my mother's. Merry Christmas, I hope your family gathering goes well", said Oliver.
"I hope yours goes well too Oliver", said George.
Once Oliver and Lisa got to his mother's penthouse Eunice was delighted to see them, especially Lisa.
"Lisa dear, welcome to your first Douglas family Christmas. This will be so much fun! I asked the cook to make gulosh for lunch, instead of steak! Hello Oliver, Merry Christmas.", said Eunice.
"Merry Christmas, Mother. That's very nice that you had Lisa's favorite meal made for our gathering", said Oliver.
"Yes thank you Motha", said Lisa who had just recently started to call Eunice mother. She was the closest she had to a mother now.
"Hello Oliver, Merry Christmas. Lisa, it's nice to see you again", said Cynthia.
"Merry Christmas Cynthia, Merry Christmas Edward", said Oliver.
"Before Ann brings out the Hors D' oeuveres Cynthia has something important to tell you Oliver", said Eunice.
"Good heavens mother, stop coaxing me! Oliver I am expecting", said Cynthia.
"That's wonderful Cynthia. How far along are you?" asked Oliver.
"Four weeks, Oliver", said Cynthia.
"How wonderful! Congratulations!",said Oliver.
They spent the time before dinner discussing various things. Edward and Oliver talked about their jobs while Eunice still couldn't stop talking about the grandchild on the way. She also wanted to know the details of Oliver and Lisa's Christmas Eve. Throughout the afternoon she was catering to Lisa's every need. This was driving Cynthia crazy.
"Mother, we need to talk! Let's go to your bedroom now!", whispered Cynthia.
What was supposed to be a private conversation in another room turned into a shouting match that everyone else could hear.
"Mother I am your daughter! Lisa is just your daughter in law, but you let her call you mother! Why! Why! Why!", screamed Cynthia.
"That young woman was orphaned in the worst possible way ever! Her parents died in a concentration camp and she was dying of starvation before your bother rescued her! She needs motherly love!"
"Yes it was horrible what she went through, but think of me and come to Chicago once and a while, or I will disappear from your life, just like Father did!"
"Cynthia Marie, how dare you say such things!", exclaimed Eunice.
"I can say whatever I want mother and I am not staying here for one more minute! Goodbye Mother!", said Cynthia as she walked out of the penthouse with her husband.
"Oliver and Lisa, I'm so hurt! Oh God help me!", Eunice said the last phrase looking skyward.
Everyone was so upset that they decided to postpone the Christmas celebration to another time when Cynthia would hopefully come to her senses.