And love
Chap 52 Sunday Explosion!
UPSTAIRS BEDROOM, FRIDY EVENING
"Dad and I want to prepare you for Sunday," Eddie starts. "We don't want you to be surprised at what might happen."
Jamie picks up the baton; "My brother, your uncle Danny, is probably still quite angry about that weekend."
"I'm sorry. What will he say?" Cassie asks softly.
"We don't know, sweetheart. Dad and I just wanted to warn you, and ask you not to say anything. Please don't react by shouting. Hold on to each other's hands, let's support each other. OK?" Eddie voices.
The girls all nod, agreeing to behave as much as they could. They all join hands and offer a group prayer.
St. Angelus Parish Church
Jam leads his family in and they sit in the pew just ahead of where the family usually sits. The family come in a short while later. As they file in, Henry ends up seated just behind Jamie who is on the right aisle. Mary Rose sees that and asks her dad if she can sit by GG. He turns to Pops, who nods OK. MR slips out and in to sit between GG and aunt Erin. Both adults give her a loving hug.
Henry whispers in Mary Rose's ear, "It's good to see you my dear. Do you have any news to share?" She immediately tenses up, he notices. "Please don't ask me that GG," she whispers in return. He backs off, knowing better than to embarrass her. He had noticed something about Eddie. He gently pats her hand, "Ok."
Linda and the boys were to Eri's left; Danny had not yet arrived. The service was already underway when Danny slipped in the back. He looked ahead to where his family was and saw Jamie, Eddie and 2 girls. Closer inspection showed the 3rd girl next to Pops. He started to get red faced, his hands clenched into tight fists, his stomach tightened. He knew instantly that church was no place for him today!
'Are they coming to dinner? Shit!' He thought.
He turns around and stomps out. He made just enough noise that Frank turned around and saw his eldest leave. Frank's heart clenched. He had heard rumblings about the disaster weekend, but didn't know the specifics. He hoped that dinner, the 1st Jamie's family had been at in quite a while, wouldn't be a disaster zone. He wasn't sure, he said a short prayer – Mary, please watch over us today my beloved!
After the service GG took pride in introducing Mary Rose et al to many old family friends. The 3 girls in their Sunday best were fawned over by many church ladies; to their everlasting embarrassment. They endured it all.
After church they drove to Frank's for dinner. Jamie had requested that meal time be early rather than later. He knew that extended exposure to his older brother might well be problematic. Pops had planned accordingly.
While Eddie was helping in the kitchen, Jamie sat with the girls on the couch and looked at some family picture albums. He pointed out many family members they hadn't met, most they never would. At 12:30 DINNER was called by Frank.
They migrated to the dining room and found their places. Because of 5 family who had not been regular attendees, the seating chart had some adjustments. Sean grumbled a little, his mother settled hi]m down; an empty place was left beside Linda. Danny slid into that just before Malina started to recite the blessing.
"Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Mal recited perfectly.
A chorus of amens were heard around the table.
"Thank you, Malina," grandpa Frank said.
"You're welcome," she whispered.
They passed food, filled their plates and began to eat. After a few minutes of silence Jamie spoke up.
"Eddie and I have some exiting news," he declared. All eyes turn to them. The girls are ready to burst.
"I'm pregnant," Eddie voices proudly.
Erin: Really! Congratulatons!
Linda: That's wonderful!
Frank: Great, another young'un at our table!
Pops: I thought there was something different about you at church. One more GG baby!
Mary Rose cannot keep still. "Oh NO! Two more!"
Everyone looks at Eddie; forks drop noisily to plates.
"Yes, I'm carrying twins," she beams.
"Well, five kids! Now you really will have no room at the Inn." Danny snorts.
Jamie and Eddie tense up. They each grab the hand of the daughter next to them. The room chills.
"So, maybe now you can send the adopted one back to where she came from!" Daniel huffs for good measure. "I'm just sayin'" He shrugs. "Or teach her how to answer the phone, and follow directions."
Cassie blanches and starts to cry. She jumps to her feet so fast that her chair tips over. She rushes from the room crying "NO, NO!" She dashes up the stairs – Mary Rose hot on her heels.
Malina gets up to follow; she pauses in the doorway and turns around. "You did it again! That was a terrible thing to say, uncle Danny. Shame on you!" She whirls around and dashes upstairs, after her sisters.
Danny jumps up, "Don't you talk to me like-
"SHUT UP DANNY!" Eddie and Jamie are both on their feet. It's momma bear that had shouted. Jamie grasped his wife's hand and pulled her close. He spoke softly, "Danny, Cassie explained everything to us. Yes, she made a mistake. But so did you. You did not give her a chance to explain our situation before you hung up on her."
"I knew I should have double checked," Linda muttered.
Danny scowled at his wife. She hung her head.
Jamie continued, "she got caught up in the excitement of the horse's arrival, and forgot all about the phone call. Anyway, we truly had NO space in the house or barn."
Eddie picked up the baton, "we had a house full and a planned weekend. AND more people didn't fit. Sorry."
Jamie added, 'As to Cassandra Elizabeth – she is our daughter in every way but blood. Eddie and I love her the same as all our children. She is going nowhere, PERIOD!"
Danny can't take it, "Oh, you named her after grandma Betty to protect her? Nice."
Jamie shakes his head and turns to Eddie. "Why don't you go up and check on the girls? I'll collect our things and pack the car. Come down when you are ready and w''ll go home."
She trots up the stairs, he excuses himself and the family. He collects coats etc. Then exits to the car. Soon Eddie and the girls descend the stairs and head out.
Before exiting, Mary Rose sidles over to GG. She reaches up, gives him a hug and says "I'm sorry that we have to leave. I love you GG!" He sheds a tear, hugs her in return and returns the sentiment. She exits, leaving a rather somber table.
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THE RIDE HOME
"Mommy, we are still hungry," Mal speaks for the back seat.
Eddie looks to Jamie, then at the girls. "What would you like?"
"Sparky's Pizza!" It's unanimous.
Jamie smiles and nods. "Sparky's it is," Eddie announces.
"Yes!" The girls respond.
Everyone grins.
A good time was had by all. Well, as long as they didn't think about the disastrous family dinner.
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AFTERGLOW
After the family has gone, Frank and Pops sit in their comfy chairs and talk. "Francis, I am worried about Daniel. He riles too easily. What is his work status"
"Still on desk duty, I'm afraid."
"Any chance that he will resume his 1st grade detective duties?" Pops scowls.
"I'm afraid that is doubtful. I've spoken with Linda; she is worried sick. She sees the Danny that she married slipping away from her," Frank admits.
"Do you see doctor's reports?"
"Yes, Danny seems to have plateaued. I don't know what to do."
"Counseling," Pops suggests.
"That has been recommended. You can guess his response." Frank hangs his head.
"I heard an explosion the other day!" They both chuckle, mirthlessly.
"It's hurting the family!" Pops shakes his head.
"Big time!"
Neither patriarch has a solution.
Is it hopeless? They hope not.
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TBC