Calling Her Home by S.E. Chandler

Author:S.E. Chandler [Chandler, S.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Susan Chandler
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Lisa!” My mom called from the hallway. “Have you heard from your sister yet? She never called me back; I don’t even know if she’s coming. This is just like her.” I gave Lisa a look to make sure she didn’t interrupt. “Forget about my family,” Mom said mocking my voice. “I have a life in L.A.” She rounded the corner into the kitchen.

“Hey Mom.” I tried to look hurt but burst out laughing instead. She flushed. “Sorry I forgot to call you back last night.” I got too much pleasure from watching her squirm. She laid the bags on the table with a humph and tried to adjust herself into Mother mode.

“She was busy,” Lisa said. Mom shot her a nasty look.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here, now.” She said straightening her collar.

“Are you?” I asked.

“Yes, honey.” She feigned a one-armed hug. “I’m so sorry to have to tell you about your father like that on the phone.”

“No really, it’s fine. Lisa was just reminding me that I needed to reconnect at home.” She smiled.

“Well, you do.” She pulled a box of wine from the bag. “You only come every couple of years, and you miss all the family stuff.”

“Ok, first, I acknowledge I’m not the perfect sister or daughter. Second, I didn’t realize we were ever anything like people who do ‘family stuff.’ We’re barely related. And third, if the two of you are going to beat me up the whole time, I’ll go stay someplace else.”

“Vann, don’t be so offended. I just want you around more—”

“And fourth, you’ve only come to visit me once. For my graduation. Ten, almost 11 years ago.”

“Let’s don’t do this,” Lisa started in. “Just stop now. Every time we get together…” she strained to reel herself in. “Let’s just focus on Dad.”

“I’m all for that. You were just about to tell me what happened to him when you pointed out I hadn’t seen him since, oh, the last time you visited me, Mom.” I gave her a parting shot.

“Seriously, V?” Lisa pressed her fingers to her temples. “Let’s just get through this. Mom, it’s not even noon. Put the glasses away.”

“I just thought—I was trying to be helpful.”

“You were just trying to find an excuse to get drunk before lunch,” I said.

“Oh, that’s rich—” she stopped short, but I knew what she meant. “Where’s your gir—wife?”

“Aw Mom.” I said smiling and patting the back of her hand. “Thanks for trying to remember we are legally married. I’m touched.” Lisa cleared her throat.

“Vann was just telling me why Maru wasn’t able to come…” They both looked at me waiting for me to spit it out. My turn to squirm. I stalled so I could think of something quick, then exhaled all the way out.

“She left me, Mom.”

“What?”

“And?” Lisa goaded.

“Well…it’s been a little crazy in the Townsend house since then.”

“A little crazy?” Lisa coughed.

“Ok, it’s been…really…psychotically delirious, actually.” She sat down as I told her the whole story, forging a look of absolute shock on her face.

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