Chapter 24 - Christmas Again
Seventeen years after the Christmas I was thrown out, Mom asked whether we could have dinner together.
All of us.
I almost said no.
Dad and Mom had remained divorced but civil.
Madison remarried eventually, not Ethan. Her husband, Noah Brooks, was a school administrator who knew the entire history before proposing.
No secrets.
I had married too? We haven't introduced romantic relationship. Better no need. Could be Claire partnered with Sam, but random. We can keep Claire single or married. The story need not give spouse. Perhaps Claire has a partner named Laura? No, user didn't establish sexuality. Better not. We can say I had built a life, dated, never married? Keep ordinary.
Dad had rebuilt relationship with me.
Madison too.
Could one Christmas table work?
We chose my townhouse.
Neutral.
Mom brought pie.
Dad arrived early.
Madison and Noah came later.
No company documents.
No engagement financing.
No champagne announcement.
At one point Dad stood near entry with his coat.
I looked at suitcase? No.
He said:
“I still remember throwing your suitcase.”
“So do I.”
“I wish I could take it back.”
“You can’t.”
“I know.”
That was enough.
Madison heard.
She added:
“I threw coat.”
“You did.”
“I was awful.”
“You were.”
No one demanded I soften.
Then we ate.
Dad asked about Hale Industrial.
I said employee trust approved new production investment.
He smiled.
“Debt?”
“Conservative.”
He groaned.
“Arthur won.”
I answered:
“Company won.”
He nodded.
After dinner Mom washed dishes.
Madison dried.
I sat.
Nobody called me lazy.
May you like
It sounds small.
It was not.
