The following morning, after a fabulous night’s sleep, I sprinted downstairs and into the kitchen, raring to clean house. Jonathan’s late night visit had invigorated me. I not only managed to make him understand where he stood in my life now, but I aired a few of my grievances. Not that I knew I had grievances while we were married. Only now I realized I wasn’t happy in my marriage – not really. The little floozy down the street from my old house actually did me a favor. I should thank her.
Even Jonathan’s pains gave me satisfaction. I knew that was un-Christian of me, but I felt no guilt. I did wonder though what had caused his pain. Tension? A prelude to a heart attack? Whatever. His life insurance was in good standing.
“I don’t see why I have to help.” Katie, dressed in a short skirt and white blouse to obviously further her point, leaned against the kitchen counter beside me.
If I weren’t in such a good mood, her attitude might irk me. “Because, honey, I need your help.”
“I hate this house.”
Thanks for the news flash. “I know, honey.” I patted her hand and lifted a huge box of rags from the counter. “Once it’s cleaned, maybe you’ll hate it less.”
She stepped in front of me. “I. Do. Not. Want. To. Live. Here. I. Will. Not.”
“Katie, I know how you feel, but what’s done is done.”
“It’s Saturday.”
Could this child of mine come up with a lamer excuse to get out of a little work?
“If I’m keeping you from watching cartoons, we don’t have cable yet.”
She stomped her feet. “You forgot to arrange for cable? God, Mom, what’s the matter with you?”
Great. My subtle hint at her childish behavior not only went overlooked but served to give her something else to complain about. I just couldn't win with her.
“I didn’t forget. Monday is the earliest they could make it.” At her skeptical expression, I added, “That’s the God’s truth. It is. Really.” Before she could think up a retort, I shoved rags at her. “Now what we have to do today is get this kitchen cleaned. That means everything – windows, cabinets, inside and out, walls and floors. Then we’ll move on to the bathroom. Then ....” I saw the look of absolute horror on her face and stopped. There was so much more to do, but it could wait until tomorrow. “Then we’ll have dinner at Mama Jo’s. Whadda say? Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it?”
One way to Katie’s heart was through her stomach. She loved Italian food. That and Mama Jo’s handsome young grandson who bussed tables for her. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her eyes light up. “Now, change into old clothes and we’ll get started.” She didn’t make a move. “The sooner we get started, the sooner we’ll be finished.”
Benjamin ran into the kitchen.
“Okay,” she said. “But you didn’t win.” Like a temperamental thoroughbred, Katie galloped from the room.
“Yes, dear. I know.” I sighed.
Benjamin patted my hand. “Everything’s going to be okay, Mom. You’ll see.”
I draped my arm around his shoulders and hauled him close. “And how do you know that?”
“You told us, ‘member?”
If I never did anything right the rest of my life, I’d die a happy woman knowing I did everything right when I gave birth to this little man. My son, my joy.
“I’ll help you, Mom. What’re you cleaning first?”
“The cabinets, I think.”
“Awesome. I saw a snake in that cabinet over there.” He pointed to the far wall. “Can I put him in a cage in my room if I catch him?”