“You don’t have to be the sweets police all the time. A cupcake once in a while doesn’t hurt. And I’m their grandmother. It’s my job to spoil them.”
She’d made the cupcakes for Danny and Oliver, hoping something sweet would make them feel welcome. They hadn’t visited since they stayed a couple of days after David’s funeral. The time before that had been during her own husband’s funeral. She never thought to have that in common with her daughter, but life happens. Tragedy strikes. She wanted to give her grandsons something good to associate with visits with her, something besides death.
And all kids love cupcakes.
“I’m trying to teach the kids to make healthy choices.”
Dede shrugged, wishing Amy would loosen her rigid control over her kids. “You can feed them quinoa and kale all you want. When they’re here, let them be kids instead of organic-health-nuts-in-the-making and enjoy the simple pleasure of a sugar rush.”
Amy turned to P.J. and Emma, who’d been avidly watching to see if Grandma won this argument. “Put the cupcakes down and eat the apples.”
Loud and upset groans punctuated the kids dropping the treats and pushing the plate of apples away.
Dede rolled her eyes. “Moderation, Amy. Teach them that, so they can find balance and not feel like you’re taking things away from them.”
“You never let us gorge on cupcakes before dinner.”
“Unless it was a party or holiday. You know, there’s a time and place for everything, including letting kids be kids.”
Amy needed to ease up in every part of her life. She was wound so tight, she was bound to snap and unravel. Dede pushed because she didn’t want to see that happen. Amy needed to have some fun and relax. No one could be that anxious and obsessive about things and not suffer some consequences.
Amy clearly swallowed a retort when the front door opened. Her eyes went wide at the sight of Sierra and the boys standing there. “Poor thing. She looks worn out.”
Of course Sierra heard the not-so-subtle stage whisper.
Instead of responding to Amy’s comment, she simply said, “Hello, Amy,” and stroked a hand over Danny’s head, nudging him inside with his bundled blanket, backpack, and several overflowing plastic bags. Like a mini vagabond, he held his precious few belongings.
Oliver followed his brother in, his arms not quite as full, but still the five-year-old held what little belonged to him, including a cute stuffed brown puppy.
Dede rushed to greet them and make them feel welcome. “Oh my, you boys have grown so much.”
“I have to pee,” Oliver announced.
“The bathroom is this way.” Amy held her hand out toward the hall.
Sierra smiled down at her littlest. “Go ahead. Aunt Amy will take you. Say hi to Grandma first.”
Oliver gave her a shy smile. “Hi, Grandma.”
Dede brushed her hand over his dark head. “Hey, sweetie. I’m so happy you’re here.”
Oliver glanced at the cartoon on the TV. “Motel TVs are hard.” With that, he ran after Amy to get to the bathroom.
Danny looked up at Dede. “The remotes are weird.” He leaned into her for the hug she wrapped him in.
“Well, soon your mom will have a new place for you to live maybe with a TV easier for you to use. Until then, I’m so happy to have you here with me.” She released Danny, noting how much he reminded her of his father. “Your room is up the stairs. Second door on the right. You’ll find a surprise on the bed for you and Oliver.”
Danny gave her a smile, glanced briefly at his mom for an approving nod for him to go ahead, and he dashed up the stairs with a speed Dede could no longer achieve in her advanced age. But it did her heart good to hear him squeal with delight when he found his gift.
His shouted “No way!” made Sierra raise an eyebrow.
“I got him and Oliver new tablets. The nice boy at the electronics store said they’re exactly what kids are using these days.”
“Mom, you didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to give them something familiar. They lost everything, and you said it was the one thing they were missing the most.”
“They read these online graphic novels and the newest one came out last week and they’ve been dying to see it.”
“There you go, they’re reading.”
“Oh, they play their fair share of games and watch videos, too.” Sierra hitched up the laundry basket she carried under one arm before it slipped off her hip and she dropped it.
“Your room is ready upstairs. Set your stuff down. Take a breath. When you’re settled, come down for lunch . . . or a cupcake.”
Sierra smiled. “Thanks, Mom.” Weariness shadowed her eyes. “It’s been a long few weeks.”
“And now you’re here, where help is just a request away.”
Momentary relief shone in Sierra’s eyes.
“I set up an appointment with the elementary school for tomorrow morning at ten. They have a terrific after-school program you can look into when you find a job and are back to work. Until then, I’m happy to watch them after school while you go on interviews.”
Sierra nodded. “I’ll see what I can find and what makes the most sense.”
Dede put her hand on Sierra’s shoulder. “There’s no rush, Sierra. Take your time. Figure out what’s best for you.”
Sierra raked her fingers through her long dark waves. “I’ve just been trying to get through each day and do whatever needs to be done right now.” That was Sierra. Make a list, check the box, keep moving forward. “I haven’t had time to really process.”
“Then take the time.”
Sierra set the basket on the floor and hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.” She held on like she hadn’t done since she was young.
Dede teared up and held on to her little girl who had grown up and had the problems to show for it. This couldn’t be fixed with a bandage and a kiss on the owie. No, this required thoughtful planning and a lot of hard work to create a new life for her and the boys.
Dede had done it after each of her divorces. It wasn’t easy to face things alone. To know that your children were counting on you for their happiness and the stability they needed.
Sierra carried the load well, but it would take time for her to find solid footing again when so much was up in the air right now. Once she found a job, settled with the insurance company, sold or rebuilt her place up north, and found a new place here to make a home, she’d find happiness again.
Sierra slipped free and went to the sofa, leaning over to hook her arms around P.J. and Emma. One at a time, she nuzzled her nose into both their necks. “Not even a hi, Auntie.”
“Hi, Auntie,” they said in unison, both giggling.
“You better save me a cupcake.”
“Mom won’t let us have any more.” P.J. fell back into the sofa with a dramatic sigh.
Emma looked up at Sierra and snagged a handful of her long hair. “It’s so pretty.” She brushed a lock against her cheek.
Sierra smiled down at her and tugged Emma’s caramel-colored straight hair. “You got the better color. Mine’s just plain brown. Yours is shot through with sunshine.”
Emma beamed.