Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th, 2014
The Crane Family Farm
“Rain for Christmas...it's .kind of a downer,” I said to Dana as we pulled in at the farm. The weather was warm for December but there was a constant drizzle in the air that, any other December, would have been snow, not rain.
“Nothing's getting me down today,” Dana replied. “It's been a rough year in places but everything's come out all right and Boo is back. I didn't think I was that attached...” She trailed off.
The party looked to be in full swing judging by the number of vehicles already in the drive. “Come on, let's go and get this stuff in there. The kids are dying to open their presents from their childless aunts who spoil them!” I laughed at my own statement. The kids being so spoiled was all my own fault and I knew it but I couldn't help myself. Dana, instead of being the voice of reason when she came along, actually encouraged my excess.
“Mom,” I said as we entered through the kitchen, “something smells wonderful.”
“That’s dinner. Chloe and I are cooking up a few new surprises this year.”
Dana’s mama turned away from something she was stirring on the stove, and gave me a mischievous grin. I tried to put my armload of packages down on the table so I could go around the kitchen and inspect their work but both moms shooed me away.
“Get in there,” my mother said, as she pointed me out of the kitchen. “They’re waiting for you and none too patiently.”
“Aren’t you two coming?”
“We’ll be along in a minute now shoo!”
I scooted into the adjoining sitting room and family room area behind Dana who was already moving faster than she let on she could move only to find total bedlam. My sister, her husband and her kids were there along with my dad and Dana’s, my Uncle Brian and his family and some assorted other relatives.
Turning to Dana, I whispered, “Sorry babe; I had no idea there’d be this many people here.”
“This is nothing,” she replied merrily, “You haven’t spent Christmas with the Rossi’s yet.”
“I got it, I yelled over the din of talking, ribbing and the video games.” Am I the only one that can get the door?
I opened it to find Barb standing on the front porch. “Come on in! Glad you could make it.”
“I hope it’s okay...I brought a friend.” She stepped aside and Janet Mason popped into view.
Whoo boy...
“If it’s going to be a problem,” Janet began.
“No, no; no problem for me anyway.”
They came in and I took their jackets.
“I know where the kitchen is,” Barb told me. “We come bearing gifts of food and wine.” She wandered away leaving me standing with Janet.
“I apologize,” Janet stated quietly. “I knew this would be awkward for you.”
“Not for the reason you think.” As I responded, Dana joined us.
“Janet, what a surprise,” she said and then turned and gave me her best ‘I was right’ look.
“Mom actually wanted Shane to come today too but he was going to see his family. I’m kind of surprised you’re not with your mother.” My statement was more of a question.
“Since I’m on call, I can’t really wander too far. Mom went with Aunt Leslie to their other sister’s house which is on the other side of Columbus and, because of my chosen ‘lifestyle’,” she made air quotes, “I’m not exactly welcome there anyway.”
“Oh,” Dana said, “that’s a tough one but we sort of know how that goes. It’s too bad you don’t get to be with your mom today though.”
“It’s okay, we celebrated together last night.”
“So, are you and Barb seeing each other?” I blurted out.
“Not in so many words,” Janet responded. “Not yet. We’re just getting to know each other, I’d say.”
“Barb’s a friend,” I replied to Janet. “She's had it pretty rough.”
Dana shot me a look.
“What?” I asked her. “I'm just saying.”
“It's okay, really,” Janet said, putting out a hand and briefly touching my arm. “We're just friends for now. One day at a time.”
Barb rejoined us. “So, she asked, “Are we cool? We're not stepping on any toes?”
“We're all cool,” I told her as Dana nodded.
“What was your remark earlier?” Barb questioned me. “You said it isn't a problem for me.”
Dana rescued me, “Mel's mom still has a little trouble with the whole lesbian couple thing. She's coming around though.”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “Dana's mother and her open mindedness are a big part of that. Those two have become fast friends. Chloe's easy going style seems to be rubbing off a little.”
“So no PDA's or after dinner sex, got it,” Barb said just loud enough for the little group of us to hear. As we all laughed, another knock sounded at the door.
Mom, who was just entering the room, called out, “I'll get it,” and then, under her breath but just loud enough for the four of us to hear as she walked by us, “since no one else ever hears the door.”
“Whoever you are, I hope you're hungry,” she called in greeting as she pulled the door open and then stopped short.
I felt my face drain of color as mom stepped back to reveal a beaming Hannah Yoder holding the hand of a pretty, young woman.
“Merry Christmas!” they both called out.