My What if Christmas Wish

Chapter 12

Patrice roamed the grocery store with Junior sitting in the cart and Hannah following close behind. The shopping list she had retrieved had been written in her own handwriting, even though she had no recollection of writing it. It seemed to take forever, but she managed to get everything on her list while keeping both children next to her. As Patrice waited to check out, Hannah tugged on her coat. 

"Mommy, are we still going to Grandma's house?" Hannah inquired with a bright smile on her face.

"Sweetie, which grandma?" Patrice loaded the groceries on the conveyer belt.

"Daddy's mom, Mommy," Hannah replied handing Patrice the bag of lettuce.

"Oh, well where does Grandma live?" Patrice asked.

Hannah shrugged her shoulders and Patrice understood it as she did not know. Patrice moaned as she paid the cashier. When they approached the SUV, she loaded the trunk with the grocery bags. Then she fastened Hannah and Junior in their car seats. After returning the shopping cart, she slid into the driver's seat.

"Are we still going, Mommy?" Hannah repeated.

Patrice considered the notion. "Honey, why don't we take the food home first? Then uh... Mommy can figure out how to get to Grandma's."

"Okay," Hannah replied. Her attention diverted out the window.

Patrice drove in silence since Junior and Hannah fell asleep. When she pulled into the driveway, she took the kids inside first. Afterward, she brought in the groceries. As she unpacked and put away the food, Patrice noticed the answering machine light blinking. She played the message.

"Hey Honey," Adam's voice greeted. "I forgot to tell you on my way out. My mom's expecting you to come over today. I'll text you the address since you can never remember how to get there." He chuckled. "Anyway, I'll see you later. Love you." The machine beeped.

Patrice tapped her fingers on the kitchen counter. I guess I'm going. After reloading the kids inside the car, she followed the directions from her phone to her mother-in-law's. Upon arrival, she beeped the horn. Mrs. Chambers came outside in her coat, greeting her with a smile.

"Oh my goodness! I thought you'd never make it here," Mrs. Chambers said cheerfully. "Let me help with these babies."

Patrice smiled when Mrs. Chambers hugged her. It had been a long time since she'd seen her. They both carried the kids inside, with Patrice holding Hannah and Mrs. Chambers carrying Junior and his diaper bag.

"I am so glad you're here, Patrice," Mrs. Chambers stated as she rocked Junior back and forth.

"It's good to see you too," Patrice responded smiling.

When Patrice first met Mrs. Chambers, she took to her very quickly. The gracefully aged woman was sweet, kind, and she loved her sons. Adam had a younger brother named Jake. As far as Patrice could remember, Jake loved music. He had a talent for the piano but also studied journalism. Adam's father, Mr. Chambers, owned his own furniture store and he provided well for his family. Patrice smiled as she recalled the first time Adam invited her to meet his family.

****

"So Patrice," Mr. Chambers asked over the dinner table. "What are you studying in school?"

Patrice smiled at Adam's father. They had invited her for one of their weekly Sunday dinners. After church, Adam told her they would always gather at their home for dinner. They were close-knitted.

"Well sir, I'm studying psychology," Patrice replied.

Adam held her hand underneath the table. She relaxed some at his sweet gesture.