Sinners and Saints

Sinners and Saints Chapter 57 - Surrender

“The one and the same,” his blue eyes crinkle with his smile lines, “Where’s my hug?” he asks, stretching his arms open wide. 

And I do what I’ve wanted to do for the last five years.  I come close to him and smile. 

And punch him in the jaw. 

He pulls back and winces.  And then I stomp on his foot. 

“God-damn-it,” he exclaims, hopping out of the way. 

“Claire, stop beating your father up,” a woman comes out of the room behind him, but I can’t see her very well with him in the way. 

“Excuse me,” I tell her, “This is a family matter so kindly butt the hell out.” 

“Really, Claire,” she says in a disapproving tone, “Must you cuss like a truck driver?  It’s not very lady like.” 

“Excuse the fuck out of me,” I exclaim, “Who the hell died and made you God?” And I stop when she comes into view, “Maybe if you had stuck around long enough to give me etiquette lessons I wouldn’t have turned into such a fucking disappointment,” I snarl at her. 

There is no way the woman in front of me is not my mother.  She’s shorter than I am, but taller than Jojo.  Her hair is more red – a light auburn – instead of my caramel and her eyes are greener than mine, but we share the same heart-shaped face and small nose.  Same long legs. 

“Claire,” Dad growls out a warning but she raises her hand. 

“No, Gill,” she says, “We both knew this would be a shock to  them.  Best to just let her get it out of her system now.  And while no one actually died, the previous Goddess made me Goddess.  Is that good enough for you?” 

“Get it out of my system?” I retort, “You abandoned us.  Left us twenty-six years ago and I’m just supposed to get it out of my system?  What a load of crap.  And what do you mean the previous Goddess?” 

Their phone rings and Dad goes into the other room to answer it.  In a few seconds, he closes the door.  The woman, and my brain simply refuses to use the word “Mom”, sighs and goes into the kitchen. 

“I didn’t have a choice, Claire,” she says as she starts filling a teapot.  Her hands shake a bit as she does, but I’m not up to feeling sorry for her, “And you’re far from a disappointment.  I am so very, very proud of you.  Of both of you girls, but especially of you, Claire-bear,” she lifts her face and there are tears in her eyes. 

I cross my arms and scowl at her.  She lost all rights to call me nicknames when she walked out on us. 

“That was your mother,” Dad says as he comes out of the room, “She and your father will be here as soon as they can be.” 

She nods and puts the kettle on before reaching in the freezer and getting an ice pack out.  She hands it to Dad who puts it on his jaw with a chuckle, “I told you she has your temper,” he tells her and kisses her cheek. 

“I know,” she smiles at him, “Sometimes that’s not a bad thing.” 

I scowl at him too.  

“Come sit down, Claire,” Dad says, “I know you’re mad and I know you deserve answers.   And you will get them.  But it really would be better if everyone got here first.  Your sister deserves answers too.” 

“Fine,” I snarl.  There’s a barking at the back door and the woman opens it to let a Golden Retriever in.  He makes a bee-line for me and puts his paws on my shoulders as he attempts to lick my face.