“Thanks, Bernard,” I sighed, hating the imposition. Something about his offering felt endearing. It almost had me remorseful for checking him minutes ago. “How about we fill up at the Mobile around the corner and stop at the Burger King next door before hitting the road?”
“Ewwww, Zoey. I don’t eat Burger King. There’s a McDonald’s up the street. I like them better,” he corrected while gaiting back to his car, making me snicker, thinking of Stenton’s crack about him being the Queen of the Golden Arches a while back.
I grabbed my bags from the cargo portion of the truck and joined him. We made our stops and chatted all the way to Pennsylvania where we were met with snow coming down and already sticking to the ground, such a contrast in weather settings to New Jersey. I had been told portions of Pennsylvania got snow sooner than we did, but seeing it was totally different. Another difference in climate was the heavy winds picking up here.
When we pulled up to the house, Bernard verbalized my shock at the log cabin that resembled a wooden mansion. I knew Stenton’s hand was in this, but gosh! I didn’t know who found this place: Stenton, or his people, but it was impressive. Snow covered the red logs of the house and the tall pine trees rooted next to it, but the circular driveway was paved.
“Jesus, Zoey. Deacon and Sister Barrett sure have good taste.” Bernard whistled.
I was speechless. This was hardly my parents’ style, more like Stenton’s speed. We cleared my things from Bernard’s Toyota Corolla, but I was the first to make my way up the wide steps to the front door.
When my mother swung it open forcefully, she gasped at first sight of me. “Oh, praise God, Zoey!” she shrieked while clutching her fist to her chest.
My dad rounded her as he approached the door himself. “Elizabeth Ardell,” he called out, almost in an admonitory fashion.
“What? What’s wrong? Is Jordan okay?” I began to panic.
“No… Yes! JR is just fine. It’s just that we couldn’t get you for the past hour,” my mother went into explaining.
“And that snow storm is coming any minute now,” my father amended. “I’m sure you felt the temperature drop and the winds picking up on your way up.” My father retrieved the bags and boxes from me then pulled me in.
There, in the foyer of the home, I was hit with its opulence: bright ceiling lighting, shiny hardwood floors, and contemporary rustic décor. It was beautiful, but before I could fully admire its grandness, Ruth appeared, and in the same freaked state as my parents.
“Damn, Zo! If you really wanna slight me, leave me with our parents as they panic at the prospect of me being their only living child. Where the hell have you been?”
“Your mouth, young lady!”
“Mouth!” My parents shouted concurrently.
Then all three of their faces fell to the floor. Suddenly embarrassed by their demand for an answer, a nervous giggle erupted from my throat.
“Guys, I’m here in one piece. I came out of church to two flat tires and Bernard,” I turned to find him in the doorway, “…was generous enough to offer me a ride.” I tried to smile my way through my explanation until I heard thumps against the hardwood floors. At the same time, I heard giggles from my favorite infant nearing. Also in that moment, I realized neither my mom, dad, nor sister had Jordan. “Wait, where’s Jord—”
And that’s when it clicked. Their expressions were that of surprise. They were not expecting Bernard. Similar to how I wasn’t anticipating Stenton, who now appeared, bouncing a giggling Jordan in his long, corded, and inked arm. It was now time for my face to drop.
“Stenton,” I breathed his name. Clearing my throat, I continued, “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Appearing unperturbed, and without eye contact, he replied. “Miss my son’s first Christmas. You expected that instead?”
That was meant to hit below the belt. I would not allow him the upper hand. Just then, his eyes traveled over to Bernard and now I could see some emotion. Shock, and then anger. But why? Stenton had moved on; he’d even announced it to the world. I couldn’t allow him to one up me.