Chapter Ten
Neva
Neva figured that perhaps she had relied too much on the idea that after all the big changes they had made, there couldn’t be others happening soon. They had eased into their lives and routines, made some compromises, and sacrifices even, all for the greater good.
Now, days before Christmas, Angie wanted to mix it all up, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. Routines were safe for both of them in a world where much wasn’t.
Parenting came with surprises and new challenges at every corner. It was good to be able to hold on to something, wasn’t it?
She appreciated Angie taking time off, but at the same time she was worried that she might fill that time with all kinds of activities the way it was before and burn herself out again.
It was for a good reason that they maintained the clean, quiet house, that Christina could attend Caron Academy.
They had worked hard for it, and she didn’t want to go back to a place of doubt.
Strange that an evening of baking and decorating cookies would have her worried, but in fact, she hadn’t stopped since that strange dinner.
Dr. McEwen’s assessment was a huge relief.
Other than that, she was running out of ideas, though she had to admit, she was looking forward to Christmas dinner with her parents.
Something she wasn’t looking forward to, at all, was confronting Angie about her conversation with Caron’s principal, but that could wait.
As she was driving home after dropping off Fiona and Elsa at school, her sister called.
“I need a big favor.”
“What’s the matter?” She still needed to get in a few hours of work today, but Neva figured she would be fine unless Angie had planned another baking spree.
“You know that we’ve been fostering a litter of kittens…” Amanda sounded apologetic.
Neva had to admit she had almost forgotten about it.
She distantly remembered that she had promised to take Fiona and Elsa to see them sometime, but she still had to run it by Angie.
“From your neighbor who moved away, right? The cat’s name was…
Coconut. You said you had found homes for all of them, didn’t you? ”
“Yes, Coco’s. They kept one of them, but we handled the adoptions for the rest. The last one kind of fell through...And you know we won’t be home for Christmas. I’ve asked around, but I couldn’t find anyone.”
“Oh, Amanda, this is tricky. You know Angie is allergic.”
This conversation felt like a strange déjà vu. Why had Angie thought they already had a cat? It had to be a coincidence. Nothing else made sense.
“I know, and I’m really sorry. But you have the space, so maybe they don’t have to run into each other?” Amanda asked, her tone hopeful.
“I have to ask her, okay? I’ll call you back.”
Once upon a time, they had fantasized about a house full of children and pets. Reality had caught up to them quickly.
Neva pulled into their driveway and went inside the house, lost in thought.
Amanda was right, they might be able to avoid contact between Angie and the kitten.
She hesitated doing this at a moment when Angie wasn’t quite herself, and besides, if there was a kitten in the house for Christmas, it was never going to leave.
The girls wouldn’t have it—or they would be forever disappointed in them.
What to do?
She called Angie to share her dilemma.
“A kitten?” Angie sounded almost…enthusiastic about it? Neva shook her head, perplexed. “You know it’s not the best idea, with your allergies. And we know the girls love you, but once they see the cute face, I’m afraid they won’t care.”
“That’s possible.” Angie laughed. “But Amanda has no one to take care of it.”
“Not really. I feel bad. I’d also feel bad if I’m responsible for you sniffling and sneezing the entire holiday.”
“Look, I don’t even know for sure if it would be that bad. How about we all go for a visit tonight and give it a try?”
“Are you sure?” The moment the twins laid eyes on the kitten, they’d be gone, and Neva and Angie would have no choice.
“Yes. I’d like to try. Unless…do we know how Brad is with cats?”
“Curious. Not hostile as far as I know. I’ll invite us over, then?”
“Yes, please do. We haven’t seen them in a while either. Besides, I have tomorrow off. Let’s do it.”
Neva still couldn’t believe it when she shared the news with her overjoyed sister.
“Of course, let’s have dinner! I owe you.”
Well, it was Christmas. Miracles and other strange, wondrous occurrences happened, didn’t they?