Chapter Four

Mona held up Raven and Corey held up Alrik as they moved outside. Calypso moved the stools onto the grass, then helped Grandma Norma and Grandma Vera to sit down. She gave them blankets, and then went back inside for the Yule log. Everyone formed a circle and sat down, with the log at the center. They drank cider and hot chocolate as they talked about all the good things that had happened to them that year.  Mona had gotten a raise at work and Raven was becoming a successful author. Corey couldn’t help bragging that he’d just gotten accepted into Harvard, which earned him toasts and dozens of congratulations. Grandma Norma was happy she’d learned how to sell her knitting projects online, thanks to her daughter and son-in-law, and was doing very well. Also, she didn’t have any major health scares this year. Alrik had finally paid off his trailer and brought a small plot of land, his organic produce was selling well at the flea market, and he had a steady job as hiking guide. It was great news because he’d been job hopping for a while. Calypso was glad that she’d finally earned enough trust at work that she was able to work alone on certain days, even though that meant more responsibility. And she was happy at her new house.

“It’s nice” she said with a glare in Raven’s direction, “Even if it isn’t the two-story suburban dream house”.

Grandma Vera was just glad the year had been boring. No one could disagree, interesting didn’t always mean good.

“And I hope the same for next year. Keeping my fingers crossed my garden doesn’t get destroyed in the spring” she said with a slight grimace.

Some months Grandma’s Vera garden was overrun by one insect or the other, or smashed by deer, loose dogs, and other animals. She’d tried every idea she came across, but she’d never had any luck before.  With genuine good cheer, the others wished her good luck and voiced their own hopes for the new year.

 

They continued to sit outside talking until the cider and hot chocolate was gone. Soon after the chill became too much to ignore and they moved inside. Finally, to everyone’s relief, they were able to start dinner. Grandma Norma, Vera, Mona, and Calypso were given the chairs. Raven, Alrik, and Corey sat in the adjoined living room, which was dubbed ‘the kids’ table’.  They protested the name, of course, but Calypso only had to name a few of their ‘exploits’ before Alrik and Raven fell silent. Corey jumped on the chance to say he hadn’t caused any property damage.

To which Raven whispered to Alrik, “Let’s ask his mother about that”.

Alrik choked laughing and Corey gave Raven a scathing glare. Raven put on a mollified face and intensely scrutinized his dinner as he ate.

“Don’t make me put up with this all night” Corey moaned, pointing back at the two men.

“We need someone responsible, and sober, over there. And another remark like that, you’ll be sleeping outside” Mona said, giving Raven a dangerous look.

He put up his hands in defeat.

“They’re so mean to us” Alrik said with a burp.

“Stop breaking everything” Corey said, looking dejected.

Raven took a large gulp of his apple cider and puffed up his chest.

“I’m offended by that. I don’t break everything” he snorted.

He waved at the T.V to demonstrate his point. Even Corey had to laugh, despite still being upset. Alrik shoveled food into his mouth at a rate that caused them to pause and watch half in amazement, half in disgust.

“Oh my goodness! When was the last time you ate?” Corey asked.

Alrik popped a pretzel in his mouth and answered, “Last night, I wanted to save room for tonight. I almost starved”.

The two men could only shake their heads, though Raven was laughing. He’d seen more outrageous from Alrik. He seemed to be going easy tonight, only being on his second plate.

“I think I’m going to lose my appetite” Corey mumbled, dramatically holding his stomach.

Raven stood up, saying, “Eat fast” as he walked to the table. The women tried to shoo him away, but he stuck out his tongue and sat next to his mom. Grandma Vera gave him a quick hug, and then berated him for being drunk.

 

“I’m not drunk” Raven said pouting.

They all gave him incredulous looks and he pretended to look hurt.

“Whatever” he mumbled.

“Don’t give him such a hard time. He didn’t bring all this alcohol” Grandma Norma came to his defense.

Raven grinned and Mona rolled her eyes, deciding not to mention that he technically helped transport some of it. He reached back, something he could do being 5’11, and grabbed a few of the eggnog cookies. Calypso and his mother just shook their heads. Mona reached across the table, getting a disapproving look from her mother, and slapped Raven’s hands.

“That’s enough” she said.

“Well, why did you make them if you didn’t want me to eat them?” he asked, dropping the cookies onto his plate.

“I made them for everyone” Mona replied.

Raven, looking down himself, gave one cookie to everyone at the table.

“I think you need it most” he said, putting the rest on Mona’s plate.

Ever so slightly, Calypso moved her chair over and looked away. The other women pounced immediately.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mona asked, putting down her fork.

Grandma Vera hit him with hers and Grandma Norma shook her head.

“I just meant you seemed tense and needed to relax” Raven squeaked.

“You shouldn’t talk to her that way” scolded his mother.

Raven agreed meekly, looking down, too afraid to meet Mona’s angry stare.

“Try them. You’ll laugh in a few minutes?” he asked, trying again.

“Oh no” said Grandma Norma as Mona started to stand up.

“Let him live, auntie!” Corey yelled from the couch.

Mona sat back down, with some encouragement from Calypso, but she kicked Raven under the table. He gave a little yelp and started to respond back but Calypso gave him a warning look.

“You owe him your life” she said pointing at Corey.

Corey held up his arms in victory and silently high "fived Alrik. Mona didn’t talk to Raven for the remainder of the dinner.

 

It was almost midnight before everyone had their fill and the leftovers were put in the fridge. Calypso let Grandma Vera and Norma sleep in the bedroom, while they stayed in the living room. Raven and Alrik folded the tables and put them against the wall next to the couches.

Corey turned on Calypso’s stereo, then stood up and said with flair, “So now the party can actually start”.

They listened and danced to a mix of folk rock, Christmas music, and whatever new groups Corey listened to. He even threw in a few slow R & B songs, and then pushed Raven towards Mona. Alrik saved Calypso by offering to dance and she gratefully accepted. Not to be outdone, Corey made quite a show of dancing and talking to an imaginary dance partner.

“That is from your gene pool” Calypso laughed.

“It’s not our fault, blame his father” Mona shot back as Raven spun her.

Corey laughed and said playfully, “Hey, she’s just as real as the dwarf over there”.

Alrik picked Calypso by her waist, irritating her more, and danced with her as if she were his height.

“Just so you know, no one’s invited next year” she said as everyone laughed.

 

By the time everyone went to sleep, it was almost morning. Calypso was thankful she didn’t have to work and was able to sleep in. When she did wake up, around ten, she was glad to see Grandma Norma and Grandma Vera had prepared breakfast from last night’s dinner. Alrik and Raven hadn’t woken up yet, so she was able to take a shower and dress in light gown for breakfast. She didn’t bother to do much with her hair, leaving the ‘bed head’ look alone. She knew Mona had forgiven Raven when she made him a plate and put it in the fridge. Corey sat quietly eating his food, sitting on the couch while the women sat at the table talking.

“It was nice seeing everyone. No one comes to visit” Grandma Vera pouted.

“I wonder why?” Calypso thought taking a sip of milk.

Mona could guess what she was thinking sat next to her and whispered, “Don’t you dare say anything out loud”.

Grandma Norma, who sat across from Vera, said, “Everyone’s so busy, Vera. I don’t think they can make it to your farm”.

“Your mom is a saint. I couldn’t lie like that” Calypso whispered.

Mona elbowed her hard and said, “I’ll talk to Raven about coming during the summer. That is if I can get him out of that room of his”.

Calypso smiled, thinking of Raven’s reaction when he found out the news.

 

It was already noon when the men woke up. Raven was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes when Mona sat next to him on the floor and said, “We’re going to your mother’s in the summer. Don’t make any plans”.

“I could say the same to you” he grumbled.

She gave him a push, and then said, “Hurry up and take a shower before your food gets too cold. I’m not going to heat it up again”.

Raven continued to grumble, but he pushed himself to his feet and walked out.

“Cruel woman” Alrik said, holding his head.

Mona just shrugged and Calypso gave her a thumb up.

“You should take a shower too, the bathroom’s free” Calypso pinched her nose and fanned towards Alrik.

Who put a hand on his chest and asked, “Is this my reward for a daring rescue last night?”

Calypso pretended to trace a tear down her cheek, a sad look on her face.

Pretending to take offense Alrik threw up his hands and said, “Unbelievable. See if I offer my services again”.

He laid out, forcing Corey to change seats, and covered his eyes. Calypso took pity on him and got Tylenol from her medicine cabinet in the kitchen. She filled a glass with water, and then walked back over to Alrik.

“Next time don’t drink so much, huh?” she asked.

He nodded and took the medicine, but she knew he’d be at it again next chance he got.

“You know that’s like a penny in the well right” said Corey.

Calypso just nodded and went back to her breakfast.

Grandma Norma and Grandma Vera left at three, but not before they were almost suffocated with hugs. Raven promised he’d come visit while frowning at Mona. She had a victorious smirk on her face as she said goodbye to Corey. He turned to hug Calypso, but she stopped him and just waved.

“See you at the next gathering” she said with a polite smile.

Corey returned the wave and tried to smile as he said, “Yeah. Whenever that is”.

As he turned to leave Calypso said softly, “Good luck surviving the trip to airport”.

Corey laughed, walking to the door and holding it open as the two elderly ladies walked out.

“I cannot imagine what it was like growing up with her” Calypso said, bemused.

Raven scratched his head and replied, “She was nice enough, she’s just a rough woman”.

Twining her arm in his Mona said, “She did have you as a son. I bet that did wonders for her nerves”.

Calypso tried imagining Raven being even wilder and found she couldn’t do it. He was living proof you had to get older, but you didn’t have to grow up. There hadn’t been many times she’d ever seen him become serious, and it was even rarer for him to get mad. How he did it, she didn’t know that. But she knew she was not jealous of Mona for having to deal with it. Calypso didn’t think she had the patience.

 

Not long after Raven and Mona said their goodbyes, taking some of the leftovers for the return trip.

“Come back soon. Leave the family reunion for another time though” Calypso said with a smile.

Mona laughed and said, “That was nothing. My sister couldn’t make it, she has to work all weekend. Who knows who she would’ve brought along”.

Calypso wrinkled her nose and Mona laughed again.

“And even if she had, her husband and his friends wouldn’t have shown up. So it’s not a proper family reunion” said Raven, attempting to be funny.

Mona’s sister had married into a family who didn’t know about her religion, and neither offered to invite them. Mona ignored his remark and gave Calypso one more hug before they left. Alrik tried to leave, but Calypso wouldn’t let him.

“You’re not driving until you feel better” she said firmly.

Alrik just groaned and rolled over. Calypso just shrugged off his bad mood and put the rest of the food away, knowing he’d eat it once he was feeling like himself again, and then went to sit outside.