Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: In-Law(s) (05/08/08)
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TITLE: Whirlwind Weekend | Previous Challenge Entry
By Holly Westefeld
05/13/08 -
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"I'm sorry, Bonnie. What else could I have done?
"I don't know, Tom. You wouldn't be the man I adore if you had been rude to her. Did she say what prompted this unexpected visit?"
"The grand opening of some exclusive boutique tomorrow."
"And the woman who could afford to stay at the poshest hotel is opting to save on spare change so she can spend it at the boutique instead."
"Likely. I doubt if it's a sudden desire to see the grandchildren after three years absence."
Bonnie took a deep breath, and released it slowly. "Not that she has any respect for our faith anyway, but this is certainly not worth marring our testimony over."
"You're right, sweetheart. Let's pray, then we can figure out what to do about dinner. Heavenly Father, help us to be gracious hosts and good examples for our children. May we reflect your love. In Jesus' name, amen."
"Amen. ... If I pick up some steaks, could you throw some potatoes in the oven and get the grill started? I don't think she'd be too happy with chili dogs.
"Sure thing."
"I'm right here at Central Square, so I should be home within half an hour."
"Love you--bye."
"Bye, love.
Bonnie turned cautiously in next to the Mercedes, hoisted the groceries and trudged around to the patio to deliver the steaks to Tom. "What's she doing?"
"Wowing Tommy and Jen with 'a few trifles' she bought for them."
Bonnie slipped through the kitchen door, stowed the rest of the groceries, got the fresh green beans going in the steamer, then began cutting up vegetables for salad. Upon entering the dining room with the salad bowl, she was delighted to find that Tom had already set the table with the better dishes.
The kitchen door slammed as Tom entered with the steaks. "Kids, dinner's just about ready. Please go wash your hands and come to the table."
"But Daddy, I'm having so much fun with the remote control car Grandma brought me."
"Tommy, the car will still be there after dinner. Now go wash up."
"Bonnie dear, it's so nice of the two of you to put me up on the spur of the moment." The tall, perfectly quaffed and manicured woman airbrushed Bonnie's cheek with a kiss and pulled out a chair. A very startled ball of orange and white fluff shot past them. "If I had recalled that you permit animals in the house, I might have arranged for other accommodations."
Without a word, Bonnie untied the cushion from the chair and took it out back to remove the fur. "She had to pick Peaches favorite chair!" Returning, she replaced it, with the other side up for good measure.
After dinner, Bonnie changed the linens in their room, and gave the master bath a quick cleaning. Returning to the living room, Bonnie caught Tom's eye and nodded toward the luggage by the front door. Tom grabbed the bags and headed upstairs. "Jen, it's time to get your bath."
"But Mommy..."
After the children had been pried away from their new toys, bathed and tucked in, and Grandma was settling in, Tom helped Bonnie unfold and make the sofa bed.
"What would you like for breakfast?" Bonnie inquired when the model-perfect form appeared in the kitchen doorway.
"I'll get something on my way to Katrina's."
"Did you sleep well?"
"Suffice to say that if that is supposed to be memory foam, it has amnesia."
"Will you be back in time for lunch, or not until dinner?"
"I will eat out. You have enough dust rabbits to deal with today without worrying about dinner for me," she shot over her shoulder on her way to the door.
Bonnie's prayers with Jen ceased when Tommy's shout of "Grandma!" propelled Jen back downstairs. By the time Bonnie arrived, the children each held a giant cookie.
"Will you be joining us for church in the morning?"
"Certainly not. I intend to be home in time for lunch."
Later, on the sofa bed, Bonnie rested her head on Tom's shoulder. "I'm sure looking forward to your mom's visit next weekend."
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How hard to hold the tongue when she remarked about the pets....
I love the relationship between this husband and wife. I always wonder how someone with such faith-deficient background becomes so mature in their own faith. That's the definition of grace, I guess.
"Suffice to say that if that is supposed to be memory foam, it has amnesia."
Clever. One more thing...LOVED that you took this slice of life and left the twist for the end, all the while giving us an incredible message to chew on. Excellent!
Great writing.
You had a few missing quotation marks at the end of some of the dialog. The last sentence left me a bit confused... whose mom had just visited? Somehow, I missed it.
Regardless of my confusion, this was an excellently written piece. And I'm thankful that this lady is not my mother-in-law!
Blessings,
Cheri
"Suffice to say that if that is supposed to be memory foam, it has amnesia."
Very funny! Thank you for sharing this well written story. I enjoyed it.
Just one note of correction: "Quaffed" means "swallowed hurriedly or greedily." I believe you meant that her hair was "coiffed." But that was a very minor thing in an otherwise excellent piece. Well done.