With barely restrained rage, Patricia remarked, “Especially because they’re family who abandoned you on a highway.”
The girls had a ton of questions when they got home from school that afternoon.
Will Grandma be making her special pancakes?Grace inquired about the custom of Christmas morning.
“Will they arrive when we unwrap gifts?Emma continued. “They already gave him a new gaming system,” Tyler texted.
Sarah and I looked at each other. We had decided to have an open discussion.
I softly said, “Girls, come sit with us.” This year, Grandpa and Grandma will not be able to attend Christmas morning. Uncle Derek and your cousins are with them over Christmas.
Emma’s expression darkened. However, they consistently visit this place. It’s customary for us.
“Why are they unable to see both?Grace enquired.
“Adults have to make tough choices sometimes,” Sarah remarked. “Grandpa and Grandma want to be there for Uncle Derek’s children as they go through changes due to their parents’ divorce.”
However, what about us?Emma asked in a weak, wounded voice. “Don’t they want to support us as well?”
How would you explain to an eight-year-old that their grandparents had effectively devalued them?
My phone rang. Mom.
“I’ve been thinking about last night, Corey, honey. We had a difficult time making this choice.
“Mom, may I ask you a direct question? Has Derek provided you with any proof that he lost his job? Termination documents? filing for unemployment benefits?”
Take a moment. “Well, no, but when he temporarily moved in, he explained everything.”
I texted her Derek’s social media posts and LinkedIn profile, saying, “Mom, I need you to look at something.” “I believe you should check out what he’s been sharing about his commercial success.”
“I don’t think I should be spying, Corey—”
If it is posted openly, it is not spying. He has been deceiving you about his financial circumstances.
“Oh my” after a few exhausting minutes.
He told you he had to sell the Corvette in the picture, correct?”
“Yes. He claimed that he had to liquidate assets as part of the divorce settlement.
Four days ago, this picture was uploaded. The automobile is still his.
Extended quiet. “I must speak with your father. I didn’t know, Corey.
This implies that Derek has been controlling you while my children suffer, Mom. For months, Emma and Grace have been anticipating spending Christmas morning with you.
“I’m feeling ill. I have to think about this.
I turned to face Sarah once she hung up. “I’m not holding my breath for Dad to change his mind, but I think Mom is beginning to understand.”
“What happens if this isn’t fixed?Sarah inquired.
I heard the girls getting ready for bed, so I turned to face the stairs. In any case, we make sure they have the greatest Christmas. Derek will also discover that deeds have repercussions.
However, I was already working on a strategy that would teach my whole family how to deal with financial difficulties.
It was a gloomy and chilly Christmas morning. Using our emergency resources, Sarah and I had pulled together modest gifts: books, art supplies, and tiny toys that we hoped would make them smile even though their grandparents were not there.
At seven in the morning, Emma and Grace ran downstairs, their faces beaming with unadulterated childhood delight.
“Where are the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa?Grace asked, perplexed by her surroundings.
“Remember, my love? Tyler and Madison are with them for Christmas.
Emma’s expression darkened, but she soon recovered. “After we open the gifts, can we give them a call?”
We made a video chat to my folks at 9:30. Derek’s family received an astounding amount of gifts, including toys and electronics valued at thousands of dollars.
“Look what I got, Grandpa and Grandma!Emma displayed her art tools.
Mom remarked in a strained voice, “That’s wonderful, sweetheart.”
Tyler was assembling a whole gaming setup with a huge TV in the background. “Look what Grandpa got me, Uncle Corey! The new PlayStation, complete with every game. The price was $3,000!”
Grace’s eyes got bigger. $3,000?She muttered.
Madison spun around in high-end attire. “And check out what I’m wearing for Christmas! Grandma told me I could choose anything I wanted when she took me shopping!”
I saw my girls’ expressions change from pure happiness to bewilderment and pain.
“Grandpa, did Santa bring extra gifts for Tyler and Madison?” Emma whispered.”
Dad cleared his throat. “Well, my dear, Santa is aware of the changes they’re going through this year.”
“But we’ve been good too,” Grace remarked in a tiny voice. “We’ve been exceptionally good at school and we helped decorate.”
As I watched my daughter attempt to comprehend why she was less worthy, something broke inside of me.
Derek showed up with pricey champagne. “Hey, how is your Christmas going, little brother?”
We had to put up with a parade of pricey presents for the next ten minutes. Derek was careful to include the cost.
Derek declared, “And this is just the beginning.” After Christmas, Mom and Dad are taking the kids shopping. For our trip to Colorado next month, they require new ski gear.
See more on the next page
