WIP Wednesday: ‘No grandchildren talk’

Work in Progress Wednesday!

This is Everson’s POV. He’s setting up his mom for a visit. Fingers crossed for them! Not to toot my own horn, but this scene cracks me up.

I am worried about my wife. And my sister. And how my folks will be about the grandchildren question.

I called my mother last week to lay the groundwork.

“Mom, we need to talk about our trip out next week,” I said after greetings and catching up. “Grace is …” This was harder than I thought it would be.

“Grace is what, darling?” my mother asked. “Is she sick? Is something wrong?”

“No, no. Please don’t worry,” I rolled my eyes. My mother is smart and strong and a total badass in most things, but she can worry herself into a frenzy if left unchecked. “Mom, seriously, there’s nothing wrong.” I paused. “I don’t think.”

“Everson Craig Campbell, you are scaring me,” Gabriella Campbell said with the Italian accent I only ever hear when she is scolding her only son.

“Ma, listen, here’s what I’m trying to say,” I tried not to sound like I was losing my temper (to be honest, I was–-but most likely with myself). “We’re still not pregnant.” I sighed much more loudly into the phone than I intended.

“Oh, honey,” my mother said with all the love she could squeeze into her words. “Is that what’s bothering you? I understand. I know you and Grace want to have a baby. What can we do to help?”

I laughed at that. “Uh, not much,” I quipped. My mother laughed then too.

“Oh stop it, that’s obviously not what I mean! Silly boy. How can your father and I help Grace feel better?” she asked.

Still amused, I said, “Mostly, just not talk about it. She will not want to talk about infertility—or fertility, for that matter—or babies or planning or any of it.”

“I understand. I know it must be difficult. Your father and I never even thought about it. You and your sister were blessings. We didn’t even have to try–” 

I cut her off. “This is exactly what I mean, Mom,” I said sharply. Maybe too sharply. “I’m thrilled you and Dad had such great luck,” and then to lighten the mood just a bit, I added, “giving birth to the most amazing humans on the planet.”

“Oh, Everson, I do see what you mean. I can’t help it. But I will make an effort,” Gabriella said.

“And you’ll talk to Dad?” I asked.

“Of course. No grandchildren talk of any kind,” she said.

“I can’t even broach the subject with Penny,” I felt exhausted just mentioning her name.

“Don’t be too hard on your sister, Everson,” my mother said sympathetically. “She loves you. And Grace.”

I made a noncommittal sound, wishing I hadn’t mentioned Penny.

“Anyway, thanks Mom,” I tried to tie up the conversation, “I would like Grace to just enjoy time with you and Dad. This vacation is our only time away this spring, so I really just want her to have a chance to relax and not worry.”

“I completely understand, son,” Gabriella said. “We’ve got your room all set up for you. You’ll be cozy and comfortable. Your father and I won’t hear a thing if you want to try while you’re here, of course.”

“Mother!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Jeezzz-us.”

“Oh, I’d never say that to Grace, of course, but just so you know,” she said quickly.

“I’m hanging up now,” I said.

“Love you, son! See you on Sunday!” she raced to say before I hung up on her.

“Love you, mom,” I said and then I really did end the call.