A Richter Blend, Normandy's Story

StepfamilySystems.com

A Richter Blend, Stepfamily Chronicles.

On line publishing by StepfamilySystems.com

1101 California Ave., Ste. 100, Corona, CA 92881

Legal representation, Parker Stanbury, LLP (213) 995-0001

First Editor, R. D. Atkins

Second Editor, Tina Kitras

Freelance Writers:

Patricia H. Powe, Cooperton Family Story

Michelle Lamb, Grey Westcott Story

Tina Kitras, Macy Cooperton's Cousin, Vera Normandy Story

R.D. Atkins, Delrose Hazelton, Cooperton's senior neighbor, grandparent perspective

Skye C. Weaver, Co-Writer, Youth/Teen Perspective

Mystery Writer: Men's perspective

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Vera and Katherine Normandy. John's gone.

She is cousin to Macy Cooperton and does not live in Port Hills, but in the adjoining state in a small town. This gives her incentive to visit for holidays, special occasions, and vacations. It is just a few hours away so driving back and forth especially when cousins need each other...

The rain fell in a light mist followed by the hazy rays of the sun as the clouds began to part on this cool Saturday morning. At a sidewalk café, a lone woman sat next to an iron wrought table sipping her coffee. Brume rose in swaying tendrils drifting toward her contemplative face. Sorrow was etched around her emerald eyes that were surrounded with thick, copper tinted lashes. Her skin was an alabaster palette. The woman sighed and turned her chilled frame into the sun. How, she wondered, had a few simple words become a life that she did not recognize? The small town that she felt was her home and from which she drew such comfort felt alien to her. The stores still had the hand written posters with uneven lettering for the local high school Sadie Hawkins event, bake sales, and the big dance at the senior center. The senior center was the town’s local hot spot for those seventy and over where the years rolled back as the couples danced and found their youthful rivals in the shadows on the wall.

As Vera Normandy held the Styrofoam cup with the faux Italian design, her hand trembled and her eyes felt the all too common invasion of tears. Who was she now? She knew that she was strong, fearless in some moments, yet she had a new title – divorcee. Funny, how that one word held such meaning not only to her but to society. She blew on the coffee no longer warm or substantial. The small routine gesture brought her some sense of normality in her world gone awry.

Vera reflected back on her last conversation with her newly designated “ex-husband”. John Randall still fit the standard of a very handsome man. He stood above her and the top of her head just grazed his chin. This worked to Vera’s favor as she was 5’7” and liked to wear heels for a night on the town. His black hair was only now flecked with gray which seemed to emphasize his hazel eyes. His chin was rather weak which kept him from being ridiculous. Vera had found this one flaw very attractive. No one can live with physical perfection as it draws away from the truth. It is a distraction as appealing as the apple was in a certain place and time.

Reminiscing, Vera pondered a problem that had held her attention since she was a teenager. She had always wanted glossy raven hair with striking aqua blue eyes---she had never cared for the natural color of her eyes and hair which she felt was unattractive. As a young woman, she thought that to have raven hair would be an answer to her problem. On a family vacation as a young child, she had stood rapt by the power of the ocean and its thundering waves. She was amazed that what raged at one point could calmly lap at her feet the next; and she had been mesmerized by the aqua colored water. Maybe this would be a fleeting memory for some, but it was forever ingrained in her mind’s eye. She remained auburn haired interwoven with gold and a slight wave. Her emerald green eyes sparkled and hinted at the mirth lying under their surface. Some said that when she was angry the emerald smoldered and she became shut off from the rest of the world.

Vera had hoped that John would request reconciliation and then espouse his true feelings which he had buried deep within himself. She envisioned him on bended knee looking earnestly into her eyes. He would say, “Oh Vera, how foolish I have been. You are my heaven and earth. Forgive me and let us begin again.” Vera paused, and decided at that moment she would stop watching cable television. It was distorting her perception. John was only interested in cheap real estate. The type which usually occupied a street corner or so her mini skirt and miniscule top would appear to imply. Vera often thought of her husband’s girlfriend as the driver of a ‘hoochie’ mobile. He seemed to take offense when Vera called it that, but really what could he expect as a 42 year old man who was involved with a 24 year old. Vera’s life seemed vastly different at 24, they had a child, a mortgage, and little things called student loans. Hmm, there was that ugly resentment raring its head again. Her therapist was trying to help Vera move on, to move through the grieving process, however, she was not ready to leave town just yet. She just wanted John to “get” it. She wanted him to understand that it was about more than the infidelity. It was about her loss of innocence. It may seem an odd sentiment from a married woman with a child, yet it was the picture painted on her heart.

~ ~ ~

The following Monday found Vera awake in bed and thinking about her child. Her daughter Katherine had not taken the divorce well. Her father was always charming and she knew the ambiguity that Katherine felt. She watched it in the way her daughter moved, how she responded to her inquiries, and how she wanted to be anywhere but home. Her sweet child was a physical reflection of Vera and John. She would be more petite than her mother, yet she had a grace about her that bespoke of a soon coming womanhood. Katherine had her father’s black hair with Vera’s emerald green eyes. Vera paused as she realized her baby was already fourteen years old. Time rolled on whether or not she was ready for its challenges.

She looked at the clock in her small sunlit bedroom. She was renting an older home as she was fascinated by its unique architectural character. It was alive and had survived sun and storm. The wooden flooring still shone as the early rays came peeking through the honey gold curtains. She had not kept many pieces of furniture from her marriage. They were reminders of her failed past---they called to her that this chair and this bed had once been significant in a beautiful home. A home which had been built upon artifice – a pretense she would find out about much later. She had bought new furniture because she was creating a new life that did not include her husband or his choices.

Vera’s short lived reverie was going to make her late for work. Saturday had become Monday in a blink of an eye. Now for her new morning ritual – a pep talk. “Alright Vera, get up because today holds new and wonderful surprises. Nothing happens if you don’t make it happen,” said Vera aloud to an empty room. There had not been many happy surprises of late. However, things were about to change as good fortune would soon come knocking at her door.

~ ~ ~

Vera sat at her basically unkept desk which was in a bland government office for the last seven years. She wondered if the cubicle walls were actually made of cement as her career was at a dead end. A change in career was something that Vera had pondered. While working for a bureaucracy had meant a steady income and benefits, it was the death knell for personal innovation or creativity. This job was about being a cog in the wheel of a very large machine. She was quite certain that if she dropped quietly to the side, she would not be missed. Vera simply felt that she had achieved all that she was going to in her current position.

She lifted her head as an all too familiar scent permeated her nostrils. Her co-worker Ted also known as the “ladies man” was strutting toward her desk. A new divorcee was like blood in the water to piranhas. Vera felt herself cringe. If only she had a shell like a turtle, she would hide until he passed by. She considered applying a fake wart to the end of her nose although it was not usually her nose at which he looked.

“Well, good morning Vera. I brought you a cup of coffee,” said Ted as he slithered nearer.

Vera smiled and tried to look distant as if too busy to address him. He continued his advance which left her little choice. “Good morning, Ted. Thank you for the offer, but I don’t drink coffee,” replied Vera.

“Are you sure? It’s nice and hot,” said Ted.

Vera felt spittle splat against her cheek and blanched. Okay, she was definitely finished with the conversation now. She looked at her watch and dashed off while she muttered a convenient excuse about being late for a meeting.

After work, she decided that she would go to the bookstore in the mall. Even though it was part of a chain, it had the rich, homey feel of leather and polished oak. Vera loved going into the bookstore. She felt invigorated by the smell, the vivid colors of the book covers, and the world of knowledge at her fingertips. It would also postpone her arrival home. She had texted Katherine earlier so she wouldn’t worry, but there were days when she did not have the energy to engage her daughter’s inquisitive nature. Recently, the questions appeared to be part of an interrogation rather than a loving exchange between mother and daughter.

When Vera arrived at the bookstore, she walked through the isles of books and languidly moved as she traced the raised letters on the book bindings. She then walked toward the self-help section. Her therapist had suggested that she read about the benefits of moving on, of enjoying the single life, and of being an independent parent. This was a euphemism for being a single mother. She sighed as everything was “pc”. Vera thought a moment and decided that her therapist’s suggestions were just that and she moved on to the mystery section. She had been reading mysteries since she was a teenager, yet she was usually surprised by who did it. Surveying the rows, Vera picked what appeared to be a promising book based on the cover and summary. Vera chuckled at her own indiscriminate and very unscholarly method of choosing a book.

Startled by her ringing cell phone, Vera quickly answered it. Katherine was on the other end.

“Hi, Mom,” said Katherine. Her voice was not that of a child, but did not have the timbre of adulthood yet.

“Yes, Katherine. Is everything alright?” asked Vera.

“Yep, I was just calling to ask if you could pick up a quick dinner. It would save us from having to cook, wash dishes, and all that stuff. . .at least for tonight.”

Vera listened and then agreed that picking up a quick dinner would be easier. She called in an order to their favorite Italian restaurant which would be ready in 20 minutes. She looked to her left and noticed an empty, well cushioned chair against the wall near by. She took a few steps and sunk into the chair. Vera read for a few minutes becoming engrossed by the landscape of the story. Glancing at her watch, she forced herself up and out and headed for the checkout. Vera smiled as she envisioned her child as the darling dark haired moppet she once had been.

~ ~ ~

Vera walked through the front door of her lovely rental – finally happy to be home. Katherine came out of the kitchen which was rather small with outdated fixtures.

“Hey Mom, I’m so glad that you are home because I am starving.” She took one of the bags Vera was carrying.

“Me too,” said Vera as Katherine smiled brightly and pulled the containers out of the bags.

The appetizing smell wafted between them as mutual sighs of appreciation were heard. They both giggled. “It appears the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree after all,” Vera said while reaching for a soft, warm bread stick.

Vera went to the kitchen drawer to pull out two forks or rather she tried to open the drawer. Older homes were often quaint and unique; however, there were times when they were stubborn and cranky. The drawer opened after a couple of hard tugs, but the silverware also came flying out with it. Katherine laughed and walked over to help Vera with the silverware. Vera could see the sparkle in her eyes which almost made them an iridescent color of green.

Katherine ate her spaghetti with great zest as she discussed the events of her day. Vera listened carefully while occasionally commenting on her daughter’s remarks. This evening had unfolded much better than had been anticipated. She relished these moments and so she locked them into her memory.

Vera had been mulling over the idea of a weekend trip with Katherine. She thought a break from their every day routine would be a good idea. Vera loved the ocean and the coast. She loved to feel the wet sand between her toes and the warmth of the sun on her back. It allowed Vera to breathe more easily and feel a peace that would well up from deep within her. The sound of ocean waves rolling into shore was comforting rather like a warm blanket on a cold night. John had disliked the ocean and the fishy smells associated with it. It was one place that did not have a memory linked to him. Her decision made her feel a bit lighter. Perhaps she had been carrying the weight of guilt not just for herself, but for Katherine and her deceased marriage…

~ ~ ~

Arrival in Port Hills

Vera decides to visit her cousin Macy who lives in Port Hills. Katherine enjoys visiting her three cousins. Even though they are younger, their babysitter is a couple of years older than Katherine. Vera notices the positive affect on her daughter and appreciates an influence that she can trust.

Vera awoke in her cousin’s guest bedroom which was lavish and a tad overstated for her taste. Macy and Stephen have a large house which was provided by a good economy and the previous real estate boom. When they were children, Macy had a plan for the life she wanted. Vera believed that she had envisioned it for so long that she was simply able to pick it out like a good jar of olives.

Macy had a generous heart if occasionally misguided. Macy had leapt without looking in the past which brought trouble to her marriage. Vera reflected on a time when there had been similar tension between Stephen and Macy. She had been so grateful that she and John were in such a stable relationship - it turned out that the joke was on her. Vera always pictured Macy as a firecracker with her petite frame and red hair. She was vivacious and an extrovert. When she spoke, people would stop to listen. Macy had a lilting laugh that was infectious. Vera had often wished that she possessed such charm. When they were teenagers, she did not appreciate her stature. She felt like a tall string bean while Macy was petite and womanly. Later, Vera learned the advantages of a nice set of legs.

Since Vera’s arrival a few days before, she was enjoying much needed rest. However, she was troubled by a comment that she overheard from Katherine. It involved the word “skank” which she knew had been added to her daughter’s vocabulary from her own. Vera spoke to Macy by phone once a week. Her frustration and the need to vent not so polite thoughts punctuated their conversations at times. She forgot about ears that were not quite grown and how well they heard, but did not have the experience to understand.

She stretched, yawned, and realized that she had no particular plans for the morning. This was decadence for her. Macy was quite gracious with her invitation to visit. Vera suspected that there was more to it than familial congeniality. During recent conversations,

Macy had mentioned going back to work. At first Vera considered discussing her idea of a job change with Macy; however, there had been noticeable tension when she arrived. Perhaps her cousin needed something more from her. It would be nice to take her mind off of her own problems.

Vera hopped out of bed and into the shower. No time for pity today. She was a new woman and ready to live again. She made note to speak to Macy when they had an opportunity to be alone. Perhaps they could go shopping and have lunch. Macy could smell a sale as soon as she hit the mall doors. Somewhere Vera believed it was encoded into her DNA. She smiled to herself. It was comforting to be with family as some things never changed.

Vera trotted downstairs to find her wayward daughter. Katherine always slept in Ameliana’s room when they came to visit. Katherine said that it made her feel like a princess.

“Good morning, your majesty and how did thou doth sleep?” asked Vera. Katherine rolled her eyes, but a hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

“Very well, my fair lady,” replied Katherine. Her eyebrows arched questioningly as she peered around the kitchen. “I am confounded, where oh where is my golden arches breakfast?” pronounced Katherine in a not very regal manner.

Vera laughed and replied, “It appeareth that her majesty will be having cold cereal and milk.”

Katherine pretended to pout, but plopped down at the kitchen table when she saw that fruit loops would be the order of the day.

“Katherine, I am a little concerned for you,” stated Vera. She moved closer and gently touched her child’s chin. “I don’t think that you should be calling anyone a ‘skank’ despite where you may have heard it,” she offered.

Katherine sat upright with a defiant air. “You know very well where I heard it,” she cried. She looked at her mother intently with a challenge in her eyes. Vera returned her stare. A minute later Katherine looked away with moist eyes.

“I am not blaming you sweetheart. I’m so sorry that you heard my frustration,” replied Vera. “However, sometimes moms make mistakes too.”

Katherine regarded her less coolly and put her head on her mother’s shoulder. Slowly Vera stroked her daughter’s glossy hair and hummed a tune from Katherine’s childhood. The tension dissolved as the sound of feet padded into the kitchen. Macy smiled and said good morning. She commented on the pretty picture that they made.

[We hope you are enjoying the series! Please visit our other stories when you have time. We have different authors writing each family's journey. Please visit our Stepfamily Strategy Team page for tips and insights you might be able to implement in your own situation.].