Happy Mother's Day Weekend 💗

 

Kat was in total shock when her dad handed her the debit card. Was this for real? She knew Gavin had one, and so did her cousin, but they were older, and she knew she didn't have a real job yet, just babysitting.

"Now think of it more of a gift card than a debit card," he practically winked. "I know it's a long time coming, but you deserve something, taking care of your sister like you do."

She nodded. She knew he wouldn't have given it to her if her older sibling hadn't gotten on at the nearby grocery store. She looked at it as if it might be a gold card.

"I know you want to get your mother and your grandmothers something for Mother's Day." Her dad grinned as if he knew her well.

"Um, we've been crocheting dishcloths." She'd managed a couple, even if they were lopsided, and her little sister was still working on making a big ball of chain that might make the perfect present for Grandy's cat (Her father's mother). She'd planned to find something nice at Dollar Tree for her Mom and some soap from her grandmothers. Kat knew they expected practical gifts. She knew no one wanted a candle because it gave Grandy headaches and Grand Betty said candles caused fires.

Kat had been laid down the law about gift giving by the two of them. They both said they loved homemade gifts best and most of all, handmade Mother's Day cards. But her mother was a different story. She was still pushing everyone away, wanting to be alone most of the time. Just when Kat thought things might be back to normal during the holidays, they weren't. Her mom might give them a squeeze, but she generally ended up crying. And then they would end up crying (Kat and her sister, while her brother stayed stoic). Kat didn't like it. Still, she wanted them to spend time together. At the moment, she found herself getting the sniffles thinking about it. All they knew was that she was sick.

But now, she was alone with her dad in the kitchen at home. "Now, I know you think your mother has cancer." Her dad said out of the blue. He never said anything about her anymore. For a while, she thought her mom was moving back in, but that only lasted a weekend. They were divorced. "She is sick, but it's not cancer."

Kat sighed. She pressed her lips tight. She didn't think she could be wrong about this, but if this is what she wanted, then she'd pretend.

"She's bipolar."

For a second, she thought he was talking about sex. She looked at him, stunned. 

"You know what that is? Right?"

Kat shrugged.

"At first, it was just manic depressive. Like she'd be happy, but then she wasn't. She got us into debt. She would spend money we didn't have." Her father admitted. "And, and I wasn't sure how she might act around all of you."

Kat winced. She grew up knowing her mother was high-strung. But usually she just yelled at Dad. 

Kat licked her dry bottom lip. Maybe that was why she was on edge even if she'd grown accustomed to the drama.

"Your mom is having a hard time finding a job right now." Her dad told her this was why she was staying at Grand Betty's.

Kat sucked in a breath.

"It comes and goes." Her dad left it at that. But his words made her sad. She raked the back of her hand across her hot tears. Gavin would be here any moment. They were going with her cousin to find Mother's Day gifts.