Free Casting About by Terri Dulong Page A

had just finished the final touches on the fruit salad when she wandered into the kitchen.
    â€œThat’s a pretty bowl,” she said.
    I smiled. “Thank you. It belonged to my grandmother. I bet you’re excited about seeing your grandmother again. It’s been about two months, hasn’t it?”
    â€œYeah. She came to get me during February vacation and took me to lunch and out shopping.”
    â€œAnd now you’ll have a chance to do that much more often with her. I know Opal’s happy you’re here and she’ll be spending more time with you.”
    â€œWhy?”
    I turned from the counter. “Why? Well…because you’re her granddaughter and I’m sure she loves you. Just like your dad does.”
    I hoped she didn’t pick up on the fact that I didn’t put myself into that equation.
    She remained silent and as if on cue, I heard Opal’s voice coming up the stairs of the deck.
    â€œI’m here,” she hollered. “And where’s that granddaughter of mine?”
    Adam came into the kitchen to greet his mother. He put a hand on Clarissa’s head. “Right here,” he said.
    Opal looked her usual stylish self, sporting a pair of black palazzo pants and a white silk blouse.
    â€œOh, my. I swear you’ve grown two inches since I last saw you,” she exclaimed. Without hesitation, she pulled Clarissa into her arms.
    I almost felt bad for the child, standing there like somebody in a straitjacket, enduring all the fuss that Opal was making. I didn’t miss the fact that Clarissa showed no return of affection. When Opal held her back to get a better look, I could see Clarissa appeared uncomfortable under her grandmother’s scrutiny.
    â€œYou’re such a beautiful child,” Opal gushed. Fingering the long hair, she said, “Gorgeous. You have just gorgeous hair.”
    Clarissa had pulled her hair high on top of her head and secured it with a purple scrunchie.
    â€œOh, Adam,” Opal went on. “Doncha think she looks just like you? And I might say, I think I see a tad of myself in her.”
    Leave it to Opal to make this about her.
    The entire time Clarissa simply stood staring, not uttering a word.
    Adam cleared his throat. “Well, Clarissa, say hello to your grandmother.”
    I saw him shoot a look to his mother that clearly said, “Tone it down a bit.”
    â€œHello,” Clarissa said, softly.
    Opal pulled the child back into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re with us, sweetie. It’ll be so nice getting to spend all the time we want together. We’re going to have such fun. You won’t be missing that mama of yours at all.”
    â€œMom.” Adam’s raised voice filled the kitchen.
    The woman actually looked confused, not having a clue as to what she might have said wrong.
    Adam walked over to put an arm around Clarissa. “Hey, honey. Wanna do me a favor and take these plastic dishes out to the deck?”
    Without a word, Clarissa picked up the brightly colored plates and left the kitchen.
    â€œWhat the hell are you thinking?” Adam hissed at his mother. “I will not put up with you tearing Carrie Sue apart.”
    Surprise covered the woman’s face. “Well, I was…only letting her know that I’m happy she’s with us now. I didn’t mean to say the wrong thing.”
    I was positive the glistening I saw in Opal’s eyes was the beginning of tears.
    Adam ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh. “Listen, Mom, we have to get some things straight. I know you’re excited about finally getting to spend more time with your granddaughter. But I don’t want you talking against Carrie Sue to Clarissa. Understand?”
    Opal sniffed and reached for a napkin on the counter to dab her eyes. “Oh, Adam, she was such a poor excuse for a mother. You know that as well as I do.”
    â€œThat may well be. But I