The Pride – page 21
“It’s bedtime, munchkins.” Denise kissed both Benjamin and Sarah, who pouted and whined, but they obeyed and followed William out of the dining area to the back of the apartment.
“Mother, Sarah is becoming more and more difficult. Benjamin does everything without complaining, but Sarah is really challenging me more and more.” Naomi got up from her mother’s lap and sat in the chair next to her.
“I know, my beloved, I know. I just need you to continue to be patient with her. I know it isn’t easy, especially when even William does what you say, but Sarah’s a…”
“different personality. Yes, Mother, I know.” Naomi finished Denise’s sentence but not in a disrespectful way. They both smiled.
“You’re going to have to deal with all types of people, Naomi. It doesn’t hurt to start practicing how to get along with all those different personalities now. Look at it this way. If you can keep Sarah in line, you should be able to keep anyone else in line. It’s the people who know you well that give you the hardest time when you’re in charge. Remember that part in the Bible where Jesus goes back to preach in his hometown? I mean, He was Jesus, the Son of God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords…”
“Yes, Mother,” Naomi said with a giggle, “I get your point.” Naomi and Denise exchanged more warms smiles. They both turned to look at him when William came back in the room.
“Mi-Mi, the little ones want you to read them a story,” William said to his sister without meeting her eyes. Naomi didn’t move.
“I’m talking with Mother. Can you read them a story?” Naomi didn’t want William to talk with Denise. William still wouldn’t look at Naomi. Instead, he looked at Denise.
“Mother, I’d like to run something by you that I want to talk with Dad about. I’d like to have your opinion first, if you don’t mind.” William again purposely avoided Naomi’s stare. Naomi’s heartbeat quickened as she realized how he’d used her to set up this talk with their mother.
“Go on, Naomi. Read to the little ones for me while I talk to ‘the man’ here.” Denise was happy to be included in her son’s life about anything these days. In recent months he’d grown distant and withdrawn. The fact that he was asking her advice on anything made her want to give him her full attention.