Winter Season

Cousin Doris

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He spread his coat on the ground and sat down, she joined him, setting between his knees. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“Where is that smoke coming from?”

“That’s where Priscilla’s parents live.”

“This place is so remote. How on earth did you survive?”

“I didn’t know any better.” After a moment of silence he asked, “Esther, the other night you told me that you loved me.”

“I did.”

“I wasn’t sure you heard me at the party and I was too scared to say it again.”

“Oh, I heard you loud and clear. I just had to find the courage to say it as well. But then again, I sent it in a text.”

“I know.” He held her a little tighter. “I know we haven’t known each other a full month. But then again, I feel like I’ve known you my entire life.” He laid his head on hers, “the first time I kissed you,”

She stopped him, “I didn’t think you remembered that.” He didn’t say anything, she gasped, “you don’t remember.”

“Of course I do, it hasn’t been a month yet.”

He could hear the smile in her voice, “O, we were children the first time you kissed me.”

“Then I don’t remember.”

“Remind me when we get home.”

“You’re not going to remind me?”

“Not now.” They continued staring out over the landscape for a long time. “This is so beautiful.”

Oscar was almost a sleep when, “you two cute.” It was Doris. “Sorry Oscar; Oat didn’t tell me you was with sum body. Pam says she wantin’ more grand babies and I be perfect.”

“Doris,” Oscar finally spoke, trying so hard to be nice. “I am sure you will find a good man in God’s time.”

“Pam says vittles ready.”

“Thank you.”

“Doris,” Esther called to her. “How do you fit into all this?” Doris looked confused. “Are you a friend of the family? Are you kin to someone?”

“Oh,” she smiled, proudly showing off her four teeth. “Pussy my cousin.”

“I was just being nosy.” It didn’t seem to bother Doris in the least.

When they got back into the house, another person was there. This new person was wearing a giant set of headphones. “Maw, may I have this?” New person was holding the poinsettia that Esther had brought.”

“If you’d like,” Pam flipped her hand at the wrist. “I was gonna toss it anyway.”

Esther eyed Oscar. Now she REALLY knew what Pam thought about her. Not that she had much doubt.

“Hi Uncle Oscar.”

Oscar spoke as he hung his coat on the wall behind a potbelly stove to dry. “Hi Alex.” Oscar’s voice was almost a whisper despite all the noise in the house. “Merry Christmas.”

“Yeah, whatever. Maw, may I take my plate to my room?”

“Git! Miserable shit,” Oat shouted.

“Language,” Pam screamed.

The rest of the day was highly uncomfortable. But Oscar was always smiling when he looked at Esther. After dinner they volunteered to clean up the kitchen before leaving. If Pam had dirtied one dish, she had used every dish she owned.

Winter Season