“I would show you respect, if you would do the same. All you do is sit around the house getting drunk and watching what your life used to be.

“You watch what you say to me Alice. I’m still your mother. You are still my child.” She said sternly. “I really want to try and be there for you. I want to try.” Alice sat there as she listened to her mother speak. “I know I haven’t been the best mother, but I want to.”

“I-I want the same, but you’re a little too late. We walk around this house, ignoring each other. I can never talk to you because you’re loaded. I want us to sit down and have a mother-daughter talk, but can you ever stay sober long enough for us to do that?”

“I’m sober right now.” Lenore chuckled softly and stopped as Alice glared at her.

“This isn’t funny mom. I really wish that we had a better relationship, but we don’t. It’s because you chose to be an alcoholic and don’t want the help.”

Lenore nodded. “All right—now I know how you feel. I’ll let you be in peace so you can finish your homework. If you want supper, I already made you a plate. It’s in the microwave.” She walked out of her daughter’s bedroom and closed the door. Alice lay back onto her bed and covered her face with her hands.

———————————-

“What are you asking me?” Bette looked at Helena.

“I’m asking you if you want to go with me to Europe for Christmas vacation.” Helena smiled, and Bette returned the smile.

“Christmas vacation is two months away.” Helena shook her head.

“I know this, but every Christmas I go to Europe with my mother.”

“And you want me to tag along?”

“Yeah,” Helena nodded. “Why wouldn’t I want my girlfriend to go with me to Europe for Christmas?”

“Kit—she’s going to be by herself for Christmas. We always celebrate Christmas together because we only have each other.”

Helena grabbed Bette’s hand and entwined her fingers with hers. “Well that was my other question.” Bette stared into Helena’s blue-gray eyes. “Would Kit like to join us to Europe on our Christmas break?”