Ready!!! Confuse Theeeeeeeeeeeee....(Pause)...CAT!

[LoisB]

My mom manipulates behind the scenes...a lot.

Mom calls me on the way. All chipper and nice and asks if we are on the way to the big event. I'm nice back and confident and it feels nice that she called.

So, I get to the party and My Dad makes a point to tell me how happy he is that I am there and that feels good. He tells me a couple of times. I feel welcomed and realize that...even if my sister has filled him in on the argument...he is still happy I'm there and loving. I fill him in on all the good stuff...the job interview in New York, the demise of the in-house tutoring and tell him about D20 taking time off from college. He tenses up, but he roll with it. I acknowledge that D20 taking time off isn't what he wants to hear...but, that I really think it will be for the best...But, I do sense him pulling back some with news. But, all in all, I see my dad being thrilled his kids are all together and we have some awesome special moments that I don't feel pressure to orchestrate or get heavy...I'm just me...happy and confident. It's a good time. I see my 96-year-old grandma...I feel some guilt about D20 being at home...but remind myself of her behavior and validate my decision.

Scene 3

D20 texts me. My mom had gone to the house to give D20 a ride to a new job so she could fill out paperwork. Apparently, mom filled D20 with all kinds of information...

1. Mom doesn't think it's a good idea for me to go to New York...EVEN FOR THE INTERVIEW!!!

2. Mom tells D20, "I worry that you are just following your mom and not making your own decisions. I don't want you to follow your mom and regret it."

3. Mom puts pressure on D20 to stay in our current hometown even if I move to New York. WTF???

4. Then, mom tells D20 that she (mom) has called my brother (who is at the party with me) and asked him if his two sisters are getting along because..."you know Heather really hurt sis's feelings the other day. She was terrible to your other sister." Again, WTF???