2020-12-12 - Movie Moves

  2020-12-12 - Movie Moves

Ruth Samuels had made tea, the proper way like Saba showed her. And she’d baked some cookies during the Shabbat service - oatmeal raisin, healthy but still delicious. She had straightened the cushions and tidied up the living room. She had instructed her father on where he should sit so Ms. Fisher could see his best side in the best light. And she had her clipboard ready. She was delighted that both her father and Ms. Fisher had agreed to this event. She told Daniel he could be in the room if he was quiet and didn’t interfere with her process. Now the doorbell rang and Ruth pointed a threatening finger between her father and brother “I’ll get it. Don’t move, either of you.” She was still in her green striped sweater and grey cords from the morning with matching green socks. Her hair was barretted back on one side and she met Ms Fisher with a welcoming smile “Thank you for coming. May I take your coat?”

Vera Fisher had to work to smile pleasantly at Ruth but stop herself from giggling at the girl’s sweet enthusiasm. As she stepped into the Samuel’s house she could smell the cookies and tea and graciously unbuttoned her blue purple fuzzy coat and handed it over “Why thank you Ruth. I’m glad to accept the invitation.” She was wearing a stylish charcoal grey knit turtleneck dress with a wide black leather belt. She unzipped her matching black leather tall boots and stepped out of them, setting them on the boot mat. Vera always smells slightly of lavender, her favourite scent. She had on a simple black leather wrist watch and a black beaded necklace. Her nylons were black but opaque showing painted red toenails through the tops of the footed part. Ruth led her through to the living room.

Ruth looked at her father as Vera was now in front of him “Ok now you can stand up and shake hands. Ms. Fisher…..Mr. Samuels again. If the questionnaire is a success you may drop formalities and use first names casually. It’s a 12 step process after all. Have a seat over here after Ms. Fisher...if you please. And how do you take your tea?”

Vera really had to work not to laugh now as she extended a hand to Joseph “Mr. Samuels….how lovely to see you again.” Her eyes gave away her struggle with the humour of it all. She nodded at Daniel “Daniel.” And then looked back to Ruth “Just one sugar and a dash of cream or milk please. Thank you for your hospitality.” She moves to sit, crossing her legs and folding her hands, chuckling a little when Ruth is turned around with the tea.

Daniel had decided to stay, mostly because he was very curious about not only who Ruth would choose, but if their father would actually let her pick for him.  He was still in a nice enough sweater with a button down shirt on under it and solid black jeans, nice enough for God, in his opinion, so they’d be good enough for Ms Fisher.  He sat where he was told and simply smiled, watching his sister and, frankly, loving the idea she had.  “It’s nice to see you again, Miss Fisher … thank you for coming.”

Joseph had one upstairs and shaved a second time, as well as brushing his teeth and washing his face for this interview.  He was already dressed formally, but he did trade his simple tie for a more colorful one that Ruth had given him even before they moved.  Her mother had hated it, calling it loud and obnoxious, but Joseph had loved all of the colors in it.  Of course, it wasn’t appropriate for church, and he had been saving it for a special occasion.  When Ruth gave him permission, he stood gracefully and shook Vera’s hand, using his years in court to maintain a perfect poker face which might worry Ruth, because it made him look so hard to read.  “Ms. Fisher.”  he intoned.  Then he sat again, choosing a pose between formal and casual.

Ruth returned with tea in a flowered cup and saucer for Ms Fisher and then went back for a plate of cookies before turning to her father “Tea, Daddy?” It was the most formal she had ever been in her life. Victorian England would be proud to watch. Her father was very serious, maybe too serious. Perhaps she had chosen the wrong woman?

Vera took her tea very politely, still working to keep a straight face. Joseph was way better at it which somehow made it even harder to maintain “Thank you Ruth. This is lovely. Did you bake those?”

“Yes I did. Help yourself.” Ruth answered about the cookies.

Vera took a cookie and then passed the plate Daniel’s way with a  small smile.

Daniel felt a little surreal and was glad that he and Hayley had just sort of fallen in together.  Granted, his father did have a history, which was sort of why Ruth was doing this, he knew.  He took the plate from Ms Fisher.  “Thank you, ma’am.”  he replied, infected with the formality of the scene.

Joseph turned to face his daughter when she mentioned tea.  “Yes.  Thank you, Ruth.”  he kept up his poker face, but a cup of tea to hide behind couldn’t hurt the situation.  In keeping with the situation, he didn’t exactly look at Vera for fear one or both of them would start laughing and be forced to confess.

Ruth brings her father a cup of tea but doesn’t offer to Daniel. He was to be seen and not heard and he could get his own as he lived here after all. Then she settles in further down the couch with her clipboard, facing Ms. Fisher “Let’s get to down to business, shall we?” The question is rhetorical. “We’ll start simple…..what do you look for in a soulmate Ms. Fisher?”

Vera almost sputtered her tea and caught herself “Simple yes….goodness I can’t wait for the hard questions. A soulmate? Hmmm…..well kindness, intelligence...and most definitely a sense of humour.” She was referring of course to the current moment with no question. She dipped her cookie in her tea and then looked up self consciously like Ruth might take marks off for informality “Am I allowed?” She asked with a small grin.

Ruth eyed her dipping “That is acceptable. What are your spiritual beliefs?”

Vera thought for a moment “My family of origin wasn’t particularly religious. But I’d like to believe there’s an afterlife of sorts, even a higher power which I suppose many people call God…...I can work with that vocabulary.” she shrugs. “I know that your family is Jewish Ruth and I do respect that faith and all others if that’s what you’re asking.” She dares a look at Joseph and then Daniel briefly.

Daniel realizes this is not about him, so he sticks to cookies.  His brows raise as she starts with touch questions right off the bat.

Joseph watches as the questions begin.  He is with Vera … were these the easy questions?  When she mentioned a sense of humor, he sipped his tea, to hide his grin.  His eyes were light enough, so he wasn’t upset, of course.  The question about religion was also not an easy one.  He’s beginning to feel happy he is not the one being questioned.

Ruth’s expression is hard to read and she stops to make some notes. While she’s writing, Vera asks a question of her own.

“Ruth, what happens if I pass the test? Or fail? Out of curiosity? And have you asked your father what he wants in a soul mate? Because that might be important…...just a little. I realize this questionnaire comes from a  place of love and concern...that he might meet the wrong person and get hurt. Am I correct?” Her expression is a gentle one.

Ruth looks up from her writing and seems a little backed into a corner now “I uh….” She swallows hard and nods “I don’t want to see anyone be unkind to him ever again. My mother was also not very nice to us…..you seem nice so far.” she looks down a bit self consciously and then to her father “What do you want in a  soulmate Daddy?”

Daniel hears Vera’s question to Ruth and hops up to get himself a glass of milk to dip his cookies in.  This was getting good.

Joseph nearly chokes on his tea when Vera speaks.  That was cheating, as far as he was concerned.  He had looked forward to Vera answering all of the questions perfectly while he sat back and watched.  Now it was all turned back on him.  He sighs deeply.  “I want someone that I can talk to on any subject.”  he cants his head.  “That of course isn’t blanketed by attorney client laws.”  he seems to consider.  “She must be intelligent … and kind to myself, but more importantly to my children.”  he glances at Vera and then away because he doesn't want to spoil anything with his look.  “And I think someone who could possibly love me for me .. and not for the money in my bank account.  That … has been a problem with the last couple of wives…”  he pauses again.  “You see, Ms Fisher … I have been married five times.  Divorced four times and widowed once.”  of course Vera knew all of this and more, but it is for the interview.

Vera nods along with Joseph but replies like it’s all new information “Always best.” She gestures with her tea cup “Definitely preferable.” She looks at the children, who of course she already rather adores, even though she’s mostly heard about them through the beloved stories told by their father. But she can’t help but smile at them with genuine warmth, possibly cracking her facade a bit in the process. Then she jumps right back to it “Five you say. That’s quite the marital resume Mr. Samuels. I am sorry for the one you lost….not by choice of course and the stress of the others. Divorce is never pretty.”

Ruth watches the exchange between them with her intense steely expression. Vera’s smile at she and her brother makes her momentarily suspicious but then Ms. Fisher re-engages. Now Ruth has some pointed questions and sets the clipboard aside “Do you have lots of your own money Ms. Fisher?” She begins with, point blank.

Vera doesn’t miss a beat “Believe it or not, yes.” She chuckles at the whole thing now. “Ruth….I had a childhood much like yours. My father was famous in his field of work, highly successful, a workaholic…” She gives Joseph a little nod and then smiles between Ruth and Daniel “I went to private schools. We had a driver who took me, a maid, a cook…..a gardener…..I became a teacher because I like learning, knowledge, and well I quite like children. Like your father I had a first husband who married me for my money and then tried to get as much as possible while leaving me a single parent in the process. Then I met a very kind man who I remarried and had a daughter with, who unfortunately passed away from cancer. My parents have both passed as well. I am the last of the Fisher estate as it were. But I took the job here because I love the work….and it’s been great here. And my son is here and my grandchildren.” She smiles “I do believe Erik, the oldest of them, is in your class.”

Ruth’s eyes go wider and wider as Ms. Fisher talks, especially when she says Erik is her grandson “Erik Burrows? Mr. Burrows? Our gym teacher is your son? And you’re not after anyone’s money...and you like kids……” She looks between her father and brother “Ms. Fisher has my approval….”

Joseph snorts lightly into his teacup when Vera speaks the word workaholic.  But from there, he is quiet, until Ruth seems to abandon her questioning and gives her approval on the spot.  He keeps his face deadpan and sets down his tea.  “Does she?”  he intones.  “I see…”  moving forward, he stands and moves over to Vera, offering her his hand.  If she takes it he will pull her to her feet.  “Thank you for participating in this interview, Ms Fisher … sorry I suppose I can call you Vera now.”  he looks her in her eyes.  “But I’m afraid I cannot continue with this any longer.  Ruth deserves to know the truth .. as do you …”  he tightens his grip on her hands.  “I love you, Vera Fisher … and I have for months.”  and he leans in and kisses her softly for his daughter and son to see.

Daniel’s jaw drops and he stares, and then suddenly beams.  Well played, he thinks.

Vera has to laugh at getting Ruth’s approval and nods “Yes all those things.” Then she sees Joseph get up and move to her and she instinctively sets down her tea and allows him to pull her up to standing. She can’t hide her smiling anymore as he talks. God he’s better at this, until he professes his love and kisses her that is. She kisses him back and then as they pull apart she exhales dramatically “Oh thank goodness Joseph...because I love you too.”

Ruth’s jaw practically hits the rug on the wood floor and she jumps up and stares and then throws her clipboard aside “What?” She blinks “WHAT?!” She points at her father “You…..you let me make her do this? And you’re already together?” Ruth put two and two together pretty fast. “Daddy you’re a terrible boyfriend! Miss Fisher….Vera? I don’t know what to call you…” She stammers “I’m SO sorry…..”

Vera cracks up “Oh...no I’m so sorry sweetie. Please call me Vera when we’re not at school…..” she looks over at Daniel “You as well Daniel.”

Joseph looks at Ruth as she points at him in her rage.  “I did allow it.”  he agrees.  “Because I know how much you feared I would get hurt again, or get involved with another young woman who might be mean to you like your mother was.  I knew she would pass and in the process I wanted you to learn for yourself what wonderful woman loves your father.”  he tells her.  “Maybe that does make me a terrible boyfriend, but I stand by what I’ve done, even if you don’t understand exactly why I did it.”

Daniel laughs as his sister gets mad.  He nods.  “OK .. um ..  Vera.”  he looks at Ruth.  “Don’t be mad.  It makes sense. Would we have just accepted anyone Dad brought home claiming to love?  Probably not .. not after our mom and hearing about Immanuel, Mordy and Elazar’s mom.  Not being really young, we would have thought she was after Dad’s money, no matter what either of them said.”  He defends their father.

Ruth drops onto the couch and takes a cookie as she listens to her father and brother. Finally she says “No I get it, and we probably would have been reluctant to accept Vera if it had been sprung on us. It’s funny that I guessed the right person without knowing…..Dad mentioned a friend and I was worried…..I didn’t know who the friend was.” She looks at Vera now “Does Mr. Burrows know? What’s his first name? Do your grandchildren?”

Vera was nodding along with both Joseph and Daniel and then she cleared her throat at Ruth’s question about her family “Not yet. But he’s a grown up and I figure he will act like one….well he better. Landon. His name is Landon. Ronja knows...Landon’s wife….the resource teacher. I don’t think either of you have had occasion to see Mrs. Burrows professionally. My daughter is Beth. She lives in Mission with her partner Janet….they have a bit of a farm….a cat farm really.” She laughs.

Now Ruth blinks “You have a lesbain daughter...and dad….” She is not sure he’s told her about Levi and she hesitates.

Vera nods, finishing the thought “Has a gay son? I know about Levi. I suppose another thing we have in common.” She can’t help but smile at Daniel for his defense of his father before.

Joseph smiles at his daughter and youngest son and grins when Vera mentions that she knows about Levi.  “Am I forgiven, my beautiful Ruth?”  he looks over at Daniel.  “And by you, too.”  he hold out an arm, ready to hug one or both of them.

Daniel smiles at the idea of a lesbian in he family and moves to hug his Dad.  “I forgive you.”

Joseph grins and looks at Ruth.  “Well?”  he asks.  “Now someone should tell Levi …  maybe that should be you?”  he offers to let her call.

Ruth rolls her eyes at her father but moves to hug him on the other side of his body than Daniel with a big sigh “Yes you’re forgiven…..you want ME to tell Levi YOU have a girlfriend? Do you call her your girlfriend?” She looks over at Vera too, unsure.

Vera has stepped back so Joseph can hug the kids properly. His love for his children is one of the things she loves about him so she’ll alway give that plenty of space. She has to laugh because she and Joseph haven’t really labelled it the way kids and teenagers do but she shrugs “He can call me that.” she says with another laugh.

Now Ruth bolts to the house phone and dials Levi before anyone changes their minds. It was such big news to deliver. She felt very important.

Daniel laughs lightly at all of it.  “Dad’s … girlfriend.”  he shakes his head in minor amazement and bark out a short laugh when Ruth runs for the phone and starts dialing.

Joseph grins and hugs his daughter as she forgives him.  Ruth asks what Vera will be called and Joseph wonders a bit himself.  Vera suggests that she doesn’t mind being called girlfriend so he shrugs.  “Girlfriend works .. even at my age.  At least for a change it isn’t literal.”  he rolls his eyes, teasing himself for all of his young girlfriends turned wife in the past.

Levi is sitting in his living room, just unwinding from a face time call.  His landline rings and he stands to move to it.  Picking up the receiver he answers.  “Hello.”

Vera sits back down on the couch and takes another cookie. Then the curiosity gets the better of her and she picks up Ruth’s clipboard and glances at what the other questions would have been. “Oh my god there’s 6 pages here…..” She starts laughing.

Ruth smiles sweetly at Vera and hears Levi’s voice “Hello!! Dad has a GIRLFRIEND…..and she’s OLD and has her own money and likes kids.”

Jasper is still reeling a bit from the same facetime call but mostly worried for Levi. When he answers the phone on the landline he looks curious.

Daniel’s eyes grow wide as he overhears Vera.  “Yea ….  Ruth was pretty serious about making sure you were the one…”  he admits.  Then Ruth starts talking to Levi and calls Vera old and he starts laughing.  “Oh my god … this is GREAT!!!”

Joseph blanches when Vera says there are 6 pages.  “What else did she want to know?”  he asks a moment before Ruth starts speaking to Levi and calling Vera Old.  “Ruth Shona Samuels, for the love of God!”

Levi hears his sister's voice and can’t help but smile.  He taps the button on his phone to engage the speaker phone.  “Dad?  A girlfriend?  Um …  with her own money and who likes kids … and I am assuming that by old, you mean Dad’s age?”  he laughs.  It’s fantastic news.

Jasper caught enough and Levi’s summary makes him laugh “Congratulations Joseph!” He calls out “On your old lady?”

Ruth puts their phone on speaker as she hears Jasper start to speak “Sorry Dad...and Vera…” But the old lady comment comes through “Yes she’s close to Dad’s age…..actually I don’t know...Vera how old are you?”

Vera is laughing “Fifty five...I see that’s on page 3 with the health questions….and no I also have no family history of heart disease or stroke….just in case you still want to know. Hi Levi, we’ve actually met...and Jasper I’m assuming? Vera Fisher….the old lady.” She confirms.

Jasper grins “Oh the vice principal….nice. Good to meet you outside the school.”

Daniel laughs as Ruth apologizes.  “See, she's nowhere NEAR half his age.”  he chuckles and drinks the rest of his milk.  “You were so worried too.”

Joseph shakes his head.  He’s just glad the kids are as happy as he is.

Levi arches his brows.  “So you don’t have to worry about any younger siblings.”  he teases them.  “Although in MY opinion, you guys are the best things to come out of Dad’s last marriages.”  he closes his eyes.  “Good god, Ruth.  Are you going to make me run a background check on her?”

Ruth hops around a bit on one of the kitchen stools “Thanks Levi….so we can’t get any better than Daniel and I right? Oh no, I've written my own questionnaire…...Vera I can still give you a pen if you want to fill in the rest….” she calls over.

Now Jasper howls with laughter “Ruth…...the poor woman…..Careful Joseph….the precocious ones turn into Mirandas as teenagers.” He snorts “Not that it’s bad...it’s just intense.”

Ruth brightens “I like Miranda! I accept!” She grabs a pen and runs it to Vera and Vera graciously takes it.

Vera calls back “It’s ok…..I can take it….I help administrate a school of Ruths and Mirandas and Daniels….and Romeos….” She knows who Jasper’s outspoken children are. Duncan was very well behaved and studious so she didn’t single him out. Daniel was too but he was listening in the room. She takes the pen and begins to humour Ruth “You ask me my music preferences on page 5? You could have started with that...eased in….I like a wide variety….folk….jazz….opera even. And I’m quite partial to Annie Lennox.” She looks up at Joseph “I really love you by the way…” she gestures at the questionnaire and laughs.

Daniel beams.  “I like Miranda too … and the BOYS.”  he pulls out his phone and sends a text message, then slips his phone back in his pocket and looks innocently at them all.

Joseph laughs.  “Yes, you have to ease into the questioning, Ruth.  Music first and end with the health questions.”  he rolls his eyes and looks at Vera.  “I know you do.  This of course only proves it.”  he chuckles and his phone rings.  He pulls it out of his pocket and answers it.  “Esther!  Good news…”  he pauses and a squawk can be heard on the other end.  Joseph half glares at Daniel.  “I was going to call you, Mom … we barely finished…”  he pauses again as Esther speaks.  “Well, yes Mom we have …. No … NO!  No, Mom she isn’t pregnant…”

Levi laughs in utter delight.  “Yes, you two are my favorites.  Don’t tell the others.”  he teases.  “I notice that you didn’t answer my question about the background check, Ruth.  So ..  Vera, meet me at the cop shop on Monday and we’ll do some fingerprinting and of course I am sure Jasper will run a complete health check ...and I am JOKING Ruth.”  then he hears his father on the phone with his grandmother and flops on his couch in laughter at the pregnancy question.

Ruth looks ecstatic that Vera is filling out the rest of the questionnaire and then concedes with Daniel “I like Romeo and Duncan too...don’t worry.” She suspiciously watches him with his phone and then blinks trying to figure if he was being mushy with Hayley or it had something to do with the news today. But Levi saying she and Daniel are her favourite makes her hover over the phone on speaker “I won’t tell…..and you could investigate her. I suppose anyone could be some kind of secret criminal right?” She jokes and then looks at Daniel in shock as Esther calls and asks if Vera is pregnant. She calls out “That question is on page 2 but he’s had a vasectomy...I can explain it Saba!”

Vera is writing and then flips to page 2 “Can you still have babies? Do you want babies or more babies? BEFORE the music question and my thoughts on wool socks…..honestly…” She cracks up at Joseph in his call from Esther and says wryly “My goodness…...everyone take a breath….that ship has sailed! No babies that aren’t grandbabies now. And you all realize to work in a school I have to have fairly regular criminal records checks?” The whole day is hilarious and only mildly vexing.

Jasper cannot stop laughing and eventually is slumped forward with his head on Levi’s dining table, thumping it with the flat of his hand “Levi your family…..it’s as odd as mine. I love it.”

Daniel shakes his head.  “Well, we’re all one big odd family.”  he looks at his sister.  “Yes.  Please explain your knowledge of vasectomies, my dearest sister.  It doesn’t get better than that, for sure!”  he begins laughing and throws himself into a large armchair.

Joseph gapes into the phone and then at his daughter.  He has to force a serious expression.  “Yes, I have nine children.  I’m perfectly happy with the odd number, thank you.”  he looks at Vera and winks.  “Welcome to a lawyers family, my love.”  then he turns his attention to the phone.  “Thank you, Esther.  You …  you’re going WHERE?”  he holds up his hand.  “NO .. no I don’t want any details, thanks.  You girls have fun and for the love of god make sure you have condoms on you.  I love you.  Bye.”  he taps his phone and rubs his temple.  “My mother is getting ready to go to the Blue Door tonight with Petra and Bertha.  Levi … be ready!”  Easther is actually his mother-in-law, but he calls her mom more often than not.

Levi laughs with Jasper and moves to the dining room table with the land line.  He opens his mouth.  “You know about vasectomies?  Where did you learn THAT?”  he is about to say more when his father explains that his grandmother is going to the Blue Door.  “I’ll be ready.  Soba has a bail fund just in case.”  he rolls his eyes.

Ruth goes wide eyed about the idea of this Blue Door. “Is it illegal for old ladies? What’s so bad about the blue door? Condoms?” She makes a face about what Saba could be doing with condoms at a place called the Blue Door. But then she happily explains vascentomies “Well I heard Dad say it to someone so I looked it up on the internet….I even saw pictures…..they were a bit alarming….maybe worse if you have those parts. Anyhow…” She goes on like she’s explaining her oatmeal cookie recipe “They cut and tie the vas deferens so sperm can’t get to the urethra and go swim to a woman’s uterus and eggs through her vagina.” Then she blinks “Bail fund?” There was clearly more to Saba than she knew.

Vera looks up and freezes in her writing when Esther’s escapades are somewhat detailed “Goodness…..safe paths to them. At least if we felt like a night out dancing we wouldn’t be the oldest ones on the dance floor Joseph…...but maybe we should try it when it’s not in the shadow of your mother in law and her friends….I’d hate to make her think you were trying to chaperone her.” She looks a little impressed by Ruth’s correct reproductive biology understanding “Well it is science…” She chuckles. From precocious Ruth to bail fund Esther. This family had some interesting people. “A lawyer’s family…..are they all like this?” She laughs lightly.

Jasper just listens and laughs and then nods at Ruth “That is correct. Joseph you might want to consider some…..filters on your internet…” He laughs again.

Daniel stops laughing when Ruth starts explaining.  He crosses his legs and doubles over in the chair.  “Ow!  Ruth!”  he complains.

Joseph stares at his daughter and then shakes his head at the idea of chaperoning Esther.  “My children are all far beyond their years.”  he sighs.  “Jasper, if you can find the filter my Ruth can’t get over, around or through then please come and install it for me.  Then once it works you can lock up every book on the island and bail her out when she breaks into the library to learn.”  he sighs again and looks at his daughter with pride.  “I am almost afraid to ask what you learned from your mother …”  he doesn’t mention his ex very much.  She’s vanished and not contacted the kids, as far as he knows.

Levi shakes his head.  “Well, I suppose the whole family IS like this.  There is such a gap … my older brothers don’t really communicate with the younger ones.  I do because I stayed with Dad and helped with the younger ones.”  he grins.  “I imagine such smart kids are a blessing and a curse.  Like yours Jasper.”

Jasper recovers slightly from his laughing fit and acknowledges what both Joseph and Levi have said “Maybe better to let them learn it so they can correct for any kids who don’t get the full explanations. And yes smart kids are a never ending adventure...but we wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

Ruth gives her father a knowing look and then says “Mom said cutesy words for body parts we knew were wrong. Then she said sex was a tool to be used stategically which I thought was a weird thing to say. Because some of the things I’ve seen on the screens of my older brothers have no strategy…..” She shrugs “She said stuff that made no sense all the time.” Ruth looked frustrated by it like she knew she had been steered wrong there.

Vera had been smiling but then looked up quiet seriously at Ruth and then at Joseph with compassion. His most recent ex sounded more cruel with each story. But she wasn’t sure if it was her place to say anything to Ruth being newly introduced as Joseph’s girlfriend so she kept her mouth shut on this one even though she could think of a million things she wanted to say.

Daniel recovers from the phantom pain and sits up, nodding along with Ruth.  “So we would just look it up ourselves.”  he bit his lip and paused.  “I’d hear her talking about men and money and what she deserved and … of course all she was screaming in the hall that time.  That’s when I looked up vasectomies … and probably Ruth.”  He looks at his sister with compassion.  Both of them knew now that their mother was implying that she never wanted a second child.  Never wanted Ruth..  

Joseph listens to Ruth and Daniel and sighs deeply.  “Well, it is better to educate yourselves when you aren’t sure.  I can’t argue with that.”  He moves to sit on the couch and runs his hand over his face.  “I’m sorry, kids.  If I had known … “  he blows out a breath.  “Well, I’m around more and you seem comfortable enough around me … or at least don’t mind me home most of the time.”

Levi shakes his head, even though only Jasper can see him.  “She still hasn’t contacted you two?”  he asks, realizing he hopes in many ways that she hasn’t.

Daniel half turns his head towards the phone.  “No … and I hope she doesn’t.”  he states, a touch of anger in his tone.  “I know I like life here with Dad a million times better than life with her.”

Vera moved a little closer to Joseph as he sat down on the couch and as he reacted to his kids talking about their mom she sweetly but discreetly slid a hand sideways, and rubbed his lower back as a gesture of comfort. How could any woman not adore him and his children? Especially when those children came through her? It broke her heart, especially for Ruth after what Daniel said.

Ruth nods at Daniel “ I actually didn’t fully look it up until recently...but I know mom didn’t want me. Says I ruined her figure. She was always on a  diet...always angry at me….put me on a  diet at 8. Mia snuck me snacks though...thank god. I felt like I was going to faint until she noticed and started. Dad...I don’t blame you...and I’m glad you brought us here...and that you’re home…” She walks over to him and throws her arms around him, leaning over and hugging him. “I don’t really want to talk to her again either.”

Jasper began to look angry, for the younger Samuels kids and then, because it triggered all the stuff with Bea, for his own kids. He sighed looking at Levi and shook his head.

Daniel nods as Ruth talks about the diet she’d been on and how angry their mother seemed to be.  “I think she wished that Ruth was another boy, because there were so many of us.  Mordechai said he thought it was because boys are easier and she was just lazy.”  he shrugs.  “They didn’t like her either.”  he huffed.  Then he smiled.  “But Ruth is great … and now you’re home doing stuff I bet would make Mia faint.”  he laughs.  “She sends me texts sometimes.”

Joseph relaxes a bit under Vera’s touch and then tenses again at the very idea of a diet.  He hugs Ruth and, even though she is 10, pulls her into his lap.  In many ways it just brings hme to him all he didn’t know about his kids lives while he was at work.  “I always wanted a daughter.”  he hugs her again.  “Although in hindsight, I am glad there’s only one of you, Ruth.”  he chuckles and then laughs when Daniel mentions all the things that might make Mia faint.  “She still calls me once a week to make sure I haven’t burned the house down or mixed colors with whites.  Now she’s with Immanuel, Mordechai and Elazar.  She may come to visit once it’s safe again.”  he gives a mock huff.  “To see if I’ve burned the house down, I suppose.”  he grins.  “I think she’s a bit worried about losing her job, but I’ve told her that if I can retire, she can too.  And then she tells me I have yet to actually retire .. but …  I am a work in progress.”.  

Levi takes Jasper’s hand.  There were a lot of similarities with his siblings and Jaspers kids.  His father, as he often did, brought in some humor.  “One Ruth around is definitely enough.”  he declares, and then laughs.  “She texts me too.  I send her pictures of my apartment to show her it isn’t a disaster area.”   he smirks at his father.  “You two can retire together.  She can come on weekends and go out with Saba and her friends.  She’s in her 60’s now.”

Ruth leans into her father and is secretly glad he doesn’t think her too old to have in his lap. She needs him more than ever this year, dealing with the fallout from her mother. She sniffs and hugs him back “I know Daddy…” then she laughs about him saying he’s glad there’s only one of her. She looks at Daniel “Sometimes the way Mom singled me out made me wish I was another boy so I could just do what I wanted more.” She thinks about it “this would be a nice place for Mia to live and retire too. But I don’t want her to get arrested with Saba….she’s too soft hearted for prison. I could see Saba starting her own gang though.” She says honestly but with a  little smile.

Jasper held Levi’s hand and then lifted it to his lips and kissed it. Levi just knew when to reach out and he loved him for it. Ruth and Daniel’s words made him sad and mad. Then he cracked up about Saba’s potential old lady prison gang.

Vera keeps her hand lightly on Joseph’s back but leans to the side a bit so she’s not crowding father and daughter. They needed this. This family and these kids needed to heal. The stuff about Mia and Joseph’s housekeeping makes her smile though and then she laughs out loud about the granny prison gang idea. “I’ll have to meet this Saba…..oh wait I think I did at Thanksgiving…..Esther right? Saba means grandmother?”

Daniel laughs.  “Saba would start a gang, but Mia wouldn’t let her go to prison.  She’d make Dad represent her.”  he decides.

Joseph shakes his head.  “Mia will be the one who makes the others look innocent.  How can this gang of old ladies possibly do what they’ve been accused of.”  he grins.  “But it would be a colorful, clean and well organized prison gang, which is more than you can say for the real thing.” he looks at Vera.  “Yes.  Saba means grandmother.  I go back and forth calling her Esther and Mom, even though she is my mother-in-law.”

Levi grins at the kiss to the hand and then rolls his eyes at his family.  “I don’t know if we should let Mia even meet Bertha and Petra.  It would be the most racially diverse gang in history, but the trouble they could get into.”  he needed this after his talk with Gavriel.

Ruth laughs as everyone joins in on Saba’s gang predictions. “She’s not our biological Grandma but she’s still our Saba. And she’s definitely trouble…..although Baba and G-Mama would definitely add to that. I think Mia would just go along with them to see where it all went.”

Vera is amused by it all but then goes back to filling in her questionnaire. She had made a commitment to the precocious girl and she best keep it. She mused out loud as she went through a question or two “No Ruth, I’ve never really mastered doing French braids…...but yes I can dance...and properly.” She grins up at Joseph. “Can you?”

Jasper squeezes Levi’s hand and chuckles at the ongoing banter and then hears Vera “How long is the questionnaire?” He shakes his head and calls out “Miranda can do French braids Ruth. Better she practices on you than Romeo…..now that he’s older.” He holds up his free hand to Levi “Yes there are stories there. But I’m still amused by the granny gang.”

Daniel laughs.  I think she would too, but I would just love to go out with them to see what happens.”  he blinks at the thought of Romeo getting french braids.  “Why…”  he asks and cuts himself off, not sure he wants the answer.

Joseph smiles.  “Esther never distinguished between Levi and the other kids.  They’re all her grandchildren.”  He shakes his head about hair.  “I don’t know how to French Braid ..  I could learn.  Practice.”  he offers.  “It sounds as fun as dishes to me.”  he looks at Ruth, almost eagerly.  Then he glances at Vera.  “I am actually quite a good dancer .. when I have a decent partner.  Haven’t in … oh god … 25 years?  Since Levi was young.”

Levi drops his head on the table.  “Yes to stories.  No to Dad doing hair.”  he says between his laughter.  Then his head pops up.  “I am STILL young, Dad.”  he protests.

Ruth beams “I’d love for Miranda to braid my hair. No offense Daddy. Did Romeo used to have long hair?” She’s not actually phased by the gender aspect but more wondering how his hair was enough to be braided.

Vera smiles at Joseph, both about Esther loving all the kids as her grandchildren and about his willingness to learn to braid hair for his love of his daughter. He was such a good father. Then she looks hopeful about the dancing “I may put us to the test then. There’s a winter formal the town puts on...so I’m told. Would you be my date Joseph?”

Jasper grins “Ask Romeo or Miranda. Especially at the next family dinner where we can embarrass them.” He says jovially to Daniel and Ruth. Then he smirks at Levi “Apparently not young enough….” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Winter formal huh? With my luck I’ll be on shift or on call…”

Daniel grins as Vera asks his father to the Winter formal dance.  “I’m taking Hayley.”  he finds himself blurting out.

Joseph doesn’t look too disappointed that Ruth would prefer Miranda do her hair.  He looks at Vera with a smile.  “I would love to be your date, Vera.”  he tells her and arches his brows at Daniel.  “Good, that’s a special young lady.  She needs to smile more.”  and then he looks around.  “We could have a nice Hanukkah dinner.  It’s been a .. very long time.”

Levi rolls his eyes at Jasper, but then winks.  He listens to the Winter formal plans and then at Jasper.  “I’ll spend the evening with you anyway.  If you get a break between setting bones, I will dance with you.”  he offers.

Ruth looks at Daniel and makes fluttery eyes “Ooooh…” She teases like only little sisters do. Then she smiles at her father and Vera approvingly and then beams “Yes a great big dinner and then board games!” She’s been loving the family dinner and board games nights they’ve had.

Vera smiles at Daniel “Well that will be nice for you both.” Then she smiles at Joseph “Good.” She looks curious about the Hanukkah dinner and then around the room “So what are the special traditions of such a dinner?” She’s genuinely curious.

Jasper looks grateful to  Levi for his patience and then is also curious about Vera’s question and listens carefully. This was turning into kind of a nice afternoon despite the awkward morning with Gavriel being an ass to Levi.

Daniel made a face at his little sister and then grinned at Vera.  traditional Hanukkah foods fried in oil. Latkes )Potato pancakes) and jam-filled donuts called sufganiyot and dreidels and exchanging gifts.”  he seems very excited about the gift part.  “And of course, we burn oil instead of candles.  Sometimes we’re more traditional than other times.”

Joseph grins at the explanation by his son.  He elaborates a little about the candles.  “Though the candles might seem to be the most important part of any Hanukkah observance, the holiday’s original celebrants wouldn’t have used them. Rather, they would have lit oil lamps like the lights in the Hanukkah story. In the Hebrew Bible, in the Old Testament in several places it speaks of pure-beaten olive oil for the light.”  he motions to a simple lamp on the dining room table.  It is not currently lit, but the wick is burned, as if it has been used.  “So we don’t have a menorah.  But we have a grand time on the last day of Hanukkah.”  his eyes twinkle.  “Please feel free to join us.  Your family, too.  We’ll find the space, I promise.”

Levi smiles as he listens to his brother and father explain their Hanukkah traditions.  He squeezes Jaspers hand and loks at him with complete love.  Their family was growing and happier than ever and he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.