Have you ever had a moment where the timing for everything sucked?  Like, something-could not-have-happened-at-a-worse-time kind of experience?  Well, timing could not have been worse for our family because when we arrived at home with Grandma and Grandpa, there were Nana and Papa at the front door, suitcases and all.  I saw Grandpa's eyes go wide and Grandma ask icily, "Why are Adam and Deborah doing here?"

Obviously Mom forgot to tell Grandma and Grandpa.

"They are staying with us for the week as well, Mom." Dad answered briskly, hopping out of the car.  He and Mom went to the trunk and began unloading suitcases.  I slid out of the car and stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do in a situation like this.  "Paige, you look so different!"  I turned to see Papa who wrapped me in a bear hug.  "Your hair was so long last year!" Papa exclaimed.

"I cut it short and donated my hair." I said, running my hands through my blonde bob.

"It looks great, honey." Papa replied.

"Adam."  

Papa and I turned to see Grandma standing behind us with a stare that could kill.

Papa's voice hardened as he said, "Laura."

Realizing a fight was brewing, Mom ushered us inside, chattering nervously.  "Will you like a cup of tea, Mother?" she asked, "Here Laura, let me get that suitcase for you- Paige don't just stand there!  How about you take Nana and Papa up to their bedroom?"

"Yes, let's go, shall we?" Nana said sweetly, linking her arm through mine.  Out of all the grandparents, she was the most affectionate towards me.  I led her and Papa upstairs to one of our bedrooms.  A good thing about being an only child was our house had four bedrooms, and two were occupied, so we therefore had two spare rooms.  One room is our official guest bedroom, with a queen-sized bed and a separate bathroom.  The other one was a toy room for me when I was younger, but Mom and Dad brought up Dad's old trundle bed from he was a boy to this room.  I just knew that Nana and Papa as well as Grandma and Grandpa were pining for the official guest bedroom and it would be a bloodbath.

"Are we staying here?" Nana asked me as we passed the official guest bedroom.

Honestly, I had no idea what to say, so I blurted, "Yes!  Stay here."  I helped them put their suitcases on the bed.  "Paige, can you help Debbie and I put clothes in these drawers?" Papa asked (just as I was about to leave, unfortunately), "My back isn't the best these days and I need help getting the bottom ones."

"Sure thing, Papa!" I answered.  It's not like I could say no.  But, you know when I mentioned about something not happening at a worse time?  Well, this happened when Mom decided to bring Grandma and Grandpa up to the guest room, thinking they could have it.  Grandma instantly wrinkled her nose when she saw us and sniffed, "I guess the guest room has already been taken by them."  

"What do you mean by that?" Papa asked bluntly.

"Now now, Dad," Mom said, "There is no need to get into a fight.  Unfortunately Laura, since they got here first they should have this bedroom.  But, the trundle in the other room is just as comfy."

Grandpa murmured something along the lines of, "This trip has gotten off to a bad start."  And then, he and Grandma followed Mom to the other bedroom.  I sighed, relieved that they were gone.  Another dispute over and done with.  "Don't let them get to you, sweetie." Nana said almost too sweetly, squeezing my shoulder slightly, "They can be grumpy all they like, but we'll be happy as long as you're here."

"Thanks Nana," I replied. However, I didn't actually mean it.  I felt that it was a dig at trying to get me to side with her and Papa.  The way she said it was almost forceful.  Papa sat on the bed and said loudly, "I'm happy to spend Hanukkah with you, Paige!"  He really emphasized the word 'Hanukkah'.  Feeling overwhelmed I said quickly, "I'm excited to spend it with you guys too!  I have a lot of homework, though.  Do you mind if I leave you now?"

"Not at all!" Nana answered, blowing a kiss at me, "See you later, Paige!"

I almost ran to my room and shut the door.  I did have homework but I wasn't going to get to that yet.  I needed to talk to someone.  And there could not have been a better moment to do so.