After the church service they go back to the house, Robert walking next to Kathy and neither of them saying much. They both seem content. They did not talk much the rest of the day. They both understood that a bond had been created. Kathy saw Robert staring at her in church and when he wasn’t looking she stared back at him. He didn’t notice that. They agreed that they would call each other, long distance, once a month and Robert suggested they write to each other whenever they felt like it. Kathy agreed.
The post Christmas dinner at the Smith house was very much like the Christmas Eve gathering. A lot of talking, arguing, wisecracking, and mostly singing. Kathy vigorously joined in the singing. She was the most animated, putting everything she had into it. Around 5pm Kathy’s boyfriend Bob Smiley showed up. Kathy kissed him when he came into the house but with less passion than she held Robert’s hand during their long walk. Robert was, nevertheless, happy although virtually silent. He wanted to have a relationship with Kathy but he knew there were many obstacles to overcome. He looked on Bob Smiley as just one of them. At 6pm the Brooklyn Smith’s and Robert got into their car for the drive back to Brooklyn. As the Smith family was crossing the Verrazano Bridge on the way back to Brooklyn, Dennis mom says to Robert, “You and Kathy get along very well, don’t you?” Robert takes a few seconds and says “Yes, she’s…………………..” and he doesn’t say anymore. He didn’t need to say anymore. They all knew what he was thinking by the look on his face. Dennis was very happy for his friend, Robert, even though he thought his cousin Kathy was a little strange. Dennis was also very happy because he knew that Robert would do anything he asked for at least six months.
After the Brooklynites leave, Mom Kathleen says to the family “That was a nice visit. That Robert is a nice boy. He’s Jewish, isn’t he? It was nice of him to go to church with us. I’m glad he and Kathy are becoming good friends.” Kathy walks out of the room, not saying anything. Dee looks at her mom, says “friends, right!” and starts laughing. Little Donna once again is holding her sides, laughing loudly. It was a memorable Christmas for everyone.