Grandma called me to ask if my mom and I could visit her at her house instead of the flower shop. She asked if Elon and Elise would be coming too. I told her the girls had plans and they’d visit the next time. Grandma’s hip is starting to bother her again so she stayed home today. She had a hip fracture surgery a few years ago when she tripped and fell down the stairs from the roof terrace. The pain medication helps, but it makes her tired.
After parking the old Station Wagon my father bought for my mom when we got here, Mom and I exit the car and walk up the path leading to the beautiful white house with vines crawling up the walls. She seems much better today so I thought I’d bring her with me, hopefully leaving the four walls of our house would improve her mood.
After a round of hugs, Grandma insists on sitting on the terrace and she leads the way up a flight of stairs. Mom and I trail after Grandma, unable to dissuade her. The smell of roses and jasmine welcome us as soon as we get to the top. The space around us is a paradise for any plant-lover, and I can feel my body relax just being here. Flowers in pots are placed strategically along the walls, a wind chime sings softly to the sound of the breeze. The fire pit in the middle of the terrace is cleaned within an inch of its life and fresh wood sits beside it.
I walk toward the black metal railing at the edge of the terrace and take in the view overlooking a creek. The light splash of water against rocks soothing in the quiet air. No wonder Grandma insists on spending more time here than inside the house. The last time we visited my grandmother was when my grandfather passed away years ago. He was a tall, intimidating and non-compromising man who fought in the Vietnam War. General Blake wasn’t a man to be underestimated. Sometimes I wonder if he is the reason my dad turned out to be the way he is.
I shift around to face my grandmother when she calls my name. She hasn’t aged a lot since I last saw her. Her black hair is peppered with white. Her blue eyes are similar to my father’s, except hers are kinder, and laugh lines fan the corners. I’m glad her husband’s character didn’t change her.
She pats the space next to her on the orange-brown lounge seat. I walk over and join her. “How are you? I mean, how are you, really?”
Unable to hold her direct gaze, I drop mine to our hands and take a deep breath. “I’m getting there. My last session with the therapist was more than a year ago. That’s a huge plus, right?” I look up at her and smile.
She studies me, searching for the truth in my words. Then she laughs softly, the worry creases around her mouth disappearing. “Yes. It’s a very big plus as long as you feel strong without seeing a therapist. I never stopped praying for you. Your mother and sisters. Especially your father.”
Her eyes cloud over. “Did he say he’ll visit me?” she asks hopefully.
“Oh yes, I forgot to mention that,” Mom says a bit too enthusiastically. “He has a lot going on at the station. But he said he’ll visit you as soon as things calm down.”
Grandma smiles. She knows that Mom is making excuses for my dad like she always does to lessen any kind of tension.
Mom stands up and goes back downstairs, murmuring something about making a snack.
Grandma watches my mom until she disappears from view before she turns to face me. “Well, I’m extremely glad to hear you’re doing well, darling. How is your mama? I always worry about you all.”
“She’s. . .um. . .some days she’s doing really great. Like today. And sometimes she gets lost in her own world.” I blow out a breath through my mouth. “We’re here now. Not far away from you.”
She hugs me and we pull apart just as Mom returns, carrying a plate of fruit and cheese, smiling. She reminds me of the girl in her photos who had everything to look forward to before she met my father.
Ugh! These are the kind of thoughts that plunged my life to hell. I can’t afford to go there now. Not when my sisters need me and definitely not when my mother breaks apart at the slightest little thing.
Shoving those thoughts away, I kiss my grandmother on the cheek and walk toward Mom, sitting on one of the cushioned wood seats under an awning covered in vines and blooming flowers.
I hug and kiss her on her smooth cheek. “Have a great time with Grandma. I will pick you up later.”
“Sweetheart, you mentioned on the phone that you were looking for a job?” Grandma says, stopping me mid-step.
“Yes. Desperately.”
“I need help at the flower shop,” she says as she winks at me, knowing how much I enjoy working with flowers. I’m bouncing on my heels and clapping when she adds, “I already have someone who drops by two to three times a week to help with big deliveries and anything that requires heavy lifting.
“Also, I was wondering if you’d like to help out at the Lily Rose senior center once in a week. One of the women who plays the piano in our music group hasn’t been feeling too well. The pay isn’t much, though. If you don’t mind working with us old ladies, it would be great to have a pretty, young face around. I thought maybe you’d like to earn a little more money. We would only need you for two hours on Thursdays.”