The Undertaking of Adam Novak

by Sofie Hern

  She gets to her feet and starts to pace, wiping her tears.

  She says nothing for a while. “If you don't come back, I'll… I’ll kill myself like she did. You left and she killed herself because of you!”

  “Don’t say that!” I rise and go to her.

  “I swear I will!”

  I attempted to hold her, but she violently pushes me away.

  “Colin!” I call and he appears moments later.

  “What?”

  “She’s not doing well… please keep an eye on her. I have to go.” I knew my being there would make things worse.

  “Adam!” she cries.

  “Mom, come on.” Colin takes her up to her room.

  –

  I stand by the front door worried about her when Colin returns.

  “Sorry, man.”

  I shake my head.

  He looks at me for a moment. “Listen, Adam,” he begins and looks up the stairs, making sure she’s not listening. He then steps out to the porch and I follow then he closes the door.

  “None of this makes any sense.”

  “I know. It’s all too much right now, Colin and—”

  “No! See, I talked to Jordyn every day before she… well, before this happened, and she wasn't at all depressed. Just the opposite. She was happy.”

  I listen attentively.

  “She was the happiest I’ve ever seen her, man, and she couldn’t wait to turn eighteen so she could go live with you guys. I was trying to talk her into moving to Colorado with me and she—”

  “Colin… Look, I know this is hard to accept, but—”

  He shakes his head. “Mom hit her.”

  “What?”

  “She told me she was angry because she started calling you dad.”

  “She hit her?”

  He nods. “And I found this in the trash,” he says, handing me a business card.

  “It’s the detective. I called him when I found this card and asked what the hell is going to happen. He says he can’t discuss it right now until he’s done processing the evidence, but it’s taking too damn long.”

  I can tell he’s frustrated.

  “Just help me out, Adam. Please look into it and if… if it was in fact suicide, then I’ll leave it alone.”

  I study the card. “How can I help?”

  “I don't know… maybe talk to the detective? Get on his ass so he can get this shit done? He didn’t even ask me anything. Did he ask you?”

  “No. At least not yet. I mean, if it’s ruled a suicide I don’t see why they would, you know?”

  “But it hasn’t been ruled anything. The detective told me that he’s still investigating which means he knows something is not tight. You need to tell him to get it done.” He shakes his head. “My mom hasn't been herself since… well since you left.”

  I recall Jordyn telling me about the mood swings. “Colin…” I shake my head. “What are you saying here? That your mom…”

  He shrugs.

  “Jesus… Your mom’s hurting real bad. I… I don’t know, Colin.”

  “Please, Adam.”

  He too looks broken.

  “Let me see what I can do.”

  He gives me a hug. “Thanks, man,” he says and walks back inside. As I walk to my car my mind is all over the place. “What the fuck?”

  10

  AARON

  It’s finally time for Aaron to leave the hospital! Uncle Adam returned from his business trip the day before and Aaron is super happy to see him. Jaycob and Howard are waiting for them at home, a home that Aaron can't wait to see. Jaycob told him that it’s a huge house with palm trees and everything. A two-story house! And it also has a pool. How cool is that?

  During the last couple of days, he spent time talking to Rita and Charles but he has not heard from Jordyn and misses her a lot, but Rita always keeps him positive and focused.

  While they wait for the doctor to give the okay to leave, his uncle comes to sit next to him and Aaron thinks he looks sad, but doesn’t know why and figures he probably still misses Aaron’s mom just as much as he does.

  “So,” Uncle Adam says. “Doc says that you're going to need a nurse to help you around the house for a few weeks.”

  Aaron isn't too pleased to hear that because he’s not very comfortable with strangers.

  “I know it's gonna be new for you, but we have to do what the doctor says and the doctor says you need one.”

  “Why can’t Jake do it?”

  “Because he doesn’t have the training and because he has a job now.”

  Aaron wishes his mom were here to take care of him. “Maybe Nurse Beth can come?” he suggests, knowing it’s a long shot because people don’t just move somewhere for no reason, unless, like Aaron, they have to for health reasons and whatnot.

  Dr. Barksdale walks in and there’s a guy following her, pushing a wheelchair.

  “Time to go!” says the doctor and Aaron smiles.

  They put him in the wheelchair and his uncle grabs all their things and the guy pushes the chair. Aaron has been in a bed for a whole month, so he’s super glad to be sitting up. Even though he wears the halo, he’s still able to use his tablet with his good hand and he always thinks about what his mom used to say, “Count your blessings.” He is glad to be able to sit up. A few nurses say goodbye to him and he feels extra special when they say that they’re going to miss him.

  “See you in a week, Aaron,” says the doctor and they get in the elevator going down so they can exit the hospital.

  –

  Uncle Adam’s Jeep is waiting for them outside and his uncle loads everything. The guy then helps Aaron into the car and leaves to help more patients, Aaron thinks. Uncle Adam then goes and makes sure that Aaron is buckled in then gets in the drivers’ seat.

  “Doing okay, buddy?”

  “Yes.”

  After a long time on the highway, Uncle Adam rolls down the window and Aaron wonders why. The wind feels cool on his face and Aaron spots a Ferris wheel in the distance and soon the pier comes into view. He is amazed at how big and endless the ocean is. He’s unable to describe the smell as it’s nothing like he imagined. It’s wonderful!

  They drive for a while along the ocean, then Uncle Adam pulls into a parking lot where he stops and then rolls all the windows down. He parks the car so they are facing the ocean and Aaron thinks the sound is just the way he heard in the video that his uncle showed him once.

  He suddenly feels sad that his mom never got to see it.

  “Are you okay?” his uncle asks and Aaron starts to cry.

  Uncle Adam gets out, goes around to Aaron’s side and opens the door.

  “Aaron, what's wrong?” His uncle wipes Aaron’s tears away with his thumb.

  “I miss my mom.”

  His uncle holds him gently. “I miss her too. So much.”

  They watch the ocean for a while without saying anything and when Aaron feels better; his uncle kisses Aaron’s forehead and goes back to the driver’s side.

  “You’re gonna be okay. I promise,” says Uncle Adam.

  –

  Five minutes later they arrive at Howard’s and his uncle stops in the driveway. Aaron sees it has a nice front yard with lots of flowers and two tall palm trees on both sides of the front door. His mom would have loved the perfect green grass.

  Seconds later, Jaycob and Howard emerge from the house and Aaron’s jaw drops when he sees Jaycob pushing a wheelchair with a large red bow on it.

  “What the…” says Aaron, making Uncle Adam laugh as he opens Aaron’s door.

  Jaycob approaches and says, “Yours.”

  Aaron can’t contain his excitement. “Sweet!”

  “Ready for a test drive?” asks Uncle Adam and Aaron smiles.

  Uncle Adam helps him sit in it and Aaron thinks it’s super comfortable. The seat looks like a race car seat which is pretty awesome. It is like a new car! It’s yellow with black, just like Bumblebee!

  Howard shows him ho
w to operate the controls and he moves forward and backward and does a full lap around the cars.

  “This is so cool!” he says and leads the way inside. The steps to the house are covered with a ramp and Aaron zooms inside as the guys follow.

  –

  The house is huge!

  “I'm going to take this to the room,” says Howard, taking Aaron’s bag. Jaycob and Uncle Adam lead him to the kitchen, then to the den.

  “Wow!”

  “Pretty sweet, huh?” says Jaycob.

  “Yes!”

  “Wait till you see this.” Uncle Adam takes him to an office with a spectacular view of the ocean and Aaron’s jaw drops. He can’t believe how beautiful it is and how close they are to the ocean.

  “You get the same view from your room.”

  “I have to take a picture!” says Aaron and Uncle Adam gives him his phone. Aaron manages to take a photo and says, “Please send it to Rita and Jordyn… please!”

  Uncle Adam does and Rita replies within seconds.

  –Holy cow!

  Aaron smiles. “Tell her she's missing out!”

  11

  ADAM

  I became intrigued by Aaron's question the day before, about Beth. I know it’s a long shot, but it bugs me nevertheless.

  I spent the last twenty-four hours talking to Rita off and on, which was pure bliss. I know what’s happening to me, but I’m not ready to accept my feelings because I hate myself so much right now for falling for the wrong girl… again.

  Rita spends time talking to Aaron which I like because of her kind spirit and positivity. Although we are away from home, I have the feeling that things are finally coming together. Jaycob loves his new job and I can see a positive change in him. He talks about it nonstop and finally looks happy.

  –

  I sit at the table eating cereal and my search for a nurse is only getting started. I have to call Charles to find out if we have enough money in the budget for a nurse. I finish my cereal and put the bowl in the sink, then go to the office, which Howard said I’m more than welcome to use for work or whatever I need. I sit at the desk and call Charles.

  “Hello, Adam.”

  “Good morning, Charles. How are things?”

  “Doing well, thank you. How are you guys? I heard little Aaron is home?”

  “Yes, sir, he loves it here.”

  “I'm glad to hear that.”

  “So, Dr. Barksdale said we need to get Aaron a nurse to help him through the duration of his recovery.”

  “So let's get him a nurse.”

  “I just want to know how the budget looks.” I worry that we may be spending too much of his money.

  “Get him what he needs, Adam.”

  “Thanks, Charles.”

  “Take care, son, and keep us updated on the little warrior’s progress.”

  –

  I sit at the desk for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts. I know Aaron doesn’t feel comfortable with strangers, so the nurse has to be good and patient, especially with children.

  I take a deep breath and exhale. “What would you do?” I ask Tianna and I’m quiet for a moment, expecting an answer.

  “Oh, what the hell,” I say and dial.

  “Adam?”

  “Yes… how are you, Beth?”

  “Hi! I’m good. How are you guys? How’s Aaron?”

  “We’re doing very well. Aaron left the hospital already.”

  “That’s great!”

  Then I go right down to business. “So I wanted to ask you before I do anything else. How would you like to be Aaron’s personal nurse?” I know the answer but knowing that I asked is good enough for me.

  “You mean when you guys return?”

  “Actually, here in California, during his recovery. The weather is a bonus!” I say, trying to sell the offer and I make her laugh.

  “I would love to!”

  For a moment I think I heard wrong. “I'm sorry, what?”

  “I'd love to be his nurse!”

  “Wow, I… uh… thank you!” I’m relieved and think that Tianna did give me the answer.

  “When do you need me?”

  “Aaron starts therapy in about a week—after the New Year—so the sooner the better. I mean, if you can.”

  She’s quiet for a moment, thinking, I assume. “Well, I need to find a place to stay and—”

  “You can stay with us. I was looking for a live-in nurse, actually.”

  “Oh wow… Okay. Well, how does a week sound?”

  Christmas is just three days away so she'll be here for New Year’s. “Perfect,” I say, and then move to the real business part. “And how much would you charge? I don’t want you to take a pay cut or anything.”

  “I’m actually looking for a second job. They cut my hours at the hospital and I kinda need something else. Your offer is heaven-sent.”

  Indeed it is. “I appreciate it, Beth, and please let me know what you would charge.”

  I stand to look out the window.

  “I couldn’t tell you that, Adam. Beggars can't be choosers!”

  “Look, I’ll check what the rates are and go from there, okay?”

  “Sounds good, and thanks so much, Adam. You have no idea how much I need this!”

  “Likewise.”

  I end the call and exhale with relief.

  –

  I go upstairs to check on Aaron, who is in bed, watching TV.

  “Hey, buddy,” I say and sit by his side. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Good,” he says with a smile.

  The kid always smiles, even on his worst days. I take the remote control and mute the television, then turn to face him.

  “Remember what we talked about yesterday before we left the hospital?”

  He’s thoughtful for a moment. “About what?”

  “Nurse Beth.”

  “Oh, yeah, I remember.”

  “Well, we got her.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  His eyes light up and his smile is priceless. “Yes!”

  “She'll be here in a week.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Adam!”

  I smile, stand and kiss his forehead. “Think of it as an early Christmas present,” I say and then help him out of bed.

  –

  I take him to the bathroom to help him brush his teeth, then carry him downstairs where his chair awaits.

  In the kitchen, I serve him some cereal and I can tell how relieved and happy he is about the news. I go back to the office to call Charles.

  I tell him about Beth and he too is pleased with my selection. I give him her information, thinking it will be easier for them to talk about business. Charles says he'll get in contact with her and get things rolling with that. When I get off the phone, I take the laptop with me to the kitchen table to work.

  –

  The tablet Charles gave Aaron has been a blessing. He’s able to stay in touch with his friends and his teacher emails him a few assignments to keep his mind sharp. The principal contacted me a couple of times asking about him and says he’s an inspiration but I already know that. I feel blessed to have him and Jaycob in my life.

  I miss Jordyn so much and I can still hear her clearly calling me dad, which I will never forget. I recall Colin’s request and even though I think he’s in denial, it keeps nagging at me. What if he’s right? I shake my head. There is so much I don’t understand.

  My phone beeps, taking me out of the trance and I receive a message from Rita. My heart flutters and I smile.

  –Don't tell little man because it’s a surprise. I’m going to see you guys for Christmas! Well, the day after but still the Christmas weekend!

  –That's awesome!

  –Well, I gotta go back to work. Talk to you soon.

  I smile again and put my phone away.

  12

  IRENE

  Irene has not been herself since Colin moved back home. First of all, the one person she thought
would move back is still 300 miles away, and she knows her plan failed. After thinking about this for days—because all she has now is time to think—she has a new plan. The bad thing is that Colin is keeping a close eye on her. He asks a million questions about Jordyn and Irene refuses to give any information. She thinks that maybe he’s suspicious and she doesn’t say anything more about it because she just wants to forget.

  –

  Since Jordyn’s death, she’s received plenty of support from Ken and Julia but what she only wants and needs is Adam to return. He hasn’t even asked if she’s doing alright and instead asks Colin about her.

  Also, since Jordyn’s death, Irene has not been able to sleep well. The nights are long as she spends most of the time awake because bad dreams have taken over. In the dreams, Jordyn comes back and accuses Irene of killing her, right in front of Adam, who condemns her and tells her that he hates her.

  She’s still in bed, pondering her situation. She feels that she can finally breathe a little as Colin is out of the house looking for a job. She’s also scared to think that she may run out of money and if Colin doesn’t find a job soon things can get ugly.

  Ken told her that if she were to divorce Adam, she could have financial stability for life, but Irene thinks that will happen only as a last option. She knows now that she lost Adam for good and for that she will make him pay.

  Julia visits with her every day since Jordyn’s funeral, which annoys the crap out of her, but knows it won’t last long since Ken and Julia will be moving to Houston in just a couple of days.

  She gets out of bed and checks the window for the weather which looks clear. The rain has passed, which will give her time to do her bonus treat later in the day. She takes a cigarette from the nightstand, lights it and smokes as she looks for her clothes.

  When she’s done with her cigarette, she goes to the bathroom to get dressed. She puts on a pink summer dress which is the prettiest one she has. Granted, the weather isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t matter. She looks in the mirror and thinks she looks a bit pale. The circles under her eyes are more visible and she knows the sleepless nights have taken a toll.