“Yeah, she's been dozing off all evening.”
Tania walked over to the hospital bed and kissed her aunt lightly on the cheek. She held her hand. Aunt Jean had aged quite a bit. Her hair was beginning to gray and Tania could see wrinkles forming on her cheek area. The sight of her aunt in this state made her feel more bewildered.
“Have you had anything to eat?” Tania asked.
“No, I don't feel like eating.”
“Leslie, you don't want to make yourself sick by not eating. Let's go down to the cafeteria so that you can get soup or something.”
“I can't leave my mother,” Leslie pointed out.
“You're not leaving her, and we can give the nurse your cell phone number to call if there's any change,” Tania said.
“I guess I could use some air.”
Tania and Leslie locked arms and left the room. Leslie stopped by the nurses’ station to inform them of her whereabouts.
They boarded the elevator for a quick change of scenery.
The cafeteria was a small, quaint room filled with the aroma of disinfectant. Tania wondered why there was no smell of bread, stew or some sort of meat.
“Is it just me or does everything smell like bleach or disinfectant?” Tania asked.
“I was thinking the same thing. I think I'll just have a cup of coffee.”
“I think I will, too. For some reason I feel like my food will taste like Pine-Sol,” Tania joked.
The two found a corner and sat at the round, school-like table.
“Have you called Monk and Ernie or any other family members?” Tania quizzed.
“Monk is in jail and Ernie is out of town. He's driving trucks now so he's never really around. Those two brothers of mine aren’t reliable. And I didn't call any of the other family members, because I want to wait and see what the doctors have to say.”
“I think that's a great idea,” Tania said, glad that Leslie hadn't called Mona.
“Mama always says that she don't want nobody trying to bury her before time.”
“Do you remember that time she fell on the stairs and sprained her ankle, and by the time the church got the news, they were saying her leg was broke?” Tania laughed.
“I remember that, and Deacon Murrow came over to the house with a wheelchair for Mama to get around in,” Leslie chuckled.
“It amazes me how fast the news traveled. We only told Ms. Pearl.”
“Girl, you know Ms. Pearl is worse than Willona on Good Times. She knows the news before it happens.”
“Does she still sit on the porch and listen to her scanner?” Tania asked.
“Yes, girl. She sits in that same spot all day listening to it.”
“Wow, I guess some things never change. Glad I'm not here anymore,” Tania said.
“It's ok to leave, but don't ever forget where you came from, T. Never forget your roots,” Leslie said in a serious tone.
“Alright then, Kizzy,” Tania said playfully, mentioning a cast member of the movie Roots.
“No seriously, Tania, it's good to have you home, but it shouldn't take something like this to get you to come.”
“Leslie, we've already talked about this. Let's not go there.” Tania eyed her.
“Tania, that's just it. Here we are sitting at the hospital because my mother had a near-death experience. You haven't seen my mother in years. Why should she have to almost lose her life before you come and visit? You are punishing the whole family because of how you feel about one person. What about the rest of us and how we feel?” Leslie cried.
Tania hadn't expected their discussion to take a turn down this road. Her goal was to be there for Leslie, not talk about the family. This wasn't the time nor the place. “Leslie, I never meant to hurt you or anyone else,” Tania confessed.
“I don't think you are purposely trying to hurt anyone. I think you are just so used to avoiding everyone and doing your own thing, you have gotten accustomed to blocking the family out. You have created a world that only you live in. You have your guard up and you won't let anyone in.”
“What do you mean by that? You and I talk all the time and I'm right here with you now.”
“Yes, I see you but honestly T, I wasn't sure whether you were coming or not.”
“How can you say that? I've always been here for you. You're like my sister.” Tania sobbed.
“I appreciate you, T, but what about your real sisters?”
“Why is it that you are jumping on me for not talking to them?”
“Tania, how can they talk to you? You’ve changed your number, you moved and never looked back,” Leslie said matter-of-factly.
Tania's tears began to flow faster and the color from her face had drained. She gathered her purse and headed for the elevator. “Call me later.”
“Tania, wait a minute. Don't leave. You can't keep running,” Leslie yelled, going after her, but by the time she made it to the elevator, Tania was gone.
Chapter10
Tania felt as if she were on the verge of a panic attack. By the time she made it to her car, she was sweating and panting. She stood onside of the car with her head down, trying to catch her breath.
She didn't understand why Leslie, Stacy and even her pastor and first lady felt that she needed to be the one to reach out to her sisters. Naomi and Mona must have been fine in their lives because neither one of them made any additional efforts to be a part of her life.
Leaving the hospital wouldn't solve any of her problems, so she decided to just sit in the car for a few minutes to get some air and get herself together. She pulled out her cell phone and called Sabrina.
“Hey, Tania.” Sabrina answered on the second ring.
“Sabrina, I need you to pray for me,” Tania blurted out.
“Sure, what's going on? I don't like the way you sound,” Sabrina said, concern lacing her tone.
“I'm here in Sweet Lily, Leslie and I were talking and she started in on me about my sisters and I honestly don't know why, but I suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion.”
“Oh no, you poor thing. I am so sorry to hear that. Where are you now?”
“I'm sitting in my car in the hospital parking lot. Just trying to calm myself down.”
“Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, I lift up my sister in Christ to you. Lord, I ask that you give her the strength, and courage to forgive her sister so that she can move on with her life, so she can have a full life in you. Lord, you said in your word that we should cast our cares on you because you care for us. Lord, you invite those who are burdened down to come to you. Lord, touch her heart, and fill it with your love so that she will have the will to want to forgive. Lord, restore these relationships so that you can get the glory out of it all, in the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.”
“Amen,” Tania agreed.
“I believe God is working even now, Tania, I feel Him moving on your behalf. Thank you, Jesus!” Sabrina shouted.
“Thank you, Sabrina,” Tania managed to say. She was too consumed with grief.
“No need to thank me. That's what friends are for.”
“I'll talk to you later. I need to get myself together before I go back upstairs.”
“Ok, yes do that. Call me back if you need to,” Sabrina said, glad to hear that Tania was going to stay.
“Ok, I will,” Tania said and disconnected the call.
Tania's head was spinning like she had been on a merry-go-round. She didn't know how, but she knew that she would have to eventually deal with those issues that she thought were buried.
Tania sat in the car for about twenty more minutes, reapplied her makeup and decided to go back into the hospital. Leslie had called her phone several times, but she’d ignored the calls.
Arriving back to her Aunt Jean's floor, Tania noticed that Leslie and a few other people were standing in the hallway. Tania's heart began to beat rapidly and her legs began to feel heavy, as if she were wearing weights on them.
“Tania, I'v
e been trying to call you. Mama's blood pressure is up and they can't seem to get it down,” Leslie said frantically.
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in. Give me a hug, girl,” Mona said.
Tania didn't see Mona behind Uncle Roy until just then. And she wasn't expecting to see her, especially since Leslie told her that she hadn't called any of their other family members.
Tania gave Leslie a look as if to say, Explain to me why she's here.
Meanwhile, Tania pasted a smile on her face and hugged Mona. “Good to see you, Mona,” Tania forced herself to say.
Although Tania hadn't seen Mona in years, she was surprised to see that her older sister looked worn out. Broke down. Busted up. Mona had dark marks under her eyes; she looked much older than her mid-thirties. Time truly had brought about a change.
Even the way she dressed was different. Mona's normal apparel was slinky and sexy. Today she was dressed in black slacks, a black and silver blouse and some flat black shoes.
Maybe she has changed after all.
“Sis. Pearl heard on the scanner that the ambulance had picked Mama up, so that's how everyone found out we were here; those two ladies over there are from the church,” Leslie said, breaking the silence with her explanation.
“I'm not surprised at all,” Tania said with a light chuckle.
“Well, let's not just stand here. Let's go to the waiting room until the doctors can give us some more information,” Mona suggested.
“Let me go tell them where we are going and I will join y’all in a minute,” Leslie said.
Tania wanted to smack Leslie for leaving her with Mona.
They entered the family waiting room and sat in the middle section. Tania scrolled through her phone, checking her Facebook page, so that she wouldn't have to make eye contact with Mona.
“I see you still thick. What have you done to your hair? Is that weave?” Mona stated.
“I'm ok with how I look and no, this is not weave, this is my natural hair. It's called a two strand twist,” Tania said, defending herself despite the fact she wasn’t so confident about the weight thing.
“Tania, oh my God, you're really here. It's good to see you.” Naomi entered the waiting room and rushed over to hug Tania.
Naomi still looked the same. She was, as the old folks say, coke-bottle fine. Her beautiful, black, smooth, skin tone made her look as if she were from another country.
“Good to see you too, Naomi,” Tania said, hugging her tightly.
“You look absolutely beautiful. I love your hair. It must cost a ton of money to get it like that.”
“Thanks, Naomi. Actually, I do it myself.”
Mona sassed, “You've always been a nerd, so that doesn't surprise me at all,”
“Please! Doing your own hair is a good way to save money,” Naomi said, giving Mona a warning look to stop with the attitude.
“So Tania, tell us what you've been doing all these years. Are you married? Any children? Fill us in. I mean, you know since you left we are clueless about your life. For all we know you could be on the run for murder,” Mona said sarcastically, folding her arms across her chest.
No. She hasn’t changed one bit.
“No, I don't have a husband or any children, I live in Uhl, own a bookstore and that's basically it,” Tania said proudly.
“You own a bookstore? Wow, that's exciting, isn’t it, Mona?” Naomi said.
“Yeah, real exciting. Hip, hip, hooray for books,” Mona said and did a wave motion as if she was at a football game.
“So Mona, what is it that you do?” Tania said, gritting her teeth.
“I work at Wal-Mart. I'm a supervisor now. All of us aren't as fortunate as you are to own our own business.”
Tania was glad to hear that Mona had a job, that she was finally working somewhere that would provide her with a W-2 form at the end of the tax year.
“We all work hard, and I am sure running a business isn't easy. I personally am just glad that we are all here together. I'm proud of you, Tania,” Naomi said.
“Thanks. And you're right. It's a lot of hard work and dedication. I'm truly blessed.”
Leslie joined. “Hey, you guys, Mama is resting and the doctor said it's probably best that she doesn't have any visitors. Her pressure is still elevated.
“Why don't we go get something to eat and check back later?” Naomi suggested.
“We tried that earlier. The cafeteria is not right.”
“There are a few restaurants up the highway,” Naomi said. “We could go with you.”
Leslie shrugged. “I guess I should get something to eat before everything closes since I don't know how long I'll be here.”
“Tania, are you coming or are you on a diet?” Mona asked.
“Can’t we all just get along? Dang! For my mother’s sake,” Leslie pleaded.
“Whatever you say, Rodney King.”
“I'll drive so we can all ride together. It'll be fun... just like old times. You have to come, Tania,” Naomi begged.
“Ok, I'll come,” Tania said, not really wanting to go.
The girls made it to Naomi's Honda Accord. Mona sat up front while Leslie and Tania sat in the back seat. Tania sat quietly while Naomi did most of the chattering. Tania couldn't help but think about the Bible verse that says testing times come to make us strong. She really didn't know if she was strong enough to make it through several days with Mona, or if she even had the will make it.
Chapter 11
Naomi pulled into the Applebee’s parking lot and Tania wished that she would have driven her own car, better yet she wished she would have gone back home. Stacy's words echoed in her heart, so she would try to deal with her past issues in order to move on.
“I hope everyone is ok with eating here, I figured since they have a variety of food we should all be able to find something on the menu,” Naomi said.
“Yeah, I think they have a Weight Watchers menu so Tania, you should be able to find something on there,” Mona smirked.
“Look Mona, enough is enough. We’re not eight-year-olds making fun of one another on the playground. Leave Tania alone. She looks fine, so stop with the sly comments,” Leslie warned.
Tania was glad that Leslie said something, because she was one step away from snatching Mona out of the car and choking the crap out of her. Tania had never been a violent person, but in Mona's case she would have been catching a case.
But that same thought of choking her sister made her feel guilty and she immediately bowed her head and asked God to forgive her for thinking it.
“Alright, let's go find us a table,” Naomi said as they walked into the restaurant.
The hostess sat them in a booth. Mona sat next to Naomi smacking on a piece of gum. Tania studied the menu as if she'd never been to Applebee’s before. Leslie and Naomi kept exchanging glances, each one of them waiting for the other to say something.
The waitress came and took their drink orders.
“So how are the wedding plans coming, Naomi?” Leslie finally asked.
“Oh girl, everything is going great. I can't believe I am getting married next weekend.”
“Yeah, you got a good man, good job, benefits, and a beautiful home. Mama would be proud of you,” Mona added.
Tania's leg shook. She never ever talked about her mother and just the mention of Ruby was making Tania feel some kind of way. She grabbed her napkin and wiped her brow because little beads of sweat were beginning to form.
“I'm sure she would be. I wish she was here with all of us right now. She'd be proud of all of us.” Naomi teared up.
Leslie watched Tania getting fidgety so she changed the subject. “What time is our dress fitting next week?”
“It's at noon. I figured we'd do lunch right after,” Naomi said. “And maybe a quick trip to get our nails done afterward?”
“Cool,” Leslie cooed. “Remember when we used to do each other’s nails? And my mom would fuss at us for stinking up the whole hous
e with the smell of acetone and nail polish?”
Everyone except Mona laughed.
Naomi pointed at Tania. “And remember that time you spilled purple polish all over Leslie’s comforter?”
The three began to laugh uncontrollably.
“Oh my gosh,” Tania coughed, “and then we tried to sneak the comforter into the washing machine but that only made it worse!”
By this time, Tania, Naomi, and Leslie were holding their stomachs in laughter. Mona kept her face turned down and looking at the menu.
“I thought my mama was gonna kill us!” Leslie shrieked, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Whooo! For real. We had some good times, didn’t we?”
Tania had to agree. Somehow Mona’s meanness overshadowed all of the good memories. “Yeah, I guess we did.”
“That’s why I sent you the invitation, Tania. I want us to have more good times. Why didn't you RSVP for my wedding?”
Her sister’s tone wasn’t accusatory. Tania answered as honestly as she could. “Naomi, I received the invitation, but I didn't know whether I should come or not,” Tania said nervously.
“Why wouldn't you come ... I mean, have I done something to you?” Naomi asked with pleading eyes. “I’m not angry. I just would like some answers, that’s all. If you’re ready.”
“No. You’re right to have questions. Let me assure you, you haven't done anything to me and I apologize for not reaching out to you. I apologize for being an absent older sister. We've never had any issues and now that I'm here, I will be attending your wedding.”
“Humph, ain’t that a trip, now that she here. You hear that Naomi? She acting like she doing you a favor by coming,” Mona spat.
“That's not what I meant.” Tania felt her pressure rising.
“The bottom line is that she's here and she's coming to the wedding,” Leslie pointed out.
“Tania, I would love for you to be my maid of honor. When I sent you the invitation I wasn't sure if you'd respond or not, but I prayed and asked God to allow me to hear from you. And here you are. My day will be complete if you'll stand by my side,” Naomi said, allowing her tears to flow.
Redemption Page 5