by Carla Rossi
Limited Light
Chapter Eight
Rose Randolph was released from the hospital at nine in the morning. By nine-forty-five, as Marti backed her car up to the porch, the reluctant passenger was already voicing her displeasure .
You’re going to tear up the yard and run over my flowers.
No, I’m not, Grandma. I just want to back the car up close to the porch so you don’t have far to walk. Besides, I don’t know how well your walker goes in the grass.
She should have never mentioned the walker .
I am not going to use a walker in my own home. The doctor said there’s no reason I can’t walk.
Marti put Ruby in park. It’s only a precaution until you’ve rested a couple days and regained your strength.
Humph.
She helped her grandmother her out of the car. Pastor James and Danny built this rail for you.
Everyone thinks I’m an invalid.
That’s not true. They just wanted you to be safe getting in and out of the house.
Don’t need it, she said defiantly. But it took every ounce of energy they both had to climb the stairs one step at a time.
Do you want to get in bed, or do you want to plant yourself here on the couch for a while?
I’m not doing either. I need to check the laundry and see if my plants need watered and what I need in the kitchen. Then we have to go to the store.
I’ve taken care of that. Right now you need to rest.
It’s my house, and I can walk around it if I want to.
Will you at least pull the walker along in case you get tired?
No.
Marti collapsed into a chair and picked up a book of daily devotionals from the end table. She spread it open in front of her face. Fine. You go right ahead. But just remember, if you fall down and break your hip or something, I’m going to have to call another ambulance. Makes no difference to me. I don’t mind another delightful ride to the hospital with full lights and sirens. Sounds like fun. She dropped the book to peek over the top. And another thing. I’ll be sure and ask for the same cute physical therapist. I know you like him, and I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to help you get used to your new hip. She raised it back up and pretended to read .
There was a long pause as Marti held her breath and waited to see what the determined woman would do .
Hey, Miss Smarty Pants. You do know that book’s upside down, don’t you?
Now they were getting somewhere. The only thing left for them to do was burst out laughing .
Truce? Marti asked as she wiped her eyes .
Truce. Make us a cup of tea while I drag this walker into my bedroom. Then, we’ll figure out how we’re gonna get through the next few days without killing each other.
Marti set the tray on the nightstand and stirred sugar into her grandmother’s cup. The older woman had only been able to stay up long enough to walk into the kitchen and gaze out onto the back porch before she tired and needed her bed .
Don’t worry, Marti said as she snuggled in beside her grandma and pulled a quilt around them. It’s just because you’re worn out. Now that you’re home, you’ll get stronger every day. You know the hospital is no place to get well.
Grandma Rose chuckled and raised her cup with a shaky hand. Are you going to the shop today?
Marti was stunned. Of course not. I want to stay here with you.
I don’t want you sitting here with me every day. I’ve got to get back into my old routine. And you have a life to get back to. I know that.
We don’t need to discuss that now.
You can go to the shop tomorrow.
It’s too soon.
Susan Curry is coming over to spend the afternoon with me. She needs my help with a sewing project, and we haven’t played Scrabble for two weeks.
Are you sure you’re up for all that?
The older woman put her cup aside. Listen, Martha. I did a lot of thinking and praying in that hospital. I don’t like feeling trapped in my own body. I don’t like not being able to do what I did just two weeks ago, but I’m trying to make peace with it. I decided it doesn’t matter what happens next. If another blood clot forms somewhere and I die tonight, I can’t do anything about it. But I’m not going to sit around here and wait for it to happen either. That’s why life has to pick up where it left off. I’ll not have you sitting here with me, waiting for the other shoe to drop. God has plans for your life. I don’t know where He’ll take you next, but He will take you. You need to go ahead and plan for your future as if this never happened--and I’ll plan mine because it did.
But we’re family. All we have is each other. I want to take care of you.
I know, sweetie. But I’m doing okay right now. We’ll just take one day at a time.
Marti discarded her cup and settled further into the bed.
Grandma Rose laid her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes. Tell me about the potluck.
Speaking of the potluck, I don’t appreciate that stunt you pulled yesterday.
That was a good one, she replied with an evil little laugh. Nurse Kelley was afraid you were going to break the door down.
I thought about it.
Did you have a good time last night?
Yes. All your friends were trying to make up with me.
Good. How was your date?
How did you know about that?
My sources tell me you didn’t get in ‘til one-fifteen.
Marti stretched her arms over her head. Oh, did they? Well, your sources are confused. It was more like two-thirty.
Grandma Rose’s eyes popped open. Are you going to tell me about it?
Right now we should get you into the shower and into some fresh clothes. You smell like the hospital.
You’re changing the subject.
Yes, I am. Marti left the bed and gathered clean undergarments and a bright gingham housedress. I have news from Daddy’s contacts in Guatemala. They’ve managed to relay a message to his camp. I had asked everyone possible to tell him we were fine, but he needed to call home as soon as possible.
But he hasn’t called.
No, not yet. But I’m not surprised. Even if they got the message days ago, it could take a while to get to a reliable phone. She double checked the position of the shower chair and put the shampoo and soap within reach. I even thought maybe they would just get the message and come home. I half expect them to walk through that door to see what all the fuss is about.
Grandma Rose lifted herself to a sitting position and patted the bed. Sit down a minute, honey. She put a weak arm around her granddaughter. I doubt your father’s coming. It’s a nice thought, and I’d sure like to see him, but he probably won’t come. Don’t worry about it. I’m not. You’ve taken really good care of me.
How can you be so sure he’s not coming?
I just know. It’s you and me, kid.
Marti sat bewildered on the edge of the bed. She’d never questioned her parents’ absence. Apparently Grandma Rose had .
She curled up with her grandma’s pillow and listened for sounds of distress coming from the bathroom. You should let me help you, you know. At least let me get you into the shower chair.
You can see me naked when I’m dead!
Marti laughed into the pillow. How was she supposed to respond to that?
The gentle cadence of falling water helped her to relax. Her mind drifted to Jim. Although constantly on her mind since last night, she hadn’t actually let the events of the previous evening sink in. There was talking, she remembered, lots of talking. Real talking. The kind that pulls two people together and forges a bond .
Then there was the kissing. Wow, was there kissing .
She covered her hands with her eyes. He said I was right where I belong, Lord. What does that mean ?
****
Kimmie stood spread eagle across two folding chairs in the window. Are you sure this is gonna look okay?
Marti handed her the staple gun. Yes. White twinkle lights a
re the new year-round decorating standard. Besides, you need something to brighten this far window and attract the public’s attention.
Kimmie stepped to the next two chairs and pulled the lights along with her. How’s your grandma?
Um...let’s see. She’s grumpy and stubborn, and today she threw me out of the house. Things are just peachy.
That’s something, I guess. Kimmie placed the last two staples in the corner and hopped down. Okay, quick before they get here, tell me about the other night.
Marti smiled. A sudden flush in her cheeks betrayed her. I’ve been dying to talk to you; I really need your advice. I just don’t know where to start.
Start at the beginning. Did he kiss you?
That’s not the beginning.
Then start at the kissing part. Is he a good kisser? I always thought he would be.
Do you mind if I tell my own story?
Sorry, but this is really big news. I don’t get out much.
Okay, Marti began, we went to this place in Hous—
The sound of the door cut her off cold .
Kimmie’s shoulders sagged with disappointment. You are so gonna finish this story later.
Of course I am.
Beth Ann came in first and dropped all her things in the doorway. Please tell me we can fix my hair today. Please.
Kimmie motioned for her to sit in the chair. The others shuffled in one by one and fell silent as Kimmie shook Beth Ann’s ponytail loose and carefully studied the strands.
She took a step back and surveyed the solemn crowd. It’s time.
They erupted into cheers .
Lily wasn’t with them. Marti stepped out into the street to see if she was bringing up the rear. Where’s Lily? Isn’t she coming?
Melissa and Sara exchanged worried glances then acted as though it was nothing when Marti caught them .
She’ll be here, Melissa said. She got a ride with Dakota. They’re gonna go do something before he drops her off here.
So you’ve met him?
Not yet, Sara answered. We’ve only seen him when he drops her off and picks her up at school. She still won’t bring him around.
Tabby unzipped her backpack. Hey, Marti, Melissa says you’re pretty good with calculus. How are you with algebra?
Marti sighed and headed toward the dryer hoods. Get the cookies.
By six o’clock, everyone was long gone, even Kimmie. She’d rushed out two hours ago because her mother called and said the baby swallowed some change--definitely a penny and possibly a dime and nickel. Marti wandered around the shop, sweeping up cookie crumbs and tying off trash bags. She hoped Lily was okay. She’d never shown up .
A half hour later, as Charlene returned for an evening appointment, Marti placed her last stack of clean towels in the cabinet and prepared to leave. When she stepped outside, Lily was perched on the edge of the giant concrete planter on the sidewalk. The thick odor of cigarette smoke clung to her clothes. When their eyes met, it was obvious she’d been crying .
Lily? I didn’t know you were out here. Why didn’t you come in?
She managed a shrug, but no words .
Marti glanced up and down the street, thinking she might spot Dakota, and hoping she could think of what to do next. The girl had come for a reason, maybe even help .
Well, okay then, Marti said and picked up Lily’s discarded backpack. That planter’s not wide enough for both our behinds, so let’s go into Bertie’s and get something to drink.
Lily dutifully followed, her gaze never leaving the ground .
Marti emptied two packets of sweetener into her iced tea while Lily toyed with a straw .
I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Marti began .
Lily’s fingers stopped and squeezed the straw. What?
I was in the prayer garden at church before the potluck the other night. The plaque on the stone wall says In Memory of Lillian Woodruff . Is that your grandma?
Yeah, my grandfather built that garden.
So you’re named after your grandmother?
Yeah.
Me too.
Really? But isn’t your grandma’s name Rose?
Yep. And I’m Martha Rose.
Lily scrunched her nose. Martha Rose Randolph isn’t as bad as Lillian Montgomery Woodruff.
On the contrary, that’s an awesome name. It sounds like the name of a Supreme Court justice. Can’t you just hear someone introducing the Honorable Lillian Montgomery Woodruff?
No, it would be more like ‘Hi, I’m Lily, welcome to Wal-Mart.’
Marti cracked up. Okay, I’m laughing, but that’s not funny. You’re a bright girl, and I’m sure your grandfather is going to make sure you get a good education.
My grandfather has no idea what’s going on, Lily huffed. School’s almost out, and I’m gonna be a senior next year. He has no clue. She shoved the straw into her glass .
What do you mean he has no clue? What’s going on?
Lily’s eyes flashed with anger and frustration. He just...I don’t know...he won’t...
Marti leaned forward. It’s all right to tell me what’s on your mind. We all get frustrated with the people we love. Take my grandma, for example. I don’t mind tellin’ you, she’s been a first class pain in the butt recently.
Lily laughed, but her joy faded quickly. It’s just that he promised me a car when I got my license if I kept my grades up. I’ll be seventeen next month, and still nothing. I have no way to get back and forth from my after school activities on my own, so he has to pick me up. Then he gets mad ‘cause it interferes with his golf game. And he’s got all kinds of money, but he has a fit when I need something. My school counselor has called him three times to send checks for my college entrance exams. I need to get those things mailed in. Then there’ll be graduation, prom, senior pictures, the soccer banquet...
She didn’t even finish the thought. The words trailed off and died as she went back to chasing ice cubes around in her glass. Marti sat back and took a deep breath. In all the excitement of Lily’s possible dangerous situation, she’d failed to remember she was still just a girl being raised by an aging grandparent. And that was something Marti understood .
You know, I spent all four years of high school with my grandmother. I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it was difficult, and your grandfather is a lot older than my grandma was at the time.
You went to Madison?
Yep. Ran track for the Lady Mustangs all four years. You were little when I lived here.
Did you know my grandfather?
Yeah, and he was old then.
This time Lily really laughed. He still wears those things to hold up his socks. I don’t know what to do with him.
He’s from a different era. You’re right when you say he has no clue. He probably doesn’t realize how important those SAT and ACT test dates are, and how important the right prom dress is. His generation handles money differently. They don’t like to spend it. As far as he’s concerned, there’s no rush in getting you a car since you have the two good legs God gave you. And he doesn’t understand the time crunch you’re in all the time and the pressures at school because it was different for him.
Yes, but he raised my dad. He’s got to know something.
That’s another thing. He did raise your dad and then retired from parenting. Imagine his surprise when he found himself raising another child--and a girl to boot. You’re gonna have to cut him some slack, and remember, you don’t have to live there forever. Just do what you have to do until you’re on your own. Your grandfather loves you. He’ll come through for you in the end, even if you have to drag him kickin’ and screamin’ into the twenty-first century. My grandma did for me.
He didn’t even get a cell phone ‘til last year, and he still doesn’t know how to use it. Do you know what it’s gonna be like trying to get a laptop out of him for college?
Marti thought back to when Grandma Rose got cable and a VCR. It nearly took an act of congress to get her to
buy it. Even then, Marti wasn’t allowed near the television during a thunderstorm. Something about lightning .
Believe me, I know, she assured Lily. But I’m telling you, he loves you and will ultimately do the right thing. Besides, you have to remember your grandfather is still mourning, just like you. It’s hard to move forward and embrace new things when you’re in that kind of pain. He may never come to understand everything you need from him. That’s where you have to trust God and find His will for your life. He’ll send people to help you. Like Kimmie and Danny and Pastor James. They all want what’s best for you. And me. I can help with college applications and essays and I’m here to listen whenever you need me.
Lily kept her eyes pinned to the bottom of her glass. When she finally looked up, her eyes shimmered with tears. She nodded .
Now, Marti said, and scooted her tea glass out of the way, we have something else to discuss.
O-kay, she answered hesitantly .
Pastor James and I were having a meeting at the coffee house about a week and a half ago. We saw you there with some of your friends. Did you see us?
Lily shook her head and pulled the straw into her mouth .
Anyway, we noticed the guy you were with. Is that your boyfriend?
The furrow in her brow deepened. Yes.
What’s his name?
Dakota.
He’s kind of cute and can sing, but I couldn’t help but notice he seemed a little old for you.
Not really.
How old is he?
He’ll be twenty-one in June.
Does he know how old you are?
Lily dropped her nose even further into her glass. Yes.
She was lying .
Okay...now what ? Marti drummed her fingers on the table while Lily sucked up the last drops of liquid. She motioned for Bertie and ordered a piece of chocolate cream pie with two forks. This might take a while .
I’m surprised a man that age would take such a risk, Marti ventured. I mean, he is an adult and you are a minor. There are legal ramifications in dating you. Are you sure he knows your age?
Lily stalled while Bertie set the pie on the table .
He knows I’m a high school student, she finally offered. He picks me up there.