The Gingerbread Boy

by Lori Lapekes

  “Out!” Joey bellowed.

  Beth raised her hands. “I’m gone. C’mon, Calvin. I can see talking to this guy was a waste of time. He’s just the band’s manager. He only cares about the money the band makes – not its members. I guess we’ll have to go to Daniel himself.”

  Joey was so fueled with rage that just the look on his face made Calvin dart behind Beth in horror.

  “If my best friend hears one word, just one word of this feeble-brained scam, I’ll personally come and pull your fingernails out, one by one.” Joey warned as Calvin peered out from behind Beth’s shoulder.

  Beth shook her head, clicked her tongue. ”My, my, some do-gooder you are.” She sighed. “Let’s go, Calvin. We tried. That’s all we could do.”

  With that, Beth turned and walked gracefully out the door, Calvin scurrying behind in panic.

  Then the door slammed shut.

  Behind them, Joey’s fists balled like chunks of granite. He backed toward his bed. Feeling the side of it against his knees, he fell back on it, and covered his eyes with his hands. He would not sleep that night.

  ****

  “We blew it… we really blew it.” Calvin muttered as he and Beth walked down the hallway. “He didn’t believe us. We’re not actually going to say anything to Daniel, are we? Joey meant it. I think he’d hurt me”

  Beth refused to look at him. “You know, Calvin, I may despise Cathy Sealey, but she was right about one thing. You really are a neurotic little ‘Cave Pig.’”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “I doubt we’d have time to explore much.” Catherine said, “But there are some beautiful sections of Chesapeake Bay I’ll have time to show you. There’s a place called Calvert Cliffs about an hour south of Annapolis where I used to spend time beachcombing on the weekends. Maybe we could find some fossils there, or just walk along the beach and have a picnic. What do you think?”

  Daniel smiled. His look wandered past Catherine and out the window into glowing peach-colored clouds that seemed to smother the plane.

  “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve never been this far east. I’m thinking about asking Joey to try and squeeze Baltimore into our tour.” He paused, looking back to Catherine. “This beach jaunt, do you plan to go before or after the visit to Hazel?”

  “After, I think. It’ll help me to relax.” Her voice became determined as she went on. “I’m going to try real hard not to be a drag. I don’t want to ruin this trip for the both of us.”

  Daniel squeezed her hand. “Hazel’s condition is worse than you let on, isn’t it?”

  Glumly, Catherine nodded.

  Daniel released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His voice was barely a whisper among the murmur of the surrounding passengers.

  “I didn’t want to come with you for a sightseeing get-away. I wanted to come with you because you might need me, and this time, I wanted to be here for you.”

  The noble face Catherine had once worn crumbled. She bit her lip, fighting tears. She had met with Hazel so many times, and even though it was usually sitting and talking for hours on her porch or on the patio in the back of her home, she’d seemed robust and healthy. Yet now, in a short time they’d be in Maryland. In another few hours… they’d be at Pebble Creek Nursing Home, visiting a sick old woman who might not even realize she had company.

  An old woman Catherine had no idea just how much she loved until now.

  “I don’t know if Hazel will even know we’re there,” Catherine said. “Every time I call, the nurse tells me she’s so out of it she can only sit and mutter her own name.” She attempted a laugh. “I bet her voice still cracks when she says Mrs. VanHoofstryver.”

  “She’ll sense you’re there,” Daniel said, “even if she can’t respond.”

  “I just wish she could meet you see how wonderful you are,” Catherine said. She wiped away a tear. “I didn’t write much after all those desperate letters she sent me. I didn’t know what to say. I could have tried to comfort her and assure her of my friendship, even after I had you in my life. Maybe that’s all she needed to know. I wish I could have called or written in time. Maybe it would have given her the strength to fight off that stroke when her husband died.”

  Daniel shook his head. “From what you’ve been told, her husband was a monster. I doubt anything could have prevented her present condition. Remember, she never told you what exactly he was putting her through. You couldn’t have known. You still can only guess.”

  Catherine shuddered. “From what I’ve heard, no one knows if Hazel blacked out from the horror of seeing him fall or if she saw him doing something to one of her cats. The cats were her only real family.”

  “Besides you.” Daniel added.

  She smiled lamely. “Maybe so. She was like a mother to me.” As soon as those words came out of Catherine’s mouth, a streak of dread raced through her. She glanced quickly out the window, hoping the topic would end.

  Too late.

  Daniel chose his words with care as Catherine studied smeared fingerprints on the glass. Her toes curled nervously in her shoes.

  “I know you don’t like to discuss your mother,” he said, “and I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just can’t help but wonder… does she know you’ll be home for the weekend?”

  Catherine bit her lip again, made no reply.

  “Okay, I can see that she doesn’t. I’m not going to preach, I understand you have your reasons not to visit her. I won’t ask about her again.”

  “Thanks,” Catherine whimpered, still gazing at the smudges, “Someday I’ll tell you about her, I promise.”

  Daniel tightened his arm around her shoulder as a voice over the intercom announced, “Passengers, please take your seats and fasten your seatbelts. We are circling Baltimore and will be landing in about fifteen minutes.”

  Fifteen more minutes and she’d be on her own home turf.

  But it might never feel like home again.

  ****

  It was about a thirty-minute drive to the nursing home. Daniel made comments about the scenery and poked fun at their tiny vehicle in an attempt to lighten Catherine’s spirits.

  “The engine in this puddle-jumper is about the same size as the one in my lawnmower,” he grinned, resting his arm out the window. “Maybe even in your hairdryer. I doubt we have to worry about speeding.”

  Catherine loosened her white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel and glanced over at her companion, forcing a smile. It came out a grimace. Having such a handsome young man at her side in her hometown should have made her heady with pride. A few people had recognized him at the airport; a young girl there even asked for his autograph. There was an aura about him, a way he carried himself that separated him from others. It wasn’t pride, and it wasn’t conceit. It was just, well, it was just Daniel.

  Catherine looked up toward the sky, thanking God for Daniel’s presence here, now. She doubted she could go through this alone.

  “We could have rented that Jag instead of this little heap,” Daniel said, “I don’t want money to be a problem on this trip.”

  “You didn’t sell your Corvette just to throw money away,” Catherine scolded. “I’m not going to waste your good intentions on luxuries.”

  “What do you mean – for yourself? I’d be riding in the Jag, too.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  Daniel had finally explained why he’d sold the Corvette. Apparently he’d sold the car because the studio needed money for better equipment. The record company the band was signed with demanded it if the band wanted to continue recording in their own studio. But Catherine hadn’t seen any signs of new equipment, and Daniel was such a perfectionist about the group’s sound that she couldn’t imagine he hadn’t bought the best equipment there was the first time around.

  No, Catherine had a nagging hunch Daniel had needed the money for other things. Things like this trip. It humbled her to think he was spending some of the money on her, but she had no rea
l proof of that. She had to wait and see if the new equipment would arrive one day.

  Those thoughts did little to lighten her mood as the tiny car sped beneath their exit sign. Her hands grew clammy on the wheel

  Hazel was only a few miles away.

  Daniel eyed her with concern.

  “You look pale. Want me to drive the last few miles so you can get yourself psyched-up for this?”

  Catherine shook her head. “No, I need to drive to keep my mind together. Keeps my attention on other things for the moment.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure?

  She nodded vigorously, but she was lying. Her lips felt as dry as cardboard, the inside of her mouth like sawdust. Actually, the whole inside of her head seemed as thick as a bag of sand. She pulled in a long breath and raised her eyebrows in an attempt to clear her mind, but before she knew it the highway was swimming before her eyes…

  “Catherine!”

  She was aware of Daniel’s body brushing across hers as he lurched for the wheel, struggling to get their zigzagging vehicle in control.

  The road swayed before her, left to right, right to left, the bumpers of other automobiles ahead of them flashed in and out of sight, glimpses of other driver’s horrified faces filled her eyes.

  Then suddenly, the car came to a stop on the berm.

  Daniel flopped back against his seat.

  Catherine continued to stare ahead, frozen stiff in her position as cars sped past like bullets.

  She’d almost killed them.

  There was a long silence.

  At last Daniel turned to her, and said with a wink, “I think maybe I will put this car’s motor in your hairdryer. A lawnmower might be too dangerous for you right now.”

  ****

  Catherine’s legs wobbled as she and Daniel walked toward the front door of Pebble Creek Nursing Home. She couldn’t feel the ground beneath her feet and stumbled, thankful for Daniel’s arms uprighting her.

  “We can do this later.” Daniel said next to her.

  Catherine shook her head. “No, it’s got to be now. I really do want to see her, Daniel. But I’m scared. I don’t know what to expect. I haven’t actually seen her since last August, and now…”

  “I know.” he whispered.

  A few moments later, Daniel was asking a nurse at the main station directions to Hazel’s room, and before Catherine knew it they were walking down a dim hallway, passing people in wheelchairs, some whose heads bobbed listlessly against their chests. A faint scent of urine drifted through the air and made Catherine’s stomach churn. She must have looked a little green, for Daniel whispered, “Don’t pass out now, you might take out several wheelchairs with you.”

  Catherine squared her shoulders and willed herself to continue. She could do this. She had to do this. Hazel was depending on her.

  They slowed as they neared room number sixty-seven, and Catherine noticed that the door was cracked open about a foot. Daniel gently pulled her against the wall next to the door, and slid her into his arms.

  “You can do this.” he said.

  Catherine nodded. She ignored the pounding of her heart and buried her head against his chest. He felt so solid and supportive. She would be strong, she would! She turned her head to look at the wedge of dreary light coming from the slightly ajar door. No sound came from the room.

  Oh Hazel, what has become of you?

  “Do you want me to go in with you?” Daniel asked.

  “I could never go in without you.” Catherine replied.

  Daniel gave her a last hug. “Here we go.” Then he released her, took her hand, and slowly pushed open the door.

  A bed near the window took shape in the darkness. Catherine squinted as Daniel clicked the door shut behind them. Why were the drapes closed? Why did the room smell so musty? Why was it so cold?

  At first the bed seemed an empty slab with crumpled sheets. A lamp shielded the view of where a person’s head would lay.

  She and Daniel moved silently inside, their footsteps padding across faded tile.

  “Daniel, I don’t think she’s here. Maybe this isn’t the right room.”

  They circled the bed, and Catherine gasped.

  She saw her.

  Hazel’s head was turned toward the lamp, her eyes closed. Her skin, withered and dry, appeared dull gray against the starkness of the sheets. The rising and falling from her shrunken chest was barely visible.

  Catherine felt faint. Hazel’s body seemed so tiny and pointed beneath the covers, like a child’s, a starving child’s! A person’s body shouldn’t be like that!

  “Don’t they ever sit her up?” she asked, “Don’t they open the drapes and let the sun in? Don’t they care? Don’t they…”

  Daniel squeezed her hand as they rounded the bed and stared down at the still, frail figure.

  Catherine reached forward with a trembling finger and touched Hazel’s cheek. Her skin felt cold and dry as paper. Her senses screamed to pull away, but she fought the notion and cupped Hazel’s cheek in her hand.

  “Hazel…” she whispered. “Hazel… it’s Catherine. I’m finally here.”

  There was no response.

  Daniel tugged on the drapery cord. A ribbon of sunlight beamed in, becoming wider as the drapes opened. Soon warm light fell on Hazel’s face and Catherine tried once more.

  “Hazel. It’s Catherine. Please, let me know if you can hear me.”

  ****

  From within a sea of blackness, Hazel thought she heard a voice. She couldn’t imagine where she was, the blackness choked her thoughts so. But that voice, that sweet voice. Was it an angel? Was she going to die? She hoped so. She prayed this wasn’t death. Death wouldn’t be this cruel… even for her…

  “Hazel. It’s Catherine. I’ve come to see you at last… and I’ve brought Daniel with me.”

  Hazel felt something warm on her cheek. The darkness became a tiny bit brighter. She struggled to comprehend it all, to push the clouds from her mind. The voice became clearer. Desperate.

  “Hazel! Please let me know you know I’m here! I love you, Hazel!”

  The voice began to sob.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner, when you were still well. I’m sorry you’re so sick. I’m so sorry all this happened and I wasn’t there for you.”

  She was alive. The voice wasn’t that of an angel, but she knew it was coming from somebody nearly as sweet. There hadn’t been much sweetness in her life, so she clung to that voice and fought with all of her might to pull herself toward it.

  ****

  Catherine dug under the sheets, found Hazel’s gnarled hand, and held it tight. “Wherever you are, we’re with you in spirit. I couldn’t have come without Daniel’s help, Hazel. I need him. He’s a good man. He wanted to meet you, too. He’s not a viper.”

  Hazel’s eyes snapped open.

  Catherine’s breath caught in her throat. Daniel rested his hand on her shoulder for strength as Hazel slowly turned her head to gaze upward. Her pupils were circular brown stains against her flesh. A chill raced through Catherine as Hazel’s mouth opened.

  “My name is Mrs. VanHoofstryver.” came the parched voice.

  “Oh Hazel, you’re here!” Catherine cried, flinging herself against the old woman, her hair spilling across the deathly gray face.

  Daniel reached over to remove Catherine’s hair from the old woman’s skin, then paused. Hazel’s eyes didn’t look quite as unfocused as a moment ago. The nurses said Hazel was blind, but some kind of awareness seemed to be shining through.

  He squeezed Catherine’s shoulder. “Catherine, I think she hears you.”

  Catherine raised, looked steadfastly into Hazel’s eyes as she struggled to speak.

  “My name is Mrs. VanHoofstryver… my name is… Vipers, Catherine. Nothing but vipers.” Long pause. “No… not all vipers… good… vipers… Mrs. VanHoofstryver. Catherine… Catherine. Help… lost.”

  “I’m here, Hazel! I want to help you. What do y
ou want me to do?”

  “Catherine… happy… happy… dream… no… dance. Dance… dance… no … doorbell… happy.”

  Tears ran down Catherine’s face as she struggled to comprehend what Hazel was trying to tell her. It was heartbreaking to see her search for the right words. She clutched Hazel’s hand tighter. “I’m here.”

  “Happy… viper… Dance… Dan… Daniel. Happy Daniel.”

  Catherine’s heart leaped. “You like Daniel? You’re happy for Daniel and me?”

  “Ha… happy.”

  Catherine brought Hazel’s hand to her lips and kissed it. “I’m happy too, Hazel. I really am. I’m so glad you understand about us. I wish there was something we could do for you. Anything.”

  Hazel’s hand tightened around Catherine’s.

  “Felicity, Catherine. Take… take… card… card… take Felicity… Catherine care Fel… take care of Felicity.”

  “Felicity?” Catherine asked. “Who is Felicity? One of your cats?”

  “Please… card… Felicity. Care of Felicity. You only one who cares. Felicity.”

  Catherine looked straight into Hazel’s eyes, eyes which never moved from their stare at the ceiling. But there was now a light in them that hadn’t been before.

  “I’ll find her… I’ll take care of Felicity for you, Hazel. I promise.”

  “Thank… you… Catherine. Thank… love… too.”

  “And I love you.”

  The grip on Catherine’s hand went limp.

  “Hazel?”

  Catherine peered closer into the old woman’s eyes.

  “Hazel!” But the sparkle which had been in Hazel’s eyes was now gone.

  “Hazel! I’m still here! Daniel is still here! Can you hear me? Hazel? Hazel!”

  “Catherine,” came Daniel’s voice softly in her ear. “She can’t hear you anymore.”