by Pat Simmons
Without Marcus or her sisters for a distraction, it was business as usual when she woke on July Fourth. After checking on Aunt Tweet, who was still in her bedroom, Tabitha returned to her room to say her morning prayers. “Lord, thank You for another day of striving for patience and needing your mercy. When I’m frustrated with my situation, help me to remember to be kind and loving as You have instructed me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
She showered quickly and rechecked on her aunt. Everything was calm. Next, she grabbed her Bible and prayed for direction, opening to a random scripture: Psalm 92:1–2: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High. To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. She closed her Bible and eyes. “Yes, Lord. Amen.”
When Aunt Tweet stirred, Tabitha helped her get freshened up and dressed. Once they were downstairs, Sweet Pepper yelped for attention. As they enjoyed a leisurely stroll, she inhaled the aroma of barbecue in the air, thinking so what if it was just the two of them for the holiday? It was going to be a good day anyway.
Back at the house, she was wiping her hands dry when her bell rang. Leaving Aunt Tweet at the table, waiting for breakfast, she opened the door. A courier greeted her, holding two bouquets. She smiled.
Aunt Tweet’s eyes lit up when she returned with the bold, bright-colored flowers. “That from Papa?”
Her aunt had called Marcus mister a time or two, but Papa? Her dementia symptoms seemed to be worsening as Alzheimer’s ravished her body. She sniffed back tears as she arranged the bouquet in water, then called and thanked him.
“I see you’re really into the holiday spirit. The red, white, and blue arrangements are beautiful.”
“And so are you. See you later on, babe.”
She seasoned her chicken and hamburgers for the grill. Like old times, she and Aunt Tweet worked side by side, preparing potatoes for the potato salad. It didn’t go unnoticed her aunt had left a lot of the skin on some of the potatoes.
When they stepped outside, the humidity had kicked in, so Tabitha retrieved Popsicles from the freezer. Against the backdrop of squeals and laughter from the neighborhood children and the occasional firecrackers that someone couldn’t wait to setoff, Tabitha knew it wouldn’t be long until it was unbearable outside.
By the time the meat was cooked, her aunt had finished a third and last Popsicle. Suddenly, Aunt Tweet began to hum one of the church songs they’d heard.
She was struggling. Tabitha missed Marcus, who was at his company’s barbecue, and her sisters, who were enjoying the holiday without her and Aunt Tweet. With tears in her eyes, she repented of her discontentment and joined in singing, “I love you, Jesus...” When her aunt sang the last note, she closed her eyes and drifted off while Tabitha watched peace descend on her.
Going inside for a platter, she returned and removed the meat, then urged her aunt inside to lie on the sofa. For once in a long time, her work didn’t consume her day as she enjoyed her own downtime. With her phone in hand, sitting in the recliner, she was in the process of pulling up her Bible app as a text appeared.
Love you. Miss you. Crazy about you. Can’t wait to see you. Open your door.
“What?” She slowly got to her feet and followed Marcus’ instructions. She expected more flowers, but outside her door was the best gift. Tabitha fell into his arms. Marcus brushed a kiss on her head, squeezed her tight, and literally lifted her off her feet and crossed the threshold. She giggled at his antics as he closed the door.
“Not that I’m complaining, because I’m not, but I didn’t expect you until late this evening, not early afternoon. I don’t want to take you away from the time you spend with your employees. I know it’s a tradition you and your brother started.” Although she was happy to see him, she didn’t want to be selfish and demanding.
“Couldn’t stay away from my girlfriend.” He gave her a slow grin. It was something about the way he said girlfriend as if the word was created for her.
Linking their hands together, they walked to the kitchen, and he sniffed. “Hmm. Your barbecue smells better than ours, so what’s on the menu?” He craned his neck to peek into her family room. “Where’s Aunt Tweet?”
“Napping,” she said, pointing to the sofa, instead of her aunt’s favorite chair. She shook her head when she spied her aunt opening one eye, then shutting it just as fast. Deciding to play along, Tabitha walked closer and gently nudged her awake. “Look who’s here.”
“There’s my friend.” Marcus made a big production of giving her a kiss on her cheek and complimenting her earrings.
She admired his loving nature. Even Sweet Pepper wagged his tail for attention and Marcus didn’t disappoint him either.
“I guess we all want a piece of him,” she whispered to herself.
As if the wind had carried her words to his ears, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder and met her eyes. He came back to her. “You, Miss Knicely, have all of me.” After washing his hands, he asked if she needed help.
“It’s early, but the food is ready, if you want to eat.”
“Woman, it’s a holiday. There is no set time to eat, and I’m starved.” He patted his stomach.
“I’m ready to eat supper,” Aunt Tweet seconded.
With no concept of time, except night and day, Tabitha said, “Okay.”
“What about outside on the patio?” he nodded toward outside.
“I think it may be too warm. We can stay in until the sun goes down and it cools off some.”
“Good choice, my girlfriend.” He grinned wide.
Tabitha giggled. It was such a juvenile term, but she loved hearing him say it. Marcus set the kitchen table and said grace. As they ate, Aunt Tweet conjured up tales, causing Tabitha to wonder if they were true or not.
Once they finished, she snuggled next to him while game shows entertained them. A couple of times, her aunt became frustrated with the host’s questions. Tabitha tried to rephrase the question for her to no avail. When her aunt lost interest, they turned off the television and enjoyed gospel tunes Marcus had downloaded on his phone. The music inspired Aunt Tweet to hum along until she dozed with Sweet Pepper on her lap. The tranquility inspired Tabitha to get her Bible. They studied and read passages.
Too soon, the dog stirred and whined to go outdoors. They all walked Sweet Pepper before settling on the patio to watch fireworks from her neighbors far and near.
The short trot around the block seemed exhausting for her aunt and Sweet Pepper as they collapsed in the patio lounger. She and Marcus snuggled in the double seated rocker. Facing her, he tugged at a strand of her hair and twirled it around his finger. “So, baby, did I tell you I missed you?”
“Yes.” She giggled. Everything seemed all right in her world when he was around. Their lips were about to touch when a big boom exploded nearby. She jumped, laughing.
Startled, Aunt Tweet stood, disoriented. “What was that?”
Sweet Pepper barked.
Tabitha pointed to the sky. “See the beautiful colors?”
Her aunt jumped at every boom until she finally made a dash for the door. Sweet Pepper got in the way, and Aunt Tweet began to tumble to the ground. Marcus swooped her up to Tabitha’s relief. He had saved them a trip to the ER and an explanation to her sisters.
Chapter 26
T
he excitement started the moment Tabitha and Aunt Tweet arrived at the airport to get Kym and Rachel. They couldn’t stop hugging. “I missed my sisters during the holiday.”
“We’re here now.” Kym smiled and looped an arm through Tabitha’s while Rachel held on to Aunt Tweet.
Later that day, Marcus came to the house for Aunt Tweet’s festive ninetieth mini-birthday bash. Surprisingly, his brother was with him. Tabitha had a sneaky suspicion Demetrius was there for Rachel and the small party was a cover up. Thanks to low humidity, they took the celebrations outside. Once the cake was cut and served, Kym suggested a family meeti
ng inside.
“Do you mind entertaining?” Tabitha could see the love in his eyes.
“Babe, you don’t have to ask.” He reached for her hand and kissed it.
She loved this man, and couldn’t stop the blush from spreading as she walked inside with Kym and Rachel.
“Hmm.” Rachel teased. “Instead of a family meeting, maybe we should talk about you and Marcus. Things have really heated up since we were here a month ago.”
Tabitha beamed. “They have.”
Kym smiled. “First things first. Give us an update on Aunt Tweet, then on Mr. Whittington.”
“I’ve had a few meltdowns...” She ignored her sisters’ shocked looks. “Ava Elise, my former trainer and now friend, was a caregiver once and suggested I have a nurse’s aide to come and watch Aunt Tweet, since her dementia symptoms are advancing to the next level. Marcus and I decided instead of a nurse’s aide, an activity might be better—”
“What does he have to do with her care?” Kym interrupted.
Not liking her sister’s tone, Tabitha told her so. “He happens to care about me—us.” She lifted a brow. “Anyway, he thought it would be a good idea for Aunt Tweet to interact with the children at his daycare during story time.”
“Go on.” Folding her arms, Kym leaned back in the chair and crossed her legs.
“Things were going well until she and Kenny started to tussle over his toy truck. She put his toy in her purse as hers and wouldn’t give it back.” She tried not to relive that scene. “We haven’t gone back. Actually,” she said, gritting her teeth, “I was too embarrassed.”
Kym grunted. “I can’t even imagine that behavior coming from our aunt.”
“Trust me. It wasn’t a pretty picture. Next, Marcus and I decided—”
“Don’t get me wrong. I like the man, however all the Knicely sisters need to be involved in decisions involving our aunt.”
Leaning forward, Tabitha gave them a pointed glare. “Then I suggest you both pack your bags and move back here.”
“Me?” Rachel placed a manicured finger on her chest. “What did I say?”
“Nothing.” She twisted her mouth in annoyance. “You need to join in on this discussion, especially since Kym and I aren’t exactly seeing eye-to-eye.”
“I do agree with big sis on this one. We need to know what’s going on. If Marcus is helping, I don’t see a problem. I don’t know how I’m going to have to tweak my game plan when Aunt Tweet comes home with me after Thanksgiving.”
“You mean the end of October,” Tabitha corrected Rachel.
“Sis, are you sure you’re not stressed out about the job? It was your idea to change jobs, and surely there has to be a medicine that can help,” Kym said.
“We’ve been through this. There isn’t. The ones that would slow down the dementia symptoms have some severe reactions that I’m, no we aren’t comfortable taking a chance with. My experience with Aunt Tweet is totally different from yours. Rachel’s may be different too. What I’m saying is for me, being a caregiver has been stressful. I have moments when I’m fine, then something happens and I want to hide from reality. Your visits give me the respite I need...to recharge, to enjoy ice cream, a deep hair conditioner, foot massage...”
Kym waved her hand in the air. “Girl, no problem. We all can go to the spa together.”
“No!” Tabitha blurted out. “I want, no need some ‘me’ moments.”
Kym stood and raised her voice. “You say things are going on with Aunt Tweet, but I see the changes in you. Stop turning this birthday party into your pity party. We came to be together and celebrate. If she’s getting in the way of your budding relationship, say it, and I’ll take my dear aunt home with me right now!” She fired darts at her.
Yes, she wanted to spend more time with Marcus, but she loved her aunt more than anything. Something within her snapped. Even though she could hear God’s whisper to hold her peace, she unleashed her pent-up emotions. “You know what, you can leave, but my aunt will stay with me until Rachel takes over.”
“IT’S NOT SOUNDING PRETTY in there,” Demetrius said as they overheard loud voices coming from inside. “Your name has come up at least twice.” He raised two fingers.
Marcus squinted through the glass door and squeezed his lips in frustration. “I know, and I don’t like it.”
Maybe it was a good thing Demetrius had invited himself, because he and Rachel had been talking off and on. At the moment, he was glad for his brother’s presence.
Rubbing his forehead, Marcus debated whether he should intervene. He had seen first-hand how stressful being a caregiver was for Tabitha, but he also saw her love and commitment.
He glanced at Aunt Tweet, wondering if she was clueless to being the object of their heated discussion. When the shouting started, he and Demetrius scrambled to their feet.
She was still with the puppy on her chest, so he left her there and entered the house. He had never seen his little woman so upset. Coming up behind her, he snaked his arm around her waist to drag her away from the shouting match.
He glanced over his shoulder to check on Aunt Tweet. She hadn’t moved. He faced Tabitha. “Hey, babe, hey. I’m here.” He searched her eyes until they focused on him. “It’s okay. Everything will be fine.” As her tears spilled, he wiped them with his thumbs as fast as he could.
“Since you and my sister seem to have it under control, I’m leaving,” Kym spat at him before spinning around and hurrying upstairs, no doubt, to pack.
He groaned. It was worse than he thought. When was the last time he and Demetrius had a verbal argument that ended with hurt feelings this bad? They had to have been teenagers. Their dad drilled into his sons to resolve their issues by cooling off, then talking through them. Definitely, sister bonds were easily broken.
With a hand twisted into a fist, Rachel marched toward Tabitha, and Marcus nudged her out of harm’s way. No punches would be thrown today and landing on his woman.
Planting a fist on her hip, Rachel whined. The polished sophisticated diva was gone. “Move out of the way, Marcus. This discussion doesn’t concern you.”
“The discussion doesn’t, but Tabitha does. Will you ladies please calm down?”
“Too late!” Rachel raised her voice, then craned her neck. Their stance mimicked each other. Both resembled teenagers.
“What is wrong with you? Kym is our big sister. Going to church isn’t helping you at all. We’re supposed to be in agreement about Aunt Tweet’s care, not fighting. You are so selfish!” A tear fell as she spun around and trailed Kym upstairs.
Marcus blinked. Selfish? His woman was far from it. His heart broke, knowing the arrows her sisters had aimed hit their target. Tabitha turned in the other direction and joined Aunt Tweet.
He wanted to go to her and be her hero, but Demetrius stopped him. “You can’t fight this battle. They’re going to have to work it out, bro.”
How was he supposed to stand on the sidelines while she hurt? Marcus wanted to ask, but he doubted his brother could answer.
Chapter 27
“I
’m worried about her, Mom. It’s been two weeks since Tabitha and her sisters have spoken. I love her. She’s lost a little weight, despite my efforts to get her to eat more,” Marcus confided over the phone. “Even Aunt Tweet seems subdued.”
“Poor girl.” Sylvia Whittington tsked. “I would think with three of them, they would be on the same page. Anything I can do?”
“From North Carolina—pray. Hopefully, when you and Dad come next month, this madness will be resolved. I think you will like her.”
“I’m sure I will. Maybe, she needs a little motherly love. I have more than enough to give.”
He wouldn’t trade his parents for anything in the world. Lord, if the time comes for Demetrius and me to be caregivers, help us to work together. In Jesus’ name. Amen. They spoke a couple more minutes before he ended their call with “I love you, Mom.”
There was a knock on his do
or and Latrice peeped her head inside. “Do you have a few minutes?”
Now what? Marcus prayed she didn’t have another crisis again so soon. He motioned for her to have a seat in front of his desk.
“Mr. Whittington, why didn’t you tell me Victor paid you back his bail money?” she asked softly.
He tapped a pen on his desk. “It wasn’t my place.” Gaging her reaction, he asked, “Are you okay?”
Latrice sighed and bobbed her head. “I’ve been praying for Victor—not so much for us, but for his relationship with our sons. I just don’t know if I should trust his intentions with me.” She looked to him with expectancy in her eyes for an answer.
I’m not a counselor, he thought, at a loss for words.
No, I am. Encourage her like you do with Tabitha, God whispered.
Marcus swallowed and gathered his thoughts. Victor had changed and was using his potential to improve his life. “Latrice, I would say keep praying and giving him the benefit of the doubt. Love him like Christ loves us—” He was sure that was what Jesus would say, “but from afar”—that was Marcus’ footnote.
“Yeah, you’re right.” After twisting her lips, she thanked him and left his office.
Relationships. Slowly exhaling, Marcus moved on to his next task. He admired his girlfriend for wanting to tough it out, but it was time for outside intervention. Tabitha was studious and probably knew more about her aunt’s illness than he did, but if he was going to continue to be her caregiver, he needed to know as much about Aunt Tweet’s condition as her. He logged onto alz.org.
The site was on information overload, so he called the hotline number. As a brief introduction, he said. “She’s silently crying out for help with her family, but she’s not getting what she needs from them. She needs some alone time,” he said, not liking to admit he wasn’t enough. “I noticed on your website about home companions or nurse’s aides to assist with light chores and such. Can your agency recommend some places for me to contact?”