The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  Anna stood in the middle of the living room looking down the hall toward Teddy’s room. I’m sure Teddy doesn’t look at me that way.

  CHAPTER 8

  “Son, don’t you have surgery tomorrow on that patient you’re doing research on?”

  “I do, tomorrow.”

  “Do you have any reservations? You’ve seemed obsessed with this one.”

  “Obsessed is pretty strong, Dad. Let’s just say this case has intrigued me more than most.”

  “In what way?”

  “There’s more to her story than she’s allowed to surface and I’m hoping once this is over, she’ll address it.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Some traumatic incident happened to her when she was young. I believe she’s blocking it from her memory. It could be why she won’t venture outside.”

  “Has she discussed it with you?”

  “Only on the surface. Something is holding her back, and my hope is that her brother will convince her to seek help and retrieve that memory. It could be critical to her recovery.”

  Senior pulled out a bottle of water from the fridge and took a gulp. “I hope it works out for her, and for you.”

  “I do too. I’ve got to go now. Will you be here when Frank arrives?”

  “I don’t have any plans this morning. I might go into the office later to see how Tyler is doing.”

  “You still feel comfortable about turning your practice over to him?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I hear a hesitation.”

  “It’s not that I don’t believe he’s an excellent physician, I just haven’t found out yet what to do with myself. My practice was my life. It’s going to take some adjustment.”

  “I can only imagine. Call if you need me. I won’t be home for dinner tonight.”

  “Do you have a date?”

  “No. I just want to make sure my patient gets settled in all right.”

  Senior shook his head and mumbled, “Looks like an obsession to me.”

  “What, Dad?”

  “Oh, nothing, Son. Have a good day.”

  “You, too.”

  Frank arrived as Jacob was getting into his car. “Hey, Jacob. I guess today is the big day, right?”

  “Huh?”

  “That case you’re working on. Your dad told me that you have an unusual case.”

  “He did, did he? Well, it’s just a case, and her surgery isn’t until tomorrow.”

  “Best of luck; not that you’ll need it.”

  “Thank you. I’d like to stay and catch up on your progress, but I have to run.”

  “No problem. Things are moving along nicely. I think your father is getting excited as he sees the room taking shape.”

  “That’s good,” Jacob said as he closed the car door and backed down the driveway.

  He watched as Frank entered the house. Senior greeted him with a big grin and motioned Frank toward the new master suite while closing the door behind him. “Maybe this renovation will keep Dad’s mind occupied.”

  “Syd, do you need any help packing?” Anna hollered from the kitchen.

  “No. I think I have all I need. Has Teddy called yet?”

  “Not yet, but I’m sure he will. He said he would be here in an hour.”

  “I wish he had come last night. I’m getting nervous. What if something delays him?”

  Anna set the dishrag down in the sink, dried her hands and walked into Sydney’s room. “Girl, you’re not leaving until this afternoon. Don’t worry; Teddy will be here in plenty of time. Relax.”

  Sydney looked up at Anna. “Will you double check my bag and make sure I haven’t forgotten anything? I’m so excited, terrified, nervous and eager to get this done.”

  Anna sat on the edge of the bed watching Sydney wheel back and forth in her room. Suddenly, she began to laugh.

  Sydney jerked her head around. “What are you laughing about?”

  “You. You’re pacing in a wheelchair.”

  “I am not.”

  Anna cocked her head, dropped her chin and gave a snort. “The heck you aren’t.”

  “Okay, maybe I am,” Sydney smiled, then started to laugh with Anna. “I never thought of it as pacing, but I guess you’re right.”

  There was a knock on the front door, but by the time Anna could reach it, it opened. “Hey, anyone here?”

  “Teddy,” Anna shouted. “You were supposed to call us.”

  “I know, but the traffic was bad, and I didn’t want to pull over.” He put his arms around Anna and gave her a big hug and then kissed her on the cheek. “How is my sister doing?”

  “She’s pacing.”

  “She’s what?”

  Anna twisted her mouth. “You heard me. She’s pacing in her wheelchair.”

  Teddy walked toward Sydney’s bedroom as she wheeled out. “You were going to call.”

  “I’m here now. Do you need any help getting ready?”

  “I don’t know what to take. Should I take a book, a crossword puzzle, or maybe some paper to write on?”

  Teddy grinned. “Sis, you’re not going to a spa, you’re having surgery. I doubt you’re going to feel much like doing anything but rest.”

  “Oh, yeah. You’re right. Anna, will you take all that reading material out of my bag for me, please?”

  “I already did. I left two gowns, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and a small tablet for you to take notes if you want to. I don’t think you’ll need all this other junk.”

  “Junk?”

  “Stuff, then. Besides, you’re not going to have time. I suspect the good doctor has a lot for you to do after surgery.”

  “You’re probably right. Teddy, you’ll stay at the hospital until I’m out of surgery, won’t you?”

  “Of course I will. Anna and I both will be there the entire time. Let that be the last of your worries. You concentrate on feeling positive and strong.”

  She frowned. “I’m trying, but I must admit, I’m a little scared.”

  Teddy knelt down beside his sister. “You’ve got the best doctor in the country operating on you. What’s to be frightened of?”

  “I know.” She laid her head on his arm. “I’m more nervous than excited, I guess.”

  “And with good reason.”

  She kissed his hand. “I sure could use a bottle of beer right now.”

  Anna grunted. “I thought you weren’t supposed to eat or drink anything.”

  “That doesn’t start until I check in at the hospital.”

  “How about a cup of tea instead? It might help you calm down.”

  “Yeah, that does sound better.”

  Anna put on the tea kettle, and the three of them sat in the living room. A silence swept over the room until Teddy spoke up.

  “I thought you two would have more to say today. What’s going on?”

  Anna looked over at Sydney and back at Teddy. “Going on?”

  “Yes, you two usually are chatting up a storm.”

  Sydney bit down on the corner of her cheek. “I’m afraid to say anything.”

  “Afraid, why?”

  “I don’t want to jinx it.”

  “What about you, Anna?”

  “Same reason, I suppose. It’s not that we haven’t talked about it, but today it all seems so real.”

  “Anna’s right. We have to talk about it, but I’ll be leaving this place in the morning, and the reality that when I return, I might be able to walk is suddenly very real to both of us. I swear, Teddy, that’s all.”

  “I understand that, and it makes sense to me. We’ve been talking for a month about the surgery as if it’s some imaginary event, but it’s going to happen. Your life could change forever. That’s a frightening but exciting thing, don’t you think?”

  Sydney smiled and blew the air out in her cheeks. “It is.”

  The tea kettle started to whistle. “Let me fix some tea. Teddy, do you want a cup?”

  “No, thank you. Teddy le
aned back on the couch. “I know you’ve been thinking about what you want to do. Care to share?”

  Sydney clasped her hands together. “That’s all I think about. I picture myself walking, running, and even dancing.”

  “And who do you see yourself dancing with?” Teddy pressed.

  “He doesn’t have a face yet, but he’s tall, handsome and takes me in his arms and swirls me around the dance floor.”

  Anna burst out laughing. “Same dream I have, except I’m the one on the dance floor.”

  Teddy started to laugh. “My two crazy ladies. Maybe I’ll have to teach you how to dance before you let someone swirl you around.”

  Anna tilted her head and put her hands on her hips. “I know how to dance.”

  “Well, then you can show me a few of your moves.”

  “I will.”

  Sydney smiled at them. “This I’ll have to see.”

  “When you get on your feet, I’ll take you both out dancing. Syd, I’ll teach you how to dance, and Anna, you can show me some of your moves, deal?”

  Anna grinned. “Deal.”

  “Me, too,” Sydney added.

  Anna got up from the couch and danced over to the kitchen. “Why don’t I fix you something to eat, then you should get some rest before we go.”

  “I’ll eat, but I doubt I’ll get any rest.”

  Teddy followed Anna to the kitchen and sat on the bar stool. He propped his elbow on the counter and rested his head in his hands. “Need any help?”

  “No. I’ve got it.”

  “What are you fixing?”

  She turned toward him. “Is there something special you want?”

  He quickly leaned back on the stool. “Nothing special. I just thought I could help.”

  “You can sit there and stay out of my way.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sydney wheeled closer to the counter. “You do not want to get in her way when she’s cooking.”

  “I got that message loud and clear.”

  Teddy sat admiring the ease Anna had in the kitchen. It was like watching a well-choreographed routine. She pulled out the spices she was going to use and lined them up at the back of the counter then arranged all her ingredient in the order as she would use them. As she used each one, she’d move them to the opposite side of her workstation. Finally, she assembled the dish, and slid it into the oven, then quickly put everything back in their proper places.

  “I love to watch you cook. I would have made the biggest mess and wouldn’t remember if I added something or not, probably overseasoning the dish. However, you’re a master in the kitchen.”

  “Are you making fun of me, Teddy Parker?”

  “Not at all. I admire you.”

  Her face turned red. “Thank you. I love cooking, but I have to have everything in order first.”

  “I see that. I’m the same way in my law office. I have to arrange my files just so, or my rhythm is off.”

  “There is a rhythm to this too. You do get it.”

  Anna cleaned up then grabbed the pitcher of ice tea and set it on the counter. “I thought ice tea would be better with lunch.”

  “What was that you made? I can already smell it. It smells great.”

  “It’s an old favorite of Sydney’s.”

  Sydney quickly interjected. “I smelled a Mexican casserole. We haven’t had that in a while.”

  “I thought that would be a good send off. After today, you’ll be eating green jello.”

  “Yuk, don’t remind me. Can you pack me some to go?”

  “I would if I could, but I’m not sure the hospital will allow it, nor would Doctor Thornhill.”

  Teddy turned to Sydney. “Speaking of Doctor T, have you heard from him lately?”

  “As a matter of fact, she has,” Anna grinned.

  “Syd?”

  “Anna thinks he checks on me too much for a doctor. She’s trying to read something into it that is not there.”

  “Say what you will, but I don’t know any other famous doctor making as many house calls and cell phone calls as he does.”

  “Stop it. Anna. You're being ridiculous.”

  Anna shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever.”

  “Teddy, Doctor T is just making sure that I’m doing what I need to be prepared for tomorrow. He wants this surgery to be a success, that’s all.”

  “I’m glad he’s checking on you and pushing you. You’re not the easiest person to convince to do something.”

  “I don’t know about that. I went out on the balcony that day with you two, didn’t I?”

  “You did, but you haven’t been out there since.”

  “I’ve been busy getting ready for tomorrow.”

  “Remember what we discussed for after your surgery?”

  “I haven’t forgotten, but first things first. I want to stand on my own before I plan to dig into my memories. Not sure there’s anything there to reveal. We don’t know if I’m blocking the reason I don’t go outside or not. Maybe, I just don’t like it outside. There are people that never go outside, and they do okay.”

  “True, but I know you love the outside, at least you did when we were kids.”

  “I don’t want to talk about that right now. I need to focus on tomorrow.”

  Teddy lifted his hands up. “I’m dropping it right now. Anna, that dish is making me hungry.”

  “It should be ready in about thirty minutes. Do you want some corn chips to hold you over?”

  “No, thank you. I’ll wait.”

  After dinner, Syndey retired to her room. “If you two can get along without me, I’m heading to bed early.”

  Anna grinned sarcastically. “I think we can manage.”

  Teddy watched as Sydney left the room and closed her bedroom door behind her. He turned to Anna. “Has she said anything about tomorrow?”

  Anna shook her head. “No. As a matter of fact, she’s barely mentioned it. All she does is exercise, drink those protein drinks and go to bed early every night. At least I think she goes to bed. She just closes her door, but I see light beneath her door when I go to bed.”

  “Has she done any writing or work at all?”

  “Not that I’m aware. I often see her sitting by the window watching the people in the park, but as soon as I knock on her door, she pulls away and pretends to be busy at her desk.”

  Teddy leaned in closer to Anna. “I wonder if, after the surgery, she’ll finally go to the park. I was hoping to get her to my doctor and address her fears, but she insists that she just wants to focus on this operation. I’m afraid that’s just an excuse to avoid going.”

  “Teddy, you know how hard it was for Sydney to make this decision. Give her time. If all goes well and she starts walking again, I can’t see why she wouldn’t want to enjoy the park. She loves watching the activities from her window. I can only imagine she dreams of being there. I sure would.”

  “If all goes well?”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I have no doubts that everything will.”

  Teddy ran his fingers through his wavy dark hair. “I hope you're right.”

  Sydney rolled her wheelchair to the glass wall of her room. The clouds quickly rolled in over the lake, yet there were many people still out enjoying the evening. Mrs. Farmer strolled up with her walker, turned and waved at Sydney; Sydney smiled and waved back.

  Syd watched as the cats slowly came out from under the bushes and sat patiently waiting for Mrs. Farmer to feed them. Sydney could see Mrs. Farmer talking to them. “I wonder what she says to those cats. They never take their eyes from her.”

  As the old woman filled each bowl and set them down in a row, each cat cautiously approached a bowl, looking from side to side before beginning to eat. When they finished, she reached down to pet their heads, picked up their bowls, put them back in here canvas bag and continued along the path until she disappeared on the other side of the lake.

  The street lamps came on in unison as a golden glow shown on the cob
blestone pathway around the lake. “I haven’t seen Maddy and Josh lately. I wonder what they’re doing? Did they break up; is one of them sick. I hate when I don’t see my friends, even if I have never met them. And what about Trent? He hasn’t been around either.”

  Just as she was about to pull away from the window, she spotted Trent coming around the west side of the lake dressed in his royal blue running outfit. He sprinted around the lake as though he was training for a marathon, never stopping to say hello to anyone, or even making eye contact. “Now, there’s a man on a mission. He knows what he wants, and nothing is getting in his way. Way to go Trent.”

  Sydney stayed at the window watching until all she could see was the dim light of the street lamps. Most of the crowd had gone home for the evening. There were the stragglers lumbering along the path and stopping every time a duck came ashore, or an egret took to flight. Even the birds were ready to rest. “I guess that is my clue. I have no other excuse to stay up.” She wheeled to the bathroom and prepared for bed, then hoisted herself out of her chair. “Oh, dear Lord, let this operation work without any complications.” She slid down beneath her covers and stared at the ceiling until sleep found her.

  CHAPTER 9

  Jacob turned to look at the clock on the nightstand. It was 5:30 a.m. “I might as well get up.” He sat on the edge of his bed for a moment, breathed in the cool morning air coming in from the window, then put on his robe and walked down the hall to the bathroom. As he passed his old room, he glanced inside. “Frank is moving right along with this. Great. I’m eager to get into my new room too.” He showered, dressed and headed for the kitchen. As he passed the living room, he saw his father standing by the window overlooking the lake. “Dad, are you okay?”

  Senior turned and smiled. “Of course, I just wanted to have coffee with you before you left.”

  “Thanks. I’ll make a pot.”

  “I already did,” his father grinned as he followed Jacob into the kitchen and pulled out a barstool. “How do you feel about this?”

  “Anxious.”

  “Why? It’s not like you haven’t done this surgery before.”

  “There’s a lot at stake. This woman has isolated herself in her apartment for nearly twenty years. This surgery could be the door that opens up a whole new world for her, or…”