Madam Mom

by Lynda Rees

  The past could influence her future. She worked too hard to let Mom’s sordid exploits infect her new life. She knew too well how people reacted and treated her. They knew about Mom’s world. She’d lived it as a child. She wasn’t going back there. At least Roberta separated herself from the mob, enough dealing with knowledge of her tainted background.

  She kept the explanation to Kelle vague. Tisha lived in New York now, far from Mom’s nasty world. Roberta owed her a clean start. They’d worked hard creating it. Roberta understood and approved.

  “Mom and Dad worked together before he died. Her interests were broad. It’s about all I know. I meet with her attorney later this week.”

  “I met your Uncle Vinnie. He’s a true Italian charmer. He loves you very much.” Kelly nodded at the bulky man across the room.

  “He does. He and Uncle Tony are like family.”

  “Yes, I met him as well.” Kelle glanced toward the balding short man talking with women on the other side of the room.

  “Mom’s attorney arranged for me to meet and view all of her businesses during the next few days.”

  “Don’t worry about the gallery. Take your time. Do what you have to do. Then come home. I miss you.” Kelle gave her a reassuring squeeze.

  By the time visitation and the service ended the women were exhausted. Weariness wore heavily on Gran’s face. Pall bearers moved it to the hearse and transported the body to the graveyard. The hearse led a lengthy procession with headlights on showing respect. Rain stopped leaving the grounds damp and dirt piles muddy. The shelter helped keep chairs dry for attendants on the grey, thick-clouded afternoon. Metal rows of chairs draped with white covers lined in front of the open grave. The tarp covering fluttered with a strong breeze. The solemn looking day typical for the area this time of year befitted a funeral. The casket hovered above the grave eerily during a short, sweet service, lost in thought, Tisha barely heard.

  Tears flowed as mourners lined to pay last respects speaking with Tisha and Gran for a brief moment before filing along the line and heading for waiting cars. Again Tisha studied Sam peculiarly. He snatched her hands, flinching at the warmth radiating from them. She tilted her head quizzically, leaned forward and whispered in his ear. Sam trembled at her hot breath and she thrilled at the goose bumps on his skin. Leaning into him she spoke in his ear.

  “You’re an ass.” Her dazed expressionless glare gave no clue to her thoughts. Her words reiterated his suspicion. Pissed, she assumed he’d taken advantage of her grief. He nodded and moved on, having paled a shade.

  Tisha and Gran moved with Vinnie and Tony to the grave. Each selected a rose from the yellow blanket atop the tomb and picked up a handful of dirt. Unaware of the flood of tears running down her face, she tossed soil onto the casket, laid a rose on top, and it slowly lowered into the ground. They prayed silently, each saying goodbye to Roberta in their own way. Then they strolled hand in hand to waiting cars.

  Sam waited near his car. She excused herself for a moment and strode toward him. She leaned into him whispering quietly in his ear.

  “Sam Finch, how dare you show up here? You despicably deceived me at the airport. Knowing who I was, you took advantage. You should’ve revealed yourself.” Pulling back her eyebrow cocked she glared sternly then spun and strutted back to her waiting vehicle.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Sam convinced Daniel they didn’t need to attend the reception after the funeral. Instead they went straight to the office. At the house followed afterward mourners gathered to share a meal, say last goodbyes and tell stories about Roberta. People and caterers had been dropping by with food offerings since the news of Mom’s death got out. The funeral home arranged for servers to manage the spread and bar then do the cleanup.

  Tisha talked with people, accepted sympathies, ate and drank on autopilot simply doing the expected while in another world. Everything around her felt surreal after the long, grueling day. With Kelle and the uncles’ support Tisha endured the grueling day as best she could. Endurance wore thin by the time people started clearing out. She longed for peace and quiet.

  All three ladies exhausted, Gran excused herself earlier and went to bed. Ms. Nelson managed the cleaned up crew.

  Kelle took Tisha’s bedroom. Tisha slept in Roberta’s room. “You okay, Tisha? We can bunk together if you like.”

  “No, I’m fine, too tired to worry.” She hugged her friend.

  “Okay. I’ll give Brad a call before settling down.”

  “Checking in with the man, huh?” Tisha winked. Kelle never missed a fella before.

  “Not exactly, I want to hear his voice. I miss him. Is it weird? It’s strange for me. I can’t find a thing wrong with him.”

  “It’s sweet—and surprising. I’m beginning to think my best bud is in love.” She squeezed Kelle’s shoulders.

  Kelle shrugged but didn’t deny it. “I’ll see you in the morning. Wake me if you need me.”

  “Will do. Thanks, Kelle, for everything. You’re the best.” She closed the door behind giving her friend privacy.

  She climbed under Mom’s ice-blue sheets and snuggled beneath the velvet coverlet getting as close as possible to whatever remained of her mother. Her perfume filtered through the fabric. Tisha breathed the fragrance. Tears flowed helpless to prevent them, losing the last of Mom.

  Tisha studied the ceiling. Worn out, she drifted into a fitful slumber. Morning arrived quickly, with her as tired as she’d been succumbing to sleep.

  A quick breakfast with Tisha and Gran, then Kelle kissed Tisha goodbye and whispered in her ear. “Stay in contact.” Grabbing her bags she raced for her cab to the airport.

  Tisha remained behind to settle Roberta’s affairs. “When you get home to New York, we’ll hook up for a date. I’m anxious for you to meet my man.” Kelle pursed her lips for an air-kiss and closed the cab door.

  The house felt void of life. Tisha didn’t know what to do next.

  Gran rang her bell. “Tisha, my dear, come sit with me awhile.”

  Might as well.

  Tisha posed on one of the cushy loveseats across from Gran. “Dear, I need to discuss a serious subject with you.”

  Tisha braced herself. Gran acted serious. More surprises? She’d heard enough surprises for a lifetime. How much more could she take? She prayed silently for strength.

  “I need to explain a couple things.” Worry lines furrowed Gran’s brow. She wrung her wrinkled hands. “I instructed Daniel to keep today open on our schedule for you and me to discuss and settle what happens with me. I have plans I want to run by you, and we have decisions to make together.”

  “Gran, we don’t need to rush into anything.” Tisha felt void of energy, not up to the discussion. Pressing matters needed resolving before she went home, including Gran’s arrangements.

  “No rush, but I suspect you’re anxious to get back to your life. I refuse to burden you, my darling girl. We need to talk and settle my living arrangements to free you up to live the life you’re destined for. I have made arrangements, but need your approval.”

  Tisha sucked in a long, slow inhale trying to fortify her for an unpleasant discussion. “You’re right Gran. I want to understand what you want and make sure you’re settled and comfortable. You need special care and I can’t leave you in this mausoleum living alone, even with help. You need safety and to live where you’re happy. It can be with me, near me in New York or wherever you’re most content. Have you considered relocating there?”

  “Don’t look worried, sweetheart. Roberta and I discussed this, and I have a plan. No, I don’t wish to relocate to New York. I’ll be happier near friends in familiar surroundings. And you’re right. I don’t want to live in this house. You can do whatever you choose with this old building. It’s no longer home without you and Roberta in it.”

  Tisha peeked more alert at the news. “It’s good you and Mom discussed this, and you have an idea what you want. I’ve been wondering what would be best for you. If you want to
stay in Kentucky, we could hire a full-time staff to care for you and buy you a smaller place, a cottage or apartment. We can look for a companion candidate while I’m here, if you like. I could move back here for a while to care for you. Kelle can manage the SoHo gallery.”

  Gran put her hands up halting Tisha’s rambling. “No, no, my dear, absolutely not.

  She grabbed Tisha’s hand holding it in hers. “You can’t sacrifice your life and happiness becoming saddled with me. You’ll not trade your life for mine. I’ve made preliminary arrangements to prevent it. My fondest desire is for you to pursue your dreams.”

  “Gran, it’s incredibly brave and considerate.” Tisha’s voice went soft and low as she choked on the golf-ball-sized lump in her throat fearing she would burst into tears if she tried to say more. She closed her eyes taking a deep, cleansing breath then finally uttered reassurance. “I could never consider you a burden. Honestly, it’s my pleasure caring for you. I love you.” She would if necessary. She couldn’t see either of them bearing a life with Tisha as Lola’s nursemaid. Both would be miserable.

  “Nonsense, I’m an old woman. You’re young beginning to spread your wings and need and deserve room to fly. You’re all I have in this world. I refuse to ruin your life. No matter what you think, it’s exactly how it would be. I want you to lead the normal, full life you’ve planned and worked hard for. You deserve it, and it’s what Roberta, and I strived for. No, siree, we’re moving forward, Tisha—not backward.” Lola spoke adamantly leaving no room for argument.

  Tisha opened her mouth to present a point. With a stern expression on her face, Lola’s hand shot up halting her before she could object. “It’s arranged. Roberta and I visited several assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the area. I chose the Mt. Vermont Estates in Ft. Manor as my new home. We never expected I’d move in soon, but I need my suite there sooner than expected. It should be fine. They’ll take me soon as possible.”

  “I see.” Tisha conceded, leaning back to listen. The act provided Tisha surprising calm.

  “We arranged to secure a suite of rooms in the facility for me for whenever I need it. It’s now. Daniel checked into it this week, and a vacancy meets my specifications. I can move in as soon as I want. I purchased a one-bedroom apartment. It’s expensive. Meet with Daniel. You’ll discover I can afford the luxury.”

  “Gran, are you sure? I don’t know … a nursing home?” Visions of zombie-like aged bodies planted in wheel chairs in front of a television screen in a urine scented, dull hallway came to mind. Tisha shivered at the cold sensation zipping up her spine. This happened too fast. Her head spun, nowhere near ready.

  “Technically the assisted living facility is practically an apartment where someone else does my laundry, cleaning and cooking, and they provide any physical or medical assistance I need while I enjoy the full extent of activities and facilities offered. Think of it as me living in an apartment building with my card club cronies. And there are men living there, Tisha—some real hunks live in this joint. Your old gran still has game. This is my playground.” A lilt to her tone sent Tisha into laughter. Lola shoved the full-color brochure her way.

  The home for the aged, boasted a full-service nursing facility available in the same complex. As Gran got to the point later in life where she needed it, she could give up her private residence and move into the unit with total medical attention.

  “Honest, Tisha, its super elegant, like a fancy hotel where they make sure you don’t skip meals, they make sure you take your meds, and provide lots of fun and activities for residents. The dining room has excellent meals in an atmosphere of a five-star restaurant.”

  A measure of weight lifted from her shoulders. “You’re certainly comfortable with the arrangement. One might say eager.” Warming to the idea this could be the answer. Maybe it wasn’t as awful as she’d envisioned. Gran would thrive among people her own age, watched over, safe with care available should she need it. She owed it to the old gal to give it a chance.

  “My private suite has a living, dining kitchen combination area, a private bath and a separate bedroom. I can cook if I choose to, but don’t need to. They serve meals in the dining room or they will deliver room service. Someone will help me bathe, dress, remind me to take my meds and alert me at mealtimes. If I don’t show up on my own, they will check on me. They will help me as much or little as I need. Otherwise, they will leave me alone. I should live comfortable in the lovely facility.” Her tone resigned to this decision and happy—maybe even excited.

  “A couple of my buddies live there and enjoy it. I won’t be among strangers. An active social life with activities, outings and parties keep the old geezers like me, busy. A computer room, convenience store, beauty parlor, exercise room, heated pool, chapel, game room, activity space, with a room available for private family parties and facility activities.” She slyly winked. “They have regular festivities and dances, exercise classes, art classes and concerts. If I have any shot at getting me a man this late in life, this place is where it goes down.”

  “Lordy, Gran, you’re a case.” Tisha patted her bony, chalky hand.

  “They take folks on outings and shopping, arrange a ride for necessary appointments like card club or doctor appointments. I can have whatever I want in my rooms.”

  “You don’t need to do this. I’d be pleased having you live with me in New York.”

  “Dear, there’s nothing wrong with my mind. I make my own decisions, at least long as I’m capable. It’s best.”

  “Gran, I’m shocked. I need to get used to the idea. There’s a lot changing. I’m not ready for any of it.”

  “I understand, Dear. I doubt any of us could prepare for it. But life and death happen. It’s part of the cycle. We can’t stop it.” Gran stroked her arm. “So we’re going to visit the place today. You need to see for yourself. I want your approval and for you to realize I’m satisfied there. I don’t want you worrying. No remorse. While we’re there today, we can take care of any last-minute details.”

  Concerned but confident Mom would’ve helped Gran make the right decision, Tisha needed to see for herself. She agreed to the tour.

  As they toured the facility confirmation came the vacancy was indeed available, being painted and new carpet installed. It would be ready by the end of the week. Gran could move in whenever she wanted.

  The stately facility appeared to be a manor. Charming apartments viewed the breathtaking Cincinnati skyline, as Gran described. French doors lined one wall of the activity room. A huge screened provided a panoramic view of a spectacular hillside forest between the buildings and winding Ohio River snaking far below. Several residents enjoyed crisp fall air from large wooden rockers while sipping tall glasses of icy lemonade.

  Winding pathways through an extensive flower garden graced the back yard. Cozy benches strategically placed under shady trees provided resting areas for strollers. Volunteer residents assisted staff socializing while tending a small vegetable garden which provided organic vegetables for the kitchen.

  Grey haired mavens waved from a water aerobics class in the steamy, enclosed, indoor, heated pool. “Hello, come join us.”

  “Hi, Helen and Mavis.” Gran waved. “Maybe later. Tisha, you remember them from my card club. The gals love it. Mavis even has the ‘hots’ for some old geezer who lives here.”

  “Gran, you’re a character.” Tisha laughed ushering her and her walker behind their tour guide. She got around well with the walker.

  “Don’t get your panties balled up. I like men. I have no use for one of my own, but it’s subject to change.” She winked and gazed at a laughing group of older gentlemen watching football in one of the TV rooms. They noticed the women and waved. The men acted happy and normal talking, raving at the screen, and shouting instructions to players on the TV, appearing to enjoy their selves. Gran eyed them with interest and snickered. A crack in Gran’s armor and a spark in her eye hinted she might warm up to the idea of a man in her life. Gra
n was a blast, and would definitely be popular with the fellows in the facility. Her thirst for life made everyone nearby feel better.

  Staff acted friendly and warm calling residents by name. Residents acted contented and at ease with a good mix of men and women. Many couples lived together, but most were single. A few drove their own cars. Most depended on the facility or family for transportation.

  They ate lunch in the large dining room on fine china. The scrumptious meal smelled wonderful, like Thanksgiving dinner. Thick carpeting, elegant crown molding, classy wall paper, custom drapes and tables adorned with fine linens and fresh cut floral centerpieces gave the atmosphere of a fine dining establishment.

  Tisha and Gran signed admittance papers before returning home, satisfied Gran would enjoy it and be well cared for, her reservations put to rest.

  They discussed furniture to move with Gran. With her suite smaller than her rooms in the mansion, she decided to take her adjustable bed, flat screen TV, dresser, and two of her love seats, her record player and vinyl collection. She would take the large painting of the three McClain women hanging in the living room. It held sentimental value, and she treasured it. As Gran passed on, it would go to Tisha.

  “I hate leaving my baby grand piano, though I don’t play much anymore. There’s not enough space in my apartment for it. It’s a shame.”

  “I sure don’t want it. I never could play, no matter how many lessons Mom talked me into.”

  “You’ll sell the house. I don’t want to leave it for the sale, and hate to see it go to waste or someone who won’t appreciate it.”

  “Hold on, Gran. I have a splendid idea.” She made a quick call then smiled. “I asked the manager if they could accept a gift of your piano for the activity room. They’re thrilled to have it.”