by Tonya Kappes
My urge is to grab the tube out and scream “Get up, Aunt Grace. What are you doing, teaching me a lesson? I love you. You have been my mother. Get up!” But I don’t.
“Aunt Grace, I love you.” I bend down and whisper in her ear. The machines beeps.
The noise of the breathing tube fills, clicks and releases, to me as loud as a gonging bell. It fills the room, making this more real. My sadness turns back into fear.
“Aunt Grace, open your eyes.” I beg her. I get angry. I demand. “Open your eyes, Aunt Grace.”
I need her to get up, for me.
“Uncle Jimmy, tell her to open her eyes.” I plead with him.
“I’ve tried, Hallie. I don’t think your aunt’s going to make it.”
“Yes, she is. She is strong.” I speak through my gritted teeth and glare through my tears, through my pain.
The machines seem to be getting louder. All the noises ring in my ears. I put my hands over them to stop the madness, but it doesn’t stop the noise in my head.
I should have been a better niece. I shouldn’t have talked about her the way I did. She took me in when I had no one. When no one else wanted me.
“I should’ve taken better care of her.” I sob with my head in my hands.
“You did more than you know.” Uncle Jimmy keeps rubbing her hand, and smiles lovingly at her. “She was so happy you were living here. When your parents died, she said this was her chance to be a mother since she couldn’t have kids.”
Thinking back, it might not have been ideal, but my life was nothing short of exciting. I might have hated it then, but I have her to thank for the drive in life I now have.
“She,” I stop and correct myself, “both of you did a great job. If it wasn’t for the two of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
We sit in silence, each on either side, rubbing her hands for hours. Waiting. Waiting for a sign of life, a breath on her own, a flutter of her eyes. Waiting for a doctor. Nothing.
“I think it is time we discuss options.” The doctor finally comes in to check Aunt Grace’s vital signs. It’s news I don’t want to hear. I can tell by the look in her eyes that she is telling us that Aunt Grace isn’t going to make it. “Her vitals are telling us her body is not recovering. She has suffered a brain aneurysm.”
“What?” Uncle Jimmy is questioning what the diagnosis is.
“A brain aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. In most cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed.” The doctor is trying to avoid eye contact. “Did she complain of a head ache?”
“No.” Uncle Jimmy quietly answers.
“Yes, she did.” I remember the visit earlier in the day. She told me her head hurt. “She thought it was allergies.”
“What?” Uncle Jimmy questions me.
“Today when I came to visit. She told me she had a headache from allergies.”
“She doesn’t have allergies.” Uncle Jimmy shakes his head. “No way.”
“Either way,” the doctor confirms, “her body is shutting down. The machines are breathing for her. It’s allowing the blood to keep moving through her body.”
I have a hard time wrapping her words around my head. I look at my great aunt’s lifeless body. It isn’t her in there. Her feistiness is nowhere to be found. This doctor has no idea of the fun, the joy, the life this body has had.
“I’ll give you a few minutes.” She slips out to the other side of the curtain.
The silence hangs between Uncle Jimmy and me. He doesn’t look up. “Uncle Jimmy, do you understand what she’s asking us to do?” I release Grace’s hand and kneel down beside him. He nods.
“I don’t think I can live without her.” His voice is raspy. He looks more frail than her.
My heart is empty. The hole that Aunt Grace helped me repair many years ago is reopening. The feelings of long ago resurface. The hurt. The pain. The loneliness. I know if I feel this way, Uncle Jimmy is worse.
“Uncle Jimmy, I’m so sorry.” I put my head in my hands and sob.
He put his arms around me. It’s the first time he’s ever hugged me. I don’t cringe from the dirty clothes or the few teeth he has in his mouth. I start to laugh. A crazy laugh that makes me look crazy.
Memories of Aunt Grace play in my mind like an old movie reel. All the crazy things she did made really good memories. Memories that will become stories. Stories that no one will ever believe.
“Gracie and I’ve had some really fun times.” I pull away from Uncle Jimmy and return to Aunt Grace’s side. “She wouldn’t want to live this way. She is full of life. This is not her.”
“I know.” Uncle Jimmy disappears behind the curtain to find the doctor and leaves me alone with Aunt Grace.
“Aunt Grace,” I whisper close to her ear just in case she can hear me.
I have always heard dead people or people in comas can hear what is going on around them. Hearing is the last of the senses to shut down.
“Thank you for loving me no matter how hard I tried to escape. Thank you for calling me in the middle of the night. Thank you for all of the times you made me crazy. You have filled me with love I will never know again.”
I’m prepared for what the doctor is doing. But I’m not prepared to hear the machine flat-line, and I walk out of the room.
Chapter Fifty-Three
The ceremony is simple. Only a few of Aunt Grace’s friends gather to pay their last respects along with Lucy, Georgia and Prudence. There will be no gathering after the service, just me dropping Uncle Jimmy off at the bus station.
He decided to get on a bus to Florida with what little money they had. He promises he will keep in touch.
“Sorry to hear about your aunt.” Inas, the voodoo neighbor, pecks on Aunt Grace’s apartment door. “She sure loved you.”
I go through all of Aunt Grace’s things. Carefully throwing most of it away.
“I love her, too.” I laugh as Henry chases the cockroaches around the room.
“She left this for you.” Inas gave me a dingy envelope. “She knew she wasn’t well. She came to me last week and told me to give this to you.”
I carefully open the envelope.
Dearest Hallie,
I love you so much as if you were my own daughter. I know I may not have been the conventional guardian, but I wanted to show you life.
I am so proud of what you have done with your life. I have enjoyed seeing you every week for the past few months. It has given me more joy than you will ever know. Staying with you showed me how talented you are. I promise you will be very successful with your jewelry. If you are thinking about your future, don’t worry. I know. I have faith in you.
I gave you the china and silver ware because it has been in our family for generations. I want you to keep it and use it for all of those fancy parties you will host.
I don’t have any words of wisdom or advice. Life has short changed you and robbed you of family. Keep those friends of yours close, even that goofy Lucy. They love you and just because they aren’t blood, doesn’t mean they aren’t family.
Remember I love you and you are the best niece/daughter I ever had.
I love you Hallie,
Aunt Grace
PS. All my late night phone calls were only because I needed to hear your voice. I made up reasons to call.
“Thank you.” I mouth to Inas. Tears flows like a water fountain down my face and onto the page, smearing some of the words. Oh how I wish my phone would ring and she would compare me to my mom.
“There you are!” The whistling lady who Aunt Grace threw bricks at is standing in her doorway. She crosses the threshold trying to pick up a growling Henry.
“Excuse me?” I walk over and take Henry out of her arms.
“That’s my dog.” The lady points to Henry. “I want to tell Jimmy how sorry I am to hear about his wife had passed, but obviously she’s the one who took my dog.”
“I am sorry, but
he’s mine.” Henry continues to growl. “I am sure there are more than one dog in the world that looks like my dog.” There is no way I’m going to give Henry back.
“Besides, Uncle Jimmy moved to Florida.” I stand by the door signaling her to leave.
“Brrrrr.” Inas watches the woman leave. “There’s pure evil in that woman.”
“I wasn’t about to give him back to her.” I hold Henry close to my body. Aunt Grace knew I needed him.
Inas keeps me company and takes a few things for herself while I clean out Aunt Grace’s apartment. I take Aunt Grace’s letter and re-read it several times.
At last, it’s done. Henry and I take one last look at Aunt Grace’s building. The building will go up for sale and all the money will be put in Uncle Jimmy’s account so he can live off it in Florida.
Week Twelve
The best bead is the one that didn’t get away.
Author Unknown
Chapter Fifty-Four
My heart aches walking out of the boutique for the last time as an employee. I have devoted my life to this job and leaving is a little scary.
“We are going to miss you.” Beatrice hands me a goodbye gift. I open it carefully relishing the scent of fine Italian leather.
“I can’t believe you got these already.” I run my hand up the new Iconic Flat Boot. “I love them. You should have.” I laugh knowing I damn well deserve them.
“You will need those peddling your jewelry in the cold upcoming Chicago weather.” Beatrice and I don’t have a warm relationship. We have a working, all-business relationship. She is able to take a task and get it done, and that’s exactly what this job calls for.
New boots in hand, I have one last stop before I head back to the apartment to get Henry and drive home.
The earth is still wet and piled high atop Aunt Grace. There she is, right next to my parents. The three most important people who shaped me are all together again.
Henry is waiting by the door. He knows something is up with the suitcase stacked next to the front door. I walk around one more time, taking in the apartment where my new life was created. I pick up my Buddha off the dresser and place him in the last box.
The cobblestone walk leads the way. I’m going to miss this house. I’m going to miss the past three months. Life sure does work in mysterious ways.
Once we get into Chicago, I take Henry around the block for a walk. The Blockbuster video store is buzzing with couples and the streets are cluttered with young adults deciding on their next bar stop. Henry is curious. He smells every new smell and peed on every fire hydrant.
“Welcome home, Henry.” I pat my little stolen companion.
Happily we stroll in One West Superior and up to our condo.
The lights startle me as Lucy began to clap my lights on. “You haven’t been home for three hours and the calling has already started.” Lucy holds the ringing phone out for me to answer.
Damn it! It’s already starting.
“Hello?” I blink my eyes. I know it isn’t Aunt Grace.
“You are psychic just like your mother.” I smile, hearing Uncle Jimmy’s voice. He sounds exactly like she always has.
“Caller ID.” I state blankly, exactly like I did with Aunt Grace. I can’t help but smile.
“I want to tell you they the building in just under three hours.” He sounds sad, but relieved.
“Are you kidding me?” I can’t believe they sold it. I bet they are going to tear it down in order to keep revitalizing the city.
“No. I’m not kidding you.” Uncle Jimmy is delighted. “I want to give you half the money for your business.”
“I’m fine, Uncle Jimmy. You need to live on that money.” Even though I can use some to pay off that three thousand dollars.
“It’s prime real estate in downtown. Granted, the worst part of town, but they are trying to invest money down there and reinvent that part of Cincinnati.” His voice escalates, “They offered me $750,000 and I want to give you a little. I had them send you a check. You should get it soon.”
The line went dead. Uncle Jimmy is doing what he feels is right. I have a feeling I won’t ever hear from him again.
WOW! Aunt Grace was sitting on a gold mine and she knew it the entire time. With a clap of the hands, my bed held me tight in the dark. I fall back to sleep thinking about my aunt and all the crazy, but happy times we’ve had together.
Chapter Fifty-Five
I have two weeks to get ready for the Chicago marathon. I’m determined not to waste two years of my life. I’m going to run that race. I don’t care if I finish last, my mind’s made up.
The sun is warm on this September morning. The air is still and easily going through my body, encouraging me to press on. Beadnicks has given me the confidence of accomplishing anything alone.
Twenty-six miles is a long run considering I’m now running just under ten minutes per mile. Going through six of the twenty-nine districts the run goes through is distracting. I find different boutiques that can be a possible home for Beadnicks. Making mental notes of all of them, I decide to take State Street back home.
“Hallie.” Sam gives me an enthusiastic greeting. He hugs me. “When did you get back?”
“Late last night. It feels good to be back.” It is good to be back. The welcoming of the weather, the familiar feeling. “The marathon is soon.” I take a cup of water from him.
“Will your friend be joining you anytime soon?” He refers to Bo.
“I don’t think so.” I shake my head and walk toward the street. Bo hasn’t tried to contact me and I’m going to put it out of my mind. “See you later.”
The feeling I get from running starts to quickly fade once I look at the boxes I still need to unpack. I get my Buddha out and put him back on my bedside table. My thoughts are cut short by the phone with a number I don’t recognize.
“Hello?”
“Is Hallie there, please?” the mystery voice asks.
“This is her.” Which bill did I forget to pay now? I start thumbing through my calendar. Chase is already due?
“I am calling on behalf of Judith Light with Nordstrom. She is curious to see when you will be back in Chicago to meet?”
Now! Right now!
“I got in last night. I’d love to come by today.” Knowing it is Saturday, I’m sure she isn’t in, but I want her to know I‘m eager to meet her.
“Fine. Let’s say one hour.” The assistant doesn’t give me an option. “What’s your address?”
“One West Superior,” I utter. I’m curious. Is she coming here?
“Great. A car will be waiting for you in one hour.” The mystery voice hangs up the phone. Is this really happening? Do I need to call Prudence?
Panic, I dial, hating to bother her love week with Wilson. But I need her.
“Thanks.” Prudence sounds frazzled on the other end of the phone.
“For what?” I hope I didn’t wake her up.
“A fistfight. That’s what.” She sounds really mad. “Or haven’t you heard?”
I must be living in the Twilight zone. Nordstrom is in one part of my brain and Prudence in the other. I rub my forehead.
“No I haven’t, but I have a meeting in one hour with Nordstrom. Can you come?”
“Yes, only because you are going to make millions, not because I am a little mad at you.”
“What the hell happened?” I ask.
“We went to Bo’s bar last night and Bo punched Wilson.”
Oh, shit! I didn’t think their paths would ever cross.
I lay back on my bed, putting my pillow on top to escape the thought.
“He accused Wilson of cheating on you with your best friend and what type of guy Wilson is. Then he punches him breaking his nose. We’ve been in the emergency room the entire night.”
“I’m so sorry, Prudence. Did Wilson tell you what happened?”
“He told Bo visited you in Cincinnati, and when you came up here, you caught him and Piper in a
hug. Then you came up with some crazy plan in your head that he agreed to it.” Prudence isn’t laughing. “I will be there in forty minutes.”
I put the phone down, pondering why Bo would do that to Wilson. I’m sure he and Piper are together, and that he doesn’t care about me or my feelings.
Chapter Fifty-Six
“What have you been doing in Cincinnati to warrant this?” Sam is checking out the limo sent by Judith Light. Prudence gets in like a champ as I dance around on how to enter. With my head first or feet first?
“What?” I cast my eyes on Prudence.
“Feet first.” She twirls her finger, pointing to my feet. “Didn’t you learn anything from Carrie Bradshaw all those years?”
I step in one foot after the other.
“We’re going to go into this with the same deal we did Saks.” She shows me one of the spreadsheets.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?” I question her tactics because I haven’t heard from Saks and maybe her deal isn’t the best deal.
“Got us the deal.” She hands me a contract for a two season deal. “Surprise!”
“Prudence!” I scream so loud that the window between me and the chauffeur comes down. “Oh, sorry.” I put my hand over my mouth and look into his eyes glaring back at me from his rearview mirror. The window rolls back up.
“When?” I ask. My heart is sinking down to my feet.
“Two days ago. I told them I wasn’t going to tell you until all ties with the boutique were cut.” She has her finger on a very large number. “This is a big number, Hallie.”
I can’t stop saying the number in my head.
“Don’t screw it up.” She warns me.
We walk in Nordstrom with our heads held high.
“Nice to meet you.” Judith is much older than I had pictured. She’s at least in her seventies. “I have to admit when Grace told me about your line, I had no idea how lovely it really is.”