Letting Misery Go

by Michelle Larks

  She locked the front door; then she and Alice exited from the back door. The property included a multicar garage, which the women entered. Minutes later they were on the way to the hospital.

  Ruth noticed Alice staring at her out of the corner of her eye, licking her lips. She glanced at Alice. “Is there something you want to say?” she asked.

  “Uh, yes, there is. I should have told you this yesterday, but I chickened out.” Alice’s face dropped, and she clasped her trembling hands together. “Well, I’ve kind of been seeing someone, and he might be at the hospital.”

  “Girl, you been holding out on me? Is he someone I know?” Ruth glanced in the rearview mirror and then at Alice. She laid on her horn as a car cut her off.

  “I prefer for you to see him for yourself. He’s someone I’ve, I mean, we’ve known for a long time. We met for coffee about a year ago, one thing led to another, and we’ve been seeing each other socially for a while.” Alice felt like a kid. She wished she had mentioned her friend sooner.

  “Why haven’t you shared that with me? Are you ashamed of him or something?” Ruth slowed down to turn on Ninety-fifth Street.

  “No, that’s not it. It didn’t start with us dating. We were just two friends who would meet sometimes for coffee or lunch. Then we became closer. I never envisioned we would take the relationship to another level. So I didn’t bother to say anything. It was just a casual thing.”

  “Are you saying that you’re in love with him?” Ruth’s mouth gaped open. She peeped at Alice, then back out the windshield.

  “I’m not saying that. I enjoy his company, and I’m comfortable; and yes, I have strong feelings for him. We are opposites in personality, and that makes for interesting conversation. He opens my eyes to other possibilities in life.” Alice’s face had a spark of happiness to it.

  “If he makes you happy, then I’m pleased for you. God knows we weren’t meant to live alone. I hope he’s there for you today,” Ruth replied fervently.

  “Thanks, Ruth. You don’t know how good that makes me feel,” Alice gushed. Then she sighed with momentary relief.

  Ruth had many questions she wanted to ask Alice, but decided to hold her peace, for the time being. It would be a different ball game after Alice’s procedure. She began formulating questions in her head.

  “Speaking of opposites attracting, one of the men from church called me twice, yesterday and this morning. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was trying to flirt with me.” Ruth’s cheeks flamed at the thought.

  “Get outta here,” Alice ribbed Ruth. “Maybe this will be our year, and we’ll both have male companionship. Lord knows our wells have been dry for a long time.”

  “You’re crazy, Alice. Aron Reynolds, Monet Caldwell’s father, called me. I was so surprised that you could have knocked me over with a feather.” Ruth switched to the left lane. She wasn’t far from the hospital. “You do know, though, that he’s an ex-con, and I don’t know about seeing someone with a criminal past.”

  Alice nodded her head. “I remember him. He’s not bad-looking, for an older guy.” After a pause, Alice continued, “So you’re sitting in the judgment seat. You couldn’t date someone with a criminal past, even if he’s paid his debt to society? I have to admit this is deep,” she observed.

  “I’m not sitting in the judgment seat. He hasn’t even asked me out or anything like that. It was a feeling I had, like he wanted to ask me out,” Ruth said, correcting Alice, and then pursed her lips tightly together. “He actually called about the janitor position at The Temple.”

  “All I can say is people change if they want to, and Mr. Reynolds has paid his dues. In the long run, you have to please yourself and not other people.”

  “That would be easier to do if I wasn’t a minister. I’m held to different standards by my members. I have my hands full leading the church, dealing with the financial crisis, and trying to balance the budget. I’m committed to doing what is pleasing in God’s sight.”

  “Okay, I hear you. But if he or any other man asks you out, you should at least consider the possibility. That’s all I have to say for now. I’m sure you’ll come to the right decision about what to do.” Alice dipped her head toward the hospital. “We’re here already? The ride didn’t take long,” Alice said as Ruth steered her car into the hospital parking lot.

  Ruth parked the car and turned it off. She twisted her body and faced Alice. “Yes, the traffic was light, so it didn’t take any time at all. Shall we pray?”

  Alice nodded, and they held hands.

  “Lord, I ask that you stop by Christ Hospital today. Heal and comfort the sick and shut-ins, and their families today. Lay your healing hands on them and my sister Alice. Lord, you said we only have to ask and it will be given. I come before you, Lord, and ask you to take care of my sister, and when we leave here today, all will be well in her world. These blessings I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Alice echoed. “I’m sure everything will be all right, and if it isn’t, God is able and He will surely fix it. Let’s go get this over with.”

  The women got out of the car and walked toward the hospital entrance. Once inside the building, they took the elevator to Alice’s doctor’s office.

  When they walked inside the door, Ruth did a double take. Fred, Daniel’s brother, was sitting in the waiting room. He stood and walked toward them.

  He leaned over and kissed Alice’s check. “Good morning, ladies. How are you doing this morning?”

  Ruth’s hands flew to her mouth, and she stepped back. “Is he your mystery man?” She looked over at Alice, and then back at Fred.

  “Yes, Fred is the one,” Alice said nervously as she watched the surprise on Ruth’s face.

  “I don’t believe it! You were talking about my brother-in-law, Fred, the player? The one who taught Daniel everything he knows?” Ruth exclaimed, her eyes darting between Alice and Fred. They were the most unlikely pair she could imagine.

  Alice’s caramel face was flushed. “I’ve got to go sign in. I’ll be back in a moment.” She strolled across the room to the reception window.

  Fred pointed to the seats, and he said to Ruth, “Why don’t we sit down?”

  “That’s a good idea,” Ruth replied tartly. “I need to sit down before I fall down.”

  They sat on beige-colored chairs, near the back of the waiting area.

  “I’m almost speechless, Fred.” Ruth turned and looked at her former brother-in-law, who looked down at the floor, abashed, and then up at her.

  Ruth admitted that Fred still cast a fine figure in his older years. He was always suave and handsome, and also wore a sardonic expression on his smiling face.

  He and Ruth looked up as Alice sat down on the seat between them.

  “You two have some explaining to do,” Ruth announced in a mockingly stern voice. “God, I sound like someone’s mother, don’t I?” she asked pitifully.

  “I would say so.” Alice laughed nervously as she twisted her hands together. “Fred attended one of the concerts I host for the Chicago public schools. Fred’s granddaughter, Whitney, is one of my students. So when we’d see each other at her recitals from time to time, we’d go out for coffee, and the rest is history.”

  “That’s all well and good,” Ruth interjected as she looked away from Alice to Fred. “But when did you turn into a couple? I can’t believe you didn’t say anything to me. When did this start?” Her eyebrows arched with amazement.

  “Ruthie, we started out as friends,” Fred explained. “I’ve been trying to make up with my children, especially Tamara. When she told me Whitney was taking piano lessons and invited me to Whit’s concert, and I saw Alice was her teacher, you could’ve bowled me over with a feather. Alice and I began talking. You know I always thought you and she were the smartest women that I know. So I asked Alice what I could do to be a better father and grandfather to my children.”

  “And let me guess, that’s when one thing led to another.” Ruth�
�s voice rose with amazement. “You know what? I’m happy for you two; you’re both adults. But, Fred, let me warn you. If you hurt my friend, I will haunt you until the day you die.” She gently punched him in the arm. “Just kidding,” she added. “Please treat her right. She deserves some happiness.”

  “Woman, I ain’t gonna do nothing to hurt Alice.” Fred looked hurt that Ruth would even suggest such an idea. “She’s good people. That’s why I’m here today. I want everything to work out for her today, so I can keep being a part of her life. We ain’t talking marriage or nothing, we’re just good friends.”

  “Friends with benefits?” Ruth probed. Her head was cocked to the side as she looked at Alice and then Fred.

  They all burst out laughing. Then the door to the waiting room opened, and a nurse in blue scrubs, with her hair pulled back into a ponytail, walked inside the room. She glanced down at the chart she was holding and said, “Alice Collins.”

  Alice stood up on trembling legs. “Hold that thought, and, Ruth, keep cranking out those prayers.”

  Ruth and Fred rose from their seats. Ruth pulled Alice into her arms and said, “God got this, and everything will be just fine. I love you, girl.”

  Alice nodded; and when Ruth released her body, she turned to Fred, and he engulfed her in a big bear hug. He whispered, “I’m gonna join Reverend Ruth and send up a prayer or two of my own. We know you’re gonna be all right.”

  Alice stepped away from Fred. She smiled at both of them. Then she waved before she went into the examination area. Ruth and Fred sat back down.

  Ruth stared at the closed door, and suddenly she was filled with a sense of dismay. She thought, Lord, take care of my friend. Please, I beg of you.

  Fred didn’t miss the look of angst on Ruth’s face. He stood up and sat on the chair that Alice had just vacated. He took Ruth’s quivering hand, and held it in his calloused one.

  “She’ll be fine, don’t worry. We just have to hold on to that faith you’re always talking about,” he said.

  Ruth let out a loud roar. “Who would have thought you would be telling me that!” She removed her hand from Fred’s, took off her sweater, and put it on the back of her chair. She wore denim jeans and an ash-colored angora sweater, along with short brown boots. Her gray hair shone, and she wore a light smattering of lip gloss.

  “You’re looking good,” Fred observed. “Life must be treating you right.”

  “I can’t complain, and where would it get me, anyway?” Ruth quipped. She folded her left leg atop her right one, and settled erectly against the back of the seat.

  “I hear you. Sarah told me everyone is doing okay. I’m glad to hear that. I been meaning to call you to see how you were doing, but got busy,” Fred added smoothly.

  “Yes, everyone is doing well. We’re just waiting for Nay and Maggie’s graduations. I can’t believe my baby is getting another degree,” Ruth bragged. She took a copy of the graduation invitation out of her purse and handed it to Fred.

  “One thing I have to give you credit for is how you never gave up on Naomi. She’s grown into a fine woman. Daniel told me that she’s gonna open an office after she gets her new degree.”

  “That’s right. I can hardly wait for her to move back to Chicago,” Ruth said.

  “You done good by all your children, Ruthie. I just hope I can do the same with my grandchildren. It hasn’t been easy for me. Tammy and Freddie Jr. gave me a hard time, but I’m hanging in there.”

  “That’s good, Fred. Every child should know his or her parents and grandparents.” Ruth nodded. She took a deep breath. “Sarah told me about Danny. How is he holding up?” She exhaled.

  “I ain’t gonna lie to you, he’s in a bad way. I ain’t never seen him this bad off. It’s like he’s thrown in the towel and given up on life. I stopped by to see him last night, and I broke up his pity party. I told him, he needs to get up off his butt and take care of them boys.”

  “Hmm, you are right. The boys need him more than ever before,” Ruth said as her heart rate increased threefold.

  Fred frowned. “Try telling him that. The Johnsons were at his house before I got there, and from what I heard, old Ernie let Danny have it. I thought that might have lit a fire under his tail, but it didn’t, not really. I tell you that durn Lenora was like a vampire; she sucked all the life out of my brother.”

  “I will definitely pray for Daniel and his family. Hopefully, he will get it together and things will work out.”

  “I hope so. I think he lost his confidence, because Lenora left him for a boy. At least that’s what I call him. He ain’t but twenty-something years old.” Fred shook his head disgustedly. Trevor was actually twenty-three years old.

  “Oh, my!” Ruth exclaimed. “That is so sad.” She tried to suppress a smug smile that wanted to creep on her face.

  “Are you thirsty?” Fred asked. “There’s a vending machine downstairs. I need to stretch my legs.” He stood up.

  “Yes, bring me a black decaffeinated coffee.” Ruth reached for her purse.

  “No, I got it. I’ll be right back.” Fred walked away.

  The waiting room had become more crowded as people arrived for appointments. Ruth couldn’t help but notice the terror on some of the patients’ faces. She said a quick silent prayer for all of them. She glanced at her watch, and an hour had elapsed since Alice had left the waiting room. That worried her. She wondered what could be taking so long.

  Ten minutes later, the nurse who had called Alice into the patient area returned to the waiting room. “Is there a Ruth and Fred Wilcox here?” she asked.

  Ruth nearly jumped out of her seat and rushed over to the nurse. “I’m Ruth Wilcox. Is something wrong?” She nervously ran her hands along her upper arms.

  “Mrs. Collins would like you and Mr. Wilcox to join her in the doctor’s office,” the nurse said.

  A trembling began from the soles of Ruth’s feet, to the top of her head. “Mr. Wilcox went to get coffee. He should be back momentarily,” she said.

  Fred walked up. “I’m here. Is something wrong?”

  The nurse said once again, “Mrs. Collins would like for y’all to join her in the doctor’s office. Please follow me.”

  Ruth’s legs felt heavy; it was like she was wading through sand. She and Fred followed the nurse around the corner and down the hallway to the doctor’s office. Lord, give strength for what lies ahead, Ruth prayed silently.

  Chapter Eight

  Ruth walked stiffly, futilely trying to stop her body from shaking like she was naked in the middle of an Antarctica desert. Fred put his arm across her back, to impart strength to her inner being. They walked into Dr. Shapiro’s office, where they found Alice sitting on a chair across from the doctor’s untidy, glossy dark mahogany desk.

  Memories of visits to Ezra’s, Bishop’s, and, lastly, Queen’s doctors blanketed Ruth’s mind. She shook her head slightly, to erase those memories.

  Alice’s eyes were reddened and puffy. She clutched a pink tissue in one hand. Ruth slid into the empty seat to the right of her friend. Fred stood by, helpless, until the nurse brought an extra chair into the office. He then sat on the other side of Alice, who still looked dazed.

  After the nurse departed the room, with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Ruth frantically asked Alice, “What did he say?” She knew the answer before she asked the question.

  Alice sniffed, and could only shake her head sadly.

  Dr. Shapiro walked into the room. He had a full head of thick, wavy salt-and-pepper hair. He was dressed in dark trousers, a red tie, and an immaculately pressed white shirt, covered by a blue jacket, signaling his physician status. He walked to his desk, carrying Alice’s folder under his arm.

  After he laid the folder on his desk, Dr. Shapiro put his spectacles on his face, extended his hand, and asked Ruth, “You are?”

  “I’m Ruth Wilcox, Alice’s best friend.” She nervously clasped her shaking hands together after she shook the doctor’s hand. />
  The doctor turned to Fred, and repeated the process. “And you are, sir?”

  “I’m a close friend of Alice’s. My name is Fred Wilcox.” He nervously crossed and uncrossed his legs.

  “Are you two married?” the doctor inquired after he sat down on his leather swivel chair.

  “No. Ruth was married to my brother and they’re divorced,” Fred answered. He glanced over at Alice, and could see the misery that was transparent on her face. He grabbed one hand, while Ruth took the other.

  “Mrs. Collins has requested your presence during our consultation. To bring you up to speed, Mrs. Collins has a mass in her breast. Since she’s genetically predisposed to the disease, I put a priority on Alice’s test, and I had the tissues sample analyzed immediately after the procedure. And I’m sorry to say we did find traces of carcinoma. Since Mrs. Collins has been diligent in having mammograms performed over the years, I believe we caught the cancer in time to treat it successfully. Of course, we have to run more tests, and determine the best course of therapy for her.” Dr. Shapiro paused to let his words sink in.

  Alice looked and felt devastated, and two tears trickled down her face. Dr. Shapiro handed her another tissue. The one she held was shredded. Ruth sat back; her face was crumpled with sorrow. Fred grimaced like someone had punched him in his abdomen.

  His voice was thick with emotion as he asked the doctor, “Are you sure about the results? Couldn’t there be a mistake?”

  “Mrs. Collins is more than welcome to seek a second opinion, but I stand by our lab results. We have a state-of-the-art laboratory facility here at Christ Hospital, one of the best in the city. I know most people feel that receiving confirmation of cancer is akin to a death sentence, but new techniques are available today for successfully treating cancer. Our cure rate is among the highest in the nation. So I don’t want you to feel like this is the end for Mrs. Collins,” Dr. Shapiro explained in a calming tenor voice. He possessed an excellent bedside manner.

  Hope began to stir in Ruth’s chest as she listened to the doctor talk.