Letting Misery Go

by Michelle Larks

  Ruth bent down and picked up the vase. She sniffed the aroma of the flower, unlocked her office, and walked to her desk. She set the vase on her desk and took off her jacket. She checked her voice mail and jotted down a few names and telephone numbers.

  When she was done with that task, she leaned against the back of the chair and opened the folded note. Ruth, in case you didn’t know it, a pink rose symbolizes appreciation and thanks. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a chance to fill the maintenance position, and for our lunch on Friday. Thank you! Aron.

  Aron’s penmanship, Ruth noted, was a lovely, loping script. Her dour mood lifted a smidgen. She diligently returned telephone calls, and received a call from a church member whose mother had passed after a lengthy illness. She also had a message from Elise regarding her wedding to Derek, Aron’s son.

  Ruth promised to visit later that day the member whose mother had passed. She left a voice mail message for Elise, instructing her to call her back; or if she was busy, they could meet in a couple of days.

  There was a knock at the door. Ruth looked up and said, “Come in.”

  Aron’s head popped inside the doorway. “Are you busy? Am I interrupting anything? I thought I heard the front door of the church open and close. I just finished mopping the kitchen.”

  Ruth gestured for him to enter. “No, I’m not busy. Come on in.”

  “How was your morning? Did you get your mother safely back to her residence?” Aron asked. He sat down on the chair in front of Ruth’s desk. “I see you got my gift,” he observed.

  “Yes, I did, and thank you. I took Queen back to the center, and she didn’t want to stay there. I’ve had a difficult morning.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope your day gets better,” Aron replied soothingly, leaning forward on the seat.

  “Well, it already has, due to your gift, as you call it. I feel so guilty about leaving Queen at the home. But I can’t watch her, and she has a tendency to wander off, if you don’t keep a careful watch over her. I feel so torn.” Tears sprang to Ruth’s eyes. She dropped her gaze and brushed the corner of her eyes.

  “I understand.” He nodded. “Not that I’ve experienced what you’re going through. Both my parents are deceased, and I know that puts you in a difficult position.” He stood up and walked around the desk and took Ruth’s hand and rubbed it.

  “I feel so helpless, and I know people don’t understand why I put my mother in an assisted-living facility. But I did it out of a concern for her well-being and safety. The home is one of the best in Chicago, and they have many activities for seniors. Queen lived with me before I put her in the home, and it just didn’t work out.”

  “You don’t have to explain anything to me. Everyone’s situation is different, and they have to do what’s best for them and their parents,” Aron murmured softly.

  Ruth removed her hand from Aron’s, feeling pleased. “Thank you for listening. Alice is the only person who understands what I go through with Queen, and she doesn’t judge me. She went along with me to pick out the home.”

  “Alice seems like a true friend to you. You’re lucky to have her.” Aron returned to his chair.

  “That I am.” Ruth’s appearance cheered up. “So how are things going with the job? Has James stopped by to show you the ropes yet? I know he gave you the keys a while ago.”

  “Yes, James was most helpful. He’s been coming in two half days a week to work with me. He’s a good guy.”

  “That he is. The church is planning a retirement party for him next month. He has been a true servant of the Lord, maintaining the church and the grounds. We’re going to miss him. He began working here during my father’s tenure.”

  “Well, my work is cut out for me, and I won’t let you or the church down,” Aron promised. He stood up. “I guess I’ll get back to work. Try to relax and enjoy the rest of your day. Is it okay if I call you later?”

  “That would be great. I usually don’t work on Mondays—it’s my day off—but I decided to come by and see how you were getting along.”

  “Well, I’m a lucky guy, then.” Aron looked into Ruth’s eyes. “I’ll see you later.” He walked toward the door; then he turned back and waved.

  “See you later,” Ruth said as her eyes followed him out of the room.

  She reached for a file on the top of her in-box. June had left her a batch of letters to sign. She finished signing the letters, returned a few more calls, and was looking at the church expenditures, when her telephone rang. She picked up the receiver. “This is Pastor Wilcox. How may I help you?”

  “Hi, Momma,” Naomi said. “I just wanted to let you know that Monty and I made it safely back to Edwardsville. We arrived here about an hour ago.”

  “Praise God. I’m glad to hear you had a safe trip back to Edwardsville. I was so pleased to see you this weekend, Nay. It had been a long time.”

  “I agree, Momma. I had a good time, for the most part.” Her nose crinkled with distaste. “I could’ve skipped visiting Daddy. He’s still the same old selfish person he’s always been. Now he wants pity from everyone because his wife left him. He made his bed; now he’s got to lie in it.”

  “That sounds so harsh, Naomi. He’s human and prone to mistakes like most people are,” Ruth said.

  “That’s your take on his predicament. He needs to concentrate on raising those boys of his, and try to make them into more productive and well-mannered children. I was appalled at their behavior. Daddy has his work cut out for him.”

  “Well, they’re still little children. I’m sure their behavior will improve as they get older,” Ruth responded.

  “We’ll see,” Naomi replied with a snort. Then her voice became grave. “So, Momma, be truthful with me. Did you like Monty?” She couldn’t hide a hint of apprehension in her voice.

  “I don’t know him that well, because I haven’t been around him that much. But from what I could tell, he seemed like a nice man. You know my outlook: if a man treats you well and makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you for saying that, Momma.” Naomi exhaled loudly. “I know I should have introduced him to the family sooner. But I just wasn’t sure if you all would accept him or not, especially Queen. Queen thinking he was a doctor was kind of funny.” Naomi and Ruth shared a laugh.

  “Had Monty met her years ago, I know she would’ve had plenty more to say, and she would’ve drilled him like a sergeant in the military,” Ruth said. They chuckled over that remark.

  “You’re right about that,” Naomi said.

  “Sweetie, I hope you don’t think the family is prejudiced against people of different colors. I would like to think I raised you better than that,” Ruth said carefully. She finger combed the side of her hair back.

  “You’re right. Truthfully, I was more worried about Queen. You know how vocal she is about expressing her opinion, and I remember her telling me as a child that it was a sin to mix the races,” Naomi admitted.

  “We both know that Queen has been mistaken at least a time or two in her life,” Ruth joked. She spun her chair around and faced the window behind her desk.

  “You’re right as usual, Momma. Do you think Bishop and Uncle Ezra would have approved of Monty?” Naomi’s voice had become wistful; she sounded like she was a young girl again.

  “I’m sure they both would have. The two of them pretty much accepted people as they are.”

  “I miss them, especially Bishop,” Naomi said sadly. “Sometimes family gatherings don’t feel exactly right without Bishop being there. I can picture Uncle Ezra sitting at the piano at the house, really tickling the ivories. He sure could play.”

  “You’re right, Nay. The void of their passing is still with us as a family. In time, it will become easier, especially when my grandchildren become adults and have children of their own. New memories will be made for our family by the new members.”

  “That’s a good way to look at life, Momma. I never thought ab
out it that way.”

  “Well, I’m not in my sixties for nothing. I’ve learned a thing or two along my journey of life.”

  “Momma, you look so good. Not that you were bad-looking before,” Naomi added quickly. “You just have an air about you that screams that you’re content with life.”

  “Thank you, Nay. I am content. I love serving the church. I always did, and still do, even with the challenges I face. The family is doing well, and I’m certain the Lord will heal Alice. All in all, life is pretty good.”

  “Do you miss being with Daddy?” Naomi couldn’t help but ask.

  “I miss companionship, but I’m not depressed or feeling needy. God supplies my every need. If He sees fit to bring someone into my life, I won’t complain.”

  “That’s good, Momma. I don’t want you to grow old alone. Everyone needs someone.” Naomi nodded with satisfaction.

  “Whoa!” Ruth held up her hand as if Naomi was in the room. “I’m not saying I want to marry again, just that I miss male companionship sometimes. I don’t want you to read more into my statement than what I mean.”

  “I hear you loud and clear. We’ll see what the Lord has in store for you, won’t we?”

  When the call ended, Ruth turned her attention back to her ministerial duties. Two hours later, she stood up and locked her drawer, preparing to leave. When she exited the office, she was startled to see Aron sitting on a bench, apparently waiting for her.

  He stood up, saying, “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was a little worried about you being here alone. I don’t have anything to do for another hour or so. Then I’m babysitting for Monet. She and Elise are going to look at wedding invitations.”

  “Thank you for staying. Really, I’m all right. I stayed longer than I planned. Naomi called to say she and Monty had made it back to Edwardsville safely. And speaking of Elise, she called to make an appointment to see me about her and Derrick’s wedding.”

  “I don’t mind waiting for you, Ruth. These are desperate times we live in. I talked to the store owner across the street, and he said he had a break-in over the weekend. I would be less than a man if I left you here alone. Some people have no respect for anything.”

  “In that case, thank you. I appreciate your staying. I noticed the window was broken out of the shop, but I didn’t know what had happened. I planned to stop by and talk to Mr. Walker when I finished working here. No one was hurt, I hope?” she asked.

  “No, it happened overnight. Still, one can’t be too careful. I’ll walk you to your car, and then I’ll be on my way,” Aron said.

  They walked in comfortable silence to Ruth’s Cadillac. When they got to the passenger door, Aron took the keys from Ruth’s hand and opened the door for her. He closed the door lightly after she got inside. She rolled the window down.

  “Be careful,” he told Ruth. “I’ll talk to you later.” He stepped away from the car.

  “I will, and you be careful too. Enjoy your time with the children.” Ruth rolled up the window, shifted to drive and pulled out of the parking lot. She honked her horn as she pulled out into traffic.

  Aron waved at her; then he glanced at his watch and walked hurriedly to his own car. A minute later, he, too, departed the lot.

  Ruth and Aron were unaware that Daniel sat parked across the street, observing their moves. His eyes drooped into slits, and his mouth fell open as he watched Aron open the car door for Ruth and talk to her.

  Daniel wasn’t an expert at reading lips, but he could have sworn Aron told Ruth he’d talk to her later. His mouth tightened with annoyance. He knew Ruth wouldn’t be so hard up that she would accept the courtship of a janitor.

  He turned on the ignition and put the car in drive. Daniel thought, Enjoy yourself, old man, while you can. Ruth is mine; she will always be mine. It’s just a matter of time before I resume my rightful position as head of my first family.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  When Ruth arrived home, she parked her car in the garage and walked around to the front of the building to get the mail. She glanced up and down the street, and saw Fred’s car parked at the end of the block. She opened her mailbox and removed letters, and then checked Alice’s box. She opened the storm door and walked up the short flight of stairs to the first-floor landing. She bent over and was putting Alice’s mail through the mail slot, when the door swung open. She looked up to find Fred smiling at her.

  “How are you doing today, sis-in-law? How was your day?” Fred asked.

  “Not bad, Fred. How about yours? How is Alice feeling today?”

  “My day was okay. I’ve been keeping a lookout for you. Alice is not feeling well today, and she wanted you to stop by to see her when you got home.”

  “She does?” Ruth looked at Fred. “I thought your being here”—she dipped her head toward Alice’s door—“would be all that she needed.”

  Fred stood stiffly, with his arms dangling at his sides. “Now, don’t be that way, Ruth. Of course, Alice wants you here with her. Why wouldn’t she want you around? I work part-time at night, so I’ll be leaving, anyway, in a few minutes to go home to prepare for work. You, as well as anyone, know how important it is for a cancer patient to have”—he scratched the side of his head—“what’s that word the doctor used?”

  Ruth pushed the strap of her shoulder bag back over her shoulder. “You mean a support group?” she asked, a smile escaping her lips.

  She knew then in her heart that Fred truly cared for her friend. How many men would be there for an older woman they weren’t married to, who was facing a breast cancer issue?

  “You’re right, Fred. I was out of line. I couldn’t be here this morning because I had to take Queen back to the home. I’m grateful that Alice had you to be with her. Give me a few minutes to take my things into my apartment, and I’ll be over there. Truce?” Ruth held out her hand.

  Fred pulled her into his arms. They embraced. “We’re family! Give me some love, woman. I’ll tell Alice you’ll be over soon.” He turned and went back into Alice’s apartment.

  Ruth unlocked her door and went inside. She laid her mail on the table in the foyer, hung up her jacket, then walked into the kitchen and put a white paper bag on the counter. Next she went into the bedroom and put her purse in the closet. She went into the bathroom, where she washed her face and hands. Fifteen minutes later, she was knocking on Alice’s door.

  Fred had on his jacket when Ruth entered the apartment. “Take care of my woman.” He winked at Ruth. She smiled back; then she locked the door after he left.

  “Alice, where are you?” she called out, walking through the apartment.

  “I’m in the sun parlor,” Alice replied weakly.

  Ruth hurried to the front of the apartment, where she found Alice lying on her side on the floral wicker couch. “What’s wrong? Don’t you feel good? Do you need to go to the hospital?” She rushed to Alice’s side, bent down, and felt her forehead.

  “It’s that darn radiology therapy, and no, I don’t need to go to the hospital.” Alice tried to sit up. She began radiology treatment a few days ago.

  Ruth grabbed her friend’s arm and helped her up into a sitting position. Then she sat on the wicker chair opposite the couch. “What do you need? What can I do for you?” She tried to quell the panicky feelings that invaded her being.

  “I just want you to sit with me for a while. My energy level is low, and I’ve felt tired all day.” Alice closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the couch.

  “Goodness gracious, why don’t you lie back down then! Are you hungry? Can I get you something to eat?” Ruth felt helpless. She wanted to do something to put that spark of life back in Alice’s face, which now looked ashen and pale.

  “You know what, Ruth? I have a taste for minestrone soup from Izola’s Restaurant. Isn’t that something? It probably won’t stay down, anyway.” She gave her a pallid smile.

  “Well, I guess we had that friend vibe going on today.” Ruth nodded. “I stopped at Iz
ola’s on my way home from work and bought servings of chicken noodle and minestrone soup, even though I brought leftovers from Sarah’s house yesterday.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Alice opened her eyes and gave Ruth a weak smile. “How was your day?”

  “It started off difficult, but got better as the day went on.” She told Alice about Queen not wanting to stay at the home.

  “I know that has to be hard for you. When I go with you to take her back, she’s usually docile. Maybe she felt lonely after being with the family yesterday. What are you planning to do?”

  “I don’t know, Allie. Of course, I’d love for her to stay with me, but her aversion to the nurses I hired in the past has caused problems. I really don’t know what to do.” Ruth rubbed her forehead in frustration.

  “Why don’t you wait and see how she responds to the new medication over the long haul and then reassess your decision,” Alice suggested.

  “I’ll do that. I plan to talk to her doctor when I go there on Wednesday. I’ll see what he thinks. Oh, Naomi called me today to see if I approved of her young man.”

  “What did you tell her?” Alice looked at Ruth, and she seemed to have perked up a tiny iota.

  “She wanted that ‘momma’ stamp of approval, but I told her I needed to get to know Montgomery better. I also asked her why it took her so long to bring him around the family.”

  “Hmm, what did she say?” Alice picked up the remote and switched the channel to the local news.

  “She said she wasn’t sure how the family would react, considering Montgomery is white. I told her that our family has never been prejudiced. Then she mentioned Queen; and I have to admit, she had a point.”

  “Did she mention wedding plans? It’s hard to believe our little girl is grown and about to marry. Doesn’t that just blow your mind?”