Letting Misery Go

by Michelle Larks

  “What a new twist,” Lenora snickered, “you defending Ruth! Times have definitely changed.”

  “I’m warning you, Lenora, lay off Ruth.” Daniel’s tone of voice had become menacing.

  “Or what?” Lenora threw back at him. She tilted her head to the side. “We’ll have to continue this conversation later. I’m going to the lab to donate blood for Darnell too. The doctor suggested I do that, if he needs a transfusion. When I return, I want her gone. You don’t want me to have to make her leave.” She turned on her heels and returned to the waiting room. A few minutes later, Lenora and Trevor went to the lab.

  Shortly afterward, Ruth rose from her seat. She told Sarah that she was leaving, and that she’d call her later. She told Daniel that she would keep Darnell in her prayers.

  Sarah followed her mother out of the room. Ruth walked rapidly to the elevator, while Sarah ran to catch up with her. She was out of breath by the time Ruth paused at the elevator and punched the button for the first floor.

  “Momma, I’m so sorry that happened. Please believe me,” Sarah blurted out, trying to make amends.

  Ruth bit her lip. She silently counted to ten in her head. “You know what, Sarah, Lenora was right about one thing: I really have no business being here. Your father is not a member of my church, or my family anymore. I hope everything goes well with Darnell. I’m sure he’ll pull through the surgery successfully. Call me later and let me know how he’s doing.”

  Sarah’s eyes filled with tears as she hugged her mother. Ruth held her body rigidly against Sarah’s, and the young woman was all too aware of how miserable her mother felt by Lenora’s callous behavior.

  Sarah whispered in Ruth’s ear, “Don’t let Lenora get you down. She’s a witch most of the time—that’s just her nature. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  Ruth’s chin jutted upward. “I’m fine, just a little tired.” She tried to smile. “Keep me posted about the baby.”

  “I will. Momma, I love you.”

  The elevator doors opened and Ruth stepped inside. She waved to Sarah as the doors closed. Ruth sighed heavily. Any ideas she had regarding a future with Daniel were gone.

  Poof, up in smoke, Ruth pondered. Who in her right mind would want to deal with that “baby mama” drama? I’m too old for that, and I have someone who appreciates me for me, and who doesn’t expect favors in return. She could hardly wait to get home to talk to Aron. What a new appreciation she had for the man.

  When she exited the elevator, she peered at her watch and hoped she had time to stop at Borders and support Courtney. She knew the store closed at nine o’clock. Courtney planned to stay until the store closing.

  Meanwhile, upstairs, Sarah let Daniel have it. How dare he let his ex-wife talk to her mother like that. Daniel bore his daughter’s umbrage stoically. He knew there wasn’t anyone who could control Lenora once she got on a roll. Daniel tried to defend himself; then he looked at Brian pleadingly, asking for help.

  Finally Brian stepped in. He took Sarah by the waist and led her out of the room and outside the building. “Sarah, you know how Lenora is. There wasn’t anything your dad could do. He got Lenora out of the room as soon as humanly possible. Please try to concentrate on the issue at hand, your brother’s health,” he urged her.

  “You’re right.” Sarah sagged against his body. “Lenora just makes me mad sometimes. She is so selfish. How dare she come here like she’s the lady of the manor or something.”

  “And what exactly is a ‘lady of the manor’?” Brian’s eyebrow rose.

  “I don’t know ... but I bet Naomi does. You’re right. All Lenora wants to do is get a rise out of me, anyway. I should never have let her get to me. I’m going to call Nay and tell her what’s going on. I’ll be back in a minute,” Sarah said.

  “You need some time to cool off. I swear I can see steam coming from the top of your head. Since we’re out here, I’ll call home to check on the kids.”

  Daniel felt naked as he remained in the room with Felicia and Reggie. He wished there were someone sitting with him on his side of the room, who wasn’t smirking at him, like they were making fun of him. As he sat on his chair, he became angrier with Lenora. He felt it was her fault that he was in the predicament he was in. He crossed and uncrossed his legs, and tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. He wondered what was taking Sarah and Brian so long.

  A nurse walked into the room and over to Daniel. “I just wanted to give you an update on your son, Mr. Wilcox,” the nurse said.

  “Excuse me,” Lenora interjected arrogantly. “I am Mrs. Wilcox, and would prefer you address both me and my ex-husband.” The only outward sign she gave of her emotions was the rapid tapping of her foot. She and Trevor had just walked into the room. Her sleeve was rolled up and she sported a bandage on her arm.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Wilcox,” the nurse apologized, “I didn’t realize you had arrived. As I was about to tell Mr. Wilcox, the surgery is progressing nicely. The doctor thinks it will take another two hours. He’ll be out to talk to you once he’s done.” The nurse left the room.

  “Well, she really didn’t tell us much,” Lenora grumbled. She flounced to her seat and pushed her hair out of her face.

  “Why don’t we go get some coffee?” Felicia suggested to her sister. “We still have a long wait. I also need to call our parents and give them an update on what’s happening. Momma told me to tell you that she wanted to be here, but Ernest was drunk. So we decided it was best they sit this one out. I promised to keep her posted on Darnell’s condition.”

  “I was wondering where they were. Sure, let’s go for coffee,” Lenora mumbled. “I’m really not good with waiting.”

  Lenora and Felicia informed Trevor and Reggie that they would be back in a few minutes. The sisters left the room. When they had walked down the hall and around the corner, Lenora let loose, with an incredulous look on her face. “I can’t believe Daniel had the nerve to allow Ruth Wilcox to come here. I don’t know who she thinks she is.”

  “I agree with you on that.” Felicia nodded her head. “She had no business being here. Now, you, on the other hand, what were you thinking? How could you leave Daniel and the boys without a word to anyone?”

  “I was thinking that I was tired of being saddled with an old man. Daniel stopped living; he was choking the life out of me,” Lenora complained, with a sneer on her face.

  “I can understand your wanting to leave Daniel, but what about the boys?” Felicia asked cautiously.

  “I know I was wrong to leave the boys,” Lenora said; there was a remorseful look on her face. “Obviously, that was a bad decision. Look what happened to Darnell. I feel awful.”

  “To be honest, Lenora, Daniel and Sarah have been taking care of the boys, mostly Sarah. Daniel seemed to become paralyzed when you left. I thought for a minute that Reggie and I, or Momma and Daddy, were going to have to take care of the boys. I don’t know what Sarah said to Daniel, but she was able to snap him out of the coma he seemed to be in.”

  They purchased coffee from a vending machine, and then they sat at a small table in the cafeteria. Lenora poured cream and two packets of sugar into her coffee, and then stirred the liquid. “Good, I’m glad someone was able to get Daniel out of his funk. I tried, but he wasn’t hearing me. A woman can only take that kind of treatment for so long,” Lenora said.

  “What about the house? Daniel said he’s on the verge of losing it. He made it sound like you cleared out all the bank accounts.”

  Lenora was intent on chewing a hangnail on the side of her finger. “Well, I, um, did take the majority of the money. I knew Daniel had another check coming in the following week. What does it matter, anyway? Most of the money was mine.” She looked away from Felicia’s disapproving eyes.

  “It matters a lot, Nora. How was Daniel supposed to take care of the boys if you didn’t leave him much money?”

  “He’s a grown man. I was sure that he’d figure it out.”

  Felicia was stu
nned by the cruelty of her sister’s words and actions. She decided to change the subject for now. After Darnell’s surgery, she would let her have it. “So who is the boy toy you brought with you? He looks barely legal.”

  “That’s my man, Trevor,” Lenora bragged. “He’s very legal. We’ve been kicking it for a while. Trevor is a musician, and I just love his lifestyle. I really didn’t want to drag him into all this drama, but he insisted on coming. I hope the boys will like him.”

  Felicia just shook her head, feeling disgusted. Her nephew was having major surgery, and all her sister seemed to be concerned about was her own self. “You didn’t even ask me about the other boys.”

  “I meant to. I was just caught up in what’s happening with Darnell.”

  “The boys didn’t take your leaving well. Damon has been on a tear, acting out, fighting, and God knows what else. Darnell has begun wetting the bed again. David, well, he imitates Damon; so the boys have been a mess.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Lenora said meekly. “I knew the boys would miss me, but I figured in time they would get over it. Plus, they’re boys. They should be with Daniel, anyway.”

  “They’re little boys, not teenagers,” Felicia corrected her sister. “They don’t understand why you aren’t there with them. Daniel told us you got a quickie divorce, and he has custody of the boys. To my way of thinking, you abandoned them. That’s cold, even for you, Nora.”

  “Who do you think you are to judge me, after all the help I’ve given you over the years? If you don’t have anything good to say, then just keep your opinions to yourself. I’ll live my life the way I see fit, just like you do.”

  “That may be true, but I am not hurting anyone in the process. I’m taking care of my husband and children, and sometimes your children.” Felicia banged her hand on the top of the table.

  “Let’s agree to disagree.” Lenora changed the subject. “How are Momma, Daddy, the twins, Quita, and Kente doing?”

  Felicia was still taken aback at her sister’s behavior. But she knew it wasn’t the right time or place to make her feelings known. “Jamal has made a career out of being locked up. He promised he was going to straighten himself up when he was arrested last month. He got ten years, drug related as usual. Jabari is still working at the shop with me and Reggie. Quita and Kente are doing okay. Your boys and Kente stayed at my house last weekend.”

  “Great. I’m glad to hear mostly everyone is doing okay. And as far as Jamal is concerned”—she shrugged her shoulders—“that boy wasn’t ever any good.”

  “Just how long have you been kicking it with Trevor?” Felicia asked. Her eyebrow arched.

  “Long enough to know he’s the man I want to be with,” Lenora answered evasively.

  The sisters continued to talk, until Lenora said, “I guess we should go back upstairs. Maybe the nurse has some news for us. Trevor and I still need to check into our hotel.”

  “Where are you staying? You guys could have stayed with us,” Felicia said.

  “We’re staying downtown at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Trevor’s people headed there to check us in, after the limo dropped us here. Girl, you know how I loved partying there. The hotel reeks of money.”

  “Yeah, I know. Anyway, let’s head back then.”

  As they neared the waiting room, Daniel and Dr. McManus were standing outside the room. Judging by the look on the physician’s face, they sensed the news wasn’t good.

  Daniel caught sight of the two women as they walked toward the room. He looked at Lenora with a bitter accusing look in his eyes.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Instead of going to the book signing, Ruth had a keen longing to see Aron. She decided to obey what her spirit and heart called her to do. Thirty minutes later, she had parked in front of Aron’s building. Ruth prayed it wasn’t too late and that he would talk to her. She exited her car, set the alarm, and walked to the garden apartment. Ruth remembered his address from his job application. Ruth rubbed her arms and then pressed the doorbell.

  Aron opened the door. If he was surprised to see Ruth, his eyes didn’t portray it. They exchanged greetings; then Aron stood to the side and let her in. They walked into the living room and sat on the sofa.

  “What brings you here?” he asked Ruth quietly. He couldn’t keep his eyes from roaming her face.

  Ruth ran her hand nervously through her hair. She exhaled loudly. “God, where should I start?”

  “Wherever you want.” Aron took her hand and held it tightly.

  “I owe you an apology,” Ruth began. Her hand felt so comfortable in Aron’s, and peace filled her heart.

  Aron shook his head. He put his other arm along the back of the sofa.

  “Yes, I do. I really do. I have allowed people’s opinion to cloud my better judgment, instead of opening up to you about my feelings for you. Please forgive me.”

  “Apology accepted, but not needed.” Aron nodded for Ruth to continue.

  “I was never what you would call an exceptional-looking woman. So when you expressed your interest in me and so did my ex-husband, I guess the attention went to my head.” Ruth’s eyes dropped.

  “Ruth, I have told you many times, you are lovely both inside and out. And I meant that. There is nothing more precious than a woman’s inner and outer beauty,” Aron admonished her gently.

  “I know,” she answered, sighing. “I would also like to apologize for taking you for granted, and, most of all, for keeping our relationship a secret. I was groomed from an early age that whatever I do is a reflection on me and on the church. And sometimes it’s hard for me to break that habit.”

  Aron tilted Ruth’s face toward his. “I understand. Do you still have feelings for your ex-husband?” He swallowed nervously waiting for her answer.

  “I can truthfully say that I don’t,” Ruth replied forcefully. “I guess a part of me wanted Daniel to come crawling back to me and beg me to take him back. But reality hit me in the face over the weekend, this evening, and even before then. I realize that our time is over.”

  Aron peered into Ruth’s eyes. “Are you sure?” His grip tightened on her hand.

  “Absolutely,” Ruth responded, smiling. “There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind. I care deeply for the man sitting beside me.” She touched Aron’s chest lightly. “He leaves a rose on my desk each week. I can call him anytime, day or night. The man who lifts my spirits when I am down, and who is attuned to my feelings like no other, is you, Aron.” Deep affection shone in her eyes.

  Aron’s face lit up like he’d won the lottery. Then he asked her, “Are you sure, Ruth? I want to claim you as my lady. Are you ready for that? I know you’ve heard the rumors going around the church about you and me.”

  “I am one hundred percent sure. And I plan to address those rumors in the immediate future.” She explained how Daniel’s son had become injured and how she went to the hospital to support Daniel and Sarah. Ruth told Aron about everything, including Lenora’s behavior.

  Aron listened intently and rubbed her back when she faltered. “If this is what it took for you to see me for the man I am, then all I can say is ‘hallelujah.”’

  “No, it didn’t take what happened this evening; I knew it all along. I just fought my feelings because I was afraid of what other people would say,” Ruth admitted.

  “I am not a rich man, but all that I have is yours, if you want it,” Aron told Ruth tenderly. “You have such a heavy load, trying to be all things to all people. I’ll do anything that is humanly possible to lighten that load.” He put his arms around Ruth’s shoulders and drew her into his chest.

  Ruth touched Aron’s face. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.”

  “No. Thank you, Ruth. The pleasure is all mine. I think we should continue to see each other, and see where this thing will take us.” Aron gently pulled Ruth’s face to his and kissed her tenderly.

  The couple had shown affection toward one another before that evening. However, admitti
ng their feelings for one another took the relationship to another level. They sat on Aron’s sofa, where they talked, held hands, and cuddled. A relationship founded on friendship blossomed into a new intimacy.

  By the time Ruth departed for home a few hours later, peace flooded her being. Her heart had found a home. Aron felt humbled and blessed to have been a part of the lives of two phenomenal women, first Gayvelle and now Ruth.

  Meanwhile, trouble like storm clouds was brewing at the hospital.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  “Why don’t you go back inside the waiting room, Felicia? Lenora and I need to talk to Dr. McManus alone,” Daniel requested of his former sister-in-law.

  Felicia went inside the room and looked back at her sister questioningly.

  “Mrs. Wilcox,” Dr. McManus nodded, acknowledging Lenora’s presence, “I was just telling your husband that the surgery was a success. There was pressure building on your son’s frontal brain lobe, and I was able to relieve the pressure.”

  “That’s wonderful news. But why are you both looking like someone died?” Lenora asked nervously as she nibbled on her lip. She clasped her arms around her upper body.

  “Well, I was telling your husband that it was a good thing we were proactive, and that you two donated blood. But, unfortunately after testing Mr. Wilcox’s blood, we found that there is no possible way he could be your son’s father.” The doctor looked at Lenora with his head tilted to the side.

  “Then your lab made a mistake.” Lenora’s head swiveled on her neck indignantly. “My ex-husband is the father of all my sons. How dare you upset us with this kind of news, knowing we have a gravely ill child, who just had brain surgery! I should sue you for slander,” Lenora ranted. “When can we see Darnell?” she asked. Her body was overcome with tremors. She held her shaking hands together.

  “He’s in recovery, and you can see him soon,” the doctor answered evenly. “Give us about fifteen minutes. Please limit your visit; he needs his rest. Do either one of you have any questions?”

  Daniel shook his head. He was livid with anger and unable to articulate a word.