Scarlett 2

by Tiece

  Even though the news shouldn’t have been that alarming, considering Gwen’s lifestyle, Anton still wasn’t prepared for it. His eyes filled with water. He was choked up, but managed to speak anyway.

  “Well,” he paused, trying to clear his throat. “How sick is she?”

  “She’s very sick, son. I don’t play or pretend to be God, so I can’t say how long she has to live. All I know is that for some reason, she has lived quite some time with her addictions and this disease. Her outgoing personality, I do believe is her lifeline. The drugs she has used over the years have shielded her from the world and its reality.” Anton wiped the tears from his eyes. He was truly hurt to know that Gwen was this sick.

  “So what do we do now?” he asked.

  “There is nothing that you can do. We’re doing the best we can to keep her stable and as comfortable as possible. She’s on Methadone which is a strong pain reliever. This drug also helps with her withdrawal symptoms. She’s on some strong Penicillin, which is an antibiotic that will hopefully help decrease the infection in her lungs, which is caused by the pneumonia.”

  Anton listened carefully.

  “I’m reducing the amount of Methadone we’ve been giving her, and hopefully in a day or two we can remove her catheter. I want to be able to talk with her and see her move around a little more.”

  Anton was very concerned. “So, do you think she can beat this thing? I mean, the pneumonia, at least?”

  “Her immune system is already under attack, and it’s going to be an uphill battle. I can’t lie about that. She is going to need all the support she can get. Are there any other family members?”

  “Yes, I have a sister. We do have other relatives, but we’re not all that close with them. It’s really just been me, my sister, and my mama.” He sounded very sad about it.

  “Have you told your sister that she’s even been admitted?”

  “No I haven’t, because I didn’t wanna worry her yet. I started to tell her earlier today when I left the house, but she just got back from a much needed vacation and already looks like she has something heavy on her mind.” he explained. “I just didn’t want to add to it, whatever it is.”

  “You are a standup guy, I must admit.” Dr. Bower stated. “If you can get your sister in here today, I would like to speak with both of you about your mother’s condition. Is that possible?”

  “I’m sure it is. I’ll actually call her in a little while. I just don’t know how she’s going to react to this.”

  “I know it’s hard, especially finding out news like this.”

  “I understand, Doc.” Dr. Bower shook Anton’s hand. “Have them page me when your sister arrives.”

  “Will do, sir,” Anton responded as Dr. Bower exited the room.

  He was heartbroken because he loved Gwen way more than people knew or realized. She was a crack head, whore, a thief, and a con artist, but to him she was just Mama. He loved her, flaws and all. All he ever wished for was that she would clean herself up and love him and Scarlett like a real mama should have.

  He leaned over Gwen’s bed and took a good look at her. He’d never in his life seen her sleep so peacefully, not even when she was sober. He couldn’t understand why this was the life that was given to them, but it was and somehow he had to try to make sense of it.

  He picked up his phone and called Scarlett. She answered immediately.

  “Hey big head, where you at?”

  “Hey sis, I’m uh…” he paused. “I’m at the University hospital.”

  Scarlett sat up in her bed. “Are you okay? What’s wrong? You haven’t been in a wreck or anything have you?” she asked franticly.

  “No, don’t worry about me, I’m good.” he hesitated. “It’s Mama.”

  “Gwen?” Scarlett called out, as if they didn’t have the same mother.

  “Yeah,” he responded. She exhaled with relief and laid back down. She would rather something be wrong with Gwen than Anton.

  “What’s wrong with her?”

  “She’s not doing as well as expected,” Anton sadly stated.

  “Did she finally overdose or something? After all those years of her being on drugs, I never thought I’d see the day that woman overdoses.” She grinned. “That’s a first. It’s like the woman is made of steel.”

  Scarlett just kept on talking.

  “I’m surprised she’s even in the hospital. I bet you had to drag her ass in there,” she grinned some more. “So when are they letting her go, so you can bring my car home?”

  “She’s not coming home anytime soon, sis. I’m telling you that she’s not well at all.” Anton got a little choked up and Scarlett could hear it in his voice. She sat up again.

  “What exactly is going on with Gwen?” she asked, but this time paying more attention and taking it more seriously than before.

  “She has pneumonia, broken ribs, and a sprained ankle.”

  “Is that all?” Scarlett asked with a grin. “That ole hag will bounce back before you know it, and will be right back over here wanting to start some shit with me. You know she can take a good ass whooping and still be walking strong.” She laughed a little.

  “It’s really bad this time, sis,” he insisted. “She has been unresponsive since they admitted her. They’re keeping her on medication for the infection and pain.”

  “Go figure,” Scarlett responded with sarcasm. “As long as there is some type of upper in her system, then I’m sure she’s in hog heaven whether she’s alert or not.” Anton had a feeling that Scarlett wasn’t going to take this seriously.

  “Our mom may not bounce back from this, Scarlett. Her blood work came back and she has AIDS.” Scarlett was quiet for the first time since they’d been on the phone. “Did you hear me? She’s sicker than she’s ever been before, and I don’t know what to do.” He couldn’t fight his tears any longer. Scarlett was stunned. She knew that Gwen was a survivor, and so did Anton. So for him to react like he did, was bad. “Sis, are you there?” he asked again.

  “Uh, yeah…” She paused, trying to gather her thoughts. “Just calm down and I’ll get Nina to drive me over there.”

  Chapter 13

  Nina pulled into the empty parking space and looked over at Scarlett. She’d been somewhat quiet on the way over to the hospital, after telling Nina about Gwen’s condition. Nina knew that Gwen and Scarlett had a bad past, but all Scarlett ever wanted was a mother who would love her unconditionally. Unfortunately, Gwen wasn’t fit for that role.

  Scarlett looked out the window. She didn’t realize that Nina had turned off the ignition and was just sitting there watching her.

  Nina cleared her throat. “You know I’m starting to sweat a little bit since the car is off.”

  Scarlett looked over at her. “Huh, what did you say?”

  “I said we’re gonna burn up if we don’t get out.” Nina laughed to ease the circumstances, in hopes of making Scarlett feel a little better.

  “You’re right,” she agreed and opened the car door.

  Nina opened up the driver door still looking at Scarlett. Even though her door was open, she wasn’t moving to get out.

  “Are you okay, Red?”

  “Yeah, I’m good,” she said, getting out of the car. Nina got out and closed the door. She walked around to Scarlett and grabbed her hand.

  “Come on, Red. I’m with you all the way.” She walked slightly ahead of Scarlett, and they reached the door entrance to the hospital, then suddenly Scarlett stopped.

  “Why am I even here? Gwen never even liked me!” she firmly stated.

  Nina shook her head, not at all surprised about Scarlett’s behavior. “You’re here because your brother needs you.” She wanted Scarlett to feel some sort of responsibility, and not just turn around and leave. “Ant is really close with Gwen, and even if you’re not, he still needs your support, Red.”

  “Ant is here,” she stated as if she’d forgotten. “I really need to see him.” They proceeded inside the hospital and
got on the nearest elevator. The elevator stopped on the second floor and they stepped off.

  Scarlett frowned. “I hate the smell of hospitals. It always has a smell of sickness mixed with cleaning supplies in the air.”

  “I kinda know how you feel.” Nina responded. They headed down the corridor to room 209. Nina led the way, with Scarlett still following her. Her nerves were rattled and the shaking of her hands revealed just how much. They entered the room and noticed Anton staring out of the window.

  “Hey big head, what’s so exciting out that window?” Scarlett asked, interrupting his thoughts.

  Anton turned to face them. His bright round eyes were small and red from crying. “Hey what’s up y’all? I thought you were never gonna make it here.” He walked over giving his sister a hug. Nina joined in, hugging them both.

  “Are you okay?” Nina asked him.

  “Yeah, I’m making it.” he answered.

  Scarlett looked over at Gwen. She looked fragile, and Scarlett didn’t know what or how to feel about her condition.

  “How long has she been like this?” she asked, walking over to Gwen’s bed.

  “She comes and goes. Since I’ve been here, she has said my name, but then she’s back to sleep just that fast.” Anton informed her, walking over and standing beside his sister.

  Nina sat in the chair by the window. She didn’t want to interfere with their time with Gwen.

  Scarlett touched the back of Gwen’s hand. It was rough and warm, but she looked cleaner than she’d seen her in a long time.

  She cleared her throat. “Is your name the only name she calls?” Curiosity was eating her up. She wanted to know if Gwen even thought about her in that state.

  “So far, that’s the only word I’ve heard come out of her mouth since she’s been like this.” Scarlett didn’t know if that should’ve made her mad or sadder.

  Anton walked out of the room to have Dr. Bower paged. He wanted him to come in and speak with them immediately. Scarlett still stood over Gwen’s bed. She was shocked to see her in such a state. She didn’t know if it was good that Gwen wasn’t running off at the mouth, or if it was bad that she was much too quiet because she was sick and knocked out.

  She looked back at Nina. “I can’t believe that I’m standing this close to her and she hasn’t cursed me out, yet.” She tried to add some humor to the situation.

  “Yeah, it definitely seems strange,” Nina agreed.

  Scarlett took in the moment. To her it wasn’t a bad thing seeing Gwen clean and her mouth closed.

  “Would I be wrong if I say she looks better this way?”

  “No, you wouldn’t be wrong. It’s just wrong timing.” Nina answered. “How do you feel?”

  “I don’t know how to feel, to be honest. I can’t lie, it’s hard seeing her lay here so weak and frail.”

  “I understand that. It’s hard for me to even stand over there and look at her.” she said, remembering that Gwen had just let her have it a few days prior.

  “I know right, I always thought she’d outlive all of us.” Scarlett sadly smirked.

  “It definitely seemed that way. Hell, for that matter, you should never count Gwen out.” Nina commented.

  Scarlett smiled. “You’re right about that. Come to think about it, she’ll probably walk out of this hospital by the end of the week and never look back.”

  “I’m sure she will.” Nina was doing everything in her power to make Scarlett feel better, because even though she didn’t show it, Scarlett felt bad for Gwen.

  Anton walked back inside the room with Dr. Bower following him. Dr. Bower looked over at Scarlett then Nina.

  “Hello ladies,” he greeted them.

  “Hey, I’m Scarlett,” she introduced herself, reaching out to shake his hand.

  “And I’m her bestie, Nina.” Grinning, Nina also reached out to shake the handsome, white haired doctor’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you both,” he stated. He looked down at Gwen’s chart in his hand. “So your brother tells me that he’s updated you some?”

  “Yes, he has,” Scarlett confirmed.

  “Okay good, now let me explain a few things concerning her condition.” He looked back at her chart. “Her blood tested positive for the AIDS virus.” The word AIDS sank inside her thoughts, and burrowed deeper and deeper as Scarlett listened. “I explained to your brother that she has had the disease for a number of years. I know she’s only here because her body was tired and shutting down, but I’m surprised she hasn’t been admitted before now. She is a very strong willed woman, who definitely knows how to survive.”

  “Yes, she is.” Scarlett uttered and Anton nodded in approval. In his heart, he was really praying that Scarlett was taking this seriously.

  “Your mother also has pneumonia, a broken rib, and a sprained ankle. The sprained ankle was the reason why she could hardly walk when she was admitted.”

  “I see,” Scarlett stated with only sad thoughts of seeing Gwen in such a state. The more she listened, the sadder she became. “Is there anything that we can do for her?” she asked, surprising Anton.

  “No, just support her.” Dr. Bower advised. “We’re giving her the medication she needs. Right now, she should be fairly comfortable, however I’m lowering her doses so she can begin to wake up and talk with us.”

  Scarlett immediately shook her head. “Are you sure that’s a good thing right now?”

  “Yes, it’s a good thing, sis,” Anton commented.

  “He’s right, Scarlett. It is a good thing. We don’t want to keep her in this state for too long.” The doctor educated her.

  “Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad,” Scarlett uttered causing Nina to hit her on the arm.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t hear you.” The doctor said.

  “Oh nothing,” she responded, causing her little brother to clear his throat.

  “So Doc, do you know when she’ll be able to leave here?” Anton asked.

  “She should be able to leave in two weeks, possibly. I want to make sure her pneumonia is gone, and that she is moving around. We have a psychologist on staff, who is willing to come in and speak with her about her health and things concerning her lifestyle. She is going to have to make some changes if she wants to live.”

  “So, she’s going to have to change bad habits like sleeping around for money to get drugs.” Scarlett nonchalantly stated.

  Dr. Bower raised a concerned eyebrow, but instantly realized that Scarlett was the one who was hurt more because of Gwen’s actions.

  “Uh, yes things like that, and her drug use, but also because she needs to take better care of herself if she wants to save herself.”

  “We understand,” Anton stated before Scarlett could say more to embarrass them.

  “By the way, when Gwen is discharged from the hospital, does she have a stable home to live in?” Dr. Bower asked.

  Scarlett looked over at Anton and before she could respond, he spoke up.

  “Yeah, she’s going to live with me and my sister.”

  “Oh she is?” Scarlett asked with sarcasm.

  “Yes she is,” Anton insisted.

  She was surprised that he would demand Gwen come back and live in her house because he didn’t pay any bills there.

  Dr. Bower could sense the tension in the air.

  Anton’s eyes filled with water, but he fought back the tears. He was upset that Scarlett didn’t get the seriousness of the situation.

  “Don’t you see how serious this is?” he asked, raising his voice. He could feel the lump in his throat as he held back his tears.

  “I know how serious this is,” Scarlett responded.

  “NO YOU DON’T!” he yelled.

  The tears streamed down his face. He could no longer hold them back.

  Scarlett immediately hugged him. She had never seen him this hurt about anything. “Okay, Ant, she can come back home.” she whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry.”

  The water w
elled up in the corner of her eyes. She was hurt because he was hurt, and she was willing to do whatever was necessary to make it right between them.

  “Okay, I’m glad that you all resolved that,” Dr. Bower stated. “With support, she’ll be able to get through this easier.” He didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t want to get too involved in their personal lives, or hear any more, so he decided to leave. “I’ll be getting off in about an hour, but I’ll be in tomorrow.” He headed for the door. “Oh, don’t forget that she should start to come around, and begin to talk a little. She may not do much talking or responding today, but eventually she will.”

  “Okay, thanks Doc. We appreciate that.” The doctor left them in the room with Gwen as he stepped out.

  Anton and Nina looked over at Scarlett, shaking their heads at the terrible way she acted.

  She rolled her eyes then smacked her lips. “What? Don’t look at me like that.” she said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Y’all know I was just thinking out loud.”

  “Yeah, real loud,” Nina commented. “Red, sometimes you should think before you open your mouth, or just be quiet. In your case, sometimes quiet is always better. Gracious.” She disappointedly shook her head. “It’s just not a good look.”

  Anton nodded. “I agree.”

  “I agree,” Scarlett mocked Anton in a squeaky voice. “Whatever, y’all know how Gwen used to be. Hell, I’ve never heard her be so quiet. Can I enjoy just fifteen minutes of this?” she teased.

  Nina could tell that Scarlett was hiding her mixed emotions of seeing Gwen in this state behind her jokes, so she decided to overlook her rude behavior.

  Anton also knew that Scarlett was lashing out because she didn’t quite know how to handle her feelings, so he also decided to just let it be.

  “Well, I need to go home so I can shower,” Anton said. “I might have some things going on later.”

  “I can take you, because I need to go home and relieve my mama off of her babysitting duties.” Nina offered.

  “Okay cool,” he responded.

  “I’ll sit here with Gwen for a little while. I need to clear my head, and I think I can do that as long as her mouth is closed.”