“What?”
“There’s no easy way to say this. You have bilateral brain tumors.”
Her heart fluttered. “Brain tumors.”
To be healed or be a healer?
Now she understood what Jesus meant.
“They’re almost always benign. But they still have to be treated.” The doctor put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t panic. They’re serious but manageable. They’re called schwannomas and are usually part of a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis, Type Two.”
To be healed or to be a healer?
“I don’t understand.”
“Your nerves are surrounded by something called the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is made up of Schwann cells. The tumors are formed from them. Thus, they’re called schwannomas.”
She was still shocked by the diagnosis. “I can’t believe I have brain tumors. I haven’t had any headaches or anything.”
“No dizziness. Maybe some hearing loss?”
“No. Oh, wait, that’s not true. I did have some dizziness awhile back. I just thought it was from the stress of moving and starting a new job. It went away so I didn’t worry about it.”
“It was more than stress. I’ll set you up with a neurologist, an expert in the field.”
She scooted to a sitting position. “I want to know more about these tumors and the neurofib…what did you call it again?”
“Neurofibromatosis Type Two. I thought you might.” He handed her some papers. “Here’s some more information about them and about NF2.” He left the room.
Cooper’s brows were furrowed as he read the papers the doctor had given them.
She touched his arm. “Forget about that for now. I need to tell you about Jesus.”
He looked up but his expression still screamed ‘worried’.
“He gave me the gift of healing.”
*
No longer slouching or looking at the puzzle, Nia’s dark brown eyes glittered. With hope? Or was it something else? “Now, I get it. Auntie brought me here so you could heal me. Whattaya gonna do? Put your hand on my forehead, knock me down, and tell me I’m healed.” She stood up but still leaned on the card table for support. “I can’t believe this. You’re a scammer. Gonna take all my auntie’s money by telling her you’ll heal me. And when the money’s gone, I’ll still be on my way to dead.”
“That’s not why you’re here, Nia.”
“You’re right.” She swept her hand over the puzzle pieces as they scattered on the floor. “That won’t happen. I’m outta here. I’m not staying here one minute longer. I’ll not let you steal Auntie’s money. She works hard for it. She’s spent more than enough on me, as it is. No more. I won’t let this happen.” She looked around as if trying to figure out a means of escape. “I’ll walk all the way back to Atlanta if I have to.”
“I’m not stealing anything, Nia.” Rachel knelt, picked up puzzle pieces, and put them back on the table. “I don’t take money.”
Nia glared at Rachel. “You expect me to believe that? No wonder you been acting all nice and friendly to me. Telling me how special I am. You just want my auntie’s money.”
“You are special. To me and to God.”
“Yeah, whatevs.”
“I don’t take money for you to come here. That’s not how it works.”
“Then why you being so nice to me? Why are you even letting me be here if Auntie didn’t pay you? It has to cost something. You don’t get nothing for free in this world. I know that even if I’m a kid.”
“Because I love you.”
“You don’t love me. You don’t even know me.”
“I do love you, because of who you are.”
“And just exactly who am I? What makes me so special?”
“You’re a child of God. And if God loves you, which He does, then I love you. It’s that simple.”
Nia stared at Rachel, a young, frightened girl who was struggling with big issues. Tears welled in her eyes. “I want to go home.”
“And you will, but not yet. Your aunt will pick you up next week as she promised. You’re here for help. We should get along, don’t you think?”
“I want to go now. Where’s a phone? Auntie wouldn’t let me bring my cell phone. She needs to come and get me. I’m not staying in this crazy place with a crazy white lady.” Nia glared.
Rachel smiled. “Aren’t you going to add, ‘no offense’?”
“No. I meant to offend.”
“Well, none taken. You aren’t happy right now, but I promise this is not a scam and you will feel better soon.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re working on the puzzle together.”
Nia struggled to her feet. “I ain’t working on nothing. Just cause I can’t leave doesn’t mean I have to listen to you. I’m going to my room.”
“Nia, please…” Her voice trailed off.
Nia marched out of the room. A moment later the stair lift came to life.
3
Nia stepped off the lift and stared at the doors. Which one was her room? She didn’t know. She sat down, and gave in to the tears that had threatened since Auntie had deserted her. Nia had always found a way to get what she wanted, especially since she’d gotten sick. But not this time. She’d thrown tantrum after tantrum.
Auntie remained firm.
Nia was spending the week at this stupid place. And now she knew why. Because some crazy faith healer had convinced Auntie that she could keep her from dying. And no matter what the lady said, Nia knew her aunt had probably spent a lot of money. What a waste.
“What are you doing?”
She startled at the voice but kept her face hidden. “Nothing. Go away.”
Brandon sat down beside her. “Having a pity party, huh?”
“I said go away.”
“I’m guessing you don’t know which room is yours.”
She looked up.
With his curly brown hair and those bright blue eyes, Brandon was cute. But that probably just meant he was conceited.
“I said leave me alone.”
“I can show you which one is yours. Since I’m the one who brought your stuff up. Unless you like having your pity party out here in the hall so everyone can see.”
“Not having a pity party.”
He grinned. “Looks kind of like you are.”
“Go away.”
“OK. Your wish is my command.” He stood and turned to leave.
“After you show me which room is mine.”
“Not a problem.” He held out a hand.
She stared.
“I’m not gonna bite.”
“Fine.” She held out her hand.
He helped her up.
Nia wanted to push him away. She didn’t want to be nice to anybody at this crazy place. But Auntie’s manners were too ingrained in her. “Thanks.”
He pointed, and then opened a door. “This is your room.” He opened the door.
She walked in.
“So what’s your problem?” he asked.
None of your business. “I have cancer—leukemia. And the doctors said I’m not responding to the treatment so there’s nothing they can do to help me. Just a matter of time before I die.”
Instead of looking shocked or sad, he just nodded. “That’s not what I was asking. I meant what’s your problem with being here at Puzzle House? It’s a good place. You’re blessed to be here.”
“Don’t tell me you believe in all this healing stuff?”
“I believe in God so, yes, I believe God heals.”
“What would you know about it? You look strong and healthy to me.”
“I know what I know.”
“Whatevs.” She rolled her eyes for emphasis.
“Well, I’ll leave you to your pity party since you’re determined to be miserable. Rachel’s a nice lady so you should give her a chance.” He left.
Not much sympathy from him considering she was the one dying. What did he know about anything, any
way? He should be a little nicer.
Nia closed the door and flopped down on the bed. Why was Auntie doing this to her? Everyone knew she would die from this stupid disease. Yet Auntie kept saying Nia would be fine. She’d beat this and get healthy and have a wonderful life. Yeah, right!
After the doctors had said there’d be no more treatments, Nia had stopped letting her friends come to visit. Most days she just watched TV and cried. She tried not to cry when Auntie was around because it made Auntie cry, too.
Their house was sad these days.
And then Auntie started talking on the phone, but she kept leaving the room so Nia couldn’t hear. Auntie started smiling as if she had a secret.
Nia asked what was going on.
”I have a surprise for you.” That’s what Auntie had said.
Yeah, some surprise. Bringing her to the middle of nowhere and making her stay for the week. Without TV or a phone. With a crazy white lady who thought she was a healer. Well, Nia knew how this would end.
Even if nobody else did.
*
Patience—one of the many things Rachel wasn’t very good at. She sat on the porch, praying for enough patience and wisdom to help Nia. She focused in on God’s beauty surrounding her.
The fall colors were at their height. Another week or so and they’d be gone, but for now they were perfect. From where she sat, if she leaned out just a bit she could see the pond shimmering from the afternoon sun.
Her gaze drank in the beauty even as her soul drank in the peace. She had a feeling she might need an extra dose of that. Unlike most of the guests at Puzzle House, Nia didn’t want to be here. That made things a bit more difficult.
Every guest at Puzzle House had one thing in common. They needed something. All thought they came for one reason, but many found something much different than what they’d been searching for. God seemed to always work it out for the best.
Rachel checked the long braid that fell down her back, now sprinkled with gray. Long ago, she’d given up fashion for comfort. Today she wore a long, blue skirt with tiny purple flowers. The simple top she wore matched the flowers. And she had slipped her feet into sandals this morning. She probably looked like an aging hippie.
Not that Nia would even know the term.
Rachel’s feet pushed against the slats of knotty pine wood. The squeak made a rhythmic sound with each rock. There was no rush.
Nia would be here for a week or even more. And if she remained uncooperative, then that would be up to God to change Nia’s heart. The poor girl had been through so much in her young years. It wasn’t any surprise that she was angry and fearful. Please, God, give her the courage to open up to me. And more important, to open up to You.
The door opened.
“Annie.”
“Rachel, don’t get up. I am more than capable of guiding this thing to where I want to go.”
“I know that. I just thought to help, if needed.”
“That’s the problem. You help too much.”
“I do no such thing. I sit around, read the Bible, and pray. And talk with nice people like you.”
“And deal with angry teenagers.” Annie locked the brakes on the wheelchair. “That Nia seems to be quite the handful.”
“It hasn’t been easy for her.”
“So I heard when I was in The Meeting Room. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
“That’s OK. Puzzle House isn’t about secrets.”
“True, but it seems as if we all have a few anyway. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be leaving tonight. My daughter will be picking me up after dinner.”
“Do you think things will be all right with the two of you, now?”
“I hope so. She’ll not be happy when I tell her I’m moving into an assisted living facility. But it’s what I want. It’s for the best. For everyone.”
“I think it’ll be all about how you present it to her. If she thinks you’re doing it to make it easier on her, then that’ll make her feel guilty. And then you’ll have another fight about it.”
Annie gave a warm smile. “I think you’re right. But I miss being around people and that’s why I want to go to the facility. I think she’ll understand I don’t like being alone anymore in my condition. I know it’s best for me and really, best for her, too. She’ll know I’m always safe and she can visit anytime.”
“That sounds like a good plan, Annie.”
“I really appreciate the time I’ve had here. It’s been…good. And helpful. I’m ready to face this next phase of my life.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. You’ve always done that.”
“Just tried to do the best with what God gave me.”
“Amen to that! Still you’ve had an amazing life and still have more to do with it.”
“I just did what I had to do.”
Rachel just smiled. Annie still had a lot more living to do. “Could you do me a favor?”
“If I can, I’ll be glad to do it.”
“Can you pray for Nia this week? And keep on praying for her.”
“Now that’s something I can still do.”
The door opened.
Nia‘s eyes were puffy. She looked at the two women and chose a rocking chair on the other side of the porch away from them.
Annie smiled at Rachel, and then maneuvered her chair closer to the girl. “Nia, why don’t you come sit with us? We’re not doing anything important. Just sitting and chatting.”
Nia said nothing.
“I’d really like to get to know you a little before I leave this evening,” Annie said.
“What’s to know?” Nia muttered. “I’m fifteen and dying.”
“Oh, I want to know all about you. What you like to do for fun? Do you have a boyfriend? What’s your favorite class in school?”
“Yea, like any boy would want to have a girlfriend who’s about to kick the bucket?” She touched her head. “Boys don’t like bald.”
Annie motioned. “Well come over and talk with us anyway.”
Nia heaved a large sigh but moved to a closer chair, still not looking at Rachel.
Rachel put her hand out and smiled. “Friends?”
A little smile graced Nia’s face. “I guess.”
“Can we shake on it?” Rachel pressed her hand, hoping all the warmth and love was transferred to Nia. “I’m so glad. It would be a long week for both of us if not.”
“I ’spose so.” Nia shrugged. “So you got more of the story to tell me?”
“I’ll tell you more tomorrow when we’re working on your puzzle. Right now, I want you to meet Annie. She doesn’t look it but she’s ninety-five.”
“Don’t listen to her. I look every bit of my ninety-five years.” Annie winked at her. “And that’s all right. I’ve earned every one of my wrinkles.”
“What’s it like being that old?”
“Well, there are good things and bad. The bad is I have another ache some place new every day. But the good is that I know these aches aren’t going to last forever.”
Nia started to say something but stopped.
Annie laughed. “Yes, dear. I mean exactly what you’re thinking. I’m going to die one of these days. Not sure when God’ll call me home. But when he does all the pains and tears will be gone. And I’ll get to live in glory with Him forever. Amen.”
Rachel chimed in. “Amen.”
“It sounds like you don’t care if you die.”
“I wouldn’t exactly say that, but I’m ready when God’s ready.” She smiled at Nia. Her voice was filled with compassion.
“Annie’s lived an amazing life. Her husband died in World War II. She had five kids to take care of. And she did more than take care of them. She became a teacher, and then kept on going to school and got a PhD in education. She’s met three presidents while working on education policies for this country.”
“Three presidents? That’s cool.”
“But that’s enough about me. I’ve lived my years. I can sure understan
d why you’re angry about being sick.”
Nia didn’t say anything.
“And you know what? God understands, too. You really need to tell Him all about it. I think you need a good yelling session with Him. Go ahead. He’s strong enough to handle it.”
“He’s already mad at me. I don’t want to make him madder.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“Nah, He won’t get mad at you, sweetie. He loves you.” Annie said. “Go ahead.”
Nia shook her head.
“OK, I’ll go first.” Annie looked upwards and yelled. “Hey, God. I’m really mad that I can’t walk anymore. Do you hear me? I want to walk again.”
“My turn.” Rachel said, not as loudly as Annie, but loud enough. “And God, I’m really mad that Nia’s feeling so tired and weak.”
“Me, too.” Nia added.
“Your turn, sweetie. Give him what-for,” Annie giggled.
“It’s not fair, God. Why do I have to be sick? Why do I have to die?” Tears streamed down Nia’s face. “I don’t want to die, God. I really don’t.”
Rachel moved from her seat to her knees, grabbing hold of Nia’s hand. Annie picked up the other. Quietly Rachel said, “Tell him what you feel. And loudly.”
“It’s not fair. It’s not fair.” Nia kept saying the phrase over and over, until she was overcome with tears. Heart-wrenching sobs emanated for a few moments, and then ceased.
Annie patted her hand. “Alrighty, then. Do you feel better?”
Nia wiped her face, giving them a watery smile. “I think I do. But I’m sort of afraid.”
“Of what?”
“That I might get hit by lightning.”
“Don’t worry about that. It’s not the first time I yelled at God. And he never did strike me with lightning.”
Nia giggled. “That’s good to hear.”
The door opened.
“What’s all the noise?” Brandon asked.
“Girl talk,” Rachel responded.
“In other words, none of my business?”
“Something like that.” Rachel grinned. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t love you too.”
“Good to know.” He jangled the keys in his hand. “I’m going to town to get that order you put in at the store. Need anything else while I’m there?”
“Not me, but I’m guessing Nia might enjoy the drive.”
Puzzle House Page 4