ELIZA GOT IT FROM GRANDMA HAZEL?
The pearl-white mini Steinway piano stood parked in the cavernous living room. Eliza always felt a distance between her and the ivories , but sometimes she would sit down and tickle the keys, only seeming to come up with this strange haunting Oriental tune from hitting just the black keys continuously.
But Mrs. Osberg would sit down to play sometimes dressed in all white, her signature, the piano came alive with froth and subconscious classical nuance as she played all the songs of the day and yesteryear.
Lena loved playing Gershwin tunes which had pizzazz and elegance. Eliza had seen an old clip of the Gershwin brothers Ira and George, sitting together at the piano singing and playing. But they could have just as well been inside Lenas head or making her fingers mysteriously know what to play and it served the woman well through the years of classical playing and growing up.
Right now she played for fun, for excitement, joy and for her kids, especially Glinda who ran into the living in a tu-tu and ballet slippers. Lena would play faster and more emotional, then Eliza would jump in being a Charlie Chaplin type, or Lucille Ball all clumsy and clowning around, which upset Mrs. Osberg a little bit as she played on.
As Mrs. Osberg played, Eliza looked out the window at the East River shimmering in the foreground. She recalled her Grandmother Hazel, Lenas mother. Just as she was beginning to think of Hazel, the phone rang.
Gemma got it in the kitchen. She ran into the living room frantically.
Mrs. Osberg, Mrs. Osberg &Ras& said Gemma, using her usual dialect with the word ras a daily ritual.
Whats the matter Gemma, calm down, said Lena trying to remain level as she finished the last of a Gershwin tune called Strike Up The band !
Mrs. Osberg, you have its the hospital on the phone, Dr. Levine&.They are waiting to talk to you!
My God, okay, my God, stammered Lena as she picked up the slim white phone in the living room. Hello, this is Mrs. Osberg& She said calmly, but her voice shook slightly, her keen ears picking up the lady on the other end of the phone, even Eliza heard the lady squawking voice. She listened for a moment, gathered her wits and said, Hold on Doctor, I want to take this in my bedroom. She turned to her children. Kids, go to your rooms or play somewhere, this is serious&
Okay mom, said the kids solemnly but their nosey sides would shine through for sure.
Eliza drifted into her bedroom remembering how she started thinking about Grandma Hazel right before the phone rang but she was afraid she had made that happen by thinking of it so she didnt even tell Glinda or call Fern about it. Even though Mrs. Osberg didnt go into much detail, Eliza knew instinctively that is was Grandma Hazel and that scared the little girl a lot. She couldnt even bring herself to discuss it with even Gemma who was sitting on Glindas bed playing with the stuffed animals theyd named Jason, Isabella and Milano!
After a few minutes of it soaking in, Eliza ran into Mrs. Osbergs bedroom and jumped beside her on the big bed. Lena was crying hysterically and Glinda had also beaten Eliza to the punch, already being in her mothers tight embrace first.
When Gemma had found out the loyal housekeeper sent the boys down to Levs office to play cards until she called him to bring them back up.
Mrs. Osberg spoke into the phone. Oh no no no , oh my God, No!... Are you sure Doctor Levine?
Mommy I love Grandma Hazel, cried Glinda right on cue just like her days as the Camp Sunningdale mascot, but this time it was real.
Finally Mrs. Osberg tore herself from the phone. Oh my God, kids, Gemma, Grandma Hazel is very sick in the hospital.
Oh no! cried Glinda on cue again. She crumpled into her mothers tighter embrace and cried hysterically in her mothers bosom.
Whats wrong with her? asked Eliza, already feeling the symptoms, her bowels starting to tighten up and feel like stones. Her bladder was frozen in place and she had visions of it blowing up when Lena screamed, Oh My God, they say her intestines have exploded inside her, weve got to get to the hospital, Ive got to call your father at the factory and tell him, hell have to meet me there, said Lena, taking the reins and getting her control in place, as was her M.O. But the worst had slipped out and Lena knew Eliza would toy with it until it became real symptoms in her daughters mind, but once Victor was on the scene Lena had no doubt hed be able to calm Eliza once the girl started having the symptoms. They would nip that in the bud she would make sure of it this time.
Meanwhile her 2 daughters were a bit trauma ridden for different reasons. Glinda was deathly afraid of losing her mother, just as much as Eliza was freaking out over the symptoms she knew she felt, and would her intestines explode if she couldnt go to the bathroom. She wanted to immediately call Fern! She would as soon as her mother left for the hospital.
Okay girls, Im sorry I was so hysterical, after she hung up and had gained her composure as easily as when she sang her songs for parties or functions and went to the next number. Im not going to lie to you, and Eliza, you do not have what my mother Hazel has! You never will! Your grandmother was very stupid not to recognize the symptoms, she told me she couldnt move her bowels, and I told her to go to the doctor but she wouldnt listen! cried Mrs. Osberg clutching a photo of Hazel to her chest. &and I know how you are Eliza, if you even feel a little of the symptoms, youd be at Dr. Shipps probably calling a cab yourself and heading over there on our own!
Even though Mrs. Osberg was disarrayed and crying she still looked extremely ravishing like she was in a movie and people were watching her plot unfold. It hit her daughters and later made them stronger with issues. Its not good. She has a bowel blockage but it burst! Thats the bottom line kids! And even if you did get a bowel obstruction, which I doubt will happen, so relax, said Lena calmly as if she were talking about an every day thing, trying to sound calm like when Victor explained away a gas pain or heart flutter.
Eliza crinkled up her nose like she could almost smell her grandmothers feces. And when they all went to Hazels house in Atlantic Beach, NY it even smelled like they were covering up some bad smell, because the place smelled heavily of mothballs and Lysol. And the kids would always upset Hazel by tipping over a love seat in the den. It would anger the older woman who had a hot temper and would yell and scream, but once when she walked away she passed gas and the children laughed until they got a whiff of the thick, putrid smell of intestines tied together not letter it go, stuck, a plugged up toilet after Roy was in there once going and the water overflowed, but then Dad used the rubber plunger and the drain emptied and they all laughed about how Roys doo-doo was so big it couldnt go down the drain. Then Victor got serious and explained that if the kids, Eliza in particular, felt knotted up in that area, to come to him immediately no matter what, and if he was at the factory they should call him night or day, so Eliza got to calling him whenever she felt a pang of digestion awry or a gas pain from thinking too hard on it. Victor would take things in hand and calm his jumpy daughter with Eliza, you wouldnt let it get as far as Hazel! Look, you are telling us about it while its small, and its nothing and will pass, because you are a young girl, not like Hazel who is decades older than you! .
The doctor said I have to get to the hospital quickly girls!
She began to cry drawing both of her girls into her loving arms.
Mommy are you going to die? asked Glinda.
No Darling, its your grandma, not me! She held Glinda close and kissed the top of the little kids head. I love my mother like you kids love me. And I know you hear us fighting a lot, but I will always love your grandma.
Eliza always thought that her mother and her own mother hated each other by the way they talked to each other, especially over the telephone. Eliza would listen in late at night as Lenas mother ranted about Victor giving them much more, not just that he was busting his butt as it w
as! For the most part Lena was prone to listen to Hazel, it was just the way it was. Eliza would listen intently as the 2 carried on with each other deep into the night. But it was only when Victor was away 3 days out of the week at his lace mill.
For the next few minutes Mrs. Osberg cried. Eliza began to comprehend that it was her mothers mom, so she would understandably be upset as Glinda rubbed her mothers shoulders lightly.
Quietly, so as not to intrude, Gemma brought Roy and Richard into the bedroom. The boys approached quietly on tip toes.
Did they say whats wrong? asked Gemma at the doorway.
Yes, sniffed Lena. I&I told her, I did, you know I did, sobbed Mrs. O.
Of course Mrs. Osberg, we all know that, said Gemma coming up to Lena and offering support. Lena took it gratefully. Thank you Gemma, you are truly a gem to us, and Im glad youre here!
Ras, thanks Mrs. Osberg, but I love you all so much, admitted Gemma, tears sparkling in her dark brown eyes. She hugged the kids and rubbed their backs gently and calmed them.
She just didnt listen to me or Victor, now look at her, said Mrs. Osberg, wringing her soft well manicured fingers against a pair of soft gloves she had been wearing and looking at an older photo in a gold Jewish frame.
Shes really sick Mommy, like Grandpa was? Roy came up to the bed looking sad and forlorn. He had loved his grandfather and they had sneaked him into the hospital so he could see his grandfather, who was dying when he fell in the shower which might have weakened his heart.
Yes, Darling, she is, said Lena, not wanting to hold back the truth.
What hospital is she at? asked Roy bravely.
Beth Israel Hospital, cried Mrs. Osberg. I have to call your father&Gemma take them out into the den or kitchen, I have to call Victor right away, said Mrs. Osberg. Make them a snack, or better yet, said Mrs. O. reaching into her purse and pulling out a crisp $100 bill. Go get dinner or something, please, she offered. Gemma took the money and the childrens eyes popped out of their heads when they saw the bill pass between Gemma and Lena. Lena winked knowing it would get their minds off of this Grandma Hazel thing until she could meet with Victor and Dr. Levine and decide what to do.
Mom, Im scared, said Eliza, reaching for her mother.
Listen kids, you are old enough now, so dont be scared, it wont happen to you like it is to grandma! I promise you! Dr. Shipp wouldnt let it happen and your father certainly not let you get as far as she has in her condition, like on that show Emergency, said Mrs. Osberg, brightening a bit, making the kids smile. Now kids, go on and play, please!
Kids, Ras, leave your mom be now, well take a cab to McDonalds and Playland, okay? she said to them. They smiled up at her and agreed sadly.
Thanks Gemma, said Mrs. Osberg turning toward the telephone.
Ill watch them Mrs. Osberg, dont worry now, Ras. She herded the kids out of the room.
Okay, said Lena crying fresh tears that began staining her red cheeks, her beautiful hazel eyes were watery and wavering. She could barely talk. To Eliza her mother looked like she did after Lena finished an emotional opera tune. She would sing, then turn red in the face, a flushed look on her cheeks and on the verge of losing it. But this was different. Her mother was dying.
This was the mother of Lena Osberg & Hazel Kornboom, tough woman, strange grandmother, very scary to Eliza, not as attractive as her daughter, but impossible all the same. And Hazel could play piano well, maybe even better than Lena, a classical trained pianist like her daughter.
Eliza recalled when Hazel wiggled her way into a recital shed heard about at their school. The young girl was only in 2nd grade at PS 59 in New York. She remembered standing around in a circle as a big piano was set up. Mrs. Epstein, their teacher back then, was fussing over it all. The old time biddy looking school teacher had somehow been notified that Mrs. Osbergs mother Hazel wanted to play classical piano for her class and maybe the whole school if allowed. It had been brought up at the last P.T.A. meeting and they had voted the older woman in so it was set. All were curious and knew of Mrs. Osbergs piano playing and singing, and were anxious to hear her mother Hazel Kornbloom play and sing.
Mrs. Epstein herself had approached Hazel about it. So, I hear youd like to play something for our recital? asked Epstein curiously.
Yes, I would like that very much, said Hazel. She munched on a donut and drank tea with milk and lots of sugar.
We would be honored to have you play, Mrs. Kornbloom, said Mrs. Epstein graceioujsly, so as the other mothers and guest could hear and agree. They all did of course. The older woman had gotten wind of it and called the school herself, which had impressed everyone.
She herself offered herself up for pianist, so we readily agreed, said one school aide, as Hazel cleared her throat and sang all by herself with no piano at first, the a line of light scales starting at a very low key! It amazed them all at that time.
I am very pleased, said Hazel. She had a very deep voice, almost like a man, but with a hint of feminine dripping out to cover up any excess testosterone.
But it was all very strange for Eliza to deal with. The first song Hazel did was from the Broadway hit of the time Oliver! & Where Nancy sings about Bill Sykes the bad guy.
Grandma Hazel sat at the huge black piano pounding the keys with much emotional singing, &As long as he needs me& which Nancy sings with great emotion before she died by his hand in the movie. Eliza remembered the movie as she sat in a circle with her classmates all around her, as well as other classes that had been invited to this strange music fest. They all sat transfixed as Mrs. Kornbloom, Elizas grandmother sang the second verse with even more pounding, emotional and bravado than ever! No one really knew what to make of her, but she played on, rather plowed on and ended the song as quick as she had started to slow to start applause, but then a standing ovation, which she knew she deserved, so they all gave it to her, but Eliza was not embarrassed, just bewildered and only making her grandmother seem even more remote like a silent movie star, unreachable, unattainable, but there flickering on the silver screen for the grabbing. But Hazel and Eliza never seemed to meet eye to eye. There was lots of tension, testing and teasing on both sides, but when Hazel threatened to chain Eliza to her bed, the young girl became concerned and her sleep pattern was sometimes interrupted by it.
Hazel sang with a deep operatic baritone, not like most opera singers of the day and certainly not like Lena Osberg sang in her standard high E soprano voice. But it was trained and perfected singing and her voice made all heads freeze in place. Most songs she played and sang were very hard and stoic. But it was opera all the same, just a bit more brutal. To soften it a bit, Hazel threw them all a curve ball when she came to the circle and sat with the class on the floor and sang a light song called Little Chick-a-Dee & Hazel had put 2 little pieces of paper squares on her fingertips. She smiled brightly at the children, which surprised Eliza who sat with them glued to it all.
Hazel came to the center and sang in a soft baritone 2 little chick-a-dees sitting in a row, one flew away and the other stayed. Hazel flipped fingers and the class roared with laughter with Mrs. Epsteins direction.
Eliza Osbergs grandmother was really far out!
As Grandma Hazel did her thing and was the center of their world for the time being, Eliza thought back to the first time her grandmother took her out for the day, which seemed to be a rite of passage of all the Osberg children.
Eliza was 7 years old and Hazel decided to take her out. They first ate Chinese food, which Eliza hated so much, then she took the little girl to The Russian Tea Room where she practically force fed Eliza bitter Russian tea and Gazpacho. Learn to like it, said Hazel grinning mercifully.
Please Grandma, I really dont like the taste, begged Eliza.
I
f you dont eat it, Im taking you straight home and putting you straight to bed, so eat!
Eliza was the verge of tears but made an attempt to eat the strange food. She prayed to God, something shed started doing early in life. It made her a bit stronger, but still weepy. Other patrons looked on with pity in their eyes.
Finally they got to Radio City Music Hall in a big yellow cab, but Hazel refused to buy any candy or popcorn for Eliza. Thats not for this type of movie, Eliza. This is educational!
The two walked down the colorful aisles as the organist played eerie tunes. The picture was 2001 Space Odyssey , not a film for a small imaginative child like Eliza. From the moment they sat down Eliza was glued to the screen during the scene of the monkey tribe breaking up bones and flesh, was lulled by the music at first, then when the movie started to turn dark, she became scared, thinking it was going to happen to her if she fell asleep.
The music became harsh and loud, the plot was very confusing and disturbing especially the monolith after the monkey tribe goes crazy. That huge scary Monolith with the singing choirs strange one key whiny vocals. It was just abstract enough for Elizas attention span and some parts really blew the the young girl away. But she was afraid she would die very old very fast as was this character.
Occasionally Eliza looked over at her grandmother watching the movie intently, not even removing her signature brown fur cape and Russian fur hat.
The most scariest pat was when the astronaut sees himself as an old man dying in his bedroom which reminded Eliza of her fathers mothers bedroom when Eliza was 4 years old and had to kiss her dads mother who was dying of Cancer at the time.
Hazel watched her granddaughter closely toward the end, the most terrifying and disturbing of all in the entire 3 hour film. She leaned over and whispered in Elizas ear, more liked hissed it: If you continue to be a bad little girl and dont calm down this will happen to you just like its happening to him!
The drone of the Monolith and stage music riffs scared Eliza out of her wits along with the message Hazel whispered.
In a strange way Hazel was doing it to make Eliza not be afraid, as weird as it sounded, a sort of twisted reverse psychology, not out of being mean, but rather to teach Eliza something. Well, it didnt work, because that night Elizas stomach was upset and she couldnt get that image of the old man dying looking up at the Monolith. She heard the spooky choir music in her head. It seemed to bounce against the walls of her quiet bedroom.
Now Hazel was dying for real. Did she see the Monolith? Eliza sat on her mothers bed as Mrs. Osberg spoke with their father who would be flying in on the next available flight. He would meet her at the hospital. Gemma called down to the front desk to tell Tom to hail a limo, most probably their favorite driver Sammy, who seemed to relate to Lena and Victor and loved them like a relative.
Gemma sat with the kids long after Lena left with Sammy the limo driver. She had made them Tuna Sandwiches and salads with French Fries and she let them drink their Coca Colas straight out of the bottles.
Grandma Hazel hates hospitals, said Eliza to anyone in particular who wanted to hear the tidbit.
Why is she scared of doctors? asked Glinda sipping her coke.
Maybe she had a bad doctor when she was young, said Roy munching on a fry. He gulped his Coke.
I remember Dr. Fine, our first doctor, said Eliza. He was so mean that I cried whenever they brought me to him and it was like he was trying to scare me on purpose! she explained easily while taking a big bite out of her tuna sandwich overflowing with extra pickles.
Really? asked Glinda, thinking that Eliza was making it all up.
Grandma Hazel ignores everything and everyone, said Richard quietly. He was an observer. She never answers questions, and Roy just asks her everything and since Grandpa passed away she doesnt even pay attention to him!
Yea, whats with Grandma? asked Glinda. Why would she do that?
It the way she was raised, explained Gemma, trying to keep things simple.
Whats the matter with her? asked Roy, already knowing the answer.
She has something called a blockage, said Gemma easily.
In her tummy, said Glinda.
How? asked Eliza feeling her own stomach for any abnormal bumps or lumps.
From not being able to go to the bathroom, said Gemma giving Eliza a look as if to say stop it, you are fine!
Wooo, really? asked Eliza trying to remember if shed moved her own bowels, which she always noted lately. She had, so the girl felt relief. She would not forget if she had not.
Remember kids, never hold anything in and let me know if you cant go&. Gemma winced and turned her small butt toward the children making them all laugh nervously and breaking the some tension. Remember that your grandma is only in this trouble because she didnt tell anyone she couldnt go, explained Gemma. This seemed to calm the Osberg kids. That was good, especially with Eliza, who usually let her imagination run away with her as she had when their grandfather had died 2 years earlier of a heart ailment after hed fallen in the shower. From then on Eliza was afraid to take a shower and had to have the shower curtain or door open which made water stains on the expensive marble floor. They tried to assure the little girl that she would not have a heart attack, that grandpa was sick and slipped because he was very old.
So what happened to her?
Her doo-doo popped inside her, blurted out Eliza loudly.
Eliza, Ras child, you are lucky your mother and dad didnt hear that one. Gemma lightly tapped the girl on the head. Where did you pick that up?
I heard them talking about it over the phone!
Dont put it in such a disgusting way Child!
Eliza shouted it again Her doo-doo popped in her!
Glinda laughed, Rich snickered, and Roy chuckled.
Eliza, enough, Cha& screamed Gemma using her usual slang words.
The phone rang. Gemma got it. Osberg residence, she said in a low murmur, emphasizing all the syllables Rez A dents!
Gemma, its Lena. Did my husband call?
Yes Mrs. Osberg. Hes on his way to the hos-pit-al, she said, again emphasizing the words carefully. It was her way to stay calm.
Good, said Mrs. O. seeming relieved, taking a ragged breath.
How is your mother? Gemma asked. The kids are asking!
Shes not doing very well Gemma. Theyre going to operate soon. Its a bad blockage and its burst. Its not pretty, so we expect the worst. Theyre trying to make her as comfortable as possible, said Lena tiredly. Try to break it to the kids gently.
Yes Mrs. Osberg, said Gemma.
Stay calm, you know how Eliza can get. We dont need her getting sick too, said Mrs. Osberg, knowing her oldest daughter well enough. She thinks she has everything!
Yes, Mrs. Osberg.
And dont talk too much about it to Richard either. I dont want them
ska-vectching, she said using the Jewish term for literally freaking out
Lena burst into fresh tears and cried.
Oh, Mrs. Osberg, it will be okay.
I know Gemma, Its just that, well&
Yes Maam, I know, well pray, said Gemma.
Evening fell fast over the city of New York. Eliza was in her bedroom ready for bed finally. She dreaded it always thinking of 2001 Space Odyssey and now that her Grandma Hazel was on the verge of dying all Eliza could think of was that scene in the bedroom where the astronaut sees himself as an old man seemed more stark and real to Eliza now. She had tried to reach Fern but the woman was at the hospital comforting a few sick friends families and also moonlighting for another family in Providence. Eliza spoke briefly to Ferns older daughter who still lived with her mother. She promise
d to inform Fern what was going on and actually took on the same role as Fern and played a good second baseman to Fern and dealt with Eliza as such. Pray Eliza, and forgive your grandma for any bad she may have done to you, said the younger woman, knowing Hazel well enough through the years and what Fern, her mother, had shared with her. Bottom line: Grandma Hazel was not an easy lady to deal with on any level. She was bossy, aloof and downright snotty and uppity, but there was something about her that made you wonder about her, there was an intelligence, but something on the other hand was very amiss with Hazel. Now Hazel was dying. It was obvious.
As soon as Eliza hung up with Ferns daughter, the phone rang again. She got it. Hello?
Honey, its Daddy!
Hi Dad, said Eliza, loving the sound of his soothing voice over the phone.
Now Eliza, I want all of you to be mature and unafraid. You will not get what Grandma has! Especially you, the way you are always coming to me when you feel any sick symptom, so dont worry, he tried to assure his daughter.
Grandma Hazel is pretty bad, hey?
Yes.
Gemma popped on the phone. Mr. Osberg?
Yes, Gemma. Thanks for staying with the kids, Im sure you know the details here&
Yes I do. I am here until you both come back. Dont worry.
Im not in the least worried about you or the children. Its Hazel were worried about right now. Shes near death Gemma. Lena is in there with her now, and theyre about to take her to emergency surgery, explained Victor.
I see.
Eliza heard it and her insides tightened slightly. As if reading Elizas mind, Gemma said over the phone. Ras, Girl, I already told you you wasnt going to get what you grandma has, and so has your father and mother, now get off the phone and go in to the den and watch t.v. with your brothers and sisters, cha&
Okay, & I love you Daddy, said Eliza.
I love you too, Eliza, now dont worry, okay?
I wont, said Eliza, trying to put happy things in her head.
DEAR PRESIDENT FORD (LAST YEAR OF UN PLAZA)
It was the last year that the Osberg family stayed at the UN Plaza. A few days after the kids returned from their usual summer camps in Maine Camp Skylemar for the boys and a new one for the girls. Mr. Osberg whisked them all away to his 2 bedroom apartment in near his lace factory.
Eliza had stayed there before years ago when her family wanted to look into getting the girls fingers straightened. The doctor was a specialist in Boston, MA, so the first trip Eliza made with her mother and sister, staying at their fathers other place had been interesting, but she was too young then. In the end, after careful consideration, they decided not to change Elizas fingers, and so now the tomboy would just have to live with what she had, two knuckles on each of her fingers, not the customary 3 as everyone else had, except Roy who had the strange hand thing too inherited from Lena!
This was very different. Dad had been secretive and shifty in a fun surprise mystery way. Everyone at first thought may be the new vice president of Daddys company, Don Conwin, who might have been getting a perk for joining Dads staff at the lace mill that seemingly was booming and maybe Dad wanted his family to see first hand. Victor Osberg did things like that on the spur of the moment. He had gotten rid of the twin brothers Fred & Pete Bensonhurst when they had been boiling up the books a bit. Eliza remembered them well because their daughter had taught Eliza how to ride a two wheeler bike that not even the counselor at Bill Dave at Central Parks famous bike path could teach the hyper girl. Also, one of the sons of the Bensonhursts was very good friends with Eliza and the girl would never forgot her first ever sleep over which was at Freddie Bensonhursts place in New Jersey where he had a huge Italian family and the food was just full of pasta, sauces and all kinds of breads and pastries. Eliza felt so spoiled seeing as the Bensonhursts daughter was in college and they had no girls to dote on so they practically adopted Eliza. She cried the next day when they drove her back the UN Plaza. Dont cry Eliza, said Freddie. You can come back again really soon, he promised.
But a few months had passed and soon the Bensonhurst brothers were gone, their fish mounted on the walls leaving a scar of what was once a fine office but now an empty shell until Mr. Osberg had hired Conwin.
They drove a rented car from Mr. Osbergs apartment, everybody was semi excited to see that the surprise was for Conwin. They drove through this breathtaking town in R.I. right on Narragansett Bay. Mr. Osberg was acting like James Bond and even humming the theme.
Where are we Dad? asked Richard, looking all around at the pristine town they drove through, the trees and wind and the bay to the right, with large old mansions to the left. The road narrowed and twisted around for a bit.
Oh, youll see soon enough, he said.
They finally drove down a very rich looking street and then a long, long driveway surrounded by a green sod field and a huge flagpole in the middle. They parked in a stone pebbled spot. It was big, magnetic and very inviting, yet foreboding and a bit overwhelming with Narragansett Bay twinkling behind them like the East River did in NY at the UN Plaza.
The whole family walked on the well groomed grass that seemed to go on for about 2 acres. A stone path led to large oak doors of the spectacular 4 story house on the Bay.
They toured the top floors and even saw a big gold plaque that read Trebor Lodge which was tacked up neatly into the wood of the wall.
Whose house is this? asked Eliza.
Yes, yes, whats this place? mimed in the others except Mrs. O.
Everyone thought it was for the VP guy.
Its nice, said Rich.
Yea, I like it, agreed Eliza, studying the house and cupping her hands over her eyes to get a better view of the brown paneled house with a pool and land and oh, that flagpole. God, Corwin was lucky!
Well kids, said Mr. Osbarg leading them all outside these huge brown all glass double doors entered through a glass portal. He opened the doors that led into a huge playroom, darkroom, another full kitchen, like 2 houses in one.
Well, dad, whose house is this? they all asked again.
Lita and Victor smiled at each other sharing the secret for a moment longer. She was brimming with excitement, looking like she was ready to burst out with emotion, like the way she acted when she finished a very emotional opera song from Madame Butterfly.
They all stood there & Okay kids, ready! Victor stood apart from them with his arms outstretched like Moses opening the Red Sea Kids, this is our house!
What? yelled Richard jumping up excitedly. Hed been very quiet as usual, but seemed to perk up.
Yes, said Victor proudly. &our house!
The kids looked puzzled, but happy.
Yes, thanks Mommy, Glinda hugged her mother tightly.
It really was your fathers idea, said Lena.
Just got sick of the long commute so why not? said Victor.
Its the greatest, said Roy, running ahead of them.
As they toured the rest of the gigantic house, their dad explained everything to them on their way back to the car. Theres even a dock, and maybe well get a boat, said Victor.
In the car Lena powdered her nose when she reached into her purse and retrieved a letter that came for Eliza, but in all the excitement of the intiital move, she forgot about it. Eliza had actually written to the President Ford and had gotten an answer from him personally!
When they began driving back toward Victors apartment again through the town, Lena spoke up, Well, Eliza got a letter from The White House!
Really? asked Glinda, who smiled ear to ear.
Yes, and I want Eliza to read it out loud to us, said Lena, handing it to Eliza.
Were very proud Honey, praised Victor.
&nbs
p; Thanks, said Eliza as she opened the envelope that was already opened by her mother. She wasnt upset about it, it was understandable. Eliza read loudly and clearly: &Dear Eliza: I was especially pleased to receive your Christmas card inviting me to your home for dinner at the UN Plaza in New York City. As I probably will not have the opportunity to make that trip, I would like to especially wish you and your family a very good holiday! Sincerely President Gerald Ford&
Wow, thats neat, said Richard, loving how his sister wrote people like that. She did the same with Randy Mantooth and David Carradine. You didnt tell me you wrote the President, whispered Rich to his sister Eliza.
It was spur of the moment, I forgot!
How do you forget that?
Shhhhh, Rich!
Is it really the President, asked Roy, with a bit of skeptic in his voice.
Yes, it is.
Wow, he answered your letter, Eliza, said Roy.
I got the idea from The Brady Bunch admitted Eliza, remembering the episode where they wrote a star and he responded. She followed the pattern the kids on the show did, but brought it a step closer to reality, which impressed her parents greatly.
Everyone laughed, and almost couldnt believe Eliza. But she looked so earnest and she was prone to hyper activity and making things seem blow up and crazed, but this was something a bit more concrete.
Believe it or not, I also got the idea from an episode Little House On The Prarie too, said Eliza. Both shows really got me creative so I got a Christmas card of the Capitol Building and wrote him in my own words.
Well, great going, good job, praised Victor.
It would have been even better if hed accepted. Maybe we should write a follow-up and Ill help you Eliza, suggested Lena.
Okay Mom, we could if you want, agreed Eliza, loving the attention from her mother.
STEFORD WIFE OF BARRINGTON RI
So the last year of living at the UN Plaza had begun with Johnny Carson moving out to California to do his show out of Burbank.
Truman Capote was still there but had become a virtual recluse, usually only seen with Joanna Carson, who by this time was getting a divorce from Johnny. Eliza didnt see him as much. It was as if he was drinking and writing some short stories with Carsons blessings and help. Some even said Joanna may have even re written some of Capotes scribblings and changed a few things.
Once when Eliza saw him they had eye contact but he wasnt the same blue eyed fly boy type he was years ago when they rode down First Avenue in his car with Maggie in back. He looked like a man suffering from heavy booze poisoning, with a bulbous nose Eliza would dare say a word about, now being a bit older and wiser. Capote noticed her reserve and looked at her feet and smiled. She smiled back and he walked away with a cane for support. It was sad, they didnt joke any longer, nor much else.
Even Ching Ling got fired for making supposed sexual undertones toward Eliza. The Chinese elevator man had become a bit too friendly with her one morning when Eliza sat on his lap on the small stool in the elevator. Both Osberg girls always sat on Ching Lings lap for years especially after Kung Fu started. But lately, when they became more matrure the little man began acting much different. The child-like attitude morphed into a queer feeling when Eliza felt a strange bump in Ching Lings pants.
She mentiined it her father who totally went ballistic and made a bee-line to the usual banks of elevators in their hallway. He kept pressing the buttons until Ching Lings elevator burst open. Victor grabbed the little Chinese man with one hand and dragged him out of the elevator. Mr. Osberg gave Ching Ling the riot act and promised to have his job on a platter, and he wasnt kidding. Before Eliza could
bat an eye, the little elevator man was gone.
The last year at the UN Plzsa was still filled with all sorts of adventures.
Eliza actually had eye contact with President Nixon, but soon Nixon was out and Ford was in and that was when Eliza and Glinda and the boys were at summer camp. In fact, Elizas bunk was listening to the radio in the backroom of the cabin that Summer of 1974. Nixon said he would not resign no matter what and everyone went wild, some even spitting out milk and cookies, others jumping up and screaming in glee, mimicking the adults who were also cheering, some even jeering.
Eliza and Glinda had changed summer camps by that summer in 1974 due to the fact that Havi Gold practically starved Eliza, not intentionally, and it had been a good summer for Eliza, but shed had come home a mere skeleton of 60 pounds, and so the following summer t hey had taken Aunt Dorothys suggestion to send the girls to her old summer Camp Birchwood in Rutland VT. She had gone there as well as cousins Dina and Lauren too. Eliza had hated the new camp and most of the kids hated her. They were a different breed of children and Eliza was older so came off to them as a bit skittish and boyish and immature, hyped up and a bit nuts for them. Most of the kids had come from rich Jewish backgrounds around the country. Of course Glinda thrived and got the love of the campers and counselors alike. Della Tuck ran the camp different than Havi Gold had at Sunningdale. Camp Birtchwood had a more strict regime and was more sports oriented than Camp Sunningdale although the boys still attended their Camp Skylemar which both thrived at. Rich and Roy loved Camp Skylemar and had no problems there. They werent teased like at school in New York City.
School for Eliza was no better even though she went on to junior high. The kids teased her even wrose than at P.S. 59 Beekman Hill School. At one time Eliza thought Marla Hamilton was a terror. These students made Marla look like a Girl Scout lost in the forest.
Eliza had been punched 3 times and had the wind knocked out of her twice, plus shed been tripped so may times shed grown bruises on her bruises.
Even more so the other kids were very jealous of where she lived. It started to all work on the usually happy go lucky Eliza. They made fun of her hair, her skin, her laugh, her two-knuckled fingers, some bent inward on the pinky and ring fingers. The kids made fun of her background and many other things. They took it too far and all the praying Fern told Eliza to do didnt make a dent. In fact a boyish black girl named Nani Johnson had been really picking on Eliza of late! Soon Nani was so frustrated with Elizas turning the other cheek attitude that she told Eliza, &Girl, you better run like hell after school because before the summer is out, Im gonna pound your ass!
And she meant it, Eliza could tell as she looked straight into the other tall black girls wild brown eyes.
Thats right, said another dark skinned black kid, she means it Girlie, or should I say Boy with you?
Everyone began laughing and pushing Eliza around.
Among other weird happening was the fact that the bully in Elizas class Myron Pertrofsky had it out for Eliza too. Since shed been in the beginning of the semester at 167 Wagner Junior High on 73 and 3rd! Myron and his cronies picked on poor Eliza about everything. The dark haired white boy was a true troublemaker and had actually punched a substitute teacher and made another teacher slam a classroom door and shatter the 3 rows of window on the door. Myron was rough and tumble, as was his whole family. There was not a day that went by that t his kid was creating some upset on Elizas life, just short of dipping Elizas curls in the ink well. He was ruthless and had even once punched Eliza in the stomach. Myron also stared at her intently and made her feel unsettled.
Why does he do it? asked Eliza to Jesus Christ when she prayed or she would close her eyes right then and there and say the words under her breath. The answer back had spooked Eliza in all its clarity Turn The Other Cheek Alway ... If he takes your coat, give him our shoes. There is a connection between you both, said the voice from nowhere.
After that Eliza began bringing in lots of candy from Bernies candy store down in the Delegates lobby at the UN. Eliza would give it mostly to the ones that picked on her. There wa
s another white kid named Joran Weiner who always hid his face when Eliza started also bringing in her camera to shoot pictures to try and gain acceptance. As she snapped a photo of Jimmy Brown, a black kid who pushed her around in the hallways mostly, Jonah walked up to her meanly. Everyone knows why you bring in candy Eliza, he said with a sneer. It really bothered the boy so much.
So what? Eliza had hurled back at the kid with the frown on his thin Jewish looking lips and big nose and beady eyes staring at her, but always covering his face when she snapped a picture.
Whatcha doing with all the photos of the kids that pick on you, he said loudly so all could hear in the noisy science class. & What do you do with the pictures of the whole class that hates you Eliza? Do you make a dartboard and throw darts at them?
They were in Mr. Zimmers science class on the 4th floor of Wagner Junior high. Kids were going nuts because although Mr. Z. was a legit teacher, the tall gangly man in the white science coat acted like he was a substitute and had lost control of his classes long ago last winter!
Eliza saw it in the succession of photos she took over the months. Yes, Jonah was right as to Elizas reasons for the candy and photos, but Eliza was really putting the photos in a scrapbook of her life and not a dart board as the mean Jewish boy who lived at a fancy apartment building on Park Avenue suggested. The photos had numerous shots of the class running a muck. Eliza knew that years later she would look at these shots and remember the people in the class thinking perhaps that shed do something with it later on. They heard a crash as some boys had taken a chair and thrown it out the 4th floor window as Mr. Zimmer sat by acting as if he was trying to get their attention, which he failed badly at. Photo after photo showed the class going wild, even some girls rolling cigarettes and smoking them, plus many of the black bullies that picked on Eliza constantly throughout the semester. Everything was so wild and out of control, especially in that science class.
Now more than ever kids, especially black children were on Eliza all the time. Even at the class photo session they put Eliza at the end, next to Sean Quigley with Myron Petrofsky on the top row. You can se the whole class leaning away from Eliza, but there were more boys in the class than girls.
Eliza was a tomboy in a world that was starting to see her classmates get interested in boys and dressing up and putting on make-up like Gracie Berg was starting to do and look like; more pre-teen things. Not trying to star a girls football team or roleplay Jesus Christ and his crucifixion scene. MORE TO COME ON ELIZA AND THE UN PLAZA!
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