Chapter 1 : Part 6

A Sundog Moment
by Sharon Baldacci

(Page 6 of 6)

"I know, Mother. I'm sorry. I wish I could make it better." She hugged her mother close, sharing this grayness. Michael, mouth stretched into a thin line, watched his wife doing what he had so often seen her do-comforting, consoling, and then brightening her mother with a loving word or anecdote. He waited a little impatiently for all this to take place, highly irritated at seeing his wife, who was the sick one here, having to expend energy shoring up her healthy but unhappy mother.

Virginia Mae, more composed now, took Elizabeth's hand in hers. Gazing straight into her daughter's eyes, she suggested something she had obviously thought a great deal about.

"Ever since Michael called me last night, I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how to help. What could I do for you?" Virginia Mae shut her eyes, sighed, and then gazed lovingly at her daughter's face. "Then I knew what had to be done. I knew you wouldn't want to be inundated with inquiries from all the people who know you. It would be tiresome and exhausting and, frankly, it's nobody's business. I don't think anyone needs to know about this; don't you think that's for the best?"

Surprised, Elizabeth wondered what her mother was really trying to say. Elizabeth wasn't in the habit of keeping things from friends but, on the other hand, it would be very nice not to have to talk about this. Good Lord, she had to get used to it herself. This could be a good idea. But even as she slowly nodded her agreement, Elizabeth suddenly realized that the underlying reason was a little more personal.

With a diagnosis like this, Virginia Mae's daughter would no longer be perfect . . .

Michael understood completely and was furious. "Virginia Mae, there's nothing to be ashamed of. My God, we're talking-" Michael began to protest but was immediately cut off.

"How dare you! I am not ashamed of my daughter; how on earth could you possibly think such a thing? I am merely trying to circumvent nosey, unwanted questions from people who have no business knowing a darn thing about us. That's all." She glared at him before settling concerned eyes on her daughter. "Elizabeth understands," she said. "You do, don't you, darling?"

Elizabeth could honestly agree that the fewer questions from others, the better. It would be preferable, at least for now. "I do, Mother, but has anyone told Father Joe? I think he should know. Surely that would be all right?" Virginia Mae looked at Michael, who in turn answered.

"No, I've been so busy with juggling work, coming here, and keeping Kellan informed, I haven't had the time." Actually it had never occurred to him to call their priest.

"I feel like someone's been praying for me, I am so much better."

Virginia Mae immediately spoke. "Well, of course I've been praying for you, nonstop, Elizabeth. I've been begging God to give me the strength to help you."

Michael concurred peripherally. "We've all been very worried, Elizabeth."

Was that the same as having a prayer lifted up for her specifically? Elizabeth wondered, but let that thought slip away. Her mother had now taken hold of one of her hands again, stroking it and then talking, a little fretfully this time.

"Carol is back in town, I think for good. Her mother has done everything but actually tell me the divorce has finally gone through. I spoke with her three days ago, and I was so upset. I told her you were in the hospital, that we didn't know what was wrong, but I think, knowing my sister Julia, that Carol is going to come visiting very soon. Of course, it's up to you what you tell her. But I would advise anything you do tell her be in confidence." Although her voice was implacable, Virginia Mae hastily added, "But, of course, it's up to you."

Ever positioned between these two women who had been an integral part of all his adult life, Michael was trying hard not to say anything. He could see how this old woman manipulated his wife, but Elizabeth had never been able to recognize this. She was too busy standing up for her mother, smoothing the way, making things all right.

Without surprise, he watched as his wife, a determined glint in her weary eye, cajoled a smile from Virginia Mae.

Trying not to tap his foot impatiently, Michael watched until it finally looked as if Virginia Mae was smiling enough to make her daughter happy.

He stood up and announced it was time for everyone to leave and let Elizabeth get some rest. "Come, Virginia Mae, I'll take you home. No? You have your car? Fine, I'll walk you to it." He leaned over and brushed Elizabeth's face with a light kiss. "I'll be back later," he promised, but she couldn't help noticing the worried shadows on his face.

Copyright © 2004 by Sharon Baldacci

About the Author

Sharon Baldacci was diagnosed with MS twenty-one years ago. An award-winning journalist, she lives in Virginia with her husband and two sons.