Chapter 8

Sandy slept for an hour while I busied myself in the kitchen. When I looked in and saw her awake, I took her in a peanut butter sandwich. "You want to talk?" She nodded, yes. "Okay, I have a question for you. Andrea and I have often wondered why we never knew anything about your life before you married Dad. Would you tell me?"

"I have never talked about my early life. Aden doesn't know much about me either. You think that you had a hard life growing up. I know all of your past, but it is nothing to what my family life was like.

"Think drunken father and a mother--well, loose woman to put a barely acceptable name to her lifestyle."

I stopped her. "You lived somewhere in Massachusetts, right?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"Your accent. Andrea and I had a friend with the same way of speaking while we were in college in Pennsylvania."

"Yes, we lived in Roxbury. To go on, I had a sister a year younger than I am. She was raped when she was only fifteen by some black youths. Two months after the rape, she committed suicide by cutting her wrists. I found her and I suffered terribly from the trauma. I suppose the clinical term would be depression. I was only sixteen when this happened. I swore I would get away from my folks and the section of the city I was living in. For years, Roxbury had one of the worst crime statistics in the country. I don't know where they stand now.

"Summers, I made my way to the Cape and waited table. I knew if I ever ran into a man that would take me away, I would do anything to get him to let me go with him. I did graduate from high school, but I don't think I am very intelligent. I knew what I wanted and I latched onto a young man my age. He was a guest at the resort I worked at. He was much like you are right now. He fell in love with me and we were married a very short time later.

"Do you think his parents were happy about his choice of a wife? Ha! You can't believe how miserable they made me. My husband didn't see it and couldn't understand my dislike of his parents. I found him out to be a Mama's boy. I was aware that over time, my mother-in-law would prevail, and I very well could be right back where I came from.

"Fate. Do you believe in fate? I didn't, but now I don't know. I do know sometimes the results are good and sometimes they are bad. I'll give you an example and then you can decide. My mother called me and said she wanted to see me. She had caught a disease and didn't have long to live. I asked my husband to drive me back home to visit.

"We drove into Roxbury and it was only about a block to my former home. A car came up beside ours and we could see the window being rolled down. A gun appeared and several shots were fired and then the car sped off. My husband died before I could say good-bye. The car crashed into a utility pole and I miscarried a two-month-old fetus. My husband never knew about the coming baby. Gone, everything gone!"

Tears were rolling down Sandy's cheeks. She didn't stop talking. "That fate I mentioned--I'm here thirteen years later and I almost lost another man from a gunshot. Not only that, I almost let another man seduce me. No, that's not correct, it was me that tempted you and I can plead that there was a reason. Adrian, you could be a twin brother to my first husband. You are a stronger, better man than he was though. Please forgive me for letting you know sometimes I have had this attraction for you. Several times I almost gave in to the desires that came, not from you, but from my past."

"Forgiven. Don't think about it. I have to ask about one thing. Again Andrea and I have always wondered about something. Where did you get the money that you brought to your union with my father?"

"That was from a life insurance policy. My name was on it. My husband had transferred the title less than two months before this from his mother to me. Needless to say she thought it should be paid out to her. It was going to be a battle and so I took the money and ran. I met your father a year later. I confess, I have never had as much love for Aden as I did for my first husband. Aden had money, for he showed me an account of his assets before I would turn mine over to him to manage."

"Kids. Why did you want the children?"

"Because I lost my first baby through miscarriage. I was unbelievably happy when I found I was pregnant. I wanted to recapture that feeling of happiness again. And I have! Three times to be exact."

"One more question. How did you feel when you found out that Dad was a bigamist and you weren't really married?"

"It didn't matter so much at the time, because I had the children. You managed to retrieve my money and the interest it earned. You watched over me to see that I was treated fairly by him and the rest of your family. Now Aden has changed for the better as well. I honestly feel you shamed him into treating our children the way they should be. I know how he treated you earlier and I know how he feels about you now. I can see you are beginning to have respect for him again. That makes me respect him as well. I seem to follow your lead in everything.

"I suppose you could tell Andrea what I have shared with you this afternoon, but only if you need to. I would just as soon all my secrets remain with you."

"There may never be a reason to share them. Look, you must be needing the bathroom again. I'm going to see if Rena is awake. She can help you." I grinned. "I had my turn. And--you will soon be wanting another pain pill. It is about time to pick up the kids and I'll do that as promised." This brought a smile to Sandy's face. I wasn't going to share with anyone what had happened today, but I wouldn't easily forget it either.

Her parting words were, "Adrian, I hope the woman that you introduced me to Saturday night is the one for you. You two make a lovely couple. She better be good to you too. I could turn into the wicked stepmother if she doesn't treat you right."

I was waiting in front of the Academy School as classes were let out. Rich ran and jumped into the front seat of my car, leaving the rear seat to his two sisters. "Is Mom home?"

"Yes she is and has had a nap. Her arm is in a cast and when she is up it has to be strapped across her chest. Her other hand is bandaged, but that will be only for three days, so she tells me. I spoke to your father and he is doing great. His elbow was injured and the doctors were going to repair it this afternoon. I'm going in to see him this evening."

"Mom can get out of bed?"

"Of course. Phyllis, you may have to help her in the shower. Both arms will have to be shielded from getting wet. I'll show you what to use and how to tape some plastic bags over them." Ten minutes later, Sandy had her three children standing beside her bed. Rena was in the apartment and she and I set about getting dinner for everyone.

Phyllis came out into the kitchen and stared at me. "What's up, Phyl?"

"Adrian, tell me how Mom got undressed and into bed. She couldn't do it by herself and I already know Gram was sleeping."

Rena was standing on one side of the kitchen. I think she was waiting to see how I would answer, as much as Phyl was.

"I helped her. I helped take her clothes off and I found a nightgown for her to wear. I was standing behind her when I put it over her head. Just once I touched her bare skin and that was after she was in bed, when I washed her face with a cool washcloth. Your Mom is a beautiful lady. I want to stress the term lady. She needed help and I was the only one here at the time. I trust if I was hurt and needed help, I could count on you to do the same for me as I did for your mother."

"I just wondered how she got in bed, that is all."

"Okay then, that is how." I watched as Phyllis went down the hall to rejoin her mother.

"Did you lie to the child, Adrian? She is growing up and when she asks about something happening, she needs the truth in her answers."

"No Rena, I didn't lie to her. Our relationship hasn't changed or shifted that much, except we might be a little farther apart in one way and maybe a little closer in another. We talked a lot and I found out several things that I have always wondered about the early years before my father. What she told me lets me understand her better. She asked me to keep her confidence and I will. Sandy has always been a good woman and she still is."

When dinner was over, I asked Phyllis to go to the hospital with me to visit her father. Dad was sleeping, but we could tell he was restless and hurting. He came awake as we were talking in low voices and his eyes lit up when he recognized his daughter. "Phyl, how is your Mom?"

"She's okay Dad, but she needs to take a lot of painkillers. It was she who insisted on getting out of bed for dinner tonight. She is back in bed now. Rich and Tammy want me to tell them how you are, so you have to tell me everything."

Dad was going to have a serious problem with his elbow. The joint was totally smashed. The police had found hollow point bullets in the gun, which explained the amount of damage. The other wound was not as serious and his flesh did not give enough resistance to expand the bullet. It had passed on through the soft tissue of his side. We didn't stay very long for it was a school day tomorrow for Phyllis.

The kids went to bed shortly after we returned from the hospital. I was going to sleep on the couch and Rena was to get me up first thing in the morning so I could get on the road in time for my first class. Rena offered to come in and stay with Sandy all day. Mom would help with getting the kids ready for school.

It was eight o'clock when I made a call to Cindy Bickford. When she came to the phone I said, "Hi, I came down this morning to help with some family problems. I imagine you have heard about my father getting shot in the parking garage after midnight."

"Oh Adrian, I wanted to call you. Yes, I heard about it. Is he going to be okay?"

"His elbow is going to be useless. The other wound will heal without any trouble. Sandy was hurt at the same time. Dad fell into her when he was shot and knocked her down. He landed on her arm and fractured it below the elbow. Somehow her other hand was lacerated at the same time, but she will regain the use of it as soon as it starts to heal."

"Can I help in any way?"

"I think she has everything covered, although you might run up at noon to say hi. You will meet a lady named Rena Harris if you do. She is the woman that helped my sister and me the most when we were teenagers. I love her as much as I do my own mother."

"I will go to visit your stepmother. Count on it. Adrian, is there any connection between the man that shot your father and the person our office was to depose today?"

"I have no idea. The thought did cross my mind. I talked to my father and he was wondering if Romaine Darcy did give the deposition."

"Not for me to say. You understand?"

"Of course I do. I won't be back in town before the weekend. Are we still on for our date Saturday?"

"Yes. Can we make a day of it?"

"We will. I'll call when I get in. I tell you what, meet me at the Chelsea Royal Diner about nine on Saturday and I'll buy you breakfast."

"It's a date. I'll see you and will be waiting."

I couldn't think of much more to say and reluctantly said good-night. The memory of Cindy lingered though. Everyone had settled down for the night and I made ready to lay down on the couch. I stepped into say good-night to Sandy. She was awake and lying in bed with just the night light on.

"Phyllis was questioning me how you got undressed and into bed this morning."

"I know, she asked me too. Thank God we didn't have to lie about anything. I would feel so guilty if we had gone beyond what was appropriate."

"I would too. Look, I may not see you in the morning. I'm heading north early. Rena and Mom will get things going in the morning for you."

"Adrian, thank you for everything. You know this whole family would fall apart if it wasn't for you."

"Whatever. I'll see you on the weekend." I went in and crawled onto the couch. It had been a long day for me and I went right off to sleep.

"Adrian, please come help me." I roused up and instinctively knew it was very late. This call came from Sandy's bedroom.

I got up and went to see what she needed. That would be the bathroom. "I'll get Phyllis. She has to learn some responsibility." I went in and shook my sister. "Wake up, your mother needs you."

"What for?"

"She needs the bathroom."

"You helped her this morning."

"I know, but there was no one else here to help at that time. You are here and it is better that you be the one to do for her now."

"Okay, I understand." I went back to my couch.

Dad was allowed to leave the hospital late Friday. It was decided that he would bump Rich from his bed and would stay in Sandy's apartment. Sandy had regained the use of her left hand by then, although it was stiff and sore. She had to be cautious about bending her finger joints as the scabs tended to crack open and bleed.

Mom didn't go in to see him at all, leaving his care up to Phyllis and Rena. I stopped in Saturday morning to see how they were managing. I was pleased when Dad said how useful Phyllis was to her mother and now to him. The only real news he had for me concerning what happened was that Rome Darcy was in jail awaiting arraignment. He had been arrested late on Friday. This was on the local news.

I went up to Mom's apartment. She and Peter had plans for the day. "Have you talked to Dad?"

"No. I can't bring myself to be in the same room with him. Oh, I know I was at Christmas, but now I can't stand him. You know what? I don't even mind that he got shot. He deserved it. Say what you want about all of his good intentions lately, if he hadn't hired that man years ago, he wouldn't have been wounded now."

"I know Mom. I feel somewhat the same way about the situation. How about Sandy? Do you hate her because she is going back to him?"

"No, of course not. She has her children to look out for. He is responsible for them and it is best for all. It isn't like you and Andrea who had to grow up on your own."

"Do you mind that I'm helping him then? Helping both he and Sandy, I mean?"

"God no. I have come to expect it of you. I'd be more surprised if you didn't. Just don't ask me to be friends with him. I have found Peter and he is going to make me very happy. He already has for that matter."

"I'm glad. Hey Mom, I have to run. I have a breakfast date."

"This is the Bickford girl you introduced to Sandy a week ago?"

"That's the one Mom. How soon can I bring her home to meet you?"

"I've met her already. She has been up during her noon hour and she got out of work early on Thursday to visit Sandy. Sandy brought her over to meet me. She's nice."

"I think so. I'll see you sometime before I return to school. Love you."

I waited in the parking lot of the Chelsea Royal Diner for Cindy. She was a few minutes early. Could I read something into this? I certainly hoped it was because she was anxious to see me. The bright smile I received made me think she just might be.

Breakfast was over. When we got outside she asked, "What's on for today? I don't want to go skiing again."

"Your choice this time. Sis and I chose last Saturday."

"Okay, have you ever been to an antique shop? There is a great place in Chester called Stone House Antiques. There is a lot of old stuff just as it comes out of somebody's attic. It is only forty miles from here."

"You're in charge. I warn you, I know nothing about antiques."

"You can learn. Antiques are my passion. I'm collecting a little. Items are expensive as hell, but if you choose well, it can be a good investment."

"What do you have so far?"

"I have a child's oak fall front desk that I paid $95 for. I sent a picture to a site that makes a guess from the details you send with it. They gave me an estimate of $250 to $430. I also have a child's convertible that was made in Morrisville, Vermont in 1870. It is in almost perfect condition. I saw a picture of one for sale on E-bay. Buy it now for $1075. I only paid $145 for mine."

"And what would a child's convertible be?"

"It's a child's high chair that folds down and converts to a rocker. The mother can rock the child with her toe as she is stting down knitting or reading. At meal time it can be extended again so the child can be at the table with the family. Quite ingenious, really."

"I'll have to see it sometime."

"You can see it the first time I allow you into my bedroom."

"If I'm ever allowed into your bedroom, I don't think I'll be looking at some centuries-old chair."

"What would you be looking at?"

"Hopefully a young and beautiful woman."

"Flattery such as that, just might get you to see whatever you want to."

Cindy and I spent five hours inside the antique center. This was what is called a group shop with many different dealers and individuals putting their items in separate booths. The tags listed the selling price, the booth number and an identifying number or symbol. Sometimes these tags had a discount if it was purchased by another dealer. Also again, sometimes all of the items in the whole booth were marked a percentage off.

Cindy was far ahead of me looking for bargains where I had to look at each item. With many items and tools especially, I tried to figure out what and how they were used by our ancestors. After awhile Cindy came back and we went through each booth together, with her explaining many of the things I wasn't knowledgeable about. She went into a different section of the shop that held mostly old furniture.

I was looking for some little thing that I could purchase that I could give to Cindy for her to remember this day. I found it on the far wall displayed in a locked cabinet. There was a large tag that had some tiny writing on it on the same string that held the price tag. I went to the clerk and asked to have it taken out so I could view it. The silver spoon was laying half encased in cotton in an open 10-inch box, covered in soft leather. It had hardened over the centuries and the leather had cracked in places. There was a logo imprinted on the box of a Boston silversmith.