She switched on the old, box television that sat faithfully in that space for nearly a decade. Although the house was now in its golden years, Mira admired how her mother still kept it in tip-top condition, spic and span—just as she always did when they were children.
As she watched the comedian on TV running from his wife who was after him with a large skillet, Mira felt a warm, inviting sleep coming on, and before she knew it, she had quietly drifted off into dreamland.
What felt like hours later, she pitched up from sleep as she heard someone knocking at the kitchen door.
Who the hell is that? She wondered, sluggishly making her way over to the door. "All right, I'm coming!"
When she observed through the screen that it was Bobby Newton, she almost sucked her teeth out loud. With sheer hesitance, she twisted the lock and opened up.
"Hi, Bobby." Her voice was coldly monotonous.
"Hey, Mira. I…I heard you were in town, so I thought I'd stop by and give you a hail."
She was simply looking at him. His gray eyes appeared so innocent, yet entrancing enough that she could not possibly deny that the baby-faced stud standing before her with the tight abs, muscular physique, short, spiky brown hair and perfectly-chiseled face would be almost any girl's dream. Yet, by the same token, she knew that he wasn't hers.
"Um…"
"You wanna sit for a while out back?" she interrupted.
"Uh…sure."
With hands shoved deeply inside the pockets of his shorts, Bobby followed Mira around to the side of the house where the plum tree and lawn chairs were.
She wasted no time sitting down and stretching back while Bobby took the seat next to her.
"So where's Rosie?" he asked.
"She's out with my parents."
Suddenly, she released a heavy sigh and with eyes fixated straight ahead, she said, "Let's cut the crap, Bobby. You knew exactly where Rosie was before you asked that question. Mom called you before she left, didn't she?"
Bobby was evidently taken aback as guilt quickly shrouded his face. However, he was aware that the bluntness of her tone was just Mira being Mira. "Um…yes." He held his head down like a puppy dog.
She looked at him. "What's with you two anyway?"
"Who? Your Mom and me?"
"Yeah. Why are you practically the topic of conversation every time I come back home?"
Bobby grinned shyly. "I guess it's because I see them a whole lot these days."
Mira shifted to her side. "I hear you've been helping around here a bit—Dad with the yard work."
"Yeah." He grinned again. "Your dad really loves his yard work. He only allows me to do so much, though."
"Thanks." A soft expression formed.
"For what?"
"Helping my dad."
"Oh, that's nothing. He's a great guy; been nothing but kind to me. Did you know he linked me up with that job at the Mill?"
"No, I didn't know that," Mira replied.
"I was down on my luck at that time and good-paying jobs around here were pretty scarce. Your dad looked out for me, so I feel greatly indebted to him. Furthermore, I recently got promoted and now I'm taking up some courses at the Community College a few evenings every week. All thanks to your dad."
"That's impressive, Bobby. Congrats on your promotion."
This time, he blushed.
"So, I thought that since your father always did his own yard work on the weekends, I'd pop by and help him out," Bobby added.
"That's really sweet of you," Mira said. "Dad's older now and I know he refuses to entertain the notion that he can't do quite as much as he used to before. He can be stubborn sometimes."
"You're telling me? I have to pretty much fight to convince him to let me do the heavier work. He thinks he can handle it, but I've been seeing how much his back has been bothering him lately and my conscience wouldn't allow me to stand by and let him do it."
Mira shifted on her back again. "Dad's been on me lately about going back to college."
Bobby's ears were perked. "Are you gonna?"
"Eventually. I have a really good job right now with great benefits, so I don't feel the need to rush anything. I'll go back at the right time."
There was a little silence, then Bobby cleared his throat as if something was actually stuck inside of it, yet nothing but pure nervousness prevailed.
"I…I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me tomorrow or we can go for a couple of cones instead," he stated apprehensively.
Mira was looking into space, obviously giving his proposal some thought.
"If you'd rather not, I understand." Bobby needed to break the ice that had quickly surrounded him.
"I'd like that…lunch, I mean," Mira answered.
"What?"
"I said, yes, Bobby—I'll have lunch with you."
He was now smiling from ear to ear, his face alight with overwhelmingly relief. "Oh, that's…that's great!" The excitement was clear from Mira's point of view. "Would one o'clock be okay? You can bring Rosie along if you want."
"Yeah. I'll see about that."
"Sorry?"
"My daughter's stuck to my dad's ribcage, so I don't know if she'll be the least bit interested in coming with us. Maybe if she hears 'ice cream', she'll at least think about it," Mira replied.
Bobby smiled.
"Oh, by the way, I just remembered something. Rosie's going over to a neighbor's house tomorrow, so she definitely won't be coming with us. She's met a new friend named Alex and is really looking forward to spending some time over at his house with his mom."
"I see. Well then, it'll just be you and me," Bobby declared with immense anticipation.
"I guess," Mira said stoically. She felt it was the least she could do for the poor guy who was so good to her father. Nothing more, nothing less.
* * *
"So are you having a great time today?" Sara asked Rosie. They were sitting at the front window of the ice cream parlor at a beautifully glazed, circular table. Rosie had just taken a huge lick of her ice cream cone.
"I had a blast, Nana!" she managed a response with some of the butter pecan still caked up on her tongue. "And this ice cream's great too!"
Michael and Sara laughed.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, pumpkin." Sara put her elbows on the table and rested her chin atop interlaced knuckles.
Michael suddenly grimaced as he pressed onto his left, lower back.
"Are you all right, honey?" Sara asked.
He glanced at Rosie and saw the concern in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Probably just a pinched nerve or something."
"Are you sure, Pops?" Rosie asked.
"I'm doubly sure, pumpkin," Michael nodded with a smile.
The little girl continued licking her ice cream—this time, not saying very much.
6
_________________
Mira and Rosie made the long walk up the Benjamin's driveway the following morning. The child had stuffed a few play items in her backpack that she was eager to share with Alex. Mira noticed that, unlike the other day, only one car sat in the driveway. It was a shiny, black Cadillac with a convertible top. The emerald green Buick was missing.
She stooped down and checked Rosie's face again after ringing the doorbell.
"Oh, hi. You've arrived!" Andrea said upon opening the door. A plain, burgundy dress with short sleeves was partially hidden behind her pink and white floral apron. Alex was standing excitedly next to his mother.
"Yes, Ma'am," Rosie replied softly, glancing shyly at Alex.
"Hi, Mrs. Benjamin. I hope we're not too early. Hi Alex." Mira smiled.
The little boy waved his hand cheerfully.
"By no means are you too early," Andrea replied. "Come on in, Rosie."
Mira kissed Rosie on the cheek as she released her hand.
"Bye, Mom. Love you!" The little girl hurried inside to join Alex.
"Have you had breakfast yet? I made
pancakes," Andrea asked Rosie who then looked back at her mother.
"Can I, Mom?"
Andrea seemed puzzled.
"Yes, you may, Rosie," Mira answered. She looked at Andrea. "She's had breakfast already, but she always manages to find space for pancakes whenever the opportunity presents itself. She absolutely loves them."
"Oh, I see why she asked you!" Andrea chuckled.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Well, would you like to come in for coffee or tea?"
"I would love to, but I have to help my mother with a few chores," Mira explained.
"All right. Well then…I'll see you later. Don't worry about Rosie; she'll be fine."
"I'm sure she will. Thank you so much for having her come over, Mrs. Benjamin. I'll be back for her in a few hours."
"You take your time, dear." Andrea smiled. She watched Mira descend the porch steps, then she quietly closed the front door.
Andrea followed the children who had already taken their seats at the breakfast table. "Alright then. Let's dig in, people!" she said, sitting down and dishing up pancakes for the kids. Rosie was already feeling quite at home and was anxious to show Alex her toys.
About twenty minutes later, Andrea told them: "Wash your hands before heading upstairs, okay?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Alex and Rosie responded simultaneously.
They hurried into the downstairs bathroom and Rosie waited while Alex quickly washed up. From her peripheral vision, she thought she had seen someone pass by in a dark suit.
"Is your dad here?" she asked.
"No. He left a little while ago," Alex moved away from the faucet so that she could get her turn. He dried his hands on the large towel nearby and scooted out of the bathroom.
"Meet me upstairs!" he cried, darting up the winding staircase.
"Okay!" Rosie yelled back, quickly rinsing the few remaining suds from her hands.
She too dashed out of the bathroom, then stopped abruptly as blocking her passage in front of the staircase was a tall man with white hair and a short distinctive moustache. He was dressed in a black coat suit that appeared to be older in style than what she was accustomed to seeing, and he wore shiny, black shoes. He was distinguished-looking. It was the same man she had seen when she and her mother were leaving the day before.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been running." She lowered her head with guilt.
The man slowly folded his hands in front. "That is quite all right, little girl. I'm Mister Koney. What's your name?" he asked.
"Nice to meet you, Mister Koney." She looked up again. "I'm Rosie. I'm just visiting today."
"Nice to meet you, Rosie." He stepped graciously aside with a nod—an invitation she took to proceed upstairs.
Alex was already in the process of sifting through his toy box when Rosie stepped inside the room. Let's play with my robot! His name's John. You want to?" he asked, stretching out his hand with the twelve-inch tall robot suited in military-like armor.
"Yeah, that's cool!" Rosie gladly accepted and straightaway twisted the twining mechanism at its side and placed it onto the floor. They gleefully watched it march up and down the room until it died down completely and Alex went over to restart.
Andrea heard the giggles upstairs while she washed the dishes.
"I brought my favorite doll," Rosie said, reaching into her backpack. "Her name's Gina. Would you like to hold her?"
Alex frowned. "I'm a boy. Boys don't play with dolls!"
"Why not? I'm playing with your robot and I'm a girl."
"Boys and girls can play with robots," Alex thought to educate her.
"Not girly girls…and I'm a girly girl."
"Who says?"
"No one, but I think since I'm playing with your toys, you should play with mine." Rosie was pouting.
"Okay, okay. I'll hold your doll for a little while, but if my Mama comes in here, I'm giving her back." He took the doll.
Rosie smiled with a real sense of achievement.
After a while, she was on the floor with the robot and a toy truck while Alex was sitting nearby changing the doll's clothes. "These are like my Mama's—only brighter." He pointed to the doll's chest.
"How do you know?" Rosie delved.
"I walked into her room one day and saw her getting dressed," the boy divulged.
"Hurry and put on her blouse before she catches a cold."
"Okay. I wouldn't want her to catch a cold. When I catch a cold, I feel so yucky." He quickly dressed the doll.
"Yeah. Me too. Take Baby out of my backpack. I think he's getting a bit warm in there," Rosie said.
"Baby?"
"Yeah. That's my teddy bear. Mom got him for me on my birthday."
Alex started searching for the bear.
"Hey, do you think your Mom or Mister Koney would like to play with us?" Rosie asked.
Alex stopped dead in his tracks. His face turned flushed. "You saw Mister Koney?"
"Yeah, downstairs. He seems awful nice."
"Oh."
"What's wrong?" Rosie noticed the sudden change of his demeanor.
"Nothing." He placed Baby on a pillow next to Gina, then climbed up onto the bed and went in a fetal position.
"Aren't you playing anymore?"
"I don't feel like it. I just want to lie down for a while," Alex replied.
"Are you sick?"
"Uh, uh." He shook his head.
"Well, you kind of look sick. I'm gonna call your mother. Mrs. Benjamin! Alex is sick!" she cried from the landing.
Rosie heard the thumping of feet mounting the staircase. Andrea entered the room moments later.
"What's the matter?" She spotted Alex in bed. "You're not feeling well, honey?"
"I'm okay, Mama," the boy replied softly.
"Are you tired?" She sat next to him and felt his fore-head.
"A little."
Andrea looked at Rosie. "Rosie, would you like to help me downstairs? We can let Alex rest for a while, then a little later, you two can play some more."
Rosie glanced at Alex. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Mama, I don't want Rosie to leave. Please, can she stay with me?"
Andrea stared at him for a few moments. "She would have only been gone for a little while, honey."
"No, Mama. I want her to stay!" he pleaded.
"Okay." Andrea sighed. "I'll turn on the TV for you guys. You can just watch TV for a while."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Benjamin. I'll take good care of Alex," Rosie stated—the sincerity in her voice brought about an unexpected smile to the woman's face.
Andrea patted Rosie's arm. "Thanks, dear. You're so nice." She went over and switched on the television before leaving the room.
* * *
Mira looked at her reflection in the mirror. The blue, fish-shaped, dangling earrings complimented the light-blue pants outfit she was wearing. She was ready to go and expected Bobby to show up at any minute. Her mother was elated when she heard they were actually going on a date, although Mira made it clear to her that it wasn't a real date - just lunch.
"What are you doing?" She shook her head slowly, still staring back at herself. "You know you don't want to give him any false hope." With that, Mira heard a vehicle pull up in front of the yard. She snatched her purse from the bed and headed out front. The car door slammed shut and she arrived at the kitchen door just before Bobby had a chance to knock.
"Hi. Wow!" Bobby said with a surprised look smothering his face. "You look…very nice."
"Thanks," Mira answered squarely. "We ought to get going."
As she went to lock the door behind them, they heard a car pull up on the driveway.
"It's your folks," Bobby said.
He and Mira watched as Sara got out from the driver's side and went over to help Michael out of the car. She placed his arm across her shoulder and started to walk with him. Bobby rushed over to help. He took the other side.
"What's wrong?" Mira asked, quickly re-opening the door of the house.
Michael looked extremely lethargic and his eyes had a slightly pink hue that Mira hadn’t seen before.
"Your father is just a little tired right now, honey," Sara replied. "We're going to get him inside and tucked into bed."
"But it's so early in the day. Dad, are you all right?"
Michael nodded, but didn't say a word. Mira followed as they helped him to his bedroom. Bobby returned to the living room, moments later, and sat down on the couch.
"Honey, could you give me a few minutes alone with your father please?" Sara asked Mira. "I'll be right out as soon as I'm done."
Mira's silence served as an affirmative answer and Sara gently closed the door behind her. Mira heard the deadbolt click. Massaging the nape of her neck, she sauntered out to where Bobby was. "I wonder what's the matter," she said. "Dad looked so weak and out of it."
"He probably didn't get much sleep last night and just feels exhausted," Bobby submitted.
"I don't know." She sat next to him in contemplation. "He hasn't looked like himself lately and all the weight he's lost since the last time I saw him… I just don't know."
They sat quietly until they heard the bedroom door open, then shut softly again.
Sara joined them in the living room. It suddenly seemed like she bore the weight of the world on her shoulders.
"So, you two were on your way out I see?" She tried unsuccessfully to sound upbeat.
"Mom, what's wrong with Dad?" Mira cut to the chase.
"Is Rosie still at the Benjamins' house?"
"Yes," Mira quickly answered the question she knew her mother had posed to somehow avoid the previous question.
"You two are dressed up so nicely. Why don't you go on your way and we can talk when you get back, sweet pea? Your father just needs some rest and he'll be fine in a few hours. Trust me."
Mira turned to Bobby. "Bobby, I'm sorry, but I can't go."
"Mira!" Sara exclaimed.
Mira was still looking at Bobby. "If you want, we can do this another time. I'm really sorry."
"Uh…sure. Sure, we can. It's no problem." He got up. "Call me later?"
"Sure."
Sara sighed. "Bobby…"
"It's all right, Mrs. Cullen. Ya'll have a good day, now."
"You too, Son," Sara replied sadly.