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Vera had never learned to drive, and she was now at the age where
she feared it was too late to ever begin. This wouldn't be particularly important,
if it weren't for the fact that the nearest retail outlet was in Palm Springs-- a
distance much too far for anyone to walk. Because of this, Vera found herself calling
up friends who had transportation. To her dismay, no one was available.
When prospects looked the bleakest, Mrs. Jacobs, their neighbor from across the street,
knocked on the Overholt's front door. She had just received a phone call from one
of the women Vera had phoned earlier, and was here to volunteer. Mrs. Jacobs said
she was willing to spend the entire day, if needed, driving Vera and her granddaughter
around Palm Springs. Vera immediately accepted Mrs. Jacobs help, and explained to
her why they needed to buy new clothes for Chuck. She went into detail the difficulties
her son was having. Charlie was amazed at how unabashed Vera treated their family
problems. Was nothing sacred?
Charlie wished, dearly, that her Grandma had gotten someone else, for Mrs. Jacobs
was continually spreading "dirt" about others. She was not the only gossip
in Twin Yucca, by far. Nearly half the population were retired elderly, spending
their golden years in a "desert paradise." Unfortunately, the retired citizens
of this town didn't seem to have anything else better to do than to talk about the
private matters of others. Don't misunderstand, all people over sixty aren't incurable
gossips-- that's unfair and untrue. With that said, to the shame of Twin Yucca, gossip
was a recognized pastime.
Against Charlie's wishes, Vera and Mrs. Jacobs decided that Chuck would be better
off at Mullen-Overholt with Jerome, than to drag him all over Palm Springs with them.
"Why can't I stay home with Daddy?" reasoned Charlie, wishing Mrs. Jacobs
would leave the room while she and her grandma discussed what to do with Chuck.
"He'll be fine with Jerome," insisted Vera. "There's no need for you
to stay, when you can go."
Charlie was about to state that there was no reason to go when she could stay, when
Mrs. Jacobs interrupted with, "Vera knows best, dear." It sounded more
like a reproof than anything else. In truth, Mrs. Jacobs appeared to be irritated
that Charlie was refusing the sacrifice she was making-- in her presence. Ungracious
child!
Vera made some light excuse for Charlie's behavior, obviously embarrassed. Seeing
that she was only making matters more unpleasant than they already were, Charlie
gave in. She tried to remind herself that Chuck would be looked after at Mullen-Overholt.
After all, it wasn't as if she were abandoning him.
Mullen-Overholt Nursing Home was not where Chuck particularly wanted to be, especially
since he wasn't himself today. But, like it or not, want it or not, this was where
he had to be. (Charlie was experiencing a similar sensation.) Jerome, who was not
in the humor to keep his brother company, let Chuck wander the facility as though
he were a resident.
As he walked past a vacant room with beds, Chuck noticed that one of the beds wasn't
empty. An old woman reading her Bible looked up and smiled. It was Ruth Clark.
"Would you like for me to read to you?" she asked, in a kind voice. Chuck
entered the room and sat down in a nearby chair.
"Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me," read Ruth.
The peaceful words and the steady sound of Ruth's voice, put Chuck at ease. The calmer
he became, the easier it was to think clearly. Agitation had made his confusion worse.
When he calmed down, the Alzheimer's was easier to bear. The longer Ruth read, the
more placid Chuck became.
"Just look at these prices!" lamented Vera.
"Isn't it terrible?" concurred Mrs. Jacobs, shaking her head, as they passed
a rack of mens' clothing.
"I just don't know what Jerome is going to say about all this," sighed
Vera.
"Times are hard for everyone, right now," admitted Mrs. Jacobs. "My
stock broker says he thinks we're going to see a recession next year."
"I didn't buy anything that Chuck didn't absolutely need," continued Vera,
trying to rationalize spending so much money without her son's pre-approval.
Just then, an animated group of teenage girls walked by. Charlie recognized Jenna
Hanna in the group and smiled a friendly hello. Jenna whispered something to the
other girls, and they laughed. After a few gawks at the Overholt girl, the group
continued on their way.
"Isn't that one of your friends from school?" asked Mrs. Jacobs. "Jenna
goes to the same school as you," she stated firmly, as if Charlie was about
to deny it.
"Yes, I think that was Jenna," replied Charlie, as casually as she could.
What made them so rude, now? Hadn't they been friendly to her, just yesterday? Charlie
tried to pretend that her feelings hadn't been hurt, but they were. |
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