She hesitated and I swallowed hard knowing I wasn’t going to like what she was about to say.
“It looks like the cancer has come back.”
“No!” I shouted quickly putting my hand over my mouth.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. But this time it’s aggressive and it has spread. The doctor said based on the test results it looks like I have less than six months to live.”
“No, Miss Sophie, no!” I walked over to her and hugged her. “What about chemo; radiation? Does Dr. Dupree know?” I said looking at her face. “He can probably get in touch with some of his colleagues and have them put you in some of the experimental programs. You don’t know they could have something that can help you.” With tears streaming down my face, “You know the Dupree’s will do all they can to save you. You can’t give up.”
She patted me on the back. “There, there now Simone. Don’t get yourself all worked up. Of course Dr. Dupree would call in some favors and have them experiment on me. But I don’t want that. I don’t want my last months on this earth being hooked up to machines and strangers shooting God knows what in my veins. I’m not afraid to die Simone. I just want to die in peace.”
Looking into her eyes I knew there was no arguing with her. I rubbed her arm. “Do any of the Dupree’s know?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No, you’re the only one. And you’re not to tell them. I’ll tell them soon enough.”
“Why me?”
“Because I’m counting on you to hold this family together.” She looked at me sternly. “When Miss Jacqueline went to be with the Lord they fell apart. Now I’m not comparing myself to Miss Jacqueline but they will need you. The Duprees come off strong and they are in a lot of ways. Some families when things are tough they become closer. The Duprees do too but before they get there they fall apart. They need someone to put them back together. And that would be you. You’re a part of this family now, Simone, whether you realize it or not. And Mr. Charles is going to need you more now than ever. He was never the same once his grandmother passed. I need you to remind him of who he is….he is strong, intelligent, resourceful. He’s a Dupree. I’m counting on you, Simone, to remind him…to remind them all.”
With that Daniel and Diane walked into the kitchen like a whirlwind. Talking and laughing. I turned my body to the kitchen sink and wiped my eyes so they couldn’t see that I had been crying.
“I’m starving Miss Sophie, what you got good for me today?” Daniel said reaching for the biscuits.
Slapping his hand away, “Boy if you don’t get away from those biscuits,” Miss Sophie laughed.
“Nobody makes biscuits like you Miss Sophie,” Daniel said giving her a hug. “I’m going to miss you when we go back to California.”
I turned towards them. Miss Sophie was looking at me over Daniel’s shoulder. As she patted his back and squeezed him tight she said, “I’m gonna miss you too my sweet boy…I’m gonna miss you too.”
My eyes filled with tears as the rest of the family came in laughing and talking without a care in the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that same afternoon Lizzy was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, which was very uncharacteristic for her. She told us that Sophie wasn’t feeling quite right again and with the Dupree Annual Fourth of July BBQ tomorrow there were a million and one things to be done. Lizzy said she hired a catering service and staff but they wouldn’t arrive until early the next morning. And the house was too much for the young girl hired to assist Sophie. The house looked immaculate to me so I really wasn’t sure what needed to be done. She asked Diane and me to drive her into town as she had some last minute things to pick up.
“Simone, I have things I need to do here in the house,” Lizzy said while putting the vacuum cleaner away. “Can you and Diane take the car and pick up the items on this list?” She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket.
“Ah,” looking at but not really seeing the items on the list I said “Why don’t you let me know what needs to be done here. I can help you and it’ll take half the time.” Not wanting to take the car ride with just Diane and me, I was praying Lizzy would take me up on the offer.
“No, no,” she waved me off. “Only Sophie knows exactly how I like things. No offense.”
“None taken,” I said feeling disappointed.
“Just have them charge it to our account,” Lizzy called after me as I went in search of Diane.
Not finding her on the main floor I went upstairs to check her bedroom. Her bedroom door had been left ajar. As I lifted my hand to knock I heard my name mentioned. I stopped.
“Simone is so good for your dad. She makes him happy. Doesn’t that matter to you?” I heard Caroline say in an exasperated voice.
“Whatever,” Diane mumbled.
“How long do you think your dad is going to put up with you treating her like you’ve been doing?” Caroline asked.
“Not long,” answered Diane. “He already spoke to me.”
“Did he?” Caroline asked.
Hmmmm…I was surprised to hear that.
“He said she told him not to say anything to me because she didn’t want me to think she was coming in between us. But he told me to cut the crap. You know in that way that he does?”
“Yea,” laughed Caroline. “In a way that lets you know you’ve crossed the line one time too many.”
“Yea that way.” Diane sounded sullen.
“What’s the deal, Diane?”
“I don’t know,” Diane started to sound like a young kid. There was silence, “What if she hurts him?”
“What?” Caroline said. “Why would she hurt him? She loves him,” Caroline questioned.
“It could still happen!” Diane said.
“Yes, it could. But I can tell you one thing it would never be intentional. She’s not like that.”
Silence again.
“Mommy hurt him,” Diane said sounding like a little girl again.
“Yes, she did, Diane, but that was different.”
“How? Hurt is hurt.”
“Your mom was hurting herself. She had her own demons she had to deal with.”
“Yes, I know,” Diane said quietly. “I’ve always known.”
“What do you mean you’ve always known?” Caroline sounded surprised.
“I was there.”
“Where?” Caroline asked.
“That Christmas when Dad wouldn’t let Mom in the house. I was hiding so neither of them could see me. I heard the whole thing. And I saw…I saw Daddy cry.”
My heart broke for Diane; picturing her as a little girl witnessing her parents hitting bottom.
“Oh Diane,” Caroline said. “I’m so sorry sweetheart. I’m so sorry you had to see that.”
“Yea, well,” Diane sounded stronger. “I decided right there and then not to let anyone hurt my dad again. Even when I went to California I made sure that Daddy was safe.”
“Diane, it is not your responsibility to keep your parents safe or to ensure their happiness. Besides your dad is a big boy. He can take care of himself.”
“Hmpf,” Diane said.
“Oh, you don’t believe me?” Caroline said. “When you and Daniel went to California to keep an eye on your mother he didn’t want you to go. But he understood. And he survived. Let me tell you something, Diane.” Caroline continued. “You do all you can to take care of people…your parents, the patients at the clinic. But who takes care of you Diane? Who makes you happy? Who makes sure you’re safe?”
I could hear Diane cry. And then bitterness filled her voice. “It was fine till she came along.”
“She is the woman your dad loves. She is the woman who makes him happy. She is part of this family whether you like it or not. It’s time you got on board with this Diane.”
“Why?! Who’s going to pick up the pieces when she hurts him? You? You’re going to Japan. You won’t have time for this family.”
I could hear the hurt in Caroline�
�s voice. “Don’t do that Diane. Don’t make me feel guilty for daring to be happy. Besides your grandmother does a better job of it. And don’t make your dad feel guilty either. He deserves to be happy. He deserves a life of his own. He worked hard to be both mother and father to you and Daniel. And even though it broke his heart he understood yours and Daniel’s need to be near your mother. You built a life for yourself there. You have no reason to feel guilty and neither do your dad and I.”
Silence.
“But what if she hurts him?”
“Stop it!” Caroline yelled. “You can’t keep doing this, Diane. Your mom is with Brian. And your dad is with Simone. They have people who they love and who are making them happy. You need to stop being your parents’ keeper and just be their daughter. That’s what they want. That’s what they need.”
Silence.
“Aunt Caroline?” Diane sounded like a little girl again. “If I can’t protect my parents….what do I do now?”
The hurt in Diane’s voice was heart wrenching. I couldn’t listen to anymore. I had to get out of there. Now!
I quickly turned around, ran down the hallway, down the stairs and out the front door. With Lizzy’s car keys in hand I ran to her Land Rover and drove toward town to do the shopping on my own. Hoping I wouldn’t get lost.
As I got further away from the house I realized that my original anger toward Diane has now turned into sadness for a little girl; a lost little girl that needs to find her way. How do I help her heal? Would she even let me try?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I’m glad I went running this morning.” I said to Charles as we went down the buffet line filled with all types of BBQ goodies from beef, chicken, and pork to apple and cherry pies. Large rectangular and circular tables, some under large white tents were decorated with white table cloths, colorful streamers and balloons. They were strategically places all around the expansive lawn. The sun was shining bright. It was a bit humid. Thank goodness for the ocean breeze.
“Babe, how many times do I have to tell you I love your curves,” Charles said while nibbling on my ear…causing me to giggle.
“Hey young man, you better save that nibbling for this spread,” the older red haired gentleman laughed while pointing to the food displayed on the buffet line.
Charles laughed and shook the man’s hand. “Hey there Senator Keeley, good to see you.”
Senator Keely of Connecticut was just one of the many politicians, celebrities and heads of multi-national companies attending the BBQ today. Even though it was on a much larger scale it made me think of my grandparents’ annual Open House and how I missed those days.
“Good to see you too, Charles. Your parents really know how to celebrate the country’s birthday. And who are you, young lady,” he said smiling at me. “I’ve never seen you here before. I would have remembered,” he winked.
“No, you haven’t. This is my first time here,” I said taking his hand and giving him a warm smile. “I’m Simone Cameron. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” the senator said holding my hand in both of his. “By any chance do you live in Connecticut?” he asked.
“I’m afraid not,” I answered.
“That’s too bad. I could use a constituent like you.”
Taking my hand from the senator’s and putting a possessive arm around my shoulders, Charles said, “Well again, Senator, it’s nice seeing you again. Please give your WIFE, Emily, my regards.”
The senator looked a little flustered as he turned bright red. “Well, ah, nice seeing you again Charles.” Looking down at me he said, “Ms. Cameron, it’s been a pleasure.” Then he walked away.
Charles turned back to the table.
“That was a little rude,” I said as I turned to the table as well.
“He’s a dirty old man,” Charles said in a clipped voice.
“Oh he’s harmless,” I said laughing.
“No he isn’t,” he said sternly.
I looked at Charles wondering what that was all about. But then another one of the 300 plus guests stopped by to speak with us.
After hours of shaking hands, smiling non-stop and making small talk I needed a break. Wanting to get away from the crowd I decided to go into the house for search of a moment of peace and quiet.
Not wanting to run into anyone I decided to walk around the front of the house and go in from there. As I walked down the hallway to find a quiet corner to hide I thought I heard Diane’s voice in distress. I began to follow her voice.
“I said leave me alone!” she yelled.
“Oh come on,” a man’s voice begged.
“I’m not going to tell you again!” Diane sounded angry and scared.
Once I turned the corner into the den I immediately saw the problem. It was Senator Keeley. He had Diane pushed up against the wall. She had her hands on his chest and was trying to push him away. But since he was almost a foot taller then she and he had a solid build she was having no luck at all.
“What the hell are you doing?” I yelled.
Keeley immediately stepped back. Diane showed relief in her face.
“Oh, Simone,” Keely said nervously.
“What do you think you’re doing to her?” I asked again.
“Diane and I were just having a little talk,” he gave a nervous laugh.
“How dare you?” I said through clenched teeth. “What gives you the right to keep going when a woman says no? Do you know her father would kill you if he knew?”
“Well, well, there’s no need to get the family involved. It’s just a misunderstanding,” he said trying to make his way out of the room.
“Bullshit!” I said in his face blocking his retreat. “And you already got family involved. Now you get your ass out of here before I call the rest of the family to ‘escort’ you out. And don’t you ever step foot on this property again. Ever!”
“Look,” Keeley said his face red with anger, “You don’t know who you’re dealing with…”
“Oh yes, I do,” I said with disgust and getting closer to his face. “Come near my family again and I’ll let you know exactly who YOU’RE dealing with.”
I moved out of his path to the doorway. He practically ran out of the room.
I immediately turned to Diane who had not moved from the wall during my confrontation with Keeley.
“Are you alright?” I asked.
With tears in her eyes she shook her head “yes”.
“Did he hurt you?” I said looking for any sign that things went further than what I saw.
“No, no…the bastard!” she said, the fear turning into anger. “I couldn’t push him away from me. I kept trying but he wouldn’t budge.”
“Has he ever done this to you before?” I asked thinking about how Charles had described him as a “dirty old man.”
“No,” she said shaking her head, walking over and sitting on the couch. “He was always too friendly but he never crossed the line; till now.”
“Do you mind telling me what happened?” I said sitting next to her and putting my hand gently on hers.
She shook her head and began. “I was feeling overwhelmed with all of the people here. You know helping to play hostess and all.”
I shook my head knowing the feeling.
“I wanted to find a few minutes of peace and quiet. So I came into the den. He must have followed me inside the house because I wasn’t here for more than two minutes before he came in. He started asking me about my clinic in San Diego and how he was trying to get one just like it started in Connecticut, and if I could be on the planning board, etc. I was so excited by the idea of helping people here on the East Coast that I let my guard down. I didn’t realize until it was too late that he was getting closer and closer, as I started moving further away. Once I was against the wall he put his hands on my arms and started saying how we could work well together.” She spit the last sentence out with disgust on her face. “I went to smack his face but he held my hand
s down and tried to kiss me. I tried to push him away but I couldn’t. That’s when you came in. Thank God, Simone. I don’t know what he would have done if you didn’t come in.”
“I’m sorry you had to experience it,” I said, “But I’m glad I was able to stop it.”
“Simone,” Diane said quietly with tears in her eyes.
“Yes?”
“I was so scared.” With that she threw herself in my arms and cried.
I patted her on the back and let her know it was ok to cry.
As if she suddenly remembered her animosity for me she quickly pulled back.
“I’m sorry,” she said wiping away her tears, sitting up straight and smoothing down her hair.
“Don’t be,” I said regretting that the old Diane seemed to be back.
“Please don’t tell my father what happened” Diane said quietly.
“I won’t if you don’t want me to,” I said. “But he has to know Diane. Not only for what Keeley did to you but to make sure it doesn’t happen again to anyone else.”
“Yes, I’ll tell him,” she said looking down at her hands. “But not till after tonight. I don’t want the party ruined.”
Not sure I agreed with her but I respected her choice.
There was silence.
“Diane, I hope you realize one day that I am not your enemy. Nor am I trying to take your place. I love your dad…I love this family. No matter what the future holds I am here for you and Daniel as well.”
She nodded.
“I was going to get some apple pie and ice cream. Do you want to join me?”
Diane hesitated. “Sure,” she said and began to walk beside me.
As we walked through the house and out to the backyard I began to think for the first time that weekend that maybe Diane would come around, maybe not today, but maybe someday. But at least we’re way past the one syllables.
As the sun began to set the party moved to the beach area. Blankets and towels were scattered along the sand as everyone tried to get a “good spot.” Every spot was a “good spot.” The Dupree’s had hired professionals for the fireworks display. The company had a barge docked just off shore to shoot the fireworks from. You could feel the excitement in the air. We all knew we were in for a good time.
Till We Meet Again Page 18
