The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  “Good evening, Anna.”

  “Have a nice time, Anna,” Sydney hollered as she hurried Jacob in the door and shut it. “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  Jacob followed her to the kitchen. “Sure.”

  Sydney poured their glasses and motioned him to the balcony. “I guess you see that my going out on the balcony now is a far cry from that time you tried to drag me out there,” she proclaimed.

  “I didn’t try to drag you. I was merely testing your limits. How do you feel now coming out here?”

  She turned toward him. “I enjoy it.”

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “Jacob, thank you for coming over. During that last session with Doctor James, I saw something I hadn’t remembered that has me puzzled. I can’t talk about it with my brother because he tells me I just need to move on.”

  “What did you remember?”

  “I remember a car hitting me, and then the driver getting out and standing in front of me. I’m not sure he saw or heard me call out.”

  “You saw the person who hit you?”

  “I did. It was a man.”

  “What did he look like?”

  “All I could remember was a silhouette of a man.”

  “And he did nothing to help you? That’s unconscionable. How could anyone leave a child hurt?”

  “It was dark and raining so hard that I could barely hear myself call out. I don’t think he heard me. I was covered in mud when they found me, so he might have thought he hit an animal.”

  “How close to you was he?”

  “I was a child. Distant would only be a guess, but now I can’t get that image of the dark shadow out of my head.” Sydney took a sip of her wine and then lowered her head.

  “I’m so sorry, but if he hasn’t come forward after all these years, you might never know who it was. Ted has a point. You’ve been through so much already. I hope you won’t let this interfere with your progress.”

  “I’m not. Which brings me to that favor I want to ask you.”

  “Name it.”

  “I think I’m ready to cross the street to the park.”

  Jacob’s eyes widened, and his smile beamed across his face. “Just say the word, and I’ll go with you.”

  She sat up straighter.“How about this weekend?” She grit her teeth waiting for his answer.

  He put his glass on the wrought-iron table, reached out and hugged her. “Yes.”

  She melted into his arms and didn’t want the hug to end. She lifted her face to his. His ice-blue eyes burned through hers and she couldn’t turn away.

  Jacob cradled her face in his hands and gently drew her to his mouth.

  A tear escaped from the corner of her eye and cascaded across his hand. He lifted her face again to his. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

  She smiled as more tears fell. “I’ve been right here, waiting for you.”

  Anna arrived home that evening around 8:30 to find Sydney leaning against the wall on the balcony. “Syd?”

  Sydney turned toward Anna. Her face had a soft golden glow from the light of the street lamps. She wrapped her arms around herself and sighed.

  “So? Did you two have a meaningful conversation?”

  Syd closed her eyes and gently touched her lips.

  “You didn’t?”Anna shouted.

  “No, Anna. We didn’t, but we did kiss. The most amazing kiss I’ve ever had.”

  Anna walked out on the balcony and put her arm around Sydney’s shoulder. “My dear sweet friend. It’s the only kiss you’ve ever had.”

  “I don’t care. If I never have another one, I’ll always remember that one. Oh, Anna.”

  Anna hugged Sydney. “I think you’ve fallen hard.”

  Sydney smiled. “He does care about me. I’m not his patient anymore, and he still wants to see me.”

  Anna shook her head. “Well, it took you two long enough. I think I could use a glass of wine.”

  “You have a lot of room to talk, Anna.”

  “What does that mean?” Anna asked as she filled her glass.

  “How long have you and my brother been dancing around each other? No, you have no room to judge me, my friend.”

  Anna grinned and tapped Syd’s glass with her own glass. “Point taken. I am happy for you. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do. Jacob is coming over this weekend and escorting me across the street to the park.”

  “Are you kidding me? You’re going to do it?”

  “I am. I’m hoping I run into Mrs. Farmer. I can’t wait to hear her voice for the first time. I’ve been watching her for years and feel like we're already friends. I want to introduce her to Jacob. None of this would have been possible without him.”

  Anna sat down and took another sip of wine. “Syd. I hope you’re not confusing gratitude with how you feel about the doctor.”

  “I’m passed that. I felt a tremendous gratitude, but what I’m feeling now is different. My whole body trembles just thinking about him.”

  Anna cocked her head. “Yeah, that’s not gratitude you’re feeling. Have you told Teddy, yet?”

  “No. I’ll tell him tomorrow. I’ve asked Jacob to join us for dinner on Saturday before we go to the park.”

  Anna sat and listened to Sydney as she went on about Jacob.

  Jacob stretched across his bed with his hands behind his head staring up at the ceiling. He heard his father’s footsteps coming up the stairs. “Son, are you okay?”

  Jacob smiled and sat at the edge of his bed. “Yes, why?”

  “I asked you to join me for a drink, but you just walked upstairs without saying a word. That’s not like you unless something was on your mind.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t hear you. I’ll come down in a minute.”

  Senior slowly turned around but glanced back to his son.

  Jacob changed into a pair of running shorts and a sweatshirt and went downstairs to the den. His dad poured Jacob a drink and set it on the table next to the red leather chair.

  “Thanks.”

  “Anything you want to talk about, Son?”

  “No.”

  “How was your meeting this evening?”

  “Meeting?”

  “You said you had a meeting.”

  “Oh, yeah. It went better than I expected.” He sighed and took a sip of his scotch whiskey.

  Senior scrunched his brow. “You can’t fool your old man. Have you met someone?”

  “You could say that.”

  “Good grief, Son. It’s not your patient, is it?”

  “She’s not my patient anymore, and if you must know, yes, it’s her.”

  “I’m not going to say anything, but you know how I feel about ethics. Dating a patient, past or present isn’t a good idea.”

  “You just did say something. We’re taking it slow. It’s complicated.”

  “Complicated?” his dad smirked. “That must be the new catch phrase when someone wants to avoid the topic.”

  “Can we just enjoy our drinks?”

  “Of course.” Senior put his glass to his lips but didn’t take his eyes off of his son.

  The two sat quietly in the den sipping their drinks, pretending to be interested in what they were reading until Jacob finally stretched his arms and yawned. “I think I’ll go to bed. It’s been a long day, and I’ve got to get up early. Good night, Dad.”

  “Good night, Son.”

  Jacob felt his father’s eyes on him as he ascended the stairs. He stopped at the top of the staircase, turned toward his dad. “It’s going to be okay, Dad. I promise.”

  His father forced a grin and nodded his head. Jacob closed the bedroom door behind him and went to bed. He wanted to call Sydney, but it was late. “I don’t want to be one of those guys that smothers her. This is all so new for her. I have to allow her that space to adjust.”

  His cell phone rang. He checked to see who it was.

  “Hi, Ted.”

  “Jacob. I hate to call yo
u so late, but wanted to know if you’ve talked to Sydney yet?”

  Jacob bit down on his lip and rolled his head back. “As a matter of fact, I did. What’s up?”

  “Did she happen to mention anything about remembering a man standing near her after the accident?”

  “She did briefly, why?”

  “I didn’t want to upset her with bringing it up, but I’ve asked my associate to look into it. There are a few things that don’t add up about that night. How did she sound when she talked about it?”

  “Just curious. It wasn’t the focus of our conversation.”

  “Great. I’d hate to think this new information will hold Syd back.”

  “I doubt that. She asked me to come by and escort her to the park this weekend. Are you okay with that?”

  “This weekend? She’s wasting no time moving on. I’m glad she asked you. You know her case better than anyone.”

  “Then you’re all right with it. I thought you might want to be the first one to see her take that step.”

  “Jacob, if she asked you, that’s great. All I want for my sister is for her to be happy, but I would like to be there to see her make that move.”

  “I’m sure she wants you and Anna there. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.”

  “Will do. We’ll talk when I get back, and I’ll let you know what we find out.”

  “Good. See you then.” Jacob hung up the phone. “It’s not my place to tell him about Sydney and me. What is he up to?”

  “Teddy, did you get those ingredients I asked you to pick up for tonight?”

  “Syd, I got everything. It’s just dinner. The man isn’t going to judge you on your cooking.” He looked over at Anna and whispered, “At least we hope not.”

  “I heard that Teddy Parker. I’ll have you know that I’m a great cook. I just don’t have a wide selection, but I make a mean Lasagna, and you know it.”

  “Yes, you do.” He winked at Anna.

  Anna sat on the barstool. “Would you like me to set the table?”

  “Please, and would you mind putting Momma’s favorite table cloth out?”

  “Where is it?”

  “It’s in the top drawer of the hutch. I washed and ironed it yesterday.”

  Anna twisted her mouth and shook her head at Teddy. He tightened his lips to keep from laughing.

  “Teddy, would you please butter the bread and rub that fresh garlic onto each slice?”

  “You never went through this much trouble when I came to visit.”

  “Just do it, please.”

  Everything was ready. Sydney checked the table setting, uncorked the wine, and made sure the wine glasses glistened. She held each glass to the light, took her dish towel and wiped away any watermarks and set them on the table. The salad was ready, and the lasagna was just about to come out of the oven. She wanted it to set before he came. “I’ll toss in the bread when he gets here, but don’t let me forget it.”

  There was a knock at the front door. Sydney spun around in a circle checking every detail in the room to make sure it was perfect. She ran her fingers through her hair, pinched her cheeks and straightened her blouse.

  Anna grabbed her by the arm. “The man is waiting, and we’re hungry.”

  “Okay, okay.” Sydney opened the door. Jacob was wearing a casual, dark blue sweater over a pair of faded jeans. Her heart skipped a beat as he leaned over, kissed her on the cheek and handed her a bottle of wine. “You said it was Italian tonight, right?”

  “I did. Thank you.”

  Anna put her hands on her hips. “Are you going to ask the man inside?”

  “Certainly. Jacob.” Sydney motioned him inside and then closed the door never taking her eyes from him.

  Jacob smiled at Anna and extended his hand to Teddy. “Ted.”

  “Jacob. I never thought I see you over here under these circumstances.”

  Jacob’s face became flushed. “These circumstances?”

  “Yeah, for Sydney’s first attempt to cross the street.”

  “Oh, yes. I’m sure we are all looking forward to that.” He glanced at Sydney and smiled.

  “Teddy, do you mind pouring us a glass of wine?”

  Teddy filled each glass and then Sydney held hers high. “Here’s to new beginnings.”

  They tapped their glasses and walked out to the balcony. “Everything looks wonderful, Sydney,” Jacob complimented.

  “Everyone have a seat and serve yourself some salad. I’ll get the Lasagna.”

  Jacob and Teddy stood until Anna took her seat. Teddy and Anna loaded their salad plates, but Jacob waited until Sydney sat down. She placed the Lasagna in the middle of the table and sat down across from Jacob. “Okay everybody, dig in.”

  Anna was fighting the urge to giggle watching Sydney and Jacob sneaking glances at each other. “You two are like teenagers.”

  Sydney jerked her head toward Anna.

  “This lasagna is great,” Anna quickly said.

  Jacob took a bite. “This is the best I’ve ever eaten. Don’t tell Sal, but it’s better than his.”

  “Thank you.”

  Suddenly smoke rose from the kitchen. Sydney jumped up and ran into the kitchen with Teddy right behind her. Jacob and Anna were standing on the other side of the counter. Sydney opened the oven and pulled out the cookie sheet. The garlic bread was black and smoking. Jacob cupped his mouth. Anna burst into laughter, with Teddy following suit. Jacob tried not to laugh as he looked down at the burnt bread. “Blackened garlic bread; it’s my favorite.”

  Sydney belted out a laugh. “Good thing. Anyone for more wine?”

  After dinner, the tension began to mount as Sydney approached the subject. “I don’t want to put this off any longer, or I’ll lose my nerve.”

  Jacob took her hand.

  Teddy smiled at his sister. “You can do this, Sis.”

  Anna patted Syd on the shoulder. “We’re all here for you.”

  They walked to the elevator and rode it to the street level. Sydney’s hands began to tremble.

  Jacob leaned down and whispered. “There’s no hurry. Take your time.”

  She looked into his eyes. “Hold me.”

  “Always.”

  She took one step toward the sidewalk, hesitated, looked both ways at the street several times and then tugged at Jacob’s arm. “Let’s go.”

  Jacob held her arm and walked close by her side until they reached the sidewalk on the other side of the street. She squeezed his arm and sat down on the bench. He sat next to her while Teddy and Anna stood in front of her. Teddy knelt down in front of her. “You did it.”

  She slowly looked behind her at her apartment. She stood up, turned and wept. She stared up at her bedroom window. “I never dreamed I’d be looking at my glass wall from the other side.” Jacob wrapped his arms around her and held her to his chest. “I did.”

  She wept for what seemed a lifetime then heard a soft voice in the distance. “Sydney?”

  Sydney turned to see the old lady she called Mrs. Foster approaching from the west side of the lake with her walker and bags of cat food hanging from the side. She could barely speak for the tears. “Mrs. Farmer?”

  The old woman beamed. She reached up from her small stature and cupped Sydney’s face. “You’re even more beautiful up close. I hoped I would meet you before I die, and God has answered my prayers. Walk with me.”

  Sydney turned to Jacob, Teddy, and Anna. Jacob nodded his head. Sydney took hold of Mrs. Farmer's arm as they walked toward the bushes. “Come on my babies,” Mrs. Farmer purred.

  Sydney watched as the cats slowly emerged from the bushes and Mrs. Farmer placed the food down for them.

  “I want you to meet Sydney. Don’t be afraid. She’s my friend.”

  Sydney kept her distance from the cats but marveled at how much they trusted this woman. Her soft, calming voice brought every cat out of hiding. When they finished, she said her goodbyes then turned to Sydney. “Who will feed the
se beautiful creatures when I’m gone?”

  “I’m sure someone will care for them, besides, you’ll probably outlive them all.”

  “You’re sweet dear, but my days are numbered. I do hope you’ll visit the park again.”

  “I promise.”

  Mrs. Farmer patted Sydney on the arm and strolled away.

  Sydney watched as the old woman disappeared on the other side of the lake. “Where does she live?”

  She turned to Jacob. “Are you ready?”

  “For what?”

  “You promised me a walk around the lake.”

  “I did, indeed.”

  Teddy took Anna’s hand. “Syd, Anna and I will wait for you upstairs.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to walk with us?”

  Teddy smiled, then he and Anna headed back across the street. Teddy was shaking. Anna squeezed his hand. “She’s going to be fine.”

  “I know. I feel like I’m dreaming seeing my sister outside again and walking. I didn’t think this day was possible.”

  Sydney stopped by the bridge and watched the turtles beneath the water. “You know I’ve only seen this on TV.”

  “You’ve never seen a turtle in the water?”

  “Maybe when I was very young, but I don’t remember.”

  “There is so much I want to show you, Sydney Parker.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “I want to see it all, and I want to see it all with you.”

  Jacob pulled her to him and kissed her.

  A man jogged passed them and hollered. “Get a room.” Sydney quickly pulled back to see who it was. It was Trent, or that’s what she’s been calling him for so long. “That’s Trent, what did he mean by that?”

  “You know that man?”

  “Not really. I’ve been watching him jog around Lake Lily for a year. He didn’t sound very friendly, did he?”

  “You’re right; he doesn’t sound too friendly. He always wears those dark glasses and that ball cap. But I don’t think his name is Trent. I bumped into him one day. I think I heard someone call him Gino. Are you ready to go back now?”

  “Not yet. I’ve waited too long for this.”

  He took her hand and wrapped it around his arm. “I’m in no hurry.”

  The soft glow of the streetlamps flickered on as Sydney and Jacob continued their walk along the path. Children were still begging their mother’s to let them feed the ducks a little longer, young couples strolled arm and arm with the occasional gazing into each other’s eyes, and the Egrets began their flights to roost in the branches of the Cypres trees along the shore.