For Keeps (Aggie's Inheritance)

by Havig, Chautona

  Shaking off the morose mood that tried to implant itself in her heart, she flipped the burgers and called for Laird to bring her the buns. It wasn’t the time to grow too introspective. The natives were restless-- able to be soothed only by hamburgers, salad, and root beer floats. Aggie made another mental note. Ask the Lord to add another star to Tina’s crown.

  After dinner, the dishes, a sweet time of singing, and then pajamas and teeth brushing rituals, Vannie, Tina, and Aggie sat around the living room, flipping through the patterns Libby had left for them. Each of them had their own method of perusing the choices. Tina worked quickly, each pattern receiving only seconds of her time before she moved onto the next. Vannie occasionally pulled one from a pile, sorted through past ones for something she remembered, and piled both, and sometimes a third, on the floor around her. Aggie’s style was predictable. She looked at every pattern from all angles. Frequently, she called the others’ attention to some detail or lack thereof. Few patterns left the original pile, but she’d only weeded through a small fraction of the number Tina and Vannie had.

  “Hey Tina,” Aggie held up a pattern of a pinafore and dress set. “Wouldn’t it be adorable to have matching dresses for the twins? We could even use two different colors. Then we’d be able to tell them apart with or without funky hairstyles.”

  After a surreptitious wink at Vannie, Tina turned a poker face, one Aggie always envied, to her friend and said, “Well, I don’t know about that style on Tavish--I never pictured him in something that length, but Ellie would be charming. I wonder if she’d think it too babyish…”

  Before she finished teasing, Aggie grabbed the closest throw pillow and helped it live up to its name, tossing it at Tina’s head. Tina caught it and threw it back at Aggie, joking about “throwing like a girl” and needing “a sharper implement for beheading than a simple accent pillow.” After watching several volleys with much interest, Vannie inched a pillow from behind her back and lobbed it at her aunt, ducking as it hit Aggie square in the face.

  A massive pillow fight commenced. After a pile of patterns were sent skittering across the floor by a rogue pillow, the fight escalated--on the lawn. Twilight faded into dusk as they pummeled one another with the pillows, occasionally whacking fireflies instead of the intended target. Anyone looking at the second floor of “The Shambles” would have seen rows of faces watching the melee in the yard below.

  Aggie’s neighbor watched the craziness for a couple of minutes before she grabbed the pillow from her bed, crept across the yard, through the fence, tiptoed up to Aggie, and walloped her upside the head. “That’s for calling me Murphy.”

  Howls of laughter erupted as Aggie dashed around the others playing an improvised version of duck, duck, goose, whacking each one on the head with the pillow as she passed. Grinning mischievously, she bopped Ellene on the head and screeched, “Goose!” before dashing away again.

  Though having a reputation of being stern and a little stuffy, Ellene retorted, “Not goose, Murphy!” as she swung the pillow at Aggie’s legs with every ounce of strength she could muster.

  The force wasn’t strong enough to trip her, but trying to avoid it sent Aggie’s feet stumbling for balance. Her attempts to right herself were futile, and she went down hard on her ankle. Eyes smarting, she tried to pull herself up but failed. “Aaak. I think I need some ice.”

  Tina groaned. “That’s your weak one, isn’t it?”

  “That was three months ago!” she gasped, trying to swallow the tears of pain that threatened. “It’s been fine for ages.”

  “They’re always weaker after they’ve been sprained, Aggie.” Tina sent Ellene signals requesting backup and added in her firmest schoolteacher voice, “You’ll need to get it checked.”

  “Come on, it’s not that big of a deal, right Ellene? I just go to bed, sleep it off, and it’ll be fine. Right?”

  “Even if you put ice on it,” Ellene began, examining Aggie’s foot gently, “it’s swelling fast. It’s probably just a mild sprain, but you could have broken something.” The woman’s eyes clouded with concern. “I’m so sorry, Aggie.”

  “It wasn’t your fault. Accidents happen.”

  While Tina ran for a bag of frozen veggies to double as an ice pack, Ellene whipped out her cell phone and dialed the clinic. An impudent grin accompanied her voice as she spoke to the person on the other end. “Hello? This is Murphy Howard over on Last Street, and we have a woman with an ankle injury. We’re bringing her in, but I wanted to make sure someone who can run the x-ray is on hand.” A few nods, an “mmm hmm” followed and then she spoke again. “She twisted it in a killer pillow fight. Yes, that’s correct, a pillow fight. Murphy Howard. H-o-w-a-r-d.” Ellene gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes and covered her mouth to stifle giggles. “I think you might know me better as Ellene.”

  Fresh tears smarted as Aggie tried not to laugh and failed. Each shake of her shoulders seemed to travel through her torso, into her leg, and jostle her ankle. Even with the pain she felt, it was obvious to her that this sprain wasn’t nearly as severe as the last one. She didn’t feel faint, sick, the blackness didn’t even threaten to appear--nope. It just hurt and would for a day or two.

  Luke says: Aggie? Is it you?

  Aggie says: No, it’s Tina. Aggie is asleep on the couch.

  Luke says: Uncle Zeke listens to the police scanner and heard that Aggie went to the clinic with an injury. Is she ok?

  Aggie says: Argh! I have to change the settings on this thing.

  Aggie says: I can’t be Aggie. It just doesn’t work.

  Luke says: I can understand that.

  Tina says: Aaah… now that’s better.

  Luke says: Well, hello Tina. So, can you tell me what happened? Is she ok? Did they send her home?

  Luke says: Of course they sent her home if she’s sleeping on the couch. I assume that means it isn’t very serious.

  Tina says: Whoa, boy. Hold on.

  Tina says: Ok, we were having a pillow fight, and she fell and twisted her ankle. The doctor said it isn’t too bad. He thinks she’ll be walking normally in a few days.

  Luke says: That’s good to know. But it looked bad, right? I mean, that’s why you took her in. He’s sure it isn’t serious?

  Tina says: We were just over cautious. She sprained it terribly a few months ago.

  Luke says: Ouch! That sounds painful. I remember that time. 

  Tina says: You do? That was before she moved here. I thought you met her when Zeke sent you to fix the electrical nightmare.

  Luke says: I did. But, when she lived in Rockland, Uncle Zeke had me install an intercom system for her. She slept through it, but I remember how she winced, even in her sleep, if she shifted at all.

  Tina says: You were Mr. Sandwich!? I didn’t know that!

  Luke says: Well, come to think of it, I don’t know if Aggie does. It all depends on if Uncle Zeke ever said anything.

  Tina says: I’ll have to ask. How funny is that?

  Luke says: Do you think she’ll have trouble sleeping this time? The last thing she needs is a bad case of sleep deprivation.

  Tina says: Well, she’s resting right now. That doctor was a little over-zealous and loaded her up on Vicodin. She’s out.

  Luke says: Well, it’s late, and I should be getting home.

  Tina says: You’re not home?

  Luke says: I’m at my mother’s house helping her with a few things.

  Tina says: I’m very tempted to don my matchmaker’s shawl.

  Luke says: Why?

  Tina says: I just can’t help wonder what your “intentions” are concerning my friend.

  Luke says: I haven’t figured those out for myself yet.

  Tina says: Is that a polite way of telling me to mind my own business?

  Luke says: No. I just don’t know…

  Luke says: What I mean is that I haven’t given enough thought to it.

  Tina says: Hee hee.

  Tina says: Ok, ok. Don’t kill yourse
lf. I didn’t expect an in depth answer. I have what I need to know.

  Luke says: Uh, oh. I think I just stuck my neck out there. Are you going to put it in a noose?

  Tina says: Nah. Aggie would loop one over MY head if I tried.

  Luke says: Well, that’s a relief. You know what they say… no noose is good noose.

  Tina says: Good one.

  Luke says: It’s not mine. I got it from one of those old musicals.

  Luke says: Mom says to tell you she’s making a pot of soup and some bread to bring over tomorrow.

  Tina says: That’ll help a lot. Thank her for us. I know the kids love it when they get what Laird calls “real food.”

  Luke says: That boy is a riot sometimes.

  Tina says: Well, it’s time to check on Aggie again. I’d better go.

  Luke says: The whole Sullivan family is praying for her. Will you tell her that? Oh, and tell her to feel free to send us back home tomorrow if it’s too much to have us there.

  Tina says: Sure thing! I think it’ll be a welcome distraction to have your mom there teaching her how to ruin fabric, notions, and trims.

  Luke says: Thank you, Tina. I know how much it means to Aggie that you’re here. We would have helped, but an old friend is much better.

  Tina says: I see your point, but I’m not sure how much I like being called old. I guess it’s just one more proof that the Lord knows what He’s doing--especially when we don’t.

  Tina says: Ok, gotta go. Nighters, Luke. You’re a good friend to her too.

  Luke says: Goodnight, Tina and thanks.

  Sew What?

  Chapter 4

  Thursday, August 7th

  Aggie awoke cotton-headed and exhausted--a great contrast to Tina’s chipper exuberance, despite getting up in the middle of the night to wake Aggie for her pain medication. The sun shone through the living room window, the birds sang outside, and even the geraniums hanging in their pots from the porch railing fluttered their petals in the wind as if to greet her. The scent of freshly baked blueberry muffins lingered in the air, making her stomach growl.

  “How did you have time to bake muffins? The kids aren’t even awake yet!”

  “I got up to get you your medication, so I decided to bake while there weren’t any fingers to lick the bowl clean. Around here, if you give anyone a lick or two, there isn’t enough left to bake!”

  Tina arrived with orange juice, a buttered muffin, and another Vicodin. “Time for the next dose.”

  “Are you sure? It seems like you just woke me up for the last one.”

  “The bottle says,” Tina began, hands on her hips and a stubborn expression on her face, “to take one tablet every six hours as needed for pain. You’re in pain, so take the tablet.”

  “But it’s not that bad.” Even as she spoke, Aggie knew she’d lose the battle. Her foot was aching already. It wasn’t unbearable, but if the full force of the medication wore off, it would probably become nightmarish again.

  A squeal and then a screech pierced the morning air. Without another word, Aggie reached for the tablet and the glass of juice Tina offered. “You’re right. My head is starting to throb.”

  Aggie despised how fuzzy-headed the pills made her feel, but fuzz trumped pain any day. If she hadn’t yet convinced herself of the wisdom in taking the medication, the sight of Ian making a beeline for her would have. The child squealed at the sight of “Gaggie” and tried to rush her, but Tina scooped him up before he could attack the ankle.

  Vannie’s apologies began before Tina could settle Ian in his aunt’s arms, but Aggie stopped her. “Vannie, it’s ok. You expect too much of yourself.” She gestured for the girl to come closer. “You do so much around here to help me. It’s not your fault that Ian is fast, and you didn’t anticipate his every move.”

  “I just don’t want to see you hurt anymore. I try to help, but sometimes I think I make things worse.”

  Before Aggie could reply, Tina draped an arm around the girl’s shoulders and steered her toward the front door, calling for the children to pour juice, grab the grapes from the fridge, and the hard-boiled eggs on the counter. “You know what to do; get food on the table. We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  From where she sat, Aggie couldn’t hear what Tina said to Vannie, but she watched the girl’s face change from troubled to nearly beaming. Squabbles started in the kitchen, but Aggie put an immediate stop to them. “Ok, Ellie, come get Ian and put him in his chair. Laird, peel the eggs, Tavish, rinse the grapes, Kenzie, put plates on the island, and Cari and Lorna, go sit down. When Vannie entered again, Aggie forced herself to send her to help. “I need you to go pour the juice and make plates for Cari and Lorna. Oh, and tell Laird to cut up grapes and feed them and bites of muffin to Ian.”

  Vannie agreed happily, entering the kitchen with that confidence and sense of purpose that only comes from knowing you’re appreciated and needed. Tina shook her head. “How do you do it? I would never have thought of asking her to do more after she was just taking on too much responsibility.”

  “It’s something Libby said the other day. She said that we tend to overcompensate when children react poorly to a situation and that creates new problems.”

  “Wasn’t she talking about kids manipulating you after getting in trouble?” Tina stood, hands on hips, and frowned. “I think that medication is affecting your thinking.”

  “Well, I just thought it applied the other way too. We can make a kid feel unneeded just because they don’t have to take on responsibilities that aren’t theirs to assume.”

  “Well, it was obviously the right thing to do, but I know I wouldn’t have done it--” Her eyes caught movement on the street, and she smiled. “The world’s steadiest handyman and his gem of a mother have arrived. Is he going to finish your closet today? I swear, he’s taking more time on that one room than it took him to do the rest of the bedrooms.”

  “He’s building the taj-ma-closet in there.”

  “You’ve got the room for it, and once this work is done, just think about how cool it’ll be shopping to fill it with new clothes.”

  Aggie shook her head. “You know I can’t afford to do that. I will start buying more, though. I can’t wait to wear something remotely attractive again.”

  Before she could continue, Luke knocked softly on the screen, and then opened the door for his mother. “Good morning. How’s the invalid?”

  As she stepped in the door, carrying a large pot of soup, Libby rolled her eyes and jerked her head toward Luke. “Ignore my Luke. He likes to tease.”

  “I learned from the best, mother mine. Oh, I forgot the bread.” With that, he disappeared outside and away from the onslaught of joking sure to commence.

  “There are two casseroles in that box behind your seat. Don’t forget them!”

  It seemed that Libby’s spiritual gift of service was out in full force, making Aggie feel like a princess. When he returned from his third trip to the truck, he dumped a pillow and blanket on one of the chairs and helped Aggie to the other while he and Libby worked to make the couch as comfortable as possible. As they worked, he talked almost non-stop and without the usual pauses. “Mom always said that a couch is only as comfortable as the quilt that covers it when you’re sick.”

  “But I’m not sick…” Aggie couldn’t resist reminding him.

  “Well, it’s the same thing. You need to be as comfortable as possible so you’ll stay put and let that ankle heal.”

  A protest erupted before she could stop and consider how ungracious it might sound. “I’m not that injured. It was just a little wrench. Look! The thing is hardly swollen. The doctor just wants to be a little cautious since I sprained it a few months ago.”

  Libby gestured for Luke to help Aggie back to the couch. “That’s well and good, but he still said to rest it, didn’t he?”

  “He said I could probably handle crutches just fine--”

  “In this house, with all the stairs getting inside, upstairs, up to yo
ur room, down to the basement, even down to the mudroom, you think crutches are going to help? Rest it.” Luke’s voice held a firmness she’d only heard him use with Cari.

  “But I’ve got so much to do--”

  He fluffed an enormous pillow and helped her sink back against it. Settling her ankle ever so gently on another pillow, Luke waited for her to meet his eyes before he said in that same firm tone, “Aggie, lay down. You can fight doctors and friends, but you cannot fight my mother. She’s going to help you plan a million charming little wardrobes right here.” His jaw worked as he took his time formulating what he wanted to say next. “It needs to be done, and you can do that reclining on the couch just as well as you could standing at the table.”

  Aggie hesitated. “I--”

  Leaning over her, his eyes locked on hers and with a voice so soft and earnest that the others could only hear the tone instead of the words, he added, “Please, Mibs. Rest.”

  Libby, returning from the kitchen with water and a bowl of grapes, stopped in the doorway of the living room, eyes wide. Tina stifled a giggle, and Vannie, watching everyone from the stairs, furrowed her brow, clearly lost as to what was so interesting to the other two women. Luke, unaware that he was the object of much speculation, didn’t move until he heard her agreement.

  ~*~*~*~

  All throughout the morning and into the afternoon, Luke, Libby, Tina, and the children worked to keep Aggie sitting. When Mr. Moss called about the paperwork he’d retrieved the previous day, Aggie tried to get up to grab her clipboard and found it thrust into her hands by Laird who looked very severe for the usually happy-go-lucky boy. When her glass was empty, before she could move her good leg off the couch, Ellie whisked it away and returned with a fresh glass of water. Luke brought snacks every time he went through the kitchen, which amused her greatly. It was impossible to eat all the food he brought, but thanks to the help of ravenous twins, a steady grazer like Ian, and the kitten who managed to snatch bites of anything left unattended, nothing went to waste.