Promise To Keep

by Rainwater, Priscilla Poole

  Aisha couldn’t help but laugh, the little girl didn’t beat around the bush. “There’s a few things for you in the back seat, why don‘t you go grab them.”

  As the girl ran off she looked up to see a scruffy, haggard looking Connell holding Shawn.

  “Hello, Connell.” she said as she approached him, her attention on the baby. Her dark eyes lit up looking at the child. “My goodness! He’s growing so fast…”

  She reached for her godson and was surprised that the little boy reached his chubby arms towards her with a smile on his face.

  Gently taking the child in her own arms she looked at Connell and decided to extend a small olive branch. “How have you been? Holding up Ok? Don’t worry, we’ll all get through this, Connell.”

  Connell shoved his hands in his jeans pocket, and shrugged. “I’m fine, I guess.” Looking towards the SUV he said, “Let me help you with your bags, Jenny has a room all ready for you. After that I’ll need to feed the animals, then I’ll get cleaned up and drive you to the hospital.”

  Waiting for him to gather her bags, she then followed him to the house.

  As he held the door open for her with his foot, allowing her to enter, Abby came skipping in behind her, pleased with her new trinkets.

  Looking around the house, she couldn’t decide what she needed to do first, clean the house or get her things unpacked. Looking at the room littered with plates, clothing and other items, she knew Jenny would throw a fit if she came home and the house looked like this. She sighed and looked at Abby, who was taking her gifts out of the large bag. “Abby, take those things to your room.”

  Abby gave her a questioning look, but Aisha put her hands on her hips and giving her the “Don‘t you even try it young lady“ look. Abby gathered the bags and went to her room.

  Since Shawn seemed happy playing with her locks she carried him into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator to see what she could put together for them for lunch.

  “Ok, your bags are in your room, the one you always stay in. I’m going to take care of the animals.” Connell said as he quickly tried to leave her to the house and the children.

  Knowing what he was trying to do she told him to stop right where he was. Handing Shawn to him she said, “I’m going to make lunch, then we need clean the house up and go to the market.”

  Already getting frustrated, Connell put Shawn in the playpen. “Look, the animals need to be fed, they can’t feed themselves. Besides, Jen’s never needed me to help in here.”

  Aisha gave him a look like she was dealing with an impatient child as she pulled her black leather coat off and put it on the back of a kitchen chair. She rolled up the sleeves on her black turtleneck sweater and snapped, “Yeah well, Jenny’s had much more experience being a mother and homemaker than I have. I’ve never been the domestic type, never will be. You’re going to help me, and if you need help with the animals, I’ll help with that after WE are done in here.”

  Connell looked doubtful as he stared at the expensive clothes and hiking boots that didn’t have a smudge of dirt of them. He couldn’t picture her helping feed farm animals, and he just knew she would have a fit if she stepped in a cow patty with those expensive shoes. Suddenly, he had to fight the urge to keep from laughing. But for the moment, he was too grateful for the help, any help at all, to argue with her. He went to the sink and began loading the dishes as she prepared to wash them.

  After finishing she decided to make ham and cheese omelets with pan-fried potatoes, topped with sautéed onions. She knew it wasn’t a meal fit for a king, but after the wonderful meal she had had at the roadside café’ earlier, she knew it would be a hearty, delicious meal that would stick to their ribs.

  “When was Jen admitted to the hospital?” she asked as she cracked the eggs and began to whip them with the eggbeater.

  “Yesterday morning. She wanted to be here when you arrived, but the doctor felt she needed to stay overnight. So I made her stay.”

  The way he had said, “So I made her stay” raised her hackles, and she stopped what she was doing and turned to stare at him.

  They looked at one another warily for a moment, like two boxers circling one another. Finally she turned and took an empty container from the cupboards behind her.

  “What kind of treatment is she getting?” she asked as she started cutting fruit to make juice.

  Connell leaned against the counter, watching her. “That’s the frustrating thing. She doesn’t want to suffer like her mom, and she’s afraid that treatments will make her even worse rather than better. She just doesn‘t want to fight it, she‘s fighting us instead.” he sighed while running his hands over his face.

  She began squeezing the fruit with great zeal, shaking her head as her full lips pinched into a thin line. “Connell, she has to try. Listen, I know an herbalist, a good one. He’s been featured on TLC and the Discovery Network. He’s also a friend, and if I ask him to come have a look at her, I’m sure he will. I really think he could help her.” she said, partially holding her breath in the hopes he wouldn’t dismiss the notion out of hand.

  “We’ll talk to her together.“ he replied, grateful that someone else, someone Jenny would listen to, would try to get her to consider other treatment alternatives. “Maybe coming from you, she’ll listen.” he finished as he went to the table and sat down. “Thanks Aisha.” he said in a voice so low she barely heard it.

  She had to stop her mouth from falling open. This new, humble Connell was throwing her completely off balance.

  Turning back to the counter, she started to preparing the omelets, thinking of a way to get Jenny to fight.

  Chapter 3

  After they had their meal they cleaned both of the children up. Connell refused her offer to help feed the animals, so while he did that she freshened up and changed into a cream colored sweater, suede pants and matching boots. She tussled her locks and applied some berry lip-gloss. After finishing she went downstairs searching for Connell and the kids, and found them waiting in the den.

  Abby was still playing with her doll. Every country Aisha visited she always bought a doll for Abby, one that more less represented the culture, and this particular doll was adorned in colorful robes and beaded jewelry.

  Connell was still dressed in his work jeans and flannel shirt, and his shaggy hair was covered with a red cap sporting the “Dodge” logo. His dress was typical for the farmers and working class people in the area.

  She gathered the things she had for Jenny, personal items she thought she might need, and a gift she had gotten for her in Cincinnati. Shawn had fallen asleep in his father arms, so she grabbed his baby bag. Walking out to the huge Dodge Ram pickup she stopped as Abby darted around her, held her arms up for her dad, and giggled as he lifted her with one arm and plopped her down on the back seat. The truck was a one-ton four wheel drive, and it was quite a big step for anyone under six feet in height to climb into the cab.

  Aisha waited as Connell secured the baby in the car seat. When he was done he stood to the side and offered his hand to help her up inside the truck.

  She wondered what was up with him being nice, it wasn’t like him at all. At least when it came to her. He’s just happy and relieved to have help with the kids, and doesn’t want to risk pissing me off….she thought pessimistically.

  She took his hand and he stepped behind her. She felt a pleasant tingle as his other hand came to rest firmly on her ribcage, then she was half lifted into the passenger seat.

  On the drive to the hospital she had to endure country music. She could have dealt with it if it was the new kind of country, a little Reba or Kenny Chesney wasn’t that bad. But no, he had to play Hank Williams Sr.

  She couldn’t help but chuckle as she heard Abby in the backseat singing along, or trying to anyway. It was impossible for a little girl her age to imitate Hank’s whiny, nasal-sounding voice, and it was comical hearing an innocent little thing like her wailing “Your cheatin’ hearrrrt, will tell on you!”

/>   She thought, Hank Sr. just wasn’t meant to be played anywhere but rundown, rebel-flag waving honkytonks. And even then I would have to be so drunk I passed out somewhere between the second and third verse.

  Finally managing to tune out the disastrous Abby and Hank duo, she spent time looking at her surroundings. She noticed all the farms were spaced several miles apart. She had to admit to herself the scenery was lovely, she had never paid very close attention before when she came to visit. Her time had always been extremely limited, usually a day or two before she was off to her next assignment. During those times she had only had eyes for Jenny and the kids. Now she found herself wishing they had all taken a day now and then to go out on a picnic or something, maybe did some exploring. Fishing. Camping. There was so much more they could have done. Could have. The thought depressed her. Feeling weary, she eased the top half of the seat back and closed her eyes.

  Glancing over at her, Connell considerately turned the music down low and quietly told Abby to save her singing for later.

  Not opening her eyes Aisha thanked him with a faint smile on her lips. The faint sound of music, warm air coming from the heater and the low rumble of the truck’s powerful engine lulled her, and she dozed lightly.

  Sometime later she was awakened when she felt the truck come to a stop. Sitting up, she saw an old three-story brick building, the sign outside reading, ’Mercy Hospital’ in giant red letters, and her mouth dropped open in dismay. From the looks of the place it had to have been built in the 1940s. “Please tell me this isn’t the hospital she’s in…..” she said, finally tearing her eyes away and looking at Connell.

  Connell slumped back and pulled off his cap, running a hand over his head. He knew what was coming, and wasn’t in the mood for it. Putting his cap back on he looked at her and said, “Yes, it is. Listen, don’t judge a book by it’s cover, Ok? Yeah, the place is small, and old, but believe it or not the doctors and staff are good. They’re very very good. Initially, we had had to take Jen to some huge, fancy hospital in Knoxville for some tests. When they were done, they recommended for her to come back here.”

  Aisha said nothing, but it was clear she wasn’t happy. She reached down and snatched up the things she had brought for Jenny, along with the baby bag.

  Connell sighed and shook his head as he climbed out of the drivers seat. He helped Abby out, then managed to get Shawn out of the car seat without waking him. They all walked to the front entrance in silence, Aisha holding Abby’s hand with her free one.

  When they arrived at her room Jenny was sitting up in bed talking to two doctors. One of them was an older man, and the other looked to be in his mid- twenties. As a matter of fact, it looked to Aisha like he was more of a surfer than a doctor. Her first impressions were not good ones, and she found herself wondering if her friend had fallen into incompetent hands.

  When Jenny spotted her, her worried look turned to surprise and happiness. “Aisha! My God, look at you! Come here, you!”

  The doctors stepped aside as Aisha approached. Jenny threw her arms out and they embrace warmly, both suddenly weeping bittersweet tears, both of them happy that they had had at least this one opportunity to see each other again.

  “Jenny, I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” Aisha said as she pulled away and cupped her friend’s pale face in her warm hands. Her heart ached at the sight of Jenny‘s complexion. Her own brown skin seemed to make Jenny’s sickly pallor look nearly transparent.

  “Oh….honey, I’m just glad you’re here now, that’s all that matters.” Jenny said as she embraced her one again.

  Finally letting go she introduced Aisha to the doctors, who had been waiting patiently. “Dr. Slemp, Dr. Hurst, this is my friend Aisha Woods Giordano, and of course my husband Connell, my daughter Abby, and my little sleeping guy Shawn.”

  Mumbling greetings to everyone, the elder of the two, Dr. Slemp, suggested that Dr. Hurst take Abby for a soda, so the adults could talk.

  Connell took a seat next to the bed, Shawn still asleep in his arms.

  Going to the other side of the room, Dr. Slemp picked up the chair next to the vacant bed and brought it over, offering the seat to Aisha.

  “Thank you doctor.” she smiled.

  Getting down to business, he addressed the group. “I’m the head of our newly developed cancer center, and when Jenny came in Doctor Boyd wanted me to go over her tests and scans. I’ve looked very carefully through all of her lab work, to see if I could offer some input, an aggressive treatment plan. We were discussing that very thing when all of you arrived.”

  Jenny rubbed Connell’s free hand and gave Aisha a weak smile. “Dr. Slemp has told me I may have till the first of the year. He’s amazed I’m not in more pain, or deteriorating faster than I am.”

  Aisha jumped to her feet and approached the doctor. “Doctor, I know several herbalists that have done some amazing work in treating cancer. I know it’s not the tried and true medical procedures that you would recommend, but it’s been proven to work. In New York there’s a group using Indian cures with different herbs. Could she try that? Under your supervision of course.”

  Giving her a look of genuine sympathy, the doctor replied, “Jenny has made the decision that as long as she’s comfortable she doesn’t wish to resort to any further treatment. We’re going to release her tomorrow. I’m very sorry, but ultimately it’s her decision, as long as she’s in full possession of her faculties.”

  With a pleading look in his eyes he turned to look at Connell and said, “Perhaps you all need time alone to discuss this. Don’t worry about your little girl, I’ll have a nurse look after her in the meantime. There‘s some toys and a television in the nurse‘s lounge for whenever one of our staff has to bring their child to work with them. Small towns…you know…“ he smiled as he turned and left.

  Heading to the nurses’ station, his heart was heavy. He knew that most doctors would agree that they should just make her as comfortable as possible and leave it at that, because her tumor was well past the point of no return. But he hated losing to sickness and normally did choose to try radical treatments, unlike most of his colleagues He was more than willing to talk to the herbalist the young woman recommended, he was always willing to learn something new and hope for the best. But, as he had pointed out earlier, the choice wasn’t his to make, it was the patients.

  Reaching for Aisha’s hand, it not only hurt Jenny to see the panic and fear on her lovely face, it also unnerved her a bit as well. It was the first time she had seen her friend with anything other than a “Never let them see you sweat” demeanor. “Aisha, it’s Ok honey. When I get out we’ll have time to talk about what I want….”

  Connell sat quietly, watching the two of them and praying Aisha would be able to talk some sense into her.

  “God damn it Jenny! You’re giving up, screw this acceptance shit!” Aisha pleaded with her, tears running down her cheeks. “I WILL NOT LET YOU DO THIS! I won’t let you just lay down and die, do you hear me?”

  Propping herself up on her elbows Jenny glared and said, “Listen here. I know better than you what’s going on with my body, and you know what I went through with my mother! I told you about every painful moment, and I am not, I repeat, not going through the same thing! Are you listening to me? And I am NOT GOING TO PUT THE PEOPLE I LOVE THROUGH THAT.”

  They stared at one another in silence in a silent clash of wills, both of them breathing heavily as tears streamed down their faces.

  “Honey, why don’t we do this? Listen to her, please? Let Aisha’s friend come have a look and see if there’s anything he can do. It’s not like it’s chemotherapy or anything. And it would only be a few more days in here. Honey, we all respect the fact that it’s your decision, but I need, we both need to know we did everything we could for you, to keep you here with us as long as we could. Is that so hard to understand?” Connell pleaded.

  Exhausted from the simple act of sitting upright, Jenny lay back down, her eyes never leav
ing Aisha, but her friend was looking down at the floor in order to hide her inner torment. Looking at her husband, then back to Aisha again took some of the fight out of her. What would I do in their place? The same thing, that’s what….. she thought. “Alright, tell the doctor what you two want to do.” she said in a dull voice.

  Visibly relieved, both Connell and Aisha glanced at each other and smiled wanly.

  “BUT, I‘ll“ only stay for two more days, THAT’S IT.“ she said, giving both of them a stern look to let them know she meant business.

  “Sure hon, you bet.” Connell gushed. Handing Shawn to Aisha, he then hurried out of the room to inform her doctor.

  “Can you believe it? We’re actually agreeing on something, Connell and I. The world must be coming to an end.” Aisha chuckled as she looked at her friend and rocked Shawn back and forth slowly.

  Rubbing her aching head, Jenny smiled as well. “It’s just as well, because you two are gonna have to learn to work together anyway.”