Kin

by Lesley Crewe

  Lila heard later that the Johnsons were told she had a boy, and then that the baby had died, before someone came to the rescue and straightened out the facts. That terrible news was for another family. Lila had a girl and she was fine, but only for about two days. One of the off-duty nurses called the hospital and asked them to look in on the Phillips baby, because she was worried about her. They soon discovered the baby had pneumonia. It was touch and go for a while.

  Dr. Pratt came in to Lila’s room one day while Annie was visiting.

  “Lila, you’re not going to be able to look after the baby. You’re not strong enough.”

  “I know that. Aunt Eunie and Uncle Joe are going to look after her.”

  “You’ll have to stay in bed for at least six months.”

  “Six months?”

  “I’m willing to let you go home in a couple of weeks if you promise me that you will play by the rules. Otherwise, I’ll keep you in the hospital, to make sure that you follow my orders.”

  Annie nodded. “You have to do everything Henry says. That way you’ll build up your strength.”

  “And even then, Lila, you’re going to have to go to bed at six o’clock every night for a good year or more. That’s the only way you have a chance of recovery. You almost died and that can’t be fixed in a hurry. Because of your heart, you’ll always have to be careful and rest a lot. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your daughter; I know you have friends that will help out. Like this one right here.” He nodded his head towards Annie.

  “I lost my mother when I was young. I won’t let that happen to Caroline.”

  “Caroline! That’s pretty,” Annie said.

  “It was my mother’s name.”

  Freddy was so happy to see Lila when she finally returned to the house. He was eleven now and had a white muzzle, but he was still frisky enough to dance around the kitchen when he first saw her. It was heaven seeing him again.

  Aunt Eunie and Uncle Joe had everything ready for her. She was to stay upstairs, because Aunt Eunie was afraid that Lila would want to help out if she saw what was going on downstairs with the baby. They had put the bassinet and changing table in their room. The whole house was turned upside down for one little five-pound infant.

  But Lila didn’t mind staying up in her bedroom by herself. She knew she needed the rest. The weariness in her bones was deep, so she needed no convincing that this was the best solution for now. But every day, Aunt Eunie would walk up the stairs when Caroline was peaceful and put her in Lila’s arms.

  “Isn’t she pretty?” Lila touched the baby’s face and stroked her tiny fingers.

  “She’s the most beautiful baby in the world.”

  “I think so too.”

  Her favourite thing to do was to breathe in Caroline’s soft skin. That heavenly aroma of baby powder, mild soap, and clean and ironed layettes combined to make a scent that Lila knew she’d remember for the rest of her life.

  Caroline was a serious baby. She didn’t cry much, but looked out at the world as if she knew all about it. Lila was sure Caroline’s eyes were going to be brown, but they became more greenish hazel as time went on. As soon as she started to fuss, Aunt Eunie would take her back downstairs and Lila would close her eyes and drift off to sleep.

  She’d only been home a few weeks when Aunt Eunie asked if Ewan could come up to see her. Lila knew she couldn’t put if off any longer, so she agreed. Ewan’s boots thumped up the stairs. He looked even bigger standing at the end of her bed or maybe she was smaller.

  “Hi, Ewan.”

  “Hi, Lila.”

  “Thank you for taking care of Freddy.”

  “I didn’t mind.”

  They looked at each other. It was time.

  “Is she mine?”

  “No.”

  She knew by the look on his face that she was hurting him, but she had no choice. “I’m sorry, Ewan.”

  “But…the time fits.”

  “She’s not yours.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I didn’t tell anyone. You know how people are.”

  “I know you don’t love me, Lila. Is that the reason you don’t want me to be the father? You’re afraid I’ll interfere in your life?”

  “I do love you, Ewan. You’re my dearest friend, but you’re not the baby’s father.”

  He bowed his head and took a deep breath. “Okay.”

  “Don’t be sad.”

  Ewan looked up at her. “I wanted to do the right thing, that’s all.”

  “You mean marry me?”

  “I wanted to look after you and the baby. I still do. I don’t care if she’s not mine. I don’t want to see you go through this alone.”

  “But I won’t be alone, unless you never want to speak to me again,” she smiled.

  “I can’t see that happening.”

  “I need to get better for Caroline. That’s all I can think about right now.”

  He nodded his head. “Okay. I’m here if you need anything.”

  “That makes me so happy. Thank you.”

  Ewan backed up and slowly descended the stairs, but before he disappeared he turned his head to look at her.

  “She’s a sweet little thing.”

  “She is, isn’t she?”

  “As pretty as you are.”

  “Yes, I look amazing at the moment.”

  He smiled and when he was gone, Lila took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. One father down, one more to go.

  * * *

  Annie was leaving the residence for Easter weekend. She looked forward to having a few days off and was anxious to see David. There were times when she really missed her big brother, but she’d never tell him that; he might get a swelled head.

  Lila had called and asked her to tell David about the baby, instead of him finding out when he went out for a visit. It would give him a chance to absorb the news, as it were. Annie knew he’d be annoyed with them for keeping it a secret, but if that’s what Lila wanted, who were they to go against her wishes?

  As she went out the door of the residence to walk home, Henry Pratt was coming out of the emergency exit of the hospital. They saw each other at the same time. Henry put up his hand in greeting and came over to her.

  “Looking forward to the weekend?” he smiled.

  “Yes, indeed. You?”

  “My mother will make me look for Easter eggs.”

  “You have my sympathy.”

  “Are you in a rush to get home? Would you like to grab a coffee?”

  “That would be nice.”

  They walked down Commercial Street, gabbing like two old friends, before slipping into a local restaurant and ordering two coffees. Henry offered her a cigarette and lit hers before his own.

  “If I could smoke in class, I would,” she said.

  “I have one once in a while.”

  “Not me. I’d smoke two packs a day if I could.”

  “I wouldn’t. They’re starting to talk about the health hazards of smoking.”

  “Listen, Pratfall, I could walk in front of a bus tomorrow and go splat. Life is uncertain. Why not have fun?”

  “I think you have fun all the time.”

  “Not all the time. I hate dusting.”

  When Henry smiled at her, Annie felt like she was being rewarded for something. Like the time she and Davy got a trophy for winning the three-legged race at the annual Sunday school picnic.

  “So tell me, do you like being a doctor?”

  “I do. Although I’m not sure I want to work in the emergency ward forever. I always envisioned myself having a family practice somewhere. I know it sounds ridiculous to say, but I get upset when bad cases come through that door. I’d rather have a steady stream of patients that I could care for over their lifetime. This fra
ntic emergency room drama is crazy one minute and then you may never see the patient again. I always want to know what happened to these people.”

  “I’m very glad you were on call when Lila first came through that door, and grateful that you took her on.”

  “How’s she doing?”

  “She sounds good. She’s doing everything you told her to do. And Caroline is putting on weight, I’m told. I’ll go and see them this weekend if I get the chance.”

  “She’s lucky to have you.”

  Annie inhaled her cigarette and blew the smoke up in the air. “I’m lucky to have her.”

  “Why’s that?”

  Annie thought about it for a moment. “She has this amazing imagination. Lila once told me she was a tree fairy, and I believed her! And when she loves something she loves it with her whole heart, and she’s kind to every living creature on this planet. And you should see her drawings. And she can be quiet for hours on end and not move. I’ve always admired that.”

  “She sounds like you, except for the sitting still part.”

  “She came into my life and made me realize how lucky I was, with two loving parents, a wonderful brother, and a happy home. Lila had none of those things. She had nothing. I can see her yet, on that back step, looking lost and alone. It still breaks my heart to think about it.”

  She covered the catch in her throat with a sip of coffee.

  “You’re lovely, Annie.”

  Annie looked up at him. “I have to say, Pratfall, you’re not bad yourself.”

  He laughed and so did she.

  They finished their coffee and headed out to the intersection where they would’ve parted ways but kept talking instead. They stayed so long that gradually Annie became aware of something in the background. There was a baby crying from the apartment next to them. It was a sobbing cry. It didn’t sound right.

  “That’s not normal,” Annie said.

  “What?”

  “Do you hear that baby?”

  Henry listened. “Yes.”

  “There’s something wrong.” Annie went up to the door of the apartment and knocked on it. There was no answer. She banged on it again. Nothing happened.

  “They’re either drunk or they’re not there.” Annie rattled the door. It was locked.

  “We should call the police,” Henry said.

  “I’m not waiting that long.” Annie picked up a rock and smashed the windowpane in the door. She reached in and turned the lock, then went inside with Henry behind her and followed the sound of the baby’s cries. She opened the shut bedroom door and nearly died.

  A little boy about a year old was in his crib, with a full sagging wet diaper, snot and tears running down his fevered face. He was almost breathless, coughing and choking on his own spit.

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m here.” Annie picked him up and held him close so he would calm down. “See if there’s a phone in here to call the police, or run back to the restaurant and do it from there.”

  Henry found a phone in the kitchen and placed the call. The police arrived quickly. While they were explaining the situation, the mother came back.

  “What the hell are you doing in my house? Was I robbed?”

  Annie, still holding the baby, got in her face. “If it were up to me you’d never see this child again. How dare you leave this precious baby alone? You don’t know what could’ve happened to him.”

  “I was only gone for a minute.”

  “You’re a liar.” Annie turned to the cops. “Are you going to call social services? This needs to be investigated. I cannot believe there are mothers who would do such a thing.”

  The woman grabbed her baby out of Annie’s arms. “Who do you think you are, you stuck-up bitch? Do you know what my life is like? You think I don’t love my kid? Who’s gonna pay for my door? I ain’t got that kind of money.”

  Henry pulled out his wallet and put two twenty dollar bills on the kitchen table. “This should help. Annie, I think we should go and let the police handle this.”

  Annie turned to the officer. “If you need my testimony for any reason, I’ll be happy to give it.”

  “We’ll take it from here,” he said.

  “Get out of my house! Go preach to someone else, you goddamn snitch.”

  As Henry tugged on Annie’s arm to get her out of the house, she kept her finger pointed at the woman. “I’m going to be watching you. Don’t think I won’t. I come by here all the time and if I hear one peep out of that child I’m smashing that door again!”

  “You heard her! She’s threatening me!”

  The police officer closed the door to separate the two women. Annie was almost hopping she was so mad. “Can you believe that?”

  Henry took her arm and walked beside her as she mouthed off. It took her two blocks before she started to calm down. Finally, she gave a great sigh and pushed her hair out of her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m going on and on, but gee whiz….”

  Henry took both of her hands and stood in front of her. “I think I love you, Annie Macdonald.”

  She was so surprised, she didn’t say anything.

  “Do you mind if I kiss you?”

  Annie shook her head.

  Henry reached up and Annie bent down slightly. It was a great kiss.

  “I’d like to take you home to meet my mother,” he said.

  “Hey, I told you I don’t want no mama’s boy.”

  “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, because I have no intention of letting another man sweep you off your feet.”

  “Is that right?”

  “That’s right.”

  “I’ll think of you hunting for Easter eggs on Sunday morning. Gotta go. Thanks for the coffee.”

  “Any time.”

  They went their separate ways.

  Annie arrived at the house the same time as her father. He put his arm around her as they walked to the front door.

  “How’s my girl?”

  “Someone told me they loved me not ten minutes ago.”

  “How’s that possible? You’re still thirteen.”

  “I’ll be nineteen soon, Dad. You married Mom when she was eighteen.”

  “Did I?”

  “You know you did.”

  Dad gave her shoulders a squeeze. “I’m not sure how I feel about some unknown boy taking my best girl away from me.”

  “He’s not a boy. He’s a man.”

  That’s when her dad stopped. “What do you mean?”

  “He’s as old as the hills. He’s thirty, a doctor, and brilliant, plus he’s shorter than me.”

  Dad looked away from her for a moment, as if processing the information. “Do you love him?”

  “Not yet. He’s got to chase me around the block a few more times before I make up my mind.”

  Her dad kissed the top of her head. “That’s my girl.”

  Over supper at the kitchen table, Annie told them the story of the little boy, and then Dad told Mom about the man who was as old as the hills.

  Her mother almost sputtered. “Snag him, for heaven’s sake. He’s a doctor!”

  “What is it with mothers? You don’t even know the guy but you want me to marry him because he’s a doctor? Dr. Jekyll was a doctor, too.”

  “Was he the one looking after Lila? Does he have red hair?”

  “That’s the one. Henry Pratfall.”

  “Pratfall?”

  “That’s what I call him. It’s a long story. His last name is Pratt.”

  “Oh, he’s sweet,” Mom smiled. “I was visiting Lila one day when he was making his rounds. He looks like the salt of the earth.”

  Annie popped another piece of blueberry cake in her mouth. “He’s also the only son of a widow who still makes him hunt for Easter eggs.”

  Mom deflated.
“Oh.”

  “Exactly. So don’t go planning the wedding any time soon.”

  After dinner Dad went into Sydney to pick up David, who was coming home on the bus from Halifax. Dad asked her if she wanted to go, but Annie declined. She wanted to have a bath and soak her aching feet. They never got to linger in the tub at residence. There was always someone wanting to be next.

  She was up in her room lounging on her bed when she heard David’s voice come through the door and shout for their mother. She listened to Mom squeal back and then David’s voice boomed up the stairs: “Where are you, squirt?”

  “I’m too damn tired to come down,” she yelled. “You come up here.”

  “After I have something to eat.”

  This was always the ritual. The minute David walked in the door, Mom had his favourite dishes ready, a roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, buttery peas and carrots, and banana cream pie for dessert.

  It always felt right when she heard her parents and her brother’s voice laughing at the table downstairs. She was a kid again, being sent to bed early. Annie scooped up Squeak from the end of the bed and held the cat in her arms. “Remember the first day you arrived?”

  Squeak squeaked and wiggled out of her arms and settled back at the bottom of the bed.

  “Fine. Be like that.”

  Lila was just drifting off when David bounded upstairs, threw his duffle bag in his room, and burst into hers.

  “I missed you…Squeak!”

  David picked up the cat and fell back on the bed. Squeak was now really miffed. She struggled and took a big leap to the floor, scooting out of the room in a hurry. David then smacked Annie on the bottom.

  “Don’t worry. I missed you too.”

  Annie rolled on her side and scrunched the pillow under her head. “I don’t think so. I’m sure you haven’t had time to breathe with all the female attention. Why did you get the good looks in the family?”

  David shrugged. “You don’t need good looks. Everyone loves you anyway.”

  She kicked him. “Hey! You’re not supposed to agree with me.”

  He settled his back against the wall. “How’s nursing?”

  “It’s good. You can be bossy while pretending to be nice. I still have two years to go, so who knows. I may hate it this time next year. How’s Dal?”