Mary, Mary

by Lesley Crewe

  Here Peggy was, doing everything so perfectly as a wife and mother, that she had forgotten she existed beyond these roles. Who exactly was she?

  Lounging in a bed for weeks on end feeling like a lump of dough didn’t help her come to any conclusions. She was the saddest case around. She didn’t even care about the wedding anymore. Sheena roared in several times a day to update her on plans, and Peggy would pretend to be interested, but it took everything she had just to nod and smile. Only the mention of Drew’s mother, Maxine, drew a spark…and it was usually anger.

  “What do you mean, she refuses to hold a rehearsal party? That’s the responsibility of the groom’s parents.”

  Sheena flopped onto the bed. “She said, ‘What’s the point in rehearsing if we’re going to be in the house? Just walk into the living room and stand in front of whoever’s doing the wedding. Simple enough.’ Drew agrees.”

  “So far they have managed to avoid this wedding altogether.”

  “Drew’s dad—”

  “Drew’s dad offered cars! Why do we need them? How is that a big frigging deal?”

  Sheena got off the bed in a hurry. “I have no idea! I’m just telling you what he said.”

  “Do you have anyone to marry you yet? I’ve been asking you every day.”

  “It’s just a matter of calling the Justice Centre and asking for a justice of the peace, or a family judge. We have to get a marriage licence too. Don’t worry, I’ll do it.”

  “So it’s final then. No minister involved. We’re going to hell.”

  “When was the last time you went to church?”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “I think if you asked an actual minister, they’d disagree. Anyway, I have to meet Mary and Riley. They’re picking out their bridesmaid dresses today. I won’t be back for supper. Do you need anything before I go?”

  “Bring me up a quart of ice cream.”

  “No. I bought you frozen sherbet. You can have that.”

  “I hate you.”

  “Oh, Mama, you’re being a big baby.” Sheena got back on the bed and gave her poor old mother a hug. “Cheer up. You’ll feel better soon, I promise.”

  “I love you, Sheena.”

  “And I love you. That’s never going to change, no matter where I live.”

  After Sheena left the house, Peggy turned on Netflix and watched a documentary about nursing homes and how the sheer numbers of aging baby boomers would cause a crisis in the industry. It left her sufficiently bereft and certain that this was her future. She sighed and turned off the television.

  Then she heard the front door open and Carole yell, “It’s only me!”

  She arrived at the bedroom door with two Dairy Queen Blizzards in her hands. “Turtle Pecan Cluster—your favourite.”

  “I could kiss you!”

  Peggy’s sister passed her the Blizzard and made herself comfortable against the headboard on Ted’s side of the bed. “Ma passed out early tonight, and Mary’s with Sheena, so I thought I’d pop over. How are you feeling?”

  “Physically, a little better. I can move easier, but these painkillers are doing a number on me. And my arm is so itchy under this cast I want to scratch it off. I stuck a knife down there the other day and almost lost it.”

  “I meant to ask you: do you have a dress for the wedding? We can go shopping if you like.”

  “I can’t be bothered. The dress I bought for Ted’s medical conference last year looks better and better. I’ll make do with that.”

  “I never thought I’d hear those words from your lips. How is Ted? Talked to him lately?”

  “He talks to Sheena.”

  Carole stopped spooning her ice cream and gave Peggy a good look. She didn’t like what she saw. “Leaving Ted out of the loop isn’t going to help things in the long run,” she said. “He’s not to blame for this. You’d still be sitting here all day even if he was home. He’d be at work.”

  “I don’t think I love him anymore.”

  Carole froze. “You’re not going to do something stupid and walk out of your marriage, are you?”

  “Why not?”

  “What the hell would you do? You’ve never worked a day in your life! How would you support yourself? Take it from me, it’s not easy struggling by yourself and being all alone in the world. Is there something I don’t know about? Does he hit you? Is he a pervert?”

  Peggy laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Poor old Ted is the world’s most boring man. He’s not a deviant and he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  Carole scooped a spoonful of Blizzard into her mouth. “Forget leaving Ted. Just find something to do. You’re unfulfilled. So is every woman I know in her forties and fifties. You should hear the way they talk in the salon. Moaning about wasted lives and ungrateful families. I’m surprised women get out of bed in the morning. It’s all hormones. Get yourself a shot in the ass. They say that works.”

  “Pass me a gun.”

  The bridesmaid dress Sheena eventually decided she liked was a real hit with Riley, but Mary thought it was over the top. It was much too revealing and slinky. The colour was lavender and very nice against her complexion, but Mary thought she looked like a Kardashian without the boobs or butt, so what was the point?

  Again, Mary reminded herself, it doesn’t matter. It was Sheena’s day and she was paying for the dress. Mary had been prepared to buy her own, but Sheena generously insisted. Once they were done, Sheena and Riley had driven Mary home and headed out for the evening. Mary knew they’d have a better time without her tagging along. She usually felt like a third wheel around Riley, who was much cooler and always would be. Mary would never possess that particular gene, but thankfully it didn’t bother her, like it did so many young girls.

  As Sheena’s Jeep left the driveway, the headlights revealed Daniel sitting on the top step of the front porch. Kind of crazy on a chilly March evening. Mary always smiled when she saw him. He was the nicest guy. Just like Mrs. Aucoin. And then she realized Roscoe was sitting with him.

  “Hey, you two. Shooting the breeze?”

  “Ever since your weekend away, Roscoe waits by the door for an invitation upstairs, but now that Amber’s decided she’s allergic to cats, I come down here and spend time with him on the porch. He’s good company.”

  “Oh, he is that.”

  Daniel shook his head to get the hair out of his eyes. “Look, I’m sorry about the guitar playing. I didn’t realize it was that loud.”

  “Oh, it didn’t bother me, but my Gran is getting old and things upset her. It was no biggie. Do you play in a band?”

  “Yeah. We do a few gigs around town, but we’re never going to be the Foo Fighters.”

  “Ah, who needs two?” Mary smiled. “And when you’re not playing? Do you go to school?”

  “I’ll be taking a heavy equipment operator course in August at NSCC. In the meantime, I help out my dad with his machine shop.”

  “I wish I knew what I wanted to do.”

  Daniel grinned at her. “You should work with old people. They love you.”

  Mary laughed. “It’s getting young people to love me that’s the difficult bit.” Mary couldn’t believe that had come out of her mouth.

  He gave her a sideways glance. “I can’t imagine that being a problem.”

  Before Mary could process the remark, Amber threw open their front door. “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “Talking to Mary.”

  “Oh, hello, Mary. Funny how I always see you rain, snow, or shine, on the porch or in the driveway. Do you want a timetable for Daniel’s arrivals and departures?”

  “No need. See you two later. Come on, Roscoe.” She and the cat hurried into the house.

  She woke up her grandmother when she shut the front door. Gran had been slumped over on the couch in front of the televis
ion. She yawned and stretched her skinny legs in front of her. “Where’s your mother?”

  “I don’t know. I thought she was here.”

  “Probably over at Peggy’s. Did you guys find a dress?”

  “Yes. And it looks ridiculous.”

  “Who cares? Wear it for a few hours and then sell it.”

  Mary plunked herself down on the wonky recliner. Roscoe jumped onto her lap. “I can’t do that. Sheena bought it for me.”

  “Then I’ll do it. I need more lotto tickets.”

  “Gran?”

  “Wha?”

  “How did you know you liked my grandfather?”

  “I never liked him.”

  Mary pushed against the floor with her feet to keep rocking. “You must have liked him a little bit.”

  “Not really. I had the hots for him, that’s all. He was a good-looking man. Much too handsome for the likes of me, which should’ve tipped me off.”

  “Tipped you off? To what?”

  “Is that the time? I gotta go to bed.” Gran pushed herself off the couch and shuffled off, leaving Mary to wonder what secret Gran was keeping. She had almost dozed off despite Roscoe’s deafening purr but came to when she heard her mom enter through the back door.

  “You home, Mary?”

  “Yep.”

  Carole walked into the living room with her coat hanging off her shoulders. She sat down like she was too tired to take it off. Her mom was nice looking, but she made no effort to spruce herself up, and she dressed like a bag lady. One of these days when her Aunt Peggy wasn’t fretting about other matters, Mary would ask her to talk to her sister. Just to give her some friendly advice. Then it occurred to her that Sheena was always trying to give Mary advice. Mary was turning into her mom. That thought was appalling.

  “Did you pick a dress?”

  “Yep. Sheena likes it.”

  “I can imagine what it looks like. This poor old wedding is going to be a circus.”

  “I suppose so.” Mary yawned. “I hope Sheena doesn’t regret it.”

  Carole nodded. “Do you think she loves him? I didn’t notice any magical sparks at Christmas dinner.”

  “Everyone’s a mystery. Even Gran. Tonight she said she didn’t even like your dad. Is that true?”

  “I guess so. She made damn sure she drove him out of the house. Which I’ve never forgiven her for.”

  “And yet you ended up doing the same thing to me. Is that something I should forgive you for?”

  “That’s different. You never had a dad. I remember mine.”

  “So you’ve suffered more?”

  “Obviously.”

  “Do you have any idea where my father might be?”

  “Probably Alberta.”

  “Should I look for him?”

  “Sure. His name was Dave. Good luck with that.”

  With only a week to go until the wedding, Drew arrived on Sheena’s doorstep at seven in the morning because she wasn’t returning his texts or phone calls. He banged on the door and shouted her name several times before she finally answered, looking dishevelled and sleepy.

  “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

  He walked past her into the porch. “Is your mom home?”

  “Of course she’s home. She lives in her bedroom. Hug me.”

  Drew gave her a hug and didn’t let her go. “I have to go to Halifax today. I’ll be back two days before the wedding.”

  As Sheena struggled to get out of his arms, he held on for dear life. “Please don’t hate me! The bigwigs are coming in from Toronto, and I have to be there. Remember I love you and I didn’t plan this, so it’s not my fault, okay?”

  Sheena was furious. “Ugh! You are the biggest jerk alive! Let me go!”

  They tousled around the front entryway. “Say you love me! Say it!”

  “I hate you, you miserable boy!”

  “Give me a kiss.” Drew pursed his lips in her direction and Sheena leaned back as far as she could.

  “Never! I’m never kissing you as long as you live!”

  Peggy appeared at the top of the stairs. “What is going on? Drew! Let her go.”

  Drew released his bride-to-be. “I can explain.”

  “He’s going to Halifax!” Sheena cried.

  “I’ll be back in time! I promise. I swear, Mrs. Henderson. I’ll be back for the wedding. I have to attend a meeting. It’s about our future. Try and make her understand.”

  “This is the last straw!” Sheena tore up the stairs and past her mother and, as usual, slammed her bedroom door.

  “Drew, could you come up here, please?” Peggy asked. “I’d like to talk to you.”

  Drew walked up the stairs with all the enthusiasm of a convicted felon. Peggy pointed to her bedroom. “Forgive the mess. Just come in and sit down. And close the door behind you.”

  Drew sat on Peggy’s reading chair nervously running his fingers through his hair while Peggy repositioned herself on the bed.

  “We haven’t had many occasions to talk, you and I,” Peggy started. “Quite frankly, I don’t know a lot about you, but I do know my daughter loves you, which is why I’m willing to be here for both of you. You seem like a nice boy, Drew, but I want to ask you something, and I want you to be honest. Is this job an excuse to break you and Sheena up? Are your parents behind this move?”

  Drew was about to say something, but he stopped and regrouped. “In a way. It’s no secret my mother thinks I’m too young to get married. But Mom thinks marriage stinks anyway. She and my dad are not happy, and she takes it out us. Dad offered me the job away so Sheena and I could start fresh, if that’s what we wanted.”

  “Sheena didn’t want it.”

  He lowered his head. “I need to get out of Sydney, Mrs. Henderson. This is a huge opportunity. It’s not like Sheena is leaving Cape Breton forever. She can come back whenever she wants. And I think she’ll love Halifax in time. There is so much more to do there. She’s just afraid of leaving you.”

  Peggy recognized his sincerity and was grateful for it. “You’re right. She is afraid of leaving me, and I’m afraid of losing her.” She sighed. “But in the scheme of things, that’s probably why she should go.”

  “I will be back for the wedding, despite what Sheena thinks. I even ordered tuxes. I told Sheena I was going to wear a suit, so she’ll be really pleased to see us on the day.”

  Peggy smiled. “Don’t worry about Sheena. I’ll talk to her. You better hit the highway.”

  Drew walked to the door and turned around. “Thanks, Mrs. H. Sheena’s right: you’re a great mom.”

  Peggy basked in the compliment for about ten seconds before Sheena’s bedroom door opened. “Did he leave?” she said incredulously.

  “Yes.”

  “I can’t believe it!” she shrieked before rushing to Peggy’s beside. “You let him go?”

  “He’s coming back. He has a surprise for you on your wedding day.”

  Sheena paused and took a breath. She narrowed her eyes. “What surprise?”

  “Can’t tell you, can I? But you’ll be happy.”

  Sheena stood there debating whether to stay mad. Eventually she decided against it. Her nerves couldn’t take much more. “I’m going back to bed,” she said with a shrug.

  With nothing else to do, Peggy knocked back some more pain medication. She hated the drugs and had considered going to the doctor to get her to change it. She began searching online for alternatives, and came across an article about medical marijuana and pain relief.

  Why had she not considered this already?

  But then, how would she get it? She couldn’t ask Sheena. And Ted would be furious if he found out. Besides, Sheena would probably be horrified.

  Peggy racked her brain and thought about the seedy-looking teenager next door
—but if his parents found out, they’d call the cops. Who could she trust?

  She called Mary.

  Mary had a towel wrapped around her head and was brushing her teeth when she heard her cell go off. She walked back into her bedroom and picked up her phone, wondering who it could be. No one called her this early. She was surprised to see her Aunt Peggy’s name on the call display.

  “Hi. You okay?”

  “Hi, honey. Are you alone?”

  “Yes….”

  “I’m going to ask you something and I don’t want you to be…I mean…I don’t want you to say anything to your mother or grandmother. They don’t need to know.”

  All kinds of weird scenarios raced through Mary’s brain. What on earth could her Aunt Peggy get up to that was so secretive?

  Peggy took a deep breath. “Can you get me some pot?”

  There was a beat of silence. “Pot?”

  “As in weed.”

  “I know what pot is. I’m just confused.”

  “I need it for pain relief. These miserable pills are making me constipated. I feel like a hot-air balloon.”

  “But shouldn’t you just ask your doctor for something else?”

  “I can do a lot of things, Mary, but I thought this might be faster. I’ve smoked weed before, but I need someone to get it for me. I can’t roam the streets in my condition.”

  “Why do you think I could get some?”

  “Don’t tell me you’ve never tried it?”

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “Oh God…I’m corrupting an innocent soul. Forget I said anything,” Peggy said hastily.

  “No, no. I don’t mind helping you, I’d just have to find someone who had some.” At that moment, Daniel popped into Mary’s head. “Wait, I think I may know someone. Do you want me to ask him?”

  “Sure. I’ll pay you back.”

  “Okay. It might not be today.”