Kathy's alarm went off at 6 and she got up with me as Cindy and Jenny just stirred a bit, said goodbye to me, and went back to sleep. Kathy whispered, "Last night was great. We're going to have to do this again, but right now I'm really tired. How are you this morning Joe?"
"I'm tired too. We went too late last night and today is going to suck." I replied.
She asked, "Do you need a Coke?" I nodded as I finished dressing and followed her to the kitchen. She said, "Here you go." As she handed me a can and went on grinning. "I'm going back to bed. You have a good day at work. We have a dinner party we must attend tonight. The Superintendent is throwing it at his place, as an end-of-year celebration, and expects us all there. It always goes late into the night, so call me tomorrow when you get off."
I agreed and left for my house. There were five messages on the machine. It was mom. "Joe, your grandmother has a horrible accident and this time she's in the ICU and not doing well. Please call me as soon as you get this!" Her voice was panicked as I listened to the other messages. There was one from her boss. She wanted to let her know that she had things ready at the office Monday and that mom would go on paid leave of absence with the work and projects she was giving mom. The other three were from mom and went late into last night. I called grandma's house and mom answered. "Joe, where have you been?"
"Kathy's" I replied before she cut me off.
"Mom fell down the steps to her basement. She wasn't even supposed to be on the steps. This time she broke her hip and pelvis and she has a serious concussion! They have her in the ICU and at least she's conscious now, but in a lot of pain. What's you're work schedule like?"
I replied, "I started 12+ hour shifts yesterday, and I've got to be in at 8 today, tomorrow, and Monday. I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday, but I go back Thursday." I glanced at the clock and noticed it was 6:45 and then told her about her boss' message asking about it.
She replied, "OK, here's the plan. Sarah is staying until Tuesday night. Then she has to go back to work for a week or so. I'm coming in tomorrow night and will go to work Monday, pick up a bunch of papers, projects, and files, so I can work on them here. You will be delivering things back and forth for Jane (one of her bosses) and I. I'll tell you more about that when I get there. I gotta run, we'll talk tonight. By the way, let me have Kathy's number, so if you're there, I can reach you."
I gave her Kathy's number and we said our good-byes. We didn't know then, but mom would wind up spending most of the remaining summer at grandma's house, coming back every couple of weeks for 2-3 days, while Sarah was there. I would go there on my days off and deliver things between her and her boss. I got a uniform for work and went to the bathroom to shower and get ready. The shower did help wake me up a bit, but I was still dragging that day. I got into work and that Saturday was very busy, and my being tired didn't help. I finally got off at 9:30, and my boss told me not to stay up late that night the next day would be busy too. It was all I could do to stay awake on the drive home and then when I got into the driveway I realized this would be the first night I haven't had any sex in a long time. I went in and there were no messages. I decided to have a glass of mom's wine and go to bed.
I was awakened to the phone ringing at 6:30 the next morning. It was mom. "Good morning Joe. Mom is well enough to undergo surgery tomorrow, so I'm heading in. I don't know if I'll make it back tonight, or not. If not, you'll need to go by my office on Tuesday before you head this way and pick up all the things Jane has for me to work on, OK?"
"Yes, mom." I replied before she went on.
"Put all the bills on the table. You'll have to start bringing those for me too. Jane will mail my paycheck and I'll call the bank and make sure you can deposit it for me. We also need to talk about how much money you'll need for food and such, because I think this will go on for a while." We talked for a few more minutes about grandma and then said our good-byes. I got ready for work and left. It was busier than it was the day before. Then about 3, it slacked off and mom came by to see me. I took a break and went to see her. As I joined her at the bar, she said. "Hey Joe, Sarah and I talked about it and I decided to head back today, get some things at the house, meet Jane at the office, and head back this evening. I can't stay long, but I wanted to see you and let you know how things are going. You look tired." I nodded as she added. "Your grandmother is getting better and Sarah sends her best." We went over how she wanted the bills done and gave me her boss' number so we could make arrangements for dropping delivering things mom completed and picking up new work. Then mom said, "Well, I need to go see Jane at the office and pick up my first load. I left you some money on the table for food and emergencies. It should be more than enough to get you through the next week or so. Your grandmother is out of it most of the time, so I see no reason for you to come this week. Sarah and I agree that you don't need to see her like this." She got up and pecked me on the cheek as she said. "I hate to leave you alone like this, but I know you'll manage. NO parties, OK?" I nodded and she added. "I'm going to see Jane now and then I'm heading back." She waved goodbye and left.
I worked the rest of my shift and headed home. Mom left a message saying she made it back and there were two messages from Kathy. "I have great news Joe! At our party last night the Superintendent announced that I will be the Vice Principal at my school! Anyway, he also let me know that I have to go to the Capitol for training, starting tomorrow and going for the month. Please take care of my lawn, and get my mail and papers. I will..." The time cut off, so I hit the button again, and it was Kathy going on in a faster voice. "OK, this thing cut me off. Anyway, I promise I will pay you when I get back and make it up to you, if you know what I mean. I told Jenny, I couldn't find your number; but I didn't feel like I should give it to her. Give her a call at 123-4567 when you have a chance. She really wants to see more of you too! We'll see you in a few weeks."
"Damn it!" I thought for a moment. Mom and Sarah didn't want me there. Kathy and Cindy were out of town. Then I realized, there was still Jenny! I grabbed the money mom left and put it in my wallet as I listened to the Kathy's last message again as I jotted the number down, then erased everything, noted that it was 8:30, and called Jenny.
A man's voice answered with a heavy Asian accent. "Hello, Lee here."
I said, "Hello, is Jenny there?"
In an agitated voice he asked. "Yes she is, now who are you?"