Something Wonderful Page 9
“How come?”
“Let me order a drink and I’ll fill you in.”
I waved the waiter over. This time, I made sure there was table service.
A clean-cut guy with the whitest smile I’ve ever seen approached.
“Yes, Madam, what can I get for you?”
“Two Lime and Sodas with ice please.”
“Would you like any food?”
“Two sides of garlic mushrooms and mozzarella sticks, I think. Oh, and some chicken wings. Is that okay, Mags?”
“Yeah fine but throw a vodka in my Lime and Soda.”
He scribbled the order down. “Thank you. I’ll bring the drinks over now and the food order won’t be too long.”
I was worried. Maggie Jane didn’t look right. Even her makeup was toned down or was that due to the fact she had gone to bed wearing it and hadn’t bothered to re-apply it? “We’ll have this food and drink then why don’t you come back and stay with me for a few days, just until you feel more like yourself.”
“You know, that sounds like a good idea, but you don’t have to fuss over me, Shell.”
“I know, but you need a bit of TLC right now.”
“Only until I feel a bit like me again. I just have to let Spud know where I am, or he’ll worry.”
I didn’t want this man in my house, but if it helped her to rest and shake off whatever this was, I’d bite my tongue. “Okay, but no drugs in my house, or you’ve had it.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Cheeky.”
Our drinks arrived swiftly followed by our food.
Maggie Jane didn’t have much of an appetite which was worrying again but guzzled the drink like her life depended on it.
“If you’re ready, let’s get home and get you settled in the guest room.”
“Are you going to get in with me? It’ll be like when we were kids.”
“It’s years since we last shared a bed.” From memory, she was a nightmare to bunk down with.
“Come on, we can tuck ourselves in and watch a scary movie.”
“Okay, but I’m not watching IT. You know clowns scare me to death.” I was up for most things, just not that.
“Deal. I fancy the new Halloween movie anyway.”
“Jesus, I’m in that house alone most of the time, Mags.”
“And so am I in my place, but one look at you without makeup, and Freddie Kruger would run a mile.”
“Cheeky bitch!”
“You love me really.”
“I do.” She was my world, but darkness was approaching, and fast. I could feel it. I said a silent prayer to my parents. Maggie Jane had always been there for me, and I never wanted to envision a time she wouldn’t be.
Chapter Nineteen - Common Ground
“Hiya, love, do you have a few minutes to talk?”
“Yeah but let me get my school uniform off.”
“I’ll dish dinner up and we can eat and talk at the same time.”
“What are we having?”
“Chicken Curry and Rice with Naan Bread, you’re favourite.”
“Cool.”
“Listen. Before you rush off, your Aunty Mags is in the spare room.”
“Ugh, why?”
“Don’t be like that. She’s not feeling very well right now, so I invited her to stay.”
“Did she fall off her broomstick or something?”
“Dillon…”
“What’s wrong with her?”
“I don’t know, but I’m worried sick.”
I think he could see how stressed I felt.
“I’ll make you a cup of tea. Shall I make Aunty Mags one too?”
“Yeah, that’d be nice, son. Four sugars in hers with just a dash of full fat milk.”
“Four sugars?”
“Yeah!”
“I’m not surprised she isn’t well if she has four sugars and full fat milk; she’s probably got diabetes.”
I wanted to laugh but couldn’t bring myself to. If I was honest, I felt like blubbing into my handkerchief.
The universe was trying to tell me a story I wasn’t prepared to listen to.
“You know your aunty Mags.”
“Sit down, Mum and I’ll bring it over to you.”
“You’re a good lad really, you know that.”
“Don’t overdo it, you’ll put me off the curry.”
“We’re more alike than you think–both sarcastic buggers. It used to drive your dad mad when we first got married, but he got used to me.”
“He’s just as sarky, so he can hardly talk.”
“True, but he learned from the best, and so did you.”
“Yeah, we did.”
He made the drink and put it on the table in front of me. To my surprise, he leaned in and kissed my cheek. It touched me more than he realised. It was what I needed right then, to not feel so alone and scared.
“What was that for?”
“Just ‘cos.”
He walked out with Maggie Jane’s cup of tea, but I called after him.
“You’ve not been smoking today, have you?”
“Nah, I’ve been using the patches when I felt like one.”
“Good lad. I’ll buy some more tomorrow.”
“There’s no need, I’ve only used one in the last three days.”
I was proud of him, just for that small achievement.
“Okay, love. Take Mags her drink before it gets cold.”
∞∞∞
“Come in,” Maggie Jane said.
“It’s only me.”
“Oh, hello, stranger, come in and talk to me.”
Dillon pushed the door open. “I’ve made you a cuppa. Four sugars with full fat milk, just how you like it.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “I’m parched, but for the life of me, I don’t have the strength to get out of this bed right now.”
“What’s up with ya?”
“I think I overdid it with the drinking and partying, and now it’s catching up to me big time. I’m buggered, Dill.”
“Mum’s worried.”
“I know, but I just need to chill for a few days, recharge my batteries and I’ll be as good as new.”
“You don’t look like yourself, Aunty Mags.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive, now pass me that drink and come sit with me for a bit and keep me company.” She expected him to argue but he did as she asked. “It’s been a long time since we had a good old chat.”
“I didn’t think you liked me to be honest.”
“If we’re playing honest, I love you, but didn’t like who you’d become, but I see more behind those eyes than you’d like to admit.”
“Yuk.”
Maggie Jane laughed. “Hey, I don’t give compliments very often so take them while they’re being offered.” She took a sip of her tea. “Behind that tough façade of yours lies a decent kid, and one I’d bend over backwards to help if he ever needed it, so just remember that.”
“Do you wanna watch a movie?”
“Yeah, I think I’d like that.”
“You choose,” Dillon suggested.
“I quite fancy the new Transformers. I loved the last one.”
“Really?”
“Too right. That Shia whatshisface is bloody lovely.”
“I thought you were quite cool until you said that.”
“Ha! You haven’t seen how cool I can be, and when I get out of this bed, you and I are hitting the shops in Manchester, and I’m going to treat you to a whole new wardrobe. We might even sneak into a bar for a cheeky drink.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“I’m not, but don’t tell your mother about the sneaking into a bar part or she’ll string me up.”
“Wow. You know I’m kind of grounded right now?”
“Leave her to me. I know more than one way to get around her. Besides, aunties have special privileges, and she can like it or lump it.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Me neither, but mum’s the word.” She tapped the side of her nose. “Now let’s get this Firestick thingy working and watch this film.”
“I’ll do it, you probably don’t know how.”
“Oi, I’m only thirty you know. There isn’t that much difference between us in age.”
“I never thought of it like that.”
“Hmmm. Well now you can.”
∞∞∞
“How is she?” I asked when Dillon returned.
“I think she’s feeling better. We started to watch a movie, but she drifted off to sleep about half an hour into it, so I turned the TV off, and left her to it.”
I knew he was lying about her feeling better, trying to stop me from stressing. “Oh, good.”
“She literally fell asleep mid-sentence but drank her tea before she dropped off.” He too looked worried. “Are you gonna take her to the doctors?”
“Tomorrow morning. She has an appointment with her GP.”
“I wonder what’s wrong with her?”
“I don’t know, love, but you know Mags… she’s usually raring to go.”
“Yeah,” he replied, looking concerned. “I’m starving, can we eat?”
I guess that was the end of the conversation. “Just let me check the rice.”
“I’ll set the table and get another plate for Aunty Mags. She might want something to eat when she wakes up.”
Who was this kid and what had he done with Dillon?
“Thanks, you’re a good lad.” We ate dinner in relative silence, which was nothing new. But I knew there were things on his mind. “Can you go check on Mags for me, and I’ll wash the dishes, and tidy up?”
“Yeah.”
“What do you have planned for tonight?”
“I’ve got a new game on my PS4.”
“Did your Dad buy it for you?”
“Yeah, he said he’d get me the extras for it when I next see him.”
I grabbed my purse off the windowsill and retrieved my debit card. “Here you are.” I handed him the card. “Get your extras on this.”
“No, it’s okay. They’re forty-five quid. Dad will buy them.”
“Let me get them for you. Your Dad and I still share a bank account, so it’s fine, and you’ve been so good and cheered me up, you deserve it.”
“Thanks, Mum. I’ll check Aunty Mags, then do these dishes and, then go to my room.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll check on her and sort these dishes, you go and play your game.”
“Okay.” He rushed out and up the stairs.
I made my way up the stairs and knocked on Maggie Jane’s door. There was no answer, so I stepped inside. She was fast asleep, and I didn’t have the heart to wake her. Stroking her hair, I tried to envision a world without her in it as tears streamed down my cheeks.
I just knew something was seriously wrong.
Chapter Twenty - Holding Back the Tears
Maggie Jane bitched all the way to her GP’s surgery, but we were finally here, not that she was grateful of my company.
She grumbled like an old woman, complaining about every little thing she could think of.
The traffic lights changed too quickly.
It was too warm.
My perfume was too strong.
You name it and she moaned about it.
Her dark mood had no effect on her style of dress this morning, and if she hadn’t been feeling under the weather, I’d have taken her to task.
She looked ridiculous in the sort of outfit a little girl would put together. I don’t know where she bought her clothes or who told her they suited her.
“Why did I let you talk me into this?”
“Because you haven’t been feeling well, that’s why. It’s best to get checked out.”
“Yes, Mother.”
I ignored her sarcasm as the familiar dinging sound rang out around the waiting room. I looked up and saw her name appear on the screen.
“Come on, that’s you. Room 2.”
“You do the talking. I can’t understand him.”
“I can’t do that, Mags. He wants to hear what’s wrong from you.”
I dragged her out of the waiting room and along the corridor.
She barged into the room without knocking.
“Ah, hello,” Doctor Farukh looked up. “Nice to see you again, Margaret Jane.”
“Thank you,” my moody sister replied. “This is my sister, Michelle.”
He nodded as I took a seat near to the door.
“And what can I do for you today?”
Suddenly, I got the feeling my sister had been swinging the lead. She had no trouble understanding him whatsoever.
“I’ve been feeling under the weather lately.”
“Okay, and what are your symptoms?”
“General lethargy, aching limbs, soreness…”
“Have you had any lifestyle changes of late?”
“No.”
“Are you a smoker?”
“No.”
“How often do you drink alcohol?”
“Oh, not often at all.”
I coughed and she glowered at me.
He made notes onto a pad. I could tell he didn’t believe her regarding the booze. “That’s good. Now, you mentioned soreness… in what general area are you experiencing discomfort?”
“My underarm.”
I felt my eyes widen. Don’t panic, I said to myself.
“I see. Which side?”
“The left-hand side, and I’ve got a touch of eczema on my left nipple.”
My heart raced. I didn’t like the sound of this one bit. She hadn’t mentioned any of this to me.
“Okay, and how long ago did the symptoms first become apparent?”
“A few months back.”
“And you’re only just coming here now, Mags?” I shouldn’t have interrupted but spoke before I had chance to think. I held my hand up. “My apologies…”
“Sorry…” She looked to me, and for the first time ever, I saw genuine fear in her eyes. “I was scared…”
“I’d like to examine both areas if you’re agreeable.”
Maggie Jane remained silent.
“Mags?”
“What?”
“Doctor Farukh would like to check you out, is that okay?”
“Oh, yeah,” she replied. “Do you want me behind the curtain, Doc?”
“Yes, please but remove your blouse and bra for me, if you would be so kind.”
Both stepped behind the curtain as I chewed at my fingernails. I was close to tears, praying it wasn’t what it sounded like.
He talked constantly about what he was doing. I knew it was for my benefit as well as his, just in case there should be any misunderstandings. People were often inclined to point an accusatory finger these days. He couldn’t be too careful.
A few minutes later, the doctor re-appeared, washed his hands and took his seat again.
Maggie Jane followed and took her seat. I’d moved my chair closer and took her hand. She was trembling.
“What I’d like to do is refer you for a mammogram.”
My heart thudded in my chest and for a moment I felt I was about to pass out. I listened to their conversation.
“Why?”
“There are some abnormalities I’d like to get checked out.”
“What do you think it is?”
“It could be something, or nothing, but best to be safe.”
“You didn’t answer my question…”
“It appears you are presenting with symptoms of breast cancer, but I want the mammogram and other tests done so we know for sure what we’re dealing with.”
“But she’s only thirty.” I fought hard to hold back my tears. My sister was my world and the thought of her having cancer terrified me. But this wasn’t about me. “When will she have this mammogram done?”
“Margaret Jane will be seen within two weeks.”
“Two week
s?” I was horrified. “That’s a long time away.”
Maggie Jane sat staring into space. She didn’t say a word.
“Yes… two weeks or less is standard procedure.”
“But that’s too long,” I objected.
“I know it seems so, but our guidelines state for an urgent referral, it should be within two weeks.”
She still hadn’t said a word. “Mags, are you okay?”
“Can I go home now?”
I looked to the doctor, unsure of what to do.
He had a kind face. “The appointment will be sent by letter, and we will go from there. If you experience any further problems in the meantime, please come back and see me.”
She nodded and offered a weak smile.
“Thank you, Doctor.” I helped Maggie Jane to her feet. It was like lifting a dead weight. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
Holding back the tears was impossible for both of us.
“Am I going to die, Shell?”
“No way.” I tried to encourage her. “It will be a cyst and eczema, just like you said, wait and see.”
“And if it’s not?”
“It is.”
“Shell, what if I have cancer?”
Then the tears fell, cascading down my cheeks like a waterfall. People in the waiting room stared. “Come on, let’s get to the car.”
I sobbed all the way through the carpark. Anger bubbled inside me. I should be strong.
“I’ll drive,” she said.
“You won’t,” I croaked. “Get in and relax.”
We sat in silence. My tears had dried, but hers were just beginning to fall.
“What if…?”
“If worst comes to the worst, you’ll fight, and I’ll be there right beside you.”
“I’m scared, Shell.”
“I’m not.” I was petrified, but I had to be big sister now and make her feel better, if that was possible.
“You’re not scared?”
“No,” I lied. “Whatever is around the corner, we will kick its fucking arse and laugh about it.”
“You really think so?” Maggie Jane smiled at me, but I could see a frightened child behind her eyes.
“I know so, now let’s go home. I need a stiff drink.”
“Me too.”
“We are going to grow old together, I promise you that.”
∞∞∞
That night, I sat with Carol and Valerie in the garden.