All About B.A.D. (20 page)

Two figures emerged from the Donahue’s house: a small party with shy smiles and an eagerness to greet their daughter and grandson. After hugs and a quick introduction to Josh, they began unloading her car. Because she would never ask, Bernadette would never know exactly why this homecoming was different than her first, but she gratefully accepted being welcomed back into softened hearts where harsh memories were slowly being overshadowed by kinder ones. There was conversation over coffee, laughter, and a tour for Josh. Bernadette walked Conner back into the house from his fieldtrip to the barn.

“Lilly called. She and Bertha are eager to see you. If you want to go over for a minute, we’ll keep Conner busy,” Mr. Donahue offered.

“That’s a good idea, Bernadette,” her mother added. “Bertha has to work tomorrow and you could get in a little visit before supper.”

Even in early darkness, Bernadette was aware of a difference. Once inside, there were other signs: new furniture, rugs and window coverings, an overall updated appearance that added warmth to a home associated with love. Not a beat was skipped in a conversational free-for-all.

As the hour passed, Bernadette found herself watching her surrogate mother. Bertha, always attractive, was even more so with a stylish haircut and a dusting of makeup. Her eyes danced under arched eyebrows, especially as she exchanged questions with Josh. And he was more animated than he’d been in months.

“I like what you’ve done. It looks wonderful!” Bernadette’s words had Bertha beaming.

“Didn’t mother do a great job?” Lilly’s pride was evident.

“I started with the inside but there’s a list for the outside, too. A roof and a coat of paint come next.”

Josh’s ears picked up. “Maybe you’d like some help with that. I’ve got a little experience with paint.” His wink found its way to Bernadette. “Have you ever thought of having a purple door?” He grinned.

Bertha’s response was quick. “Actually, I was thinking of a very bright red.”

Lilly and Bernadette walked across the Donahues’ pasture. Their trek eventually took them to the secret place under the giant oak where they sat down by the small pool of clear water. 

The lid on the Mason jar was rusty. It took a few extra twists for it to budge from its well-defined grooves. Bernadette carefully removed the items added in with the sheet from the Big Chief Tablet. They read each aloud, opening portals, pulling forward memories. Ancient, recent, some sad, others not. The latest addition would be a photo of Conner. Bernadette and Lilly moved from tears to laughter like notes on a scale. It was an adult version of years before in the same sacred place. 

The walk back over the Donahues’ field found them quiet, each hugged by the arms of the other, at peace with the certainty of loving acceptance and enduring friendship.

There was quite an assortment of people at the Donahues’ table that December. Lilly, Stephen, Mr. and Mrs. Donahue, Bertha, Josh, Conner and Bernadette. Intersecting, connecting lives. Amidst the talking and sharing, fussing and laughing, the sorting out and filling in, clutches of friendships formed, knots of pain eased out, hints of plans were made. Nothing was perfect. It never would be. But hope slowly wiggled itself into the tiny cracks appearing between the gathering up and letting go.

It was a beginning.

Melba Heselmeyer is a former educator who lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband.  They are the parents of two adult daughters.  Melba is the author of songs, poetry, and short stories.  “All About B.A.D.” is her first novel.