“That is word for word what she said,” Rita’s coffee cup landed on Viv’s table with a distinct thump.
“She, who, dear?”
“Really, Viv, who else but my daughter Sharon? She’s coming up to her ninth month, and I called to see when she wanted me to come, the game plan, so to speak.”
“Yes, I gathered that, but the part about not going anywhere was confusing.”
Rita sighed. “Exactly. She’s having the midwife come in, no hospital. She and Joe have been going to natural childbirth classes. Which is fine. Anything that keeps them calm on the way to the hospital. But no, no hospital. Just the two of them and the midwife, maybe someone to light candles. Possibly someone to lead some chanting. Everyone welcome but her mother, in short.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
“Well, not since our Janice had to go a thousand miles to get married on a beach,” Viv shuddered delicately. “I had to throw out a new pair of satin shoes with a jellyfish attached.”
“At least you were allowed to attend.”
“Well, that took planning. Family in their age group – either uninterested, unfunded, looking for a job or trying to keep one. Parents our age – scared of a pricey precedent. Grandparents and others didn’t want to travel. That left their friends. Renting a beach house for a drunken pool party and having them come back to a houseful of regret gifts would have suited them just fine.”
Rita nodded with a smile of commiseration. Turning the handle of her cup she said, “Janice probably thought that it would ease things for you, not having to run around booking and comparing. It does sound romantic.”
Viv sighed. “Yes, romance will always get you. But Sharon will probably feel differently soon.”
They smile. They part, not quite looking each other in the eye.
*****
Rita enters the Parking Lot of Extendicare and finds a spot only two rows over and three back from entrance. She crosses and watches doors swish before her to walk halfway down one corridor and three-quarters of another to the left. She looks up at the Reception desk clock and finds herself with 30 seconds to spare before visiting, but Nancy’s hazel eyes and freckles wave her through.
“Mom, how are you today? I’ve brought you a couple of magazines.”
Mother smiles, then asks, “What do I need cooking and decorating for?”
“Well, what would you like?”
“It looks nice outside, maybe a walk in the garden?”
Rita nods, and moves to place wheelchair beside chair.
As she settles in, mother says, “I’ll enjoy this while we can. You’ll be off soon to stay with Sharon, I suppose.”
Rita hesitates, then starts down the hall, “Well, actually…”
****
Viv sees her sister Liza crossing the mall, and stands to raise a distinctive purple scarf, quickly lowered lest it seem a sign of surrender of some sort.
Stepping firmly, and handing out a decisive air-kissy, Liza sits and adjusts her chair before speaking. “You’re looking good. All recovered from the South Seas adventure?”
“Well, we’d hoped to have a small break after the wedding, but they’re moving into a new condo next month. So I’m sure we’ll be called on for something.”
Liza gives a semi-cough. “Ah, they’ll feel good to be settled and get the wedding thank-yous out of the way, I’m sure.”
Viv, blushing slightly, “I’m sure taking her time to do it properly doesn’t mean she wants it out of the way.” She takes a sip from her coffee. “And how is Sheila? Will she be having a graduation party?”
“No, no, possibly a small goodbye gathering if she gets the creditation she wants and spends the year away.”
****
Rita and her mother return from garden, and mother motions that she will stay in wheelchair to go to dinner. “We seem to have a confused generation. I was born at home, and your grandmother was anything but happy when you were born in the hospital. I thought we were making progress when Sharon was born. Does she have anything to complain about?”
“How would she know?” Rita pauses, then, “What could there be? She’s always been as healthy as a horse.”
“That’s the problem. Her generation doesn’t realize anything can go wrong.”
****
Rita and Viv greet each other in the grocery store parking lot. Both nod towards the coffee shop and head towards it after stowing groceries in their respective cars.
Viv smiles at Rita. “Well, you don’t look a day older for someone who must be a grandmother by now?”
“Only just made it, actually.”
“Just…”
Rita twists her napkin. “Sharon had the baby at home as planned, but there was unexpected bleeding that the midwife wasn’t prepared, equipped, whatever – they wound up calling an ambulance.”
“Oh, no.”
“Not, apparently, from what the Emergency Room nurse told them, a rare occurrence. But she is home now. I did fly out to help her get some rest for the first week. The baby is fine, lungs fine.”
Viv sighed. “Well, I’m glad to hear it.”
“And how are things with you?”
Viv sighs deeper. “We were hoping for a lull to have a trip to ourselves between the wedding and downsizing, but put it off till Janice and Jim moved into their new condo. But Jim’s contract wasn’t renewed, and the condo won’t be ready for another year. Basically they have moved into our basement.” She sheds a tear.
Rita pats her hand. “I’m sorry you have the stress, but it will work out.”
****
Rita picks up phone and punches number in.
“Sharon? I’m sorry. Yes, I know you’re busy, just needed to tell you about your grandmother.”
“I will call to thank her for the baby clothes, also the cheque, which is awkward. Could you call and tell her she forgot to sign it?”
“Sharon, honey, well, no, that won’t be possible now. Your grandmother…”
****
Viv picks up phone and punches number in.
“Rita? I’m sorry. I wanted, needed to talk…our Janice just told me they’re expecting five months from now. I feel like I’m going around in circles.”
****
Liza picks up phone and punches number in.
“Viv? Hope everything’s fine. Short notice, I know, but we’re having a small send-off for Sheila. She’ll only be gone for six months for this contract, but we did want to celebrate. You will join us?”
****