Son of a soldier, p.68
Son Of A Soldier, page 68
“Spoken like a girl after my own heart,” David smiled. “It is a shame that somebody has to die for us to eat this good.”
“I’m starving,” Rachel, who was in earshot in the chair, agreed.
Nora glanced over at her daughter. “Rachel Cohen, sit up like a lady and close your knees, Darlin’, oh my lands…” She moved toward her daughter. “Come-on, Sugar, let’s get you inside. You are swellin’ up like you wouldn’t believe, and we don’t want our baby girl coming early on account of the heat.”
“No we don’t,” Rachel quipped, locking arms with her mother. “At least not until I get some banana pudding.”
Wally smiled at Hailey. “I’ve never seen you in a dress,” he nodded his approval.
Hailey paused for a moment to wonder what Grant would say as Wally, however innocently, looked her up and down. The thought alone made her giggle.
“I thought Granny would appreciate it,” Hailey smiled brightly. “I guess it’s safe to say that Grant has officially shaken a little of the tomboy off of me as Granny would put it.”
Two old ladies in wide-brimmed funeral hats walked by, sobbing into handkerchiefs. Joanna bumped Hailey with her hip. “You forgot your hat,” she whispered.
John walked up and put one hand on Joanna’s shoulder and the other on Hailey’s. “Ladies, it seems you forgot your hats,” he smirked.
Both girls cackled and then, lowering their heads, remembered to shush themselves. “You’re a little late on the hat joke there, Bucko!” Joanna rolled her eyes.
John fell easily into step with the girls as he escorted one on each arm. “Have I ever told you the story of my Aunt Wanda’s funeral?” he began as they walked. Hailey grinned broadly and made a mental note to ask Joanna why on Earth her long-time, always on-off, as obsessed with his career as Joanna was boyfriend had not yet been made a permanent part of the family.
Emily sat on the edge of her bed, dressed in a sleeveless, lavender dress and working to fasten a dainty, silver bracelet around her wrist as Rachel gently ran a brush through her long, shinny hair. Both girls were quiet. Graduation day for Hope Hull’s senior class had finally arrived, and Dr. Lassiter, after a round of tests, had okayed Grant’s limited participation, but the mood around the house that morning was subdued to say the least.
In just a couple of hours, they would all watch Grant graduate from high school. For a handful of eighteen-year-old kids who had waited for this day since they set foot in their kindergarten classrooms thirteen and fourteen years earlier, the day would be a celebration, a celebration of where they had been but, more importantly, a celebration of where they were going. It was going to be a day filled with inspiring speeches full of promise and hope for the future. For a gymnasium of graduating seniors, this would represent the first day of the rest of their lives, but for Grant it could well be a day when he would stand in front of his family and friends, wear a tacky cap and gown, walk across a stage and get a diploma, so that all those who loved him could remember the day once his time on Earth was through.
Though he tired easily, Grant had put on a brave face all morning. He and Hailey had posed for pictures in their green and white caps and gowns, and Grant had been admirably upbeat.
With tears in her eyes, Rachel watched Nora straighten Grant’s tie and kiss his cheek. Nora turned to Rachel when they were alone, hugged her, and, swiping at her tears, said, “I always knew I’d cry when this day came.” She forced a smile braver than any Rachel had ever seen and added, “but I always thought it would be because I’d be so much older than all the other moms at his graduation.” Nora dismissed her tears with a shake of her head. “I will have to color my hair until we get Zach through high school; my heavens, I’ll be a sight by then, won’t I?”
“It’s almost time to go,” Emily said quietly as Rachel helped her and Jessica refresh their makeup.
“Jess?” Hailey said, appearing in the doorway with Zach’s pacifier in one hand and his special teddy bear in the other. “Do you have the camera? Nora dressed the baby, and Grant wants to get some pictures of him.”
“Rachel brought him a new outfit for the special day,” Emily’s face brightened. “It’s so cute, Jessica; you will love it!”
“It has a little necktie,” Rachel said, bringing her hands to her heart. “I had a fit over it!”
Jessica took the camera from the top of the dresser and walked toward the door. Hailey reached for the camera but Jessica shooed her away. “I’m coming. I will take some pictures of the three of you.”
“Did you buy anything pretty for Miss Victoria?” Hailey grinned at Rachel.
Rachel moved her hands to her stomach. “Oh my goodness, Wally would lose it if he knew how much I’ve bought…but the dresses are just too adorable, and, of course, I had to get her matching bows and bloomers and little, frilly socks.”
“Hailey?” Grant called. “He’s smiling; where are you?”
Jessica grabbed her sister’s hand. “Aunt Jess is coming, Zach!”
When Emily looked back at Rachel, she realized Rachel was crying. “Are you okay?” she gulped.
Rachel nodded as her hands unconsciously stroked her belly. “I was just thinking about Mom and how hard all of this is on her.”
“She’s holding up pretty well,” Emily said proudly. “She’s pretty amazing that way. I mean, with everything that has happened recently: Grant getting sick, Zach being born and Granny passing away unexpectedly… she’s tough.”
“Zach is so blessed to have her,” Rachel nodded. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot…and, of course, it makes me think about everything she’s done for me…for us.”
Rachel tried to stifle her tears but found that she couldn’t. “Pregnancy hormones,” she rolled her eyes, fanning her hands in front of her eyes as she fretted about her mascara. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m sorry, Emily.”
Emily was visibly stunned. “You don’t have anything to apologize for,” she gasped. “You were so young…”
“I know,” Rachel sighed. “It wasn’t an ideal situation…but I feel like I should have done more…like I should have been less selfish and…”
“No,” Emily interrupted. “Rachel, you were so brave; you gave me the greatest gift that I could ever ask for…you gave me life. After everything that happened to you, you chose not to terminate your pregnancy; you chose to love a baby that was the result of something so awful. Then, you gave me to Mom and Dad…you gave me a wonderful life…you did all that for me.”
“I didn’t know if I could do it,” Rachel admitted.
“You must have been so scared,” Emily gulped.
“I was,” Rachel sighed. “I was scared of what people would say. I was scared the nightmares would never stop. I was scared of what having a baby would mean for the rest of my life. I was scared of actually giving birth.”
“But you did it. You made it through all of that,” Emily smiled.
Rachel pulled Emily into her arms and held her there. “I wish that things could have been different between us,” she cried. “I don’t know if it’s being pregnant that has stirred up all these old emotions inside of me or what, but I can’t imagine Victoria not being a part of my everyday world…and it has forced me to face a lot of regrets. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved being your sister…but I’m not your sister, Emily…you are my daughter…I’m your mother…”
The door opened, and it was Wally, looking uncharacteristically dapper in his suit with his hair all pulled back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m interrupting?” he apologized.
“No, come-in,” Rachel motioned him inside. “It’s almost time to leave, but there is something I want us to do first. I want to tell Emily our news.”
“Em,” Wally smiled. “I love Rachel; you know that…you’ve always been supportive of our relationship, and I love you for that, so you should be the first to know… I asked her to marry me.”
“Oh Wow!” Emily exclaimed. “Congratulations!”
“Actually, there is just one more thing, Emily,” Wally shook his head.
“What?” Emily asked curiously.
“She hasn’t said yes,” Wally shrugged.
“You haven’t told him yes yet? Emily turned to Rachel.
“No,” Rachel smiled.
“I don’t understand,” Emily shook her head, staring at Rachel and her belly that was about to pop and then back at Wally.
“Emily,” Rachel smiled. “When Wally told me that he wanted to get married, I told him I couldn’t answer him until he asked you. Because before I can move on with the next phase of my life and become a wife, I feel like I need to first become the mother that I should have been for a very long time. I will never truly be able to have a family of my own unless you are an intricate part of it. Victoria needs her sister.”
Wally put his arm around Rachel. “So what do you say, Emily? I know it’s a lot to think about…”
“Yes!” Emily exclaimed confidently. “Yes, she’ll marry you!”
“Emily, aren’t you even going to ask to see the ring first and make sure you approve?” Rachel chided playfully. “Goodness child, I still have so much to teach you!”
Emily wrapped her arms around both Rachel and Wally and smiled brightly.
Wally kissed the top of Emily’s head. “I’m not your father, Emily…but you know that I love you and that you can come to me for anything, right? I don’t have much, but what I do have, Rachel and you and Victoria can have it all.”
“I love you, Wally,” Emily nodded. “Thank you for loving Rachel; thank you for everything you have done for Grant and our family since he’s been sick; thank you for being the doting father I know you will be for my baby sister.”
“You’re easy,” Wally laughed. “I hope your new sister is just as sweet as you are.”
Emily put her arms around Rachel and rested her hand on Rachel’s belly. “I promise to be the best big sister I can be!”
“Speaking of,” Rachel nodded. She took a deep breath. “Let’s go watch my baby brother graduate from high school.”
Grant stood at the podium looking out at the crowd, all wearing white surgical masks that had been provided to them at the door. In a town meeting a week earlier, the parents, family and friends of Hope Hull High School’s graduating class had unanimously voted that they would do whatever it took to make it possible for their class valedictorian to be a part of their special day. Misty had brought markers to the ceremony, and, thanks to her, several of Grant’s friends were sporting special masks! On Hailey’s Misty had drawn big, pink puckered lips! For Billy Wayne, a big, goofy smile with a couple missing teeth, and, for Paul, a big zipper, zipped shut.
As Grant stared out at the crowd, all wearing their Sunday best, with their faces covered by masks, he had to lower his eyes to the podium in front of him, overwhelmed by their show of support. He brought his hands up over his eyes, unable to look up, sure he didn’t have the strength to deliver the speech he had prepared.
“I remember driving into town for the very first time,” Grant said with carefully measured breath, “and I’ll be honest…I thought you were all just a bunch of crazy, country hicks.” After a long pause, he shrugged, “and you are.” Laugher and applause danced throughout the room. Grant wiped a tear from his cheek with the palm of his hand before straightening his microphone. “The thing is I had no idea what was in store for me here and how much I would learn from each of you. I had a whole speech planned, the kind of speech I always imagined delivering when this time came, but somebody once told me that sometimes fancy words are overrated, so I’m just gonna get straight to the point. Today, we graduate from Hope Hull High School, and, as the only member of our graduating class who did not spend his entire academic career in the Hope Hull school system, I may seem like the least appropriate person to be delivering our commencement speech. However, as the only member of our class who didn’t spend kindergarten to senior year going to school here, I think I offer the most perspective when I tell you that there’s a whole world out there waiting for us. Whatever awaits you after today…whether you’re staying close by in Memphis or moving to Knoxville or even Massachusetts, I hope you all take a piece of Hope Hull with you when you go. Take it from a guy who has been a little bit of everywhere…this podunk town you folks call home…it’s a special place. It took me a long time to realize it, so maybe I’m not as smart as you guys all think, huh?” Grant smiled. “There are a lot of things in my life right now that I can’t be certain of, but, as I look out at all of you, looking ridiculous in those masks, I am overwhelmed by the love and support this whole town has shown to a guy who doesn’t deserve it.” Grant wiped his eyes again. “I can’t thank you all enough for everything you have done for me and my family. Thank you for loving Hailey and for loving me because I am a part of her. It’s no secret that one day I hope to take her away from Hope Hull and chase some dreams…but, there is one thing I am sure of…when I leave this place, each and every one of you will go with me.”
Remission was the sweetest word Grant had ever heard spoken when Dr. Lassiter informed him that tests showed his body was completely Leukemia free.
Hailey and Grant sat out on the back porch, enjoying a beautiful day before Grant was due to check into the hospital. Hailey couldn’t help but notice how bone thin he had become recently; it had happened gradually as a result of new medications, but today was the first time she noticed how defined his jaw line had become and how sunken his chest seemed. It broke her heart to see him this way, but today her heart was so full of hope and joy. Grant’s battle was far from over, but it had finally come to this…the next day he was to be admitted to the hospital to begin being prepped for the transplant that could ultimately save his life.
Hailey had learned to treasure the good moments, knowing that tough moments would follow. But now, with Grant in remission and a life-saving transplant in the foreseeable future, she finally felt like she could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“So, I know that the doctors said that even if the transplant is a complete success, you won’t be able to go to Boston for this coming school year,” Hailey said, “so I was thinking that I might start classes at the University of Memphis. My dad looked into getting me enrolled there for this coming up semester. You know, just to get some basics under my belt, so I won’t be so overwhelmed when we do go to Boston. I know you, and I know you are planning to pile up on your class loads, but I won’t be able to manage that.”
“I think that sounds great,” Grant agreed.
Hailey smiled. “I’ve been doing some research about AML and about St. Jude too, even though that isn’t where you’re receiving your treatment. It’s a disease and an institution that are close to my heart. St. Jude is right here in my home state, and the more I learn about what goes on there, the more I want to find ways to give back. I want to get involved because I’ve never directly experienced cancer myself, but cancer has played a huge role in my life twice now. From Leukemia to Autism, there are social issues I want to address and causes I want to champion. I don’t want to just sit back any longer, Grant; I want to do something to help. If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m not a kid anymore. What I’m going to be, I’m currently becoming, and, for the first time in my life, I honestly believe that the possibilities are limitless.”
Grant smiled proudly. “Every single time I start to believe that it’s not possible for me to love you more than I already do…I am proven wrong.” He shook his head in awe of her. ”You have been so incredibly strong through all of this.”
“No,” Hailey shook her head sheepishly. “I am definitely not the strong one…that would be you.”
Grant leaned in and kissed Hailey. The kiss was long, and it contained an unspoken urgency that neither of them wanted to face.
“Hailey,” Grant pulled away, “I want you to know something.”
“No,” Hailey kissed him again. “Don’t talk, Grant…just kiss me.”
Grant held Hailey’s face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. “No matter how this turns out, I want you to know how lucky I feel.” Tears filled Hailey’s eyes as she listened to Grant’s words and felt his sweet touch against her skin. “So many people live a lifetime, Hailey, and they never find love like this. I’m eighteen…and, even if I never see nineteen, it’ll be alright…because I’m looking at my soul mate, and I honestly don’t know how life could ever get any better than it has already been.”
Hailey’s chin trembled, and her lips quivered as tears dripped from her eyes. She took Grant’s hands in hers, and, squeezing them lovingly, she leaned in and very gently kissed his cheek. “Then you’re in for a big surprise, Grant Cohen,” she whispered. “Just you wait and see.”
Grant sat nervously waiting for Dr. Lassiter to return. He tapped his fingers against his watch while his legs, dangling from the table, swung back and forth. “What’s taking so long?” he groaned.
“It hasn’t been that long, Sweetie,” Nora reassured him, glancing again at the wall clock across the room. “Why don’t you just rest?”
Randy glanced at his own watch and grumbled something to himself. He recalled the sick feeling that had come over him when Grant came jogging toward him that afternoon, his t-shirt to his face, and Hailey trailing behind. Randy and Zach were rocking in the shade of the front porch when Randy saw the blood on Grant’s white t-shirt. Zach, as if sensing that something wasn’t right, began to wail. Randy fought the urge to break down and join him. Instead, he ushered Grant inside, knowing that they were headed to the hospital earlier than they had planned.
“Baby, hopefully we don’t have anything to worry about,” Nora smiled toward Grant. “A nosebleed doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Some people have nosebleeds all the time for no good reason at all.”
