Page 36 of Tainted

She nodded, rummaged through her files, and slid the bill to me. My eyes ballooned, and I wondered how the hell this paper had more numbers than I had in cash to pay for it.

“We can give you a few weeks to resolve the situation, but if her account isn’t brought up to date, she will have to leave.”

"Thank you. I’ll sort this out as soon as possible. I apologize for any inconvenience."

Leaving her office, I willed myself together because I’d do anything to ensure Nana continued to receive the care she needed. My much-anticipated visit now felt heavier, opening her room door.

“My Zara.” She whispered lazily at the hall lights illuminating her room.

“Hey, Banana Girl.”

Banana Girl signaled me closer. I dropped my bag in the chair and sat on the edge of her bed.

“You’re worried,” she smiled, tracing the outline of my cheek.

“What have they been giving you today?”

“Sheused to wear that same dough-eyed frown when she worried too much. When William Daniels asked Abby Tinsdale to be his girlfriend instead of her, she wore it for two months straight.”

“Two months over, some nappy-headed little boy!” I scoffed because I had never seen Mom stress over a man. They always seemed to stress over her. Even Rodney.

“Two,” Gran reiterated, trying to hold up two fingers. “Until Gabriel Davenport moved a few houses down.”

“She told me about Gabe Davenport and how he was supposed to be my daddy.” According to her, every girl had eyes for Gabe, but he only had eyes for her.

“Hell, he might’ve almost been if I didn’t come home early and catch them in her bedroom.”

“Oooh! She didn’t tell me that part.”

“Shana’s good at keeping secrets. I miss her so much.”

“Me too, Nana. How about I redo your braids?” I walked around to the other side and began unraveling her hair.

“I had a dream about her the other night.” She laughed, a sound like tinkling water.

“Oh yeah?”

“Shana came home. I was so happy to see her that I ran for a hug, but she looked scrambled, like an old VHS. Her mouth was moving, but nothing came out. Behind her was all these shadows and dark figures I couldn’t make out. I woke up pleading for the blood of Jesus. I don’t play with those demons and shit.”

“Hmm, what do you think that’s about?”

“Trouble, I fear. Even more so because you haven’t spoken to her, that’s odd for people as close as you two.”

“A lot changed over the years, Nana, but not this thick hair.”

“You could’ve been a bald, scraggly-looking girl, but I passed down good genes,” Nana boasted.

“I’m very thankful. Let’s get your hair done, and then I’ll get you in the shower.”

“These old bones don’t feel like moving.”

“That’s exactly why you’re getting up, Banana Girl. I can’t let these bones get stiff. Who else is going to be my dance partner?” I asked, offering a hand.

She complained and used profanity the entire time I washed her up. I told her it wouldn’t make me leave faster, but she wanted to test that theory. Banana Girl was back in bed with two fresh French braids and a new nightgown I picked up from Walmart because she said her old ones were making her ass itch.

“If you need anything else before I come back, just let me know.”

“Hmm, don’t you have to work tonight?”

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