Page 89 of Where We Fall

“You haven’t said anything. We talk on the phone all the time.”

Silence falls between the two. I’m surprised Elaine is as cognizant as she is. They said sometimes injuries or significant events can make them temporarily more lucid.

“I know, Mom. I didn’t know how to tell you, I guess.”

“Why not?” Elaine asks.

“Because…because you’re always telling me to stay away from men, that they are evil, especially the good-looking ones.”

“I’m just trying to look out for you. I don’t want you to go through the same thing that I did.”

Lexi sighs. “I know that, Mom. I know you were just trying to look out for me, but I’m happy. He means a lot to me, so if you could just give him a chance.”

“I suppose I could do that. I’m no fool. I know I’m sick. Something's wrong with me. I do want someone who will be there to take good care of you. I suppose it never occurred to me that I'd be gone one day and that you might need someone by your side. I'm sorry, Lexi. I never meant to transfer my issues onto you.”

“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you saying that." I hear Lexi's voice break. "He’s amazing. I’ve never felt so loved and supported before. Thanks for listening to me, for being understanding. I’m so happy we’ve finally had this conversation.”

It sounds like Lexi is crying.

I fear that if I don’t walk in now, something could be said that will unravel the progress they just made. I’m not sure if it’s the right move. I know I’m good at making bad decisions, but my gut tells me to step in and let Lexi end this conversation where it is now.

“Knock, knock,” I say as I tap on the door. I walk in, holding the bags of food up as I enter. “I come baring gifts.”

I place them on the table by the hospital bed and pull out the flowers I was hiding behind my back.

“These are for you.” I hold the flowers up for Elaine. “I’ll just put them over here on the nightstand. Maybe we can put them in a cup of water for you."

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you.” Lexi smiles.

“Thank you. That was very kind of you. Although, I should tell you, I’m not impressed by flowers. Treat my daughter right; that’s what will impress me.”

I chuckle. “Of course. I love her. I don’t mistreat those that I love. You can ask my Ma.”

“You’re close with your mother?” Elaine asks, sounding surprised.

“Oh, Patricia Giannelli? She and I are two peas in a pod. I tell her everything.”

She looks skeptically at me. “My ex-husband treated his mother very poorly. That should’ve been my first warning sign.”

“I agree. You can always tell how a man will treat his wife by how he treats his mother. Ma used to tell me and my brothers that all the time.”

“Sounds like a wise woman,” Elaine says.

“Very wise.”

“I still don’t trust you yet,” she replies.

I smile. “Fair enough. I’ll tell you what: I’ll work to earn your trust. If I do something stupid like break your daughter’s heart, which I won’t, I give you the permission to personally have me whacked.”

“Oh, geez,” Lexi shakes her head. “That’s the Italian in him speaking, Ma.”

“Although I have no interest in going to jail, I appreciate your intention,” Elaine responds, trying to hide a smile that's forming.

I’ll treasure this moment. I did a lot of research on dementia last night, long after Lexi went to bed. I know this could be short-lived. Tomorrow, she could opt to hate me or not ever remember me.

But I’ll know that for the five minutes that her mother was herself, I slipped in through the cracks of her armor and got her to like me.

Chapter Twenty-Five

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