Page 59 of Seventeen Years Ago

She reached across the table and patted my hand. “Only to see that smile on your face again. It is breaking my heart seeing you so sad.”

I forced a smile. “I will be all smiles when I get home tonight. Maybe we can work on that quilt you have been avoiding finishing.”

“Not in the mood,” she said.

“Since when? You love quilting.”

“Just not feeling up to it,” she said.

Something was wrong. I didn’t know what, but now looking at her, she looked very tired. I grabbed my phone and sent Reesa a text message.Not coming in today. Grandma doesn’t seem to be feeling well. I think I should take her to the hospital.

Instantly I got a response.Finn said he will meet you there. And I’m sending a driver to bring you, so you don’t need to worry. He’ll be there in five minutes.

That’s not going to go over well with my grandma. It was going to be difficult enough to get her to go of her own accord. The driver was only going to upset her more. But it was the best choice. If something happened to grandma on the way, I couldn’t drive and take care of her.

Now I needed to break the news to her, and I knew she was going to be pissed.

“Grandma, you know I love you, right?”

“And I love you too. What’s this about?” she asked.

“If you love me, you’ll do this for me, okay?” I said.

“I’d do anything for you. You know that,” she grinned. “But you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I...I am taking you to see Dr. O’Connor,” I said, holding my breath for her refusal.

“You’re going?” I blurted out, surprised.

“Didn’t you just tell me you were taking me?” she said. I nodded.Never thought you’d agree. Now I'm really scared.“I've never met him. I hope he is as nice as that Henderson doctor. He was also very handsome. Not as handsome as your Steven, but still very attractive.”

He’s not my Steven. He’s not my anything.

I needed to focus on what was important. She was going to the hospital. Once she got a clean bill of health, then I’d have the talk with her. I’d tell her that there is no Steven and me.

Even when the driver arrived, grandma went inside without uttering one complaint. All of this had me so worried. Something was terribly wrong, and I hoped that Finn could figure it out and fix it quickly. I couldn’t bear to think about losing my grandmother. She was all I really had. Any other family is distant. I know them, but not well. Not even grandma’s sister. We are cordial, but I couldn’t even tell you her favorite food.

When Finn entered the exam room he checked all of grandma’s vital signs.

“Everything looks good so far. I’m going to order some blood work, a chest x-ray, and an EKG,” he said.

“I don’t need any of that,” she replied.

“Grandma, if the doctor thinks you need these tests, I think you should have them,” I said to her. She shook her head. “Why not?” I asked.

“Because I’m not the one who needs to see the doctor, you do,” she replied.

“Me? I’m not sick,” I said.

“Yes, you are.” She turned to Finn and said, “Look at her eyes.”

He did as grandma said and nodded. “I see it.”

“See what? I’m telling you, I’m not sick. My grandmother is,” I said firmly.

“I’ll call my wife and let her know that Aiza won’t be at work for a couple of days. Maybe I should keep her here under observation too,” Finn said.

“Hello. I’m right here. No need to talk about me like I’m not in the room. And I am not taking any time off from work. I also am not staying in the hospital. There is nothing wrong with me at all,” I said angrily. As I went to stand up, I became dizzy and had to sit right back down.

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