Episode 3.05, The Outing, Part 2
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At Home
Joan has been inquiring about yoga classes on the phone in her room.
Elizabeth’s comment has really resonated with her, “If you like
something, then learn everything you can about it. It will give you
something positive to pursue and keep your mind off the bad things.”
And of course, the bad thing is what God was talking about.
Will and Lilly are finishing dinner preparations. The main course is
Will’s calzone pie. He took today off from work and has been spending
the day preparing it from scratch. Lilly has prepared her
grandmother’s special seasoning mix and is making the salad.
Will – “Helen, please call the kids for dinner.”
At the table, Helen begins, “Lilly, would you say the prayer for us
today?”
Lilly – “Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub, Yea God.” She pauses to
check the expression on everyone’s face.
Helen – “Lilly, please.”
As she expected, everyone but Helen is smiling. Will is especially
amused by the exchange. He has actually come to enjoy Lilly’s warped
sense of humor. He was never keen on the resumption of the dinner
prayer in the first place, but he agreed because, well, he had to.
When he told Kevin that all you have is family, he meant it, and even
though he enjoys his career, his family is his reason for living.
Lately, Helen and Joan are always talking about God. Even Kevin is
joining in, because he is in love with a former nun. What can he do?
This is a freight train that he must either get on or be left behind,
and being left behind is not an option. Is it sinking in? Is he being
converted? Maybe, maybe not, but at least now he listens.
Lilly - “What makes you think God doesn’t have a sense of humor?” She
pauses for an answer, but there is none, “Okay, for real this time.
Bless us Oh Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive
through thy bounty through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”
Helen – “Thank you.”
Will stands up and proceeds around the table, pouring red wine into
everyone’s glass. “Your mother has an announcement to make; and I
believe you will all be pleased.” He returns to his seat.
Helen – “As most of you know, the school board cut the funding for
the art classes last year. I have really been upset about it. We
never asked for that much in the first place. When they cut my
budget, they increased the budget for the sports program. It just
infuriated me with its unfairness. So last night, your father and I
attended the school board meeting. When I got up to the podium, I was
scared to death. I began by being very polite, explaining how art was
an important subject for the students to learn. Then Ryan Hunter
interrupted me, saying that sports were more important.”
Will interjects, “And then she really gave them hell!”
Helen – “Okay, I lost it. I told them just what I thought and
threatened to quit if they didn’t restore the funding for art. The
chairman thanked me and adjourned the meeting for a ten-minute
recess. The members of the board all left for another room. I was so
scared, because I have really come to love teaching art. When they
came back, they called me up to the front. The chairman announced
that they had agreed to restore 75% of the funding that was cut last
year. It was also wonderful to see the disgruntled look on Ryan
Hunter’s face.”
Everyone begins to offer their congratulations, but Helen interrupts,
“Wait, there’s more!” She pauses for a moment, “After the meeting, a
woman came up to me. She said that she was a representative of the
local 340 teachers’ union. She told me that I had stolen her thunder.
She had planned to speak on the same subject. Art teachers everywhere
in the county were upset. She congratulated me and said that now she
would have to go back to picking on Gavin Price…”
Joan busts out laughing. Everyone looks at her strange because it was
funny, but not that funny, “I’m sorry, I know this woman. I met her
once at school. And she really does love to pull Price’s chain!”
Joan calms down and, once again, everyone offers their
congratulations, but this time they follow it by clicking their wine
glasses together.
Joan – “Mom, congratulations, really. If I had known you were going
to talk, I would have taken off work last night. I’ll bet Adam will
be pleased when he hears about it.”
Helen – “Adam already knows. He and Mr. Rove were at the meeting. We
talked afterwards.”
Joan is once again taken aback by learning something about Adam
through someone else. Her inner turmoil continues.
Luke – “That’s great, Mom. Grace will be impressed, standing up to
the imperialist regime!”
Lilly – “Well, I’m glad you’ve gotten past your martyr phase. Some
things are worth fighting for.”
Kevin – “That’s great Mom. Did we get a paper today? I’d like to see
if they wrote about it.”
Helen – “I think it’s in the living room. So Joan, tell us about your
day.”
Joan – “Well, I spent most of it in my room. I have been calling
everywhere trying to find a cheap yoga class. I really like yoga now,
but I want to learn more. I’m doing something wrong. I want to learn
to do it right.”
Helen – “I’ve seen you practicing. You seem to be doing fine to me.”
Joan – “Well, I’m not. I’m missing something. I just can’t figure it
out and that brings me to my next subject. I was going to wait until
later, but now is as good a time as any.” She pauses trying to find
the right words, but blurts out, “I need my allowance back! I just
don’t make enough at the bookstore, and even if I find a class, I
won’t have enough money to pay for it. Mom, Dad, pleee-heeez!”
Will – “Your mother and I have already discussed it. I’ll give you
this week’s allowance after dinner.”
Joan – “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Helen – “Marlene from the office mentioned once that she takes yoga
classes through her church… St. Michael’s Episcopal, I think. I’ll
call her and find out more about it.”
Joan – “Where’s St. Michael’s?”
Helen – “It’s across town, but you can take the bus. I'm not even
sure the classes are at the church. It was just something she
mentioned in passing, and it was months ago. I’ll call her later and
get the details.”
Joan – “Mom, remember, cheap, cheap, cheap.”
Helen – “Luke, how was your day?”
Luke – “Friedman and I went to the arcade this morning and played
video games. Later, we went to his house and played a new game that
he downloaded from the Internet. It’s called Phantom Warrior… really
cool! Then we just messed around with his computer and talked for
awhile.”
Helen – “Lilly?”
Lilly – “Oh, I just worked with the slimes restoring a house on Fay
Street. We just started this one. The plumbing is shot. We’ll have to
completely rebuild the bathroom. But I found a plumber to do the work
at cost.”
Helen – “Kevin?”
Kevin – “I took today off from work and went shopping. I needed some
new clothes. I have to show you the shirt I found on sale. It’s
Hawaiian-like. It’s white with big red flowers on it. I thought it
would make a good golfing shirt.”
Will – “We haven’t done that together in a while. Wayne Goetzmann
plays golf. Why don’t the three of us set it up?”
Helen – “Will?”
Will – “I had a meeting with the County Commissioner a few weeks ago.
The governor has authorized them to reinstate the Arcadia City
Council. They have written a new city charter. There will be a
referendum in September. City elections will follow.” He pauses and
takes a drink of wine.
“They are looking for a new Chief of Police, and he offered me the
job. I was surprised, because I expected the job to be offered to Roy
Roebuck, but Roy has decided instead to accept a newly created
position as County Fire Chief. Roy and I talked later, and he is
looking forward to his new position.” He pauses once again.
“This left me really torn. Being Chief of Police wasn’t the most
pleasant part of my career, but I have been giving it some serious
thought. Now that the administration of the city has been cleaned up,
I think things will be different. It will be as it should have been
in the first place. I have decided to accept the position.”
Everyone spontaneously cheers and offers their congratulations.
Kevin – “It’s strange I didn’t hear something at the paper. Stuff
like that is usually leaked.”
Will – “I’m surprised you didn’t hear it either, but I’m glad I could
make this a surprise. They will have a press conference tomorrow to
make the official announcement.”
Helen – “We have been bursting to tell everyone, but we thought it
was best to tell you tonight along with the school news. Both make
for a great celebration.”
A sly grin forms across Joan’s face, “Let’s have some more wine to
celebrate.” They all laugh and Will walks around the table filling
everyone’s glass again.
Will – “Celebrate indeed, but Joan and Luke, this is it for the
night.”
Later that evening, Helen talks to Joan, “I called Marlene. The class
is at St. Michael’s, in their basement. It’s on Wednesday and Friday
mornings at 6:30.”
Joan – “Why so early? I’ll have to leave while it’s still dark.”
Helen – “They do it early so people can still get to work on time. We
can let you use the car if you need it, and the bus might run early
enough. We’ll have to check.”
Joan – “Thanks Mom, I really do want this.”
Helen – “They don’t charge a fee. They accept donations. The
donations go to the church and charity. Your father and I will give
you an extra ten dollars with your allowance for the class. Oh, and
your father thought he had cash for your allowance, but he forgot he
used it to buy groceries today. I’ll go to a teller and give you your
allowance in the morning.”
Joan – “Mom, again thanks.” She gives her a big hug, “Well, I have to
go to bed now. I think I’m drunk.” Helen tucks her in and gives her a
kiss goodnight. Joan falls asleep within minutes.
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The next morning, Helen returns from the bank teller and from running
other errands. Joan is on the couch, nursing a hangover and
struggling through Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica. “Mom, I have no
clue of what he’s talking about!”
Helen – “What are you reading?” Joan flips over the book to show her
the cover, “Five reasoned proofs for the existence of God. Let’s talk
about it. I’ve had some difficulty with it, too.”
Joan – “I kind of like that part of it the best. Hey, maybe we should
have Luke read it. When I first started thinking about God, I asked
Luke what he believed. He said it was logical to assume God existed.
‘Nothing is too wonderful to be true,’ I’ll never forget that. This
book is probably one that he would have no trouble understanding.
Then he can explain it to us.”
Helen – “Not a bad idea!I like talking about these books, too.” Helen
thinks to herself about how she loves talking to Joan about anything.
The reading binge that Joan has been on has really allowed them to
get closer. And now, maybe Luke, too! She thanks God for that, even
though she doesn’t know it was actually God who asked Joan to do the
reading. “I have your allowance.” She hands Joan a teller envelope.
Joan – “Mom, this is too much. You counted wrong.”
Helen – “No, I didn’t. Your father and I also decided to give you a
raise.”
Joan – “Wow, thanks! I really need a new pair of sneakers. These are
okay for around the house, but I need something better for in public.
Wanna go shopping? We can go to the outlet mall and be back before
Dad’s speech.”
Helen – “I have laundry and dishes to do, we really shouldn’t.”
Joan – “Come on, I can help you with that later. It’ll be fun, a
mother-daughter outing.” Joan turns on her little girl look and gives
Helen the sad puppy face.
Helen – “Okay, I guess the laundry and kitchen can wait. Help me
bring in the rest of the groceries.”
At the Sheriff’s Station
Will returns to his office to find Michael Daghlian is waiting for
him. After they exchange pleasantries, Mike asks for his job back. He
explains that he’s been working in Connersburg and that his police
chief will give him a good recommendation, “Will, I know I screwed
up, but I’m asking for another chance. I’ll make it right.”
Will is torn. He knows Mike is a good cop, but he broke the rules.
But with his coming promotion, there will be an opening in the
detective bureau. It could take months to fill. “I’ll see what I can
do. I’ll call you when I know something.” They again exchange
pleasantries and Michael leaves. Will then calls Carlisle into his
office for their scheduled meeting.
Will – “Carlisle, tell me how your investigation on the paint from
the St. Peter’s Church vandalism is proceeding.”
Carlisle – “The paint balloons were probably homemade, filled with a
quick drying marine paint and diluted with paint thinner. It’s odd
that the perp used marine paint. It is twice as expensive as house
paint and house paint would have done the trick just as well. I have
checked all of the marine supply stores and body shops as far out as
Millersville. No one can recall anyone asking for cans in all of
these colors, and none can remember anyone asking for pink. There are
a couple of stores near the marina in Connersburg, but that’s getting
pretty far away.”
While Carlisle is speaking, Roy Roebuck appears at the door. Will
motions for him to come in and have a seat.
Will – “Yeah, but Millersville is about halfway between here and
there. Why don’t you give Mike Daghlian a call?” He gives Carlisle
his cell phone number, “Ask him check it out.”
Carlisle – “On it boss. Hi, Roy.” Roy gives a wave and Carlisle
leaves.
Roy – “Mike Daghlian? I haven’t heard that name in a while.”
Will – “Well, he just paid me a visit. He wants his old job back”
Roy – “He was a good cop. I never did learn why he was let go.”
Will – “Well, that’s not important. I think I’m going to hire him
back. I don’t think I’m likely to find someone else with his
qualifications. What do you think?”
Roy – “Hey, you’re the new chief. It’s your call.”
Will – “I just meant that you have known him longer. I would like to
hear your thoughts.”
Roy – “Well, I was in Internal Affairs then, but I can tell you his
name never crossed my desk, at least, nothing bad. He was clean.”
Will – “I’ll call his police chief right away. Are you ready for the
press conference?”
Roy – “I hate giving speeches. At least it will be short. You?”
Will – “Yeah, I’ve gone over what I plan to say.”
At the Theater
Luke and Grace are leaving the theater. Luke had to drag her to see
War of the Worlds. Luke loved the book and the first movie and didn’t
want to miss it.
Luke – “That was so cool! The visual effects were fantastic, and I’ve
always liked Tom Cruise. Who was that girl? I’ve seen her before.”
Grace – “Dakota something. She’s been in a lot of stuff, but you
remember her from that Taken mini-series.”
Luke – “You’re right! I haven’t watched that in awhile. I have it all
on tape.”
Grace – “Don’t remind me, and don’t even ask me to watch it again.
What was it, twelve hours?”
Luke – “Closer to fifteen.Spielberg did that one, too.”
Grace – “Well, enough aliens already. It’s my turn. Let’s go feed the
ducks.”
Luke – “I would never have imagined that this was something you liked
to do.”
Grace – “And if you tell anyone, I’ll kick your ass. I don’t want
everyone thinking I’m this touchy-feely girl. Just keep your mouth
shut and no one will get hurt.”
Luke – “Grace, it’s okay, really. I like ducks, too.”
At the Newspaper
Kevin is struggling through his fact checking. He’s just not in the
mood today, but he knows that he has to get it done. Suddenly, Adam
is standing there. He hadn’t noticed him approaching.
Adam – “Hi, Kevin, do you have a minute?”
Kevin – “Sure, I need a break anyway. What’s new?”
Adam – “I need some advice.”
Kevin – “Well, I’m not sure you have come to the right place. What
about?”
Adam – “It’s Joan.”
Kevin – “Whoa!Let’s not go there. I don’t mess in my sister’s
business.”
Adam – “But I still love her, and I want to win her back.”
Kevin – “Hey, when you cheat on a girl, you always get caught.”
Adam – “She told you?”
Kevin – “No, Luke did. Joan hasn’t said a word. In fact, she has
refused to tell anyone. You hurt her Adam… really bad.”
Adam – “I know, I just… I just wasn’t thinking straight. How can I
fix this?”
Kevin – “You may not be able to. When I cheated on...” He pauses to
look around, “When I cheated on Rebecca, that was it. You and Joan
may be the same.”
Adam – “But if you really wanted to make it right, what would you
do?”
Kevin looks at Adam and can tell that he is sincere. He thinks for a
moment, “Well, you need to show her you really care for her, but not
in words. Take an interest in the things she likes. Make it so you
have common interests. Things like that.”
Adam – “She hasn’t been talking to me much. What has she been doing?”
Kevin – “She’s into yoga now, and she’s been reading a lot of
religious books. That’s all I can think of.”
Adam – “What books?”
Kevin – “Oh, there have been a lot. She read St. Augustine’s
Confessions. She and mom talked about that a lot. I saw her with
Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica when I left this morning.” Kevin
pauses, “Tell you what. I’ll make a list and give it to you
tomorrow.”
Adam – “Thanks, Kevin.I’ll get copies of those first two books
tonight.”
At the Shoe Outlet
Joan – “Look at these, they’re perfect!”
Helen – “I thought you were going to buy sneakers?”
Joan – “Mom, I just need them for walking. I’m not doing track. These
are perfect!”
Helen – “They remind me of a pair I used to have years ago… Keds, I
think.”
Joan – “Well, they are on sale, and I’m getting them. What do you
think, plain white or white with little flowers?”
Helen – “I would get the plain white, but the flowers are pretty.”
Joan – “I think so, too. Flowers it is.”
Joan pays for her shoes, and they head for home.
Helen – “Are you hungry?”
Joan – “Starving!I only had orange juice and a couple of Pop-Tarts
for breakfast.” She looks at several of the restaurants in the mall
complex, “Have you tried Chick Filet?”
Helen sees the sign, “No, I haven’t. Good thing it’s not Sunday.
Let’s get something for the drive home.”
At the Duck Pond
Grace – “Luke, we need to talk about something, and I need you to
take this the right way.”
Luke immediately becomes worried. This sounds like a break-up line.
“Talk about what?”
Grace – “I really like you, but we are spending way too much time
together. I think we should cool it for awhile.”
Luke is devastated now, believing that he knows what’s coming next,
“But I really like you, too. What have I done wrong?”
Grace – “It’s not you, it’s me. I need space in my life for other
things … for friends.”
Luke – “ Are you breaking up with me? Is there someone else?”
Grace – “Yeah, Joan.”
Luke – “You mean you really are gay?”
Grace – “No, Friedman is the only one who believes that. I’m as
straight as you. But Joan, she’s my best friend, and I want to spend
more time with her. I really miss that.”
Luke is relieved. He thought it was over, “No problem, I understand,
we can plan our days together and with friends. I can deal with
that.”
Grace – “ Thank you. I wasn’t sure how you would take it.”
On the Interstate
Joan is driving just below the speed limit in the right lane. The
other lane is speeding by, since few people in Maryland seem to obey
the speed limit. Occasionally, drivers grimace at Grandma Joan as
they go by. Joan and Helen are talking and enjoying their sandwiches.
A truck struggles ahead as it also climbs the incline in the road. It
is carrying a load of bricks for a construction site just outside of
Arcadia. As Joan begins to pass, a strap securing the load breaks. It
slings like a catapult, sending its buckle crashing through the
windshield. Joan swerves to the left, but the truck and car are now
anchored. The jostling causes more straps to break and bricks begin
pelting the car and the road. Debris slashes a tire and Joan loses
control. As the car flips, Joan screams and the roar of the truck’s
tires fades to silence.
At Arcadia’s City County Building
Will steps up to the podium, “It will once again be my honor to serve
as the Chief of Police for the city of Arcadia. I do not take these
duties lightly. Crime in our city has become an increasing problem,
with acts of violence especially on the rise. I pledge as my first
duty to find the criminals responsible, so they can be brought to
justice. I accept this position knowing full well it is you, the
citizens of Arcadia, that we are obligated to serve. Thank you.” He
returns to his seat.
At the Duck Pond
Luke – “Come on, let’s go. We’re out of popcorn.”
Grace – “But I like just watching the ducks, too.”
Luke – “Joan was home when I left. Maybe she’s still there. If she
is, you can spend the rest of the day with her. I’ll find something
else to do.”
Grace – “I said I wanted to spend more time with her, but I didn’t
mean it had to be now.”
Luke - “But you are right, my sister needs her friend, too. I’m
willing to share.”
Grace – “That’s sweet, dog boy. Let’s go see if she’s home.”
On the Interstate
Joan sluggishly regains consciousness. Her arms are dangling above
her, since the seatbelt is still securing her to the seat. She
glances over to see her mother. She is still unconscious. Some people
are talking and banging on the doors outside of the car. They appear
to be wedged beneath the trailer. She looks back and realizes she has
the Rocky glow, “Oh God, I’m dead! Please, no... I’m not ready!” She
grabs her mother’s arm, “Mom, help me!” The glow flows from her hand
and spreads over Helen like syrup over a pancake. Helen begins to
arouse. As the glow fades, so does Joan.
Judith and another girl are walking toward her, “I met a friend of
yours. You have a lot more friends than you know.”
Joan remembers her. It’s Cory Callahan! Well, actually Corinth, but
everyone called her Cory. She was the one friend Joan really hated to
leave when they moved to Arcadia, “Cory! I’ve missed you so much. How
is everybody back home?”
Cory – “Everyone is sad. They miss me, too, but now I’m here with
Judith.”
Joan – “You mean you’re...”
Cory – “Dead?Yes, but I came here with Judith to give you a message.”
Joan – “What message? From whom?”
Cory – “You know who it’s from. Do you see the clock on the wall?”
Joan – “Yeah, so what?”
Cory – “What time is it?”
Joan – “Nine minutes after twelve. And?”
Another girl comes and takes Cory’s hand, “Come on, it’s time to
play.”
Cory – “This is my friend Raphaela. She’s a lot like you. I have to
go now.”
Joan – “But wait, what’s the message?”
Judith – “You’ll figure it out Jo-Jo. See you later.”
Joan hears another voice, “Joan, honey, can you hear me?”
Joan - “Mom?” Joan slowly becomes aware, “Oh, God! Where am I?”
Helen – “It’s okay, the men pried open the door. The paramedics are
here to help you.”
Joan – “Mom, I’m okay. I’ll get out.”
Helen – “Joan, noooo! Stay there. You’re hurt and bleeding. Let them
do their job.”
Joan resigns and lets the men work. As she becomes more aware, she
also becomes aware of the incredible pain in her head. She thinks
about Judith, “What good are you? You give me this cryptic message
and then leave me with a headache from hell.” She thinks about Cory.
Tears begin to flow, “God, what did I do to deserve... ouch!”
Paramedic – “Sorry.”The paramedic finishes securing her neck brace,
“Joan, we are going to undo your seatbelt now, but don’t worry, we’re
going to catch you.” Almost as soon as he says it, Joan feels herself
being whisked onto a gurney and into the ambulance. Helen joins her
at her side.
At the Hospital
Helen tries to call Will, but gets his voice mail. Will had turned
his phone off for the speech. She calls the station and finds Toni.
She relays the information about the accident and asks Toni to find
Will.
Joan is taken immediately into the triage area where the doctor
examines her. The doctor cleans the dried blood from around her nose
and ears. The bleeding has stopped. She examines the rest of her and
can find no external bleeding. However, there is bruising nearly
everywhere she has looked. A technician has been simultaneously
hooking up an ECG and taking blood pressure. He reads off the stats.
Everything appears normal. The doctor orders a full body CT scan. She
sends for an orderly to take Joan to CT for the examination.
At Arcadia’s City County Building
When Toni arrives, Will is still seated, waiting for the other
speakers to finish. Toni signals for him to come, but Will responds
with a ‘No, it wouldn’t be proper’ look. Toni signals once again, but
this time she gives him the mother ‘You will come here, now’ look.
Will leaves the stage as inconspicuously as he can. When he reaches
Toni, she simply says, “We have to go.” Once they are on the way,
Toni tells him about the accident. UMC is only a few minutes away.
At the Newspaper
Kevin looks up to see Rebecca standing there.
Rebecca – “Kevin, I have to tell you something.”
Kevin’s cell phone rings, so he motions for Rebecca to wait. Will
tells him about the accident and that Helen appears to be okay, but
Joan is hurt badly. He asks Kevin to find Luke and bring him to the
hospital. He knows that Luke will probably be with Grace since they
had planned to go to the movies today.
After overhearing the conversation, Rebecca is relieved… well,
somewhat. She had heard from Susan at the ER about Joan’s arrival.
She was glad for once not to have to give Kevin the bad news.
Kevin wonders how to find Luke. He calls the advertising department
and asks for Adam, “Adam, does Grace Polk have a cell phone?”
Adam – “Sure, but it’s not on half of the time. Why, what’s going
on?”
Kevin – “Luke is with her, and I need to find him. Joan has been in
an accident.”
Adam – “Joan? How bad?”
Kevin – “I don’t know, but it’s bad. Do you know the number or not?”
Adam gives Kevin the number. Kevin thanks him and hangs up.
At Home
Luke and Grace arrive at home to find no one is there. They fix
themselves a sandwich, since the ducks ate all of their popcorn. Luke
continues talking about the movie, comparing the differences between
the new movie and the 1953 version, “In the 1953 movie, the aliens
were from Mars. In this one, they never said where the aliens came
from. In the original movie, they came down in cylinders. In this
one, the aliens came down in the lightning, but the ships were
already here. In the original...”
Grace has been patiently listening, but has had enough, “Okay, enough
aliens already. I went to the movie. Isn’t that enough? The corrupt
human totalitarian regime is destroyed by a corrupt alien
totalitarian regime and the world is returned to anarchy. That sums
it up for me.”
Grace’s phone rings, “Yeah, what do you want?”
Kevin – “Grace, this is Kevin, is Luke with you?”
Grace hands the phone to Luke, “It’s your brother.”
Kevin tells Luke about the accident and learns that they are at home.
He tells him he will be by to pick him up shortly. Luke and Grace go
out to the front porch to wait.
When Kevin hangs up the phone, he looks up to see Adam is standing
there, “I want to come with you.”
Kevin knows he can’t say no, “Let’s go.”
At the Hospital
Will and Toni arrive.Helen gives Will a big hug, and she proceeds to
tell them about the accident.
Will interrupts her, “Helen, your clothes are soaked in blood. Have
you had someone check you out?”
For the first time, Helen looks down at herself. She looks back up at
Will, “I’m fine.” She breaks down and cries, “It must be Joan’s
blood.”
The doctor comes out to give Will and Helen a report on Joan’s
condition. It is the same doctor who treated Joan for Lyme disease
last year. She begins to speak with that beautiful Slavic accent,
“Joan is suffering from a concussion. The bleeding from her nose and
ears has stopped, but there may be other injuries. She has bruising
on nearly every part of her body. I have sent her to CT for a more
comprehensive examination.”
Helen – “What does that mean? How serious is it?”
Doctor – “She’s disoriented and complaining of a headache… and she’s
babbling, talking to someone named Judith and Cory. She vomited on
the way to CT. The full body CT scan will tell us more about the
condition of her brain, but it will also tell us the condition of the
other parts of her body.”
The doctor looks at Helen, “I think you should let me take a look at
you. You are covered in blood!”
Helen – “I’m fine, it’s Joan’s blood.”
Will – “Helen, will you please let the doctor look at you? For me?”
Helen concedes and goes off with the doctor to be examined.
Kevin, Adam, Luke, and Grace arrive. Helen returns and sits next to
Will, “I’m fine.” Will puts his arm around her and holds her close.
They begin to endure the unbearable waiting. Grace breaks the silence
and asks, “Should we send for a priest? What are we supposed to be
doing?” They all start looking at each other when Will surprises
everyone with his response, “We pray.”
The doctor returns once again to give a report on Joan’s condition,
“Joan is doing better, but she’s still in a great deal of pain. The
CT scan did not find any internal bleeding. However, her pituitary
gland is enlarged. That is probably the cause of her delirium. I have
given her medication, and she is now sleeping. I am transferring her
to the ICU for observation.”
Helen – “What a minute, enlarged pituitary gland!What does that
mean?”
Doctor – “The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain. Your
daughter’s is swollen. The medication will reduce the swelling and
also ease her pain. She will most likely sleep through the night.”
Helen – “But, will she be all right?”
Doctor – “I’m sorry, we won’t know until in the morning.”
Joan is admitted to the ICU for monitoring. Will once again begins
the overnight vigil, while the others go home. Helen rejoins him
after taking a shower and changing clothes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the doctor had predicted, Joan did sleep through the night.
Another doctor assigned to the ICU has been taking care of Joan. He
reads her chart and examines Joan once again, “Your daughter’s vitals
have remained stable during the night, but the bruising has become
more pronounced. I have added a blood thinner to her IV. That should
help. We are sending Joan to have another CT scan. After we see the
results, I’ll let you know more.”
They take Joan down for the exam, and after a few hours, she returns.
The doctor returns shortly thereafter, “The swelling in her brain has
decreased. I am reducing her medication. That should allow her to
wake up. A large hematoma has developed behind her left kneecap. We
are going to have to drain it, but overall, your daughter is looking
much better. We’ll know more after she wakes up.”
The doctor leaves, and after about an hour, Joan wakes up with a
start. She looks around, but she has no idea of where she is, “Mom,
are you all right? I’m sorry. I’ll never drive again.”
Helen – “Honey, I’m fine, it wasn’t your fault. You just need to get
better.”
Joan – “My shoes! Where are my new shoes?”
Helen – “We’ll get you a new pair. Don’t worry about it.”
She collapses back down onto the bed, “God, I hurt everywhere!”
Helen – “Everything is almost broken, but you are going to be okay.”
Joan lays there while the feeling from different parts of her body
returns to normal. It’s a mixed joy as she moves her fingers and toes
and realizes that they are still there, but each movement comes with
pain. The exception is her left knee. The throbbing pain from there
is continuous.
Over the next several hours, Joan is visited by a variety of doctors.
Initially, she was shocked when a doctor introduced himself as Doctor
Dan. She had been looking away toward her father and turned back
toward the doctor with a start when he introduced himself. She was
relieved to see he was a young man, actually kind of cute. He is the
one who drained the blood from her knee. He tricked her. While he was
explaining the procedure, he actually performed it. It only took a
few seconds. While Joan was still waiting for it to begin, he
announced that he was finished. The pain from that area was already
beginning to subside.
Other visiting doctors were a psychiatrist and a physical therapist.
The psychiatrist asked questions from a form Will and Helen had
filled out. It was just things like her name, birthday, address,
stuff like that. He was evaluating her memory. She passed with flying
colors, except for when it came to the accident. She remembers the
car flipping, but nothing after that.
The physical therapist takes her through a series of motions,
wiggling her toes, lifting her arms and legs, to make sure that
everything still works. Everything does, but not without a pain with
each motion, and her left knee is still a source of great pain.
Will and Helen have been periodically calling home.All have been
eagerly awaiting the updates. Grace spends the night, and Adam
returns in the morning. Lilly has taken over the kitchen duties and
is keeping them well fed. All were especially relieved when Joan
finally woke up, but they were disheartened to learn of her pain.
When Adam returned, he brought with him a small sculpture. It was
something he had been working on, and he spent last evening finishing
it. He places it on Joan’s dresser.
Just before dinnertime, Will and Helen receive a report from the
doctor. Unless something changes during the night, Joan will be
released in the morning, “She won’t be able to walk for awhile, at
least not without crutches and a knee brace, but her bruising is
fading remarkably well. It may only be a week or two before she can
walk on her own.” Fortunately, the house is already prepared for
Kevin, so it won’t be such a challenge for Joan.
Grace, Luke, and Adam have been busy cleaning the house. Every room
is spotless with everything in its place. When they receive the news
of Joan’s return in the morning, they pay a visit to The Party House.
They return with an assortment of balloons and banners. The living
room and Joan’s bedroom are amazing sights to see.
The next morning, Joan is ready to leave. She had wanted to go home
the night before, but the doctors wouldn’t let her, and of course,
her parents sided with them. However, when the time finally arrives,
Will signs off on the paperwork and goes to retrieve the car. Helen
and Joan head toward the entrance, with an orderly pushing Joan in a
wheelchair.
Will pulls up to the loading area in a royal blue 2005 Buick LeSabre.
He and the orderly help Joan into the back seat. Helen joins her from
the other side and Will drives them home.
Joan – “Is this our new car?”
Will – “No, it’s a rental. It’ll be a few more days before our
insurance claim is processed.”
Joan – “This is nice, but you can get whatever you want. I’m never
driving again.”
Will and Helen decide to let it pass without comment.When they arrive
at home, Grace, Luke, and Adam are waiting at the curb with Kevin’s
wheelchair. They get Joan into it and take her into the house. She
sees Kevin on the couch and how wonderful the living room is
decorated, “This is so beautiful. Thank you.” Her eyes begin to
water, “But... but I have to go to sleep now. I’m just too tired.”
She is still weak, but it’s the pain with every movement that wears
her down the most. Will carries her upstairs, and he and Helen tuck
her in bed. Helen gives her a painkiller the doctor had prescribed,
and she goes to sleep within minutes.
After a few hours, Joan wakes up and calls, “Mom… Mom.” Helen comes
upstairs, “Mom, I haven’t had a shower in two days. I need you to
help me.”
Helen calls Will and they get her knee brace back on and help her
onto her crutches. They walk on either side of her to the bathroom in
case she falls. Will excuses himself once they arrive safely.
Joan can wash herself while using Kevin’s bath chair, but she can’t
raise her arms high enough to shampoo her hair. It is still matted
with dried blood, and she can’t stand it. Helen washes Joan’s hair
and her back. Helen dries her and helps her into a new pair of
pajamas. Joan is exhausted from the ordeal, soWill carries her back
to her bed.
Once there, she begins to feel better. She looks around and notices
the decorations and balloons. She also sees Adam’s sculpture on her
dresser. Yes, she remembers now, but she hadn’t noticed the sculpture
in her dream. She is pleased with the familiarity, “Are Grace and
Adam still here?”
Helen – “Yes, they are both downstairs.”
Joan – “I would like to see them, but one at a time. Can you ask
Grace to come up?”
Grace comes in and pulls up a chair, “Hey Danica, how are you doing?”
Joan – “Huh?Ah, not too good, but the doctors say I’ll be better
soon. Thank you for all of the decorations. They’re really nice.”
Grace – “Well, Luke and Adam helped too.”
Joan – “Can you get that sculpture and bring it over here so I can
see it?”
Grace retrieves it and Joan begins to examine it, “This is so
beautiful. I’ve never seen Adam make anything like this.”
The sculpture is mixed media, an abstract with realistic flowers. The
vase is completely silver except for the flowers Adam painted with
realistic colors.
Grace – “Yeah, this is a new thing for Adam. He’s mixing abstract and
real. He knew you liked Black-Eyed Susans.”
Joan – “I yelled at him the other day.”
Grace – “I know, he told me about it.”
Joan – “I didn’t mean to, I just got so mad.”
Grace thinks for a moment, “You haven’t told me what you want to do,
so I’m not getting in the middle of this, but if you want something
with him again, you need to stop pushing him away.”
Joan – “I still don’t know what I want, but I’ll apologize. That will
help.” She pauses while her thoughts change, “Has there been anything
else going on you would like to talk about?”
Grace – “You have been the only thing going on, sister. But if you
want a bit of news, you backed up the interstate for six miles.
That’s quite an accomplishment.” They both smile.
Joan – “You should go home. I’m going to have to take another pill
soon and when I do, it’s lights out.”
Grace – “I have already claimed the couch. I’m not going anywhere.”
Joan laughs. “Who would have thought that the blue pill had a kick,
too?”
They both smile, “Will you ask Adam to come up?”
Grace goes downstairs, “Adam, she wants to see you, but don’t stay
long. She’s winding down.”
Adam walks upstairs. He peeks into the room before entering, “Hi,
Joan.”
Joan – “Hi, Adam.Thank you for the sculpture and the decorations.
There are both beautiful! I really like how the flowers look so
real.”
Adam – “I hoped you would like it. The ‘Mother and Child’ sculpture
I’m doing for the library will be like that, too.”
Joan – “You be sure to tell me when it’s ready. I want to see it.”
Adam – “I will.” He pauses for a moment, “I’m sorry about the other
day.”
Joan – “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you… I just…
remember when I smashed your sculpture?”
Adam – “Yeah, but I forgave you.”
Joan – “I know, but before you finally did, Grace told me about your
photographic memory, and how every time you thought you might forgive
me, the image of me smashing your artwork would pop into your head.
That’s how it is with me. I think I am almost there and then bam, I
remember you and Bonnie and it all falls apart. I just need more time
to sort it out. Do you understand?”
Adam – “Yeah, I do. I’ll stay out of your way.”
Joan – “No, I don’t want you out of my way. I just need you to be
patient.”
Adam – “Yeah, I hear you. Hey, I have to go. I’ll send your mother
up.”
Adam leaves and Joan lays there depressed. She clearly didn’t make
things better with Adam, and her aches and pains are now back in full
force. She is relieved when Helen comes in with her medicine, “Tell
Kevin and Luke I’m sorry I haven’t spent time with them yet. I will
as soon as I wake up.”
Helen – “They understand, don’t worry about it. Get some rest.”
After another two-hour nap, Joan wakes up actually feeling pretty
good. But nature is calling, so she decides she’s going to make it to
the bathroom on her own. She puts on her knee brace and gets up on
her crutches. Downstairs, they hear the thumping as she heads for the
bathroom. By the time Will and Helen make it up the stairs, Joan is
already inside.
Helen – “Joan, are you all right?”
Joan – “I’m fine, I had to go.”
Helen – “Do you need help?”
Joan – “No, I can handle it on my own.”
She washes her hands and looks into the mirror. This is the first
time she has seen herself since the accident. She storms thumping out
of the bathroom. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me about that huge bruise
on my forehead?”
Helen – “You have bruises everywhere. It doesn’t matter.”
Joan – “Well, it does to me. Get me a mirror and my makeup.”
Joan gets back into bed, and Helen helps her to conceal the bruise,
“Mom, Kevin told me about what you said the other day. What was your
mother like?”
Helen – “I was mad, I should have never had brought it up.”
Joan – “But I want to know.”
Helen pauses while she collects her memories, “She looked a lot like
your Aunt Olive, only taller and thinner. She took very good care of
me and played with me all of the time. We would draw things together.
She never painted, but she sketched the most beautiful drawings. Of
course my drawings were in crayon, but she praised every one of them.
I still have one she did of me. I’ll have to show it to you. She was
the most wonderful mother to me.
“She had told me about her dreams, but I didn’t really understand
what she was telling me. But one day, she told me she had to leave.
She was sick and needed to get help. I don’t think even she realized
that she would never be coming home. Aunt Olive told me later that
she was afraid she might hurt me. She could no longer tell the
difference between her dreams and reality, and she was confused all
of the time. They wouldn’t let me visit her, and I never saw her
again.
“I stayed with Reverend Thompson and his wife for a long time. Then
your grandpa and grandma Brodie came and got me, and they became my
parents.”
Joan – “What was your father like? Why didn’t he keep you?”
Helen – “I never knew him. Your grandmother never talked about him.”
Joan thinks for a moment, “What was your mother’s name?”
Helen smiles, “Agnes, her name was Agnes.”
Joan ponders her mother’s bittersweet memories, “Thank you for
telling me.” She sits up and slides to the side of the bed. She
kisses Helen on the cheek. She would love to give her a hug, but that
is not something she can do just yet. “Can you ask Kevin and Luke to
come up?”
Helen – “Luke went home with Grace to pick up some clothes. He’ll be
back soon.”
Joan – “Okay, I’m going downstairs.”
Helen – “Are you sure? Kevin can come up here.”
Joan – “The doctor says I should try to walk, and I feel pretty good
now. Help me get the brace back on.”
Helen helps her with the brace and gets her onto the lift. She begins
to explain the control, “Mom, I’ve ridden this a lot of times when no
one’s been home.” The lift hums to her as it takes her down the
stairs. She smiles at her mother, “Free ride!”
Kevin is on the couch, so she crutches over and sits beside him.
“Thank you for all of the decorations.”
Kevin – “I just supervised, but I’m glad you like them.” He reaches
for a basket on the coffee table, “Here, you have mail.”
She leafs through the envelopes and sees a lot of familiar names, the
Goetzmann’s and one specifically from Elizabeth, the Polonsky’s, the
Rove’s, “Gavin Price? How did he find out about me?”
Kevin – “I don’t know. There was only a little blurb in the
newspaper, mainly about the traffic jam you caused. Word of mouth, I
guess.”
She looks through some more, “Who’s Susan Jordan?”
Kevin – “I have no idea, but there sure are a lot of people thinking
about you.”
Will comes in from the kitchen, “How are you feeling? Can I get you
anything?”
Joan – “I’m actually feeling pretty good now. Is there any tea left?”
Will – “Coming up.”He returns with the tea.
Joan – “When are you going back to work?”
Will – “I’ve taken the rest of the week off.”
Joan – “You don’t have to, I’m doing better.”
Will – “I’m the only one strong enough to carry you. I’ll be here if
you need me.”
Helen comes in from the kitchen, “Dinner’s almost ready. Does roast
beef sound good?”
Joan – “Yeah, I am kind of hungry.”
When Luke and Grace return, Luke sits beside her and Grace sits in a
stuffed chair, “Thank you for all of the decorations.”
Luke – “No big deal.How are you feeling?”
Joan – “Pretty good, actually. I still hurt, but a lot less then
before. In fact, if I feel this good tomorrow, I’m getting rid of
these crutches. I only need them because of my knee.” She looks at
Grace, “I’m glad you’re here, but you don’t have to stay.”
Grace – “Don’t get too comfy, you’re sitting on my bed.”
Will returns again from the kitchen carrying a tray with Joan’s
dinner, “I hope you’re hungry.”
Joan – “Dad, no, I want to eat at the table with everyone else. Just
get me a pillow to sit on.”
Luke interrupts, “I’ll go get it.”
They all gather around the table and Helen recites a prayer, “God,
thank you for our family and friends. Thank you for this wonderful
meal, and thank you for bringing Joan back home to us. Amen.”
After dinner, Joan retires to her bedroom. She is feeling better, but
not that much better. She and Grace talk for a while, mainly about
Adam, “I’m still mad at him, but it hurts to know he’s now mad at me.
I still don’t know what to do. I’m such a mess.”
Grace smiles, “Unchallenged! But once you decide what you want to do,
I’m here for you.”
Joan – “Thanks, Grace.Can you get my journal for me? It’s under the
magazines in the closet.”
Grace – “Clever, can I take a peek?”
Joan – “No, maybe some day.”
Grace retrieves the notebook, “That’s a good place, but eventually
your mother’s going to find it cleaning or something.”
Joan – “I move it around. I don’t always hide it in here. No one but
you even knows it exists. Thank you, I’ll see you in the morning. Can
you have Mom bring up my pill?”
Helen brings up her pill, and she sets it on the nightstand. Joan
begins to write in her journal. She writes about her Dad’s promotion
and Mom’s battle with the school board, about her outing with her
mother and how wonderful it was up until the accident, how great it
is to be home again, and how beautiful the living room and her
bedroom are decorated. She describes the sculpture Adam made for her.
She lays the journal down and picks up the pill and glass of water.
She pauses and thinks about what God told her. She puts them back
down on the nightstand. She decides to write one more thing to her
journal, ‘I don’t even know if I should include this, because I was
bonkers at the time, but here’s the dream. Judith - Cory Callahan -
12:09 - Raphaela? I have no idea what it means. Goodnight!’
