Episode 3.05, The Outing, Part 2 -------------------------------- 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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!’