Emerge Victorious

Chapter 9

“Mrs. Taylor? What are you doing here?” Janet asked as she slowly opened her apartment door part way.

“Please call me Susan, and I came to find out if you needed anything. I was out doing some shopping and I thought...”

“That’s so nice of you but I’m fine,” Janet said as she began to shut the door.

“Are you sure? You seem a little flushed,” Susan stated as she stuck her head partially into the doorway. Susan gasped with shock when she noticed the man sitting on the sofa. He quickly stood up.

“Mrs. Taylor, I can explain,” Janet said quickly.

“That’s not necessary,” Susan retorted. “I’m sorry I disturbed you.” Susan backed out of the doorway to leave.

“Mrs. Taylor? I thought she was a blond,” she heard the man say.

“Mrs. Taylor!” Janet called out before Susan got to the lobby. She stepped out of her apartment. “Susan, please,” Janet pleaded. Susan turned back toward Janet. She could see that Janet was upset and becoming fatigued.

“Let’s get you back inside,” Susan said gently. Janet accepted Susan’s help getting her to the couch. Susan took a colorful throw from the back of the sofa and carefully draped it across Janet’s legs.

“Please sit for a minute,” Janet begged. “I can explain.”

“Janet, you don’t owe me any explanation. You don’t even know me. I apologize for intruding,” Susan said gently.

“But I owe Justin something. He’s been so kind to me and Cassandra,” Janet said. Chris Hobbs snorted low. Janet cleared her throat then continued. “Chris found out that I tried to visit him. Then he tracked me down here.”

Janet looked toward Chris for affirmation or permission to go on, so it looked to Susan. Susan tried her best to keep her expression neutral.

“Mrs. Taylor.” Chris pronounced Susan’s name like it was an accusation. “I came here to discuss the eventual disposition of Cassandra.”

Susan stared at the man incredulously. “The eventual disposition of...? Do you have any human feelings at all?” Susan stood up incensed. She wanted to let Chris know exactly what she thought of him but thought better of it. It really wasn’t any of her business in spite of what he had done to her stepson. “Janet, I’ll come back another time. Please call me if you need anything at any time.” Susan pressed her card with her cell phone number on it into Janet’s hand, straightened out the blanket then left.

When Susan got outside and into her car, she found that she was trembling. She needed to speak to someone but wasn’t sure who to call. She dug into her bag to find her phone. Staring at the dial pad, Susan made a decision.

“Jennifer, it’s Susan, do you have a minute?”

 

*****
 

Lindsay was standing just outside the meeting room seemingly studying the vending machine.

“Miss Lindsay?” Candy came up to Lindsay.

“Hi, Candy. Aren’t you supposed to be in school?” Lindsay asked with a parental tone.

“I am in school. I go here at the Rainbow School but it’s my lunch period. I was looking for Richie,” Candy explained. “Sometimes we have lunch together.”

“Oh. He’s in there,” Lindsay said indicating the room she just came out of. Taped on the door was a “Do Not Disturb” sign. “It’s a support group. Nothing formal or confidential. We just get together to talk or vent.”

“What kind of support group?” Candy asked with some hesitation.

“The GLC runs many different groups but this one helps to cope with loss.”

“Loss?”

“Any kind of loss. I find it helps to talk to someone who’s experiencing similar feelings but not all wrapped up in them like my family would be.”

“Oh. Richie said he talks about his parents but I didn’t know what he really meant.” Candy was quiet for a minute as Lindsay finally selected a small bag of M&Ms.

“I really need chocolate right now,” Lindsay admitted with an embarrassed smile. Candy smiled and nodded with understanding.

“Miss Lindsay, do you think I can join the group?”

“Of course you can,” Lindsay said as she wrapped her arm around the teen. She pressed her lips to the dark blue-black hair. “Everyone is welcome. No one will judge you.” Candy sniffled a little. “Come on, we have about forty-five more minutes in there,” Lindsay said as she shared her M&Ms.

Lindsay opened the door to the meeting room then she and Candy quietly entered.

 

*****
 

“Thank you for meeting me,” Susan said as she sat down.

“My curiosity got the better of me and you sounded very upset on the phone,” Jennifer replied.

Jennifer was showing an apartment near the Village Diner so she suggested they meet there. Susan agreed. It was on the other side of town and afforded a little more privacy than meeting on Liberty Avenue. They ordered a couple of salads and diet colas.

“I was. I still am. But before I tell you why I have to say something first.”

Jennifer stopped picking at her salad to give Susan her undivided attention.

“I admire you. You’re intelligent, worldly and beautiful; and amazingly gracious to me. You also have a purpose to your life where I go around most of the time being a trophy wife.” Jennifer’s eyes widened. “I know what people think about me and Craig and I have no illusions about him. He can be so loving, so kind and considerate. And then other times I just want to smack the shit out of him and kick him out. I’ve come close to it but then I realize how much I love him. In spite of all his faults, I do love him. But loving him isn’t all encompassing. I may have a business degree but I haven’t worked since Craig and I married. I go to his parties, make small talk and I can bake a mean cookie but when it’s all said and done, it means nothing.”

Jennifer nodded. She worked hard at her business, as did Seth. It made her appreciate their time off together and afforded them the ability to give back to their community and to the family. Susan looked trapped.

“I had a talk with Debbie on Labor Day.” Jennifer winced in sympathy making Susan chuckle. “Yes, she cornered me. She made me take a good look at myself so I decided to try volunteer work. I’ve been going to the Vic Grassi House and putting all my baking skills to some good use in the kitchen.”

“I bet it’s been appreciated.”

“I think so, at least that’s what I’ve been told. I stopped by Janet Cummings’ apartment to check on her. To see if she needed any shopping to be done or a meal cooked. Her little girl shouldn’t have to be in charge all the time.” Jennifer nodded in agreement. “Jennifer, when I got there, she wasn’t alone. Chris Hobbs was there.”

Jennifer gasped nearly choking on a piece of tomato.

“He affected me the same way. He then proceeded to state that the purpose of his visit was to discuss the eventual disposition of Cassandra,” Susan said making quote signs in the air.

“What the fuck?” Jennifer let fly then apologized. “I’ve been hanging around the boys for far too long.” Susan shrugged it off.

“I was so shocked by his demeanor that I had to leave. That’s when I called you. As bad as Craig can get, at least he’s human. That man...”

“I know,” Jennifer gently said. “When Justin was hurt, at the trial, Hobbs was just so cold. Like he had no regard for human life at all. Craig hurt Brian, he hurt my son but…”

“He isn’t inhuman about it.”

“No, he isn’t.”

The ladies silently finished eating their salads and sipped their sodas.

“So what do we do about it?” Susan asked.

“I don’t think there’s much we can do about it. Cassandra is the daughter of Chris Hobbs. If Janet dies and no one else comes forward, and if Hobbs pushes, he will get custody,” Jennifer recapped the facts they knew.

“And that sweet girl is at risk for turning out like Hobbs,” Susan stated. Jennifer agreed.

 

*****
 

“Good afternoon, Miss Joan!” Emmett cheerfully addressed Joan as he walked into the bookstore. “How are you today?”

“I’m very well, Emmett. And how are you?”

“Wondering how goes the plans?”

“Plans?”

“Yes. The plans for the boys.” Emmett winked at Joan.

“Are you referring to the anniversary party plans?”

“Yes. I was wondering what stage we’re at.”

“We’re in the ‘we have no idea where to hold this party’ stage.”

“But you and Debbie appeared so confident at the barbecue.”

“That was then.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

Joan stepped from behind the counter to stroll through the shop. She began to straighten up the bookshelves as she gathered her thoughts. Emmett followed.

“We can’t decide on the venue. Debbie thought the logical place was Edna’s Treasures. It’s so beautiful there and large enough for a family party. However Jennifer pointed out that the boys would probably take more than a passive interest in the preparations. We don’t want them working their own party.”

“No, of course not,” Emmett agreed.

“Jennifer suggested the Plaza. It’s large enough and centrally located. But then Debbie pointed out that the only one we would trust to do the catering would be you.”

“Why thank you, lovely lady,” Emmett beamed.

“But you’re one of their closest friends. It’s not fair for you to be working instead of joining in on the fun. We’re at a stalemate,” Joan looked dejected.

Emmett contemplated the situation then brightened. “May I suggest Papaganos. Alberto is a Kinney-Taylor fan and he loves the princess. If we start the planning now, we can reserve the whole restaurant. We limit the menu, keep it simple but elegant and I will handle the hors d’oeuvres and dessert. His service is excellent and I know Brian approves of his wine cellar. It’s a match made in heaven!”

“Just like the boys,” Joan murmured a bit solemnly.

“What’s wrong?” Emmett asked seriously.

“Nothing, sweetheart. Just the reality of the wasted time came to mind,” Joan sighed.

“Honey, that’s all in the past. The important thing is that you and your son have found each other. You have a family, a whole loving family. That’s all that matters,” Emmett said as he threw his arms around the older woman.

“Thank you, Emmett. I appreciate it. And I think your suggestion is perfect. I’ll phone the moms later tonight. Now, there’s just one more miracle to perform.”

“What’s that?”

“How do we get Craig Taylor at this party and stay to witness the renewal of the boys’ wedding vows?”

“Oh my!” Emmett exclaimed when he realized just what the ‘moms’ were planning. “So this isn’t just an anniversary party?”

“I thought you knew,” Joan said. Emmett shook his head, no. “From what I’ve been told the boys’ ceremony was rather a pivotal moment for them and the family. We were going to surprise them. It will be their tenth anniversary but they will have known each other for twenty years. We all agreed that this is something worthy of celebration.”

“Oh it is, but Craig Taylor!” Emmett looked horrified; Joan nodded.

Not only had she ignored the invitation to Brian and Justin’s commitment ceremony but so had Craig. This time, Debbie, Jennifer and Susan all agreed on how important Joan and Craig’s inclusion would be.

“Sometimes it just takes a fairy,” Joan quoted as she patted Emmett’s hand. Emmett shrugged, gave Joan a kiss on her cheek then left the bookstore. He had a lot of planning and praying to do.

 

*****
 

“Susan, it’s Janet Cummings,” a voice said into Susan Taylor’s cell phone.

“Is something wrong?” Susan asked, a frown wrinkling her brow. She looked over at Jennifer who was just finishing her coffee.

“You said if I needed anything, I should call you.”

“And you need me?”

“Yes,” Janet said breathily.

“I’ll be right there.”

Susan cut the connection and quickly explained to Jennifer that she had to leave. Jennifer offered to go with her, but Susan said she could handle this on her own. She really wanted to take charge of her own life. Jennifer said she would take care of the check, and Susan rushed off heading to Janet’s apartment.

When Susan arrived at the loft building, she managed to slip inside as someone else was leaving. She hoped Janet was well enough to answer the door. She had sounded pretty rocky on the phone. She knocked on the door of Janet’s apartment and waited with growing trepidation as no response was heard. She was about to call for help on her cell phone when the loft door slowly opened. Janet Cummings stood before her looking pale and shaky. She leaned heavily against the door.

“Let me help you,” Susan said allowing the woman to rest most of her weight against Susan. Susan placed her arm around Janet’s waist and they walked slowly to the couch. Once they arrived there, Susan lowered the sick woman slowly to the seat of the couch. She lifted Janet’s legs carefully and extended them on the sofa. She gathered some pillows and cushions propping them behind Janet’s back. The throw she had used before she carefully placed across Janet’s body.

“Can I get you some tea … or anything?”

Janet shook her head. “Thank you for coming,” she whispered.

“I’m happy to help. What can I do?”

“Nothing,” Janet said weakly. “I … I just need to talk to someone. He was so cold.”

“Chris?”

“Yes.”

“Maybe you should rest a bit before we talk. I’ll make some tea.”

“You won’t leave?” Janet asked as her eyes began to close. She was obviously exhausted.

“I won’t leave,” Susan promised. Susan continued to sit on the edge of the couch holding Janet’s hand until she was sure the woman was asleep. Finally she stood up and went to the door of the loft which they had forgotten to close when Susan assisted the ill woman to the couch. Susan returned to sit in an armchair facing the sofa. She studied the frail looking woman. This must be so hard on her and her daughter. Susan wondered if she should call anyone, but she couldn’t think of who that might be. The best she could do was stay with Janet until her daughter came home from school.

After a bit Janet went to the kitchen and found a teapot and a couple of mugs. She found some teabags in a canister. She filled the kettle ready to make tea if Janet woke up.

Susan found herself dozing off when she heard some movement. Her eyes were immediately open looking over at Janet from where Susan sat in the armchair.

“Hi,” Janet said softly. “Sorry about drifting off, but sometimes I just can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Not a problem,” Susan said standing up. “I’m going to put the kettle on for tea, and then we can have a talk.”

Janet nodded, giving Susan permission to make tea. Susan wished she had brought some of her chocolate chip cookies which would be so much tastier than what she had found in Janet’s cupboard. When they each had a cup of tea with some store bought cookies to nibble on, Susan broached the subject of Chris Hobbs.

“So, what happened with Candy’s father?’

“He’s such an ass. I don’t know what I ever saw in him,” Janet sighed.

“He came here today,” Susan reminded her. “That must mean something.”

“It just means that he doesn’t want Cassandra making trouble after I die. He offered to send her away to school. He said his wife had agreed to that, after a lot of promises on his part. He said I wouldn’t get a better offer.”

“How can he be so cruel to his own daughter?”

Janet shook her head. “I have to admit. I was tempted to accept the offer.”

“Accept?” Susan asked in horror. “But Candy would never want to be separated from you.”

“I know, but at least she would be safe, and she could get a decent education. I have nothing to leave her. She’ll be all on her own.”

“All by herself! With nobody to care about her. No school can replace family.”

A tear slid down Janet’s cheek. “I know. That was the part that stopped me from agreeing to his proposal.”

“So you told him no?”

Janet nodded. “I don’t want Candy under his control. As much as I would like to have some of his money to know that Cassandra would be looked after, I don’t want her to be isolated like that. I want her to have a family, even if it isn’t her real one.”

“She has a family … with you,” Susan said setting down her cup and taking Janet’s hand in hers. “There has to be another way.”

“That’s what I keep thinking, but I don’t know what it might be.” Janet sounded like she had given up.

“We’ll figure something out,” Susan said reassuringly. “Candy seems like a nice girl, even though her looks are a little … odd.”

Janet chuckled. “That’s her statement about life. She has very strong ideas about things.”

“I thought so,” Susan agreed. “And I could see at the art show opening how much she loves you.”

“It’s just been the two of us all her life. That’s why I worry so much about…”

Susan patted Janet’s hand as they both heard the loft door open.

“Mom?” Candy said, and then she saw Susan. “Oh my God! What’s happened? Mom?” She ran across the loft sliding to a stop at the sofa and dropping to her knees beside her mother.

“I’m fine, honey,” Janet reassured her daughter. “Susan came by for a visit, and she stayed while I had a nap. We had some tea.” Janet looked at Susan asking her to support what she had said, and including the tacit admonition to not mention Chris Hobbs.

“Yes, I was just telling your mother that I wished I had brought some of my famous chocolate chip cookies.”

“They sound great, Mrs. Taylor,” Candy said having finally put all the pieces together of who this woman was with her mother. “Are you okay, Mom?”

“I’m good,” Janet stated.

“I should be going, Janet,” Susan said. “I’ll call you tomorrow. If you need anything, I could drop by with it.”

“That would be lovely,” Janet said.

“I think the cookies sound great,” Candy prompted with a mischievous grin.

“Then I’ll be sure to bring some,” Susan said, smiling at the girl before gathering up her purse. She was so young to be facing her mother’s death and the prospect of being all alone. “I better be going. I can show myself out,” Susan added as Candy had sat down beside her mother.

“Thanks for everything,” Janet said.

“Mom, I met Miss Lindsay at the center today. We went to a support group together,” Candy was explaining.

“That sounds like a good idea,” Janet told her daughter as Susan closed the door behind her.

Susan knew the two women had a lot to deal with over the next months, if there were months left. She filed away the reference to Lindsay Peterson for the future. She seemed to remember that there had been some discussion of Lindsay possibly taking the girl in, since her marriage was breaking up, and her house was empty of spouse and children. Perhaps a call to Lindsay would be in order, Susan decided as she got into her car.

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