“About what?”
“Our party.”
“No!”
“Why not? You can invite your friends and your girlfriends.”
“Girls, yuk.”
“And you can dance.”
“Dad, I don’t have to dance, do I?”
“No, Son.”
“I’m just inviting Mitch. Can he spend the night?”
“Sure.”
“No girls?” Jessica kept pushing the subject. “They are all probably dying for you to dance with them. The ever-so-cute Robbie Young, with those beautiful blue eyes, curly dark hair, and darling dimples.” She reached over and pinched his cheek.
Gini gave Jessica a look.
“Stop, Jess!” Robbie said, taking her hand off his face.
“Mama, he is cute.”
“No, be, mee.”
“I’m not being mean,” Jessica said, shying back from her mama’s disapproval.
Robbie immediately left the table.
“I want to tell you something about Yuri’s mom. She’s also handicapped,” Jessica started. “She has diabetes and had to have part of her leg amputated about a year ago. She’s really shy, I think self-conscious. She’s a nice lady, though. I just wanted you to know.”
“What was their last name again?” Robert asked.
“Giles.”
“Yes, they joined the country club, right?”
“I think so.”
“I met his father a couple of weeks ago.”
“His mother is helping us with the garden show,” Debbie said from the sink. “She is very nice. I saw that she limped a bit but didn’t know about her leg.”
Gini sat without any comment. She had been quiet all day.
“Baby, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, yes. Be, of, goo.”
The next day the house was active with people bringing food, chairs, and tables, and Jessica’s girlfriends all giggling and picking out music to dance to.
Gini wanted to stay in her room all day. Robert knew all the activity made it hard for her to concentrate. He and Debbie took turns being with her.
Debbie’s job was to get Gini ready, while Robert took care of all the other details. As the time drew closer, Jessica started acting fidgety.
“What’s with our women?” Robert asked Debbie.
“I think there are nerves all around. Once everyone gets here and has met one another, it will be fine.”
The guests started arriving. Robert, Jessica, and Alyssa greeted all and invited them in. Then Yuri and his parents arrived.
“Daddy, this is Yuri.”
“Nice to meet you, Dr. Young.”
The five of them talked for a few minutes until the doorbell rang again, and Robert excused himself.
He had been looking at his watch, wondering when Gini would come join them. But he wasn’t going to push her. He knew she was reluctant.
“John, Vicky.” Robert hugged both of them.
Jessica and Yuri went off with their school friends.
Debbie came out of the master bedroom and indicated for Robert to come.
“What’s up?”
“Gini lost her balance after her shower and fell back on the tub. I think she’s okay. She hit her bum pretty hard on the edge. I caught her before she went all the way down.”
Gini lay on the bed, naked, with the blanket over her.
“Let me see,” he said. “Oh, yeah, that’s a pretty good contusion.”
“I’ve been putting ice on it from my fridge,” Debbie said.
“Sweetheart, you just rest. I’ll tell everyone you’re not feeling well.”
“Be, of, o, k…”
He kissed her.
Jessica saw him come out of the bedroom. “Daddy, what’s wrong with Mama?”
“She had a small fall. She’s okay, just sore.”
Jessica ran into the bedroom. “Mama!”
“Be, of, o, k. No, woo… ree.”
“Oh Mama, I don’t want you to be hurt. Let me see.”
Debbie pulled back the covers.
“Debbie! That looks awful. Look how purple it is!”
“I gave her some aspirin. She’s okay. Go back and enjoy your party.”
“I can’t.”
“Yes, yes, go. Be, of, o, k.”
“Okay, but I’m coming back every half hour.”
“No, no, Jess… eek.”
“I’m going to, Mama. You rest.”
About twenty minutes later, Debbie and Gini emerged from the bedroom. Jessica quickly turned, feeling her mom’s presence. She ran to her. Gini put her arm around Jessica, letting go of Debbie. Jessica walked her into the room. Two of Jessie’s girlfriends came to them.
“Mrs. Young, you look beautiful,” one said, taking her other hand.
Jessica led Gini to her group of friends. Robert stood in the kitchen watching. He knew no matter what, Gini was going to be there for Jessica.
“Mama, this is Yuri.”
“Mrs. Young, it’s so nice to meet you.” He quickly shook her hand and then crossed his arms across his chest. “Jess has told me so much about her mama.”
Robert and Yuri’s parents joined the group, and the introductions were made. Then Robert and Gini walked into the kitchen.
Gini let out a loud sigh. Debbie could see Yuri making the same exhale. She smiled; they both had had anxieties about the meeting.
“Nee, drink,” Gini said, leaning against Robert.
“What?”
“Geen, ton… eek.”
Gini had asked for alcoholic drinks in years past. Robert gave her whatever she wanted. Mostly it was wine or a gin and tonic, and generally, she only took a sip or two.
“You can relax now, sweetheart. I’ll get your gin and tonic.”
“No, no. Bore… bon.”
He laughed, hugged her, and went for the bottle.
The party was a great success. The teens danced, the young ones ran throughout the house and yard, and the adults had good conversation. All the food was consumed, and the party was over around eleven. Debbie took Gini to bed around ten. She was exhausted but had enjoyed the evening with their and Jessica’s friends.
Chapter 19—College
When Jessica started high school, she moved her room to the one upstairs next to the game room, where she had played as a child. It felt like an apartment to her, up there by herself. She and her friends could have their private space away from family when they visited.
