Forgive for Joy's Sake (Part 8)

Mel’s surgery was a success and she was released from the hospital after five days. I was there the day of her surgery and stopped by the day before her release. When I walked into her room, a stocky man with hazel almost amber, cat like eyes was standing by her bed and she looked agitated. 

“Is everything okay?” I asked, feeling the tension in the room.

“I’ll leave for now, but this conversation isn’t done.” The man spoke directly to Mel and ignored me as he walked out. 

I walked over to Mel’s bedside and she was visibly trembling. “Who was that?”

“Nobody worth talking about.” Mel’s words were slow and a bit slurred, her speech having been affected by the surgery. 

“Fine with me. I hear you are getting out tomorrow. That has to have you excited.” I didn’t tell her that the only reason I’d stopped by is my mother had threatened to move in with me if I didn’t.

“Yes, I can’t wait to see Joi. I’m also relieved that I’ll be out before Jackson’s funeral so I can attend. Dr. Adonis said as long as I use the wheelchair and don’t overtax myself, I can go. After that, I had to promise I would take it easy and focus on recovery.” Her eyelids began to droop so I quickly said my good-byes and headed home. 

I had exactly four days of freedom before I had to move to my parents’ house and become the reluctant caregiver.

Wes had to fly back to LA but was supposed to return tomorrow to help Mel get settled after she was released from the hospital. I suspect he would be the one taking her to Jackson’s funeral as I couldn’t convince myself to go. His mother and I had never gotten along. No one was good enough for her son and she made it a point of letting me know that every time she saw me. Her sisters, who I lovingly refer to as Broom Hilda and Cruella De Vil, were even worse and I had no doubt they would come spew some of their viciousness my way. I was no longer under any obligation to keep the peace and didn’t see any version of an encounter with them going well. One of the versions had my mom snatching off her earrings and jumping into our tussle with fist flying. Jackson’s mom wasn’t the only one who would come for anyone who tried to harm her child. The bottom line was, it was best I didn’t go.

 I was exiting the hospital when the man from Mel’s room approached me. “Hi, you’re Mel’s friend, right?” He stood right in my path, blocking my way.

“Friend is a bit subjective at the moment. Who are you?” I asked him. There was something about him that didn’t sit right with me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

“Another friend in a bit of a subjective manner of Mel’s. I was hoping you could tell me who she has watching her daughter?” He stepped closer and I stepped back.

 “That’s a bit of a strange and off-putting question, don’t you think? I don’t know who you are and it would be stupid of me to provide a complete stranger information on someone’s daughter, subjective friendship or not. So, I’m asking you nicely to step aside and don’t come near me again.” I reached into my purse as I was talking and wrapped my hand around my mace. Fortunately, I didn’t have to pull it out. He stepped to the side and let me pass.

I was so creeped out I didn’t go straight home but went to a nearby mall and walked around a bit, all while trying to make sure he hadn’t followed me.

What do you think will happen next? Make sure to comment below and share your thoughts. The story will continue next week so make sure to subscribe below so that you won’t miss any of the story as it unfolds.

Interested in reading my books find them on Amazon.