Time to Love Again (8 page)

 
Sometimes, Rose even envied Louise's house. Somehow it managed to stay clean and uncluttered, even when the kids were small. She never saw toys scattered all over like at her own house. Molly and Philip's toys were always in the same box they came in.

Francis and Melinda broke their boxes almost immediately. The toys followed shortly after. Rose often wondered how Louise's kids managed to keep their stuff so nice.

And Louise's house, just like her, was always neat and orderly. Immaculate. Rose swore she never saw Louise with her hair messy or without make up. She never walked around in sweats like Rose did. Nope, Louise was meticulous about everything.

Chapter Thirteen

Rose took a seat not far from Julia and wondered what had gone wrong in their marriage. She remembered the happy couple on their wedding day, could it have been eight years ago? Didn't seem like it. But it had to be.

They had complimented each other, Philip with his dark wavy hair and Julia with her blond curls cascading down her back, a few tendrils escaped her veil to frame her face.

Louise had been delighted with her new daughter-in-law, exclaiming how wonderful Philip had found the perfect mate. And Julia and Louise got along famously.

Of course they would. Everyone got along with Louise. What was not to like. She showed the same caring nature to Julia. Welcomed her into the family with open arms.

What had gone wrong in so short a time to cause this rift in their relationship? Obviously Molly blamed Philip, but Julia hadn't spoken to Molly either.

Between Philip, Molly, and Julia and waiting for word about the surgery, the tension in the room became almost unbearable. Rose tried to think of something to say to lighten the mood, but her concern and fear left her at a loss for words. They sat in silence, each staring off into space with their own thoughts. Julia pretended to read, but hadn't turned a page.

George came over to Rose. "Let's go for a walk." He took her hand, cast a glance at the silent group, and told them he'd be nearby. He led Rose into the hall. "You must have noticed the tension between the families by now. I thought I owed you an explanation."

Rose looked at the strain on George's face. His jaw tightened.

"I don't know if Louise mentioned Philip and Julia are having problems."

Rose shook her head and waited for him to go on, when he didn't, Rose looked at him. "Louise hasn't even hinted at a problem."

"I'm not sure exactly what the problem is. I think Julia wants to go back to work, but Philip is against it. He says the kids need their mother at home. Now he travels all the time and Julia feels forced to stay home to raise the kids alone." He rubbed the back of his neck, paused for a moment and went on. "Molly thinks Julia should say the heck with it, and just go out and get a job. What could Philip do about it, besides he isn't hardly ever home anymore how would he even know?" George paused for another breath and rubbed his chin.

Rose noticed the thick stubble that he hadn't had time to shave.

"Julia is old fashioned enough not to go against her husband's wishes, but his staying away for days at a time isn't solving anything. Louise tried to talk to Philip. She suggested he let Julia get a part-time job, but he pretty much told her to mind her own business." George turned and started to walk back toward the waiting room.

 
Rose followed. What could she possibly say to help ease the pain and hurt she knew George felt? Philip and Julia needed to work out their own problems, but being a mother, she understood parents wanted happiness for their kids. Unfortunately, parents couldn't lead their kid's lives or tell them what decisions or choices to make. Look at her.

If she had her way Francis and Melinda wouldn't live across the country. But that's where their jobs took them, she had no control. Didn't even want it. They had their own lives to lead and she had hers. She and Frank had made their own choices, their own mistakes. She had to let her kids make theirs. Not that she thought they were making a mistake. Far from it. They were advancing their careers and that was a good thing. But she wished they could have done it closer to home. She hated not seeing them or her grandchildren.

 
"Molly blames Philip and now they don't speak." George's voice pulled her back to their conversation.

"Julia doesn't say much to any of us anymore. If we want to see the kids we have to call and make arrangements." He sighed and let out a long breath. "It's all so difficult. It's eating Louise alive. She's beside herself with worry."

"I wish she had told me." A bit of anger welled up in her. Why hadn't Louise confided in her? Darn it, she knew all of Rose's problems and deepest secrets. Why couldn't she bring herself to share this one thing?

"I think she's embarrassed." George must have sensed her hurt and attempted to smooth it over. "You know Louise can't handle anything upsetting her perfect image."

Rose, shocked at hearing Louise defined that way by her husband, grimaced. Hell, she had always admired Louise and George.

They had a perfect storybook life. Their large immaculate home and the close relationship Louise shared with her kids had caused Rose many a lonely, envious evening. Especially after both of her kids moved out of state so soon after Frank's death.

She had often wondered why her life couldn't be more like Louise's. Looks like everyone has their problems. Even if they portrayed their lives differently. Louise had pretended everything was perfect when it wasn't. Held it inside. What a foolish woman. The stress must have cause the heart attack.

 
"I'm sorry, George. I don't know what to say. I guess this is something Julia and Philip need to work out themselves. Interference from Molly or Louise won't solve the problem. I have a feeling it goes much deeper than a job."

"I think it does too, but you know Louise. She never could handle anything upsetting her idea of perfection. She figured they'd have the ideal marriage and everything would be easy for them. Truthfully, she doesn't understand why Julia wants to go back to work anyway. Philip provides well for his family." George took a deep breath and sighed. "But she doesn't understand why Philip isn't willing to compromise."

Rose patted George's shoulder. "It'll work out. I just wish Louise had confided in me."

They went back to the waiting room. Rose hated the silent tension in the room, but she couldn't think of anything to say to break it. They waited– all intent with their own thoughts. The television played in the background and Rose pretended to watch, but her mind was elsewhere.

 
On another time, another era.

 
Life used to be so easy and good and fun. When the kids were small and they got together with Louise and George and played cards or just sat and talked for hours. The kids went off to another room, playing games or telling secrets of their own.

Life was simpler, though they didn't think so back then. She often struggled to make ends meet until Frank got established. Then the promotions and raises came and finally his income provided comfortably for their family.

 
Louise and George, along with Emma and Adam, had spent many Saturday evenings together. Sometimes they had dinner or grilled out in the summer. Often at Rose's since they had the pool and as the kids got older it gave them something to do.

 
Oh, yeah, they were good days, fun days. Sure there were problems, but looking back Rose realized how insignificant the problems were.

If only they could go back. Little things like Melinda wanting to wear lipstick at twelve or wanting to date at thirteen. Major problems back then. What she'd give for those problems now.

Finally, the doctor came into the room. Everyone stood up in anticipation of his report. "Louise came through the surgery well. The next few days will be critical. But I'm sure she'll make a complete recovery."

Philip sank down in a nearby chair. A deep sigh turned to tears. Molly sat next to him and took his hand. A look of surprise registered on his face. Julia sat on the other side of him, leaned over, and whispered something. Rose watched through tearful eyes, as they made peace with each other.

"When can we see her?" George asked.

"It'll be a while." The doctor said before he left.

George joined his family and Rose left the small waiting room, leaving them to work out their problems in private.

Chapter Fourteen

Rose stumbled along the corridor to the exit. The pain in her head pounded. Her legs trembled. She needed to get out of the hospital, needed some fresh air. She knew it would be hours before they were allowed to see Louise even though the doctor didn't say as much. She went down the steps instead of taking the elevator. She needed space.

The hospital grounds hadn't changed much. Still the same landscaping but the trees were taller. She breathed in the crisp winter air. At least the snow storm hadn't materialized. Only about four inches covered the ground. A flutter of snowflakes flurried about, landing on her tear-stained cheeks and eyelids. She brushed them away and circled the hospital grounds, walking quickly, trying to avoid her thoughts.

Not able to escape them, she turned them to memories of Louise instead.

She remembered their first meeting. Where had the time gone, Rose wondered.

Francis and Molly just started kindergarten. She and Louise stood outside together with a dozen or so other mothers, nervous as all get out.

That first day of school had excited, but saddened, Rose. Such a big day for Francis, but he jumped around anxious at the prospect of going to school.

"I'm going to learn to read, Mommy," he told her a million times. Francis couldn't wait to learn to read. He used to pick up books or newspapers and make up stories, pretending to read. Now he wouldn't have to pretend any more. So grown up. On his way to Kindergarten– the first step toward independence.

Louise had been standing next to her when they opened the doors.

Francis grabbed Molly's hand. "Don't be afraid," he said. "We're going to learn to read."

 
Molly took his hand and bravely went inside with the rest of the kids, leaving Rose and Louise to fend for themselves.

They looked at each other when both Molly and Francis turned back to them and waved.

"Bye, Mom," they said in unison.

She and Louise had been stunned. They looked at each other and laughed between wiping their tears. Of course they followed everyone inside, but it didn't take long for the teacher, Mrs. Roth, to usher the parents out.

"They'll be fine," Mrs. Roth promised.

 
She and Louise lingered with a few other parents outside the door and watched. Sure enough, Francis and Molly settled in without a look toward the door.

"Well..." Louise looked at her. "What now?"

"How about a cup of coffee? There's a small restaurant at the corner."

They soon discovered they had a lot in common. Both of them enjoyed crafts. Their favorite color was red, and they both had two children. Philip was the same age as Melinda. Two more years and they'd stand here again with them.

 
Both she and Louise volunteered as room mothers, and their personalities clicked. What fun that had been. The kids became close friends.

Frank and George hit it off immediately. They had a lot in common too, and enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing together. Their cookouts and dinners had turned into a regular thing, at least once a week. They alternated houses. Sometimes George and Frank brought home fish. They got together and cleaned them. Some they saved for dinner, the rest they froze. Weekly fish fries in the winter soon became a habit.

 
Francis and Molly even dated for a while during high school. Oh, how she and Louise secretly planned their wedding for them.

Rose smiled at the memory. Of course, that was a long time ago and when they went off to college, they met their mates. They too, had remained friends even through their marriages, at least until Francis moved away.