Chapter 65
With Age Comes Wisdom
“Hey, Sis, how did the late night date go?”
Celia opened her eyes and looked at her brother. He was standing at her door, eating a piece of toast.
“Does being sick mean anyone can wake you at any time?”
“You’re not sick, and it’s ten. You should be up learning everything you can about cars. I know you want to get that job.”
“Yes, I do. I want to be on my own, like yesterday.”
“About that,” Roger began, “I’ve got some bad news.”
“What?” Celia moved gingerly to a sitting position.
“It’s about the house. It and your wheelchair won’t mesh. Too much rebuilding, but don’t tell Mom I told you. She’s afraid the news will upset you, but not to worry, I’ll get a job, we’ll pool our expenses and get a place of our own, if you want.”
“I wanted out now, but yes, let’s do that. I don’t want to rely on Martin. I don’t want to feel like a sponge.”
“I’ll start looking and we’ll be on our own soon.” Roger walked over, popped the last bite of toast into his mouth and said, “Martin owes you and he doesn’t seem to care, so enjoy. Take it easy, rest and mend.”
Celia gave him a warning glance. “Just beware. We need to be out ASAP. And don’t be giving out this address to every cute girl you meet!”
“You wound me, but got it. I’m actually looking for a two bedroom condo. I think Mom and Dad would like not worrying about the upkeep of a house and get out of the snow and ice.”
“I’m sure they would. That old house needs a lot of work.”
“I’ve heard Dad talk about how he hates yard work and house maintenance. I’m going to look at some places, and when Mom goes home, we’ll try to convince Dad it’s time to move.”
“I hope he’ll go for it. I’d be happy to contribute until I can get on my own.”
“What about you and Mike?” Roger asked, making kissy faces while making a hasty exit so she couldn’t hit him.
“Have you been spying on me?”
“No, but I thought after an hour you would be in bed. How was I to know you'd still be by the pool? That looked serious.”
“I don’t know. We’re taking it slow. I can’t say I’m on the rebound, but it still feels too soon.”
“I didn’t see him twisting your arm.”
“Shut up.”
“If he was forcing himself on you, let me know and I’ll give that young man a piece of my mind.”
“Funny. Make yourself useful and fix me some breakfast while I clean up,” Celia said, moving to the edge of the bed.
“Sure, but you need to think about this. You’re not getting any younger and Mike seems like a great guy.”
The pillow she threw didn’t go far and he only laughed as he walked out the door. She knew he was right, that if she and Mike did work out that it would be a good thing. She could stay in California, maybe not in this house but in something nice.
She closed her eyes and pushed out the thoughts that crowded her mind. How much money does Mike make? What kind of house does he own? What kind of a life would he provide? It wasn’t easy to change over night, but she was trying.
Celia sighed. She had to get her life on track and that would start with ironing out her past. She wanted answers about her parents and hoped she could get them without hurting her mother. Who was this other man and was he still in the picture?
Celia rose to go clean up. Would her mother get a divorce? If so, what would happen to Dad? She hushed her mind - no use trying to guess. She’d sit down with her mother when they had a quiet moment and start asking questions.
“You call this breakfast?” Celia asked, looking at toast, juice and yogurt.
“I’m not Mom. I fried you an egg but you took so long I ate it. It was cold and I know you don’t like cold eggs.”
Celia shook her head. “You’re such a good brother.”
“I’m glad to hear you admit the truth. I’d revel in the fact but I have to go. Do you want me to reach you anything.”
“Jelly and another toast, and a spoon and a cup of coffee.”
“Sheesh! I didn’t take you to raise,” Roger said, but did as she asked before heading out. Celia took her medicine and was about to take her dishes to the kitchen when her mother came in.
“This house is way too big. I made a wrong turn and found some rooms I’d never seen. Who would want a house like this?”
“I know and I’ve given up on it being my dream house.”
Her mother kissed her on the cheek and took her dishes to the sink. “I think that’s wise. I can’t imagine trying to keep this place clean or paying for upkeep. Our house is just about more than we can handle.”
Celia knew this might be the opening she wanted. “Did you talk to Dad about moving and getting a condo?”
“I mentioned it, and I think if there were grandchildren in the picture, I might be able to talk him into it.”
“Mom, I’m not even dating!”
“Not yet, dear. I’m not pushing, just stating the truth.”
“I thought you said you didn’t care if I had kids.”
Her mother sat down and forced a smile. “I want grandchildren. What parent wouldn’t? But, I’ll be happy without them.”
Celia shrugged. “I guess it’s natural to want grandchildren. I never thought about kids with Martin. And, to be honest, he didn’t mention them until that maid came along.”
Her mother sighed and patted her hand. “I always wanted kids. When I was young, I wanted to hold babies and baby-sit. I think we all have a different calling. Maybe things will change with another man. I’ll be honest though, I think when you get older, if you don’t have children, a part of you will regret it.”
“I suppose. I’ve still got time to make up my mind. I don’t want to be tied down. I can’t see myself crawling out of bed at all hours to change a diaper or get a bottle.”
“You’re trying to raise the baby in your head. That’s not going to work. First comes love, next is marriage, then babies.”
“But how do you know what to tell the man beforehand? I knew I didn’t want kids with Martin the moment he asked.”
“I think it will change when the right man comes along.”
“I guess. I know I was with Martin for what he could give me. But is it wrong to want a man who can give me a nice life?”
“No, but you should want love first. That doesn’t always work out either . . . like we hoped and planned.”
“Oh, Mom, I didn’t mean for that to sound harsh. I’m still getting used to the idea of what you said. What happened? Did the guy run off? Did he love someone else?"
“Both. He didn’t want to get married. He wanted me to move in and I wanted a commitment.”
"How did Dad come into this story?"
"Your dad grew up next door. He was a good friend and he fell in love with me at an early age. I've always loved and respected your Father, I just wasn't in love with him. The fact that he wasn't my first choice was always a barrier."
"Did you ever cheat on him?"
"Maybe in my heart, but I was faithful. I tried to love him and show him love. I've done better over the last few years. I'm sure your brother has seen a difference but your dad deserved more. We fought about it a lot. I would tell him that he had me. I was in his house, under his roof, but that wasn't enough. He wanted something I couldn't give."
"Are you over this other guy?"
"Yes, years ago, I just didn't know how to let your Father into my heart, but I did the best I could."
"I'm sure you did, but I'm thankful I know the whole story."
"Me too. Life is not perfect, and to be honest, I don't know of any outcome that would have been better. We've always been there for each other and always will be. It's just sad our problems spilled over on the two of you. I allowed his tirades to affect the way I treated you and Roger, and for that, I'm sorry."
"You don't owe an apology but the explanation does help."
"I hope so. With age comes wisdom and hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully, you and your brother can learn from the mistakes of our past to help build your own better tomorrows."