Out in the front of the church, I’m yanking weeds from the planters with more force than necessary, when I hear footsteps approaching.My heart leaps, hoping it's Caleb, but it's Elle who rounds the corner.
"Hey Cole," she says softly."Rough morning?"I grunt in response, ripping out another weed.Elle settles beside me, her presence oddly comforting."I heard about the extension," she murmurs."Charlotte's...oddly happy."Elle says, I snort.
Elle's words hang in the air for a moment, the truth of them sinking in.I let out a bitter chuckle, tossing the weed I had been holding onto the pile."Yeah," I finally say, my voice rougher than I intended, "She's probably thrilled."
My phone rings, and I see Mom’s number, so I pull off my gloves and answer.“Hey, Mom,” I answer.
“Cole, Grandma Dotty is in the hospital.They say it doesn't look good.”My heart plummets.
"What happened?"I ask, already standing up and brushing dirt from my knees.
"They're not sure," Mom's voice wavers."She collapsed at home.I'm heading to Mississippi now."
"I'm coming with you," I say without hesitation."Give me an hour to pack and we can go together."Elle's watching me with concern.As I end the call, she stands and touches my arm gently.
"Everything okay?"I shake my head.
"My Grandma's in the hospital.I need to go."
"Of course," Elle nods."Don't worry about anything here.I'll let Father Nichols know."Gratitude washes over me.
"Thanks, Elle.I appreciate it."
As I hurry towards the kitchen to grab my things, I nearly collide with Caleb coming out the door."Cole!"Caleb steadies me with a hand on my shoulder, his touch sending sparks through my body despite the circumstances.
"What's wrong?You look upset.”I swallow hard, trying to ignore how his concern makes my heart race.
"My Grandma's in the hospital.I'm heading to Mississippi with my Mom in an hour."His warm brown eyes fill with sympathy.
"I'm so sorry to hear that.Is there anything I can do?"
For a moment, I'm tempted to ask him to come with me.But I know that's impossible."Thanks, but I'll be okay.I just need to pack quickly."Caleb nods, then surprises me by pulling me into a brief hug.
"Drive safely Angel.I'll be praying for your Grandmother's recovery."The embrace is over too soon, leaving me aching for more.
Grandma Dotty is my Dad's Mom and my favorite Grandma.To be fair, my Mom's parents passed away when I was young, so I never got to know them that well.I can't stand the idea of losing her.
Mom and I drive to Wichita and catch a flight to Jackson, four hours later we arrive at Jackson General Hospital.It's a little after 4:30 in the afternoon, so we head straight to Grandma’s room.With a light tap on the open door, we announce our presence.Aunt Ruth stands to rush over and hug us, whispering to Mom.
“I'm not dead yet.”I hear Grandma grumble.
“Mom, stop talking like that.”Ruth chides.
“Fool girl.I don't know why when us old folks are dyin, they have to make the atmosphere like it's already a funeral with dimmed lights and whisperin’.I'm still here, for God’s sake; stop rushing me to my grave!”Grandma Dotty has always been feisty; at 80, she clearly hasn't mellowed.
“Is that my Cole?”Grandma exclaims, “Come here, boy, let me look at ya.”I laugh and lean over to hug my Grandma.
“Hey Grandma, how are you feeling?”I ask with a chuckle.
“Pshhh.Don't matter none how I'm feelin', tell me about you.All grown up and so handsome, like your Daddy.”She beams at me.“I-Im good Grandma,” I say to her.
“Why don't you hens go squawk somewhere else and let me talk to my Grandboy?" Grandma gripes.Ruth and Mom excuse themselves from the room.
“Alright, young man, I want the real gossip.Don't hold out on an old lady now, ya hear.”Grandma grasps my hand with a conspiratorial look in her eyes.
“Well I'm doing handyman work for the Church right now,” I tell her.
“Oh!Looky, there's a blush.Is it a crush on your boss?”She is positively giddy now.I am sure I am as red as a tomato.“It is!Have you told him?”She asks.
