Facing Redemption (15 page)

             
“What?” Chastity asked.

             
“Any other time I’ve ever been here.  My mother has beaten me to the door.  For her not to be here pouncing on us … something isn’t right.”

             
“I knew it,” Chastity said, visibly getting shaken again.  “She doesn’t want to meet me.”

             
“No, stop.  That’s not it.  I promise you she was looking forward to this.  I just talked to her yesterday morning!”   He reassured her.  “Mom?”  Timothy hollered out again.

             
“Sorry!”  Mrs. Banks yelled as she ran down the stairs.  “I was … um … busy upstairs.” 

             
Mrs. Banks rounded the corner after stepping down from the stairs.  Timothy was suspect from the start.  Her usual bounce wasn’t in her step and her perfect appearance was a bit disheveled.  She had dark circles under her eyes.

             
“Oh Timothy!  I’m so glad you’re here.  And look who’ve you brought!”  Mrs. Banks rushed over to hug her son, and opened her arms instantly to hug Chastity.  “It’s so nice to finally meet you.  I’ve heard so much about you!”

             
“Thank you,” Chastity blushed.  “I’ve heard so much about you too.”

             
“Oh?”  Mrs. Banks said drawing back cautiously.  “Just what has my son told you about me?”

             
Chastity faltered not wanting to reveal everything Timothy had said.  “Um,” she bumbled.  “Just that you’re a powerful lady who loves her family … and your cooking is the best in the Midwest.”

             
Mrs. Banks laughed outright.  “Oh that felt good to laugh.  I’m sorry where are my manners? Come in and sit!  You’ve both had a long flight.  I meant to have some dinner made, but haven’t had the time.  I do have some cookies in the kitchen though.  Would you like some?”

             
Timothy’s alarm went off. 
Didn’t have time to cook?

             
“Mom, come here,” he said pulling her to the living room.  He ushered her to sit.  “What’s wrong?”

             
“Now what would make you ask that?”  She beamed back at her son but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.  In fact, her eyes held caution.  She looked tired.

             
Chastity sat next to Timothy, not sure what to do.  This wasn’t how she expected her first meeting with his mother to go.

             
“Mom, you’re not yourself.  What’s going on?”  Timothy demanded.  He looked around and cocked his head.  As he listened to the house, he heard utter silence.  “Where’s dad?”

             
Mrs. Banks eyes faltered for a second before she finally let go of the breath she’d been holding.

             
“He didn’t want me to tell you.  You know how your dad is.  He ignores it when anything goes wrong.”

             
“What went wrong? Where is he?”  Timothy asked, scared.

             
“He’s at Baptist.”  Mrs. Banks stood.  “Chastity, I’m sorry we’re being rude.  We’re ignoring you.”
             
“It’s okay, really.  I don’t need anything Mrs. Banks.”  Chastity put her hands up in defense.

             
“It’s Janie, dear.”  She said, taking Chastity’s hand in hers.  She smiled at Chastity with emotion that reached her eyes this time.  “It’s finally nice to meet the girl who has won my son’s heart.  And I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

             
“Thank you.  Me too.”  Chastity blushed.

             
“Mom,” Timothy interrupted.  “Please.  Tell me.”  He kneeled down in front of her to keep her from diverting the conversation.

             
“Oh,” Janie gasped.  “He was fine one minute and then the next…” Her voice trailed off.

             
“Mom!  He’s okay right?  What happened?”

             
“He’s okay.  Well, he’s going to be.”  She continued rapidly in response to her son’s look of urgency.  “We were at the market yesterday … you know preparing for my grocery list … to cook for you two.”

             
“Okay?”  He urged.

             
“Then as he was lifting the watermelon into my cart, your dad stumbled.  He fell on the ground.  I started screaming.  Oh it was horrible!”

             
“Mom!”

             
“I tried to ask him what was wrong but his voice was slurred.”  She cried.  “Oh I’m sorry.  I’ve been trying not to cry this whole time.”  She took a deep breath.  “And thankfully someone shopping on the same aisle was quick enough to dial 9-1-1 on their cell.  The ambulance got there quick and carted him off.  I don’t know how I made it to the hospital.  I mean, I drove … but I don’t really remember.”

             
“Mom, you could have had an accident! That was dangerous to drive.”  Timothy scolded.

             
“Timothy Banks!  I know I’m old to you, but I’m only in my mid 50’s.  That is still young enough to take care of myself.  I just needed to get to your father.”  She scolded in return.

             
“I know.  I know.  I just am glad nothing happened to you.” Timothy sighed and sat down in between his mom and Chastity.  Chastity patted his leg for reassurance and then quickly stood.  She felt like she was intruding on what should have been just family.
             

             
“I’m going to get your mom some water.  I’ll be back.”  Chastity softly whispered, hoping to find her way around Mrs. Bank’s kitchen.  Timothy nodded with appreciation.

             
“So what did the doctor say?”  He asked, reaching for his mom’s hands.

             
“They said it was a stroke and that he’s lucky.  The EMT’s got to him early enough that he’s going to be okay.  His verbal skills are good.  He’s just lost some movement one on side, in both his leg and arm.”

             
“Oh man.” 

             
“I know honey, but all things considered, we’re very lucky.  He could have been at home alone while I was grocery shopping.  And then he wouldn’t have made it.”

             
“Can we go see him?”

             
“Of course.  I’ve been there all night.  That’s why I am a mess today.”

             
“Mom, you look beautiful…dark circles and all.”

             
Janie Banks laughed at his flattery.  “Right.  You’re a charmer.”

             
Chastity walked in with a glass of water and set it on the table next to Mrs. Banks.

             
“Now this isn’t right.  You shouldn’t be serving me in my home.  Come sit next to me.”  Janie took Chastity’s hand and pulled her in next to her.  “There’s plenty of time to visit your dad Timothy, but right now I want to visit with this lovely lady.”

             
Chastity sat down and smiled nervously.  “What do you want to know?”

             
Mrs. Banks’ eyes gleamed as she leaned in for the kill.  “Tell me what you like about my son.  Do you go to church? And how many children are you planning on having?”

             
Chastity quickly reached for Mrs. Banks’ water glass and took a big sip.  She looked to Timothy for help, who just leaned back, crossed his arms and smiled for the first time since they walked in the house.

             
“A little help here?”  She looked to Timothy.  He shook his head and winked at her in response.  “Where do I begin?”  She let out a breath and did the best she could.

After the inquisition was over, the three packed up in Timothy’s car to make their way to the hospital.  Chastity sat in back where she let her stomach settle.  All in all she thought she had passed Mrs. Banks interrogation.  She hoped.

Once they found parking and made their way inside, Timothy quietly slipped into his dad’s room in the ICU.  For a second all he could do was stand.  His feet were glued just past the threshold, unable to move.  The larger than life Col. Banks was nothing like what he knew.  This pale submissive man lying in bed couldn’t be his father.  Could he? 

             
“He’s okay,” his mother softly urged from behind.  “Go on.”

             
Timothy stood at his father’s side and slid his hand over his dad’s.  He let out a deep sigh.  His heart and mind were overpowered with deep grief. 

             
Chastity saw him hang his head, and knew she should not be there.  This was a private moment between him and his family.  It was as if Mrs. Banks could read her mind, because before she could turn to leave she felt her tiny but firm hand slip into her own.

             
“Stay,” she whispered into Chastity’s ear.  “He needs both of us.  You’re family too.”

             
“No.”  Chastity started to rebut.

             
“Yes.”  Mrs. Banks eyes were nothing but strong and assuring.

             
“You know,” Timothy started in almost a whisper.  “Heart monitors are funny … you know they’re necessary.  They’re a good sign that the heart is still working, but the constant beeping makes me think his heart will stop at any moment.”

             
Timothy’s eyes watered up.  And suddenly this strong confident man Chastity knew showed something she’d never seen before – vulnerability.  As he started to cry, she quickly strode across the room.  He opened his arms and she quickly tried to give him any support she could.  She gave back to him what he’d always given to her.

             
This time, Mrs. Banks felt as if she were the one interrupting and turned to leave.

             
“I’m going to go get the doctor to get an update.”  Mrs. Banks quietly said.

             
“No, mom.”  Timothy lifted his head from Chastity’s embrace.  “Let me.  I need to get a breather anyways.”  He said before looking back down at his dad.  “Dad, I’ll be right back.  Can you hear me?”  Timothy desperately looked to his mom.

             
“He’s on medication sweetie, not in a coma.  He’s going to be fine.  I promise.”

             
“I know mom.  I just haven’t ever …” Timothy’s voice broke.  He stroked his dad’s hair back from his face.

             
Mrs. Banks crossed the floor and stood on the opposite side of the bed.  She put her hand on her husband’s arm and smiled down at him.

             
“I know sweetie.  I haven’t either.  But he’ll be back up and bossing me around in no time.”  Even though Mrs. Banks had a smile on her face, Chastity could see the concern. 

             
Chastity squeezed Timothy’s hand before dropping it.  “Why don’t you both go visit with the nurse while I stay in here with your dad?”

             
Timothy nodded.  “Thanks babe.”  He leaned down to kiss her on the forehead before walking out the door with his mom.

Chastity sat in the chair at the foot of the bed.  Her first impression of Timothy’s dad obviously wasn’t a fair one.  He was in a hospital bed after all.  However, she could easily see where Timothy got his looming stance.  Mr. Banks looked almost too big to fit in the bed.  In fact, he overtook it.

As he lay there, his head turned to the side as he slept.  His mouth was slightly open.  Chastity was sure that if Mr. Banks were healthy and able to visit with her, she’d see he had a warm smile and eyes. 

Chastity smiled at him, as if he could see her.  She already felt love for the man who raised Timothy.  After meeting Mrs. Banks, and loving Timothy – it was easy to do.

As if he knew she was there, Mr. Banks slowly closed his mouth, and opened it back up.  His eyes slowly opened and he pursed his lips.

             
“Here.” Chastity quickly jumped up for the glass of water next to his bed.  She gently lifted his head, and helped him sit up.  Mr. Banks took a slow sip.  He made a concentrated effort to swallow before laying his head back down.

             
“Thank you.”  He whispered.  He looked Chastity over, confused.

             
Chastity smiled in response.  “You’re wondering who I am?”

             
Mr. Banks nodded.

             
“I’m Chastity.  Timothy’s … uh, girlfriend.”

             
Recognition showed in his eyes.  Mr. Banks knew she was coming to town.  It started to click in place now.  He started to open his mouth.

             
“Shhh.”  She softly urged.  “Don’t worry about speaking.  There’s plenty of time for that.  Just get your rest.  Timothy and your wife are down the hall getting an update on your condition.”  Chastity slowed and smiled down at him.  “You’re going to be fine you know.  You know that right?”