Keeping Faith by Cindy Bradford (serial 41)
Chapter 16 Part II
Cindy Bradford
When Patrick arrived in Boston, he went straight to the hospital. Stopping at the visitors’ desk for directions, he hurried to his mother’s room. When he turned the corner, Father Michael was walking out of the room. Patrick looked straight at the priest but said nothing, rushing past him. Immediately his worst fears were confirmed, Father Michael had been there to give last rites; his mother had passed away with his dad and Dr. Bennett at her bedside.
Patrick’s dad was crying, uncontrollably. Patrick had never seen his father like this. A kind man, but never very demonstrative, his career as a street cop hadn’t allowed for many emotions. Putting his arm around his dad, Patrick cried alongside him for a full five minutes. As he tried to choke back more tears, Joseph Sr. began rambling, “She seemed to be getting better. I sent the other kids home to get some rest. Andrew won’t be in until tonight. She took a turn for the worse. I called Father Michael and he came right over. She smiled at me and was gone so fast. Patrick, what am I going to do without her?”
Patrick wondered himself. They had been married thirty-five years, shared seven children and a life together. All he could see now was this big, tough, Irish man, hurting so much, looking small and much older than his sixty years. Seeing his dad like this broke Patrick’s heart as he cried for his dad’s loss, and for his own.
Patrick knew his mother had suffered so much in the last two years when the multiple sclerosis had taken its powerful grip. Although many people live with the disease for years his mother, who was only fifty-five, had not been so lucky.
Patrick walked outside the room into the hall. There, near the chapel, stood Father Michael. “Oh my Paddy, I’m so sorry my lad.”
Patrick’s face flushed red. “Don’t you ever call me that, again. I am not your Paddy or your lad. I never was! Let me tell you something else. Just because I’ve kept your secret, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten.” Patrick heard his voice getting louder. He paused and gained some measure of control. “Now, leave before I say more than you can take.”
≈≈≈
When the phone rang in Nancy’s apartment at nine, David answered, “Oh, hello, Patrick. I’ve heard so much about you, I feel I know you. Let me get Carol for you. Good to talk with you.”
Taking the receiver, she whispered, “Hi, Darling.”
“Hi, I wanted to wait as late as I could so as not to disturb your visit and meal, but I needed to tell you, Mom died earlier today.”
“Oh, Patrick, I’m so sorry. I will rent a car and drive there tomorrow.”
“No, Carol. I want you to stay there. My brothers and sisters are here plus lots of aunts and uncles and friends. I’ll be okay. You stay there. The service will be Thursday and I’ll stay with Dad until Saturday morning. Can you find things to do until then?”
“Certainly, but are you sure you don’t want me to join you?”
“Carol, I really appreciate your caring, but I’ll be fine. You just have a good time with Nancy.”
“Okay love, if Nancy won’t kick me out, I’ll stay. Besides, Hannah has already shown me the room where I will be sleeping at least four times.”
Nancy laughed in the background.
Patrick asked, “So, how was the train ride? Long?”
“No, it was actually quite nice, a little more conversation than I wanted, but rather pleasant, all in all.”
“Good. Give my love to Nancy and I’ll call you sometime tomorrow. But don’t stay waiting. Go and do what you want. I’ll catch you sometime.”
“I love you, Patrick.”
“I love you, too. Sleep well.” The phone clicked and Carol was alone with her thoughts, if only for a minute.
“Night, Arol. I go to bed now.”
“Goodnight sweetheart. I’ll see you in my dreams,” as she reached down to kiss Hannah on the top of her head.