Chapter 8

Bette and I decided to call it a night after she made a phone call to her wife Tina. She needed to fill her in on all that has transpired in the past few hours since Dana’s funeral, and why she had to leave right after they spread Dana’s ashes.  She asked me if I knew where the Planet was, so we could meet there for dinner, tomorrow. Bette wanted Tina and Katie to meet me, and then resume our conversation, with them too. We decided on 9:00 P.M to meet. My shift would be over by then. There wouldn’t be much of a crowd and we could have a little privacy.

I decided to go and say good night to my mother. It was very quiet for a Sunday night, as I got closer to her room, I could hear the music she loved playing very quietly in the background. I think it was classical; it was very soothing for her and helped her to relax. ” Hi Marissa, How are you feeling tonight? Did you have a good day? Are you in any pain? I asked.” Becky, I am so happy you came back, I feel pretty good, the pain is very minimal, I had a good day, and I was even able to eat a little dinner tonight. Are you ok, I know it was tough for you, going to Dana’s funeral? Were there a lot of people? Did you get to meet any of her friends?” She asked. I had not told her about Bette yet, She has no idea, that Dana was very good friends with Bette, and that I would be meeting my sister today. I didn’t want to bring that up until, Bette and I talked and if Bette even decides she wants to see her, and then I will prepare Marissa for that. The nurse came in to give her, her medicine, As I moved away to let her do her job, I started thinking back to Bette and my conversation about Marissa, she didn’t even ask me how to contact her. The nurse finished and said good night. 

I leaned down and kissed my mother’s cheek, these past months, it has come quite natural for me to show her affection, I know she wanted it, she needed it, but most of all, I want it too. I am not sure if I will ever forget my mother leaving me, but I do know I have forgiven her, It was over 40 years ago, the past is gone, It can not be changed, So we will have to go on from here. I do want to make her last days, or months, whatever God grants her, my comfort and compassion.