Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 41

"It's after ten. You left three hours ago."

"Time slipped away. We'll close down and head back. I'll drop Wynter at home."

"Okay. I'm taking Frankie and Emily over to their mom's house."

"Thank you. See you shortly."

"See you."

Hanging up, he rose slowly, not wanting to leave her side. "I guess we put reality off as long as possible."

"Mom's worrying?"

"Yes. I suppose I should have called...."

"You needed a break. So did I. And it was—beyond nice." She stood, placing her hands on his firm chest.

"Yes, it certainly was. Thank you for coming with me."

"You're very welcome."

Obi's hand sat on the gearshift. Wynter laid her hand on top of his. Smiling at her, he gave her another soft kiss. He wanted so much more, but knew he needed to take it slowly. He was very fond of Wynter, and she of him. However, mindful of her recent breakup, he was determined to take his time. He hoped he'd made his feelings clear with his kisses.

Clive's car was in the driveway of Wanda's home. The lights were on, and music played. When they got to the house, they found Emily sitting on the porch swing with a glass of wine and an e-cigarette.

"Um, you don't wanna go in right now," she said, slightly shell shocked.

Obi sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Really? I'm so sorry. If you and Wynter want to spend the night at my place, we can do that. Cause if I know my brother—this won't be the last time tonight."

"I'd love that," Emily said. "But you have to guarantee that you two won't—" She made vague gestures with her hands.

Wynter slapped them down. "We would never!"

"Just saying."

"We're not to that point, Emily," Obi explained.

"But you're working on it," she said, wiping her thumb across his lips. It came away with a smear of Wynter's cranberry colored lip gloss.

"Yes, but not yet," Wynter said. "Frankie's always been impulsive."

"So has Clive. Perfect match," Obi said with a grin. Glancing at his watch, he asked Emily how long she'd been outside.

"About thirty-five minutes. Why?"

"They should finish soon, unless he's giving her a special. Let's hope not, or we'll be here all night."

"A—special?" Emily asked hesitantly.

"Don't ask. Listen, I have toothbrushes, t-shirts and boxers you can borrow for the night. We can come back before church."

"Sounds good to me!" Emily said, hopping up. "I'll grab my bag." She retrieved it from the hall table. Locking the door, she declared that she was ready.

"Casa Obi is our next stop," Wynter said with a smirk.

Sending Clive a text, Obi started the car. He didn't expect to hear back from his brother, but he wanted Frankie to know where her sisters were. Not that either of them would notice.

Back at his house, he found a note from his mother on the refrigerator: "We'll be getting up about seven. Leave me a note if you want me to wake you. ♥ Mom"

He left a reply thanking her, assuring her he could get himself up. He also told her that Wynter and Emily were there, though he didn't go into details. She was a smart woman, who had three grown sons. She'd figure it out.

Sleep came easily. For once, he wasn't nervous about having to give his sermon, because his father had that responsibility.

His alarm went off, startling him awake. It was still dark out, but not because of the time. Thick storm clouds lowered and glowered on the horizon. Lightning flashed, followed by a distant roll of thunder.

Shaving carefully, he debated putting on his official uniform. He was still thinking about it, when there was a knock at the door. He knew it was his mother, because she always tapped three times, two times and one time.

"I'm up, Mom," he called from the bathroom.

The door opened and she peeped around. "Wearing the collar today?"

"I was just thinking about it." He stood in front of his closet in his black dress pants and white t-shirt.

"You're not officially on duty. Let Daddy worry about that."

Smiling, she entered the closet, scooting shirts around until she found what she was after. The shirt she handed him was a deep, rich raspberry—not a color he would have bought for himself.

"Where did this come from?"

"I bought it for you. It would please me for you to wear it." Her lips formed a firm line, when he protested. "I know you think it's girly, but it's a gorgeous color, which will look good on you. The women will love it."

"The men will think I've lost my mind."

"Tell them I gave it to you," she said with confidence. "Men understand about appeasing unreasonable, female parents."

"Yes, ma'am."

Undoing his pants, he tucked the shirt in. He was fastening his belt when there was another knock at the door. This time, it was Wynter.

"You about ready?"

"Yeah. We'll drop by your mom's place. It's on the way."

"Great. Thank you."

"I made coffee, and danish," Hester said. "It's set up to travel."

"Great. Thanks, Mom." Obi kissed his mother's cheek.

"You're welcome, darling." She gave him and Wynter each a hug. "Hurry up, son. You can't keep a woman waiting."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 40

It was starting to get dark when they reached their destination, but there was a full moon. He'd driven to the river. A path wound from the parking area, down to the river bank. Turning off the car, he smiled at Wynter.

"My folks have a cabin up here. We stayed out here all summer, only going into the city for services. When I was making my decision to join the seminary, I came up here for a retreat. I fished for food, prayed a lot, and completely unplugged from life—no computer, no phone, no TV. It was bliss."

"Sounds like you enjoyed it."

"I did. Very much. This is my favorite place, of anywhere I've ever been. I feel most like me here. After the crash and burn with Cieran, I had decided to come up here for a few days. Then everything else happened, and that plan got postponed. Would you like to see it?"

"I would!"

"Great." He reached into the back seat, grabbing a battery operated lantern. "I put this in here a few days ago, and forgot about it. There's power at the cabin, but no lights along the way."

Helping her out of the car, he looped her arm through his, after opening the lantern. Blue-white light cast bright beams, creating eerie shadows. These danced and dipped as the lantern swung from Obi's hand.

Around a bend in the path, Wynter saw a cabin. It was split logs, with a low, red metal roof. The porch circled it on three sides. Low eaves dropped nearly to the ground, creating a comforting shade against the midday sun.

"Welcome to Rose Cottage," he said as he unlocked the door.

It was then that Wynter noticed that there was a beautiful stained glass panel in the door, covered in dozens of different colored roses. The shutters on the windows, were painted a dark rosy red. In the center of each shutter, someone had cut out intricate rose shapes.

"It's beautiful!" she gasped.

"Thank you. It was built by my great-great-grandfather. Initially, it was the family homestead. Eventually, they had enough money to move into town, but kept the cabin."

"This is wonderful. It's so homey!"

She admired the blond wood floors and rough hewn walls. The furniture was rustic in design, covered in colorful, handmade cloth which reminded her of Native American patterns from local tribes. On the wall, on either side of the fireplace, were framed shadowboxes, with a beautifully embroidered and beaded blouse and shoes.

"Is this Potawatomi work?"

"Yes. My great-great-grandmother was Potawatomi."

"No kidding! That's so cool! We have some Native blood, too. Also my great-great-grandmother. Only she was Tuscarora."

"Cool. Do you have anything from her?"

Sadly, she shook her head. "She died when her children were very young. Their father wasn't able to care for them, so they were separated and put in care."

"That's a shame. I hope they had good homes."

"Some of them did. There were twelve, and the older ones didn't fare as well as the younger ones. They were put into work camps, where they worked fourteen hour days."

"That's criminal!"

"Yes, it is. That's what happened then." Sniffling a little, she touched the frame, stroking the glass. "I can't get over how intricate those designs are. Simply stunning."

"Yes, they are. My grandfather had them hermetically sealed and put here when I was a boy."

"That was a good idea."

"Want to see the rest?"

"I'd love to. How many rooms is it?"

"Living room," he gestured. "Dining area," he pointed to the other side of the cabin, where a sturdy, circular table stood. "Let's go see the kitchen, because you'll love it."

There was a bar perpendicular to the back wall. The kitchen was snug, but well laid out. The sink overlooked the back yard—which was mostly trees. But the way that the house was sitting, there was a view of the river both from this window, and the front porch.

"This is beautiful!" Wynter sighed.

"Want something to drink? We keep it stocked. I've got coffee, tea, sodas and wine."

"Something cold," she replied with a smile.

He got a cold Coca-Cola from the refrigerator, handing it to her. "It's clean on top. I washed it before I put it in there."

"I thought I was the only person to do that!" She smiled, popping the can open.

"You've met my mother," he stated as if that made it all clear.

"Exactly like mine, apparently."

"In all the very best ways." Tapping his can against hers, he smiled. "Cheers."

"Cheers."

It was cool in the cabin, so he started a fire. They sat on the couch, snuggled closely, gazing into the flames. Wynter could tell that Obi was more relaxed than he'd been earlier. She felt calmer, too. The worries of her life slipped away, washing down the river.

They finished their sodas in silence. Obi slipped his arm around her, and she put her head on his shoulder. Turning his head, he tipped her chin, planting a soft kiss on her lips. Wynter sighed happily, smiling a little as they kissed. They spent a long time in one another's embrace.

Obi wasn't sure when they'd passed the threshold of friendship, to something more, but he was happier than he could ever remember being. Wynter filled a gap in his soul, he hadn't even realized was there. He'd heard Eagle yammer on about soul mates, since meeting Sarah. Obi hadn't really ever given it much thought, until the first time he kissed Wynter. It was as if his soul recognized hers, and vice versa.

His phone rang, piercing their solitude. "Yeah?" he answered, not looking at the screen.

"Sorry to bother you, Brother Mine," Clive said. "But Mom's worried."

"We're at the cabin," Obi said.

"Planning to spend the night?"

"No, why?"

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 39

 

"It's a job, like anything else," Obi said rather sharply. "Just because a man has Father in front of his name, doesn't make him less interesting."

"But it makes him an pawn in the great machine, which is organized religion," Eagle said.

"Excuse me?" Hester bridled at that remark.

"Admit it," Eagle said, talking over his mother. "You both believe the limited dogma you learned at seminary, not the way life really is."

"Explain how life really is," Obi said in a low voice. His tone was deep, dangerous. "No, I'll explain it, from my limited, dogmatic education."

Prescott started to protest, but Obi held up his hand to stop him.

"Let him, Dad," Clive said calmly. "I wanna hear this."

"Go for it, Bro," Eagle said, his attitude more confrontational. Even Sarah's hand on his arm, didn't settle him down.

"Life is full of pain," Obi said softly. "We're born from pain, we grow and live with our pain. Sometimes, it's worse than others. God can alleviate that pain—"

"You mean if you're strong enough, your body and mind do it for you," Eagle interrupted.

"I mean—" Obi inhaled deeply, slowly. "I mean, if you fully rely on God, put your faith in Him, trust and believe, your journey is easier. Your load is lighter. People need to believe in something outside themselves."

"What if I said I don't want to believe in God?" Eagle said, jutting his jaw defiantly.

"My reply would be—I hope you find something to believe in. Because it's pretty dark and cold out there, without faith."

"What if I want to be a Buddhist? A Hindu? Are you going to tell me those are false gods?" his voice grew louder, angrier.

Sarah's face was pale, her eyes wide. This was a side of Eagle she'd never seen.

"If that's what makes you happy, fills you with joy and peace – go for it."

"All those false gods? That doesn't bother you?"

"God has many faces. The Christian God is the same one that Muslims and Jews worship – each with a different name. The Hindu gods are manifestations of aspects of God, which we put under a Trinity umbrella. Their gods are separate personalities, but the power comes from the same place."

"What if I condemn your God as a fake?" He stood, challenging his brother.

"Eric!" his mother gasped.

"You're entitled to believe that," Obi replied, also standing. "And if you really feel that way, Eric, I'll pray for you." Dropping his napkin by his plate, he turned to go.

"You're just going to walk away?" Eric yelled as Obi's hand touched the kitchen door.

Pressing his lips together, Obi inhaled deeply. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw his brother vibrating with anger. The family looked horrified.

"I love you, Eric. You're my brother. Say what you want, do what you want. But I'm not going to listen to it in my house. In deference to our mother, I'm not making you leave. I'm also not listening to you another second, or I'll lose my temper." Squaring his shoulders, he felt the anger bubble up like lava. Unable to stop it, he let it flow over. "You've been so coddled, sheltered. You've never been pinned down to this thing, or that. You've been free to explore and find yourself—that's great!" His voice rose in anger. "The rest of us—we've all got jobs. Whether we like them or not—that's immaterial. We're doing the best we can. For some of us, that's dependent upon our faith. A faith that people died to protect. A faith that put food on our table, a roof over our heads, and gave us a loving family. You can belittle what you want, but I won't have you do that in front of our parents. Mom, I apologize, but I have to get out of here before I say something I'll be really sorry for."

Grabbing his wallet and keys, he headed toward the front door. The kitchen exploded with noise behind him, but he didn't care. When he reached into the coat closet for a jacket, he heard someone behind him. Turning, he saw Wynter.

"May I join you?"

"Of course." He held the door open for her.

"You shouldn't drive."

"I'm all right. No pain pills for hours, and my shoulder feels fine."

"Still...I can—"

"Thanks, I've got it."

"Where did you want to go?"

"Anywhere but here."

Nodding, she got in the car. Taking a deep breath, Obi started the car. He had no idea where he was going, deciding to let the spirit guide him.

"I'm sure he didn't mean all that," Wynter said as they drove slowly down his street.

"Yes, he did. It's been coming for a while. Ever since he changed his name to Eagle, and started exploring," he made air quotes, "I knew he'd hit me with it one day."

"How did you know?"

"Sixth sense? I'm not sure, I just did. Maybe it's having our folks here. He feels threatened by our beliefs."

"Why?"

"He doesn't share them. He never has, really. I'm not sure what made him so cynical, but I pray he'll get over himself soon. But I'm not holding my breath."

He turned up the interstate on-ramp. Speeding up, he entered the steady stream of traffic without a care. Cars whizzed by on their left. Checking traffic, he moved left to the second lane. A destination now in mind, he sped up.

"Where are we going?"

He smiled, cutting his eyes at her a second. "You'll see when we get there."

"You're being very mysterious, Father Randolph."

"Obi. Please. When we're together, I'm not Father."

She inclined her head, accepting that. "You're still being mysterious."

"There's some beautiful country around here. I thought you might like to see something other than the city.

"I would, very much."

"Very well."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 38

"And how much do you make for your healing hands?" Emily snapped.

"Nothing. We ask for sponsors, to cover travel expenses, nothing more. If someone wants to give us a gift, we donate it to a local charity in that community. We don't believe in taking money for what God gives us freely."

"Can you do that for my mother?"

"If she wants. I'll ask her." He put his hand on Emily's shoulder. "We're the real deal," he said softly, gazing into her eyes. "We have faith in God, and the skills he gave us. We heal people, Emily."

"Will you heal my mom?" she gasped, a sob escaping her.

"If she wants it. We can't do anything, unless the patient asks."

"Why not?"

"Because they need to believe they've received it."

"We'll ask her," Obi said, gazing into her eyes.

"You should consider joining us," Father Elvis said.

"I don't have the skill for it," Obi said quietly.

"Nonsense. You're a strong healer, you just don't know it. We'll talk."

Prescott was waiting by the front door. They walked out with Father Elvis, whose car was near theirs.

Obi got in back, sitting behind Emily, who scooted her seat up for him. She tried to get him to sit up front, but he refused.

"My mother would smack me, if I even considered getting in the front," he said with a grin.

"Fine. I don't want to be responsible for that."

"My cranium and I thank you."

Father Flannery bid them farewell.

"Thanks again, Father Elvis," Emily said, giving him a hug.

"You're welcome, Emily." He kissed her on top of the head, murmuring something.

Emily didn't seem to hear, but Obi did. It was Latin, asking for God's blessings and healing. He hung back a moment as Prescott helped her into the car.

"Healing?" Tipping his head, he repeated the phrase.

"We all need it," Father Elvis replied. "For Emily, it's not physical, but emotional. Not just her mother's illness has her upset."

"Thank you." He held out his hand. "I appreciate your help and prayers, Father."

"You're welcome—Father."

Back home, Obi walked into the sound of laughter and the scents of a delicious feast. No one was out front, so he assumed they were all in the kitchen. Kicking off his shoes, he wandered back. Clive was pouring Emily a glass of wine. He poured another for Obi.

"To family, friends, and good health," he said, raising his glass.

Repeating his toast, they clinked glasses before taking a sip.

"It was good to see Father Elvis," Prescott said with a smile. "How's he doing?"

"Very well. He helped me give Wanda the sacrament for the sick."

"He's a good man," Hester said. "He grew up in our neighborhood, but he was enough older, you boys weren't in school with him."

"He had to do a project on various religions," Prescott said, topping off their glasses. "He came to our service, and had a long chat with me afterward. He's a very astute fellow."

"I've always liked him," Obi said. "We served on a citywide panel of religious leaders, a couple years ago. He and I were seated next to one another, and found we had a lot in common. He kept offering to Baptize me into the Catholic faith." He laughed, shaking his head.

"You ready for your sermon tomorrow?" Eagle asked their father.

"I sure am. I expect you all in the front row."

"Like we were for our entire youths," Obi replied.

"Unless we were in the band, or choir," Clive added.

"I wondered why you all opted to be musicians," Prescott frowned, a smile tugging his lips.

"We could hide behind the partition, instead of having to be out front for everyone to stare at. I hated being on display," Eagle said with a shudder.

"Try being the man at the pulpit," Obi countered. "See how many people stare at you then."

"Woof—no thanks! I can't even imagine speaking in front of a bunch of people."

"Congregations aren't as bad as other religious," Prescott said. "Have you had to do that, Son?" he asked Obi.

"I belonged to a religious panel which required each of us to speak at least once a year. More often than not, the person assigned would cop out at the last minute, and I'd get a topic handed to me—as I walked in. More than once, I got up there and winged it. Luckily, I have my sermons memorized, and they cover a wide range of topics. Only one time, I got handed—" he paused, thinking. "What was it? Oh yes, Love Thy Neighbor – as applies to all those around you. I drew a blank, until I remembered Dad's Love Thy Brother Speech. I changed it up a little, and used it."

"What's the Love Thy Brother Speech?" Emily asked.

The brothers laughed.

"We had a tendency to smack each other around," Eagle said. "So Dad gave us that speech whenever we drew blood."

"So—roughly every other week," Clive added with a grin.

"It's a corker," Prescott said. "Calls upon brotherly love, Bible quotes, and a bunch of other good stuff. One of my best, if I may say so."

"The others thought so. Because of that speech, I got handed the job of preparing the next one, as well. It was good experience, though. And I met some great people. We had a sister city in Florida, and I got to fly down there to meet those priests. It was a good time."

"I can't imagine finding a bunch of other priests a good time," Eagle snarked, shaking his head.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 37

Rebecca came out of the room, smiling. "Let me tell you what's going on," she said gently, taking Emily's hands. She explained briefly, her mother's condition.

Obi could hear her calm voice, and Emily's questions, as he walked off. He knew he should stay to help Emily, but sensed that Wanda needed the blessings he could give her, more than Emily needed the presence of a stranger.

Mass was over, and people filed out of the chapel. Some were walking, others were in wheelchairs, pushed by orderlies and aids. Waiting for the room to clear, Obi waved at Father Flannery.

"Come to the other side?" Father Elvis Flannery asked with a laugh. A man in his fifties, he'd always reminded Obi of the actor, Bruce Campbell. He had the same boyish looks and great hair.

Explaining what he needed, Obi was pleased to see that Father Flannery had it all. "I should have been prepared, but didn't think about it."

"I understand, it's not a problem. Mind a little backup? I'd be pleased to assist you."

"I'd be honored to have you. Twice the prayers can't hurt."

"That they can't. Mind if I ask how you got the shiner?"

Obi told him about his altercation with Edward Lancaster. Father Elvis nodded, hissing slightly.

"Yeah, he's a bugger. He was Roman Catholic, up until he had an argument with my predecessor. I was a lowly assistant priest at the time. Lancaster caused some big stink over something minor—oh, that retarded cousin of his—Abel? Albert?"

"Abner. Carr."

Father Elvis snapped his fingers, pointing at Obi. "That's it. The guy's got an IQ of a salad bar."

Trying not to laugh at the uncharitable comment, Obi snorted. "Dumber than a head of lettuce."

"The very one. He wanted Father Murray to give the idiot a job. Murray tried him out, but ended up firing him for incompetence. Lancaster got so mad, he left the church, vowing ruination."

"Did he succeed?"

Father Elvis shrugged, shaking his head. "We're still here. Murray retired sixteen years ago, and is happily living in Arizona. I left for a while, but was sent back to St. Winifred's ten years ago."

"I guess he must have come directly to my church, after leaving there."

"Probably. So, what did you do to piss him off so much?"

"I wouldn't get in a fight with him. He wanted to tussle, I told him no. The phone rang, I turned around to go to my office, and he jumped me."

"What a jerk."

"Believe me, I called him worse—in my head."

"The lovely thing about doing that in your head, is that no one can prosecute you for it." Father Elvis tapped his temple. "Got to think several steps ahead, in order to keep in front of him. He's a creep, he's probably crazy, and he's very connected."

"I imagine he's going to be someone else's problem from now on."

"You said you pressed charges?"

"Yeah."

"Maybe we'll be lucky, and the justice system worked correctly."

"We can pray."

Crossing themselves, the two priests made their way to Wanda's room. She was delighted to meet Father Flannery. "I think it's absolutely fabulous having a priest named Elvis."

"Thank you. Thank you very much," he replied, sounding exactly like the famous King of Rock.

Laughing, Wanda relaxed. Obi and Elvis gave her the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. By the time they had finished, she was asleep. They contacted Prescott, and headed out to meet him on the ground floor. Father Elvis walked with them.

Emily had lost some of her sparkle. Trudging to the front entrance, she was very quiet.

Obi touched her arm. "I know it's hard to see her like that."

"It's terrible! Mom's always so bubbly and energetic! Nothing gets her down. Nothing! Now, she's puking every five seconds, and losing her hair. It can't be good to pump that poison into her!"

"It does work, Emily. You have to give it time."

"Why can't God just point and heal? Why doesn't He do that? Instead, he kills people with horrible diseases. Why does he do that, Father?"

The men weren't sure which of them she was asking. Exchanging a look, they tried to decide what to tell her. Father Elvis finally spoke.

"God gave us Free Will," he said calmly.

"Are you saying my mother chose to be sick?"

"Not at all. However, we make decisions which can affect our health."

"Maybe so, but she never did anything to deserve this," she sobbed.

"People rarely do. I think it's more a commentary on our world, than on the people affected by disease. We get around toxic people, and soon that wears off on us. Our bodies can stand only so much, before they fall apart."

"Does God engineer it like that?"

"Yes. Can you imagine if we all lived forever?" He shrugged, shaking his head.

"No. It could be quite horrible."

"It would. There's only so much room. When it's gone, it's gone. But being ill, growing older, it's not for the weak. Fighting something like cancer isn't easy. You've got the cancer eating at you, and the chemicals to kill it, eating at it. I have to keep my opinions to myself, a lot of the time. I don't believe in conventional treatments."

"Do you propose we all stop taking medicine, and rely on God?" Emily's temper flared.

"No, child. I propose eating well, exercising, and treating your body with respect. There are natural treatments for cancer, which need to be more fully explored."

"I agree," Obi said. "Sarah's father has talked about it. He's a doctor, Sir Lane," he explained for Father Elvis' benefit.

"He's a good man, an incredible healer. He and I are part of a team, who travel the country talking about how to be healthy. We also share the Godly perspective." He smiled, pointing to himself. "Afterward, we do a healing. Anyone who wants to, can come up and have hands laid on."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 36

"Let Emily have her one on one time," Frankie said. "We'll pick you up later, and stop for a short visit then."

"Sounds good."

"I'll show you to the shower," Wynter offered.

"Take her to the green room," Obi said. At Wynter's blank look, he chuckled. "Make a left at the top of the stairs. First room on the left. It and the pink room, share an adjoining bathroom."

"Thank you. I'll get my overnight bag." She and Wynter headed upstairs.

"Sarah, dear, would you help me with the dishes, please?" Hester said. "And I want to start prepping dinner."

"Honey, dinner is ages away," her husband said, after a look at his watch.

"Making falafels," she replied. "It takes time."

"Yummy! I love those!" Sarah said.

Carrying the dirty dishes to the kitchen, Sarah rinsed while Hester loaded. The men offered to help, but were booted out. Only Frankie was allowed to stay. She started gathering the ingredients, lining them up on the counter.

"I didn't really want to do that anyway," Obi said as he, his father, and brothers settled in the living room.

The other men chuckled.

After showing Emily where to bathe, Wynter joined the women in the kitchen. Emily came down a little later, her hair in damp curls.

"I've got a hair dryer, if you need it." Obi made to rise.

"No, don't worry about it. It if I use a dryer, it frizzes."

"It's chilly at the hospital," Clive warned.

"Then we can wait a little while before we go."

"Just say the word. Randolph Cab Company awaits," Obi said.

"You aren't driving," Clive stated firmly.

"I said Randolph, not just me."

"True."

"I'll be happy to take you," Prescott offered. "Say the word."

"I will. Thank you all so much. I can see that you've been really good for my sisters." Her glance went from Obi to Clive. "I'll go see if they need me in the kitchen. I'm great for opening jars." She flexed and the men noticed she had well defined arms.

"I feel kinda took to shame," Eagle said. "Even I don't have that delineation!"

About an hour later, Prescott took Emily to see her mother. Obi went along, to lead her to the room and check on Wanda. Prescott decided to wait in the cafeteria.

When they got upstairs, the nurses smiled, delighted to meet Emily.

"So good to put a face with the name," Rebecca, the head nurse, said with a smile. "She talks about the three of you non-stop!"

"All good, I hope?" Emily said, looking a little worried.

"Absolutely. She loves you girls so much."

"She's the best mom ever," Emily replied.

"I'll drop in and say hello, then I'll go join Dad. You can call us when you're ready."

When they got to the room, he door was closed. Disturbing sounds reached their ears, like someone vomiting. Emily recoiled, her hand over her face. There wasn't an odor out there, but Obi knew some people were affected by the sound.

"I'll check," he said softly. "Go tell the nurse."

She scurried back to the nursing station. He eased the door open. Wanda sat in bed, a dishpan on her lap. Face white, hands trembling, she looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

"Can't seem to stop," she sobbed. "I tried to call the nurse, but the button—I can't find it."

Obi rushed over, digging the call button from between the railing and mattress. The door opened, and Rebecca came in.

"Are you okay, Wanda? Your daughter said you were sick."

"I can't stop—" Another spasm shook her. Opening her mouth, all she could do was gag over the dishpan. Nothing came out.

"Doctor prescribed anti-nausea meds. I'll be right back."

"I'll sit with her," Obi said.

"I'll let Emily know what's going on," Rebecca said as she left.

"I don't know if I can keep doing this," Wanda whispered. "I know chemo isn't easy, but I feel like I'm going to barf up a lung—I mean that literally. It's so—" she retched again.

Obi held her hair, talking softly to her. When she was done, he got a cool cloth, wiping her face. Rebecca returned with a syringe. She cleaned the IV port, injecting the medication.

"This should help right away. Emily's waiting outside, if you want to see her. I'll run a brush through your hair, and wash your face, shall I?"

"Please. Obi," Wanda gasped, holding out her hand. "Can you give me blessing of the sick?"

"I haven't got my bag, but I can still say the prayers with you."

"Thank you."

"Father Flannery, from St. Winifred's, is at the chapel for Saturday Mass," Rebecca said. "I know it's a different flavor of Catholic, but might he have the things you need?"

"I'll go see." He checked his watch. "Mass should be over shortly." He gave Wanda a soft kiss on the cheek, after washing her face.

Rebecca brushed her hair, tsking a little when some of it came out in her hands. Wanda sobbed again. Obi hugged her, talking quietly, saying prayers and singing to her.

"We knew this would happen," he murmured. "It's part of the process."

"I can't do this," Wanda whimpered. "I can't."

"We'll talk about this when you feel better," he said softly. "This is a big decision."

"I know. You're right. Send Emily in, I feel up to it, now."

"I'll do that, and go check with Father Flannery." Kissing her softly on the brow, he helped her get settled before going out to find Emily. "She's weak, and feels like crap," he said quietly.

©Dellani Oakes 2023

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 35

 

"Oy vay?" Eagle whispered. "She's Jewish?"

"Anyone can say it," Sarah replied.

"True. And her latest boyfriend is Jewish," Wynter said.

"That explains it," Sarah concluded with a nod.

Emily came back, all smiles.

"Are you hungry?" Wynter asked, taking her arm. "We've just had the most delicious meal. I'll warm you up a plate."

"Thank you. That would be great."

"Coffee, tea, kombucha?" Eagle offered as he led the way to the kitchen.

Emily wrinkled her nose. "Vomit in a bottle? I'll pass, thanks. Coffee sounds amazing. Don't suppose I can get a latte?" she teased.

"Just regular, I'm afraid," Obi replied. "I don't have a fancy coffee machine. And before anyone gets any ideas," he eyed his brother. "I don't want one, either. My basic Mr. Coffee espresso machine blew up a year or so ago. Missed me by this much!" He held his fingers half an inch apart. "I don't want anything else with pressurized steam."

"Coward," Eagle coughed.

"You can be replaced," Obi warned him in a friendly tone. "I'll go to the Younger Brother Store and buy another one, who won't be such a nuisance."

Eagle burst out laughing. "You'd have to take valuable time, breaking him in."

"Good point. I guess I'll keep you."

Emily giggled. "Sounds like you, Wyn."

"I used to tell her that I'd take her to Kinkos and get a less noisy copy made."

"And you believed her?" Sarah asked, slightly aghast.

"Of course. Why would her older sister lie?" Wynter put her hands under her chin, batting her eyelashes.

Their laughter filled the house. Hester took over coffee prep, since Obi was having problems.

"In fairness to Emily, she was five," Wynter explained. "But it was a great threat, and worked like a charm."

"She had to babysit me," Emily added. "I didn't make it easy."

"No, you sure didn't! But you grew up pretty great."

"Thanks, so did you, Sis. She took a lot of work," Emily said with a sigh. "But I successfully molded her into the woman she is today."

Giggling, the sisters hugged. The front door opened.

"Hello!" Clive called. "Took a while to find the right corkscrew. And we picked up more wine," he explained as he and Frankie walked in arm in arm.

Obi and Eagle knew that they hadn't spent over an hour just getting a corkscrew, but didn't say so. What their parents thought, they didn't care to speculate. Clive had always been the most impetuous, and therefore got laid more than Obi ever had. Eagle topped them both, but he didn't care to think about that, either. Maybe it wouldn't be his youngest brother who reproduced first, after all.

"Emily!" Frankie screeched when she saw her younger sister. "It's so good to see you!"

Emily flung her arms around Frankie, hugging so hard her sister gasped.

Jabbing at Emily's ribs, Frankie turned slightly red in the face. "Air," she gasped.

Wynter came to her rescue. "Arms of steel, sis," she warned. "Emily is a personal trainer. She can break a walnut with her knees."

The men blushed, the women laughed.

"She's exaggerating," Emily explained. "But I'm very strong. Sorry to strangle you, Middle Sis." She gave Frankie a gentler hug.

"Food," Eagle announced, heading to the fridge. "What do you want?" He listed off available meals.

"Whatever comes first to hand," Emily replied. "I'm so hungry, I could eat tofu."

"We're out of that, at the moment," Sarah replied with a smile. "But I can make some."

"Thanks. I think I'd rather pass out from hunger. My boyfriend is a pretentious vegan, and can't understand my obsession with a delicious T-bone."

They all laughed loudly.

"Gary's vegan?" Wynter asked.

Frankie made a cut gesture, shaking her head.

"Frankster didn't tell you? I dumped him. He had some nasty habits." Her lips snapped shut.

"Which we won't discuss," Frankie said.

"I must have missed that," Wynter said quietly.

"I didn't want to burden you, Wyn. You were dealing with your own slice of hell. I dumped his pervo butt a couple months ago. This new guy though.... Whatever happened to men being manly? I swear, so many guys seem to think that we all want to date the Gay Best Friend." Shaking her head, she didn't see the men exchange a look.

"I heard that," she said without looking up.

"We didn't say a word," Clive responded.

"Didn't have to." She flashed a smirk.

Clive cleared his throat. "We have a bunch of friends, all manly—well, except for Patrick...." He shrugged.

"Patrick is always the exception," Eagle replied.

"Is Patrick gay?" Emily frowned.

"No. But he's—odd. Great guy, but—odd," Obi concluded.

"We'll pass on Patrick, thanks."

"Duly noted," the brothers chorused, making them all laugh.

Emily enjoyed her meal as the others sipped coffee and shared a box of cookies Wynter had brought over.

"When can we go see Mom?" Emily asked.

"We can take you by anytime," Wynter replied. "Do you want a shower or a nap first?"

"Yes, to the shower. Do we need to run by Mom's place?"

"You're welcome to shower here," Obi said. "Then one of us can take you over. You all want to go?" he asked the sisters.

©Dellani Oakes 2023

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