Kidnapping Mama
“We’ll make sure it’s safe.”
John moves toward the kitchen to clean up the mess but is waylaid by a knock on the front screen door. A stocky black woman in a blue uniform and carrying a clipboard stares in, her large white teeth gleaming.
“Is this the Peterson residence? I have orders to turn off the gas.”
Emma shuffles from the bedroom. “Come in dear, come in. It’s too hot to be out in
that sun. Would you like some lemonade? A brownie?”
“I just ate lunch, m’am. But lemonade sounds great.”
“Well, here, sit down and rest while I get proper glasses. I also have cookies.”
Emma scurries toward the kitchen with Bonnie close behind.
“So what’s this all about?” the woman asks. “I got this request to shut off
service but somebody’s obviously livin’ here.”
“I know, it looks strange,” John whispers. “But please, just play along. Okay?”
Emma and Bonnie return and they all sit on the sofa and sip lemonade and munch cookies.
“So why is this nice lady here?” Emma asks.
“Remember, Ma, she’s gonna turn off the gas. Then the men will come to inspect the
lines. That’s why you have to go on a little vacation… that’s why you’re packing.”
Emma scowls. “I don’t wanna go anywhere. This is my home and..”
“It’s only for a short time,” Bonnie says and holds the old lady’s trembling hand.
“John and I will take care of everything. You should…have fun.”
Bonnie chokes back a sob and looks away. The lady frowns but says nothing.
“Okay, well, do you need help finding the gas connection?” John asks brightly.
“This place is old and they put it in a really strange…”
“That’s all right, I can manage,” the woman says and moves toward the door.
“Won’t take but a minute. Thank y’all for the lemonade and cookies.”
A short time later her truck roars to life. The remaining trio stares out the
picture window as she motors down the street and disappears.
“It’s time for you to go,” Bonnie says. “Our friends are waiting.”
“Friends? Where am I going?” Emma’s eyes are wide and staring.
“To a big beautiful house in the oak trees. There will be other ladies there to keep
you company. You’ll like it, such a nice place for a vacation.”
“Yes, a vacation. Jack and I haven’t been on one in years. Where is Jack anyway?”
“He’s gone on before you, Ma. He’ll be waiting.”
John retrieves the suitcase and toilet article bag from the bedroom and the couple
escorts Emma out. The front lawn is crowded with neighbors. The women hug Emma and
swipe at their eyes. The men try to keep smiling. The kids run everywhere, yelling
and screaming.
“You enjoy your vacation, now,” Mrs. Abernathy from next door says.
“Oh, I will dear. I shouldn’t be gone too long.”
John and Bonnie move through the crowd and murmur their thank you’s and goodbyes.
“Where’s Grandma Peterson going?” a little boy asks.
“To a place where she’ll be taken care of,” Bonnie says, kneeling. “You can visit
her any time. She’d love that.”
“We’ll miss her… ’specially her cookies,” the kid says and grins.
At Christmas, John and Bonnie and two carloads of people pull up the long driveway
to the Hidden Oaks Care Home. Emma is sitting on the covered porch, wearing her sun
hat, watching the cattle in surrounding fields munch winter grass. A light rain
drips from a pearl gray sky.
“Hi, Emma, how’s your vacation going?” one of the neighbor ladies calls.
“I love it here,” Emma says and smiles uncertainly. “But when am I goin’ home?”
“Soon, Mama, soon,” John says and encircles her in his arms.
April 2006 Terry and his Wife can be contacted - tsanville@sbcglobal.net
