Down the road part 12
Bo walked away from the kitchen and smiled to hear Rachel laughing… it had been a long time since anyone laughed in that house and it sounded good… even if it was at him. Bo went upstairs and straightened up Nora's bedroom. He found the letter she had been clutching in her hand and resisted the urge to read it. He couldn't imagine why Becky Lee (not Sue) would be writing to Nora but if she wasn't ready to share it with him, he could wait. He left it on her bedside table and put her clothes away. He had already decided that Sam was to blame for Nora being so upset yesterday. He had no idea how to handle that situation except to beat the daylights out of Sam and that would only work for so long.
Larry came and examined Nora. She seemed fine, certainly better than the day before but still in need of rest (try not to let her out of the house today, ok?). He left strict instructions that she should be left to sleep until noon. If she didn't wake up by then, Bo was supposed to wake her up and make some lunch.
Then the phone calls began: Hank, Viki, Andrew, Asa, Len, Melanie and Carlota all rang to see how Nora was. It seemed the whole town knew she had ended up at Andrew's and was worried. Carlota sent some paella over from the diner and Bo put it in the frig with all the other food.
B (to himself): For two people who
don't cook, we're eating pretty well!
******************************************************.
The Palace dining room after breakfast
Selma was sitting alone at a table. She was in no mood for a phone call… she knew something must have happened to make Nora leave the house yesterday and she wanted to know what it was. She had finished breakfast and was nursing her third cup of coffee when Renee came over.
R: Morning
S: Morning Renee
R: How are you?
S: Worried
R: I can tell… Have you talked to Bo?
S: Yes, Len called and Nora is still asleep. Larry stopped by and I guess everything is ok.
R: Yeah, I heard Asa on the phone first thing. Pause… You're not satisfied that she's ok
S: No, I'm not. She was exhausted when I spoke with her. So much so that she turned down an outing with Rachel. Rachel even volunteered to get one of those rented wheelchairs from the mall office so Nora could just sit while Rachel tried on dresses. Nora said she was too tired. So why did she take off?
R: It doesn't make sense.
S: I am not going to spend the rest of my day drinking coffee in your very nice hotel. I am going to put a stop to this.
R: Need help?
S: If I do, you'll be my first call.
She got up and left.
********************************************************.
Sam's House
Selma knocked, Melanie answered.
M: Hello, may I help you?
S: I am looking for Sam Rappaport
M: He's not up yet. He had a rough night last night
S: Yes, I heard. Not rough enough if you ask me
M: I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name
S: Selma Hanen, Nora's not-terribly-amused mother.
M: Oh.. um
S: If you don't mind, I would like to wait for Mr. Rappaport. Would that be inconvenient?
M: No, of course not. Please come in.
Melanie got Selma a cup of coffee and sat down.
S: So, young lady, perhaps you could clear up something for me?
M: If I can
S: Why would you be with a man like Sam?
M: Well, I can see where Nora gets her directness.
S: That's not an answer
M: I don't know. I guess I don't let his obsession with Nora get to me because it's an obsession. It's not like they're having an affair.
S: How do you know?
M: I've seen Nora with Sam. And I have seen Nora with Bo.
S: You dated Bo once, did you not?
M: Yes, briefly. But then Nora came back.
S: Oh - that must have been difficult for you.
M: That's one word - but anyone can see that they only have eyes for each other. They communicate on so many levels. Bo is so crazy about Nora, everyone else in the room just disappears when she walks in. I just didn't feel I could fight that...and from the look of things, it hasn't changed… I don't know why Sam is so obsessed, but he is.
S: I am going to ask him to stay away from my daughter. Do you think he will do that?
M: Perhaps. He was extremely angry last night after Bo and Hank paid him a visit. He doesn't set out to hurt her, but he does.
S: That, my dear, sounds like a poor excuse for an abusive relationship. He does hurt her so he needs to stay away from her. She needs to focus all her energy towards getting well.
M: I know you're right. I just don't know what to do about it.
Melanie went back to check on Sam.
He was still asleep. Selma decided to take off.
***********************************************************.
Nora's bedroom
Nora woke up and looked around.
R: 'Morning mom
N: Hi baby
R: How are you feeling?
N: Good actually. I'm a little tired, that's all
R: Larry left strict instructions for you to stay in bed today.
Nora got up and walked to the window and opened the curtains.
N: On a day like today?
R: Mom
N: How about this… no doubt, Larry left a time with you or Bo that he wants a phone call… How 'bout I just go over to his office… I'll call him first and get an ok…
She walked over to Rachel and took her face in her hands…
N: Sweetie… I'm going to beat this, ok? I know I don't look so good right now, but that doesn't mean you have to stop your life just to worry about me.
R: I know… but it's easier said than done
N: Come on - let's go eat
Nora and Rachel had breakfast. Nora called Larry and arranged to see him in his office. She showered and changed and called a taxi that dropped Rachel at the Palace and Nora at the hospital. She was early for her appointment so decided to go for a walk. She walked into the park and saw Hank sitting on a bench.
N: Hey, anyone sitting here?
H: Never…
Nora sat down and Hank moved close to her and put his arm around her. She put her head on his shoulder
H: So, how are you?
N: Ok
H: Ok?
N: Well, under the circumstances
H: So… Andrew's?
N: Yeah.. sorry about that.
H: Yeah, you know, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't just stroll off… it's a little scary
N: I'm sorry
H: Wanna talk about it?
Nora didn't say anything for several minutes
N: Hank
H: Yes?
Nora took his arm and held his hand tightly
H: SShhh … take your time..
N: It's just… I'm sooo scared..
H: Can you tell me about it?
N: I think I'm afraid that if I talk about it…. Then it's real…
H: Maybe talking about it will make it smaller… you know, share the burden…
N: … it's like…. I'm the only one in this place… all of you are so far ahead of me and I can't catch up….
H: We are right here… Just trying to figure out how we can help…
N: I'm all alone… I'm in this dark, scary place all by myself… I don't know what to do or
H: Hey… slow down… what to do about what? Rachel? The cancer? Bo?
N: All of the above … but…
Hank waited… he kissed her hand and held it close to his chest…
N: Hank… I don't know who I am… what's real? What do I do with all these feelings and questions?
H: You work them out. And it's not going to be easy… but you know, I don't think any of us wants you to do anything you don't want to do. Bo and Rachel and I… we are just trying so hard to figure out how to help. Even RJ….
N: Could I just hold on? I don't know what else to do… all these feelings just wash over me and I get completely confused…
H: Yeah… I was wondering if it is easier for you…you know...if we hold on to you. If we just make sure that … for a little while, you lead and let us worry about following. You take the steps you need to take… we'll just make sure we're right there behind you... ok?
Nora started to sob and Hank pulled her close.
H: It's ok… you'll get through this…
N: I can't do this by myself… I don't know how
H: No one wants you to... just hold on. We're all here… just hold on…
They sat together on the bench for
a while.
***************************************************************.
Rodi's
RJ was sitting in a booth with Rae. Selma walked in and looked around. She located RJ and marched right over to him
S: Hello RJ
RJ: Selma!
He got up but held back. She took a step toward him and hugged him. He was so relieved he held her for an extra moment. He pulled away and introduced Rae and Selma
S: Rae - it's wonderful to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you.
R: Well, likewise…. Rachel seems so happy to have you here to help Nora
S: Yes… well .. she's my baby, you know. Her father and I couldn't be away from her and I think Rachel can certainly use the extra attention as well. Um… Rae, I wonder if I could ask you for a moment with RJ?
R: Certainly.
Rae kissed RJ and left them alone. Selma sat down next to RJ and took his hand. RJ was scared to death. The idea of facing Nora's mother was beyond anything he thought he could actually handle. He looked straight ahead. They sat in silence for several minutes.
S: RJ?
RJ: Yes
S: Rachel is going to come to you and ask you to come to some of her counseling sessions.
RJ: Ok… I told Nora I'd do whatever I can
S: Thank you …………..(Long pause)
S: …. I guess she let you have it.
RJ: Well, it's not like I didn't deserve it.
S: That's true. RJ, listen to me... you are still part of my family… not my favorite member at the moment that's true… but a member nonetheless. A very important member as a matter of fact
RJ: Excuse me?
S: You heard me buster. Don't go thinking that just because we're all so angry with you we could just spit that you can just go and hide somewhere. Rachel needs you and so does Hank. So does Nora in some way.
RJ: Nora?
S: RJ… Nora is worried sick about Rachel… There's not a whole lot Nora can do
RJ: Well, she can get better.. I mean…. Um… she's getting better right? Larry had a new drug… we got that drug and he said…. Larry has to make her better
S: RJ… we don't know that yet…
RJ: I thought…
S: One day at a time… You have some work to do in the mean time…
RJ: Uh… wanna fill me in?
S: RJ… Have you actually apologized to Nora? Or Hank or Bo or Rachel?
RJ: I did apologize to Rachel…
S: I think Hank would appreciate it… and I know Nora would… Bo? Who knows…
RJ: Nora made it pretty clear she didn't need me around
S: No… Nora yelled at you for what you did… for taking her life from her… she had a right to do that… she needs to do that… she's been trying for so long to hold all that in and it isn't healthy for her. But that doesn't mean you can just stop being part of our family.
RJ: I..
S: RJ… Your actions ripped a huge hole in my family. You must be part of healing that … of closing that hole… and helping us re-weave the fabric that is our family.
RJ couldn't believe what he was hearing. The tears flowed down his face and he didn't bother trying to hide them. He was so sure Selma was there to yell at him… tell him to leave them alone and never look back. But she was trying to pull him back into the family…
RJ: What do you want me to do?
S: Well, I don't think Bo is going to invite you to dinner any time soon… but… Stop hiding… Go to therapy with Rachel … talk to Hank… let Nora yell all she needs to… and don't give up RJ… Act like you are a member of this family… help us all to heal… are you strong enough to do that?
RJ: Yes… I can do that…
S: Good…. I need to go RJ… Nora has a doctor's appt and I want to be there.
RJ: Ok… tell her I said hi.
Selma kissed him and left.
***************************************************************.
The Park
Hank was still holding Nora when Rachel found them. She held back for a minute, afraid to intrude. Hank saw her and called her over
H: Hey baby.. it's ok.. Come on over here and sit with us
R: Hi mom… I thought you had a doctor's appointment..
N: I was a little early, that's all.
R: Mom… are you ok?
N (sniffling): I think so
R: Why are you crying? Did Larry say something?
N: No baby.. no, it's nothing like that… I'm just tired I guess… and your Dad and I were just talking…
R: So…. You're ok… I mean..
H: Rachel honey… your mom and I were talking about how we should proceed..
R: Proceed?
H: We want to try and make sure that you mom has whatever she needs… that we all have what we need… I think the most important thing we can do right now is just make sure we all keep the lines of communication open… ok?
R: Yeah Daddy… I can do that..
N: Sweetie.. you don't have to tell us what you talk about in therapy but please just… please don't give up on that ok?
R: I won't mom.. Um.. I told Gran ma… My therapist wants RJ to come to some of my sessions.
H: How do you feel about that?
R: I want him to…do you think he will?
N: He promised me he would... don't you worry about that… he'll show… he better
R: Daddy, is that ok?
H: Absolutely honey… I want us all to make sure that we focus very clearly on our family… on keeping us together and taking care of each other…
R: Well Daddy.. what do you need?
H (Hugging them both): I need to see big smiles on my girl's faces! That's what I need…
N: We can do that…
R: Yeah mom.. ok….
H: Why don't you two go over to the hospital? I'll check on Bo and meet you for dinner?
N: Ok… Renee and Mom were adamant they wanted to do dinner .. so see you at Bo's… 7 pm?
H: Ok…
************************************************************.
The Parsonage
Bo knocked, Andrew answered.
A: Bo? Come on in… is Nora ok?
B: Yes, I think so… But I'd like to talk to you if you have some time
A: Certainly… how can I help?
B: Well, do you know why Nora came here?
A: You mean 'why was she in my bed'?
B (laughing): No… these days, Nora is so tired… I imagine she just wandered until she found somewhere to lie down.
A: That was my assessment.
B: So why was she wandering around your house?
A: Have you spoken to Nora about this?
B: No
A: I see…
B: Has she been coming here a lot?
A: Bo… I won't betray a confidence… I know you're worried about her…
B: It's just… she keeps running and
A: I'm not sure this was running away … she just needed to sort things out and she came here
B: But why here? She was so tired she cancelled a trip with Rachel. Why then would she
A: Bo… Nora has been coming here - both to see me and to visit Drew's grave, for a very long time. Well before the train accident.
B: What? Drew's grave?
A: Who do you think planted the flowers?
B: They look kinda' wild... I just assumed they grew up naturally
A: I'm not sure the story behind them, but I know there is one. Pause… Bo…. Have you really talked to Nora about what she remembers? About what happened between you two?
B: No… we're working on it though… I'm trying to not push too much
A: Yeah… I can see that. She seems to be having a difficult time with all this
B: Sometimes I think that it's harder for her to deal with 'us' than the cancer
A: At least the cancer is very clear cut
B: So you've been counseling Nora? About us?
A: Let's just say that Nora and I have been working together for a while.
B: Did you know about the cancer? Before she told the rest of us?
A: Bo, please don't ask me that
B: I'm sorry… Bo was pacing around the room trying to figure out what was going on.
B: I just want to know what to do to help
A: Is that all you want?
B: Well, no.
A: What do you want?
B: My life back… My wife back. She's MY WIFE. I want the relationship we used to have…
A: You can't… you know that don't you? Nora has changed and so have you
B: But that doesn't mean that we can't be together
A: No, not at all. I think Nora genuinely wants to work through this
B: Is that why she… sorry..
A: That's ok….You know, you two used to have such an easy way with each other. But that comes from trust… from believing in the other person… believing in yourself. That takes time…
B: It didn't with us… the first time I met her, something happened to me. Inside of me, I just knew. Besides…
A: You don't know how much time you do have…
B: Right. I try so hard to not think about that… but it never leaves me.
A: I'm not suggesting you slow down or lower your expectations. I'm just suggesting that you keep looking forward…
B: But Nora seems to need to sort out what happened to us, between us ...
A: That's true…but can't you deal with that in a more forward looking manner? Use the past to build something more solid for the future instead of looking for what you had? The old Nora and Bo, for whatever reasons, don't exist anymore. Talk about what happened… stop hiding from it…and move on.
B: You think I'm hiding?
A: Well, are you?
B: I guess… It's hard to face some of the things I did, or didn't do...
A: Sorry….
B: I guess I just want 'us' back so much…
A: and for that to happen, you need to understand what happened to Nora… not the drug and the train wreck and all that… but what happened to her… when you were hurting so much…
B: I shut her out…. But Nora doesn't remember much of that…
A: She remembers more than you might think… she remembers feelings … she might not know why but she knows a lot more than any of you might want to talk about… Don't make her hide that from you, ok?
B: So… do you have regular appointments or anything or does she just show up?
A: Bo… talk to Nora.
B: Ok… thanks…
Bo walked out to the cemetery to Drew's grave. He could see that someone had been working there very recently. All the weeds were brushed away and she had even mulched the plants… Why hadn't he noticed that before? He didn't understand why Nora would do that.. she and Drew hadn't exactly been friends… He went back to the house…
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Larry's Office
Rachel and Selma waited outside
L: Have a seat Nora
N: Larry… you know the pill you gave me last night?
L: Yup.. did it work ok?
N: Oh yeah… um… it was a little strong… maybe next time I could try something a little milder. It's just… I'd rather not pass out on Bo … you know?
L: Honey….
N: What?
L: Never mind…Ok…. How are you feeling otherwise?
N: Ok… So how long do I have to wait to know if the treatment is working? Am I getting better?
L: We will just keep monitoring you… I'd like to schedule the next one for early next week… do you feel like you can handle that?
N: No, but if I have to I will. I know you told me it might take awhile before you could tell me anything… it just seems like it's taking forever… it's only been 2 days, I know.
L: I promise, as soon as we know anything, you'll know. Do you want to check the date with Bo or anyone and let me know if that works?
N: I will. I'll call you first thing tomorrow morning, I promise.
Larry did a brief exam and let Nora leave with a promise to call him tomorrow morning…
Nora and Rachel went back to Bo's.
**********************************************************.
Bo's House
Rachel and Nora walked in. Bo came out of the kitchen with Matthew hanging upside down over his shoulder… They were both covered in flour.
M: Hi mommy
N: Hi baby… whatcha doin'?
M: Making dinner!
N: Um
R: I'll call for take out
B: Hey!
Bo put Matthew down and brushed him off. Hey.. why don't you go show your sister what we made
R: Eewww I can't wait!
Rachel and Matthew went into the kitchen and Bo helped Nora off with her coat. They sat down
N: So… do I need to apologize for anything last night?
B: Well, I can't speak for Big Bo…. But I don't think so
N (rolling her eyes): You made me feel so good. Thank you..
B: Don't thank me…. Just let me try to do it better next time…
N: I think you did pretty good last night….. How did you manage to not laugh at me?
B (smiling): Well…
N: Go ahead
B (fumbling): Seriously… I just want to make you feel good… any time I can have a chance to be with you … I mean…. I just want you so much…
N: Bo
B: I mean it… I want you so much… us… you are so amazing… I just want…
Nora put her arms around him…
N: I want to be with you…I do… I'm just really scared…and confused and overwhelmed and … did I mention scared? I don't know what to do or .
B: You don't have to do anything… let's just take our time and be together…ok? No pressure… except
N: Except what?
N: You can't date anyone else…
N: …I guess I can do that for now….I can still have back rubs though, right?
B (smiling): Oh yeah… definitely…So… can you tell me why you ran off yesterday?
N: Bo, I didn't run off… I just…
B: Gave Andrew the biggest thrill he's had in a long time.
N: Sam came by and um
B: Don't you know you can't listen to him?
N: It isn't him… it's the voices in my own head… my own confusions…
B: I don't think I understand…
N: Bo.. I know that Sam is a little out of control… but
Just then Asa and Len walked in
A: Where's my grand son
B: Hey Pa… Try knocking next time
A: Sure, no problem… where's my
L: Our grandson… thank you very much!
B: Out back
Len and Asa went out back. Renee and Selma came in laden down with food, closely followed by Hank and Lisa. Nora and Bo looked at each other and laughed.
N: Can we talk later?
B: Sure thing…
Selma came out and began setting the table. There was a knock on the door - Bo wasn't downstairs so she answered it. Sam was standing there.
Sam: I understand you were looking for me
Selma: I told Melanie I would come by tomorrow.
Sam: Well I wanted to see Nora
B: Well she doesn't need to see you
N: Bo, Momma. It's ok. Sam what do you want?
Sam: I'd like to come in
N: What is it?
Sam: Are you ok?
N: Fine
Sam: Could we speak in private?
N: I don't think that's really necessary. We are just sitting down to dinner. Perhaps I could phone you tomorrow.
Sam: I'd like to see Matthew
N: He's playing upstairs
B: Sam, just get out
Selma: Sam, I stopped by this morning to ask you to stay away from Nora. Please leave.
Sam: Damnit, I have a right to be here
N (quietly): I don't want you here.
Sam: You don't mean that…
H: Sam, I think you should go now. Nora can call you in the morning. You don't want to miss the debates, you know.
Hank took Sam's arm and escorted him back to his car.
Nora watched Bo pace around the room trying to calm down. Selma gave Nora a long hug to try and calm her down.
N: I'm ok mom
S: Sure?
N: Yeah… I'm worried about Bo
S: Let him work this out for himself. If the two of you want to be together, Bo is going to have to handle this situation a little more smoothly.
Renee came out of the kitchen
R: Ok people… dinner's ready
Dinner went off without a hitch. Nora sat back and watched and listened - too tired to participate much. She parked herself on the couch after dinner and took in all the chaos. Len and Asa each read Matthew a bed time story and put him down. Hank and Lisa took Rachel home with them. Finally, the house was quiet.
B: Sounds nice, doesn't it?
N: A small miracle
B: I'm sorry about that… you know… earlier with Sam?
N: Why don't you ever ask me about Sam?
B: It's none of my business
N: Is that all?
B: Isn't that enough?
Nora got quiet.
B: Please don't do that…
N: You scare me. The way you are with Sam…
B: I'm sorry.
N: Bo I can't do this…
B: Define 'this'
N (Increasingly agitated): This… us… together … here. Like everything is all happy and sunny and fixed. I'm not fixed… You are not fixed… We are NOT fixed!
B (trying to calm her down): Why don't you just settle down .. we can talk in the morning.
N: You are infuriating. Talking in the morning will not make this go away!
B: Nora… please… calm down…
N (Yelling): No!
B: What? What do you mean, 'No'?
N: No .. is it the 'N' you have the problem with, or the 'O'?
Nora went over to the phone
B: What are you doing?
N: Calling a cab
B: Where are you going?
N: I can stay at the Palace tonight… Renee hasn't given away my suite.
B: Don't go
N: I have to
B: No you don't.
N: I want to.
Bo couldn't believe what he was hearing… He hadn't realized how upset she was.
B: Ok. But no cab. I'll drive you
N: Bo, stay here with Matthew. I'll be fine.
B: I'm sorry.. I'm really sorry… I didn't mean to
N: Bo.. I just need to go.
Nora picked up the phone and dialed. Bo went upstairs and stuffed some of her clothes in a duffle along with her pills.
The taxi came and Nora climbed in. Bo managed to kiss her before the cab took off. He walked back into the house, sat down on the couch and started to cry.
To be continued…..
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