Green Eyed Monster

Backstabbing

Gypsy and I haven't talked in three weeks. Lucius tried to hook up a couple more times, but I avoided him. Casual sex has never been my thing. Why turn into a woman without discretion in my 40s? Lucius was great, but it's a moment I choose to forget.

Trevor decided not to go to Italy. He claims he just changed his mind, but his mama knows better. His new little girlfriend has him wrapped around her finger. He tries to pretend he's still the Playa from the Himalayas, but he's gotten soft on me.

It's Saturday morning, and I'm out watering my flowers when Mrs. Tolbert greets me with a mug of her delicious coffee. No one can brew coffee like Mrs T. I say, "You're an angel. Thanks, girlfriend."

"Come sit with an old lady for a minute."

"Okay. Where is she?" I ask, looking around.

Chuckling, she answers, "Well, come sit with me."

We go to her back porch and sit on her wicker couch. "Mmm. Beautiful Spring day." She says, admiring the lake and clear sky.

"Yes, it is."

"Mae, I know I haven't been myself lately. I know you see it. I appreciate you always trying to keep my spirits up, but I need you to be truthful with me from now on. I'm in the early stages of dementia. I'm starting to forget many things, including people I love. It's hurtful and scary, but I need as many people as I love and trust to stay close so I'll remember them, and they'll help me remember too."

Teary-eyed, I nod. Smiling, she says, "Don't cry. I'm in the early stages, so I remember my family and friends. I've forgotten some events, but I know you still." She chuckles.

Raising, she looks over towards Gypsy's home then sits back saying, "Gypsy will use my sickness to her advantage. I know you work, so you aren't able to watch me 24/7. But if you see her approaching my home, please come over or call King and tell him to come over. He's installing cameras in my home this Wednesday, so I'll need your help as often as possible until then. After Wednesday, I'll have 24-hour surveillance."

"May I ask, what is it she's trying to get from you?"

"Gypsy and I have history. I'm slowly forgetting it, but what I do remember, I'm praying I forget fast." She chuckles again.

Patting my thigh, she says, "In due time, Mae."

She's now searching for her cellphone. It's on her kitchen table. I grab it for her, and she calls Solomon.

"Good morning, King. I'm just wonderful, your highness. And how are you?"

Laughing, she continues, "If only I weren't your nana, we'd live happily ever after."

She laughs out loud again then asks, "You remember my neighbor Mae right?... Oh God, yes, Lola's mother. That's right. ...Anyway, I'm giving her your number. She's going to look over me until those cameras are installed. She's actually taking vacation days until Wednesday for me. ...Yes, she's a blessing. Alright, she's calling you as we speak."

He answers, "Hello, Mae?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Okay. Thanks for watching nana for me."

"She's my family."

"Okay. Bye."

Our call ends, and I look at Mrs Tolbert. Nodding my way, she says, "I see she has your number. Perfect. Okay baby. Love you. Goodbye."

We sit conversing like old times. Then I go inside to clean up.

On Sunday morning, I texted Pinky to let her know I wouldn't be at church. I fill her in on Mrs. Tolbert's illness. She says she's praying for her and will check on me after the service. I then decided to jog to the beach. Unable to find my wireless earphones, I soon remembered they're in my car's glove compartment. Now outside, I see Gypsy headed to Mrs. Tolbert's with a pie. Immediately, I jog up saying, "Good morning Gypsy."