The Life And Times Of Rachel Grape

Late Summer Afternoons

Late summer afternoons reminded Elise of the song, "Fields of Gold". So many of her sorority sisters had that song at their wedding receptions.   She loved the song.   It was beautiful, but it reminded her of "that summer", where she let men defile her at a party in front of a camera.  It caused her some health problems in her early forties.  That and big babies.  However, she would have been relieved to know it was in a landfill and the wife gave her sympathy.  Elise was glad to have her girl home.  She missed her terribly.   Bonnie was all about the boys and what she did with them, and that got old.   Elise was out picking straw flowers to sell at the market.  She went out  and joined her mother.  She looked old. 

   "So.  Tell me about Westin?" Her mother asked. 
"He's cute and he is really cute."
"Well you are a pretty girl."
"Not really. My roommate calls me a hick."
"She is just jealous."
"Mom, I don't think so. She is really cruel. She said her dad lived in Endora. Sold insurance but skimmed off everyone's policies and went to prison." Elise peed her pants.
"Well, welcome to menopause and having a lot of kids. I have to change." She thought she might as well ask.

"Darling, what is Westin's last name?"
"Neely."
"I had better go change.  Having big babies, you know." 

She went into the house and put her soaked pants and underwear in the laundry sink. She changed and went back out. She, however, sat in the bathroom and said, "Do I tell her? Do I tell her what she called me and us." She walked back out.

"So, what is Westin's family like."
"He's a pastor."
"Ah. What is his mom like."
"Sort of mental." Her eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"She has had shock therapy. She is kind of like a kid. His dad can't bring himself to divorce her. I guess they don't like each other.  He said his mom is like a teenager." 

She smiled. "Your dad will be home soon. Your sister will be home with dinner. She really does a good job running the shop."
"Will she bring the baby?"
"Of course."

Rachael so loved the baby. She eventually wanted to be a mother....

In the city, Arianna's mom took the day off to shop with her. She asked about her roommate.

"Total hog. Her feet stink, and she comes from this town of Endora. Like five people live there."
"Your dad sold insurance there and in a tri county area until he was caught."
"I wish he would never have gone to prison," she said.
"I know sweetheart.   I wish I could have left him."
"Why didn't you?  I feel so dirty next to my roommate who has the perfect family.   They are from Endora.  The last name is Grape."
"Grape?"   She thought to herself, "That is the one who was married to my Chance before I got him?"   She felt bad for her girl.  His going to prison caused so much pain.  

    In the parsonage of a quiet neighborhood, overlooking a modern church, Westin walked in the door.   His mother was resting.   She slept a lot.  He remembered a time when she was alert, with it.  Now she was just a teenager.   His dad was at the church, counseling a couple for marriage.   Since he was next to the youngest, the rest of the kids were out in their lives. 

    "Mom.  I am home," he told her gently.
"Oh.  Did you bring your girlfriend?"
"No.  She is home in Endora."
"Endora.  I think we lived there once."
"I lived there until I was three months old."
"There was a family, called the Grape family.   I do remember that,"
"What do you remember?"
"They were dysfunctional sex maniacs."
"I know someone with the last name Grape and she isn't a sex maniac."
"Okay."

     Back in Endora, the dysfunctional Grapes went to church for a church supper as the sun set over the land.   Rachel was glad to be home and see her church family.   She felt she and Westin were the only ones who went to church. 

    "I have been going to church,". She told Pastor Willitzer.
"Good.  I knew you would.  You have a strong faith."
"It's hard.   My roommate makes fun of me."
"But your reward is in heaven." 

    Pastor Willtizer knew that she was a good girl.  She would be a good girl but tempted and give in like a lot of good girls.  She and Westin talked about it.   "I think we should, but only if you feel ready."  She looked at his face and she knew she wanted her first time to be with him.  Westin's mom took him to a church dinner as well.  It was an older, established neighborhood so all the ladies called him "darling".  They both texted about their similar experiences.  They were a couple made from a bad situation....