Black (Drugs, Love&Money Book 3)

Chapter Two: The WoMAN For The Job

"Hey Granny. How you feelin'?"

I kissed my grandmother on her cheek and opened the blinds in her room. I recently moved her to this nursing home and sold the house. It got to the point where I was no longer able to take care of her. Let her tell it, it's nothing wrong with her but I saw it coming years ago. She was starting to become forgetful and constantly repeating herself. It wasn't until that day that she lashed out on me that I knew she needed to be put in a home. It was hard at first. Maxie is the only thing that I have that anchors me back down to reality. It's because I care about her that I even went through with this. I mean, everyone knows nursing homes ain't worth shit and the nurses here don't really give a damn about the elderly. What else was I supposed to do? She cussed me out a million times, telling me she's gonna rot in there. And I tell her a million and one times everything is going to be alright. How can I know that for sure though?

"Get me the hell out of here Jade."

"Granny, I told you-"

"I know what you told me. Dyshawn wouldn't have-"

"Grandma, I'm not my father."

"So why you out on these streets like him?"

I froze in place and just looked at her. I knew I was trying my best to hide this from here and I kind of knew she had an idea but she's never just came out and said it like that. I tried to put on an innocent look.

"What are you talking about?" I asked shaking my head.

"I wasn't born yesterday as you can clearly see. I see you with all this fancy stuff. You expect me to believe that's all from working a nine to five."

"Granny, have you taken your medicine?" I said, trying to change the subject.

"All you're doing is following in the steps of your parents and they weren't the best examples. I expected better from you Jade."

Her lip trembled for a minute as if she was about to cry. A part of me wanted to roll my eyes and just leave. Out of everyone, I don't want to rehash this argument with her. At the end of the day I'm a grown ass woman and I don't owe anybody an explanation. At the same time, maybe I do. Maxie took me in when she didn't have to. She gave me more than what I deserve, especially now.

I turned to face her and finally tell her the truth. Her eyes were closed and she didn't seem like she had any life in her. I ran to her side and started shaking her by her shoulder.

"Granny! Granny! Get up!" I yelled.

I shook her harder.

"Don't fuck with me you old hag! Get up!"

Nurses rushed in the room, pushing me out the way. They checked her pulse and started performing CPR. They backed me up until I was completely out of the room and closed the door in my face.

"Do whatever you have to do to save her!" I yelled through the glass.

I kicked the door and walked down the hallway to some chairs to sit down. I know that my father is long gone and Maxie is the only thing I have left. It was so much more I wanted to say to her. So many times I wanted to apologize for everything I know I'm putting her through. One more chance to tell her I love and appreciate her.

Seemed as if hours passed when a doctor finally walked up to me. I instantly stood up, waiting for any words of hope.

"Are you the relative of Maxine?"

"Yes, I am her granddaughter. How is she? Is she okay? Can I see her?"