Midnight

24. Humidity

The next morning we boarded a jet and landed in Wisconsin where Ethan switched to his Monte Carlos. I understood it now. Everything he did was to jog Gaga's memory. Temptations upbeat tune, Get Ready played through the speakers. Ethan squeezed my knee and sang word for word to me. Taking his eyes off the road briefly to look at me while singing. He imitated the highs of Eddie Kendricks. I laughed then song along with him, the bass of Melvin Franklin--or tried to.

We walked Gaga to the car and Ethan pushed the seat up for me to get in behind her. Mouthing he's, "So sorry," with pleading eyes. Gaga was rather talkative today. I wasn't sure who she thought I was but she made it very clear that she was disgusted with a Debby Steele, no-good-always-hollering-bingo-lying-ass.

"That witch got one more time. One. More. Time. I tell you, to yell bingo while we're playing scrabble and I'm going to--"

"Gaga please!" Ethan interrupted. Gaga threw her hands up and glowered out the window. Ethan eyed me in the mirror smiling at his uncontrollable grandmom.

"Did you take the chicken out Clair?" she called to me.

"Uuhh yes, ma'am," I answered. I've worked very well with patients of Alzheimer's. I knew going along with it was easier at times then to clarify.

"Uuhh I'm sure you did.. just like last Sunday, chicken was raw inside." She mumbled.

I drifted off to a quick nap while Motown classics played on Ethan's old fashioned radio. My mind unclearly dreamt of a wedding on a beach. Barefoot and in love. A curly haired baby boy, with dimples as unfair as his father's. A chocolate haired girl, with eyes grey as steel. My life. My family. My Ethan. It was strange...dreaming.

I woke up to Ethan and Gaga mumbling back and forth.

"Gaga, please. I'll take you anywhere you want to go... we can't stay here." He spoke low but urgently.

"James, we going right there. Now, pull this damn car in, so I can get out. Do it now! Or so help me God, I'm slapping you silly Boy!" she fussed.

I laughed, trying to wake up. "What's wrong?" I yawned, stretching out in the back seat. I looked out the window to see that we've arrived at his old house. "Let's just eat here, Ethan..." I rasped, sitting up to rub his shoulder. He looked back at me with panicked eyes then looked ahead for a moment before stepping out of the car to open Gaga's door. I sat up so that I could step out but he blocked me with his hand.

"Stay here. I'm going to take her in-- then me and you are leaving... I'll take you somewhere nice." He appeared worried and rushed.

"I like it here... we can eat here..." I didn't see any reason to drop Gaga off. I liked his family despite his bitchy sister.

"Flower, please." his face grew desperate.

"Ethan, you're worrying me... what is it?" I tried to step out again, only for him to stop me again.

"I just need you to--"

"Por favor! Let her out! I want to fucking see her!" a woman yelled from the house with a heavy Spanish accent. I looked out the window to find everyone outside. A lady about my height fought her way off the porch and stomped towards us. She was slim with long straight jet black hair and psycho bangs. Her fists were balled. I didn't know who she was, but no way was I being held back while some woman approached me like that.

"Move Ethan! Let me out! If she hits me because you're in my way, I'm kicking both your asses." I pushed against Ethan who easily shoved me inside the car and shut the door.

"Who's the new puta sleeping with my husband!?" She yelled into Ethan's face. My heart smacked the floor.

Breathe.