Weeping Willows

Round Two

Chapter 23

Elizabeth drove to the senior center in trepidation the next day. She wasn't sure what to expect and after the last class her nerves were on edge. She pulled into the lot beside the building and retrieved all of her things. She took a moment to look at the beautiful structure but was unable to recapture that sense of calm it had conjured on her first visit. It had only been a week since then but because of everything going on lately it felt more like months. Hoisting her boxes and bags out of the trunk she reached up with her elbow closing the lid, careful not to damage her cargo. Walking up the path felt more like being led to her doom. Once at the doors she gulped and blew a stray curl out of her face. The humidity was doing wonders for her hair. Talking herself out of procrastinating any longer she pulled the door open barley managing to keep a hold of her load.

A blast of cold air hit her square on bringing much needed relief from the heat outside. She couldn't belief it was so hot today and it wasn't even noon yet. Walking in she waited to hear the melodic chirping of birds but instead was met with the sounds of yet another fight going on in the activities room where she was headed. Sounded like Agnes and Bertha were already in fine form for today. There was another voice that joined them though. As Elizabeth slowed down her pace, she strained her ears to listen in. From what she could make out it sounded like the sisters were in cahoots this time against someone else. This couldn't be good. Picking up the pace she hustled into the room noticing all of her senior students were there but only half were in their seats. What surprised her the most though was Ryan was there too and right in the thick of things as he was trying to get between the newcomer and Agnes. Bertha was at her spot at the table arms crossed over her chest scowling at the stranger. Fanny, Charlie, and Kenneth were facing off with the very agitated woman that was unknown to her. Eddie was holding back an irate Mabel and Alice was coddling a crying Ralph. Just what the heck was going on here.

Elizabeth went to the open center table completely unnoticed by anyone around her. She glanced about the room looking for the nurses that had been at the class last week but didn't see any staff in attendance. As she calmly set her things down, she listened trying to decide what had transpired before she had gotten there.

"She needs to atone for her wrongs and change her sinful ways." The old woman growled out pointing her gnarled finger at Bertha.

"My sister hasn't done anything wrong you zealot. Go preach somewhere else."

"DONE NOTHING WRONG!" She screeched out, "Just existing is wrong." Elizabeth scrunched up her eyebrows in anger. Just who the heck was this old crone anyway.

"DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S A SIN TO JUDGE PEOPLE!" Agnes cried out taking a feeble swing at the woman as the four around her were cheering her on in support.

"Don't quote things at me like I don't know my bible you tramp!" The woman growled back.

"Who made you judge, jury, and executioner anyway Margaret?" Charlie drawled out with venom. Once again the others agreed. Before things could escalate, Elizabeth had decided enough was enough. Those sisters may be a menace, but they were her menacing duo. Plastering a wide fake smile across her face Elizabeth sauntered up the group. Ryan at this point had seen her coming and something in her eyes warned him of the impending danger. Bertha too was observing her with wide eyed horror moving her wheelchair back a bit to avoid the implosion.

Elizabeth turned about face and side stepped in front of Margaret. The elderly woman huffed in annoyance at having her view of the sisters completely blocked. Elizabeth took a moment to look the woman over in lazy perusal trying to bring her temper in check. Margaret wore her thinning hair up in a tight bun that pulled at the loose skin on her face. Her cheeks were droopy and hung down like bulldog jowls off her soft jawline. Her dress was proper ending just at the knees. The polyester frock was a plain dull brown in color, but it highlighted the glinting sliver crucifix that hung from a long chain around her neck. Her nude colored knee socks were ill fitting and stretched as they drooped down her gangly legs away from her knobby knees. To finish it off she had on plain brown leather loafers that were scuffed and well worn. Elizabeth lifted her eyes back up to the woman's soft chin, thin lips, and slightly over large nose. She ended her gaze meeting the dove grey eyed glare of Margaret who obviously didn't approve of her interruption. Elizabeth smirked as a brilliant idea came to mind, one that if it hadn't been for the last class, she might never have thought it up. Thrusting her hand out towards the woman Elizabeth gave her a brilliant smile.