lesliem14
02-04-2001, 01:21 AM
I really didn't want to do a "tragic" fanfic, but I got this idea in my head and decided to give it a shot. Let me know what you think, I do have a pretty thick skin! One explanation-I used a song at the end, when I wrote this in word it was distinguished with italics, but I couldn't get it to italicize, so I'm sorry.
Trying to Live
Edna’s Edibles bustled with shoppers. Friday afternoons tended to be like that as everyone rushed out to buy their goodies for the weekend. It didn’t help matters that it was also the 15th of the month, pay day. Needless to say, as soon as the girls put out fresh croissants and other assorted fresh goods they were snapped up. Mrs. G. had been handling it through the morning, Blair and Jo came as soon as they were done with classes at noon, and by the time Tootie and Natalie got there at 3, all five were working at full force. When the clock chimed at 5, they began to close the shop and when the last shopper left at 5:15, the closed sign was displayed and the door bolted to prevent any stranglers from coming.
“I hate pay day,” declared Natalie sitting down in the chair putting her feet up in the opposite chair as Tootie did the same across the table.
“Well, if you hate it so much, you wouldn’t want these would you?” asked Mrs. G pulling four paychecks out from the record book.
“Finally, I can get that new part for my bike! It hasn’t been the same since that part blew out!” exclaimed Jo running over to get her check. “I’m going to go count the drawer down.” Pulls drawer out, “You know, pay day is really good for us. We pulled in a lot today,” looking down at the money.
“Wonderful, You can get paid the next pay day then. Remember to pay your rent too girls,” reminded Mrs. G.
“I was talking a girl in my class today and she complained constantly about the people who live above her in the dorms. She said it felt like the ceiling was going to cave in on her room a few times. It really made me appreciate you guys, “ said Blair thumbing through some papers on the counter.
“You actually appreciate something, that’s new,” replied Jo.
“Oh, Jo, before you start counting the drawer, I want you to take a look at the stove and see what you think. I have a repairman coming tomorrow, but I want you to see what’s wrong with it first so I’m not overcharged.” Mrs. G asked. Jo nodded and headed for the kitchen. “But Jo, don’t you dare try to fix that stove yourself. We do remember the heater, don’t we?” reminded Mrs. G.
“Oh, yeah, the heater, I’ll could’ve fixed that too!!”
“We’re lucky we finally have heat,” Natalie stated.
“Yea, doesn’t matter if the people above you are about to fall through the ceiling, but at least that motion would warm you up!” replied Tootie. Tootie and Natalie were drinking water and reveling in the fact that the store was closed.
“Why are you even letting her look at the stove, Mrs. Garrett,” asked Natalie looking up to the elderly woman.
“Girls, it’ll make her feel better when the repairman comes tomorrow,” answered Mrs. G.
“Anyway, on to more important matters, Mrs. Garrett, I’m looking over these figures and we need to increase our supply of croissants. In my Microeconomics class we’re learning that if you increase your supply at the right price, then the demand will go up. We are selling out of croissants almost every day,” Blair stated in her aristocratic way.
“If she wants more croissants she can make them,” muttered Tootie under her breath.
“I’ll say yes to that,” Natalie muttered to Tootie.
Mrs. G. walked over to Nat and Tootie looking both girls square in the eye, “Well, as soon as my stove is fixed tomorrow we will be making more croissants because Peekskill just loves them!!”
“Great” muttered Natalie and Tootie.
“Any more of your briilliant ideas Blair?” Natalie mocked Blair as she sent a death stare in her direction.
“Well, actually, I was considering….” Blair was stopped by a loud, explosive crash coming from the kitchen. Blair, Nat, Tootie, and Mrs. G went running into the kitchen and found Jo laying on the floor covering her eyes, screaming from the pain.
“My eyes, I can’t see anything, Oh god,” cried Jo on the floor as she covered her eyes with her hands.
“Blair, go get the car started. We can get her to the hospital quicker ourselves then calling an ambulance. Tootie, Natalie go call the hospital,” exclaimed Mrs. G as she knelt down on floor and tried to comfort the emotional girl on the floor.
“Jo, I want you to breathe, come on, you need to breathe.”
“Mrs. G. It hurts. I can’t see anything!!”
“Shshh, We’re going to go out to the car. Jo, here, lean on me, Natalie, Tootie come here and help me.”
“We called the hospital and let them know your on the way,” said Natalie as the three of them helped navigate Jo to the car.
“Jo, your going to be all right, It’s just a little further,” Tootie assured Jo as they slowly made their way outside. When they reached the car Mrs. G opened up the passenger side and Natalie guided Jo in.
“OK, Blair, get out, I’m taking Jo. You, Nat, and Tootie follow in your car,” said Mrs. G as she rushed to the other side, while Blair got out.
Mrs. G sped off towards the hospital as Blair, Natalie, and Tootie ran for Blair’s car.
******Blair’s Car*******
The three people sat there with worried expressions on their faces remembering painfully the sight of Jo on the floor not being able to see.
“Hey guys, she’s going to be OK,” said Tootie trying to quell her friend’s nervousness or maybe it was her own, she really wasn’t sure.
“Yea, Jo is always OK,” as much as Blair thought that about Jo, deep down she knew something was terribly wrong. She had never seen Jo look like that before. It was difficult to see her best friend look the way she did. Jo had looked so small and pale except for the bright red marks that were around her eyes that her hands couldn’t cover when Nat had put her in the passenger seat. The hospital was only a little further, and no one spoke again hopeful that Jo would be OK, but dreading if she wasn’t going to be OK.
*****Hospital*******
Mrs. G pulled up to the emergency entrance and glanced nervously over at Jo. Jo had become eerily calm on the way over but her hands were still firmly placed over her eyes. “Jo, I’m going to go in and tell them we’re here. Stay here.”
“Not like I’m going anyway,” replied Jo glumly.
Mrs. G moved with a mixture of walking and running into the ER looking for the counter. The Peekskill hospital wasn’t that big, but it did have a competent staff. You couldn’t say that about some hospitals in bigger towns. After looking over to the side and locating the counter Mrs. G made her way over.
“I have a girl in my car who can’t see. There was an explosion in my kitchen,” worriedly said Mrs. G.
“Oh yes, we did get that phone call. Everything is set up,” replied the receptionist. “Luther, grab a wheelchair and help this woman. She has a girl in her car who can’t see.”
“Yes ma’m. Can you show me which way to your car, ma’m,” replied Luther as he grabbed the closest wheelchair.
“YES! It’s right this way. The Volkswagen Bug,” yelled Mrs. G as she followed Luther out to the entrance. When they arrived Mrs. G opened the car door and Jo jumped at the sudden noise.
“Whose there, Don’t hurt me!!” yelled Jo not sure of who opened the car door suddenly.
“Jo, its me, calm down, this is Luther and he has a wheelchair to get you inside.”
Luther reached for Jo’s arm and steadied her as Mrs. G and him settled Jo into the wheelchair. Once inside Jo was rushed into a trauma room. Mrs. G. tried to follow, but a nurse directed her to a set of chairs and gave her a clipboard full of papers.
“I need you to fill these out. It would be better right now if you stayed out here. As soon as we know something we will let you know,” the nurse said giving Mrs. G a reassuring glance.
The nurse walked away leaving Mrs. G with a book of forms. Well, I better get to work on these. Chicken Pox, how am I supposed to know when she had chicken pox, or measles. A mother would know these things. I’ve been a mother to these girls, but I just don’t know about this stuff. I guess I will just have to do these the best I can thought Mrs. G. As Mrs. G took a break from filling out the forms she looked up to see Blair, Natalie, and Tootie running up to her.
“Where’s Jo, How is she, can we see her,” came the questions from the three as they overwhelmed Mrs. G wanting answers.
“Oh, girls, there’s nothing yet, nothing. I’m trying to fill out these forms. Do any of you know when Jo had chicken pox,” asked Mrs. G
Blair looked up from her feet and said, “I believe June of 78.” The others look questionably at Blair, “We had a discussion about childhood illnesses once, OK”
“Well Blair, try filling in the blanks on these forms,” said Mrs. G as she handed the forms to Blair. The four people sat in the chairs looking at the room that Jo had been taken into 15 minutes ago, a half-hour ago, an hour ago. The four looked up expectedly as the doctor made their way over and said, “Polniaczek.”
“Yes, how is she doctor?” asked Mrs. G to the doctor.
“It appears that some hot grease splashed in her eyes when she looking at your stove,” nodding towards Mrs. G, “There was some parts of the stove still hot that caught fire and caused the explosion. Jo suffered damage to her eyes and also some burns on her face. The burns should heal on their own. Her eyes are a different story. We have bandaged her eyes and she couldn’t see once we were able to get her to open them. After a few days we will remove the bandages and hope for the best. I want to keep her overnight and we did give her a mild sedative so she could sleep,” the doctor finished up in the unfeeling voice that so many doctors are known for and looked around at the stunned expressions surrounding him.
“This isn’t good enough. I’m going to have the best eye specialist in the City brought in to look at Jo,” said Blair looking the doctor straight in the eye. Tootie, Nat, and Mrs. G were still too stunned to stay anything.
“Ma’m I know you want to help your friend,” easing his manner, “but even the best doctors would give you the same diagnosis. We will know more in a few days, then you can start calling specialists. She’s in room 210 if you want to see her, but remember she will be sleeping for awhile.”
“Come on girls, let’s go see Jo,” Mrs. G nodded to the doctor as they made their way to the elevator.
They made their way to room 210 and saw the name Jo Polniaczek spelled out on the door. The four looked at each other afraid to open the door, but yet, wanting to see Jo. Mrs. G took the first step forward and opened the door to the dimly lit room. Blair, Nat, and Tootie followed close behind and gasped at what they saw. Jo was lying in the bed with bandages encasing her eyes, wrapping around her head. Her skin color was pale and an intravenous line delivered solution into her arm.
The four slowly made their way to the bed looking at their friend. They pulled up the various chairs up around Jo’s bed and Mrs. G took Jo’s hand. “Hello Jo, Oh why did I ask you to look at the stove. I should’ve just waited for the repairman to come tomorrow. We’re all here for you Jo,” Mrs. G said looking with sadness to Jo. Her adopted daughters. It pained her to see one of them hurt, whether it was something physical or mental.
They sat there talking to Jo, exchanging stories of their days at Eastland and beyond for a few hours when Nat noticed that Jo had moved.
“Hey guys, I think she’s waking up,” Nat said as they all looked at Jo pleading for her to wake up.
“Jo, come on, I felt you squeeze my hand,” Mrs. G looked hopefully at the girl struggling to come out of the sedative.
“Mrs. G, oh Mrs. G, you’re here,” exclaimed Jo, but she felt the others’ presence in the room, but she couldn’t see them and they hadn’t said anything, the bandages she remembered being wrapped around her eyes inhibited her from seeing the people surrounding her.
“We are all here. Blair, Nat, and Tootie, and me. How do you feel Jo,” asked Mrs. G.
“How do you think I feel,” replied Jo angrily, “I can’t see, I have these bandages, a needle stuck in my arm, and I’m in this fog from all the medication they gave me. “
“Jo, they said to give it some time. Your going to be able to come home tomorrow and the damage to your eyes may be cleared up in a few days when they take the bandages off,” Mrs. G said.
“I’m going to contact some eye specialists Jo and we can work something out for your classes next week. I’ll get a tape player for you to record lectures and help you around,” supplied Blair hoping her helpfulness wouldn’t fall on deaf ears.
“Tootie and I will help out for you in the shop too,” chimed in Natalie.
“We’ll be more than happy to help you anyway we can Jo,” answered Tootie.
“Thanks guys, but I just want to sleep. This medication is starting to catch up too me,” said Jo as she drifted off into an unconscious fog.
“Sleep Jo, we’ll be back in the morning for you.” Mrs. G leaned over to kiss Jo on the forehead, avoiding the bandages.
“Thanks Mrs. G,” replied Jo so quietly they strained to hear her.
They waited until they were sure Jo was asleep and slipped quietly out of the hospital room. It was close to 11 o’clock and they needed to get home. The four divided up into the two cars and headed out.
When they arrived back at the shop the four tiredly set down in the living room. Tootie spoke up first, “Maybe we should clean up around here, get rid of anything that Jo might run into?”
“I think that’s a good idea Tootie, but we need to remember to only pick up the stuff that isn’t usually laying around. Jo’s going to be trying to picture in her head where things are. It will only confuse and frustrate her more if something is out of place,“ Blair said looking at the others.
“So, let’s stop sitting around and get started,” Natalie stated beginning to clean up. The others soon followed and moved upstairs to pick up and headed to bed after the picking up was completed.
Even though she was exhausted Blair sat up in bed worrying about Jo. Nat and Tootie had been asleep for an hour already, but Blair contemplated how different it would be with Jo temporarily blind, or god forbid, permanently blind. The Jo she saw tonight lying in that bed was far from the Jo she remembered riding her motorcycle into Eastland so many years ago, well it wasn’t that many years ago, but still, they had become friends and Blair thought Jo knew her better than anyone else. It could be a long few days with Jo, but Blair was ready to help out in any way she could.
Across the hall Mrs. G was also awake worrying about Jo and why did she have to ask Jo to look at the stove. Yes, it was to make Jo feel better before the repairman came, but it was stupid, stupid, stupid. As Mrs. G settled into bed, she let the sleep overcome her that was quickly overcoming Blair. Tomorrow would be a long day. They all needed to be rested to help Jo.
*****Hospital-Next Morning******
After a rushed breakfast Mrs. G. and the girls headed to the hospital to pick Jo up, piled into Mrs. G’s bug. Blair had some clothes for Jo in a bag. She had picked out an outfit that Jo wore at least once a week, an old favorite. You couldn’t go wrong there. The house was in good shape. It had been a good idea to pick up anything that was out of place. They were hoping to get to the hospital before Jo woke up. As the four walked into the hospital and made their way to Jo’s room, they silently hoped she would be in a better mood then she was the previous night, but they weren’t exactly prepared for what they saw. Jo was up and walking around with a white cane in front of her so she knew if an object was in front of her. A nurse was standing by watching her carefully and glanced up when the door opened. Jo, slightly taken aback at first by the sudden noise, perked her ears up and detected the sound of four people walking in. Ever since she had woken up in the morning she had been listening more attentive then ever before. The four people coming in could only mean Mrs. G and her roommates she decided and relaxed.
“Jo, your up, and moving around!! This is so good,” exclaimed Mrs. G running towards Jo and wrapping her arms around Jo in a welcoming hug.
“Hey Mrs. G. I’m learning how to move around a little bit. They said I could go home in a few hours,” answered Jo sounding worlds better than she did last night.
“I’m going to send the doctor in. There shouldn’t be any reason why she can’t go home now. He does need to go over a few things with you both,” the nurse said in the direction of Mrs. G and Jo.
“Of course,” said Mrs. G. with her arms still around Jo. The nurse left and Blair, Nat, and Tootie stepped towards Jo.
“Here Jo, I brought you some clothes,” Blair stated as placed the bag’s handles in Jo’s hand, “It’s one of your favorite outfits too!”
“Thanks Blair. Listen, I’m going to go change,” said Jo as she slowly turned in the direction of the bathroom counting the steps silently she had learned just a short while ago. The others watched in amazement as Jo navigated towards the bathroom to change. Blair thought of asking Jo if she needed help, but decided that maybe it wasn’t the best time to ask. Jo seemed to be handling it just fine on her own.
“She’s a lot better than yesterday,” Tootie said looking up at the others.
“Yea, her color is almost back to normal, well except..” Natalie said nervously not wanting to call attention to the bright red marks leaking out from the bandages. As soon as Natalie finished speaking the doctor came in with an assortment of medical supplies.
“Where’s the patient at,” asked the doctor looking expectantly at the others, “I need to go over some things you will need to do for the next few days when she’s finished changing,” finished the doctor. After a few minutes of polite conversation, the five people looked to the bathroom when they heard Jo coming out, dressed and ready to leave the hospital.
“Jo, the doctor is here so you can go home,” Mrs. G said hoping that they could leave the hospital as soon as possible.
“OK,” said Jo trying to locate where the doctor was. The doctor spoke up and guided Jo towards the bed. After she laid down the doctor was on one side of the bed with Mrs. G, while the other three were on the other side.
“The burns need to breathe, so I’m going to cut away the big bandage. Did you bring the sunglasses I asked you to bring last night, “ asked the doctor looking down at Mrs. G. After Mrs. G said yes and pulled the glasses out from her purse the doctor continued to cut away the bandage. Blair, unable to contain herself gasped at the damage caused by the grease. There were small bandages over Jo’s eyes, but the bright red marks around her eyes were awful. It was hard to believe that they would heal. Jo picked up on Blair’s gasps.
“So, I guess the burns are bad,” glumly said Jo as she tried to grasp with the peoples’ reactions around here.
“They’re not that bad Jo,” Blair said reassuringly to Jo, “And they’ll heal, won’t they doctor?”
“Yes they will heal. They just look much worse then they actually are,” they took some comfort in this, but the doctor was soon moving on,” This is a medicated cream that you need to put over the burns twice a day to speed up the healing process.” He demonstrated how to put the cream on as Jo at first taken aback by the coldness of the cream, but she soon relaxed. “Now, you can put the glasses on so it hides the bandages.” Mrs. G handed the glasses to Jo and she carefully situated them on her face.
“Can I go now,” asked Jo turning her head in the direction of the doctor wanting to get as far away from this place as possible.
“As long as you follow doctor’s orders, I don’t see why not. If you have any lingering pain, I am giving Mrs. Garrett a pain medication and I want you to get some rest. Take it easy for a few days and I will see you in on Monday,” he said pointedly at Jo, “The nurse will be back in with the release forms and then you can go,” he said to Mrs. G, shaking her hand and nodding towards Blair, Nat, and Tootie. The nurse came in as the doctor was leaving and handed the forms to Mrs. G. who quickly signed them and they were on their way.
The five headed out of the room. Mrs. G and Tootie led the way and Nat and Blair stood on either side of Jo who walked with the cane out in front of her like the nurse taught her that morning. After some trying moments they finally got to the car. Blair, Nat, and Tootie climbed into the backseat and let Jo have the front passenger seat as Mrs. G. shifted the car into gear and they headed towards Edna’s Edibles.
Throughout the car ride home Natalie used her literary talent to narrate what they were passing. Tootie added her dramatic flair in the descriptions and Blair used her artistic skills to describe the vivid colors to Jo who sat silently in the passenger side listening to the descriptions her friends were giving her. It was a little overwhelming to say the least. Mrs. G took one hand off the steering wheel and wordlessly reassured Jo with a silent squeeze of her hand. The bug slowly made its way through the silent streets of Peekskill until reaching Edna’s Edibles.
Mrs. G. eased the car into the driveway and turned it. Turning around to the backseat, “After I get out, why don’t you three help Jo into the living room. I’m going to get some lunch started. I’m sure your hungry Jo,” said Mrs. G turning towards Jo.
“Yea, that sounds great Mrs. G,” answered Jo who began moving to get out of the car. After extending her cane she began to move in the direction of the house. Blair, Nat, and Tootie followed close behind keeping an eye on her. Amazingly enough, Jo was succeeding in navigating her way. When she began to stray into the yard. Blair rushed up and helped to direct her.
“Blair, I’m learning how to do this! Stay out of it!” exclaimed Jo.
“I’m sorry Jo, but you were headed for a tree,” replied Blair looking hurt.
“Come on Blair. Now is not the time to get snippy,” whispered Natalie to the defensive Blair.
“I heard that Nat. I may be blind, but my ears are working at 100 percent,” said Jo in her angry, street-wise tone.
“Jo, let us help you a little bit. You just got home from the hospital and we don’t want to take you back when you break your nose from running into something,” pleaded Tootie.
“Thanks for that vote of confidence,” said Jo as she continued to make her way up the walk. She finally made it to the front door and after some bumping into furniture settled into the couch. Mrs. G had long ago made her way inside and was finding something to cook. The stove was out of commission until the repairman got there, but there was some sandwich meat in the fridge and a few leftovers that the microwave she could zap. She heard the girls come in and went out into the living room.
“Oh, good, you girls made it inside. I almost have everything finished. Blair help me in the kitchen and Nat and Tootie set the table,” Mrs. G asked as she bustled back into the kitchen.
“Hey Mrs. G. what do you want me to do,” asked Jo.
“Why don’t you just rest. We can get Jo. I don’t want you overexerting yourself too soon.”
“Fine, whatever,” Jo wasn’t pleased about being babied. She hated it whenever one of them was sick or hurt and everyone else decided they were an invalid. It was ridiculous. She could take care of herself. It sounded like everyone was at the table now. Jo stood up and slowly made her way over, fumbling around, counting the paces. OK it was 10 paces between the couch and the table Jo thought to herself. She found her usual chair and set down. The others soon followed and Mrs. G went around placing plates of food in front of everyone.
“Jo, your sandwich is on your right side of your plate, macaroni salad on the bottom left, and corn at the top left,” Mrs. G said as she put Jo’s plate down in front of her.
“Thanks Mrs. G,” Jo replied as she began to follow Mrs. G’s directions to eat her food. It tasted really good after the junk she had for breakfast, and even better than the IV that was her dinner last night. They ate in relative silence, discussing plans for the day. Mrs. G still had the repairman coming over. Jo was groggy from the medication and heading to bed as soon as she finished eating. Nat and Tootie were going to catch a late afternoon matinee and spend the night with Jo and Blair had her usual Saturday night date. Not a highly unusual Saturday, but Jo wouldn’t be going for her normal Saturday afternoon motorcycle ride. In two days she would know if motorcycle riding was in her future or not.
*******Sunday Afternoon*******
The day was progressing about as well as yesterday. Jo continued to fumble around the house asking for as little help as possible, while the other tried vainly to get through to her. She would have none of it. Nat and Tootie had finally given up and gone for a walk. Mrs. G was equally frustrated and had gone into the kitchen to try some new recipes. Jo and Blair were in the girls’ room, Blair attempting to get some homework done and Jo listening to music.
“Hey Jo, why don’t you try some headphones? You could even use my walkman,” offered Blair not knowing if she was more disgusted at ECON or the loud music.
“You could go into Mrs. G’s room. It’s always quiet in there.”
“I want to study here. I have just as much right to be here as you do.”
“You know what Blair, if I could see, I would be doing homework, not listening to music. I’m doing the only thing I can do for the past day and a half. No one will let me do anything. I offered to help Mrs. G in the kitchen but every time I try to help her she tells me to go sit down. Nat and Tootie are worse because they constantly tip-toe and whisper around me. And you Blair, you’re being nice, too nice. Picking out clothes and everything. I CAN DO IT MYSELF.”
“Well, you wouldn’t look any worse then usual that’s for sure.”
“That’s the old Blair. Why can’t you all just act normal around me? I’m trying to deal with this the best way I can, but no one is making it any easier.”
“Jo, you didn’t see yourself on that floor after the explosion or in the hospital Friday night. We had never seen you look that weak and helpless before. We were all scared and trying to help the best way we could.”
“Look, I appreciate the concern and I'm sorry that you guys had to go through that, but the bandages come off tomorrow, and I’m going to be able to see.”
“I sure hope so Jo,” answered Blair looking with sympathy for the first time in a few days, but appreciation.
“I mean, there has been an upside to this whole situation. I can distinguish your hair dryer from Mrs. G’s. The smell of food rising up the stairs, I can smell it minutes before you all can. When it was raining last night, it sounded like a window after it shatters hitting the floor. Being temporarily blind may be curse in a way, and I hope to God that when the doctor removes the bandages I can see, but I’ve learned more about the world around me in these past few days then I ever did. All I'm doing is trying to live.”
“That’s wonderful Jo, and I want you to know, that whatever happens tomorrow, I will be there for you. I’m going to contact eye specialists the first thing Tuesday morning if that is what it takes.”
“Thanks Blair, but I have a feeling that won’t be necessary.” Blair made her way over to Jo and hugged her friend.
“You are so brave Jo. Why don’t we go down and see if Mrs. G. is finished with those new recipes. At least you won’t be able to see what she’s been making if it turns out to be horrible looking!”
“Ah, thanks Blair. For that you should take a header down the stairs.”
“You wouldn’t,” Blair looked back at Jo and then changed her answer from the look she was getting, “OK, I should know never to doubt those looks that you give.”
“Let’s get something to eat before my stomach starts eating itself.”
“That really wouldn’t be good,” laughed Blair as the two went down to the kitchen.
******Kitchen******
“Hey Mrs. G.” the two girls said as they sat down at the counter.
“Oh good. I was hoping you two would come down here. I just finished this new quiche and a new pie that I want you to try.”
“So, the stove is back working,” asked Jo.
“Yes, the repairman fixed it yesterday,” said Mrs. G. looking ashamed, “It was a broken coil.”
“That’s good that it got fixed. Look Mrs. G., I can tell that you feel like the accident was your fault, but I was going to take a look at the stove regardless. I don’t want you blaming yourself.”
“I know Jo, but I can’t help myself. You would be able to see right now if I didn’t ask you to look at it.”
“Come on Mrs. G. Stop blaming yourself. I don’t blame you. We will know something tomorrow. That stuff you made smells really good. Let’s try it.”
Blair moved over to start cutting the quiche and pie as Mrs. G went over to hug Jo wiping the tears from her eyes. How did she ever deserve girls like this? It was a mystery to her. They were one of true blessings in her long life. The three sat around the counter sampling the new treats. When Nat and Tootie came back they joined in the fun. For the first time since the accident they treated Jo like they usually did. Everything was back to normal, almost everything. The black cloud still hung over them, but hopefully that would be resolved the next day.
******Next Morning*******
It was a school holiday for both Eastland and Langly. It had been decided that Nat and Tootie could handle the shop on their own, as long as Tootie didn’t decided to make bakery goods in the shape of animals again that is, and Mrs. G. and Blair would take Jo to the hospital. Mrs. G. and Blair headed to the bug, while Jo stayed behind a few seconds getting good luck hugs from Nat and Tootie. Mrs. G. and Blair waited by the car for Jo to come out amazed at how she walked to the car, silently counting the steps that she had learned before and the cane in front to detect anything she might bump into. After they realized that Jo could count the steps between objects, they were careful not to move stuff around too much without alerting her. They soon began the same drive that they had been making a lot lately, to the hospital. All were hoping for the best news, but yet, knew what could happen just as easily. The burns were starting to clear up slightly, which was good, but the sunglasses that Jo had worn constantly since Saturday morning concealed the bandages over her eyes.
Mrs. G pulled into the hospital parking lot, but they went into the regular entrance and not the emergency entrance this time. Jo needed a little more help know since she wasn’t familiar with this as well as the house and was more willing to accept the help since yesterday. They found the elevator and went up to the doctor’s office. Blair and Jo went to the front desk, while Mrs. G stayed a little back.
“Hi, I’m Jo Polniaczek and I have an appointment to have my eyes checked,” said Jo to the receptionist.
“Yes, we do have you down. And we can take you right now. Come right this way. Do you want your friends with you,” asked the receptionist.
“Actually I do,” said Jo flanked on both sides by Blair and Mrs. G. The nurse directed them into an exam room and helped Jo up to the table. Mrs. G. and Blair occupied the chairs in the room. The silence of the car ride continued, but the nervousness in the room was extremely detectable. When the door opened for the doctor to come in all three jumped a combined three feet.
“Hello, You look much better then you did on Friday,” said in the doctor in the direction of Jo.
“Thanks, I guess. Can we get on with this, please,” asked Jo.
“OK, Take the sunglasses off,” asked the doctor. Jo slid them carefully off her face and Blair reached out to take them from her. “I need you to listen very carefully and follow what I tell you to do, OK,” Jo nodded her head in agreement. “Take your hand and put it in front of your eyes and I’m going to dim the lights slightly.” The doctor slowly began to remove the final bandages from Jo’s eyes. “Now, slowly open your eyes and tell us what you see.”
Mrs. G, Blair, and the doctor watched Jo closely as she slowly opened her eyes and moved her fingers in front of her face. A slight smile spread on her face. “I can see!” Jo exclaimed ecstatically.
“OH, Jo, I’m so happy for you,” Mrs. G said as she could no longer resist running up to Jo and gather her in her arms. Blair was close behind to hug her friend.
“I can’t see clearly, but I can see the light and colors and make out objects.”
“Good, That’s wonderful,” the doctor said, “You need to wear the sunglasses for at least a week and I’m going to want to see you next week. The blurriness you are experiencing should start to clear up, but there is no reason for you not to return to school tomorrow.”
“Thanks Doc. I really want to go outside now. Are we done here,” asked Jo impatiently.
“Go ahead. Remember about the sunglasses and you still need to treat those burns.”
Jo and Blair were out the door and Mrs. G stayed behind to thank the doctor. It had been a long weekend, but it was all cleared up now. Jo could see again, thank god. Mrs. G wondered what it would be like for Jo to be permanently blind, but they had been saved from that ordeal. When she caught up to Jo and Blair she found them outside, Jo walking and turning around to take in everything around her she had missed for the past days. It was like being given a second chance to live and she wasn’t going to miss a single second of it. They climbed into the bug and for the first time in days left the hospital feeling on top of the world.
The heart is a bloom, shoots through the stormy ground
But there’s no room, no space to rent in this town
You’re out of luck and the reson that you had to care,
The traffic is stuck and you’re not moving anywhere,
You thought you’d found of friend to take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand in return for grace.
Mrs. G pulled into the driveway and Jo rushed into the shop. When Nat and Tootie saw her they yelled and ran to her.
“Jo, you can see, this is wonderful!! Isn’t it Tootie?” exclaimed Nat hugging Jo.
“Yea, it sure is,” said Tootie taking her turn to hug Jo.
It’s a beautiful day, the sky falls
And you feel like it’s a beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
“So you can see everything Jo,” asked Nat.
“Well, it’s a little blurry, but I can distinguish colors and shapes. The doctor said that it will clear up, it’ll just take a little time,” replied Jo looking around the shop taking in everything. The shop was just as she remembered it looking, but yet, there was something different. It was so much more vivid.
You’re on the road but you’ve got no destination
You’re in the mud, in the maze of her imagination
You love this town even if it doesn’t ring true
You’ve been all over and it’s been all over you
Mrs. G and Blair entered the shop and smiled at the sight of Nat and Tootie smiling at Jo while Jo continued looking around.
“So, Jo, what’s the first thing you’re going to do,” asked Blair.
“I think I will go fix my bike, like I meant to do last Friday,” smiled Jo heading outside to look at her bike.
“Jo, just don’t stay outside too long. I don’t want you to hurt your eyes while they’re still adapting,” yelled Mrs. G after Jo.
“Sure thing Mrs. G,” said Jo as she turned around not minding the attentiveness. She was just happy to be able to see again.
Touch me, take me to that other place
Teach me, I know I’m not a hopeless case
Once outside Jo headed for her bike and took it in. The most glorious looking piece of metal she had ever seen she decided smiling to herself. Without turning around Jo said, “Hey Blair.”
“How did you know it was me,” asked Blair smiling.
“When I couldn’t see I picked up on your movements.”
See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colours came out
“Thanks for that talk we had the other night, Blair.”
“No problem. I came out because Mrs. G. was wondering if you would like anything special for dinner.”
“Whatever she wants to fix is special enough for me,” Jo said smiling at her friend.
“I will tell her. Have fun with your bike Jo,” Blair said turning around to head back into the shop.
It was a beautiful day
Beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
Jo sat down by her bike and looked around. She was wearing the sunglasses like the doctor told her, but it was all coming in more clearly than ever before. The way the leaves moved in the wind. The bird chirping on the fence post. The past two days she had developed so many distinct sounds for these visions.
Touch me, take me to that other place
Reach me, I know I’m not a hopeless case.
Well, I better head inside Jo thought. Mrs. G was right about the overexposure. A final glance at her bike, she headed inside and saw the others starting to close the shop. As on cue she went over to the register and pulled the drawer out. It was the same scene as on Friday she noticed. Jo was getting ready to count the drawer down, Nat and Tootie with their feet up, and Mrs. G and Blair looking over papers.
“Girls, tomorrow we’re going to up the croissant making,” said Mrs. G looking up from her papers, “You’re going to need to get up a little earlier.
“Huh, It was Blair’s idea. She can get up earlier,” said Tootie looking up.
“Really, I already get up early enough,” chimed in Nat.
What you don’t have you don’t need now
What you don’t know you can’t feel it somehow
What you don’t have you don’t need it now
You don’t need it now, you don’t need it now
“So, we get up a little earlier. What’s the harm in that?” asked Jo looking up from the table where she was counting the money, “I wouldn’t mind seeing the sunrise tomorrow or the day after or the day after that…”
“I think we can handle it,” smiled Blair as the five people came together in one final hug glad that everything was back to normal or as close to normal as Edna’s Edibles could ever be.
Beautiful Day
Song: Beautiful Day, U2, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, 2000
Trying to Live
Edna’s Edibles bustled with shoppers. Friday afternoons tended to be like that as everyone rushed out to buy their goodies for the weekend. It didn’t help matters that it was also the 15th of the month, pay day. Needless to say, as soon as the girls put out fresh croissants and other assorted fresh goods they were snapped up. Mrs. G. had been handling it through the morning, Blair and Jo came as soon as they were done with classes at noon, and by the time Tootie and Natalie got there at 3, all five were working at full force. When the clock chimed at 5, they began to close the shop and when the last shopper left at 5:15, the closed sign was displayed and the door bolted to prevent any stranglers from coming.
“I hate pay day,” declared Natalie sitting down in the chair putting her feet up in the opposite chair as Tootie did the same across the table.
“Well, if you hate it so much, you wouldn’t want these would you?” asked Mrs. G pulling four paychecks out from the record book.
“Finally, I can get that new part for my bike! It hasn’t been the same since that part blew out!” exclaimed Jo running over to get her check. “I’m going to go count the drawer down.” Pulls drawer out, “You know, pay day is really good for us. We pulled in a lot today,” looking down at the money.
“Wonderful, You can get paid the next pay day then. Remember to pay your rent too girls,” reminded Mrs. G.
“I was talking a girl in my class today and she complained constantly about the people who live above her in the dorms. She said it felt like the ceiling was going to cave in on her room a few times. It really made me appreciate you guys, “ said Blair thumbing through some papers on the counter.
“You actually appreciate something, that’s new,” replied Jo.
“Oh, Jo, before you start counting the drawer, I want you to take a look at the stove and see what you think. I have a repairman coming tomorrow, but I want you to see what’s wrong with it first so I’m not overcharged.” Mrs. G asked. Jo nodded and headed for the kitchen. “But Jo, don’t you dare try to fix that stove yourself. We do remember the heater, don’t we?” reminded Mrs. G.
“Oh, yeah, the heater, I’ll could’ve fixed that too!!”
“We’re lucky we finally have heat,” Natalie stated.
“Yea, doesn’t matter if the people above you are about to fall through the ceiling, but at least that motion would warm you up!” replied Tootie. Tootie and Natalie were drinking water and reveling in the fact that the store was closed.
“Why are you even letting her look at the stove, Mrs. Garrett,” asked Natalie looking up to the elderly woman.
“Girls, it’ll make her feel better when the repairman comes tomorrow,” answered Mrs. G.
“Anyway, on to more important matters, Mrs. Garrett, I’m looking over these figures and we need to increase our supply of croissants. In my Microeconomics class we’re learning that if you increase your supply at the right price, then the demand will go up. We are selling out of croissants almost every day,” Blair stated in her aristocratic way.
“If she wants more croissants she can make them,” muttered Tootie under her breath.
“I’ll say yes to that,” Natalie muttered to Tootie.
Mrs. G. walked over to Nat and Tootie looking both girls square in the eye, “Well, as soon as my stove is fixed tomorrow we will be making more croissants because Peekskill just loves them!!”
“Great” muttered Natalie and Tootie.
“Any more of your briilliant ideas Blair?” Natalie mocked Blair as she sent a death stare in her direction.
“Well, actually, I was considering….” Blair was stopped by a loud, explosive crash coming from the kitchen. Blair, Nat, Tootie, and Mrs. G went running into the kitchen and found Jo laying on the floor covering her eyes, screaming from the pain.
“My eyes, I can’t see anything, Oh god,” cried Jo on the floor as she covered her eyes with her hands.
“Blair, go get the car started. We can get her to the hospital quicker ourselves then calling an ambulance. Tootie, Natalie go call the hospital,” exclaimed Mrs. G as she knelt down on floor and tried to comfort the emotional girl on the floor.
“Jo, I want you to breathe, come on, you need to breathe.”
“Mrs. G. It hurts. I can’t see anything!!”
“Shshh, We’re going to go out to the car. Jo, here, lean on me, Natalie, Tootie come here and help me.”
“We called the hospital and let them know your on the way,” said Natalie as the three of them helped navigate Jo to the car.
“Jo, your going to be all right, It’s just a little further,” Tootie assured Jo as they slowly made their way outside. When they reached the car Mrs. G opened up the passenger side and Natalie guided Jo in.
“OK, Blair, get out, I’m taking Jo. You, Nat, and Tootie follow in your car,” said Mrs. G as she rushed to the other side, while Blair got out.
Mrs. G sped off towards the hospital as Blair, Natalie, and Tootie ran for Blair’s car.
******Blair’s Car*******
The three people sat there with worried expressions on their faces remembering painfully the sight of Jo on the floor not being able to see.
“Hey guys, she’s going to be OK,” said Tootie trying to quell her friend’s nervousness or maybe it was her own, she really wasn’t sure.
“Yea, Jo is always OK,” as much as Blair thought that about Jo, deep down she knew something was terribly wrong. She had never seen Jo look like that before. It was difficult to see her best friend look the way she did. Jo had looked so small and pale except for the bright red marks that were around her eyes that her hands couldn’t cover when Nat had put her in the passenger seat. The hospital was only a little further, and no one spoke again hopeful that Jo would be OK, but dreading if she wasn’t going to be OK.
*****Hospital*******
Mrs. G pulled up to the emergency entrance and glanced nervously over at Jo. Jo had become eerily calm on the way over but her hands were still firmly placed over her eyes. “Jo, I’m going to go in and tell them we’re here. Stay here.”
“Not like I’m going anyway,” replied Jo glumly.
Mrs. G moved with a mixture of walking and running into the ER looking for the counter. The Peekskill hospital wasn’t that big, but it did have a competent staff. You couldn’t say that about some hospitals in bigger towns. After looking over to the side and locating the counter Mrs. G made her way over.
“I have a girl in my car who can’t see. There was an explosion in my kitchen,” worriedly said Mrs. G.
“Oh yes, we did get that phone call. Everything is set up,” replied the receptionist. “Luther, grab a wheelchair and help this woman. She has a girl in her car who can’t see.”
“Yes ma’m. Can you show me which way to your car, ma’m,” replied Luther as he grabbed the closest wheelchair.
“YES! It’s right this way. The Volkswagen Bug,” yelled Mrs. G as she followed Luther out to the entrance. When they arrived Mrs. G opened the car door and Jo jumped at the sudden noise.
“Whose there, Don’t hurt me!!” yelled Jo not sure of who opened the car door suddenly.
“Jo, its me, calm down, this is Luther and he has a wheelchair to get you inside.”
Luther reached for Jo’s arm and steadied her as Mrs. G and him settled Jo into the wheelchair. Once inside Jo was rushed into a trauma room. Mrs. G. tried to follow, but a nurse directed her to a set of chairs and gave her a clipboard full of papers.
“I need you to fill these out. It would be better right now if you stayed out here. As soon as we know something we will let you know,” the nurse said giving Mrs. G a reassuring glance.
The nurse walked away leaving Mrs. G with a book of forms. Well, I better get to work on these. Chicken Pox, how am I supposed to know when she had chicken pox, or measles. A mother would know these things. I’ve been a mother to these girls, but I just don’t know about this stuff. I guess I will just have to do these the best I can thought Mrs. G. As Mrs. G took a break from filling out the forms she looked up to see Blair, Natalie, and Tootie running up to her.
“Where’s Jo, How is she, can we see her,” came the questions from the three as they overwhelmed Mrs. G wanting answers.
“Oh, girls, there’s nothing yet, nothing. I’m trying to fill out these forms. Do any of you know when Jo had chicken pox,” asked Mrs. G
Blair looked up from her feet and said, “I believe June of 78.” The others look questionably at Blair, “We had a discussion about childhood illnesses once, OK”
“Well Blair, try filling in the blanks on these forms,” said Mrs. G as she handed the forms to Blair. The four people sat in the chairs looking at the room that Jo had been taken into 15 minutes ago, a half-hour ago, an hour ago. The four looked up expectedly as the doctor made their way over and said, “Polniaczek.”
“Yes, how is she doctor?” asked Mrs. G to the doctor.
“It appears that some hot grease splashed in her eyes when she looking at your stove,” nodding towards Mrs. G, “There was some parts of the stove still hot that caught fire and caused the explosion. Jo suffered damage to her eyes and also some burns on her face. The burns should heal on their own. Her eyes are a different story. We have bandaged her eyes and she couldn’t see once we were able to get her to open them. After a few days we will remove the bandages and hope for the best. I want to keep her overnight and we did give her a mild sedative so she could sleep,” the doctor finished up in the unfeeling voice that so many doctors are known for and looked around at the stunned expressions surrounding him.
“This isn’t good enough. I’m going to have the best eye specialist in the City brought in to look at Jo,” said Blair looking the doctor straight in the eye. Tootie, Nat, and Mrs. G were still too stunned to stay anything.
“Ma’m I know you want to help your friend,” easing his manner, “but even the best doctors would give you the same diagnosis. We will know more in a few days, then you can start calling specialists. She’s in room 210 if you want to see her, but remember she will be sleeping for awhile.”
“Come on girls, let’s go see Jo,” Mrs. G nodded to the doctor as they made their way to the elevator.
They made their way to room 210 and saw the name Jo Polniaczek spelled out on the door. The four looked at each other afraid to open the door, but yet, wanting to see Jo. Mrs. G took the first step forward and opened the door to the dimly lit room. Blair, Nat, and Tootie followed close behind and gasped at what they saw. Jo was lying in the bed with bandages encasing her eyes, wrapping around her head. Her skin color was pale and an intravenous line delivered solution into her arm.
The four slowly made their way to the bed looking at their friend. They pulled up the various chairs up around Jo’s bed and Mrs. G took Jo’s hand. “Hello Jo, Oh why did I ask you to look at the stove. I should’ve just waited for the repairman to come tomorrow. We’re all here for you Jo,” Mrs. G said looking with sadness to Jo. Her adopted daughters. It pained her to see one of them hurt, whether it was something physical or mental.
They sat there talking to Jo, exchanging stories of their days at Eastland and beyond for a few hours when Nat noticed that Jo had moved.
“Hey guys, I think she’s waking up,” Nat said as they all looked at Jo pleading for her to wake up.
“Jo, come on, I felt you squeeze my hand,” Mrs. G looked hopefully at the girl struggling to come out of the sedative.
“Mrs. G, oh Mrs. G, you’re here,” exclaimed Jo, but she felt the others’ presence in the room, but she couldn’t see them and they hadn’t said anything, the bandages she remembered being wrapped around her eyes inhibited her from seeing the people surrounding her.
“We are all here. Blair, Nat, and Tootie, and me. How do you feel Jo,” asked Mrs. G.
“How do you think I feel,” replied Jo angrily, “I can’t see, I have these bandages, a needle stuck in my arm, and I’m in this fog from all the medication they gave me. “
“Jo, they said to give it some time. Your going to be able to come home tomorrow and the damage to your eyes may be cleared up in a few days when they take the bandages off,” Mrs. G said.
“I’m going to contact some eye specialists Jo and we can work something out for your classes next week. I’ll get a tape player for you to record lectures and help you around,” supplied Blair hoping her helpfulness wouldn’t fall on deaf ears.
“Tootie and I will help out for you in the shop too,” chimed in Natalie.
“We’ll be more than happy to help you anyway we can Jo,” answered Tootie.
“Thanks guys, but I just want to sleep. This medication is starting to catch up too me,” said Jo as she drifted off into an unconscious fog.
“Sleep Jo, we’ll be back in the morning for you.” Mrs. G leaned over to kiss Jo on the forehead, avoiding the bandages.
“Thanks Mrs. G,” replied Jo so quietly they strained to hear her.
They waited until they were sure Jo was asleep and slipped quietly out of the hospital room. It was close to 11 o’clock and they needed to get home. The four divided up into the two cars and headed out.
When they arrived back at the shop the four tiredly set down in the living room. Tootie spoke up first, “Maybe we should clean up around here, get rid of anything that Jo might run into?”
“I think that’s a good idea Tootie, but we need to remember to only pick up the stuff that isn’t usually laying around. Jo’s going to be trying to picture in her head where things are. It will only confuse and frustrate her more if something is out of place,“ Blair said looking at the others.
“So, let’s stop sitting around and get started,” Natalie stated beginning to clean up. The others soon followed and moved upstairs to pick up and headed to bed after the picking up was completed.
Even though she was exhausted Blair sat up in bed worrying about Jo. Nat and Tootie had been asleep for an hour already, but Blair contemplated how different it would be with Jo temporarily blind, or god forbid, permanently blind. The Jo she saw tonight lying in that bed was far from the Jo she remembered riding her motorcycle into Eastland so many years ago, well it wasn’t that many years ago, but still, they had become friends and Blair thought Jo knew her better than anyone else. It could be a long few days with Jo, but Blair was ready to help out in any way she could.
Across the hall Mrs. G was also awake worrying about Jo and why did she have to ask Jo to look at the stove. Yes, it was to make Jo feel better before the repairman came, but it was stupid, stupid, stupid. As Mrs. G settled into bed, she let the sleep overcome her that was quickly overcoming Blair. Tomorrow would be a long day. They all needed to be rested to help Jo.
*****Hospital-Next Morning******
After a rushed breakfast Mrs. G. and the girls headed to the hospital to pick Jo up, piled into Mrs. G’s bug. Blair had some clothes for Jo in a bag. She had picked out an outfit that Jo wore at least once a week, an old favorite. You couldn’t go wrong there. The house was in good shape. It had been a good idea to pick up anything that was out of place. They were hoping to get to the hospital before Jo woke up. As the four walked into the hospital and made their way to Jo’s room, they silently hoped she would be in a better mood then she was the previous night, but they weren’t exactly prepared for what they saw. Jo was up and walking around with a white cane in front of her so she knew if an object was in front of her. A nurse was standing by watching her carefully and glanced up when the door opened. Jo, slightly taken aback at first by the sudden noise, perked her ears up and detected the sound of four people walking in. Ever since she had woken up in the morning she had been listening more attentive then ever before. The four people coming in could only mean Mrs. G and her roommates she decided and relaxed.
“Jo, your up, and moving around!! This is so good,” exclaimed Mrs. G running towards Jo and wrapping her arms around Jo in a welcoming hug.
“Hey Mrs. G. I’m learning how to move around a little bit. They said I could go home in a few hours,” answered Jo sounding worlds better than she did last night.
“I’m going to send the doctor in. There shouldn’t be any reason why she can’t go home now. He does need to go over a few things with you both,” the nurse said in the direction of Mrs. G and Jo.
“Of course,” said Mrs. G. with her arms still around Jo. The nurse left and Blair, Nat, and Tootie stepped towards Jo.
“Here Jo, I brought you some clothes,” Blair stated as placed the bag’s handles in Jo’s hand, “It’s one of your favorite outfits too!”
“Thanks Blair. Listen, I’m going to go change,” said Jo as she slowly turned in the direction of the bathroom counting the steps silently she had learned just a short while ago. The others watched in amazement as Jo navigated towards the bathroom to change. Blair thought of asking Jo if she needed help, but decided that maybe it wasn’t the best time to ask. Jo seemed to be handling it just fine on her own.
“She’s a lot better than yesterday,” Tootie said looking up at the others.
“Yea, her color is almost back to normal, well except..” Natalie said nervously not wanting to call attention to the bright red marks leaking out from the bandages. As soon as Natalie finished speaking the doctor came in with an assortment of medical supplies.
“Where’s the patient at,” asked the doctor looking expectantly at the others, “I need to go over some things you will need to do for the next few days when she’s finished changing,” finished the doctor. After a few minutes of polite conversation, the five people looked to the bathroom when they heard Jo coming out, dressed and ready to leave the hospital.
“Jo, the doctor is here so you can go home,” Mrs. G said hoping that they could leave the hospital as soon as possible.
“OK,” said Jo trying to locate where the doctor was. The doctor spoke up and guided Jo towards the bed. After she laid down the doctor was on one side of the bed with Mrs. G, while the other three were on the other side.
“The burns need to breathe, so I’m going to cut away the big bandage. Did you bring the sunglasses I asked you to bring last night, “ asked the doctor looking down at Mrs. G. After Mrs. G said yes and pulled the glasses out from her purse the doctor continued to cut away the bandage. Blair, unable to contain herself gasped at the damage caused by the grease. There were small bandages over Jo’s eyes, but the bright red marks around her eyes were awful. It was hard to believe that they would heal. Jo picked up on Blair’s gasps.
“So, I guess the burns are bad,” glumly said Jo as she tried to grasp with the peoples’ reactions around here.
“They’re not that bad Jo,” Blair said reassuringly to Jo, “And they’ll heal, won’t they doctor?”
“Yes they will heal. They just look much worse then they actually are,” they took some comfort in this, but the doctor was soon moving on,” This is a medicated cream that you need to put over the burns twice a day to speed up the healing process.” He demonstrated how to put the cream on as Jo at first taken aback by the coldness of the cream, but she soon relaxed. “Now, you can put the glasses on so it hides the bandages.” Mrs. G handed the glasses to Jo and she carefully situated them on her face.
“Can I go now,” asked Jo turning her head in the direction of the doctor wanting to get as far away from this place as possible.
“As long as you follow doctor’s orders, I don’t see why not. If you have any lingering pain, I am giving Mrs. Garrett a pain medication and I want you to get some rest. Take it easy for a few days and I will see you in on Monday,” he said pointedly at Jo, “The nurse will be back in with the release forms and then you can go,” he said to Mrs. G, shaking her hand and nodding towards Blair, Nat, and Tootie. The nurse came in as the doctor was leaving and handed the forms to Mrs. G. who quickly signed them and they were on their way.
The five headed out of the room. Mrs. G and Tootie led the way and Nat and Blair stood on either side of Jo who walked with the cane out in front of her like the nurse taught her that morning. After some trying moments they finally got to the car. Blair, Nat, and Tootie climbed into the backseat and let Jo have the front passenger seat as Mrs. G. shifted the car into gear and they headed towards Edna’s Edibles.
Throughout the car ride home Natalie used her literary talent to narrate what they were passing. Tootie added her dramatic flair in the descriptions and Blair used her artistic skills to describe the vivid colors to Jo who sat silently in the passenger side listening to the descriptions her friends were giving her. It was a little overwhelming to say the least. Mrs. G took one hand off the steering wheel and wordlessly reassured Jo with a silent squeeze of her hand. The bug slowly made its way through the silent streets of Peekskill until reaching Edna’s Edibles.
Mrs. G. eased the car into the driveway and turned it. Turning around to the backseat, “After I get out, why don’t you three help Jo into the living room. I’m going to get some lunch started. I’m sure your hungry Jo,” said Mrs. G turning towards Jo.
“Yea, that sounds great Mrs. G,” answered Jo who began moving to get out of the car. After extending her cane she began to move in the direction of the house. Blair, Nat, and Tootie followed close behind keeping an eye on her. Amazingly enough, Jo was succeeding in navigating her way. When she began to stray into the yard. Blair rushed up and helped to direct her.
“Blair, I’m learning how to do this! Stay out of it!” exclaimed Jo.
“I’m sorry Jo, but you were headed for a tree,” replied Blair looking hurt.
“Come on Blair. Now is not the time to get snippy,” whispered Natalie to the defensive Blair.
“I heard that Nat. I may be blind, but my ears are working at 100 percent,” said Jo in her angry, street-wise tone.
“Jo, let us help you a little bit. You just got home from the hospital and we don’t want to take you back when you break your nose from running into something,” pleaded Tootie.
“Thanks for that vote of confidence,” said Jo as she continued to make her way up the walk. She finally made it to the front door and after some bumping into furniture settled into the couch. Mrs. G had long ago made her way inside and was finding something to cook. The stove was out of commission until the repairman got there, but there was some sandwich meat in the fridge and a few leftovers that the microwave she could zap. She heard the girls come in and went out into the living room.
“Oh, good, you girls made it inside. I almost have everything finished. Blair help me in the kitchen and Nat and Tootie set the table,” Mrs. G asked as she bustled back into the kitchen.
“Hey Mrs. G. what do you want me to do,” asked Jo.
“Why don’t you just rest. We can get Jo. I don’t want you overexerting yourself too soon.”
“Fine, whatever,” Jo wasn’t pleased about being babied. She hated it whenever one of them was sick or hurt and everyone else decided they were an invalid. It was ridiculous. She could take care of herself. It sounded like everyone was at the table now. Jo stood up and slowly made her way over, fumbling around, counting the paces. OK it was 10 paces between the couch and the table Jo thought to herself. She found her usual chair and set down. The others soon followed and Mrs. G went around placing plates of food in front of everyone.
“Jo, your sandwich is on your right side of your plate, macaroni salad on the bottom left, and corn at the top left,” Mrs. G said as she put Jo’s plate down in front of her.
“Thanks Mrs. G,” Jo replied as she began to follow Mrs. G’s directions to eat her food. It tasted really good after the junk she had for breakfast, and even better than the IV that was her dinner last night. They ate in relative silence, discussing plans for the day. Mrs. G still had the repairman coming over. Jo was groggy from the medication and heading to bed as soon as she finished eating. Nat and Tootie were going to catch a late afternoon matinee and spend the night with Jo and Blair had her usual Saturday night date. Not a highly unusual Saturday, but Jo wouldn’t be going for her normal Saturday afternoon motorcycle ride. In two days she would know if motorcycle riding was in her future or not.
*******Sunday Afternoon*******
The day was progressing about as well as yesterday. Jo continued to fumble around the house asking for as little help as possible, while the other tried vainly to get through to her. She would have none of it. Nat and Tootie had finally given up and gone for a walk. Mrs. G was equally frustrated and had gone into the kitchen to try some new recipes. Jo and Blair were in the girls’ room, Blair attempting to get some homework done and Jo listening to music.
“Hey Jo, why don’t you try some headphones? You could even use my walkman,” offered Blair not knowing if she was more disgusted at ECON or the loud music.
“You could go into Mrs. G’s room. It’s always quiet in there.”
“I want to study here. I have just as much right to be here as you do.”
“You know what Blair, if I could see, I would be doing homework, not listening to music. I’m doing the only thing I can do for the past day and a half. No one will let me do anything. I offered to help Mrs. G in the kitchen but every time I try to help her she tells me to go sit down. Nat and Tootie are worse because they constantly tip-toe and whisper around me. And you Blair, you’re being nice, too nice. Picking out clothes and everything. I CAN DO IT MYSELF.”
“Well, you wouldn’t look any worse then usual that’s for sure.”
“That’s the old Blair. Why can’t you all just act normal around me? I’m trying to deal with this the best way I can, but no one is making it any easier.”
“Jo, you didn’t see yourself on that floor after the explosion or in the hospital Friday night. We had never seen you look that weak and helpless before. We were all scared and trying to help the best way we could.”
“Look, I appreciate the concern and I'm sorry that you guys had to go through that, but the bandages come off tomorrow, and I’m going to be able to see.”
“I sure hope so Jo,” answered Blair looking with sympathy for the first time in a few days, but appreciation.
“I mean, there has been an upside to this whole situation. I can distinguish your hair dryer from Mrs. G’s. The smell of food rising up the stairs, I can smell it minutes before you all can. When it was raining last night, it sounded like a window after it shatters hitting the floor. Being temporarily blind may be curse in a way, and I hope to God that when the doctor removes the bandages I can see, but I’ve learned more about the world around me in these past few days then I ever did. All I'm doing is trying to live.”
“That’s wonderful Jo, and I want you to know, that whatever happens tomorrow, I will be there for you. I’m going to contact eye specialists the first thing Tuesday morning if that is what it takes.”
“Thanks Blair, but I have a feeling that won’t be necessary.” Blair made her way over to Jo and hugged her friend.
“You are so brave Jo. Why don’t we go down and see if Mrs. G. is finished with those new recipes. At least you won’t be able to see what she’s been making if it turns out to be horrible looking!”
“Ah, thanks Blair. For that you should take a header down the stairs.”
“You wouldn’t,” Blair looked back at Jo and then changed her answer from the look she was getting, “OK, I should know never to doubt those looks that you give.”
“Let’s get something to eat before my stomach starts eating itself.”
“That really wouldn’t be good,” laughed Blair as the two went down to the kitchen.
******Kitchen******
“Hey Mrs. G.” the two girls said as they sat down at the counter.
“Oh good. I was hoping you two would come down here. I just finished this new quiche and a new pie that I want you to try.”
“So, the stove is back working,” asked Jo.
“Yes, the repairman fixed it yesterday,” said Mrs. G. looking ashamed, “It was a broken coil.”
“That’s good that it got fixed. Look Mrs. G., I can tell that you feel like the accident was your fault, but I was going to take a look at the stove regardless. I don’t want you blaming yourself.”
“I know Jo, but I can’t help myself. You would be able to see right now if I didn’t ask you to look at it.”
“Come on Mrs. G. Stop blaming yourself. I don’t blame you. We will know something tomorrow. That stuff you made smells really good. Let’s try it.”
Blair moved over to start cutting the quiche and pie as Mrs. G went over to hug Jo wiping the tears from her eyes. How did she ever deserve girls like this? It was a mystery to her. They were one of true blessings in her long life. The three sat around the counter sampling the new treats. When Nat and Tootie came back they joined in the fun. For the first time since the accident they treated Jo like they usually did. Everything was back to normal, almost everything. The black cloud still hung over them, but hopefully that would be resolved the next day.
******Next Morning*******
It was a school holiday for both Eastland and Langly. It had been decided that Nat and Tootie could handle the shop on their own, as long as Tootie didn’t decided to make bakery goods in the shape of animals again that is, and Mrs. G. and Blair would take Jo to the hospital. Mrs. G. and Blair headed to the bug, while Jo stayed behind a few seconds getting good luck hugs from Nat and Tootie. Mrs. G. and Blair waited by the car for Jo to come out amazed at how she walked to the car, silently counting the steps that she had learned before and the cane in front to detect anything she might bump into. After they realized that Jo could count the steps between objects, they were careful not to move stuff around too much without alerting her. They soon began the same drive that they had been making a lot lately, to the hospital. All were hoping for the best news, but yet, knew what could happen just as easily. The burns were starting to clear up slightly, which was good, but the sunglasses that Jo had worn constantly since Saturday morning concealed the bandages over her eyes.
Mrs. G pulled into the hospital parking lot, but they went into the regular entrance and not the emergency entrance this time. Jo needed a little more help know since she wasn’t familiar with this as well as the house and was more willing to accept the help since yesterday. They found the elevator and went up to the doctor’s office. Blair and Jo went to the front desk, while Mrs. G stayed a little back.
“Hi, I’m Jo Polniaczek and I have an appointment to have my eyes checked,” said Jo to the receptionist.
“Yes, we do have you down. And we can take you right now. Come right this way. Do you want your friends with you,” asked the receptionist.
“Actually I do,” said Jo flanked on both sides by Blair and Mrs. G. The nurse directed them into an exam room and helped Jo up to the table. Mrs. G. and Blair occupied the chairs in the room. The silence of the car ride continued, but the nervousness in the room was extremely detectable. When the door opened for the doctor to come in all three jumped a combined three feet.
“Hello, You look much better then you did on Friday,” said in the doctor in the direction of Jo.
“Thanks, I guess. Can we get on with this, please,” asked Jo.
“OK, Take the sunglasses off,” asked the doctor. Jo slid them carefully off her face and Blair reached out to take them from her. “I need you to listen very carefully and follow what I tell you to do, OK,” Jo nodded her head in agreement. “Take your hand and put it in front of your eyes and I’m going to dim the lights slightly.” The doctor slowly began to remove the final bandages from Jo’s eyes. “Now, slowly open your eyes and tell us what you see.”
Mrs. G, Blair, and the doctor watched Jo closely as she slowly opened her eyes and moved her fingers in front of her face. A slight smile spread on her face. “I can see!” Jo exclaimed ecstatically.
“OH, Jo, I’m so happy for you,” Mrs. G said as she could no longer resist running up to Jo and gather her in her arms. Blair was close behind to hug her friend.
“I can’t see clearly, but I can see the light and colors and make out objects.”
“Good, That’s wonderful,” the doctor said, “You need to wear the sunglasses for at least a week and I’m going to want to see you next week. The blurriness you are experiencing should start to clear up, but there is no reason for you not to return to school tomorrow.”
“Thanks Doc. I really want to go outside now. Are we done here,” asked Jo impatiently.
“Go ahead. Remember about the sunglasses and you still need to treat those burns.”
Jo and Blair were out the door and Mrs. G stayed behind to thank the doctor. It had been a long weekend, but it was all cleared up now. Jo could see again, thank god. Mrs. G wondered what it would be like for Jo to be permanently blind, but they had been saved from that ordeal. When she caught up to Jo and Blair she found them outside, Jo walking and turning around to take in everything around her she had missed for the past days. It was like being given a second chance to live and she wasn’t going to miss a single second of it. They climbed into the bug and for the first time in days left the hospital feeling on top of the world.
The heart is a bloom, shoots through the stormy ground
But there’s no room, no space to rent in this town
You’re out of luck and the reson that you had to care,
The traffic is stuck and you’re not moving anywhere,
You thought you’d found of friend to take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand in return for grace.
Mrs. G pulled into the driveway and Jo rushed into the shop. When Nat and Tootie saw her they yelled and ran to her.
“Jo, you can see, this is wonderful!! Isn’t it Tootie?” exclaimed Nat hugging Jo.
“Yea, it sure is,” said Tootie taking her turn to hug Jo.
It’s a beautiful day, the sky falls
And you feel like it’s a beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
“So you can see everything Jo,” asked Nat.
“Well, it’s a little blurry, but I can distinguish colors and shapes. The doctor said that it will clear up, it’ll just take a little time,” replied Jo looking around the shop taking in everything. The shop was just as she remembered it looking, but yet, there was something different. It was so much more vivid.
You’re on the road but you’ve got no destination
You’re in the mud, in the maze of her imagination
You love this town even if it doesn’t ring true
You’ve been all over and it’s been all over you
Mrs. G and Blair entered the shop and smiled at the sight of Nat and Tootie smiling at Jo while Jo continued looking around.
“So, Jo, what’s the first thing you’re going to do,” asked Blair.
“I think I will go fix my bike, like I meant to do last Friday,” smiled Jo heading outside to look at her bike.
“Jo, just don’t stay outside too long. I don’t want you to hurt your eyes while they’re still adapting,” yelled Mrs. G after Jo.
“Sure thing Mrs. G,” said Jo as she turned around not minding the attentiveness. She was just happy to be able to see again.
Touch me, take me to that other place
Teach me, I know I’m not a hopeless case
Once outside Jo headed for her bike and took it in. The most glorious looking piece of metal she had ever seen she decided smiling to herself. Without turning around Jo said, “Hey Blair.”
“How did you know it was me,” asked Blair smiling.
“When I couldn’t see I picked up on your movements.”
See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colours came out
“Thanks for that talk we had the other night, Blair.”
“No problem. I came out because Mrs. G. was wondering if you would like anything special for dinner.”
“Whatever she wants to fix is special enough for me,” Jo said smiling at her friend.
“I will tell her. Have fun with your bike Jo,” Blair said turning around to head back into the shop.
It was a beautiful day
Beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
Jo sat down by her bike and looked around. She was wearing the sunglasses like the doctor told her, but it was all coming in more clearly than ever before. The way the leaves moved in the wind. The bird chirping on the fence post. The past two days she had developed so many distinct sounds for these visions.
Touch me, take me to that other place
Reach me, I know I’m not a hopeless case.
Well, I better head inside Jo thought. Mrs. G was right about the overexposure. A final glance at her bike, she headed inside and saw the others starting to close the shop. As on cue she went over to the register and pulled the drawer out. It was the same scene as on Friday she noticed. Jo was getting ready to count the drawer down, Nat and Tootie with their feet up, and Mrs. G and Blair looking over papers.
“Girls, tomorrow we’re going to up the croissant making,” said Mrs. G looking up from her papers, “You’re going to need to get up a little earlier.
“Huh, It was Blair’s idea. She can get up earlier,” said Tootie looking up.
“Really, I already get up early enough,” chimed in Nat.
What you don’t have you don’t need now
What you don’t know you can’t feel it somehow
What you don’t have you don’t need it now
You don’t need it now, you don’t need it now
“So, we get up a little earlier. What’s the harm in that?” asked Jo looking up from the table where she was counting the money, “I wouldn’t mind seeing the sunrise tomorrow or the day after or the day after that…”
“I think we can handle it,” smiled Blair as the five people came together in one final hug glad that everything was back to normal or as close to normal as Edna’s Edibles could ever be.
Beautiful Day
Song: Beautiful Day, U2, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, 2000