Oldsters

Chapter 1: Saturday, May 19, 2012

On paper, the first line read like that of an embryonic novelist. He tried reading it aloud. That month, secrets unraveled like a ball of yarn left too long in the paws of a roguish kitten.

Convinced, Eddie Barnes pressed the delete key repeatedly. Writing on a computer was certainly better for the environment than pounding away on his old Royal. Significantly less wasteful than tearing page after page out of the typewriter. Less dramatic for sure, but greener.

An abrupt squeal of tires heralded a tan SUV pulling into the parking lot, and Eddie flipped his laptop screen down harder than intended. He slapped a palm over the nearby coffee cup and leaned forward in the porch chair to see Tilly rushing across the lawn. Her heels sank into the damp morning grass, and pink earrings, large enough for Eddie to see from where he sat, swung in pace.

The Avalon director wore pink every day. Eddie thought this peculiar when he’d first moved to the retirement facility, but now found it charming. Today she was in full regalia, her pantsuit the same bright pink as her earrings. On anyone else it might have been a mess, but the color complimented Tilly's sable skin and bright personality.

He tried not to stare at the vehicle pulling into one of the parking spaces, but it was uncommon for new residents to arrive on their own. A slender woman he guessed to be a few years younger than him exited the car and walked around to begin emptying a tightly packed trunk. By the time Tilly reached her, she’d pulled out a suitcase and placed two large canvases up against the car.

Lila, welcome. How was the drive?

The woman raised her hand to her eyes, blocking the sun. Hello Jane. A bit longer than expected, but I've made it, she said.

Hearing Tilly called by her given name caught Eddie off-guard. He couldn't remember the last time he'd heard her called anything but the nickname used by the staff and residents.

Let me help you with your things.

A brief shake of her head indicated an initial decline, but Eddie caught her regarding the loaded vehicle, and he wasn't surprised when she handed Tilly another suitcase.

After they’d placed several items on the sidewalk, she glanced around in both directions. Eddie bet she wondered which duplex was hers. The units were carbon copies of each other, except for personal touches added to the front porches. Identical metal mailboxes to the right of navy front doors; light colored siding, gray shutters and manicured hedges defending front-facing horizontal windows.

You're right over there, Tilly said, pointing at the unit two doors down from Eddie. She waved when she noticed him sitting on the porch.

He nodded. Morning ladies. Can I help? He stood up, but before he could start down his walkway, the woman cut him off.

No thank you, she started. I mean, thank you, but I'm just going to put these inside. The rest can stay in the car for now.

The look Tilly sent his way stopped him from insisting, and when she came back outside, she stopped at the foot of his drive.

Don't take it personally Eddie. Lila's going through a tough stretch right now. I'm sure she'll come around, and you'll be great neighbors.

You know me Tilly, no worries. It's hard the first week or so.

How's the book coming? she asked, nodding toward the laptop next to him.

Slowly.

She smiled as if she knew something he didn't, and that made him nervous.

Inspiration is all around us. It’s just a matter of us seeing it for what it is, she said.

He raised his cup. Right, inspiration. Maybe I'll find some of that in the cafeteria this afternoon.

She laughed. Have a good day Eddie.

His coffee was getting cold, and the sip he took was bitter. Tilly walked back towards the administration center, this time keeping to the sidewalk. Eddie headed inside, wondering if all his years of eschewing fate had been misplaced. He trusted only what his senses presented him, and if something appeared to be unachievable, it probably was. But today he had to wonder - when a door of opportunity appears right in front of you, isn’t the only question left to ask is will you be bold enough to knock? He glanced towards the parking lot and visualized the vehicle without the belongings, silently calculating that it would sit five more than comfortably.

Chapter 2

With a blue-striped shirt and gray slacks draped over one arm, Eddie rummaged through a tie rack until he found his favorite – thinner than what was in style right now, burgundy with blue and gold flecks. He dressed, slipped on his shoes and looked in the mirror, not minding the reflection staring back at him. At seventy-two, he still spent enough time outdoors to preserve a tan and took enough interest to keep his snowy hair and beard trimmed. It also hadn’t hurt that through the years he and Meredith biked or walked most evenings. He allowed himself a brief image of her reaching up to hug his tall frame, calling him dapper.

She may have been pleased he still cared about his appearance, but she'd be disappointed that he jilted his novel so often, in favor of daytime television or gin rummy marathons with Nick. He checked his watch and pushed that thought away. It was almost lunchtime, and Nick would pitch a fit if they didn't get to the dining hall early enough to avoid the blue-hairs.



Eddie headed away from his duplex, towards Nick’s apartment. Avalon was a hybrid facility of sorts. The Willows and West Oak were independent living complexes where everyone lived much as they had before coming to the community. Nearby Lexington Hall provided additional daily assistance in cooking and housekeeping, and finally Avalon Health Center was the skilled nursing center.

God's waiting room, Eddie thought.

The entire community sat on twenty acres in Bloomington, and many of the residents retired there from nearby Chicago. Eddie arrived three years ago with Meredith, whose doctor referred her to the Health Center after a diagnosis that didn’t leave them much hope. He took a small apartment, unrealistically optimistic that Meredith would join him there. Instead, she'd died within the year, and while he'd originally planned on moving back to Michigan, one day he decided to stay, and after a few months, he moved into the larger duplex.

Entering the lobby of the apartment complex, Eddie walked to the back wall and pushed the button to call the elevator. He hoped Nick was ready to go. Eddie liked to get to lunch early too, mostly in order to avoid the general population. As horrible as it sounded, surrounding himself with people who had at least as much of their sanity and dexterity as he did made it easier to ignore the clock hands’ final rotations.

A television blared as he came down the hall, and he knocked twice before the door swung open to reveal Nick, shirtless, beer in hand.

Little early, isn't it? Eddie asked, closing the door behind him.

Nah, Nick said. It's Saturday, and the game's on.

Eddie noticed playing cards and an overflowing ashtray on the small dining room table. The lingering odor of stale cigars permeated the room. He walked over to the room's largest window and raised it.

What the hell are you doing?

Airing out the joint, Eddie said.

The Colonel and a couple of other guys from down the hall stopped over last night to play some Texas Hold 'Em.

Eddie frowned. Let's go - I don't wanna get stuck in line behind some dame who can't make up her mind between the Beef Stroganoff and pork roast.

Okay, gimme a minute to throw a shirt on, Nick said. I would have called you last night, but figured you'd be working on the book, his voice trailing off as he walked down the hall.

Eddie stood and watched the game while he waited.

Hey, did you hear me? I said I would have asked you to join us last night, but I thought you'd be writing. Nick pulled on a jacket and grabbed his Fedora hat off the hallway table.

Yeah, let's go, Eddie said, hoping that the fact he already had the apartment door opened prevented Nick from expecting a confirmation of his assumption in regards to the previous evening.



The dining hall was filling up, but the lines moved quickly, and they grabbed a table next to the window. A pale peach covered the walls in the room, and green and rose upholstered high back chairs flanked white linen wrapped tables. Eddie huffed, pushing aside a crystal vase from the middle of the table.

Christ, they give you these huge plates and expect you to fit them, your glass and silverware all on this small table, along with the salt and pepper and then this moronic vase. Who needs flowers on the table? The gardens are full of them, he complained.

I think it's to bring some of the outside in, Nick said. He nodded to a couple of women two tables down, both confined to wheelchairs with oxygen tanks attached. Not everyone gets the chance to go outside every day.

Since when are you so sentimental? Eddie asked.

Since when are you so offended by nature? Nick chided, buttering his roll.

Eddie ignored the remark and watched him lay the butter knife across his plate, drops of the yellow ingredient that passed for butter already dropping on the tablecloth. Eddie picked up the knife and placed it back on the bread platter.

Is Ray coming down?

Nick shook his head, and when he didn't add anything, Eddie pushed. Why not?

When I saw Bette this morning, she said she’d called him and he wasn't feeling well. She was going to take food over there and eat with him.

Eddie sat forward in his chair. Is it bad?

Well, it's not good - you know that Eddie.

I mean is it worse?

I don't know to tell you the truth.

I guess I'll wait then, Eddie started.

Wait for what? Nick asked.

I want to tell everyone at the same time.

Nick put down his fork. Tell everyone what?

Eddie decided telling Nick ahead of time might help, and afterwards, he pushed back his chair and placed his napkin on the table. Let's go, he said, standing up.

Do you think this is a good time? What if he's not up to it?

This could be just the thing he needs, Eddie argued. There's a chance we could really pull this off now, so yes, this is the perfect time.

Chapter 3

Lexington Hall was part of Avalon's assisted living facility and accommodated several levels of residency. Level one included the three M's: meals, mail and medications. Levels two and three included additional assistance with grooming and feeding. Eddie remembered reading the brochures while he waited for Meredith to get through with one test or another. The neediest residents received support with reality assurance and orientation cueing, buzzwords for confusion and forgetfulness, which did nothing to ease his anxiety of one day ending up a level three.

Bette answered the door and stepped back to let them enter. Ray sat in his recliner watching television, a plate of half-eaten food on the chessboard pedestal table next to him. Eddie sat at the end of the couch closest to Ray’s chair. He appreciated Ray's attention to detail - much like his own. Even at eighty, the man remained impeccably groomed, dressing each day as if appointments filled his calendar. A brief, but distasteful thought of talon-like toenails and eyebrows straying inches away from where they should be crossed Eddie’s mind as he picked up a bishop from the chess table and rolled it between his fingers.

We missed you guys at lunch, he said.

Ray turned off the television. I told Bette to go down, but you know her, he looked towards the diminutive woman clearing the dining room table. She’s afraid to leave me, doesn’t want to be the one to come back and find the body, he deadpanned loud enough for her to hear.

Ha, that would be my luck, she said, raising her hands to redo the loose pearl-colored bun atop her head, before wrapping a man-sized apron around her waist.

I have something important to tell you, Eddie said.

Nick shot him a glance. He had warned Eddie that they should tell Bette first, but Eddie didn’t think that was necessary.

Actually, I’m going to help Bette clear these dishes, Nick interrupted. He nodded towards the chess table. Ray, why don’t you kick Eddie’s butt in the meantime, and then we can all sit around and shoot the shit - uh, sorry Bette, I mean talk.

She laughed. Please, I’ve been around you boys long enough. But I will take you up on that offer to help cleanup - as penance.

You up to it? Eddie asked Ray, holding up the chess piece in his hand.

If you’re up to getting beat, I’m up to winning, Ray answered. He tossed aside the quilt covering his legs and brought the recliner to an upright position.

Eddie set his army on the board, and snuck a closer glance at Ray. He didn't seem to be any worse, but sometimes it was hard to tell with this disease. Eddie usually tried to ignore the circumstances, cowardly depending on Nick to keep him updated.

Nine moves later, Ray had him in checkmate. You don't have to let me win so quickly, he griped.

Yeah right. Even on my best day and your worst, I never stand a chance. I hate this game, Eddie said in defeat. I grew up playing with my dad, a few times every week. He never let me win - not once.

Ray grinned. Go again?

Eddie was about to tell him to go screw himself, but Nick and Bette returned to the living room, and by the looks on their faces, he knew Nick had told her. So, the dishes are done, and Ray has succeeded in kicking my ass in chess. I'd say it's time to get everyone on the same page.

Now fellas, interrupted Bette. Ray should get some rest. She took the quilt from where Ray had laid it and started to cover him.

Sure Bette, sorry - we weren't thinking, Nick said.

Sit the hell down Nick, Ray said, pushing Bette’s arm away gently. Enough with the quilt. Someone tell me what's going on. He pointed to Eddie, You don't normally come up here, so something is up.

Eddie’s face burned at the idea that Ray noticed his reluctance to visit him at home, opting instead for chess games out on one of the decks, or meals in the dining room. But now he could make it right, so he ignored the stares bearing down from Nick and Bette.

I met someone today Ray, he said. Someone who might be able to help us. He blurted out the rest quicker than intended. Her name is Lila. She just moved in next door to me, and she -

Ray held his hand up. I'm sure she's lovely, but exactly how is - Lila, did you say? How is Lila going to help spring us out of here, let alone get us to Albuquerque?

Eddie grinned. She has a car.

Ray let his hands fall to his lap and his body sink back into the chair. But she just moved here. You don't know her. She doesn't know you. Why would she help us? he asked softly.

Nick had asked him the same thing at lunch. It was a valid question, but Eddie couldn’t answer it rationally, at least not yet, and he couldn’t afford to let an iota of his own self-doubt show. He closed his eyes and made a silent plea to the one who didn’t owe him a thing, but who he counted on as if she were still here with him.

Chapter 4: Tuesday, May 22, 2012

May was historically the wettest month in Bloomington, but the skies had cleared the past week, and Eddie promoted his newly found espousement of fate by acknowledging that the good weather coincided with Lila's arrival. He walked outside and glanced in the direction of her duplex.

The determination he felt in regard to Ray's situation hinged not so much on the man’s illness, but rather the discernible sorrow resulting from a break in the relationship with his grandson Penn. Eddie didn’t know the whole story, only that the boy refused to communicate with Ray, and that it stemmed from the death of his father, Ray’s son, Charles.

Time away from Avalon might also encourage the muse to return and help lift Eddie’s protagonist (and himself?) out of the quicksand currently preventing either of them from moving forward.

Lila was instrumental to his plan, and he didn't feel bad about that. The one impression she had left him with during their short interaction last Saturday was that she wasn't keen on being here, so it could be a win-win for all of them.

She has to come through with that car, he said aloud.



Lila didn’t expect Daniel for a few hours yet, so when someone knocked at the door, she opened it only slightly. She recognized the man standing on her porch as the neighbor who’d watched her move in. It had unnerved her at the time, him watching as she struggled with her canvasses and trying to figure out which apartment was hers. She'd quickly rejected his offer of assistance, and she couldn't imagine what he was now doing at her door.

Good morning neighbor, he said, smiling.

Yes, can I help you? Lila asked.

We didn't formerly meet the other morning, so I wanted to welcome you to Avalon. My name's Edward Barnes, but everyone calls me Eddie.

When Lila didn't respond right away he added, I'm just two doors down, so I thought we should meet. Tilly would take me to task if I didn't come over and properly introduce myself, he said.

Tilly?'

Miss Tillman.

Oh, Jane - you call her Tilly?

Everyone does, Eddie said. Tilly's the best, I can tell you that. She always has a smile for you, and when you need someone to talk to - he broke off.

It sounds like you think highly of her, she said, softening her tone. She opened the door a bit wider and looked outside. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.

Yes it does. I don't want to keep you, I just remember moving in with my wife – of course it was a bit different - but still, it can be hard adjusting.

Would you like to come in for a moment? she asked.



The first thing he noticed was the large canvas hanging over the sofa. A canary yellow half-moon against an indigo background. Crimson roofs dotted the horizon. In the forefront, two musicians clad in black and white, with ties matching the red roofs, played their instruments. He let out a long whistle.

She laughed. Do you mean that in a good way?

Absolutely, he said.

What do you like about it?

He walked up closer to the painting and then turned to look at her. Well obviously the colors are great, but the musicians are what make it special. They remind me of a time when the biggest worry you had was what club to go to, and hoping you'd come up with a clever enough line if you met a girl who knew anything about jazz. Who's the artist? he asked.

Lila blushed.

He whistled again. Seriously? Wow, I mean, okay not articulating well here. What I mean to say is – well, wow.

They both laughed.

So, another reason I stopped by - besides to let you know I'm not a creep or anything - is that tonight is movie night. I know it's kind of corny, but it can be fun if the movie is good. A few of my friends and I are going, and we'd sure like to have you join us.

Lila considered the day in front of her. She definitely was not ready to embrace this place and the life it meant for her, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to make some friends.

My son Daniel should be here soon, she said, glancing at the silver watch on her wrist. He thinks I should sell my car, her voice caught slightly, and when she continued she spoke more to herself than to her guest. I'm not sure I'm willing to do that though. It would all seem so final.

Eddie scowled, and she touched his arm. What's wrong?



Eddie recovered his composure and grinned. Sorry, I was remembering when I sold our car after moving here. We didn't really have the need for it - but looking back, I wish I wouldn't have been so hasty.

But you could get another car, right? she asked. And we do have the group bus for the grocery store or a cab if you want to go out to eat or shop in town.

She sounded like she was trying to convince herself, and Eddie’s stomach tightened. For a moment, he forgot his plan, instead only considering that she was in jeopardy of losing a huge piece of her freedom.

I don't really think about it anymore, until I want to go somewhere and it's too late at night to bother with a cab, or too far to walk, he said.

She shook her head. I haven't agreed yet. Can I get you some tea or water?

Eddie considered the offer, worried that he may be inclined to push the issue. No thanks, I just wanted to come over and invite you to come with us tonight.

Oh, I'd almost forgotten, she said. So what's playing?

The Sting. Redford and Newman.

She clasped her hands together. That’s one of my favorites. My husband Jack and I saw it on Christmas day, the year it opened.

So you'll join us? Eddie asked.

That would be nice. What time?

He grinned. Good. It starts at seven-thirty in the Activities Center. Do you know where that is?

I'll find it, she said. Thanks Eddie.

He mocked a bow and tipped an imaginary hat. Think nothing of it.

At the front door, they stepped outside, and he nodded towards the car in the drive and winked. You never know when you'll need to make a quick getaway.

She smiled but didn’t say anything. Eddie turned to start back down the sidewalk, hoping he wasn’t making a mistake by leaving.

Chapter 5

It was after four in the afternoon when Daniel finally arrived. Lila opened the door, and mother and son embraced.

Mom, you look beautiful, he said, twirling her around and hugging her once more.

Oh Daniel, she rushed. I'm sorry about our argument the other night. I don't want us to fight.

He took her hands in his. Mom, I'm sorry too. Let's go inside, I want to see your new place.

She followed him as he walked through the rooms, seeing the place as he must - boxes still lying unpacked, dishes waiting to be stored in their new cabinets. When they came to the extra bedroom, Daniel stopped short in the doorway. Lila had converted the room into her studio, and it looked like someone had lived there for years. Paints and brushes organized in silver trays bolted to the room's amethyst walls, stacks of magazines and sketch pads lay on the table that extended from one wall to the other, and canvases arranged by size peeked out of the closet's double sliding doors.

Looks like the studio is first priority as usual, he said.

Lila ignored the tinge of resentment in his voice, and willed him to understand. There's so much to do, and I felt restless but overwhelmed at the same time, you know? I had some of the wall paint left over from home, so I stayed up all Saturday night and did the walls in here. Do you like it?

Without answering, he walked towards the easel in center of the room. Have you started a new painting already too? he asked.

She walked between her son and the canvas sitting on the tripod, but he stepped around her and let out an audible gasp.

She half expected him to demand an explanation; instead, he walked out of the room, changing the subject.

It's a nice place, Mom. I'm sure once you get all your things put away, it will start to feel like home.

She went along with the small talk. It's a shame Kendra and Jackie couldn't come with you today.

I know, but the good news is now that you're so close to us, you'll get a chance to see them often, watch Jack grow up. And Kendra is only working part-time now, so she'll be available to take you shopping or to the city whenever you want.

It will be great to be close to all of you, but I do have my car, she said pointedly.

Daniel's eyes widened. That's one of the reasons we wanted you by us Mom. This way you won't need a car. Between the transportation they have here, and Kendra and me, you can sell the car and save all that money you'd spend on gas and insurance. He walked to the front door. C'mon, let's go take a look. I want to see what kind of shape it's in and then check the value online.

Not knowing what else to do, she followed him to the driveway where a few boxes still sat in the backseat.

He opened the driver's door and started checking out the instrument panel - all the while talking to Lila, who had reluctantly climbed into the passenger side seat.

You know we all want what's best for you. And Katherine and Blair think it’s the best thing too.

Lila chose her words carefully before speaking. She didn't doubt her children's love, however she needed them to see her for who she was - not who they thought she was, or even worse, who they thought she should be.

Daniel, I love you. I appreciate you and your sisters wanting me to be okay. And I am okay, she took his arm off the steering wheel and made him look at her. The hardest time in my life was when your father died. Still, I survived that, and have lived a great life - a life I want to keep living.

Sure Mom, I get that. And Avalon is a great place - you'll make friends and live a great life here.

Like a pet kept in a cage by a well-meaning child, she thought. She turned and looked out the car window. Eddie was staring back at her from his porch. He gave her a thumbs-up sign.

Daniel, Lila said turning back to her son. Here's what we're going to do.



Nick gave a low, appreciative whistle, poking Eddie in the side, nodding his head in the direction of the door. Is that her? You didn't say she was such a looker.

Eddie turned away from the table where Tilly was selling popcorn and candy, following Nick’s gesture and saw Lila walk in. Even from across the room he sensed her