Broken Flower (Early Spring 1)

"His friend Kimberly is still there helping him," I interjected.

Grandmother Emma made a sound that resembled a long "N0000."

"Your grandmother is aware of that. She actually found out all that last night," Mr. Ganz said. "That's part of what I meant by a rolling stone gathers no moss. No moss grows under her feet, or bed in this case," he added. "This has reaffirmed her belief that you won't get the attention and care you deserve.

"Of course, you know your mother can't do much for you right now

either. S0000," he said, leaning back in his chair, "your grandmother would like you to live with her sister. Francis, for now."

I knew I looked stupefied, shocked, and even somewhat foolish with my jaw dropped.

"Your great-aunt Francis lives alone on a nice property. I've been there from time to time for legal matters. You'll go to school and back on a bus and I'll see to it that you have all you need, medically and otherwise."

'But. .Daddy wants me to live at the mansion with him and Kimberly," I said.

Grandmother Emma grunted.

"Your grandmother has arranged for this alternative," Mr. Ganz said. "I'll be meeting with your father today, too, and he will be in agreement about it. Believe me," he added, and exchanged a knowing look between himself and Grandmother Emma.

"I never saw my great-aunt Francis," I said.

"Nevertheless, she knows all about you and Ian and always has," Mr. Ganz said.

"Will Ian come live with her, too?"

"Someday, maybe. Maybe," he emphasized. "Mama might be upset about it."

I was sure Grandmother Emma was trying to laugh. Mr. Ganz smiled, too.

"No, we're pretty confident your mother would prefer this arrangement to the one your father was suggesting, Jordan."

"Daddy will be very upset," I insisted.

Grandmother Emma reached for Mr. Ganz with her left hand. He seemed to understand every look she gave him and every move she made, even her distorted words.

"Why don't we say this then, Jordan? If after I meet with your father, he is opposed to the

arrangement, we'll forget about it. OK?"

I looked at Grandmother Emma. Even as sick as she was, she had that same light of confidence in her eyes. She was still the queen.

I nodded.

"Good," Mr. Ganz said. He smiled and brushed my hair with his left hand. "You'll be fine, Jordan. Everything will be good for you from now on."

I looked at Grandmother Emma. Her eyes shifted and she lay back.

"Your grandmother's tired now, Jordan. The doctor didn't want us to have too long a meeting. Say good-bye to her for now," he told me.

I nodded and stood up. Grandmother Emma turned toward me. Then she lifted her left hand, her good hand, and I reached out to take it. Her eyes looked teary, and in fact. I saw the first drop sneak out the corner of her right eye. She held my hand tightly. I glanced at Mr. Ganz, whose eyes looked full of amazement.

And then I leaned forward and I kissed her on the cheek. Her tears flowed freely then.

And I couldn't hate her for not mailing out my letter.

I couldn't hate her for anything.

28 She Will Never Hate You