THE PRETTY HOME
by Phair
Lindsey was seriously nauseous when she finally sat down in the overstuffed chair in Mrs. Pretty’s living room. She took several deep breaths to quell her rebellious belly.
“You okay?” Beth asked as she knelt down next to her.
“I’ll be fine in a minute or two. Just haven’t been in a car in a while and you drive…kind of…” Lindsey blushed.
Beth grinned, “Sorry. I know. I drive too fast. You’re right. But, my Thunderbird is a real sweet ride.”
Lindsey burst out laughing. “Yeah, totally cheery!”
“Bitchin’!” Beth stood and laughed. “Glad to see you enjoying yourself at my expense.”
“Well, you got to know it’s funny to hear you talking like a real live person,” Lindsey explained. “You know, since you’re a grown up and a big time TV star.”
“I thought, being on public television meant I wasn’t a real TV star?” Beth asked.
Lindsey’s blush deepened, “TV is TV. If you’re on it you’re a star compared to me.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Beth stated with a grin.
“Ah, Beth,” a voice from the doorway leading to the kitchen spoke, “would you care to introduce me?”
“Oh no, Dad,” Beth thought to herself. “Not yet. I’ve barely got her in the door.”
Beth tried to explain the situation to her father in law several times over the last few days but he would mutely listen to her and not respond one way or another. She was worried what he would do when confronted with his son’s illegitimate child. This is why she chose to bring Lindsey home during his usual three hour nap. Beth hoped to sneak the girl in and then introduce them over a quiet meal.
“Dad, you’re up early,” Beth stated are she turned around to face her father in law.
Stuart Pretty was dressed in his Sunday best. He was in his dark suit with a starched white shirt and pink flamingo tie. His white sneakers were in stark contrast to his mahogany cane. Beth stifled a snicker at his gelled hair which failed to tame his three cowlicks standing on end.
“Would you be so kind as to introduce us, Beth?” He asked as his eyes filled with tears behind his black framed thick lens glasses.
“Stuart Pretty,” Beth cleared her throat and announced; “this is Lindsey Lee Ash. Lindsey Lee Ash, this is Stuart Pretty. Your Grandfather.”
Stuart made his way across the living room. He extended his hand to Lindsey and she accepted the handshake. The two nodded to each other but did not speak.
“Beth, I made lemonade and it’s chilling in the fridge. Would you get Lindsey and me a glass?” Stuart asked softly as he finally released Lindsey’s hand.
Beth watched as Stuart took the seat across from Lindsey. Satisfied that nobody would topple over while she was gone; Beth went to get the drinks.
“So, you’re my boy’s girl?” Stuart began.
“That’s what they say,” Lindsey felt uncomfortable with such a direct question but tried to be polite. After all, the old guy didn’t do anything wrong except having a creep for a son.
“You know what I think?”
“No,” Lindsey suddenly worried she misjudged the situation and a reprimand was coming her way.
Stuart straightened his tie as he sat forward, “We were robbed. You and me. We got taken.”
“Huh?” Lindsey was clearly confused by the old man. “He must got the All Timer’s thing or something,” she thought to herself.
“Each of my grandbabies I got to meet within three or four hours of their birth. But, I didn’t know about you. I couldn’t come and hold you and tell you it was gonna be fine living here. I couldn’t let you know you gots family and such to give you a hand when you need it. I couldn’t tell you how proud I was to be your grandfather.” Stuart hung his head and wiped at his eyes. “And, I am proud of you, Lindsey. Not because you’re my son’s daughter but because of who you made yourself to be. You’re a fine person. And you done it all by your ownsome.”
Lindsey sat and watched the old man mop at his eyes. She didn’t know what to say to him. But, he seemed so sad that she just couldn’t sit there watching him and say nothing.
“Hey, ah, Dude, it’s okay. Please don’t cry, man. I’m not sure I can stand to watch, you know, you crying. So, don’t. I mean, try to stop. Its okay, I mean, I’m okay. You don’t need to cry over me.”
Lindsey reached out and took the old man’s hand in her own. He grasped own like it was a lifeline.
“Can you forgive me for not being there for you?” The old man looked up with anguish in his eyes.
“Sure.” Lindsey just wanted him to stop crying.
“If I had known you were out there then I would have moved Heaven and Earth to find you, Lindsey! I’m gonna make it up to you. I swear I will.”
Lindsey was about to respond when she saw Mrs. Pretty standing in the doorway with two glasses of lemonade. Tears were streaming down her face. Lindsey decided that it would be in everybody’s best interest to accept her newly found grandfather’s heartfelt pledge.
“Thank you, Stuart.”
“Please, call me Grandpa Stu. All my kids do,” Stuart look up with an expectant smile.
“Thank you,” Lindsey took a deep breath and a big plunge, “Grandpa Stu. Thank you.”
