Costly Priorities

By Bobbie Barton

COSTLY PRIORITIES tells the tale of two girls who become fast friends. Because of the bond they form, the lives of the members of their families become inextricably intertwined. After an accident hospitalizes one of the friends in the 1950s, the young women go off on separate paths. One of them becomes obsessed with achieving instant fame. Her hunger for the success that will make her immortal takes her to Hollywood and a quest for stardom. The other finds love and loses her need for material wealth.

The father of one of the girls is a highly successful lawyer employed by the reigning Don of organized criminals. When his daughters friend loses her father, he steps in to protect and provide for the widow and her sons as well as his only childs best friend. Dangerous events occur as the family becomes ever more deeply entangled with mobsters. Raging fires in California and attempts on the life of one of the young men the lawyer befriended convince him that his chosen profession, an accountant in his benefactors law firm, was less than wise. His adoration for his mentors daughter is rejected consistently. He finally accepts that hes only a pawn in his beloveds game. He determines that he probably will be annihilated by the enemies of his employer. He rethinks his aims and sets out to destroy the violent men he previously worked to protect.

The action takes place from the early forties through the late fifties. The characters lead the reader from Brooklyn and Long Island to California, Chicago and upper Illinois, as well as Virginia and Europe. The twists and turns in the changing priorities of the cast keep the reader wondering where and when the next tragedy or victory will occur. Those members of the families who survive are left with a sense of some measure of success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 8, 2007
• ISBN: 9781467807630

Bobbie Barton

Bobbie Barton was born on Long Island, New York during the depression years. She grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Her main source of entertainment was a weekly walk to the local library. Her love of reading became a passion for writing at an early age. As is often the case lifes detours postponed her desire to create literature. Love led to marriage and raising a family. During the Korean conflict her husband was stationed in Munich, Germany. She was able to join him there and the couples first child was born on foreign soil. Life proceeded apace and it wasnt until the 1990s she was able to pursue her dream of creating entertaining novels. RANDOM DETOURS is her eighth novel and she intends to continue writing fiction as long as there are readers to enjoy her stories.

Book preview

Chapter One

As Arlene walked from the parking lot to the front door of the hospital the wind whipped her mercilessly. She hardly noticed. She was intent on reaching Joyce’s room.

She’d been at work when she got the call. Totally immersed in meeting the deadline for the magazine publication, there’d been a touch of annoyance in her voice as she answered the phone. Her mood changed immediately at the sound of Amelia’s voice at the other end of the line. Her dear friend had seemed distraught and flustered.

Come home. Joyce has been hospitalized. I need you.

Arlene left her office after leaving instructions with her staff regarding finishing touches to the fashion layouts she’d been finalizing for the 1956 Christmas issue. She never remembered hearing Amelia so upset before. She couldn’t even get her to elaborate.

As Arlene slipped behind the wheel of her red Thunderbird, she tried to imagine what the probtlem might be. The last time she’d seen her, Joyce she was well and happy. She’d been preparing for a trip to Paris to do some photo sessions for the spring issue of their magazine. Now that she was away from her office, she found herself becoming frightened.

As she pulled out of the parking garage, she was distressed with the Manhattan gridlock. She usually left the city for the Long Island suburbs at off-peak hours. She didn’t have that advantage today. She resigned herself to the fact that it would be slow going.

After interminable stop-and-go traffic, she reached the parkway that would finally take her to her destination. She visualized her lifelong friend, such a vibrant, glowing human being. When last they’d been together, Joyce had been bubbling with anticipation of her upcoming trip to France. They’d put together an itinerary.

Once on the parkway, traffic sped up and thinned out, allowing Arlene to speed up. This got her to the hospital quickly. She parked and entered. She went straight to the elevator and rode it to the third floor. She sighed and twisted her purse strap, jangling her car keys inside, as she walked down the third floor corridor.

As Arlene stood outside the hospital room, she dreaded opening the door and learning what catastrophe had befallen her dearest friend. Nevertheless, she steeled herself and entered.

The room was dimly lit. She saw Joyce lying pale and still in the hospital bed. An IV was suspended from a metal stand and a monitor was recording her vital signs. Arlene knew immediately that something more serious than she’d been willing to believe had happened.

Arlene glanced at Amelia sitting in a chair beside the bed. Even in the poor lighting Arlene could clearly see that Amelia’s eyes were red and puffy from crying.

Amelia was the housekeeper who had cared for both girls during their summers together. She was Joyce’s father’s distant cousin. She’d been deformed from birth and had little hope of a normal life. She had a humped back and walked with a limp.

Arlene hurried to Amelia’s side and embraced her as she asked what had happened to Joyce.

Amelia spoke haltingly. It was an awful accident. She wouldn’t listen. I told her to wait for your brothers to help her. She should’ve listened to me. She wanted the trunk from the attic for the trip to France. I went to get Oscar and Eric from the stables. When I got back, she was sprawled at the bottom of the attic stairs and the trunk was on top of her. I couldn’t lift it. She was pinned under it until the men got there to help. I tried so hard to help her. Never made a sound. Never opened her eyes. I can’t get it out of my mind.

Don’t blame yourself. You couldn’t have stopped her. She’s stubborn and thinks she can do everything. Never was a way to stop Joyce from doing something once she got it into her head. Don’t ever berate yourself for anything that Joyce does. Try to be calm and let me know how serious it is.

I don’t know Amelia said quietly. She was in the emergency room for several hours. Then they settled her in here and told me to wait for the doctor. Seems like he’s taking such a long time. I’m so happy you’re here. Oscar and Eric were too restless. Sent them to get some flowers so she’ll see them when she wakes. Mainly, I sent them so that they’d feel that they were being useful. I’m so frightened. She hasn’t moved at all since I found her. Silent tears began to escape from her dark eyes.

Feeling as helpless as she knew her brothers must have felt, and as frightened as Amelia seemed, Arlene moved to Joyce’s bedside and clasped her limp hand. She silently prayed that Joyce would be whole and healthy at the end of this ordeal. Arlene realized that Joyce would be furious when she awoke because this mishap could cancel her upcoming trip. That thought brought tears to her eyes.

Just at that moment Doctor Feinstein entered the room. He’d cared for both of the girls ever since the first summer they’d spent on Long Island.

Arlene felt a wave of relief when she saw him. The doctor took Arlene’s hand in his and led her to a chair facing Amelia. There he explained the situation. His eyes were kind and his voice was low and calming.

We could have a serious problem here but it’s still too soon to know. I’ve had x-rays and tests done and didn’t find anything alarming. There are contusions and several damaged ribs, no internal problems. There appears to be a mild concussion. My main concern is that she remains unconscious. She exhibits no circulatory or respiratory distress. There’s nothing more to do but let her rest. The next day or two will give us a better picture. Knowing Joyce as I do, I expect a full recovery. Right now we’ll just watch and wait to see what develops.

Arlene asked Doctor Feinstein to arrange for them to spend the night with Joyce. She said she didn’t want her to awaken alone. He said that was the best approach for now. After checking the monitor and IV he left the room.

Amelia told Arlene that she would go to the hospital cafeteria and bring them back some supper. She also said she’d get some reading matter and check on the sleeping arrangements.

Left alone in the sterile hospital room Arlene felt the tension begin to leave her. Doctor had really had no devastating news. Arlene willed herself to believe that all would be well at the end of this experience. She whispered, You really did a job on yourself. I’m glad I wasn’t responsible.

The door opened and Arlene’s brothers, Oscar and Eric entered the room. They were handsome, tall and muscular, as their father had been. They had prominent cheekbones and dimples. Their eyes were deep set and a warm hazel color, as were Arlene’s. The boys could’ve been twins although they were two years apart. Arlene was the youngest of the three Kamen offspring. She was five years younger than Eric who was the second born son.

Now, Oscar went to Joyce’s bedside. He held her hand in his and felt the familiar softness of her flesh against his toil worn fingers. His eyes filled with hot tears of concern. His memory raced backward to the intimacies they’d known. He thought of the first time. Black clouds had sped in a swift tumult across the sky. The horses had been toweled dry after a day of racing over sand dunes and beaches. Still, they were skittery and unsettled. As he’d approached the corral where they were snorting and fretting the sky blackened further and lightning split the ebony clouds and illuminated the scene before him. The chestnut mare pranced, offering her haunches to the black stallion. The stud approached the mare cautiously. Her prancing ceased and she held herself rigid in anticipation. She held her head high and whinnied. His penis was fully engorged as he mounted and entered her. Her flanks quivered and her eyes rolled wildly.

Then Oscar had noticed Joyce at the corral fence. His own manhood was fully aroused. As Joyce came toward him she was flushed and breathless. The wind was whipping her long blond hair about her face and shoulders. She was unbuttoning her blouse as she walked to him. All the sexual longing that ever existed in the world was in her deep, blue eyes. She wasn’t wearing a bra so her firm, young breasts burned his chest as she leaned against him. Her hands slid beneath his shirt and caressed his bare skin. She ran her hand down his side across his belly and, when she found his penis, she held it gently.

There was no power in him to resist as she guided his hand to her crotch.

He fondled her as he kneeled, settling her beneath him on the ground. There was little foreplay because the horses had accomplished his sexual arousal.

Joyce bit his shoulder deeply to stifle a scream that rose in her because this was her first time. They lay panting in the muddy pasture. There were no tender loving words between them. They were animals obeying the basic instincts with which nature had endowed them. Their labored breathing subsided and they rearranged their clothing and took leave of each other.

  

While Oscar stood beside Joyce reminiscing, Eric questioned Arlene about her opinion regarding Joyce’s condition. Eric’s relationship with Joyce had been the exact opposite of Oscar’s. Although Joyce and Oscar coupled any time the need rose in them after that thunderous evening Eric had no clue as to their trysts. Eric had fallen deeply in love with Joyce when he first set eyes on her. His adoration had never been voiced nor had it been physically displayed. He and Joyce were viewed as the best of friends. She took an interest in all of his endeavors and confided her plans to him. Her attention heartened him and he hoped one day to win her love. In the meantime, their platonic relationship was satisfactory to him. He fully expected to achieve financial success and become worthy of his heart’s desire. Now, he stood at his darling’s bedside realizing that fate could all too easily shatter all his hopes before he ever made them known. The thought caused a shiver to run through his body. When Joyce was conscious he needed to tell her of the life he envisioned for them.

A nurse entered and the swishing sound of her stiffly starched white uniform interrupted the thoughts of Joyce’s visitors. She quietly, but firmly, ordered them out of the room. Two orderlies entered and set up two cots in the large, private accommodations Tony Giovanetti had arranged for his daughter.

  

Arlene stirred restlessly on the uncomfortable hospital cot and opened her eyes to the first gray light of dawn stealing between the slats of the Venetian blinds in Joyce’s room. A week had already gone by since the accident and no significant progress had occurred. After the first night, Arlene, Amelia, Oscar, and Eric had rotated spending nights in Joyce’s room. They all agreed that one of them must be there when Joyce awakened.

Now it became imperative that Arlene go back to the magazine. Although the staff was competent and willing to carry on without her there were some weighty matters that required her presence and her final decisions. In truth, Arlene was becoming restless and fidgety, feeling utterly useless here. In this quiet, sterile environment fear clutched at her insistently so fright was gaining control. All of her devotion was to no avail at this time. With these wearying thoughts she made her way to the lavatory to prepare for another day.

As Arlene got ready to spend one more day removed from her regular routine at work she lamented over the circumstances that kept her away from the productive days she was used to spending in Manhattan. By the time she heard movement in Joyce’s room she’d decided to go back to the city. Her eyes brightened at the prospect of returning to the business world where she wielded a degree of control over the daily happenings. The mere thought of getting back to work was enough to bring a smile to her face. She went back into the hospital room with lightness in her step. It surprised her to find her mother seated beside Joyce’s bed.

Where’s Amelia? Arlene asked.

Anna Kamen rose to accept the hug and kiss her daughter gave her. I volunteered to sit with Joyce while Amelia took care of some errands, Anna said.

That’s good. I’m sure she can do with a little time away from here. Matter of fact I’m going into the city today. Feel the need to remove myself from this somber setting. Be back in a couple of days. I’m only a phone call away if I’m needed.

Nothing to worry about. I’ll be happy to spell you. Not easy to hang around waiting for a change in Joyce. I’ll be certain to contact you if there’s any news.

That’s a load off my mind, Arlene said as she crossed to the bed. She patted Joyce’s hand, waved goodbye to Anna, and was out of the door.

  

Anna settled down in the chair beside Joyce’s bed. She planned to spend the day reading. She found it difficult to concentrate on the words. Her gaze kept wandering to the slumbering young woman. It dawned upon her how fragile the small successes in life could become. She remembered how easily Arlene had become a part of Joyce’s family. It had been Tony Giovanetti, Joyce’s father’s doing. He’d accepted Arlene as an unofficially adopted sister to Joyce. As the girls grew Joyce became insistent that Arlene be included in all of the family’s plans. Tony accepted her unconditionally and mounted a campaign to convince Arlene’s parents that her time with Joyce was entirely to Arlene’s benefit.

Josef Kamen was quickly convinced that it was for his girl’s welfare to associate with the Giovanetti’s. Arlene’s happiness when she shared time with Joyce left him no choice.

Anna was not so easy. She suffered loss while Arlene spent summers away from home so she visited Long Island frequently. Anna put the book aside and walked to the window. As she opened the blinds she recalled her reaction to Ursula Giovanetti. Anna never became very friendly with Ursula, Joyce’s mother. Ursula’s aloofness could not be broached. More often, Anna and Amelia shared housekeeping chores. Tony spent greater portions of his leisure time with the girls as each summer unfolded.

Returning her gaze to Joyce Anna noted again that Joyce had her mother’s characteristics as well as her appearance. She held all people at arms length but Arlene. As the girls grew up their desires turned from childhood fantasies to more ambitious exploits. Much of Joyce’s time was devoted to the horses Tony had acquired. Arlene became engrossed in painting. Boating exhilarated both girls.

As Tony’s law practice expanded the size of the boats he owned also grew. When Anna visited she often went out into the Sound with Tony and the girls. She eagerly learned to navigate. The pleasure of relaxing as the gentle swells rocked them when they sat in the twilight discussing the day’s adventures became Anna’s favorite activity. As the years went by Tony and Anna learned much about each other’s separate lives. Anna listened attentively to his recitals of the cases he was involved with at his office and about law. Tony, in turn, patiently listened to her concerns for her family and usually could help her come to some acceptable solution.

Anna shrugged her shoulders and chided herself for dwelling on the past. She’d timidly followed Tony’s advice although she had felt certain that the path he led the Kamens down would lead to disaster. She sat down and resumed reading. It wasn’t long before she found herself thinking about when Arlene and Joyce were thirteen. That was when the tragedy occurred. There was trouble at the docks. The union called a strike.

Tony had warned Josef to stay away from work until things calmed down but he was stubborn. He had it in his head that it was wrong for someone to force him not to work. No amount of pleading from Anna or arguing by Tony could dissuade Josef. When he got to the pier where he was to unload a freighter the strikers were there to prevent anyone from working.

It had been just before daybreak when Josef kissed Anna goodbye for the final time. He left the apartment to get to his job. There was a steady downpour as he made his way to the bus that would take him to the piers. The wind buffeted him unmercifully while he waited for his ride to the docks.

Josef was aware that trouble was bound to erupt when men dared to cross the picket line but he had a strong belief in the rightness of his actions.

When he arrived, a line of goons barred the way to the freighter that was waiting to be unloaded. A much smaller group of equally determined men gathered together. Josef joined them and they followed him unflinchingly as he approached the pickets. The rumbling murmurs ceased as the gap between the two groups diminished.

The workers advanced and the fight began. The hired thugs mixed in with the strikers knew their business well. Once the leader of the honest dockworkers was subdued the fight was over. There were a few more unnecessary blows before the enthusiasm waned and the incessant rain dampened the ardor of the crowd. Those who were too battered to leave were loaded into ambulances and taken to the nearest hospital.

Josef had received the brunt of the attack. He was at the front and was acknowledged as an unofficial leader of the uprising. He wasn’t killed outright. He lived two days more but he never again saw his beloved Anna. He was never able to say goodbye to his sons and daughter. He had obeyed his instincts and stood by his principles but now his family was deprived of his care.

Josef was laid out in the parlor of the tenement apartment in the Kamen’s home. He looked young and robust dressed in his only suit.

Anna sat staring at his corpse remembering when he had scrounged together money for his wedding suit. Silent tears coursed down her smooth cheeks. Although friends and relatives offered their sympathy their kind words hardly registered. Her pain seemed unbearable. When the coffin was lowered Anna collapsed into Oscar’s arms. He was so much like his father. Anna felt safe with him.

Although Eric closely resembled Oscar in appearance he was much more outwardly emotional. Tears streamed from his eyes as he led Arlene from the grave.

After the burial the family and friends sat around the kitchen table talking quietly. As the evening joined the night the friends left the family to come to grips with their situation. Tony Giovanetti was the last guest to leave. He asked Oscar to bring Anna to his Long Island residence as quickly as possible.

  

When a nurse entered Joyce’s room Anna’s unwelcome thoughts were interrupted. At the nurse’s suggestion Anna went to the hospital cafeteria. Even in the subdued murmuring of the breakfast crowd her mind refused to let go of the memories. As she sipped her coffee she remembered when she’d awoken to the sound of the surf. It had been an alien sound, constant and rhythmic. She had been more accustomed to the rumbling of cars and trucks and the blaring of automobile horns. She had tried not to enter the waking world. Instead, she’d kept her eyes closed and listened to the endless tide and the squawking sea gulls. Her mind had refused to sleep. Her eyes had refused to remain closed.

Anna remembered that she was in the guest room at Tony’s summer place. She loved this room. The furnishings were a matched set rather than mismatched pickings. The deep blue drapes and the bed and bath linens were all color coordinated to complement each other. It was stylish and comfortable. Being here made it possible to face the lonely future. The house had sounded silent as Anna washed and dressed. She had headed for the kitchen to prepare coffee. There she’d met Ursula. Ursula had given Anna an unexpected embrace. Ursula had never become interested or involved with the personal lives of the Kamens.

As the two women had sat drinking coffee Ursula advised Anna that Tony was handling all of the issues involved in settling Josef’s estate. Had Anna not been so deflated by her husband’s sudden death she would’ve laughed at that statement. As it was, she’d sat silently by and let Ursula continue. Tony would be home for dinner and they’d discuss the matter then. Unfortunately, Ursula had business in the City that would keep her away for some time.

Anna had busied herself with clearing away the dishes but was too restless to remain indoors for long. She’d put on a heavy sweater and left the warmth of the house. The wind was icy already on the late fall day. The discomfort had reminded her that she was alive and alone in the world. She and Josef had shared a good life although they’d struggled together for their three children. Their home had been filled with love and laughter.

When she finally tired of pacing along the shoreline she’d sat down on a large boulder and let her thoughts roam. She thought of how uncomfortable she’d felt about letting Arlene spend her summers here with a strange family. That had been three years earlier and nothing but good had come from the relationship.

Oscar was now steadily employed in Tony’s small stable. Eric also worked there but he wasn’t convinced that he’d be content to remain in that capacity. Arlene and Joyce were closer than sisters. Life had been comfortable. Now, she’d never hear Josef’s growling voice nor feel the roughness of his hands over her warm and wanting body. This thought had loosed the tears that she’d believed had been completely exhausted. She’d sat there hugging herself and letting the grief escape. When the sun began to make its way to the edge of the sea she’d roused herself and slowly made her way back to the house. She’d known that Tony would have the answers she needed.

Joyce and Arlene had remained in Brooklyn with Amelia. The girls refused to be parted at such a mournful time. Oscar and Tony had agreed that they should be together. They’d also felt that Anna would require time alone to face her future.

Even though the years had dulled the pain of Josef’s death Anna wiped fresh tears from her eyes as she glanced around the cafeteria. None of the patrons seemed to notice that she was weeping. She supposed they all had problems of their own. She next recalled how easily her sorrow had been alleviated.

Tony, Anna and her sons had eaten together at the kitchen table in Tony’s home. Tony was a solicitous host. He carried the conversation and kept the topics general and light. The atmosphere had been as relaxed as possible upon death’s heels.

The four unlikely friends had retired to the living room where they fell into easy conversation despite the sorrowful subject. Tony addressed Anna. I took it upon myself to handle the legal details. I hope this doesn’t offend you.

Of course not, Anna said. It’s very kind of you. Let me know what to do to settle things quickly.

There are some papers for you to sign, and you’ll receive the proceeds of an insurance policy. It’ll tide you over ‘til you can get a job. I’ve given thought to that and have come up with a plan that I believe will be acceptable. You’ve been sewing to supplement your family’s income. Begin a bridal shop. I know of a small store for lease right here on Main Street. I’d like to be your partner. I’ll handle the financial end. We could split all the expenses and profits.

Anna had been taken aback. She knew that she’d have to work and she loved the work involved in repairing and creating clothing. She’d hoped that she could continue this but didn’t feel that it would bring in enough money. Her only problem had been why Tony would be interested. She had simply asked him why he would bother to become involved.

For money, of course. It will be a successful business. But you’re right to question my motives. I also propose this because it’ll bind you more closely to this family. Our girls have become like sisters. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them happy.

Anna had gratefully accepted. Tony said to Oscar, "I expect you to complete the two years of work that you agreed to in payment of your college education. Go further with your education. You do a great job with the animals and seem to like it. Become a veterinarian. We can set up a college fund and work toward that. We’ll work out the details later.

I’ve also given thought to your future, Eric. Tony said. "I’m not being as generous as it may seem. All of my solutions are essentially to my benefit. I’d like to finance your college education, if you care to study accounting. I’ll arrange a job for you for four years after you graduate. If you agree the next few years of your life would be comparatively worry free.

As for Arlene, I see no problem with the present arrangement. Although Amelia’s young, she’s responsible and devoted. She can manage caring for the girls in Brooklyn as well as on Long Island when Ursula’s gone.

Anna hadn’t missed the sadness that cooled the usual warmth of Tony’s voice and eyes at the mention of his wife. Over the years Ursula’s presence became less frequent until it was more of a rarity than commonplace. Even sadder had been the fact that not one of the group seemed to miss her or even comment on her absence any longer.

Anna had left the room with Oscar. Her family’s future looked promising and it had all come about because her daughter had chosen a friend whom Anna would’ve never considered appropriate. Her only discomfort had been when she’d glimpsed the carefully concealed sadness in Tony’s eyes. She’d prayed that this kind man would find solace and happiness.

Chapter Two

Tony was in court when Amelia’s call came. His secretary, Edna Simpson, took the call. Tony was defending his mentor, Vincent Scaleri, against serious charges. When Tony got back to his office it was late in the day. Edna had waited for his return.

Amelia called with some bad news. There’s been an accident on Long Island and Joyce was hospitalized. Won’t be any concrete results on her condition until test results can be reviewed. She was trying to bring a trunk down from the attic for her trip to France but was too impatient to wait for help. She slipped and fell. She was unconscious when she was taken to the hospital. Should have more information some time this evening.

He thanked Edna for the message and entered his office. The afternoon sunlight slid through the windows. It set the highly polished wooden desk aglow and fell across the burgundy Italian leather chairs and sofa. He went directly to the bar and poured a snifter of brandy. His hand trembled ever so slightly as he raised his glass to his lips. He wanted desperately to concentrate on how well his defense of Vince was coming along. He needed to win this case in order to maintain his well-established position as a successful criminal lawyer for known family members. He just as desperately wanted to race to his injured daughter’s side.

As Tony settled back into a comfortable armchair, Edna knocked softly at the door. Without waiting for a response she entered the room. Her voluptuous curves masked a professional efficiency that was unsurpassed by any legal secretary that Tony had ever employed. At her sight Tony’s spirits lifted. He asked her to join him and she helped herself to a glass of wine before settling down in a chair opposite his.

I feel trapped, Tony said. I can’t delegate Vince’s case to anyone. The victory for this one must be mine. Success hinges on winning this one. I’ve completed all of the briefs and I’ve just about finished the outline for the summation. How the next few days go will give me the ammunition to fill in the blanks and bring the case to a close. If you could review each day’s briefs and point out any foreseeable problems I could spend my nights on the Island. You up to it?

Edna’s smiling eyes remained unblinking as she reverted to street language to answer, No sweat, boss. We’ll show the world that Vince Scaleri’s as honest as Abe Lincoln.

With those words they both broke out into relieved laughter.

  

It was nearing nine when Tony finally parked his car at the Hospital. He was optimistic as the elevator doors opened on the third floor. He remembered how easily Joyce always seemed to recover from her childhood illnesses. He expected no less in the present situation. He hadn’t personally spoken with Amelia or Arlene or heard the distress that was so evident in their voices. Even if he had, he would’ve withheld judgment until he received Doctor Feinstein’s opinion. The silence in the hospital corridor caused him to slow his pace and dampened his spirits as he searched for Joyce’s room. He hesitated and inhaled deeply before lightly tapping at the door. He entered and saw Amelia and Arlene sitting dejectedly on either side of Joyce’s bed. Amelia’s eyes were red and puffy. Arlene appeared composed and confident. She seemed to be in perfect control.

His gaze next fell on Joyce. The only indication that anything was amiss was the plastic intravenous bag dangling beside the bed.

He went to Amelia and kissed her cheek lightly. When she clung to his hand he began to have misgivings about his initial evaluation of the situation. He tried to calm his doubts by reexamining Joyce. She was paler than usual but didn’t appear to be in any serious distress.

He next turned his attention to Arlene. Her composure didn’t seem strained. She’d surely be more agitated if Joyce were in danger. Her hazel eyes reflected the subdued lighting in the quiet room as she met his gaze.

He quietly questioned her regarding Joyce’s condition. She told him that, until the test results were reviewed, there appeared to be no fatal damage. They’d know more tomorrow. She also let him know that she and Amelia would be spending the night here with Joyce. They would immediately contact him should she awaken. Since the house was a mere fifteen-minute ride from the hospital, this arrangement was excellent.

Amelia filled him in on the circumstances surrounding the accident. As midnight approached Tony opted to go to the house and get some rest.

  

Amelia was exhausted. She sat in the dusk of another evening in Joyce’s hospital room praying that this ordeal would soon end. During the month that had elapsed as family and friends sat vigil little had changed. As they waited for signs of recovery they quietly talked to Joyce recalling the events they held dear and hoping she could hear them and would respond.

Amelia spoke of Joyce’s christening, communion, confirmation, graduation and successful modeling career. She reminded Joyce that she had much work waiting for her and stressed the urgency of her commitments. She chastised her for dawdling and wasting a whole month while the world waited for her reappearance. Exhausted, she rested her head on the side of the bed just touching Joyce’s hand. She felt her fingers move.

That’s my good girl. Soon you’ll be back with all of us and life will go on happily. I want you well and whole again. I know you won’t disappoint me.

Amelia began to repeat the memories she had recited time and again over the last month as she sat beside the bed of her beloved charge.

The door opened and Arlene entered. She looked at the same scene she’d been viewing each time she came into the room for the last month. It had become depressing.

Amelia hugged Arlene and said, Joyce moved her fingers tonight. She’ll be well soon.

Arlene’s breath caught in her throat and she remained frozen in Amelia’s embrace, afraid to believe the words she had just heard. Finally, she told Amelia to go home to give Tony the good news. Amelia left hurriedly after calling a cab from the phone in Joyce’s room.

When Amelia left, Arlene went to the bed and took Joyce’s hand within both of her own. She, too, felt the limp fingers flutter and was filled with relief. Tears welled up and overflowed. They fell upon the tangle of fingers resting on the stark white bed sheets. Along with the tears, fond memories flooded into Arlene’s mind.

"Remember when we met in Kindergarten. Most of the children avoided you because Tony was working for the mob and good children stayed away from that sort. But I was assigned the seat right next to you and, when I looked at you, I sensed immediately your need for an ally. You would never have admitted in a million years that you wanted or needed a friend. I was drawn to you instantly. I sought you out at recess and stayed close to you so that we were partners when we marched to the schoolyard or gym. I was awestruck when I saw your father’s big, black car pick you up after school each day. I envied you and most of the children in our class envied you, also. The difference was that they berated you for your good fortune and ostracized you but I emulated you and cultivated our friendship.

"When I realized that you had no intention of racking your brain to do your lessons, I happily shared my homework with you. It meant that I could spend most of my days at your house. I breezed through our assignments and spent the rest of the afternoons playing games with you and pretending I belonged in your world.

I thought, then, that life was idyllic and nothing could possibly improve. Then Tony wanted to have a place on Long Island. I was terrified. I never expected that I’d be included in his plans. I didn’t realize then that his life revolved around you and anything that brought you pleasure. I lived in dread because I couldn’t believe my parents would allow me to spend my summers away from home. It took all of the courage I had to put the question forward. It never dawned on me that they also wanted my happiness. I didn’t think there could be anything for our parents to talk about. I expected them to meet and end our friendship forever. What joy I experienced when I was permitted to be with you and your family for your vacations. I wonder if you realize that it changed my life forever.

Arlene was caught up in her memories. She left Joyce’s bedside and looked out the window as she continued to speak.

Remember when my dad died and our families blended together. Tony became our head of household so inconspicuously. It was barely evident that he’d worked out all of the details without even having to consult us. He just waltzed us around and neatly tucked us into the slots he’d prepared for us. It was easy to see that he was devoted to my mom. Those were the times when no one missed Ursula or cared what she was up to. I sometimes sinfully daydreamed that Tony and Anna were our parents. Such childish thoughts were inescapable. I think losing my father left such a void that Tony became the perfect replacement in my young mind.

Arlene shrugged her shoulders and returned to Joyce’s bedside.

Now, you’ll soon be well and whole and we can go on to greater successes. You’ve had more than enough rest. It’s time to get up and get on with living.

Arlene hadn’t heard the door open or Tony enter the room. She merely sensed him standing behind her chair. She turned to see him and read the disbelief in his eyes. She grasped his hand and placed it over his daughter’s restless fingers. She saw the disbelief replaced with tears of joy. As he turned to face her, she placed her arms about his neck and gently kissed his salty tears away. What had been meant as a natural act between longtime friends suddenly unleashed carefully hidden emotions. Tony’s strong arms embraced Arlene and his lips found hers. Pent up passion emerged and longings surfaced for the first time.

Arlene clung to Tony and admitted to herself how much she had desired his kiss and his embrace ever since he’d escorted her to her high school prom because her date came down with the chicken pox. She had denied her smoldering need all through college. She had experimented with sex twice while