The Darker Side of Love

By J. Shannell Evans

A family is devastated by the sudden, unexplained illness and death of their mother, Caroline. The cause of death initially is unknown and tensions rise over a dispute for an autopsy. When the cause of death is revealed, their already strained relationship is torn apart as suspicions arise from among them. Faith in God, dogged determination

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Jan 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956896664

J. Shannell Evans

Joan Shannell Evans was born in The Bahamas. She is a diversified writer, having published books in various genres: poetry and drama, inspiration, mystery fiction, and, now, the author of a children's series. She has worked in church ministry since 1983, which has included Children and Teen ministries, beginning as a teenager herself. She has been writing even before that. She was a community activist in her hometown of North Andros in her early years. She is now an accountant by profession, and CFO at her home church in Nassau, The Bahamas.Connect with J. Shannell Evans at www.joanshannellevansbooks.com

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Contents

Acknowledgment

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Acknowledgment

I wish to express my sincere thank you to the following people who have contributed to the production of this book.

Thank you to my editor, Amber Hatch from whom I have learned so much. It was a pleasure working with you. I look forward to future projects.

Special thanks to Tamara Evans, Vanessa Rolle, Denise Strachan, Kayvanna Russell, Talitha DiPalma, Nathan Evans, and Milton Evans. Thank you for your reviews. Your critique helped to finetune the book, and your glowing comments encouraged me to push past the setbacks and the disappointments to see it to fulfillment.

To Corrine Evans, my project manager, and advisor. Your wisdom and support have been invaluable.

Dedication

To my family whom I love dearly.

‘G randma’ ma, the flowers are just so beautiful,’ six-year-old Elki swooned as she sat on the little garden stool beside Virginia. Her round, brown face lit up with pleasure as she tried to take in the vast expanse of roses and other brightly colored flowers.

Virginia chuckled softly and with a gloved finger dusty from pulling weeds, she tapped her granddaughter playfully on the nose. ‘Just like you my little pixie’.

Elki giggled and wiped the dust off her nose with the back of her hand. Then she became serious. With her head tilted to one side, she said.

‘Grandma’ ma, mommy says this garden belonged to your mommy. That she used to love being with all the flowers. Then one day wicked people made her die and you couldn’t spend time in the garden with her anymore. She said you were sad for a very long time after your mommy died. Are you still sad Grandma’ ma?"

Virginia paused and sat back on her heels. She looked away into the distance. The child’s question had conjured up a lot of memories. She became filled with sadness and she felt cold fingers run down her spine. It was a dark time that Elki was asking about. Too dark for her to share with one so innocent. She tried to shake it off and looked down at her precious granddaughter who was watching her face ever so intently. She mustered up a smile.

‘It was a sad time, yes, but I’m not sad anymore. I have you, pumpkin, and all these beautiful flowers. What is there to be sad about? You know what? It’s hot out here, how about some nice, cool lemonade?"

Elki laughed and clapped her hands. Yes. She got up and ran to the porch ahead of Virginia.

Inside the house, Virginia washed her hands and poured lemonade for her and little Elki, and then she took some fresh baked cookies from a jar and set them on the kitchen table for them to nibble on with their lemonade.

While Elki munched and chattered, Virginia’s thoughts drifted back to the time her granddaughter had innocently referred to earlier in the garden. It was fifteen years ago but she remembered it clearly as if only a few days had passed.

Chapter 1

Virginia rolled over. Jack was still asleep. He didn’t have to go to work, he was between projects. She got up and looked out the window. It was a beautiful morning. It must be cool out as there was dew on the grass. The sun was just coming up to touch it with its warmth.

I am not going to work today either, she announced out loud.

What is that? a sleepy Jack asked.

Nothing, go back to sleep, Virginia replied as she headed out of the room into the shower. She knew exactly what she was going to do with this beautiful day.

An hour later, showered and dressed in shorts, a cool top, and brimmed straw hat in preparation for the day ahead, Virginia placed her husband’s breakfast in the microwave with a note on the door and headed out to her car. She pulled out of the driveway and down the street into traffic.

Her mother would be working in her garden on such a beautiful morning. Virginia was looking forward to joining her there. Her mother loved that garden, and so did she, especially the roses. It was their place.

However, when she pulled into the yard, the garden was empty. Just the lovely flowers looking lonely in the sunshine. Now, why would flowers look lonely? she thought as she got out of the car.

Mom? she called out. Why aren’t you out in the garden this beautiful day?

No answer.

She put down her handbag and went to look in the kitchen, her mother’s other favorite spot.

Not there either. She left the kitchen and was walking towards the stairs as she called out again, Mom. At that moment, her father appeared coming down the stairs.

Don’t be loud, your mother isn’t feeling well, he said.

"What do you mean, not feeling well? Virginia asked.

She’s just not well, now don’t you disturb her.

Despite her father’s words, Virginia found her voice rising. Don’t disturb her? Why didn’t you call me?

Virginia rushed past him up the stairs. At the doorway of their room, she saw her mother lying on the bed. The woman who normally seemed tall and slender now looked diminished and frail on the bed. It was disturbing.

Mom? she said again more softly as she crossed the room to sit on the bed beside her. What’s wrong? Why didn’t you call me? How long have you been like this? The questions rolled out one after the other.

Her mother chuckled softly, despite the obvious effort, and stretched out a frail-looking hand to gently pat her daughter’s. She replied in a small, tired voice, I didn’t want to worry you.

Worry me? Virginia asked. How long has she been like this Dad? she asked over her shoulder. When there was no answer, Virginia turned to her father. Dad? How long?

A few days… he began to reply.

A few days? Virginia exploded. Look at her Dad. Has she seen the doctor? She turned back to her mother. What did the doctor say?

Before her mother could answer, her dad spoke behind her. We haven’t been to the doctor.

You’ve got to be kidding me!

She looked again at her mother and her mind reeled. It had only been two weeks since she saw her.

Mom, I’m taking you to the hospital. I’ll help you get dressed. She helped her mother from the bed and to the bathroom to get cleaned up.

Getting her mother ready took some doing. She had no strength. Getting her down the stairs was another challenge. With her father’s help, they got her down and out to Virginia’s car.

Hold on Virginia, I am coming with you, her dad said. Just give me a minute, Virginia grunted in response as she made her mother comfortable. She didn’t trust herself to reply. She was just too angry. But she waited anyway. When he returned, they drove off.

On the way, Virginia dialed Dr. Grimes on the car phone. She told him about her mom’s condition. We’re on our way to the hospital now, she said.

St. Mary’s? That’s nearest to you, he replied.

Yes, that is where we are headed.

Good, I will meet you there. I can be there in about fifteen to twenty minutes.

Thank you, Dr. Grimes. The call ended and Virginia looked over at her mom. She was looking even more tired. She pressed down on the accelerator as she weaved through traffic.

No need to speed Virginia, her dad said. Virginia threw him a fleeting glance in the rearview mirror and kept going. She had to get to the hospital fast. A few minutes later, they turned off the highway at Exit 2A. Another five miles and they pulled up the ramp to the ER entrance. Virginia brought the car to a stop and was greeted by a valet.

My mother needs assistance, she told him. He spoke briefly into his radio and within seconds, a young orderly was coming through the doors. With a flick of his hand, the valet indicated to the orderly to come to him. Virginia got out of the car, the engine still running, and went around to the passenger side. Her father got out of the car now too. As they helped her mom out of the car, she seemed about to lose consciousness.

My God, Mom! Virginia cried. The orderly settled her in the chair and rushed through the doors into the hospital.

Go with them, Dad, Virginia instructed.

You both can go, the valet said. I’ll take care of your car, he added as he handed her a valet ticket.

Thankful for this, Virginia grabbed her bag from the car and rushed through the doors behind the others. As she went, she quickly dialed Jack. She left a message telling him where she was. Disconnecting from the call, she realized she had not seen where they went. She stopped at the desk to speak to the nurse. My mother just came in literally minutes ago, can you tell me which way they went please?

To Adult Emergency Service. It is just down that way, you’ll see the sign.

Virginia took off in the direction the nurse had indicated and soon saw the sign. Her dad was sitting in a waiting area. He told her they had taken her mother straight in. Virginia sat down and suddenly burst into tears. She was afraid. She could feel that something was wrong.

Don’t cry Virginia, your mother is going to be okay, her dad said.

Why didn’t you call to say she wasn’t well? Why didn’t you bring her to the doctor before now? she asked him tearfully.

We thought it was a passing thing; indigestion or acid reflux that she always gets. You know how she is when that happens.

I’ve never seen her look this fragile and weak, Virginia returned. This must be more than just indigestion or acid reflux.

We don’t know that at all, her father said, but Virginia was not listening to him. She dialed her cell again.

Hello, Brenda? I am at the hospital with Mom. Something is wrong but I don’t know yet what it is. We are in the ER. Virginia paused a second and then asked, Brenda did you know Mom was feeling sick?

The voice on the other end was surprised. No, I didn’t. When I spoke with her, she didn’t mention it. But you live in the same city as her, why would I know and not you?

Virginia began crying again. I don’t know. I didn’t see her for two weeks. I had a case that kept me in court every day.

Why didn’t Dad tell you? Tell us? Brenda asked. Where is he? Is he there?

Virginia took a deep breath and replied, He’s here, said they thought it was indigestion or acid reflux and that it would go away.

"And it isn’t? Brenda questioned her sister.

I don’t think so, Virginia told her.

Just as her dad got up and walked over to the water cooler, a tall figure came into the hallway. It was Dr. Grimes.

Brenda, Mom’s doctor is here, I will call you back in a few minutes, Virginia told her sister and hung up.

Bill, Virginia, the doctor addressed them both. Virginia stood up to greet him. How is Caroline?

She is in the treatment area, but I think it’s her acid reflux giving her a bad go, Bill answered.

Dr. Grimes, I have never, ever, seen my mother look the way she does today, Virginia cut in. There has to be more going on with her.

Dr. Grimes took Virginia’s brown hands in his large tanned ones and squeezed them. I will go and see what is happening. It is going to be alright, don’t worry. He patted Bill on the shoulder and then walked towards the treatment area. A nurse spoke to him and he followed her through the double swing doors.

Virginia sat back down, her head bent into her hands as she prayed, Dear God, please let Mom be alright. I love her so much, please let her be alright.

Bill sat back down too not far away but said nothing. Instead, he sat back with his eyes closed. Virginia’s cell phone rang. It was her husband.

Jack.

Virginia? Jack asked. You are crying. How is your mother? I am coming, I will be there in a few minutes.

No Jack, it’s okay, Virginia cut in quickly. I’m just scared, but Dr. Grimes is here now, he just went in to find her. I’ll see what he says about her condition. You rest, I will call if I need you to come.

I don’t know Virginia, he returned. Are you sure?

Yes, I’m sure. Just pray Jack that is a great help, Virginia replied.

Jack sighed deeply. Okay. But call me, Virginia.

I will. Love you, Virginia breathed.

Love you too. Jack hung up and Virginia put the phone away. Jack worked hard and she knew he needed the rest. She didn’t need him sick as well. She got up and walked across the room to look out the large-paned window which gave a view of a park across the way. It looked peaceful out there. People were walking, strolling, or sitting on the benches, with not a care in the world, or so it seemed. She leaned her forehead against the glass and closed her eyes.

Virginia wasn’t sure how long she stood there but sometime later she heard Dr. Grimes’ strong voice as he spoke to her father and she turned and came back to join them.

I saw Caroline and spoke with the ER physicians who began her care. We have to do a scan to see what is happening on the inside, but right now, she is too weak for us to do anything. Her blood works show that her hemoglobin is extremely low, and so is her blood pressure, hence her weakened state. We have to bring those up before we can attempt the scan or any other exams. She is going to have to be admitted so we can begin working on bringing her numbers up.

"How long will that take? Why can’t you do the scan and work on the hemoglobin count?" Virginia asked.

Too much exertion in her state can be dangerous. She is also very dehydrated. We are putting up the IV lines now and we’ll get her going with the blood transfusion and liquids and put her in her room.

Can I see her? Virginia asked in a tight, small voice.

Not just yet. Let us get her settled in her room with the transfusion and liquids.

What do you want us to do Doc? Bill asked.

You can pick up some of her things from home that she would like so she can feel comfortable; that was her request. In the meantime, we will take care of her.

Virginia and her dad sat back down in silence for a few minutes after Dr. Grimes left. Then she got up. I will go and get her things. You stay here with her, see her to her room. She walked quickly before he could move to join her. She needed to be alone. She was still mad at him, and she was scared. Her years of legal training and practice did not prepare her to handle times like this. In the courtroom, she was a formidable foe, but here in the hallways of St. Mary’s, not knowing what her mother’s condition was, she was a wreck. She could not recall seeing her mother looking so drained and listless before. And now that she thought of it, she was much thinner too.

If only I had not let the whole two weeks go by without seeing her, she moaned to herself as she walked out