Dear Grandfather, I Adore You

By Olive Nightingale

Olivia's grandparents opened their hearts and home to her from the day they laid eyes on her. She is smart, curious, and sassy. Her grandfather often joked, "You have a plaster for every sore." She is witty. Life after the death of her grandmother was like an emotional rollercoaster; however, she persevered.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889431442

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Dear Grandfather, I Adore You

Olive Nightingale

ISBN 979-8-88943-143-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88943-994-3 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88943-144-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Olive Nightingale

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Island Girls

Chapter 2

Olivia

Chapter 3

Meeting Tommy

Chapter 4

Grandma, Olive

Chapter 5

Aunt Gatha

Chapter 6

All Is Not Well

Chapter 7

The Doctor Visit

Chapter 8

Willie

Chapter 9

Becoming Blind

Chapter 10

Death

Chapter 11

The Funeral

Chapter 12

A New Normal

Chapter 13

Meeting Ruth

Chapter 14

Olivia Hospitalized

Chapter 15

Mrs. Celia

Chapter 16

Storytime

Chapter 17

The Game

Chapter 18

The Amputation

Chapter 19

Steve

Chapter 20

A Broken Heart

Chapter 21

Welcome to New York

Chapter 22

The Saddest Day

About the Author

Chapter 1

Island Girls

Ruth and her sisters, Abby and Mavis, lived with their mother Maude in the village of Willikies on the eastern side of the island. From the main road, there was a long footpath that led to their small two-bedroom house; it sat on a rise a little higher than the rest of the village. The little house had seen better days with its broken windows and shutters that barely hung on their hinges. The wooden floor creaked as they walked. Their light source, a hurricane lamp, and when there was no oil for the lamps, candles were the only option. A tall outhouse stood a few feet from the house and served as their plumbing.

Ruth, the oldest, was twenty-four, followed by Abby who was three years younger, then Mavis, the baby in the family, a year younger than Abby. At an early age, their father left the family for a new life in England, leaving Maude to struggle with the girls. As the oldest, Ruth did what she could to help her mother take care of her younger siblings. Their mother struggled to make ends meet by cooking lunch for the workers at the nearby factory. If the workmen were really hungry, it was a good day for Maude and her girls. At times, life was difficult for them, but with help from family, friends, and neighbors they managed to get by.

The girls came of age when they'd go out, and the young men would always entertain Abby and Mavis while a shy and reserved Ruth stood on the sidelines and watched. Before long, Mavis became involved with a handsome young police officer who worked at the local station house. His name was Leo, a social butterfly with loads of friends; he took the title of the most popular young man in the village.

His every move was detailed with an entourage. In his circle was a young man named Willie. Willie lived in another village but traveled to Willikies on weekends. Among his peers, he was the player. Not bad-looking himself, he believed he could charm any girl of his choosing. The budding relationship between Leo and Mavis came to a screeching halt when Leo had to leave his post for duties on a neighboring island. From a distance, Willie admired Mavis but kept his feelings to himself until Leo left. Willie saw this as the perfect opportunity to make a move on his friend's girl. He invited the sisters to his family picnics on the beach, fetes and functions in his village. Mavis noticed his sly moves but had no interest in Willie. She promised Leo she would wait for his return.

***

Six months later came a bittersweet moment when Wille's plans got thwarted by Leo's return. Mavis and Leo quickly picked up where they left off. It was at that point Willie decided to switch gears and move in on an unsuspecting Ruth.

Ruth liked Willie but never made her feelings known, for he never paid her much attention or conversed with her while in the girls' company. She, however, suspected he had feelings for her youngest sister but never thought he'd betray the trust of his friend.

As time passed, Mavis and Abby noticed behavioral changes in Ruth. Disappearing at times without saying a word, she gradually distanced herself from them and became very secretive. Ruth's interactions with Willie became noticeable and visible to her sisters. They found it strange, for he never showed any interest in Ruth.

Ruth and her mother were so much alike, they'd always have a clash of opinions 'cause neither would give in to the opinion of the other. Already having a strained relationship with her mother, things only got worse when the rumors began to circulate in the village that she was with child. As the rumors spread like wildfire, so did Willie's wings; he upped and fled from the island without uttering a word. At first, when confronted by her mother, she denied the rumors. She feared her mother. Maude had a mouth that was hot like pepper sauce. So denying, for now, was buying preparation time; not for long though, her figure soon displayed the evidence. As her stomach grew, so did her mother's resentment. Ruth lied. For the duration of her pregnancy, she was not only carrying the weight of her baby but was also clothed in a fabric of despair designed by her own foolishness. Now, an icepick couldn't break the ice between them, and they lived like strangers.

Chapter 2

Olivia

After the birth of her daughter, whom she named Olivia, she stayed with her mother and tried her best to remain humble to keep a roof over her and Olivia's head. Mavis thought she was now grown enough to play the role of housewife and moved in with Leo. Abby went along. Olivia, now four, when her mother got her all dressed up in her Sunday best, her attire couldn't have been more appropriate to meet the queen or some sovereign dignity. Somehow, from her child-mind view, she knew this was not a doctor's visit, and since it was not a Sunday, they weren't going to church. However, she dared not ask where she was headed for fear her mother would yell at her. She sat quietly with both palms beneath her chin and thought I wish we could leave now. That moment arrived. Ruth held her daughter's tiny and started a brisk walk, a walk Olivia had gotten used to. Ruth trekked through the long bushy footpath like she was being chased by a wild boar; poor Olivia always managed to keep up. It led to the main road, where the buses, trucks, cars, and donkeys pulling their carts traveled daily. Not long after, Olivia and her mother arrived at the side of the road. A bus in the near distance stopped to accommodate riders as it approached them. Ruth stuck her hands out and signaled the driver to stop. They hopped on and took a seat directly behind the driver. Olivia got comfortable on her mother's lap.

She must have slept the entire trip for she was awoken by her mother's voice telling the driver if he could kindly stop at the school road. Through the window of the bus, Olivia could see all the homes clustered together. These homes were unpainted with galvanized roofs. Some looked as if they had weathered many decades of hurricanes. There were also beautiful ones like she saw in nursery rhymes with manicured lawns, some with rose gardens, and others with hedges. It wasn't long before the driver stopped. They had arrived at the school road. They hopped off the bus onto the curb.

On the side of the road, a few young men sat engaged in a game of warri. One looked at Ruth and Olivia and gestured to another to do the same, as if two aliens had just descended on their village. Ruth held on to her daughter's hand, pulled her closer, and picked up her pace. After all, they were miles away from home and in a strange village. They walked down the street in total silence. They came upon a huge wall, and behind it sat a brick house. It was the biggest house Olivia had ever seen. The sunlight beamed on its high windows. She wondered if the windows were ever washed and who could reach that high. They were adorned with the most gorgeous red drapes. Unlike the other homes, this one had shutters. Shutters on every window; they too were just as high. Ruth stopped in front of the house and took a deep breath. Seemingly preparing herself for a grand entrance.

Mother, ah way this? Olivia broke the long silence between them.

Be quiet! Ruth snapped. She rang the doorbell, not long after a tall, dark-skinned man opened up the door. His head was bald and shiny like he had slathered a whole jar of coconut oil on it. He was wearing a police officer's uniform. Ruth's greeting was met with an awkward stare.

Hello! Who are you, and what brings you to my doorstep? the man asked.

I'm Ruth, and this is Olivia, your granddaughter.

Again, he delivered another awkward stare before inviting her in. Come in and sit down! he said, gesturing to her to sit on a beautiful white sofa in a corner of the living room. The sofa looked like no one had sat on it before. In front of it stood a mahogany coffee table with fresh-smelling flowers that perfumed the room. Pictures covered the walls of the living room, framed pictures of children at play, and a portrait of a beautiful couple on their wedding day. Another picture from the same wedding displayed what appeared to be the couple's entire family, grinning from ear to ear showing their pearly whites. A man dressed in a uniform, like the one he was wearing, stood in a silver frame. On another wall, a huge portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and beside that, a portrait of the Crucifixion.

Olivia and her mother sat on the sofa, while he walked down the long hallway and disappeared for a short while. She'd been told that her father's parents lived on the southern side of the island but never met them. He reappeared with a gorgeous woman with beautiful hazel eyes and long flowing hair followed steps behind. The woman wore a floral short-sleeved dress with a white belt, which matched her strappy white sandals. Olivia's eyes met hers. A feeling came over Olivia like she'd known the woman all her life, someone she met before, maybe in her dreams. Olivia couldn't take her eyes off her. The beautiful woman was her grandmother.

Hello, Ruth, she said as she walked toward Olivia. She picked her up and held her close for what seemed like an eternity. Still holding on, she sat on the sofa and rested Olivia on her lap. What's your name? she asked.

Me name Olivia, and me four.

Tears welled up in the woman's eyes. She continued to embrace Olivia and whispered quietly in her ear, Your name is Olivia. My name is Olive, and I'm your grandmother!

So what brings you here now? the man asked in a fussy manner.

With a trembling voice, Ruth answered, Mr. Cornwall, can we talk in private?

Mr. Cornwall looked across at his wife, as if seeking her approval. Yes, we may. If you could give me a few minutes.

Again, Mr. Cornwall left the room only to return moments later with a tall slender lady whom he introduced as his cousin Alice. Seemingly, Alice was the family decision maker, or her input was necessary at this moment. She walked over and greeted Ruth and Olivia. Good afternoon! looking Olivia up and down as though she were completing an inspection. She then said, But, Olive, this child is the spitting image of Willie. Then turned to Olivia. Olivia, sit here! Let me get you a book. Can you read? she asked.

I've been reading to her since she's younger. I taught her, Ruth said. Her broken dialect was fluent.

Yeah, me can read, since me three! replied Olivia.

Given a book, Olivia opened it to read while the adults left the living room and disappeared down the hallway. The adults were gone for some time, leaving her alone. She fell asleep on the sofa clutching the book beneath her arm. In the other room, Ruth pleaded her case to the Cornwall's and their cousin Alice. She told them how difficult life was raising Olivia as a single mother with no help from Willie, their son. She spoke of nights they went to bed hungry and unemployed. Mrs. Cornwall listened attentively. After Ruth stated her case, there was a pregnant pause in the room. The Cornwalls made eye contact, but Olive, without consulting her husband, made her decision.

Well, Ruth, I've prayed and waited patiently for this day. Willie spoke of you and mentioned you might be pregnant. I know Olivia is our grandchild, for she resembles Willie when he was her age. Her tiny hands look just like his, and most of all, she has inherited a trait of my son that I don't need a blood test to prove. That I will keep to myself. She is my child's daughter, my granddaughter, and I will keep her! She exhaled.

Mr. Cornwall gave his wife the look of Do I have a say? Mrs. Cornwall never made eye contact with him. Olivia was staying.

Okay, Ruth, did you bring anything for her, clothes, shoes, anything? asked Mr. Cornwall.

No, Mr. Cornwall, I was not sure what would happen, so I was not prepared. I can bring her belongings tomorrow, replied Ruth.

Well, do so because she'll be staying with us, he spoke sternly.

Mr. Cornwall, Mrs. Cornwall, I am very grateful! I don't know how much to thank you. I will go and speak to Olivia now. I should let her know she will be spending some time with you. If you will pardon me. Ruth left the table where they sat and made her way back to the living room only to find Olivia fast asleep. She thought it would be best if she left without waking her, so she said her goodbyes and began her journey back home. Olivia awoke later to find that her mother was gone.

Where Mammy gone? Olivia asked her grandmother.

Olivia, your mommy went home. She will return tomorrow, she said, then explained to her that she will be spending time with them and why, but she was just too young to understand. To pacify her, she mentioned that her cousins Fern and her brother Tommy would come over to play. Olivia's emotions were a mixture of sadness and perplexity; she missed her mother. The latter didn't last for long, her laughs and the sparkles in her eyes reflected the warmth of love she received in her new home. These feelings were unlike the ones she experienced living with her mother and maternal grandmother. She enjoyed her new grandma's cooking, no stale food. The part she enjoyed most at dinner time she got a full big glass of cold Kool-Aid. There was no refrigerator in the house she came from.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, still no sign of Ruth. The last memory Olivia had of her mother was seeing her walk down the long hallway with the other adults for their private talk. Olivia asked her grandmother several times when her mother would visit. She always gave the same answer. Olivia sweetie, Grandma don't know.

Time went by, and Olivia didn't ask about her mother. Her existence seemed like a faded memory. She had a new home, a new beginning. She had her own room that she decorated with her grandmother. They painted the walls with her favorite colors, they hung pictures of animals, children at play, and even a portrait of her grandparents that they gave her. They bought pretty pink frilly drapes to hang at the windows. They matched perfectly with her new canopy bed. Although she loved her new room, she was afraid of the dark. She took naps there during the day, but slept with her grandmother at night.

Since Olivia knew how to read and enjoyed doing so, Mrs. Cornwall bought her lots of books. Caribbean Readers was one of her favorites. She was not enrolled in school, but in a few months she would be five, when she'd start kindergarten. Until then, she would spend time playing with her cousins and reading to her grandparents and Uncle Percy.

Mrs. Cornwall was the envy of all the women in the village; she was beautiful and soft-spoken, with long wavy hair that favored a dougla. While all the other women had to work the grounds and help their husband, she was comfortable being a housewife, and sewing her seed works while her husband provided for the family. She got married at an early age and started a family; her education never got further than the walls of her primary school. However, she spoke with the eloquence of a Cambridge graduate. Prior to Olivia's arrival, she spent her days making souvenirs from beads and seashells she collected from the seaside just to stay busy. She made necklaces and other beautiful trinkets and sometimes sold them to the tourists that passed through her village, maybe on their way to one or more of the island's many historical sites.

Mr. Cornwall held a high rank in the police department and was in charge of the prisoners confined in a secluded area on the island. He was much older than his wife. He was adventurous, and you could tell that at the prime of his life, he was a force to reckon with. His job kept him away from home for long hours. He left at the break of dawn only to return just in time for dinner. At times, it was as if he and his wife were in sync with each other, for the pot would always be coming off the stove just as he walked through the door. Mrs. Cornwall not only cooked for her husband and Olivia but also for their son, Percy. Mr. Cornwall ruled with an iron fist and expressing feelings, and being outspoken was considered rude and disrespectful. He