Roseborough: A Novel

Chapter 15

214 Chapter Fifteen 1 Tony has come to gather up ladders and gardening tools. He walks around the house examining repaired window frames and a water faucet. Anne writes a check for the last of the repairs. Satisfied with his work, Tony says, “Dr. Hamilton , have you thought about painting your kitchen, maybe just one wall?” “No,” she says. “Maybe a soft red.” “Well, Tony, I’ve never thought of red as being soft.” “I’ve got some paint in my truck. It’s called, ‘Soft Red.’ I’ll get it.” She stands looking at the almost-white wall, considering. A color would be nice in here, but red? Allen never liked red. When Tony returns with the paint, she says, “I’ll try it. Leave it and I’ll paint a test board.” Tony finds a newspaper and sets the paint on it. Prying the lid off, he grins at her. “I’m thinking about running over to Weather­ ford next weekend and taking her out. What do you think?” “I think it’s a great idea. But remember. Miss Weems turns her phone off early.” 215 Roseborough The next evening Dylan comes, ringing her doorbell. “Well, Dylan,” she says. “Brought you something,” he says. “And hey, you’ve painted that wall. That’s a great color. I like it.” Then, walking quickly to his truck, he pulls a Christmas tree from the back of it. “The nursery gave it to me. Lennon and I have already put up our tree. Well here, here’s a good place,” he says, setting it in her living room in front of the windows. “What do you think? Do you want it?” “Yes. This is nice. I’m having my book club over next week. It’s the first time I’ve ever had them.” “The ladies will enjoy the tree,” he says. Screwing the tree into the stand while Anne holds it straight, he says, “I’d be glad to help you get the lights on.” From the attic Anne hands down dusty boxes labeled: Lights, Ornaments, Manger Scene. “Dylan, you look wonderful. How do you feel?” Stringing the lights, he says, “I’m feeling really good now. The doctor says I’m in complete remission. And Lennon’s doing great, too.” “I’m sorry you didn’t bring him with you.” “His grandmother took him to the Science Place. If I’d known about the tree, I’d have brought him.” He is silent as he puts the last string of lights on the tree. They stand together admiring it. “It’s lovely,” she says. “Dylan, thank you.” “I guess you know that the class, most of us anyway, we still get together.” “I know it. I’m glad.” “We keep up with each other.” “Friends.” “You bet. Betty and I are taking in a movie tonight. So I guess I’d better take off.” 216 Jane Roberts Wood Whistling,hewalksdownthedrivetohistruck. MotherMary comes to me. Whispering words of wisdom, let it be, he whistles. Picking up the tune and humming along with Dylan, Anne smiles. Her brother loved this song. 2 Anne is returning each piece of flatware to its place in the silver chest. Her house smells of bread making and burning candles and flowers. Since Allen is out of her life her house looks more like a place where a friend might drop in. She sees herself taking her hands out of soapy water and drying them on a cup towel on her way to answer the door. “Come on in the kitchen,” she could say to Joan or Tony or Christopher. Smiling ruefully she glances at the clock. Since it is almost eleven a visit is unlikely. And, besides, she is too tired for whimsicalthought .Thebookclubmembershavetalkedlightheartedly— a play recommended; a movie, in spite of its critical acclaim, disparaged; a neighbor’s move regretted—and she has enjoyed it. Joan was the last to leave. “Thanks for having us,” she said. “Your house looks lovely. The beautiful rugs. Your books everywhere and the Christmas tree. Isn’t this the first time you’ve had a tree?” “Yes, a student brought it. I don’t know why I haven’t had one. This is the first one I’ve put up since my family died.” Getting ready for the party had made her look at her house with new eyes. The red wall was so cheerful she brought the love seat from her bedroom and put it in the...