Hazel and Elliott ordered drinks and food, and then Hazel leaned back in her chair and listened to others talk about their latest activities.
Ross announced that he’d arranged for kids to sign up to attend a Red Sox baseball game.He’d secured several seats and arranged transportation for an afternoon game.
Hazel made a mental note to ask Jed if he’d like to go.
Sarah and Dani told them they were supporting a youth baseball league at the Center.
Hazel listened, pleased to know that the Sports Center was having such an impact on life in Lilac Lake.From across the table, Ross looked at her and winked.She’d met with him earlier that day, and he’d told her they were giving her a raise.
When Hazel was ready to go home, she turned to Elliott.“I’m ready to leave.Are you?”
He shook his head.“I’ll stay a while longer.Brooks told me he’d give me a ride home.”
Hazel saw the happiness on his face.“Okay, I’ll leave the front porch light on.”
###
The next morning, when Hazel arrived at the tennis court, Jed was sitting on the bench holding his head in his hands.She approached and quietly sat beside him.
“Everything okay?”she asked gently.
He lifted his face and shook his head.“Lucinda is sick.”
“Is she going to be okay?”Hazel asked.
Jed shrugged.“Lisa is taking care of her, but Lucinda has what Lisa says are serious health issues.”
Hazel put an arm across his shoulders.“I’m sorry to hear this.If you need me to help, please let me know.”
His eyes shining, he said, “I will.Lisa says Lucinda likes me best because I can make her smile.”
“It’s nice that Lucinda knows you care,” said Hazel.“That’s important.No matter what happens.”
Mike approached.“Are we ready?”
Jed jumped to his feet.“I am.”
Hazel rose, aware that Jed was embarrassed by his previous tears.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
After Hazel played tennis with Jed and Mike, she decided to walk Jed home.She wanted to see if there was anything she could do to help Lisa with Lucinda.She couldn’t imagine having a foster child who needed so much care.She’d seen an array of machinery and medical equipment to know how underdeveloped Lucinda was.
When she and Jed got to the house, a car was parked in front of it.
Jed raced up the porch steps ahead of her and entered the house.
Hazel followed behind, hoping she wasn’t intruding.
A woman wearing a nurse’s scrubs stood with Lisa, checking Lucinda.
Lisa saw her and acknowledged Hazel with a bob of her head and then put an arm around Jed.
“Lucinda is going to the hospital.She has pneumonia and can’t breathe well on her own,” said Lisa to both of them, a look of worry etched on her face.“The nurse has called the EMTs, and I’ll ride with Lucinda to the Portsmouth Hospital,where she can get the best help possible.I’ve called Janis, next door, but she’s out and won’t be here forhalf an hour or so.Hazel, will you stay here with Harry and Baby Simon?”
“Yes, of course.And Jed will help me, won’t you?”Hazel asked him, knowing how important it was for him to keep busy.
“Yes.I’ll take care of them too,” he said.
