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Rosetta's New Home
Rosetta tried to concentrate on the John Wayne movie, but frequent memories of John, Camellia, and Isaiah keep distracting her. Since her arrival at Silverside Retirement Home, she had not heard from them. She was grateful for being placed at Silverside, but she missed her friends.
Her room was clean and included all the luxuries of home; a television with a built in VCR, a stereo, a bed, a cherry dresser with an oval mirror, and a small closet. The floor was covered with a burgundy colored carpet.
Mrs. Carson provided the residents with plenty of entertainment and activities. She gave Rosetta, a second hand sewing machine when she learned of her prior work as a seamstress. The machine remained in the corner unused. Rosetta was too depressed to concentrate on sewing.
Mrs. Carson entered with Rosetta's evening meal. Her auburn hair was pinned beneath a spider-web hair net. She was dressed in faded denim jeans and a sleeveless pullover shirt. The aroma of pot roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and strawberry cobbler arose from the sterling silver serving tray. "I hope you enjoy your dinner."
"It smells delicious. I love homemade strawberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream."
"I was beginning to think you disliked my cooking since you only eat a few spoonfuls."
"I haven't had an appetite lately, " replied Rosetta, staring at her food and wondering if Camellia was receiving proper nourishment.
"Maybe I should schedule a complete physical for you with your family physician. I will phone his office tomorrow morning. Rosetta, when you finish your dinner, Please join the other residents outside on the veranda. It is unhealthy for you to remain isolated inside this room."
Rosetta knew modern medical technology could not cure her ailment, but she did not quarrel over seeing the physician. There was no medical remedy for separation from your beloved friends. She recalled the card games in the corridor of Shadow Brook haven.
"I realize you miss your friends from your former residence, but you are making yourself sick. Maybe you could try befriending the residents here." said Mrs. Carson, removing the sheets from Rosetta's bed and replacing them with clean linens.
Rosetta stifles a sudden urge to laugh, considering her choice of friends among the other three residents residing here. The seventy-two year old, bottle-dyed redhead, Mrs. Edinburgh complained about everything under the sun. She had been raised with all the luxuries money could provide and still possessed her high-society attitude. She was extremely prejudiced and angered Rosetta intentionally with racial slurs. Rosetta despised her with a passion.
Eighty-five year old Nanoko Hatta was Japanese and did not speak or comprehend a word of English; she simply bowed graciously whenever anyone approached her if Mrs. Carson was not present to act as interpreter.
Seventy-nine year old Martin Masterson suffered from emphysema and was forced to drag his oxygen tank along behind him. He was content to remain in his room in front of his typewriter working on what he referred to as his Pulitzer Prize winning novel. When he was not working on his manuscript, he was giving the other residents nightmares with the gruesome details.
Mrs. Carson collects the garbage bag from the container and motions for Rosetta to follow her to the veranda. They approach the balcony and she hears Mr. Masterson relaying the details of his notorious fictional serial killer to the prestigious Lorraine Edinburgh. Nanoka sits at the patio table, crafting an oriental wall fan from dragon print fabric. Rosetta sits down beside Nanoka, watching her fold the fabric with tiny finger pressed creases. She peers over the redwood railing at the narrow section of lawn, located beside the industrial highway. She recalls the twenty-acre emerald green grounds of Shadow Brook Haven.
She knew she should be satisfied at Silverside Retirement home. She was well cared for by Mrs. Carson and her personnel. Her children visited frequently and took her to movies, dinner, and shopping. Perhaps if she knew Camellia, Isaiah, and John, were being sufficiently cared for, she could enjoy life here. She might even be able to tolerate the old battle-ax, Lorraine Edinburgh. "Please excuse me, but I am exhausted," said Rosetta. She returned to her room, crawled into her bed, snuggled her face into the satin-covered pillow and cried herself to sleep.
Mrs. Carson shook Rosetta's shoulder awakening her from her peaceful slumber. "Wake up, Rosetta. You have visitors."
Rosetta tried to focus on the shadowy figures hovering around her bed. She retrieved her wire-framed eye-glasses from the nearby bureau and slipped them on. She saw Veldessa, Camellia, John, and Isaiah standing at the end of her bed. She also saw a handsome, dark-haired muscular man in his mid-thirties, whom she does not recognize. "I must still be dreaming."
"No, Rosetta, you are not dreaming. We have came to take you home." John said, walking over and placing his arm around her shoulder.
"What are you talking about?"
"Mrs. Harrison will explain."
Rosetta looked questioningly at Veldessa, who was standing beside the stranger with an excited grin across her face. Veldessa took the dark-haired man's hand leading him over to where Rosetta was sitting on the bed. "I would like to introduce you to someone. Rosetta, this is Dr. Parries."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Parries, but I really don't need an examination, I am perfectly healthy."
"I'm not here to administer your physical. John Bellenger is my great grandfather." he said, trying to suppress his laughter.
"Your great grandfather!"
"My real parents were killed in a car accident when I was fifteen months old. I survived the accident and was put up for adoption. I have searched for my blood-related family since I turned eighteen, but every time I obtained information about a relative, they turned out to be deceased. The story of Shadow Brook Haven was aired on television, and there stood my great grandfather. I immediately drove from my home state of Michigan, and located him."
"Dr. Parries has recently purchased the entire Shadow Brook Haven estate and had it completely renovated," explained Veldessa. "He has reopened it as a permanent living facility for the former residents."
Rosetta was so excited she bolted from her bed.
"You're an angel of mercy. I believe that fountain really does have heavenly powers." Rosetta exclaimed, hugging Dr.Parries.
"Pack your luggage Rosetta," said Veldessa. "I will return tomorrow afternoon and transport you back to Shadow Brook Haven."
Rosetta put her arm's around John and Isaiah's shoulder dancing them around the room. "Hallelujah, praise the Lord, we have a permanent home together." She yelled, grabbing Camelia's wheel chair and spinning her around the room. Veldessa, Dr. Parries and her friends said Good-bye and left.
Eager to share her exciting news with the other residents, Rosetta jauntily skipped down the hallway, whistling merrily. She hears Martin pounding away on the rickety keys of his typewriter, from the opposite side of the door. She repeatedly rapped on his door, impatiently awaiting his response. "Please, stop banging on my door. It's open, just come in."
"I'm sorry to disturb you Mister Masterson."
"I'm glad you stopped in for a visit."
"I've come to say good-bye, I'm returning to Shadow Brook Haven tomorrow."
"Who will review my manuscript when it is completed, after all I had chosen you for that honor."
"I'm flattered you chose me to review your manuscript, but I'm not a horror fan."
"This manuscript is not really horror fiction. I invented that scenario to give Mrs. Edinburgh nightmares. She is such a despicable woman."
Rosetta laughed so hard she stumbled off balance. Martin caught her before she landed on the floor. "I never expected you to pull such a vindictive prank."
"I have my limits of tolerance, just like everyone else."
"I will let you get back to work." she said, leaving the room.
Rosetta joined the other residents in the recreation room for a game of Parcheesi. Nanoka and Martin were preparing for their first game of Parcheesi. "Do you mind if I join you," she asked approaching the table.
"We'd love to have your company," replied Martin, pulling out a chair for her.
The elaborate Mrs. Edinburgh made her grand entrance, dressed in an expensive, outfit from Macey's Department Store. Her artificially colored, tresses are styled into a beehive. "Rosetta, I didn't know you were going to be joining us this afternoon. I suppose even cleaning ladies deserve a day off."
"Mrs. Edinburgh, for once in your miserable life, climb down off that high horse you are parading around on and join the real world." she replied, giving Lorraine an angry look and taking her seat at the table.
Lorraine Edinburgh looked as if she had just been struck by a bolt of lightening. She slumped down in her chair without responding to Rosetta's remark. An expression of dejection developed across Martin Masterson's face. "I will miss your lively spirit around here," he said.
Rosetta understood the feeling of desolation all to well. She remembered the first time she experienced that feeling. She was a six-year old child standing on the steps of the Bellingham Orphanage, watching her parents drive away, without a second glance back. "Are you all right, Martin?"
"Don't you worry about me. I have my writing to keep me occupied."
"I have some exciting news," interrupted Mrs. Carson. "Dr. Parries, has offered me the position as manager of Shadow Brook Haven Retirement Home. I have accepted his offer"
"I know we will be happy together, at our new residence," said Nanoka. Everyone stared suspiciously at Nanoka because she had just spoken in perfect English.
"How long have you been able to speak English?" Inquired Rosetta.
"Mrs. Carson has been teaching me your language." She said, smiling proudly.
"I'm glad we will be able to communicate."
"Me too, all that bowing was murder on my elderly backbone."
"All of the residents need to return to their rooms. My assistants have arrived to help you with your packing. I am sorry I will not be present, but I have a dinner date with Dr. Parries to discuss our business arrangement." said Mrs. Carson.
The residents returned to their room and Melissa Carson sat in the living room alone, nervously awaiting Dr. Parries arrival. She suddenly felt silly, after all it was only a business dinner, but she had not dated anyone since her divorce. Perhaps it was time she considered a romantic involvement. Dr. Parries was an attractive, available bachelor. Her romantic fantasies were suddenly interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.
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