Changes Taking Place

I waited with Mario and Anya in the car while Fig checked on Georgio who was still recovering in his hospital room. It was a quick visit, just so Fig could let Uncle Georgio know that she loved him and wasn't going to abandon him during this tough time. Though she was afraid, she knew that she'd rather sign up as his caretaker then have to think about what his life might be like at a nursing home. He still couldn't speak well enough for a conversation about how to repair the house, so she didn't bring it up yet.

When she walked out of the hospital towards my car, Mario and Anya (who had both been quiet and playing with their handheld video games) began to chat.

"Do you think Mom can get us some cheeseburgers? I'm hungry." Mario said and I wasn't sure if he wanted an answer from me or Anya.

"I want to go back to your place," Anya said to me, "I feel sweaty."

I understood their complaints, but I didn't say anything.

Fig opened the front passenger door and sat down. I started the car and drove back to my place. Helen was sitting in a car in the driveway, and when we pulled up, she got out of the car to stand next to it.

We got out of my car and Anya headed straight towards the door, while Fig, Mario, and I walked toward Helen.

"Do you have a bag of his stuff ready?" Helen asked Fig.

Fig nodded, "Yeah, it's inside." Then she followed Anya's way towards the door.

"Hi Helen," I said trying to uphold formalities even though I knew they seemed awkward during these difficult times. She returned the favor, forcing a believable smile and giving me a hug.

"Hi sweetie," she replied, "Strange weather these days huh?"

I wanted to laugh, but I just smiled back and let her release me from the hug.

"Would you like a water or some tea or coffee?" I added.

"No, thank you," she replied, "I've got water in the car. What do you think of it?"

I looked at the car in the driveway and realized that she was telling me this was not a borrowed car.

"It's yours?" I asked surprised and took a closer look at it.

"Yes," she told me proudly, "I got it yesterday."

"Wow, I'm impressed," I told her, "It's nice."

"It was a good deal," she said matter-of-factly, "It will help while I've got Mario."

I nodded in agreement and pulled a cigarette out of my purse so that I could wait with more patience for Fig and Mario to come out with his bag.

After I had taken a few drags and stood there in silence admiring Helen's car, a used Hyundai Santa Fe, Fig and Mario finally came out of the house. Mario had a small suitcase filled with a few days worth of clothing and his handheld video game.

"I'm ready," Mario told Helen and she smiled at him for his courage and adaptability.

Fig squatted a bit in front of Mario to look him eye to eye rather than towering down at him.

"Be good with Helen. Listen to what she says like you listen to me." Fig told Mario lovingly. "We will all go back home as soon as the house is ready. Ok?"

Mario nodded in agreement.

"Aren't you going to say anything to your sister?" Fig asked curiously.

Mario sneered a bit and replied, "I spend too much time with her. I have nothing new to say."

Fig laughed, Helen wanted to and refrained, and I simply thought to myself - 'wow, that kid really knows what he's about...'

Then Helen and Mario got into her SUV and drove off, and Fig and I went inside to think about lunch with Anya.