Promises (Part 4)
Jane and Jake sat quietly on opposite sides of Cleo's bed. Every so often, Jake would turn and look at Jane and see the concern on her face. Unlike Helen, Jake didn't hate Jane. He wanted his oldest daughter to be happy and if Jane made her smile, then he was satisfied with that. He was more upset over the fact that Helen had denied him one of the few things he had wanted to do in life, walking Daria down the aisle at her wedding.
"Can I ask you a question?" Jake asked.
Jane stared at him for a moment. "You know my rules. Maximum of three questions. No betrayals. Immunity from prosecution."
"Is Daria happy?"
"Yes, she really likes her job at the radio station and her two books have done well so far."
"Do you love each other?"
"Yes, we do. I know that Mrs. M hates that we are together, but we truly love one another."
"Does she ever talk about us?"
"Sometimes when Quinn comes over, you get mentioned. Although she may not show it, she misses you greatly."
"Thanks, Jane. I'm sorry we didn't attend the wedding."
"I appreciate that, but I think Daria needs to hear that more than I do."
"Aunt Janey?" A small tired voice said.
Jane stood up and moved her chair further up so. "I'm right here, sweetie."
"Where's Aunt Daria?"
"She's upstairs checking on your mommy."
A few moments later, Daria and Helen walked into Cleo's room. Cleo looked up and gave Daria a sad little smile.
"Aunt Daria, Aunt Janey said you were checking on mommy."
"I was, but I wanted to come and see how you were doing," Daria said as she went to stand beside Jane.
"Mommy's hurt real bad. I know because when I was in the car crying, she didn't get up to help me. Can I go see her?"
"Your mommy did get hurt badly. She got hurt more than you did, so they have her in a special room so they can take good care of her. They won't let you see her until she's doing better. How are you feeling?" Daria said.
"My arm and leg hurts and my head itches, but the doctor said that I'm not 'posed to scratch it."
"They're just afraid you'll bust one of your stitches."
"I wish mommy or daddy could kiss it and make it feel better, but I heard the policeman say daddy was gone," A sad look fell over Cleo's face. "Daddy's in heaven - isn't he?" Cleo stared up at Daria and Jane. Not being able to take anymore, Jake left the room with Helen following shortly behind.
Daria's chest tightened and her mouth went dry. Sensing Daria's discomfort, Jane reached down and wiped the tear that was falling from Cleo's tiny blue eyes. She drew in a silent, deep breath.
"Yes - He went to heaven."
"Mommy's gonna be mad when she wakes up. She hates it when he goes someplace without us."