~Youtube "Mickey, I have to talk to you" on Spiesoftheheart's channel, to see the conversation I referred to.~
Melissa handed a glass of water to Melanie. She sighed.
"Sarah has been under a lot of stress, like all of us. And usually she can handle it but starting a new job, dealing with your dad's death and Mom's relapsed has stretch her to her breaking point," Melissa said.
"I didn't realize Maggie was sick. But what she said…" Melanie said.
"Was inexcusable, I know. But you also need to remember we just lost our father, just as suddenly, two years ago. Then we lost our grandmother six months later. Mom's relapse last year, which no one told us about, didn't help. Sarah always has been the calm, cool and collected one. But this week hasn't been easy for anyone," Melissa said.
Melanie was quiet for a second.
"I just wish I had more time with him. I just got to know him," Melanie said softly.
"I wish that about my own dad and grandma. I think anyone who lost a loved one feels exactly the same way. Honey, would you like me to help you plan the service?" Melissa asked gently.
"Brady said he would fly my mom out for the service. And I thought maybe we could have it at the hospital chapel," Melanie bit her lip.
"We can do that. Did you know my son happened to work there once? My cousin still works there, so I might be able to pull some strings," Melissa said.
"I always thought you didn't like me, because of Nathan," Melanie said.
"I thought you both were immature and not ready for a serious relationship. But I never dislike you. Mom loves you so you can't be all bad. Then again Mom loves Victor….I need to think about this." Melissa said.
Melanie let out a little giggle.
"I shouldn't laugh. My father's dead, I shouldn't laugh."
"Sarah almost cut her two fingers making soup after Dad's funeral. She can cut dead people but not carrots," Melissa said.
"But she's Maggie's daughter! Your mom runs a restaurant," Melanie said, laughing.
"And there's a reason why Sarah works with dead people. She just has to make a cut the shape of a Y," Melissa said.
Melanie fell silent.
"Suicides almost always have autopsies," she whispered.
"I didn't know that. If you want, you can ask Sarah," Melissa said, lying about her knowledge. Her sister was an M.E. and Melissa had heard workplace stories from Sarah.
"If she ever talks to me again," Melanie said.
"Sarah's like Mom. They simmer until something put them over the boiling point. Then they clean up the mess and move on. You just managed to hit Sarah at a bad time, when she hasn't slept in a couple days, Mom's in the hospital and she got some bad news recently."
"More bad news? Just what we need," Melanie said, "What was it?"
"It's Sarah's news and she'll tell people when she feels like it. But honey, she's not mad at you. She's frustrated about Mom and her new job," Melissa said.
"I need to apologize to her," Melanie said.
"That would be nice. I think we're all under stress and we need to be more understanding," Melissa said.
"Do you think Jennifer, Abby and Julie will come to the service?" Melanie asked.
"Of course, they will. Jennifer did love your dad once. And your mom's flying in so she can be here. Now what flowers do you want?"
"I think she might be asleep," Lucas whispered outside Maggie's hospital door.
"I just need to see her," Sarah quietly entered the room.
Victor stirred and saw Sarah.
"Hey, Sarrie. Something's wrong?"
"Just wanted to see Mom," Sarah said, who saw Maggie slept peacefully.
"Oh, well, she's asleep. But you can wake her up. She would love to see you," Victor said.
"I'm already awake," Maggie mumbled.
"I need to walk, my back's killing me. I'll be right back," Victor kissed Maggie goodbye.
"O.k. honey, I'll be here."
"Lucas is here," Sarah said.
"I'll see if he wants some coffee," Victor said.
Once Victor left, Maggie turned to Sarah.
"Sarah Margaret, what's wrong?"
"I flipped out at Melanie. I'm sorry," Sarah bit her lip.
"Ahhh…our Irish tempers. I thought your dad would commit both of us for some peace and quiet when you were a teen. What did you say to Melanie?"
"That it was her and Daniel's fault you relapsed and then I kind of called her a selfish immature brat," Sarah shrugged.
"Wow….not one of your best moves. You've been under so much stress and I'm sure Melanie will understand."
"Mom, there's something else I need to tell you…"
"It sounds serious. What is it?"
"Nothing! Just that I love you."
Maggie recalled a talk that started out very similar with Mickey. She sighed.
"When I was diagnosed, I was so tired and couldn't swallow. The relapses are easier when you know what it is. Mickey was frantic with worry and we had a teen and a little girl at home. Do you remember Grandma staying overnight?"
Sarah nodded.
"It was so much harder when I didn't know what was wrong. But you know and can control it. What symptoms do you have?" Maggie asked.
"I don't have any yet. But I took a genetic test and it was positive. So there's a good chance I'll get MG eventually," Sarah whispered.
"Oh, Princess…"
"And I know it's stupid to worry about my career at this point but I really love my job," Sarah said.
"Well, I took it one day at a time and I had a loving family, just like you do. But honey, I think you would feel better if you dealt with Melanie," Maggie said.
"Yeah, I would. I love you, Mommy."
"I know. I love you, too, Princess." Maggie kissed Sarah.
There was a knock at the door. Victor and Lucas walked in.
"Are you o.k., Sarah?" Victor asked.
"Yeah. Lucas, could you take me home? Mom looks tired."
"Yeah. I love you, Aunt Maggie," Lucas said.
After they left, Victor turned to Maggie,
"Sarah looks better. Did you have a good talk?"
"Yeah. Honey, could you just hold me?"
"Of course, sweetheart. I love you," Victor gently kissed Maggie.
"I love you, too."