I Have Questions That Need Answers

I got up early Saturday morning.
I was still aggravated with Newman for ruining our reunion with Helen.
He was such a creepy slimebag. What did my mother ever see in him?
I tried not to feel cross with Mommy for being in love with him and possibly straying on Daddy.
I decided it was time for Uncle Remington to tell me about my mother’s past.
I also wanted to learn more about my grandparents. They had died before I was born.
I knew Grandpa Mansfield died of a heart attack, but no one spoke of what Grandma Elaine died from.
All I knew was that Mama and Uncle Remington could not speak of her without crying.


I heard Trent banging around in the kitchen when I went downstairs.
Trent was mixing batter for pancakes. He also made some freshly squeezed orange juice.
We had breakfast before he went on his scheduled visitation with Roberta.
I haven’t seen Roberta since Trent took me along to see ‘The Magic Candy Factory’.
The only time I spoke to her was over the phone on holidays.
I wondered if she and Joey Deppiesse were still writing each other.


‘Make sure Remington has at least one glass of the juice.’ Trent instructed before he left. ‘He’ll probably want his soup from last night heated up for lunch. There’s plenty of cold cuts and cheese to make sandwiches. I also have the coffee pot ready to go when his royal highness finally wakes up.’
I couldn’t help but smile. Trent fussed over my Uncle and me like Mama used to.
He bent down to kiss my cheek and gave me a hug.
‘I’ll stop by the market on the way home. I thought I might try my hand at making homemade chicken soup.
We’ll make the noodles from scratch.’
Oh boy! I loved helping when Trent made homemade noodles.
We usually made a big floury mess, but it was always fun.
‘Be a good girl and keep an eye on Remington for me.’
‘I will.’ I promised, adding to myself. ‘It will be easy once I pin him down and make him tell me about my family history.’


I went upstairs and found a book to read.
After about a few hours, I thought I heard the water running for a shower.
Finally, my Uncle emerged from his room.
He joined me on the couch.
‘Good morning, Darling.’ he greeted me cheerfully.
I was a bit alarmed that his cold sounded worse.
‘Try afternoon.’ I looked up from my book.
‘Oh yeah,’ my Uncle chuckled. ‘So it is.’
I noted that my Uncle wore a shaw, but no shoes.
‘You really do look like your mother.’ my Uncle grinned at me. ‘Especially when you give me that look.’


Determinedly, I put down my book.
I was glad he brought the subject up.
‘Uncle Remington, there’s something I need to talk to you about.’
Did I see a flicker of apprehension in his eyes.
‘Of course, Darling. I’m all ears. There’s only two things I ask.’
‘What’s that?’
‘First, that we move our conversation downstairs, so I can build us a nice fire. The second is that I at least get one cup of coffee in me first. Trent did make coffee before he left didn’t he?’
I took the hint.
‘All I have to do is turn the pot on. I’ll make the coffee while you build the fire.’
I looked down at his feet.
‘You really should wear your slippers if you have such a bad cold.’
My Uncle rolled his eyes, but he did agree with me.
‘Very well, Darling. You’re right. I’ll be right down once my feet are properly dressed.’