Page 58 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Speaking of talking to someone. I need to go over to Grandma Barb’s and talk to her.”

“Why?”

“Dad, I’m really worried about her. Don’t mention this to the family yet.”

“Why are you worried? Ella, what is going on with her?”

“She’s been forgetting a lot of things. I started noticing it last year, but it’s getting worse. Grandpa talked to me about it yesterday at the barbecue.”

“How bad is it?”

“It’s bad, Dad.” I stood up. “I’m going over there now.”

“Okay, sweetheart.” He stood and hugged me. “Keep me posted.”

“I will.”

I already knew she would put up a fight and tell me I was being ridiculous, but I couldn’t let this go on any longer. She needed to have tests done and get some help.

“Grandma, are you here?” I shouted, walking into her home.

“Lily, is that you?” I heard her upstairs.

“No, Grandma. It’s Ella.”

She walked down the stairs, stopped, and stared at me. “Ella, darling. What brings you by?”

“We need to have a talk, Grandma.”

“Okay. I’ll pour us some lemonade.”

I furrowed my brows because I’d never known her to drink lemonade. She opened the refrigerator.

“I swear I had a pitcher in here.”

“It’s okay, Grandma. I don’t want any. Come over here.” I took her hand and led her to the couch. “How have you been feeling?”

“I’ve been raising quadruplet boys and am exhausted. You have no idea how troublesome they can be.”

“Grandma, your sons are fully grown men with wives and children.”

She stared at me for a moment with a blank look. “Yes, darling. I know that.”

“Grandma, I want you to come to the hospital tomorrow and get an MRI done on your brain.”

“For what?” She became defensive and jerked her hand out of mine.

“You’ve been forgetting a lot of things lately, and I just want to check your brain to see what’s going on.”

“I’m older, Ella. Of course, I forget things. Who doesn’t at my age.”

My grandfather walked down the stairs and into the living room.

“Barb, sweetheart. Listen to our granddaughter and get the scan done.”

“So, you’re taking her side, Curtis?” she yelled. “What the hell is the matter with the two of you?”

“Grandma, calm down,” I said. “Please. Get the MRI done for me. I’m worried about you and need to ensure you’re okay.”

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