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I oblige and sit next to her on the bed as Declan pulls up a chair directly in front of her.
“Mom, what happened tonight?” Declan asks, and her mom cocks an eyebrow. “Why did you leave?”
She places one finger to her chin and narrows her eyes. “I’m being forgetful again, aren’t I?” A tear slides down her cheek, and Declan’s eyes grow glassy as well.
“It’s okay if you don’t remember, Mom. That’s part of the disease. It’s going to happen. I was so scared.” She leans forward, no longer able to control a choked sob that escaped her lips as her mom wraps her arms around her. “I can’t lose you.” Declan admits, her cries becoming louder.
Mrs. Rothschild pats her back and starts singing. It’s soft and quiet at first, and I can’t quite make out the words, but as she soothes Declan, rubbing her back and rocking back and forth with her in her arms, I start to make it out.
A is for my apple, juicy and sweet.
B is for my books. I love to read, it’s neat!
C is for my cat, who purrs and pounces.
D is for my dog, who barks and bounces.
I sit silently as Mrs. Rothschild finishes the song, and Declan stays in her arms the entire time.
Declan sits up and away from her mom and wipes her eyes.“You used to sing that to me when I was little.”
“You think I don’t remember that, silly? Give your old mom more credit than that.” Mrs. Rothschild cups Declan’s face in her hands and smiles. “My brain might be all screwy and upside down, but I haven’t forgotten a thing about you, sweet girl.”
“I love you, Mom.” Declan pulls her mom in for another hug.
“I love you too.” She smooths the back of Declan’s hair and adds, “You know, I went out for a walk, and Spence Reid came and found me. He was coming to visit me.” Her eyes flash to mine, and she reaches out for my hand. I take it and she squeezes. “I remember when the two of you were just two young teenagers. Lord, young love is just so sweet.” She shakes her head, looking between Declan and me.
“Mom, I dated Spence’s brother, Kade,” Declan says sheepishly before mouthing I’m sorry to me.
Mrs. Rothschild rolls her eyes and playfully swats at Declan. “I have Alzheimer’s, honey, but I’m not an idiot. I know who you dated. But I meant what I said, and you know it. That young love the two of you shared… it was a magical thing to witness. Now that’s something I’ll never forget.”
* * *
I found Mrs. Rothschild on a bench in the park. I had this nagging, gut feeling that she was close. I can’t explain why, I just felt like I needed to hang back as everyone else was out searching farther away. When I walked up to her, I was unsure if she would even have any idea who I was. Declan told me very little about her mom’s diagnosis, and we had said we’d visit before leaving on tour to see her, but it never happened.
I knew she recognized me the minute our eyes met.
“Spence Reid! You came to see me!” Her eyes lit up as I nodded. “I’m getting a little chilly now, do you want to go back inside?”
I called 911 immediately to come check her out, although she appeared to be totally unscathed. I informed them we were walking toward the building, and they met us just as we got there. The operator didn’t want me to move her, but Mrs. Rothschild was a determined woman, and she wanted to get back inside. Ironically enough, Mrs. Rothschild insisted she was just out for a walk, but later admitted to me—after the EMS left and before the doctor came in—that she didn’t remember walking outside. She said she’s been forgetful lately, and she was embarrassed. I did my best to make her feel more comfortable, joking about the time I was walking around looking for my sunglasses when they were on my head.
I stand in the doorway of Mrs. Rothschild’s apartment here at Belleview. It’s bigger than I expected, but I shouldn’t have assumed anything less from Declan. Of course, her mom would have only the best. The apartment has a huge bedroom, a walk-in en suite, a small kitchen, and a living room. I’m assuming after tonight’s episode, if that’s even what it’s called, she will have to move to the memory care community I saw next door when I pulled in.
Declan is lying next to her mom in the queen-sized bed. She’s got her arm wrapped around her as if she’ll disappear again, and I don’t blame her for being scared. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that look in Declan’s eyes, and we’ve been through a lot together. The terror in her voice when she called me—I’m still surprised she called me—shook me to my core.
I watch them lie together before leaving, a small sliver of light from the hallway night-light hitting them just enough to illuminate the way Declan’s hand is holding Mrs. Rothschild tightly.
It makes me think of the brief moments I was able to hold Declan. Obviously, the way I held her had different feelings behind it, but I can’t help craving her skin on mine again. I miss her more than I ever imagined… more than even the first time I left her.
Because now that I’ve had a taste of Declan Rothschild, I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again.
***
32
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DECLAN
