Time passed and soon June decided to resume work.
Lucy ate her ears off through a phone call on speaker while June dressed up. “Some meetings have been scheduled for your comeback to society.”
“We should host a press conference and speak to the general public. For today, we have to meet the president. He’s been a supporter to JL, and the hospital during these trying times.” Lucy said, “I’ll come to the house to pick you up.”
“There will be no need for that,” June said, surprising Lucy. “I have an engagement for this morning. I’ll meet you at the office later.”
“How about the president?” Lucy asked before June ended the call. “I was thinking-”
“When is the appointment?” June asked, cutting her off.
The sound of flipping paper was heard in the background. A few seconds later, Lucy responded. “One pm noon.”
June’s eyes flickered to the wall clock in her room, it was almost seven am. That would give her enough time to visit Beatrice’s confinement home and return just in time to see the president of South City.
Before the day, June made plans with Carson to visit Rafael’s mother. She didn’t know what to expect from it but looked forward to squashing whatever it was between them or maintaining an understanding with her.
The call dropped and June stepped out of her room. Luis stood before her door, ready to knock when it suddenly opened. “Good morning, Auntie.” He said in a small voice.
June bent to his height. “Hello baby,” Her tone was sweet and nurturing. “Did you sleep well?”
Luis nodded, “Breakfast is ready.”
This was their routine. Ever since June packed into Rafael’s home to take care of Luis, things changed around the house. Luis who was used to eating alone and sometimes, skipping meals by choice transformed into a docile boy.
For the first few weeks, June tried to make him come out of his shell, always around him, eating in his room and even playing games with him. She showered him with so much love and attention, that one would think she was his mother.
Luis was used to being alone and gloomy so in the beginning phase, it took a lot of effort to get him to come around, but looking down at the young boy, June couldn’t help but think of him as perfection.
Light returned to his countenance and he grew plump. “Oh really,” She smiled, “Come on then,”
June held Luis’s hand and together, they went to the dining room where Carson and her mother were seated. “Good morning Mom, Carson,” She joined them on the table. Luis sat close by her.
Breakfast was smooth and soon, June was in the car with Carson, headed out of the mansion. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Carson asked for the nth time. “I know you don’t have the best relationship, especially since-”
“I put her in confinement?” June finished and Carson’s eyes widened.
“No! Of course not! I mean… you are not her favourite person in the world.” He said, for lack of a better word.
“Neither do I seek to be her favourite person.” June sighed, “We just need to have an understanding. Rafael is my husband and she is my mother-in-law. I am ready to put everything aside and begin a cordial relationship with her for my husband’s sake.”
“And what if she isn’t?” He asked after a moment. “What if she is unwilling to put the past aside or accept you as her daughter-in-law?”
“When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it,” June said with a faraway look.
Carson started the car and they hit the road. Soon enough, they arrived at Mrs Beatrice’s confinement home. Two armed officers stood in front of the house. June stood by the side as Carson registered their presence.
It didn’t take long before she sat before Rafael’s mother who looked thin, pale and nothing like the woman she knew her to be. Mrs Beatrice’s appearance took her by surprise.
June imagined that she would be doing well with the well-furnished house, help and food she had at her disposal but reverse was the case. Instead of the strong and powerful woman she once knew, the person who sat before her looked defeated and weak.
So much so that she lost words, one thing was certain, June didn’t like how she looked, and she was certain her husband would hate it even more.
“Why have you come?” Mrs Beatrice asked Carson, “Where is my son? Is he with you?”
June swallowed at the pain in Mrs Beatrice’s voice. Carson informed her of the situation before they entered. Rafael’s mother was still in the dark about the accident. The elderly woman was living under the impression that her son hated her and was unwilling to see her face even after several months.
As a result, the privileges given to her had little to no effect on her life quality in isolation. Mrs Beatrice led a solitary life which gave her ample time to review and learn from her life choices.
“Rafael is fine,” Carson replied, with a pursed lip.
“He is still angry, isn’t he? He is still angry at me for ruining his marriage.” She said in a croaky voice, then turned to June. “What do I have to do? What do I have to do to right what was wrong?”
June was shocked at her words and the urgency in her tone.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” She begged June with a heavy heart. “I have learned my lesson. I regret everything I’ve done. I deserve the life I now lead, but please. Please forgive him.”
“My Rafe did nothing wrong. His only crime was to have me as a mother.” By now, Beatrice was crying. The sight was moving and overwhelming.
June could recognise a changed woman when she saw one, just like her mother, Mrs Beatrice seemed to be ashamed of herself.
“I was foolish,” She said, “Everything I did was a result of my selfish concerns. Please forgive him, I set him up. I brought Clarence to destroy your marriage. I am a terrible human.”
“I deserve everything I am, but please, forgive me, allow me to see my son once…” Mrs Beatrice coughed and blood spluttered, “Give me an opport-”
June’s eyes widened and Carson rushed to Mrs Beatrice who seemed to be having an attack. “Mother, calm down!” He said.
“Breathe!” June urged, scared to her bones.
Thankfully, Carson handled the situation and soon, Mrs Beatrice was put to bed for a nap. The two stepped out of the place in silence, each thinking on the episode.
“We need to get her out of there,” June said when they settled in the car. “She needs medical attention. She’s not looking good.”
Carson sighed. “The system already assigned a doctor to her. With everything going on, I have been a bit carried away by the situation. I will look into it.”
“Do you plan to tell her the truth?” June asked, and Carson pursed his lip. “We can’t let her keep thinking he hates her, she’s losing her mind.”
“What do you suggest I tell her? That Rafael might as well be dead? That he had been lying cold in the hospital with no hope of recovery?”
“Carson…”
“I might as well kill her myself,” Carson said, sounding pissed. “Just… don’t be concerned about it. I’ll figure something out.”