The Hand That Holds Mine Read Free Page A

either. Middle of winter and you decide to take a stroll. Really Adeline, I don’t understand what you were thinking.”
    “I wanted to see the garden, the flowers are so beautiful.” I say with a smile.
    “The garden? There are no flowers in the garden, you haven’t planted any in years.” She says glancing back at Jeneba and causing me to question my own mind. “I think you need some rest, warm up and I will check on you shortly.”
    Sinking into my warm covers I wonder, “Deb? How did you know to look for me outside?”
    “I thought I heard a dog whimpering and scratching at the door. When I opened the door I didn’t see the dog but I did see you. You’re lucky I opened that particular door, we would never have thought to look for you there.” She says with a motherly frown before closing my door behind her.
    Hmm, must be the meds. A continuation from the night before? Before I close my eyes, I notice a bright blue ball sitting on my nightstand.

Chapter 4
    ~Adeline ~
     
      When I wake I hear someone knocking and obnoxiously ringing my doorbell at my front door. It’s a struggle to leave my bed, my legs can barely hold me up so I make use of the cane I was given. I open the door to see Mitch waiting for me impatiently as he talks on his cell. My earlier joy is quickly evaporating. I find a comfortable seat knowing this is sure to be an exhausting conversation. Mitch chats a few more minutes on his cell before hanging up and turning to me with a forced smile.
    “So how are you doing?” He asks me and I immediately roll my eyes. As if this man cares how I’m doing, other than hoping I die before the divorce papers can be finalized. “You know I do still care about you. In fact, I met this fella the other day, turns out he knows quite a lot about these things. He says you should get some exercise, keep busy and take up a hobby. It will take your mind off it all. I even brought you a present, Kelly gave me one of her yoga videos for you to try. It helps rid her mind of all the bad thoughts and bring in peace.” He has always had an opinion on how I should be, I use to believe it was him being supportive and nurturing but this time, I want nothing more than to punch him in his face. “I will need the video back - unless you want to buy it for $39.95, but otherwise you can use it for a couple of days.” Glancing back at him, I realize that it isn’t only his face I would like to punch. “So I brought you some paperwork for you to sign. Nothing important only some usual things in regards to the house and keeping it in good condition for you, lawn care and some repairs here and there. The association mailed them to me a couple of days ago to get taken care of.”
    “Why are you handling anything to do with my house? I clearly asked for the house to be mine in the divorce. There should be no reason that they are sending you anything.” I ask him as he shrugs.
    “Is that attitude really necessary? This is a beautiful house Adeline, why should it go to waste after you …”
    “You promised me Mitch, you promised that you would not fight for the house if I gave you that money for the restaurant.” He ignores me, placing paperwork I can barely read in front of me.
      “Just sign here …” He says holding out a pen for me but before I can take it, I feel a strange twinge and hesitate taking the pen from him. I look up at him and suddenly the doorbell rings. “Expecting company?” I shake my head and Mitch answers the door for me. “Can I help you?” He asks as I stretch to one side to try to see who it is.
    A well dressed man steps through my door and walks in with a swagger and a smile in my direction, “Adeline, how are you feeling?” He asks taking my hand and leaning down to look me in the eyes before he kisses my hand.
    “Excuse me but who are you?” Mitch snaps.
    The man stands and glares back in his direction, “My name is Aaron Christi, I am Ms. Beal’s attorney.”
    Gasping for breath