Chapter 12

Estelle proudly smiles after turning back around to tend to the fish. "Well…I reckon that different then." Adele happily informs her, "Yeah…and then Nadine bought me ice cream, Grandma." "Well; that was nice of her." She turns to Nadine. "Thank you for that, Nadine." "No prob." Estelle looks to her granddaughter. "Now; why don't you go and get washed up for supper now, Suga'bear." "Okay, Grandma." Adele hurries out of the kitchen, and Estelle yells out, "And don't be expecting no dessert tonight…you done had yours already." She hears her granddaughter call back her typical, "Okay, Grandma." Estelle smiles and shakes her head, as she softly mimics aloud to herself, "Okay, Grandma." Estelle continues frying the fish, while Nadine stands behind her remaining quiet; looking as if she's heavily contemplating. She finally speaks up. "Mrs. Wilson…I wanted to ask you something…but I'm not sure how to ask you." Estelle turns to Nadine. "I find it easiest just to ask." Then turns back to the pan. Nadine begins, "Yeah…I don't want to offend you…it's kind of about Adele." She becomes quiet again. "Don't be shy, girl; go on." Nadine apprehensively asks, "I was just wondering…is Adele…retarded?" Estelle Wilson has always had a good sense of people; most of the time able to read their true intentions. She can sense that Nadine's not trying to be cruel or judgmental in any way by asking her this; but rather, has a genuine interest in wanting to understand Adele. Estelle turns to Nadine and warmly smiles. "I don't really look at Adele as retarded…she just slower than most folks. You see; when her mama was pregnant with her…well, the umbilical cord was kinda wrapped around Adele's neck…and her brain didn't get all the oxygen it needed to develop fully. So, her brain's just a little weaker than it should be; that's all." Estelle turns back around to tend to the fish; at which time, Nadine profoundly attests… "Well…her brain may be a little weak…but she sure has a strong heart." Estelle begins to silently rejoice in her mind. Finally; someone who sees beyond her granddaughter's outwardly imperfections and recognizes her true, inner strengths…her kindness…her goodness…her heart. This amazing girl standing there in her kitchen right now honestly appreciates her granddaughter for what she really is…a special, wonderful person. She instantly becomes teary-eyed as she smiles and turns to Nadine. "Why yes…yes she does. Thank you, Nadine…thank you for noticing that." Adele returns; and Estelle turns back to tend to the fish. "Grandma; can Nadine stay for supper?" Not turning around, Estelle answers, "I don't know, Suga'bear…why don't you ask her." Adele quickly turns to Nadine. "Nadine; want to stay for supper?" "Oh; I can't…my mom's waiting for me out in the car." Nadine takes in a consciously deliberate sniff this time to indulge in the aroma. "It sure does smell good though. Maybe some other time?" Estelle looks to her and affectionately smiles. "Nadine…you welcome to come to supper anytime you like." Appreciative of the open invitation, and greatly anticipating one day tasting the very food producing that mouthwatering fragrance, Nadine smiles back at Estelle. "Thanks." She turns to Adele. "I better go now…but I'll see in school tomorrow; okay?" With a joyous grin stretching across her face, Adele eagerly replies, "Okay." "Bye, Mrs. Wilson." "Goodbye, Nadine. Don't be a stranger now." "I won't. Bye, Adele." "Bye, Nadine." After Nadine leaves the kitchen, Adele stands there for moment exuberantly smiling; then runs up behind Estelle, throws her arms around her grandmother's waist and delivers a tightly clenched hug. Estelle's pleasantly caught off guard. "Whoa…and what's that for, Suga'bear?" Adele zealously tells her, "I'm so happy, Grandma." "Well; I can see that…and feel it, too. Loosen up a bit on your ol' grandma there, girl." Adele let's go, and Estelle turns around adjusting her now scrunched up apron; compliments of her granddaughter's celebratory bear hug.