Chapter 71

Adele reaches over and hugs Nadine, "Yeah…it was…" Adele keeps her arm draped over Nadine's shoulders; leaning her head against Nadine's. "Cool." Estelle and Corrine are watching from the kitchen window. Corrine appears befuddled. "I don't get it. Why did Adele get so upset? I thought it was kind of neat the way those deer just went up and nuzzled Nadine." While looking out the window, Estelle tells Corrine, "She got upset ‘cause she know." "Knows what?" Estelle faces her and explains, "Corrine…they say when animals leave the safety of their own surroundings to walk up and get so close like they did to Nadine…they say they doin' it to say goodbye." Corrine's jaw drops as she stares at Estelle; who takes Corrine's hands in hers. "Corrine, dear…you need to prepare yourself. Your sister…it almost her time." Estelle releases Corrine's hands, then quickly walks away sniffling. Tears begin streaming down Corrine's face as she looks out the window and watches Adele remain holding onto Nadine. It has been one of the longest and most trying days that the Martins have ever experienced. It started in the morning, when Cheryl called David and told him that she called Dr. Minoit over earlier to check on Nadine; and he informed her that Nadine would probably be dying sometime today. And as if that news wasn't devastating enough, David was grief stricken by the knowledge of realizing he wouldn't be able to get home to be with his family at this crucial time. Yesterday, a bomb had been set off at the Atlanta Civic Center, with warnings of possible attacks to follow. Federal agents weren't allowing anyone to leave the city or neighboring communities while they investigate and search for the perpetrators of the bombing. He's basically stuck in Atlanta until the F.B.I. sees fit to allow people to leave the area. Throughout the day, both Cheryl and Corrine have been taking turns sitting beside Nadine; staying with her as her bodily systems gradually begin to shutdown at a heart wrenching, agonizing pace. Adele, of course, has been with Nadine the entire time; only leaving her side long enough to rush to the bathroom when absolutely necessary. It's nighttime; Nadine's propped up a little by her pillows in bed, and seems as if she's drifting in and out of consciousness. She looks about the room looking at objects from time to time, but doesn't appear to be specifically focusing on what she's staring at. Her breathing's been deep and shallow all day. And when she attempts to talk, her speech is very raspy and labored. Adele and Corrine are sitting on opposite sides of her bed; each holding onto one of Nadine's hands as Nadine stares blankly at the ceiling. Suddenly, Nadine appears to become cognizant of her surroundings, and turns her head to face Adele. "Adele…I want you to promise me." "Promise what, Nadine?" "Promise…promise you won't forget." "Forget what?" "Forget that you're a good person, Adele. A very…good person." She pauses momentarily before continuing, "Don't let people treat you otherwise. Remember… you're a princess, Adele." Nadine fights weakened facial muscles as she struggles to form a slight smile. Adele displays a quivering smile back; as she fights to hold her tears back. "Okay…I promise." "Good." Nadine slowly turns her head to face Corrine. "Cor…I want you to promise…promise that you'll try to get along with Mom. Cor…when I'm gone…you're all she's going to have left. Please…promise me you'll get along." "I promise, Na. I promise." "Okay." Nadine stares back up at the ceiling looking as if she were about to drift off again. Adele and Corrine look at each other. There's a brief moment of silence before Nadine speaks again. "Now…I need the two of you to promise me one more thing." Her sister making her last wishes are starting to tear her apart inside; so, Corrine attempts to alleviate the mood slightly by quipping while trying to mask her choking up, "Boy…this one sure has a lot of promises she wants us to make." It kind of works for a second or two, as all three softly laugh. Then Nadine informs Adele and Corrine of her final request of them. "Yeah…just one more…and it's really important that you keep it." Adele asks, "What is it, Nadine?" "I need you to promise…when I'm gone…" Nadine pauses to catch her breath. "Promise me that you'll be there for each other. That you'll look out for each other…and take care of each other. Promise me that?" Adele immediately promises with a simple, "Yeah." Corrine follows, "Of course. Anything you want, Na." "Good."