Ketchup Popsicle - 10

Six months later and thirty-five pounds lighter Sandra could not be more thankful for Marta. They had begun to warm up to each other, somewhat anyway. Maybe Sandra was just easier to get along with because she was feeling better, more energetic and at times, when running on the treadmill at the gym watching Oprah on the Television bolted to the ceiling above her, euphoric. Time in the car on the way to the gym and back with Marta was spent mostly talking about Daniel. Sandra realized just how much her little baby meant to the woman. She had been selfish to be annoyed with her before for Marta's wanting to be around him. Daniel was Marta's only grandchild even though Mike had two older brothers. The second oldest, John, was engaged to his girlfriend and the eldest, Dave, Sandra suspected to be gay.

Marta still drove Sandra mad with her forcefulness when it came to Daniel, but she tried to real in her temper and let grandma enjoy being a grandma. It was a much better feeling than the mind games she had reduced herself to in the past. She decided that she would choose her battles and only fight for the things that really meant a lot to her, and let Marta off easier with the rest. Marta seemed to appreciate Sandra's new approach and in turn often treated her to a day at the mall or a nice lunch in the city, always with Daniel happily within arms reach of them both.

One sunny Wednesday afternoon the two sat on a bistro patio looking over the lake, both lost in their own thoughts as Daniel slept in his stroller. Marta, looking pensive, turned to Sandra and asked a question that took her completely by surprise.

"Sandra Dear, can I ask you a personal question?" Marta asked.

Taking a sip of her tea and feeling very relaxed Sandra said, "Sure, why not."

"Why hasn't your mother been to visit you and Daniel?" Sandra must have turned white because Marta added, "You don't have to tell me if it's too personal."

Sandra collected herself and repeated the same phrase that she had learned to say without feeling the impact of the actual words over the last ten years. "She's dead." Sandra said taking another sip of her tea trying not to look into Marta's eyes where she would surely find the pity that came when you made such a statement. When she did look back into Marta's face, the woman looked confused.

Her features softened, "I'm sorry, I just didn't know. I can't believe Mike didn't tell me. I'm sorry Sandra." Marta sounded - sincere. It was a first. She seamed to put a lot of energy into being insincere the rest of the time. Marta's actions were much kinder than her words Sandra had come to learn. Marta's features softened even further and Sandra thought for the first time she looked somewhat old. She said very softly putting her hand over Sandra's, "My husband passed away eight years ago now." Then quickly as though something had just bit her in the bottom, Marta jumped in her chair and summoned over the waiter to prepare their bill. "What poor service." She said coldly, completely transforming her temperament and sentiment within seconds. It was clear to Sandra that Marta did not like people to see her soft side. The woman behind the hard cold beautiful mask that was Marta.

Sandra was seventeen when her mother died of cancer. Her father turned to the church and Sandra turned to Bobby who held her hand at the funeral services. Sandra would sit on the curb outside her house everyday after school with her head hung low as Bobby rode up and down the street on his bicycle never letting her out of his sight. Seven months later Bobby's family moved three city blocks away, but he would show up on his bike just the same to watch over her. She was after all going to be his wife someday. One more year after that, Bobby's family moved across the country.

Summer had appeared out of nowhere and it was soon the anniversary date of the air conditioning being installed. In other words, Daniel's first birthday! Sandra's Father, Bill, who had nearly disowned her for getting pregnant out-of-wedlock, was the first to arrive at the party. He refused to support her in any way when she told him she was pregnant, which was how she ended up living with Mike. Her father said that if you lie down with dogs you will wake up with fleas. She could understand him referring to Mike as dog but was offended to say the least that he would refer to her then unborn child as a flea. She had gotten herself into trouble and he was not going to bail her out, was the bottom line. Bill nevertheless arrived with an extra large gift in his hand for his grandson's first birthday. He loved the little guy just as much as everyone else who's life Daniel seemed to make better.

Marta, John and his fiancé Lynn and Dave showed up as well and they had a barbeque in the backyard to celebrate. For no other reason in the world would this particular group of people ever have come together. Daniel charged around in his inflatable swimming pool squealing and laughing while everyone snapped pictures and then made sure to cover his entire face in cake after demolishing his hot dog.