Getting Back to Normal by Marilyn Levinson Page B

told her I didn’t have much experience with children and husbands, but I’d do my best.”
    “Mom did?” I ask, surprised.
    “Uh-huh. Sydelle worried about all of you, especially Roger.”
    I feel a pang of jealousy. “Daddy? But Robby and I are her children.”
    “Of course your mother worried about you and Robby. But you might not have realized how much your father depended on your mother. Frankly, she was afraid he’d fall apart and leave you kids with no one at all.”
    Deep down, where thoughts aren’t even words, I know all this. Still, hearing it shocks me to the core. Now Aunt Mayda is upset for having upset me.
    “Me and my big mouth! I never should have told you! You’re grown up in so many ways, Vannie, I sometimes forget you’re a child.”
    “But Daddy is better,” I insist. “And it’s because you’ve been a good friend.”
    Aunt Mayda squeezes my hand. “It’s the least I can do.”
    Still dazed, I say, “It’s as if Mommy’s still taking care of us through you. Kind of,” I quickly add when I realize what I’ve just said.
    “Oh, Vannie, your mother will always live in your thoughts and your heart.” It’s Archie I’m thinking of as I blink back tears. Because now I understand that he cares about Mayda the way Mommy cares about Robby, Daddy, and me.
    We ride the rest of the way to the mall without speaking. By the time we park, my sad mood has slipped away.
    “Where to first?” Aunt Mayda asks.
    I name my favorite department store, and we head for the nearest entrance.
    “When Tammy and I were here last week, I checked everything out and picked out what I need.”
    Aunt Mayda sighs. “That’s a relief. I hate shopping for clothes.”
    “How come?”
    Aunt Mayda looks embarrassed. “I never know what to buy, so I end up getting a duplicate of what I already own. Lately, things are so hectic, I haven’t bought anything new in ages.”
    I eye her baggy gray slacks, the fading pattern on her blouse. I guess they looked okay—once. “Maybe we’ll find something nice for you, too.”
    Aunt Mayda pulls open the door to the department store. “Let’s concentrate on you tonight.”
    I grin. “I won’t argue with that!”
    It doesn’t take us long to gather up all the clothes I picked out Sunday plus many more items. Aunt Mayda may not have great taste, but she’s thought of everything I need, including underwear and nightgowns. We’re standing in line to pay when butterflies start to flit around in my stomach.
    “Maybe I shouldn’t be buying so many clothes.”
    Aunt Mayda waves Daddy’s charge card in the air. “Don’t worry, Vannie. Your father gave me carte blanche.”
    I giggle. “In that case, let’s hurry to the costume store before it closes.”
    “Your costume, madame, is on me!”
    I’m about to say something polite—that she’s given me enough by taking me shopping—but Aunt Mayda’s happy face shows how much she’s enjoyed our shopping spree.
    “Sure, Aunt Mayda. Thanks.”
    Aunt Mayda hugs me. “It’s my pleasure, Vannie. Really mine.”
    I know she means it has nothing to do with her promise to Mommy. I hug her back.
    We take the escalator down and pass through the women’s section on our way to the exit. There’s a display of long-sleeved silk pullovers in pastel shades. I stop and hold up a violet pullover.
    “This color would look great on you,” I tell Aunt Mayda. “And it goes well with all your grey pants and suits.”
    “Do you think?” Aunt Mayda eyes the pullover as if it might stretch out its sleeves and strangle her.
    “Of course.” I hold it up to her face. “Go see for yourself.”
    Aunt Mayda holds the pullover against her chest, frowning as she studies herself in the mirror.
    “I don’t know, Vannie. I’ve never worn this color. It’s so bold.”
    Violet bold? I bite my lips to hold back my giggles. “Trust me,” I say. “Mom always said I know about color. Go and try it on.”
    Aunt Mayda needs some coaxing, but