6. The Royal We

“I figured, since it’s my birthday I should have a new car.” Cecil walked over to the bench holding a Walmart pharmacy bag. He was one of the few residents that didn’t need a Rollator (wheeled walker) to get around.

“And how old are you?” We asked. The three of us where sitting alone outside of the Golden Years Retirement Village.

“I’ll be 90 years old tomorrow. Figured it was time for a new car. It’s one of those nice ones, with a computer and such.”

“Is it here yet?”

“No not yet, my grandson, Billy is going to bring it over.”

A beautiful ’75 Pontiac Grand Ville pulled into the parking lot. Marilyn struggled to pull out a Rollator. We watched as she made her way over to us.

“Is this town square?” Marilyn flashed Cecil her famous smile that won her Miss America in 1946. We spent many nights looking at her magazine spread, now all these years later she lives in the same building. Luckily she’s still just as pretty as ever not that it mattered much with Cecil always making googly eyes at her.

“Come come, sit next to me, I was just telling the boys all about my new car. I got a new car for my birthday.” Cecil was beaming.

“Is it a convertible? I do love a convertible, wind  blowing in my hair. It’s just so … exciting.” Marilyn closed her eyes and pictured herself young again, driving down the coast line.

“Your hair has never been messy in your life.”

Marilyn giggled like a young school girl. She batted away his hand creeping up on her hair. “You old rascal, your getting me all worked up.”

“That’s the idea, cutie”

A car came rattling up to the sidewalk. The conversation hushed as we waited. A middle age man in a cheep suit got out of the running car. He walked around to the side and opened the door. Elsie got out, the man gave her a quick hug, and sped off.

“What’s the good word?” Cecil asked.

“Had a real nice lunch with my son. He’s a business man you know.”

Cecil smiled, “My boy bought me a new car for my birthday.”

“You old coot, You –”

Marilyn interrupted. “Did you son ask for money again? If he’s so rich then why does we wear a three dollar suit?”

Elsie’s face twisted. “At least my son still visits me. You’re still living in the past, no one even remembers who you are.”

“They’re fighting over you Cecil.” We said.

“Just like in the old days.” Cecil said.

Elsie laughed.

“How dare you, Cecil” Marilyn said, “I was in pictures, I still receive love letters from fans you know.”

“No, I didn’t mean you, I was talking about what the boys said.”

Elsie laughed again. “Been forgetting your medicine again?” We gave her the stink eye as she scuttled inside. She’s just jealous, Cecil’s son is always buying him nice things.

“Don’t worry about her dear, when are you getting the new car?” Marilyn said.

“My son’s bringing it around, it’s really fancy, would you like take a ride with me sometime?”

“Of course Cecil, I’ll ride with you any day.” She started to stand, We were about to go over and help her up, but Cecil caught on and helped her into the Rollator. She took him by the hand and started to walk inside.

“I really should wait for my son.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure the boys will wait here for him.”

“Really? Will you do that for me? I don’t want to miss him.”

We smiled, “We’ll wait forever.”

Cecil waved goodbye and walked inside. We would keep our promise, just as we’ve kept it for the last six years, it was an easy job for a couple of stone tortoises like us.

© Chris Richards 2009