Blessings From the Father by Michelle Larks Page B

She sighed heavily. “I don’t think I’m going to come with you.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Mariah’s eyebrows rose questioningly. “Of course, you’re coming with me, Granny.” She dropped the box on the floor.
    â€œMy place is here in the Garden. I don’t know any other life, I’m older. The changes you want to make are better for younger people, like you, Sonni, and Rocki.” Rosemary’s eyes dropped to the floor.
    â€œGranny, I don’t believe you.” Mariah’s voice rose hysterically. “Of course, you’re coming with me. I can’t do anything without you being there.” She flung her hand. “You’ve been with me my entire life. It’s time for you to take it easy and enjoy life.”
    Rosemary shook her head sadly. “Those are your plans not mine. I’ve prayed and given thought to moving with you to Hammond. But, my place is here in Chicago. I’ve lived here since I moved from Florida and it’s home. And someone has to be here for Cassie.”
    Mariah opened her mouth then closed it. She said, “I already thought about Cassie. I plan to look into some rehabilitation centers for her. Like you said, maybe she can go to a really good one that will help her straighten out her life. You can’t put your life on hold for Cassie.”
    â€œCassie is my child as much as you are,” Rosemary reminded her granddaughter. “I can’t leave Cassie.” Rosemary’s voice was strong and brooked no argument.
    Mariah felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She stared at Rosemary with disbelief flashing in her eyes. “Granny.” Her hand fluttered to her throat. “I just assumed you were coming with me. You never said you weren’t.” Mariah’s voice trailed off. She sat down on her bed and dropped her face into her hands.
    Rosemary walked to the bed and sat down next to her granddaughter. She put her arm around Mariah’s shoulders. “I should have said something to you earlier. Like I said, I thought long and hard about coming with you. But I can’t leave my child without one of us being here if she needs us.”
    Mariah thought how Cassie always seemed to disrupt her life. She was at a point in her life when she could make life easier for her beloved Granny and once again Cassie was coming between them. A teardrop slipped between her fingers.
    â€œNow, Mari, don’t be like that, baby. I have my life to live just like you have yours. Why you’re right up the expressway; I promise to come spend some weekends with you. I know this will be a change for you. But, you need a chance to live your life; meet a nice young man and give me some great grandchildren. I’m not getting any younger you know.” Rosemary tried to lighten the mood, but Mariah wasn’t having it.
    Mariah stood up. She said with a voice that resonated with resignation, “If that’s how you feel, then I have no choice but to go along with your wishes. I am disappointed though. It seems I can never be happy and as always it’s Cassie’s fault.”
    Rosemary grabbed Mariah’s hands and forced her to sit back down. She turned Mariah’s face toward her. “I don’t want you to feel like that. Your mother has issues. I’ve always told you that. She has demons that she just can’t overcome. Despite everything she has done—stolen from us, lied, and God knows what else—she is still my child, my only child. As Jesus preached, I will love her unconditionally. It would be good if you could do the same.”
    â€œI try to, but it’s hard. I still remember the taunts I received from kids in school, teasing me about how my mother is a crackhead. It was hard for me. As I imagine it has been for you. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold, either,” Mariah said petulantly.
    â€œWhat makes you think I’m