Liisa Read online

  “Put her down and stop that racket,” Gloria and Ronald laughingly said at the same time. Ellen playfully swatted at them and went back to the kitchen.

  “Is there something I can do to help, Aunt Ellen?” Liisa asked, following her.

  “No, thank you, dear. Everything is ready as soon as that rascal Paul gets here.”

  Paul was now a well-established, successful labor law attorney. Ronald had completed his training for family law and was ready to take the bar exams. Gloria had trained for an elementary teacher, but was staying home with the baby and writing stories for children. The two books she had published were illustrated by Liisa. James was a successful pediatrician. Ben was still practicing family medicine, but not full time. Ellen was a surgical nurse but had not worked in years because she wanted to stay home and care for her children, Paul, Gloria and Ronald and Liisa.

  Ben could well afford to hire housekeepers and cooks, but Ellen wouldn’t hear of it. She loved to cook for her family and tend to her own house. A firm did help with the lawn, flower beds, washing windows and all outside work.

  “At last! I’m ready to chow down on the furniture,” Ronald yelled as Paul breezed in bringing cold air with him.

  “Aaarg! It’s cold. Mom, I hope you cooked your usual barrel full. If everyone’s as hungry as I am, we’ll need it. Where is she? Where’s my girl?” Paul spoke rapidly as he took off his overcoat, gloves, hat and overshoes.

  Everyone laughed as Liisa ran out of the kitchen and jumped into Paul’s arms He hugged her tightly and kissed both cheeks. He then gently stood her in front of him, took her face between his hands and tenderly kissed her full on the lips. “I could hardly wait to get here,” he whispered.

  “Well!” Gloria said explosively, placing fists on her hips and smiling teasingly at them. “What’s this?”

  Ronald snaked an arm around Liisa and steered her into the dining room. “People! Didn’t you hear me say I’m starved? Umm. Smell that roast beef.”

  After a delicious dinner, Ellen ordered everyone into the den for coffee and homemade apple pie. Liisa stayed in the kitchen to help. Paul came in, shooing his mother out and winked at her as she left. Now what was that about! Liisa thought.

  Puzzled, she kept her thoughts to herself as she and Paul rinsed the dinner dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. They had made a fresh pot of coffee while they cleaned the kitchen and put leftover food away.

  Liisa cut seven pieces of pie and placed them on small plates with forks while Paul set a silver pot of coffee on a tray with sugar and cream. Liisa set the plates on a tray with napkins to be carried into the den. Paul carried the heavier tray in behind her. Ellen looked at Paul and raised one eyebrow, but he slightly shook his head so that only his mother saw it. Gloria got ice cream and cheese for those that wanted something on their pie. Jerome had a small bowl of ice cream. He had been bathed and dressed for bed.

  There was a great deal of talking laughing, teasing and reminiscing. Gloria shifted on the floor where she sat beside Liisa. “Tell us what all the people said about your paintings. I bet they were the best any of the people had seen.”

  “Oh, no,” Liisa blushed. “It will sound like I’m bragging.”

  “It isn’t bragging when you’re telling the truth,” Ben assured her. “Besides, you’ve earned the right if you wish to brag.”

  “Liisa,” Ronald interrupted. “You never did tell us why you made such a quick return trip to Norway so soon after coming home from the University.” Liisa looked astonished at Ronald.

  “Yes, this is the first time the entire family has had a chance to get together. We’re curious as to why you had such a secretive trip,” Ben said with a twinkle in his eye to show he was teasing her. Liisa turned widening eyes at him.

  “What are you talking about? I haven’t been anywhere since I returned from the University.”

  “No, dear,” Ellen said. “You did come home last month from your second trip. The first time you came home about five months ago. A few days later you suddenly left to return to Norway and you were gone several weeks. When you returned you had so many paintings that Arnold felt you deserved a showing. That’s why he arranged everything for you.” She spoke softly, beginning to look worried.

  “Please say you’re teasing me,” Liisa said frantically, looking around dismayed at them.

  “Aw, come on,” Ronald snickered. “What are you trying to pull?”

  “Liisa, honey, calm down. Don’t you truly remember your trip back to Norway?” Paul asked with a concerned frown and pulling her against him. She numbly shook her head. He could feel her trembling.

  “Let’s take this methodically,” Paul continued. “Start at the beginning. What do you remember about the last six months?”

  Liisa hesitated and thought, “Just what’s happened lately,” she said with a catch in her voice and tears swimming in her eyes. The family looked puzzled at each other.

  “Let’s go back farther,” Paul said, determined to help her remember. “Do you remember telling anyone that you’d return when you left the University? Or did you get a letter from someone asking you to come back to Norway?”

  “No!” Liisa answered, almost screaming, now sobbing copious tears.

  “Leave her alone,” Ellen said firmly almost crying herself. “She said she didn’t remember anything.” Liisa sat bewildered and heart-sick, looking as if she were in a trance.

  Ronald was perplexed. “Whew!” he whistled. “I sure opened a can of worms. I had no idea that this would happen when I asked an innocent question. Dad, has she been sick or maybe had a head injury?”

  James sauntered across the room looking seriously, but lovingly, at Liisa. “It’s obvious she’s not trying to evade your question. I know it’s disconcerting to Liisa, and to all of us, but it’s clear that several weeks seemed to have been wiped out of her memory. This is not a usual textbook case of amnesia, but I agree that it’s possible. I suggest that we drop the subject for tonight. It’s too upsetting and we’re not reaching any concrete conclusions.”

  “Liisa,” Ben spoke gently, “please come into my office tomorrow morning and let me run a series of tests. Honey, you did leave us, but it’s also plain that you don’t remember what happened.” The tension was palpable in the room.

  Gloria, with tears streaming down her cheeks, pulled the unresisting Liisa to her feet and walked her upstairs to her old room. Ellen and Gloria washed Liisa’s face and hands and encouraged her to brush her teeth, which she did like a zombie. They put one of Gloria’s nightgowns on her and tucked her into bed. Ellen grieved to see the vacant stare on Liisa’s face and observe the shallow breathing.

  Ellen leaned over to kiss Liisa’s cheek. “Go to sleep, my darling, and dream sweet dreams. Your Uncle Ben will make it all better. We all love you and will help.” Ellen pulled a rocker beside the bed, humming and singing softly as she did when the four children were little. Finally Liisa closed her eyes and breathed evenly.

  “My dear, I don’t know how to approach this,” Ben said with a catch in his throat when Ellen came downstairs.

  “At the moment there is only one thing to do. We must all pray. Now all of you get to bed. We’re going to need the rest. Oh, my poor child,” Ellen burst into tears. Ben held her while she laid her head against his chest, sobbing in her grief.

  “I’m going back to my apartment, Mom,” Paul said as he gently took his mother from his father’s arms and hugged her. “I have to be in mediation tomorrow, but I’ll be in touch. Dad, let me know what you find just as soon as you finish tests that will have immediate results. Of course some of them will take several days.” Ben nodded.

  James wrapped his sleeping baby warmly and cuddled him against his chest as he went out to the car.

  “I want to know, too, Dad,” Gloria choked on a sob.

  Silently Ronald crept up the stairs to his room. With heavy hearts everyone went their own way and prepared to spend a sleepless night.

  Was Liisa an
excellent actress playing a macabre joke? No way. Was she just pulling their legs - so to speak? No. She was one of them; loved by all and she loved them. She would never be so cruel. Would tomorrow bring answers or more heartache?

  Chapter Two

  Liisa woke with a feeling of dread. Momentarily frightened, she couldn’t remember where she was. With a rush she remembered the night before.

  What shall I do? Did I really make a second trip to Norway? I must have because the entire family knows of it. Why did I go back and what did I do? When and how did I paint so many pictures? Her head began to ache with the frantic thinking. Too – she felt empty. Empty in stomach and heart.

  With a small, disgusted sound, she threw the covers off and staggered up. Showering and dressing helped a little. Someone had hand-washed her undies and hung them to dry in the bathroom. She hated that she had to wear yesterday’s clothing, but she hadn’t planned to spend the night, therefore, had not brought a change of clothing.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” Ellen called gaily to Liisa as she walked into the kitchen. With her familiar, big smile, she gathered Liisa close in a motherly hug, laughing because now she had to look up at Liisa. “Orange juice is on the table. I heard you moving around and thought I’d bring a tray up to you, but here you are. Coffee is on and I’ll fix you eggs, bacon and toast in the wink of an eye. Does that please you or would you prefer something else?”

  “Oh, please, Aunt Ellen. I can’t eat much. Maybe toast and coffee.”

  “Absolutely not!” Ellen turned and pretended to glare at her. “Are you trying to ruin the reputation of my kitchen? You know that people eat well in this house. Just look at Ben’s waist and see for yourself.”

  “Aunt Ellen, I don’t have to leave this kitchen to see a waist that eats well.”

  “Sassy child,” Ellen giggled. “I’ll have a cup of coffee while you eat and we’ll chat. I’ve had my breakfast but we haven’t had much of a chance to talk with the gang around.” Ellen spoke of her family with a proud smile.

  “Aunt Ellen, may I get a word in now?” Liisa said with a tender smile. I just remembered, I can’t eat or drink anything because I have to fast for my tests. I’ll just sit while you have a cup of coffee and we’ll talk.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I should have remembered. Won’t it bother you to see me drinking coffee?”

  “Not in the least.”

  They talked about her paintings and Liisa told Ellen that Arnold had suggested she do portraits.

  “Arnold said he thought the portrait of the mystery man was one of the best he’d seen. He felt that I could be successful and enjoy doing portraits of families, especially children.”

  Ellen smiled. “Arnold is a champion. He has been so good to you and I sure do appreciate it. If he thinks you would do well with portrait painting, why don’t you do a few and give it a try? You could start on Jerome. Your Uncle Ben and I will commission you to do the work.”

  “I would love to do Jerome and I refuse to accept payment for it. I’ll do one and give it to Gloria and James as a surprise Christmas gift.” I know Arnold is proud of me because he’s known me all of my life. Too, it helped his gallery when my showing was a success. I owe him a lot.”

  “We all owe Arnold. I know all the family would love a portrait of Jerome and, when you have time and the inclination, you could do our family portrait.” Ellen jumped up

  “Ben said to bring you in at nine thirty because he would not be too busy on a Friday morning. Do you want to go by your apartment and change clothes?”

  “Of course, but please don’t bother about me. I can go alone.”

  “Now, Liisa, you know Ben would be furious with me for letting you go alone. I need to go and be with you for my sake. I want to know immediately what he finds. I couldn’t stand to stay here and wait and wonder. Be patient with me, Liisa. You know you’re as dear to me as if you were my own child. As far as this family is concerned, you are ours. Gloria, Paul and Ronald love you as much as they do each other.”

  With trembling lips and tear-glistened eyes, Liisa walked around the table to hug Ellen. I know, Aunt Ellen, and all of you are so dear to me as if we were blood relatives.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Let’s cut out the waterworks and get out of here.” Ellen took off her apron and headed for the kitchen while Liisa wiped off the dining table.

  Liisa drove to her apartment. Ellen came in to wait while she showered, changed clothes and brushed her teeth. Then she drove to Ben’s office on Meadow Street. Ellen told Liisa to drive to the back of the building and park where the employees parked.

  Dr. Alice Green, Ben’s assistant, met them in the back hall and walked with them to Ben’s office where he was waiting for them.

  “Hey! Two of the most beautiful women in the city can sure come into my office any time and brighten my day.” He held Ellen tenderly. “And you, my darling, are the most beautiful of all.”

  Liisa smiled at them with a soft feeling in her heart. She loved these two people and was so glad they had each other. They were as much in love now as they had been thirty-six years ago when they first married.

  “Sit down, sit down. We have a lot to discuss before Liisa starts her battery of tests.” Ben drew a deep breath. “Well, here you are again my little problem child. Remember, you were the one who usually fell out of the trees or into the lake trying to keep up with Paul. Poison ivy, mosquito bites and bee stings were common with you.” He shifted to a more comfortable position in his chair. His big, padded, leather chair had formed to his body over the years.

  “Sweetie, I will not be doing any of the more detailed and complicated tests. Others on my staff will be doing those. The results will be given to me and I’ll compile a medical profile of you.”

  Ben smiled at Liisa as he leaned back in his chair and locked his hands behind his head. “First we’ll do a complete blood work-up, urine specimen, reflexes, etcetera. I’ll explain each test as we progress. Any questions?”

  “Not at the moment, Uncle Ben. I’m sure I shall have scads of questions later.”

  “It’ll be several days before all of the test results are completed. I know all of us are anxious, you more than us, but it does take time. Unfortunately some of them may have to be taken over. Par for the course,” he smiled.

  “I understand,” Liisa nodded. As apprehensive as she felt, she had to smile to herself to see Ellen quietly shredding tissues and filling her lap with shredded material. Ben calmly took the shredded tissues and dropped them in the wastebasket.

  Liisa recognized that Ben, too, was nervous. She also knew he felt as he would if she were one of his own children, and that he was trying to put her at ease.

  “Alice, we’re ready,” Ben’s deep voice boomed out. “I was afraid of losing Alice because she recently got engaged to a good ole Southern boy. He’s a college professor from a nice Georgia family. I’ll admit I would be lost without her. I’ve come to depend on her for so much in the two years she’s been with me, and she’s naturally an excellent physician. She was born to be one.”

  Alice walked with Liisa to a cubicle where she put on a short gown that opened in the back. Alice gave her a second one to wear open to the front so that Liisa could walk down the hall without being embarrassed. Liisa’s heart was doing a drum roll against her ribs.

  After about an hour and a half, Liisa returned to Ben’s office to find Ellen flipping through a magazine as if she were in a reading race. Ben motioned for Liisa to sit beside Ellen as he pulled a chair closer to sit facing them. “Now honey, we’re going to take you to the clinic to have a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. This test uses nuclear resonance and goes deeper and in more detail than the computerized axial topography, better known as the CAT scan. During the later part of the MRI, they will inject you with a nuclear medicine that will help them trace the path of the test with more accuracy. It might not be comfortable, and will take some time, but nothing will hurt you.”

  Liisa smiled brav
ely at him and hoped she was hiding the need to burst into tears. She would go through any tests that Uncle Ben recommended to determine why she could not remember the lost time.

  Liisa was placed on a gurney and a compassionate young male black nurse wheeled her through a short tunnel to the clinic where she was given the MRI. She was exhausted and very happy when she was told that the tests were nearly finished.

  Later, dressed and back in Ben’s office, Liisa sat to wait for Ben to tell them what she must do next. Ellen kept patting Liisa’s hand absently in her nervousness and saying repeatedly, “It’s all right, dear. It’s all right.”

  Ben’s receptionist, Kerry Kane, stuck her head in the door. “Gloria is on line one,” she grinned.

  Ben picked up the phone. “Hi, sweetheart. Guess who’s here in the office with me.” He listened a few minutes. “Is that right?” You don’t say. Well, well.” Ben laughed aloud. “Here’s your mother. Why don’t you tell her all of that,” he chuckled as he handed the phone to Ellen.

  Talking low to Liisa, Ben laughing said, “Gloria says that she has cooked enough for a small army and if the three of us don’t come over and help them eat, that she will have to throw it out in the streets so the animals and whoever wants it can get it.”

  “Yes, darling. We’ll be there in about a half an hour,” Ellen smiled and hung up.

  “Whoa! You didn’t consult with Liisa and me. We might have rather gone out on the town dancing until dawn.”

  “I can just see that,” laughed Ellen with fists on hips. “I know you’ll eat anything that anyone will serve to you, especially if it doesn’t bite back. Besides Liisa needs to be with our gang who loves her.”

  “Guess that solves your afternoon,” Ben grinned at Liisa. “Actually I’d love it. I didn’t get enough sugar from the plump little cheeks of Jerome.”

  “That’s the answer,” Ben said firmly. “You need to find a good, sensible husband and have your own little plump sugar cheeks.”

  “Hold it,” Liisa smiled. “You’re really rushing things. Anyhow, how do you know I don’t have a husband and baby? With my memory, or lack of it, I might have a whole little ball team tucked away somewhere,” she finished on a chocked sob.