One More Chance

Who I Am

Giana

"Oh, Helena, it really is you!"

My grandmother gets up to meet me with a warm embrace, one that's made bittersweet by her words. "It's Giana, Grandma."

She grimaces. "Oh, right. I'm sorry, you just look so much like your mother these days." I can't imagine what she's going through. To be losing your mind and knowing it is a hell I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. "I'm so glad you're here, though. I get so lonely here."

I didn't want to put my grandmother in a home but I didn't have much choice. The day the neighbors found her walking along the highway because she said she was late teaching at the college, I knew she couldn't live on her own anymore. I had to put her somewhere where she could be safe. Maybe if I got that promotion, things would turn around, but for now, I have to make do with what I have.

At least, the place is nice even though I was hoping to get her into a nicer facility across town. She has a comfortable bed, a big TV, a laptop to keep in touch with, and her room is all her own complete with a huge window. It tries to feel like a hotel more than a nursing home, which is something I appreciate.

"How's your work been going? Do you have any big projects?" As she smiles, I'm glad she still remembers what I do for a living even as bits and pieces slip by her. Alzheimer's. They caught it early and we're determined to fight it every step of the way.

"I just got assigned to do this proposal for a hotel. And this time, I get to work with the company president's son."

Bryce Holden, Jr. An arrogant suit if there ever was one, coasting by on the circumstances of his birth. Rich and handsome, he doesn't need anything more than that. He's destined to have an easy life and never know adversity. I've only seen him from a distance, and I'm certain he has no idea who I am. My supervisor had pretty much implied that I was going to do all the work while Bryce's name would be used to promote it, that this was an opportunity for me even if I have to share credit with someone who'd do nothing.

"Where's this one? Do you have to leave town again?" My grandmother sits down on her bed as I pull up a chair next to her. I love how proud she is of my accomplishments. She and my mother always were and even now, gracing one of the walls of the old house with framed copies of my blueprints.

"This one's right here, Grandma, a resort hotel in the valley. They're actually interested in green building concepts for the entire project which just happens to be my specialty. They definitely want something a bit more unique than the standard glass box."

"Really?" She squeezes my hand. "You must be so excited."

"Not excited to be sharing credit with some silver spoon handsome idiot, but excited all the same."

"Handsome idiot? Do you have a crush on this handsome idiot, Hel... I mean, Giana?"

Me? A crush on Bryce Holden, Jr.? Absurd. My references to his handsomeness are just a statement of fact. Even if I admit to an attraction, he's way out of my league. Guys like him don't go for frumpy nerds like me. Thinking about anything between us is a complete waste of energy. "You're way off the mark here, Grandma."

"I just noticed you haven't brought a boyfriend with you in quite some time. You can't go through life all alone, dear."

"I've been busy trying to make this career work. Not a lot of time for a social life." As an intern at Holden Designs, I don't make enough money yet.

"You really should make time. Don't let your youth pass you by, dear. Working hard only gets you so far, and you know this."

Sighing, I pick on an imaginary loose thread on my blouse. As if I'm busy enough at the firm, a lot of it is anxiety, too. My mothers' passing didn't leave me or Grandma with a lot left over financially especially after all the medical bills were paid off. Grandma's diagnosis was another curveball I didn't expect and as the only family she has left, it's up to me to make sure she's well taken care of, no matter what happens.

But she's right about making time for myself. My friends keep trying to get me to go out more, but after putting in overtime at the firm, all I want to do as soon as I'm done working is to go home and face plant into the couch, proceeding to not move for the next twelve hours.

"A pretty girl like you should have no trouble finding a man," Grandma continues. "You put yourself out there and soon you'll be beating them off with a stick."

I chuckle dryly. "I'd prefer to not be in situations where I have to defend myself with a stick. And guys are less crazy about girls like me than you'd think, Grandma. People want fit, tanned and fancy, not some pudgy girl with glasses who'd wear sweatpants to work if she wouldn't be called out on it."

"I think you're beautiful, Giana," she says, her brow furrowing as if a thought comes to her. "Aren't girls wearing yoga pants everywhere nowadays? Why not wear sweatpants?"

"It's corporate casual. I don't think I could get away with yoga pants either." If I could, I would have.

She shakes her head. "Get out there. Spend some time and money on yourself. The last thing I ever want for you is to be alone."

Alzheimers or no, she's still my grandmother and she undoubtedly wants what's best for me. Family-wise, we only have each other.

"I will, Grandma, but for now? I want to spend that time with you," I say with a slight smile.

"Why don't we watch that one movie? I remember you really liking it, and Helena really liked it, too."

"You mean the one about the ticket attendant who rescues a billionaire on the train tracks and ends up with the carpenter brother instead?"

"That one." She pats the space next to her. "I'm in the mood for something romantic. Who knows? Maybe it will rub off, hmm?"

I chuckle. "Sounds like fun."

I climb on the bed next to her as she presses the Play button. I actually have to do site plan sketches for Bryce's proposal but that can wait. Losing my mother taught me to cherish every moment with Grandma as much as I can, especially on days when she actually knows who I am.

As the movie starts, the room is filled with the soft, hopeful music that always accompanies romantic comedies. Grandma seems engrossed, her eyes twinkling as she navigates the plot twists and cliches like an expert sailor steering through familiar waters.

I try to focus on the screen but my mind keeps drifting back to the proposal and, inevitably, to Bryce. My fingers twitch, itching for the feel of a pencil and paper. I want to transform ideas into lines and shapes right now, but I force myself to stay in the moment. This is sacred time with Grandma and I can't afford to squander it.

When the movie ends with the hero and the heroine riding off into the sunset on the Metro, Grandma sighs contentedly. "They don't make them like they used to."

There's a soft knock on the door and an attendant reminds me that visiting hours are winding down. "I should get going."

As I reluctantly pull myself up from the bed, Grandma takes my hand, her grip surprisingly firm. "Remember what I said, Giana. Don't spend all your time chasing papers and promotions. Life is too short. Have fun. Fall in love."

I chuckle. "Trust me, Gran. I'll try my best."

***

Author's Note: 

It's a new story and I hope you add One More Chance to your shelves! 

I'm a month late in posting but better late than never, right?