FIONA

Chapter Five: It's Only Rumbling In The Sky

Fiona stood at the kitchen counter, wiping it down while Beverley washed the dishes, when the rumbling started up outside. A storm quickly approached.

"Fiona, we need to hurry out of here before the thunder comes. You know we shouldn't be standing by a window during a storm," Beverley panicked, rinsing some pots and pans in a rush, "The rest of these dishes will have to wait until tomorrow. You know I don't like to be in contact with a running faucet during a storm. Especially in this unpredictable weather we've been having."

"It's only rumbling lightly. There's no lightning outside. You could finish up the rest of the dishes now that things are not so bad outside," Fiona said, bluntly, "Don't wait until tomorrow to do the rest of the dishes. If you do, then I'll get stuck washing them in the morning. I don't have time to do them, even though it will be my turn to do them for the day. I have to report to work at eight o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. I'm training some new team members. Then, when I get home from my job at the department store, I have some copy editing work to finish up for some clients. I'm on a deadline, Beverly," Fiona said, tossing the sponge into the sink, and walking out of the kitchen.

"What do you want me to do, Fiona, get electrocuted? I'm not taking any chances. Since you want the dishes done tonight so badly, you're welcome to them. I'm going to take shelter," Beverley yelled while heading downstairs into the basement like she always did whenever a storm was approaching.

Fiona finished up the dishes, rinsing the last couple of items before drying off her hands.

She went downstairs into the basement to confront Beverly about her abrupt behavior.

Beverley sat in a corner reading the Bible aloud, from the book of Matthew.

"Beverly, what was that outburst about earlier? The panic and fear of a storm is one thing, but why were you so like me? I was down and depressed earlier, because I've been under lots of stress from working at the department store, a job I totally hate. But I stay at the job, because I know we need the income. What's your excuse?" Fiona grunted, walking up to Beverley, grabbing the Bible out of her hands, "Enough of this. Talk to me."

"Alright. If you must know, I got the results back from my mammogram. The doctor told me when he checked the ultrasound results thoroughly; he discovered a lump in my right breast. It's malignant. I bought a Bible so I can turn to it as a form of comfort. I didn't want to tell you. However, now, it's all out in the open," Beverley said in a shaky voice, burying her tear stained face in her hands.

Fiona put her arms around Beverley, offering some words of comfort, "It will be okay. We'll go to a cancer treatment center to see what kind of treatment is available other than chemo. But, should you need chemo, then that's what you go with. You're gonna fight this thing with all the strength you can bring forth from your inner being. Do you hear me? You're not going to give up hope. I don't want you to ever lose your faith. I'm glad you bought this Bible," she said while handing the Bible back to Beverley, wiping away her own tears with her palms.

"I don't know what I'll do if I lose my hair. I don't want chemotherapy. If I have it done, I'll lose my hair, and feel worthless. My hair means so much to me. What will I do if I lose my hair, Fiona? I couldn't face anyone without my hair," Beverley cried while trembling in Fiona's arms.

"It will grow back. I read some place online years ago how when a person loses their hair to chemotherapy, their hair not only grows back but grows in thicker. At least that's what happened with Mrs. Stinson. We've known her from the time we were children. Why don't you call her up? Invite her to come over for coffee and cake. I'll pick up some coffee cake tomorrow after work," Fiona assured Beverley, holding her head close.

"I have the rest of the pies to make for the bake sale. I need to get them done. It will be good for me to keep busy. I need to be to maintain my sanity through all this. I still need some time to process all of this, Fiona. It's just not fair. Why must this happen to me? I've always made an effort to be a good person. I never did anything wrong ever to anyone. Now, I could lose my life," Beverly sobbed while rubbing her face against Fiona's shirt.