Chameleon Games

Chapter 2

2

Elizabeth Grey studied her granddaughter. She knew her facial expressions and body language well. Something’s wrong, she thought.

The two had met for an early dinner at their favourite Greek restaurant before Sydney was to head home to Stoney Creek. All through their meal, her granddaughter was distracted, and her conversation was vague. Sydney was picking at her gluten-free lemon tart, while Elizabeth sipped her coffee. “Okay…what’s going on?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“You’ve been distant throughout the whole meal.”

Sydney smiled. “You know me too well.”

“Yes, I do. And I know you’re upset about something.” Elizabeth reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

“Oh, Nan. I had words with Chelsea before I left the house. I said some horrible things to her. I didn’t mean to, but once I started I couldn’t shut up.”

The thought of her daughter brought a look of pain across Elizabeth’s face. “I can’t say that I’m surprised. It’s been a long time coming. The two of you have been at odds for months. Even our dinner out the other day to celebrate you and your mother’s birthday was obviously tense.”

Sydney’s brow went up. “I was hoping you hadn’t noticed. Do you know why?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I assumed because, like me, you’re disappointed in how she’s handling her problems.”

“That’s part of it, yes. But it’s more complicated than that. I’ve been really angry at her. She wanted to talk about it, and I let loose. Remember when Jax and I came up to celebrate your birthday?”

“Yes, it was a fun night.”

“Most of it. You went home ahead of us with your friends and Chelsea got drunk…per usual. I went to the ladies’ room, and when I got back, she was all over Jax. He was embarrassed, and I was disgusted.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m so sorry. But perhaps it’s for the best that you talked it out with her.”

“Nan, I was really mean. I said her lifestyle was hurting everyone, especially you. And if it continues, I wish we’d never found her.

Her grandmother cringed. Her chest hurt. “Oh, Sydney.”

“I’m sorry. I feel terrible, but sometimes that’s how I feel. I understand why she’s struggling, but it’s hard when she acts out and does things like coming on to my boyfriend.”

“I’m not condoning her actions of late, but it’s only been nine months. Chelsea has a lot to overcome.”

“I know. But this sudden drinking and partying path she’s on can only hurt her. I want to understand her battle, but to me it’s like she’s given up.”

Elizabeth put her cup down. She absent-mindedly wrung her hands together. “She’s definitely in a self-destruct mode. I talked to Dr. Sauvé about it. I was hoping she could do something in this type of situation, but her hands are tied.”

Sydney gave up on her lemon tart and covered it with her napkin. “Do something like what?”

“I don’t know…maybe put her in a hospital for thirty days observation where she’d get counselling more intensively, send her to rehab…something. Dr. Sauvé says she’s an adult and unless she tries to harm herself or others, she doesn’t have the authority under the law to do anything about it. And Chelsea hasn’t returned her calls since she stopped going to her sessions, so she doesn’t really know what’s going on with her.”

Sydney reached over and placed her hand over her Nan’s to stop her from rubbing her fingers raw. “It’s a worry, Nan. But I don’t know what we can do. Chelsea has to figure this out on her own. My main concern is really the effect it’s having on you.”

“It is hard, but I’m hopeful she’ll heal. We’ve both given her lots of space, even when we haven’t agreed with her behavior. It’s time I try to talk to her. I’m sorry your talk went badly, but give her some space and time.”

The waiter brought their bill and Elizabeth insisted on paying. The two women left the restaurant and walked towards their cars.

Sydney linked her arm through her Nan’s. “You know, I suggested she read her journals months ago because I thought she might reconnect with that strong, independent person she was before all this happened to her.”

Elizabeth stopped beside her car. “I get why she didn’t want to go there. It would have made her feel like a failure now. I’m hoping that the free spirit she has hidden somewhere inside her will fight its way to the surface.”

“Let’s hope so. I’d best get going, Nan. Give me a hug.” The two embraced.

“Drive safe and text me when you get home,” Elizabeth said.

“I will.”

Not ready to return home, Elizabeth called a friend and arranged a visit with her for coffee. Three hours later she drove into her driveway. There were no lights on in the house as she unlocked the door and let herself in. She knocked on Chelsea’s bedroom door. With no answer, she opened it, confirming that she was home alone. Out again. She walked over to her daughter’s unmade bed and straightened it out, an unconscious effort that gave her little comfort. Not wanting to imagine where her daughter was or with whom, she retired to her own bed early. A favourite series on Netflix with new episodes caught her attention. When she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer, she turned it off and fell asleep.

A short time later, she awoke to hear the front door open and close. Chelsea passed her door and entered her own bedroom. The clock read 10:30 p.m. Elizabeth was surprised.

An early night for once. At least I know she’s home and safe.