Kindred Hearts

CHAPTER 3 IN FRIENDSHIP

CHAPTER 3

IN FRIENDSHIP

On Sunday morning, Lisa stopped her car at the kerb in front of Johnson’s home in Camberwell. Butterflies in her stomach kept her stuck in place for a few minutes. She’d only ever visited Johnson with her friends, never on her own and couldn’t help but feel anxious.

The stunning water feature and vertical garden greeted her as she walked down the brick-paved path towards a bright red door with shrubbery, an array of flowers, and immaculate hedging surrounding the garden.

Lisa cleared her throat, knocked on the thick timber door, and waited. She heard footsteps approaching and hugged her body tight to fight a chill despite the warm day. Her face broke out in a smile when Johnson swung open the door. He returned the smile as he ushered her inside.

“Well, hello there, gorgeous. This is a surprise. Come on in.”

“Thanks.” She turned to the garden before entering. “Your garden looks amazing. It looks different from the last time I was here. You’ve got some new plants, haven’t you?”

He closed the door behind her. “Thanks. My gardener does excellent work. Take a seat.”

Even though she had been to Johnson’s house a few times, she was still in awe of the décor and space within the large entrance foyer. Her eyes roamed the living area that featured a gas open fireplace and an adjoining dining room overlooking a Zen-inspired back garden. The kitchen was expansive with plenty of bench space and a large chef’s pantry. She sat on one of the stools surrounding the kitchen bench.

“What can I get you to drink? A coffee or tea?” Johnson asked.

“Tea’s good. Thanks.”

Johnson pulled out mugs from an overhead cupboard, then turned on the kettle and made tea. Lisa heard coughing. Johnson grabbed a glass of water. “Sorry, give me a minute. I’ll give this to my mum. She’s staying with me until she can get back on her feet. I won’t be long.”

Lisa nodded. Johnson frowned and headed up the stairs.

Lisa stepped off the stool and took a walk towards the living area of the house. The crème walls held framed abstract paintings, and fancy chandeliers hung from the ceiling. A crème leather couch with a modern buffet and hutch, large television screen, and a rustic coffee table gave the room a trendy look and design. Connected to the living room were an indoor swimming pool, a study, and a gym. This house was maze-like with its separate areas.

She returned to the kitchen and sat on the stool again just as Johnson returned with an empty glass. He set it in the sink, then proceeded to finish making the tea.

“I’m sorry. She’s asleep now. We should be able to talk.” He stirred the tea, then set one aside in front of Lisa. He took a sip of his own and sat on the stool opposite. “She’s stubborn about getting treatment. I’ve started caring for her on the weekends. My aunt looks after her during the week.”

Lisa fiddled with her gold bangles and played with her necklace. “I’m sorry she’s not well. I hope it’s okay I’m here? I don’t what to impose.”

He shook his head. “It’s all good.” He forced a grin. “It’s not every day that a beautiful woman comes by to visit. To whom or what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Julie rang and told me you needed some emotional support. I thought I’d come by to see how you’re doing. Is there anything I can do to help?”

His face turned serious for a fleeting moment. “Thanks, I’m fine. My mother’s just stubborn. She doesn’t think that treatment will help for her cancer. She’s opted to live out her fate.”

Lisa rubbed the back of her neck and bit her lip. “What’s aah . . . the prognosis?”

Johnson hesitated. “The doctors say it’s at the stage four phase.” His eyes peered down for a moment. “Apart from treatment for her pain, there’s nothing more they can do. They can make her comfortable, which is why my mother thinks she’d prefer to be comfortable in her own home.”

“I can understand her perspective.”

Johnson avoided her eyes. “Are you kidding me? She needs the best of care, and I can’t believe she’s given up. Even at stage four, people have miraculously recovered. Why can’t my mum believe in miracles or a cure? I refuse to believe that she’s at the end of it.”

“I’m sorry, Johnson. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through.”

He turned to her, a heaviness in his eyes that she’d never seen before. “I don’t need your sympathy. As I said, I’m fine. It’s my mother that needs the help. She should be in the hospital, not at home.”

“And what about your father? Have you ever heard from him?”

Johnson rose from the stool and began pacing up and down the kitchen floor. “Don’t ever talk to me about that poor excuse of a man. He doesn’t even deserve mention. Let’s drop the subject.”

Lisa finished her tea in silence. She knew things were strained since Johnson’s father left, but his mother was dying. Shouldn’t his father be there to support him? Maybe his father would want to know that his ex-wife was dying. Maybe today wasn’t the right time to bring him up. “I’m sorry Johnson. I didn’t mean to upset you. I think I’ll be going now, but if there’s anything you need, please let me know.”

Johnson stopped pacing and stood opposite her. He stared at her for a few moments in silence, lost in thought. Lisa moved around him and headed towards the door. She must have really upset him. Her feet were shaky as she swung open the door. He grabbed her hand.

“You don’t have to leave, Lisa. I can make us some lunch. I am one of the best cooks in the country you know,” Johnson joked.

Lisa chuckled. “It’s okay. I have a few errands today, but I’ll speak to you soon.”

He nodded. “Thanks for coming by.”

As she entered her sporty convertible, her car keys slipped out of her hand. She swore to herself and reached for them. As she rose, she spotted Johnson standing outside, watching her. Lisa had the sudden urge to run back to him and embrace him. She should stay, support him, comfort her friend, but she couldn’t bear being alone with him right now. It was silly for her to be nervous around him, and she worried she’d say the wrong thing again. She recovered her keys, slid them into the ignition, and drove off.