Common Lives

Speaking of stoned! I wonder if our recovering alcoholic is considering a drink. It’s hard to tell by watching her sit so still. Poor Sidney, she almost looked a little ghostly with her dried face yet dampened tussled hair. And I guess she’s ignoring the “no smoking” signs since her cigarette is nearly burned out. I always saw that as an art to be able to keep ashes from falling while you’re having a smoke. As Dominique stood at the window with one eye on Sidney and the other on the parking lot wishing Meagan and Waverly would hurry, she couldn’t help but think to herself, “God only knows how this is going to impact our friendship!” Death does have a way of either bringing people together or tearing them apart. One can never tell! Although I believe there’s more than meets the eye. If you recall, just before Miss Phyllis went off to surgery, she practically insisted that Sherian do right by Sidney. Almost transparent, her demeanor revealed to me that Sherian knew exactly what her Mother meant as she sat directly across from Sidney scanning her up and down. At first it was hard to tell what Sherian was looking for exactly. But, then it became crystal clear. Sherian was looking for the little girl she believed still existed somewhere deep inside of the “sister” she knew long – long ago. Back then, Sherian and Sidney were very close. Sidney looked up to her older sister, respected her opinion and practically wanted to do everything she did. Well, that was until Sherian started working and wanting to spend more time with friends her own age. I would imagine it’s that way with most siblings. Unfortunately though, for Sherian and Sidney Sharpe, it built a bridge between them that neither was willing to cross. And occasionally when they were together, as Sidney grew older, Sherian treated her like a child instead of respecting her as an equal, causing Sidney to pull away. Sounds like someone you know? Anyway, Big-Sis is now desperately looking for an open window to connect with Lil-Sis. And from the looks of things, she’s going to have to keep looking because Waverly and Meagan are now stepping off the elevator to be with their good girlfriend. Out of breath, Meagan ran over to Sidney giving her a big hug almost bringing Sidney to her feet. Waverly being the mother of the four, not only noticed Sidney smoking in a non-smoking building, she also saw the stack of ashes finally falling on the hospital floor as Sidney held on to the butt. Shaking her head, knowing this was just one of those things, Waverly politely removed the cigarette butt from Sidney’s fingers and scooped up the ashes, discarding them both. Dominique, relieved to see Waverly and Meagan, finally exhaled as she smiled then moved closer to be with her friends. Sherian, with mixed emotions, was again disappointed. Not at all by her sisters’ friends being there to comfort her, but solely because she herself was unable to find an opening for such a connection... ●●●● Maybe later, Sherian thought as she got up heading towards the elevator. Sidney, having more love for her sister than Sherian believed noticed her leaving and said as she pulled away from Meagan, “Cher, you want to meet at Momma’s later!” Hearing Sidney’s voice and realizing she was speaking to her and not to someone else, sounded like the voice of an angel. It was almost as if Sidney was that little girl again Sherian once knew. Overwhelmed, Sherian quickly turned around and made her way back to her sister. The two simply embraced each other as the reassurance of their commonality was revealed.... “How about five o’clock,” Sherian said. “Five o’clock is cool,” Sidney replied just before kissing her sister good-bye. Sherian then turned to the others, hugging and kissing them good-bye as well. As a single tear rolled down Sherian’s cheek, Waverly wiped it away then whispered, “I can’t begin to imagine what this means for you to have to assume the role of Sid’s Mom. But, if you need anything – anything what so ever, please call me. We’re here for you as well Sherian.” Sherian closed her eyes, opened them again, took a deep breath then walked away. Suddenly at that moment, the little chilled hospital waiting area became slightly brighter. It was as if a soft, comforting energy was moving through the room. And I saw for the first time, in a very long time, just what true friendship really means. Just in that small window of time, the focus wasn’t on Sidney’s loss. No, it was channeled to what she shared with her three best friends. Unconditional love! This was not a give and take arrangement. These four women gave of themselves always – always in exchange for nothing – almost as if they were a part of one another. They were somehow able to feel just what the other was feeling even if several miles away. One could say that this friendship was priceless. You couldn’t buy your way out of it. Before long, these bunnies were giggling again and making fun of each other. Somehow they had gotten on the subject of Meagan’s delivery of the twins. And with Dominique playing charades of the whole scenario... Well I’m sure you get the picture. Sore and all, Meagan still had that unchangeable grin covering her face. While Waverly sat there with one arm around Sidney and the other on her head laughing at her silly friend, not thinking once of her unfaithful husband. And let’s just say that Sidney Sharpe looked as beautiful and innocent as she always did while thinking of and feeling every moment of her best friend Meagan’s miracle. Before long, two hours had passed and these four stooges were still enjoying each other’s company. And you know what, I believe this is just what the doctor ordered. To get Sidney’s mind off of the tragedy she just experienced, they switched their focus to Dominique. ●●●● “So Diamond, with all of this pretending you’re doing, I must admit that maybe you are ready to have a baby of your own,” Waverly chuckled. Sidney frowned then added, “Not unless she’s getting a sperm injection. Remember, it takes two to tangle. But wait a second! Just last night, Dominique told me something about having a new piece. In fact, he’s supposed to be coming to visit soon. Diamond, no more holding out on your sisters. Is this new lover a candidate to be your baby’s Daddy? Truth!!”