The Library of Lost and Found(32)

Martha looked over at Gina, not quite sure why she was seeking some kind of permission from the lady who answered the door. Gina semiclosed her eyes and turned her head away.

Hesitantly, Martha stepped forward and reached out. When she took hold of her nana’s fingers they felt like brittle twigs. She held them lightly, not wanting to squeeze any tighter in case they snapped. “I thought you were gone. Mum and Dad told me you died—so how can you be here?”

Zelda lowered her eyes and stared at her lap. “I’m so sorry…” She pulled her hand away and fumbled up her sleeve for a handkerchief.

Martha’s temples pulsated. “But why would they tell me that? What happened?”

“I never thought I’d see you again…” Zelda shook her head.

“Where have you been?” Martha let her hands fall. “My parents lied to me… Do you know they died?”

Zelda gave the slightest nod. “Yes. A few years ago. I know about them.”

“So, why didn’t you—?”

“Stop now,” Gina snapped. Her features were frosty as she moved to the center of the hallway. Martha had to step backwards to give her some space. “Ezmerelda needs to take things easy.”

The tendons in Martha’s neck strained. She balled her hand into a fist. “It’s been over thirty years. I need to know—”

“It’s best if you leave now,” Gina said.

Martha glared at her. “But we need to talk.”

“The doctor has told Ezmerelda to rest up, with no excitement.”

Zelda reached out and tugged on Gina’s jacket. “Please. Martha is here and this is all so…bloody weird and amazing.”

Gina’s eyes remained hard.

“I feel as fit as a flea, honestly. I’ve already promised not to cartwheel for a while.”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble,” Martha pleaded. “I found a dedication in a book but the date was wrong, and I managed to trace it to here. I didn’t expect to find that Zelda is still alive.”

Gina lifted her chin. Her voice softened a little. “I know you have lots of things to discuss, but it is something to arrange for another time. This is a big shock for everyone.”

Even though Martha felt her cheeks burn with frustration, she pursed her lips. “Yes. Yes, it is,” she agreed, finally.

“We can meet properly, soon.” Zelda said. “After I’ve rested.”

“You need to lie down,” Gina said.

“I will do. I promise.” Zelda turned her attention to Martha. “There’s a funfair in town, not far from here.”

“You will not be going there.” Gina folded her arms.

Zelda widened her eyes. “Hold your horses, Gina. I was about to say there’s a small café at the fair. They do milkshakes and you can watch the rides.”

“I am not stopping you from seeing your granddaughter. I am trying to protect you.”

Martha stepped forward, wondering why this white-haired lady had such a big say in her nana’s life. “Surely, it’s up to Zelda.”

Gina cast her a withering stare.

Zelda wheeled forward an inch. “I’m not trying to escape.” She sighed. “I won’t be going on the roller coaster. After the godawful doom and gloom of hospital it will be good to get out. I’d like to be around people enjoying themselves, who don’t have ailments and injuries. What’s wrong with going to the café?”

Gina’s moved her arms out of their fold. “Okay,” she said, eventually. “I will give it some thought.”

“Can I have your phone number, Martha?” Zelda said.

Martha took her Wonder Woman notepad from her pocket. She wrote down her address and phone number. After tearing out the sheet of paper, she handed it to her nana. “Call me anytime,” she said. “I’ll be waiting. I still live in Mum and Dad’s old house.”

Zelda nodded. She tucked the paper into her pocket and raised her hand in a fragile wave. “Thanks for finding me.”

Martha’s feet felt rooted. She didn’t want to leave, but Gina had raised herself to full height. She stood stiffly, her body rigid.

Not knowing whether to kiss her nana on the cheek or not, Martha decided against it. When Gina followed her to the door, it felt like she was being escorted off the premises.

“She is an old lady,” Gina hissed as she took hold of the doorknob. “I do not know why you’ve turned up after all this time, but it is my job to look after Ezmerelda. I will not let anything or anyone get in the way. I want to make sure you are clear about that.”

Martha swallowed, taken aback by her forceful tone. “Yes.”

“Good. Goodbye.”

Martha crooked her head to the side briefly and mouthed, “Goodbye,” to her nana. Then she stepped over the threshold and back onto the path. She didn’t hear if Zelda said goodbye or not, and she was glad that she hadn’t. Saying farewell to her all those years ago had been hard enough, without doing it again.

The door shut and Martha walked toward the gate. Her knees had jelly for joints and her fingers were numb as she opened it. Her hands shook as she pushed them into her pockets, but as she raised her face to the wind, the daylight seemed much brighter.