Ellen's Favor

            The girl laughed like a dolphin in heat as the old woman tried to stand. They were both a little tired and weary after the day's activities. The old woman was the girl's last living grandparent and the girl herself was a handful. A tiny terror, if you would, because of her rambunctiousness and low tolerance for boredom. The old woman, we'll call her Mary, had planned on a simple trip to the market followed by a restful afternoon nap. The child from hell, named Ellen, determined that food shopping was a boring thing for anyone to do. Therefore she pulled everything within reach into the carriage, screamed bloody murder after being told to behave, and then pooped to show her dissatisfaction all over the seat. Mary was livid. The cashier, a bouncy lad named Doug, giggled like a school boy as he clicked the order through his register.

         By the time they returned to Mary's studio apartment the old lady was damn near ready to have a heart attack. She placed Ellen carefully inside her playpen and stepped toward the cabinet to put the groceries away. Then she slipped and fell to the floor. Ellen started to giggle and pointed at her grandmother. Mary was ready to scream at the sound of her grandchild's dolphin-like racket. The doorbell rang and the old lady sighed relief. She yelled, "It's open damn it! Come in already!"

       Denise looked marvelous as she stepped inside. Her hair was done up perfectly and the new pantsuit she wore with pride. She rushed to her mom and, as she put the groceries in their place, said, "Ma, you'd never believe what a great day I've had. What do you think of my hair? This pantsuit looks good doesn't it? I thought for a minute the girl was trying to rip me off but then I saw the regular price." She stopped yaking and helped her mom to a seat. Then heard the doplphin and smiled. "Wow, Ellen is really happy. Thanks mom, I hate to be so rude but it's time to rush her home and put her down for a nap. I hope she wasn't too much trouble?"

      Mary wasn't sure if she should scream or cry. Instead of either she simply nodded as Ellen was picked up by Denise. The child from hell yawned in her mother's arms and then fell asleep. Denise leaned Ellen over so Mary could kiss the child goodbye. With a weak smile she then bade her child and her child's child a fond farewell. Watching them walk out the door, Mary slid onto her sofa and thought, "Someday, my precious child, Ellen will have a few and return the favor!"