When Memories Fade Read Online Free

Carolina–based band Southern Soul. The couple had left their respective roles in the entertainment business to raise Angel’s mother and uncle.
    Angel reached over and smoothed her grandmother’s silvery hair, now a bit tangled from the ordeal. The doctor had said she might have been experiencing a headache and even dizziness prior to her fall. All signs of a stroke. This one was a minor one, but nonetheless still dangerous. Angel couldn’t help but think this was her fault. Grams had meant no harm with her comment.
    The nurse invaded Angel’s thoughts. “Honey, do you have some family and friends who can come be with you? This can be really stressful.”
    â€œThanks for asking. Yes, I have been trying to contact my uncle.” Angel reached into her bag and pulled out her iPhone. Her uncle hadn’t responded to a single voice mail. Usually, if something was happening with Fredricka, Jacob would be on a plane or in a car immediately.
    She walked out into the hallway and dialed Jacob’s cell number again. This time there was no voice mail greeting. It was weird for his voice mail box to be full. Her uncle was all about the business, with his Bluetooth wrapped around his ear like some body part. Angel leaned against the wall, pondering what to do. Aunt Liz. She searched through her phone, hoping she still had her aunt’s cell phone number.
    Angel listened to the rings, trying to recall if her uncle and his family had any out-of-town plans.
    â€œHello.” Her aunt answered like she was out of breath.
    â€œAunt Liz, it’s Angel.” For a moment, Angel thought the call had dropped. “Hello?”
    â€œAngel. I’m sorry. I was on the treadmill. I had to catch my breath. This is a surprise. Is everything okay?”
    She answered, “No! Grams had a stroke Wednesday night. I’ve been calling Jacob for, like, two days now. Is there something wrong?”
    Her aunt’s voice faltered again before she answered. “Angel, I’m sorry to hear about Fredricka. Is she okay?”
    â€œShe’s stable.” Angel huffed, “Liz, where is my uncle?” This is not like him.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    Liz spoke so low, Angel almost didn’t hear her. “What do you mean?”
    â€œI guess Jacob hasn’t told anyone yet. Angel, I asked your uncle to move out a few weeks ago.”
    â€œAre you serious?” Angel knew her uncle Jacob was not an easy man to be around, but she knew he loved Liz. The man worshipped the ground his wife walked on.
    â€œI can’t go into it right now, Angel. It’s best your uncle talks to you. I’m sorry about Miss Fredricka. I will see if I can help you track down Jacob, okay?”
    â€œOkay.” Angel ended the call and stared at the phone, still trying to comprehend what Liz had told her. Jacob and Liz had been married all of Angel’s life. No one was perfect, but her uncle and aunt had always embodied the perfect life. What had caused them to unravel?
    Whatever was going on, she needed Jacob to show up soon. Grams would need some serious care and attention now. She couldn’t make these decisions on her own. Since her birthday, Angel had felt like she had crossed over into a new level of adulthood. Loneliness and fear crept into her mind as she leaned against the wall outside her grandmother’s hospital room.
    Just as Angel was trying to get her life together, it seemed like her world was falling apart. Again.

Chapter Five
    â€œCandace, I just don’t know if I can handle this. I just lost Granddad,” Angel confided on the phone.
    â€œHoney, I know. It’s only been about six months, right? Look, Fredricka is strong, and she’s going to come through. God won’t give you more than you can bear.”
    Angel felt grateful that Candace Johnson had taken the time from her busy Saturday morning schedule at the Crown of Beauty Salon to encourage her. If