Okay asked to update.. That makes me soo happy! Chapter 3.. If you have any feedback good or bad feel free to leaveit. I live off it. By the way this an older story I've been working on it for years. These first chapters were written nearly five years ago.. I guess writing takes time :)
Chapter 3
Savannah Tumwater felt water going up all around her as she waded into the lake on the back of a horse. “Come on Midnight just a little bit further.” She said as she coaxed the horse farther into the water. “Good boy!” She praised the horse as he made his way slowly further into the water. “Whoa far enough. Let’s just stand here for a few minutes and let the water massage your legs.” She said to the horse. “I bet that’s feeling pretty good on your legs. The poor horse had such bad arthritis in his hind legs.
Savannah was a volunteer at the Ohio animal paradise. It was a ranch for hurt or abused animals. They nursed them back to health and then provided a great life for the animal.
Savannah couldn’t imagine a better place for the animals then here. She personally loved it. She had free room and bored in exchange for working with the animals. This place felt like home to her. She had made many friends that felt like family and met her boyfriend Jason.
Savannah felt Midnight relax underneath her as the water worked it’s magic. “See? Doesn’t that feel good?” She asked getting a snort for a reply. Savannah started to giggle as she patted the horse’s neck. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She looked out at the water and watched as the sky began to paint the water with shades of pink and blue. “You know something Midnight? This is my very favorite time of day. When the sun is setting and the sky changes colors. Especially in the summer, when I was little my sister Scarlet would take me up to the river and we’d watch the sun set while eating home made brownies that Serenity made earlier that day. It was always just the two of us and I could talk to her about anything on those trips. I always felt so special at those times. I miss it.” Midnight snorted again causing her to smile. “I bet if you could talk you would have stories too. I wish I could hear them.”
“Savannah!” Jason called from the beach.
Savannah turned and smiled. “Hey you! I thought you were working with Molly.”
Jason nodded and began to wade into the water. “I did. Molly just wore out early tonight.”
Savannah gave Jason a sad smile. Molly was a twenty-year old golden retriever who had spent the last seventeen years in abusive home before she was rescued. But despite everything she had been through, she was the sweetest most loving dog. Jason had grown attached to her in a short amount of time. He spent all of his free time with her.
“I thought I’d come out and see how you and Midnight were doing?” He said flashing her his famous pearly white smile. Every time he smiled at her, her she went weak in the knees. “Midnight’s loving this.” Savannah said with a laugh as Midnight pranced by Jason splashing him.
“You think that’s funny?” He asked setting his jaw firm trying to look angry. But one look into his sea green eye you could see he was smiling.
She nodded and covered her mouth with her hands as Midnight did it again this time soaking him.
“I can’t believe you think this is funny?” He said as he approached Midnight slowly. “I’ll show you funny.”
“No!” She began to squeal as his strong arms reached up to pull her down. She screamed as she felt water rush over her body. She also felt that his strong arms never left her. He pulled her back up to him and laid a passionate kiss on her lips. “See now that was funny.” He added with a twinkle in his eyes.
“It’s cold” She whined resting her head on his shoulders.
“Baby” Jason taunted as her reached up to grab Midnight’s reigns. “I’ve got an idea to warm you up.”
“Oh?” Savannah asked wrapping her arms tighter around his neck.
He gave into her arms and kissed her again and let his lips linger there for a few minutes. “However, this isn’t what I had in mind.”
Savannah’s lower lip stuck out. “Than what did you have in mind?”
“Going into town and getting some burgers and hot cocoa.”
“Hot cocoa? It’s summer Jason.”
Jason gave Savannah a cheesy grin. “Well if you get hot enough you might take some clothes off.”
Savannah rolled her eyes and laughed “Not a chance buddy.”
“Burgers and milkshakes?”
“Deal.”
Jason grabbed Savannah’s hand and gave it a tight squeeze before he began to guide Midnight out of the water.
* * *
Savannah smiled as Jason walked her down the hall to her room. “Thanks for dinner.” She said softly leaning up to kiss him.
“No thank you for coming.” He said as he ran his hands through her long dark hair. “Has anyone ever told you how truly special you are?”
Savannah could feel her pulse rate as he caressed her cheek genteelly. Never in her life had she ever felt such strong feelings for someone. “Thank you” was her reply before his lips overtook hers. She finally pulled away. “I should be going before this goes any farther then either of us are ready for.”
Jason nodded and gave her a sad smile “You’re right. I should be going we do have an early morning ahead of us.”
Savannah nodded as she opened her door. “Before you go, I accidentally got some of your mail in my box. Can you come in and get it?”
He nodded and followed her in.
Savannah smiled to herself as she grabbed his letters. “I believe¼” She was quickly interrupted by the telephone ringing. “Are yours, hang on let me get that.” She finished handing him is letters and making a dive for the phone. “Sweet life of Savannah.” She answered cheekily. But all of a sudden her smile vanished. “Are you sure it was them?” She closed her eyes and gripped the phone as if it were her lifeline. “Ok, I just have to get on the next flight. Does uh Serenity know?” She asked as her voice shook and the room began to spin around. She didn’t even notice Jason guiding her to a chair. “I am leaving right now. No don’t worry I am not driving, I’ll take a cab.” Savannah took a deep breath and bit her lip. “Yes Scarlet. Ok bye.”
Jason knelt in front of her offering her a cup of water. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and she opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. Instead tears began falling down her cheeks. “My um parents.” She said softly “were in an accident. Dad’s dead. Mom’s in major surgery.” She felt herself being pulled into Jason’s arms, and she could feel him whispering into her ears. But she didn’t know what he was saying. Her world was spinning so fast that nothing made since.
“Come on.” He said forcefully pulling her up to her feet. “I’ll help you pack. Then I am coming with you. You can’t go alone.”
“Griffey” She said softly allowing him to guide her towards her closet.
“What?”
“My cat. Someone needs to take care of him. He’s old he needs his pills.”
“I am sure Kara or Mandi can take care of him. Let’s just worry about getting you to your mom and sister’s.”
Savannah nodded “Serenity needs me.”
Jason nodded “Your mom and other sister need you too.”
She shook her head quickly “Not Scarlet. Scarlet never needs me.”
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Serenity smiled to herself as she walked into her house and heard her cousin’s voice talking to her baby. “Hi! Evie I am home!” She called taking of her coat and hanging it on the coat rack. She followed the sound of her baby’s giggles into the kitchen where she found Evie feeding Serena a greenish goo that looked like something very different then just green beans. “Hi baby” She said walking over to the high chair and kissing her daughter’s head. She ran her fingers through the golden brown ringlets. “Were you a good girl for auntie Evie?”
Serena looked up and gave her a big smile before sticking out her tongue revealing a big lob of green goop.
“Eww” Serenity giggled looking away from her. “How lady like.”
Evie laughed as she stood up to let Serenity take her place. “You look beat little one. Long day at work?”
Serenity smiled “I am guessing since you followed the little one comment with a question about work you were referring to me and not Serena.”
Evie nodded as she stood behind Serenity. She pulled out the rubber band that was holding Serenity’s raven colored hair letting it fall out of its tight bun in to its natural place of the middle of Serenity’s back. “I can’t help it, that you’re tiny nor the fact that this family gave you that nick name. I’ve been calling you that you’re whole life.”
“I know.” She groaned “and don’t tell anyone else but I actually kind of like it. How ever I don’t like being tiny. I had a guy card me today after I brought him his beer. Turns out he was a health inspector under cover and he thought I was fourteen!”
“Ouch” Evie said as she began to laugh. “I am sorry baby, but I have a feeling that wasn’t the worst part of your day.”
Serenity offered Serena another bite of her green goop before she replied to Evie. “No that was actually the high light of my day.”
“That bad?” Evie asked handing Serenity a cloth to wipe away the green goo that Serena just spit on her.
“Thanks.” She said taking the cloth to wipe off her shirt. “The worst part of my day would be Scarlet showing up.”
“Oh no” Evie groaned covering her eyes with her hands. “Scarlet showed up at your work?”
“Oh yes.”
“Last time I checked she didn’t know you were working did she?”
Serenity nodded “No she knew I was working, she just didn’t know that my career choice at this second was being a waitress at a restaurant one step above being a Denny’s.”
“She must have been shocked.”
“You can say that.” Serenity said standing up. She removed the tray of the high chair and handed it to Evie so she could get Serena out. “She’ll be coming over here in just a little bit. If I hadn’t of stopped her she would have bitched me out right then and there.”
“Ma ma” Serena squealed grabbing a chunk of Serenity’s hair and pulling on it.
“Ow” Serenity whined untangling her hair out of her daughter’s baby fingers “Don’t do that honey it hurts mommy.”
Evie laughed “She’s got quite a grip, doesn’t she?”
Serenity nodded as she brought her lips to Serena’s head. “Mommy missed you. Do you know how much I missed you?” she said with her voice cracking.
“Serenity, don’t beat yourself up. You’re doing what you have to. And I admire you so much for that.” Evie said as she began to clean up Serena’s mess.
Serenity put her hand up “don’t worry about that I can do it.”
Evie shook her head. “No, I can do it. You spend time with your daughter.”
“Now that is something I can handle.” Serenity said with a laugh as she left the kitchen. She had no sooner sat down when the doorbell rang. “Serena, that would be Auntie Scarlet. Do you remember her huh?” Serenity got back on her feet and made her way to the door. “When’s the last time she saw you huh?”
Serena put her thumb in her mouth and put her head on Serenity’s shoulder. “aww baby are you tired?” she asked as she got ready to open the door. I wish I’d changed out of my uniform. She thought as she opened the door. “Scarlet, Hi”
Scarlet stood on the front porch with her arms across her chest. “Don’t you dare Hi me. We need to talk.”
“I know. But let me start when was the last time you saw Serena?”
Scarlet’s eyes landed on the infant who was starring at her. “Hi Serena. How are you doing, little girl?” Scarlet held her arms out so she could take the baby. “You’ve gotten so big and pretty.”
“Scarlet when is the last time you saw her?” Serenity asked again.
Scarlet bit her lip. “A few months ago.”
Serenity narrowed her eyes at her and crossed her arms over her chest. “Wrong answer! It’s been eleven months two weeks and four days! The last time you saw her she was three weeks old at my HUSBANDS Funeral!” she yelled as she stormed into the living room.
Scarlet tapped Serena’s nose “I think your mommy needs a nap”
“na” Serena tried to mimic as she reached for one of her aunts hoop earrings.
Scarlet caught her hand right away. “Some day when you are big enough Auntie Scarlet will buy you your own earrings like this. Until that day, back off baby.” She said as she lifted Serena’s shirt to blow on her tummy, causing the infant to burst into a giggling fit. Scarlet played with her for a few minutes while receiving an icy glare from Serenity. She finally settled Serena into her playpen before joining her sister on the couch.
“The only reason you know what she looks like now is because I send you pictures every month.” Serenity said in a quiet voice.
Scarlet was about to say something when Evie came into the living room wiping her hands on her jeans. “Hi Sweetie” she said giving Scarlet a hug. “I haven’t seen you in awhile.”
Scarlet blushed at that comment knowing exactly what her sister was thinking. “Yeah, well I’ve been really busy lately. Advertising is a busy business.”
“I can imagine. I have to say I loved your commercial with the purple elephant, makes me laugh every time I see it.”
“Thanks, I hope it makes you want to buy the product too.”
“My boys made me by five jars!”
Scarlet laughed “I guess that means I am doing my job.”
Evie bent down and kissed Scarlet’s forehead. “Don’t be such a stranger baby. We miss you.”
“I miss you too. I promise I’ll be around more.”
Serenity got to her feet again and walked Evie to the door. “Evie, I can’t thank you enough for all you do for me.”
Evie held up her hand “Stop. No need to thank me. We are family I love you and Serena. I live next door; it’s not like I lose family time watching her. I just bring her home with me until half an hour before you’re home. I get the best of all worlds. Helping you out spending time with her while I spend time with my boys and my husband. So don’t you dare go thanking me. Now you march into that living room and you and Scarlet work this out. Do you understand me?"”
Serenity’s response was to lean in and hug Evie. “I love you”
“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Serenity took a deep breath and counted to five before she made her way back into the living room. “Ok, Scarlet lets talk.”
Scarlet shook her head and got to her feet. “Not right this second. First go change. You don’t look all that comfortable. While you are changing I’ll wash up Serena. She looks like she wore her dinner more than ate it.”
Serenity made a goofy face at Serena “Say auntie Scarlet, that is normal.” She said in a baby voice “That’s normal huh?”
Serena slapped her hands over her face and began to laugh.
“You are a silly girl. Mommy’s silly girl.” She said as she bent down to pick up her baby. She gave her a few kisses before handing her over to Scarlet. “Her P.J.s are in the third drawer of her white dresser.”
Scarlet raised her eyebrow as she shifted Serena to her hip. “White dresser? How many dressers does this kid have?”
“Three.”
“Three? Are you kidding me? What baby needs three dressers?” She asked in shock.
Serenity smiled and bit her lip. “When Connor found out I was carrying a girl, he went crazy. I swear I won’t have to buy the girl clothes until she is eight. He even bought her, her first prom dress. It’s in her closet.”
“But that’s like fifteen years away. Styles change.”
“Conner didn’t care. Besides the dress is gorgeous. It won’t ever go out of style.”
Scarlet shook her head but said nothing as continued to her way up the stairs to Serena’s room.
* * *
Scarlet changed Serena and rocked her for awhile noticing the tired look she had in her eyes. Within seconds she was asleep. She carefully laid her down in the crib and ran a finger over the baby’s soft cheek. “Don’t worry Serena. Your aunt Scarlet will fix this. Your mommy won’t be working in such a lousy dump for long. I will make sure she fixes her life. I just hope you know what a special mommy you have.” Scarlet bent down and kissed the sleeping infant before leaving the room. She was about to down stairs but her gut told her to go down the hall to Serenity’s room.
Scarlet carefully pushed open her sister’s door, to find Serenity laying on her stomach with her face buried in her arms. Scarlet crossed the room and crawled next to Serenity. She placed her hand on her back. “Serenity?”
Serenity sat up. Her eyes and nose were red and puffy showing that she had been crying. “Where’s Serena?”
“She fell asleep. So I laid her down. What’s wrong?” Scarlet asked as she moved to her own stomach to lie next to her sister.
“I can’t believe Serena is already asleep. I hardly spent anytime with her.”
Scarlet sighed and blew a wisp of her hair away from her eyes. She hated it when Serenity tried to avoid a subject. She knew her sister only did it to protect others from feeling sorry for her, but it was just frustrating when its obvious, she is in pain. “It’s me you are talking to. Tell me what’s really wrong.”
Serenity tightly closed her eyes and began to massage her temples. “I hate that you can do that! How is it that you can always read me? Sometimes I can’t even read myself.” Serenity opened her eyes and exhaled loudly. “And I know that didn’t make a whole lot of sense.”
Scarlet reached out and put her hand on Serenity’s cheek. “I can read you because I know you honey. I’ve been with you since the day you were born.”
“Then how come you didn’t know I was waitressing? Face it Scarlet, you have not been around a lot lately.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I should have paid more attention to you and your needs. I am here now.”
Serenity smiled and let a tear fall freely down her cheek. “I know.” She was about to say more when the phone rang. “It never ends.” She moaned as she sat up and grabbed the phone. “Hello¼”
Scarlet watched as all the blood left her sister’s face. She also noticed that Serenity was starting to shake. She sat up quickly and placed her hand on her sister’s knee.
“No there must be some kind of mistake. My parents are at home right now. I talked to them, this morning. They didn’t have any plans to leave the house tonight.” Serenity said with her voice starting to crack.
Scarlet quickly grabbed the phone from Serenity. What ever this person was saying to Serenity was upsetting her greatly. “Hello this Scarlet Tumwater Serenity’s sister.” Scarlet listened to the voice on the other end. She felt her body go stiff and numb. Out of no where her mouth began to take over for her. “I understand. Thank you Officer, Serenity and I are on the way right now.” She clicked the phone off and tossed it beside her. Her gaze went to her sister right away. Serenity was sitting up with her arms wrapped around her knees rocking back and forth. “Serenity, we’ve got to go to the hospital.”
“It’s not true.” She whispered “It’s not happening again. They are at home. Call them Scarlet! Call them now!” Serenity began to yell reaching for the phone.
Scarlet acted quickly and grabbed a hold of Serenity and pulled her to her. She held her tightly and let her sister struggle in her arms. “Shh, take a deep breath. Come on.” She coaxed. She waited for her to take a deep breath. Scarlet felt her relax a little bit. “Where are your shoes?” she asked letting go of Serenity.
Serenity stood up and made her way to the closet. She found a pair and quickly put them on. “Scarlet?” Scarlet looked up. “I am in my pajamas should I change?”
Scarlet shook her head after looking over sister. “You’re pretty much wearing sweats. Should I call Evie? Or should we bring Serena with us?”
Serenity’s mouth hung open. “ I don’t know. It’s late. Evie is spending time with her boys. Besides what if they are wrong and we scare her for nothing?”
Scarlet licked her lips, knowing what the officer had said was true. “We can bring her with us honey. You have a stroller that reclines. She’ll be able to sleep. I was just worried about it being a late night.”
“She should be with us.” Serenity said sounding unsure of her self.
Scarlet nodded “Ok, I’ll go get her.”
“No wait. She’s already in bed. Call Evie please.” Serenity pleaded falling to her knees on the bed room floor. “God, I can’t do this again.” She cried.
Scarlet was torn on going to her or calling Evie. She chose to call Evie first and deal with Serenity next.
Serenity smiled to herself as she walked into her house and heard her cousin’s voice talking to her baby. “Hi! Evie I am home!” She called taking of her coat and hanging it on the coat rack. She followed the sound of her baby’s giggles into the kitchen where she found Evie feeding Serena a greenish goo that looked like something very different then just green beans. “Hi baby” She said walking over to the high chair and kissing her daughter’s head. She ran her fingers through the golden brown ringlets. “Were you a good girl for auntie Evie?”
Serena looked up and gave her a big smile before sticking out her tongue revealing a big lob of green goop.
“Eww” Serenity giggled looking away from her. “How lady like.”
Evie laughed as she stood up to let Serenity take her place. “You look beat little one. Long day at work?”
Serenity smiled “I am guessing since you followed the little one comment with a question about work you were referring to me and not Serena.”
Evie nodded as she stood behind Serenity. She pulled out the rubber band that was holding Serenity’s raven colored hair letting it fall out of its tight bun in to its natural place of the middle of Serenity’s back. “I can’t help it, that you’re tiny nor the fact that this family gave you that nick name. I’ve been calling you that you’re whole life.”
“I know.” She groaned “and don’t tell anyone else but I actually kind of like it. How ever I don’t like being tiny. I had a guy card me today after I brought him his beer. Turns out he was a health inspector under cover and he thought I was fourteen!”
“Ouch” Evie said as she began to laugh. “I am sorry baby, but I have a feeling that wasn’t the worst part of your day.”
Serenity offered Serena another bite of her green goop before she replied to Evie. “No that was actually the high light of my day.”
“That bad?” Evie asked handing Serenity a cloth to wipe away the green goo that Serena just spit on her.
“Thanks.” She said taking the cloth to wipe off her shirt. “The worst part of my day would be Scarlet showing up.”
“Oh no” Evie groaned covering her eyes with her hands. “Scarlet showed up at your work?”
“Oh yes.”
“Last time I checked she didn’t know you were working did she?”
Serenity nodded “No she knew I was working, she just didn’t know that my career choice at this second was being a waitress at a restaurant one step above being a Denny’s.”
“She must have been shocked.”
“You can say that.” Serenity said standing up. She removed the tray of the high chair and handed it to Evie so she could get Serena out. “She’ll be coming over here in just a little bit. If I hadn’t of stopped her she would have bitched me out right then and there.”
“Ma ma” Serena squealed grabbing a chunk of Serenity’s hair and pulling on it.
“Ow” Serenity whined untangling her hair out of her daughter’s baby fingers “Don’t do that honey it hurts mommy.”
Evie laughed “She’s got quite a grip, doesn’t she?”
Serenity nodded as she brought her lips to Serena’s head. “Mommy missed you. Do you know how much I missed you?” she said with her voice cracking.
“Serenity, don’t beat yourself up. You’re doing what you have to. And I admire you so much for that.” Evie said as she began to clean up Serena’s mess.
Serenity put her hand up “don’t worry about that I can do it.”
Evie shook her head. “No, I can do it. You spend time with your daughter.”
“Now that is something I can handle.” Serenity said with a laugh as she left the kitchen. She had no sooner sat down when the doorbell rang. “Serena, that would be Auntie Scarlet. Do you remember her huh?” Serenity got back on her feet and made her way to the door. “When’s the last time she saw you huh?”
Serena put her thumb in her mouth and put her head on Serenity’s shoulder. “aww baby are you tired?” she asked as she got ready to open the door. I wish I’d changed out of my uniform. She thought as she opened the door. “Scarlet, Hi”
Scarlet stood on the front porch with her arms across her chest. “Don’t you dare Hi me. We need to talk.”
“I know. But let me start when was the last time you saw Serena?”
Scarlet’s eyes landed on the infant who was starring at her. “Hi Serena. How are you doing, little girl?” Scarlet held her arms out so she could take the baby. “You’ve gotten so big and pretty.”
“Scarlet when is the last time you saw her?” Serenity asked again.
Scarlet bit her lip. “A few months ago.”
Serenity narrowed her eyes at her and crossed her arms over her chest. “Wrong answer! It’s been eleven months two weeks and four days! The last time you saw her she was three weeks old at my HUSBANDS Funeral!” she yelled as she stormed into the living room.
Scarlet tapped Serena’s nose “I think your mommy needs a nap”
“na” Serena tried to mimic as she reached for one of her aunts hoop earrings.
Scarlet caught her hand right away. “Some day when you are big enough Auntie Scarlet will buy you your own earrings like this. Until that day, back off baby.” She said as she lifted Serena’s shirt to blow on her tummy, causing the infant to burst into a giggling fit. Scarlet played with her for a few minutes while receiving an icy glare from Serenity. She finally settled Serena into her playpen before joining her sister on the couch.
“The only reason you know what she looks like now is because I send you pictures every month.” Serenity said in a quiet voice.
Scarlet was about to say something when Evie came into the living room wiping her hands on her jeans. “Hi Sweetie” she said giving Scarlet a hug. “I haven’t seen you in awhile.”
Scarlet blushed at that comment knowing exactly what her sister was thinking. “Yeah, well I’ve been really busy lately. Advertising is a busy business.”
“I can imagine. I have to say I loved your commercial with the purple elephant, makes me laugh every time I see it.”
“Thanks, I hope it makes you want to buy the product too.”
“My boys made me by five jars!”
Scarlet laughed “I guess that means I am doing my job.”
Evie bent down and kissed Scarlet’s forehead. “Don’t be such a stranger baby. We miss you.”
“I miss you too. I promise I’ll be around more.”
Serenity got to her feet again and walked Evie to the door. “Evie, I can’t thank you enough for all you do for me.”
Evie held up her hand “Stop. No need to thank me. We are family I love you and Serena. I live next door; it’s not like I lose family time watching her. I just bring her home with me until half an hour before you’re home. I get the best of all worlds. Helping you out spending time with her while I spend time with my boys and my husband. So don’t you dare go thanking me. Now you march into that living room and you and Scarlet work this out. Do you understand me?"”
Serenity’s response was to lean in and hug Evie. “I love you”
“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Serenity took a deep breath and counted to five before she made her way back into the living room. “Ok, Scarlet lets talk.”
Scarlet shook her head and got to her feet. “Not right this second. First go change. You don’t look all that comfortable. While you are changing I’ll wash up Serena. She looks like she wore her dinner more than ate it.”
Serenity made a goofy face at Serena “Say auntie Scarlet, that is normal.” She said in a baby voice “That’s normal huh?”
Serena slapped her hands over her face and began to laugh.
“You are a silly girl. Mommy’s silly girl.” She said as she bent down to pick up her baby. She gave her a few kisses before handing her over to Scarlet. “Her P.J.s are in the third drawer of her white dresser.”
Scarlet raised her eyebrow as she shifted Serena to her hip. “White dresser? How many dressers does this kid have?”
“Three.”
“Three? Are you kidding me? What baby needs three dressers?” She asked in shock.
Serenity smiled and bit her lip. “When Connor found out I was carrying a girl, he went crazy. I swear I won’t have to buy the girl clothes until she is eight. He even bought her, her first prom dress. It’s in her closet.”
“But that’s like fifteen years away. Styles change.”
“Conner didn’t care. Besides the dress is gorgeous. It won’t ever go out of style.”
Scarlet shook her head but said nothing as continued to her way up the stairs to Serena’s room.
* * *
Scarlet changed Serena and rocked her for awhile noticing the tired look she had in her eyes. Within seconds she was asleep. She carefully laid her down in the crib and ran a finger over the baby’s soft cheek. “Don’t worry Serena. Your aunt Scarlet will fix this. Your mommy won’t be working in such a lousy dump for long. I will make sure she fixes her life. I just hope you know what a special mommy you have.” Scarlet bent down and kissed the sleeping infant before leaving the room. She was about to down stairs but her gut told her to go down the hall to Serenity’s room.
Scarlet carefully pushed open her sister’s door, to find Serenity laying on her stomach with her face buried in her arms. Scarlet crossed the room and crawled next to Serenity. She placed her hand on her back. “Serenity?”
Serenity sat up. Her eyes and nose were red and puffy showing that she had been crying. “Where’s Serena?”
“She fell asleep. So I laid her down. What’s wrong?” Scarlet asked as she moved to her own stomach to lie next to her sister.
“I can’t believe Serena is already asleep. I hardly spent anytime with her.”
Scarlet sighed and blew a wisp of her hair away from her eyes. She hated it when Serenity tried to avoid a subject. She knew her sister only did it to protect others from feeling sorry for her, but it was just frustrating when its obvious, she is in pain. “It’s me you are talking to. Tell me what’s really wrong.”
Serenity tightly closed her eyes and began to massage her temples. “I hate that you can do that! How is it that you can always read me? Sometimes I can’t even read myself.” Serenity opened her eyes and exhaled loudly. “And I know that didn’t make a whole lot of sense.”
Scarlet reached out and put her hand on Serenity’s cheek. “I can read you because I know you honey. I’ve been with you since the day you were born.”
“Then how come you didn’t know I was waitressing? Face it Scarlet, you have not been around a lot lately.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I should have paid more attention to you and your needs. I am here now.”
Serenity smiled and let a tear fall freely down her cheek. “I know.” She was about to say more when the phone rang. “It never ends.” She moaned as she sat up and grabbed the phone. “Hello¼”
Scarlet watched as all the blood left her sister’s face. She also noticed that Serenity was starting to shake. She sat up quickly and placed her hand on her sister’s knee.
“No there must be some kind of mistake. My parents are at home right now. I talked to them, this morning. They didn’t have any plans to leave the house tonight.” Serenity said with her voice starting to crack.
Scarlet quickly grabbed the phone from Serenity. What ever this person was saying to Serenity was upsetting her greatly. “Hello this Scarlet Tumwater Serenity’s sister.” Scarlet listened to the voice on the other end. She felt her body go stiff and numb. Out of no where her mouth began to take over for her. “I understand. Thank you Officer, Serenity and I are on the way right now.” She clicked the phone off and tossed it beside her. Her gaze went to her sister right away. Serenity was sitting up with her arms wrapped around her knees rocking back and forth. “Serenity, we’ve got to go to the hospital.”
“It’s not true.” She whispered “It’s not happening again. They are at home. Call them Scarlet! Call them now!” Serenity began to yell reaching for the phone.
Scarlet acted quickly and grabbed a hold of Serenity and pulled her to her. She held her tightly and let her sister struggle in her arms. “Shh, take a deep breath. Come on.” She coaxed. She waited for her to take a deep breath. Scarlet felt her relax a little bit. “Where are your shoes?” she asked letting go of Serenity.
Serenity stood up and made her way to the closet. She found a pair and quickly put them on. “Scarlet?” Scarlet looked up. “I am in my pajamas should I change?”
Scarlet shook her head after looking over sister. “You’re pretty much wearing sweats. Should I call Evie? Or should we bring Serena with us?”
Serenity’s mouth hung open. “ I don’t know. It’s late. Evie is spending time with her boys. Besides what if they are wrong and we scare her for nothing?”
Scarlet licked her lips, knowing what the officer had said was true. “We can bring her with us honey. You have a stroller that reclines. She’ll be able to sleep. I was just worried about it being a late night.”
“She should be with us.” Serenity said sounding unsure of her self.
Scarlet nodded “Ok, I’ll go get her.”
“No wait. She’s already in bed. Call Evie please.” Serenity pleaded falling to her knees on the bed room floor. “God, I can’t do this again.” She cried.
Scarlet was torn on going to her or calling Evie. She chose to call Evie first and deal with Serenity next.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Writing.
I've always loved writing. I could spend hours doing it. I never complete anything though. I decided to try something new. I am going to try posting my writings here in my blog spot to see what people think. Feedback positive and negative are very welcomed! Its not perfect it still probably has hundreds of hours of editing left to do.
Prologue
“Shh, don’t walk so loud or they will hear us.” The six-year old child whispered catching her big sister’s hand to slow her down a bit.
“Oh please, how can they hear us over the piano, wine glasses clinking, and all the laughter? I am appalled that mom could expect us to sleep through this.” The ten-year-old whispered back.
“What does pauled me?” A tiny voice whispered.
“Shocked.” The six-year-old replied to the tiny three-year-old child clutching her hand.
“Disgusted is more like it.” The older girl whispered. She turned around and pulled the three-year-olds hand. “Come on you are slowing us down.”
“I sorry.” She whimpered on the verge of tears. “ I didn’t mean to.”
The middle child rolled her eyes. “You’re not slowing us down, Sassy. Scarlet is just in a rush.”
“I don’t know why you even insisted on bringing the baby with us?” Scarlet hissed grabbing her other sister’s hand. “We can take the maids stair case and it will lead us right to the garage.”
“I am not a baby!” The toddler screamed.
Scarlet instantly slapped her hand over the tiny mouth. “Shut up Savannah, what are you trying to do? Get us busted?” She snarled grabbing on tighter to the toddlers hand.
“Scarlet stop, you are being mean to her.”
Scarlet sighed and stopped walking. She knelt down so she was eye level with Savannah. “Sassy I am really sorry I yelled at you. Do you forgive me?”
Sassy’s eyes lit up and she wrapped her tiny arms around her oldest sister’s neck. “Course me do. I love you.” She then planted a sloppy kiss on her big sister’s cheek.
Scarlet let out a moan of disgust and amusement at the same time. “I love you too.”
“See Scarlet, not that hard to be nice to her.”
“Point taken Serenity. Can we please just get going before we get busted.”
The three girls continued to make their way down the staircase and out of the house. They ran as quickly as they could to the garage. “Serenity, get your bike out. Then help me hold mom’s bike still so I can put Sassy into her seat.”
Serenity nodded and grabbed her bike as fast as she could. “Are you sure you can ride mom’s bike? It is bigger than yours and Sassy’s extra weight.”
“She done it before. Scarlet took me to the park last week when you were at Grammy’s.” Sassy said proudly.
Serenity smiled and shook her head. As long as she lived she knew she would never be able to figure out Scarlet and Savannah’s relationship.
After Savannah was in her seat with her helmet on, Scarlet climbed up onto the seat. “You ready?” She asked as she looked at her middle sister. “You’re not going to chicken out on me are you?”
Serenity shook her head so hard her long dark pig-tailed braids whipped her in the face. “N-n-no, but I don’t understand why this is so important to you?”
“It just is, now come on.”
“Ok, but Scarlet: if we get grounded for life I am never talking to you again.”
“Noted, now come on.” Scarlet called to her sister has she began to pedal the bike. “Besides we are only going three blocks away.”
“I know, but it’s also eleven o’clock at night. I am just not thinking mommy would be super happy to find our beds empty this late at night.” Serenity said as caught up to her big sister.
“Mommy’s guest won’t even be gone until one or two in the morning. Then Mommy and Daddy will go straight to bed and we won’t see them until after tomorrow’s piano lessons.”
Serenity sighed, “You’ve been planning this for awhile.”
Scarlet nodded “Yeah, since we moved. Hey Sassy’s being quiet.”
Serenity peeled her eyes from looking straight in front of her and glanced up at the baby seat on the back of Scarlet’s bike. “She’s asleep.” She said noticing the slumped figure.
Scarlet let out a loud sigh, “Figures. I know we shouldn’t have brought her with us. She’s just too young.”
Serenity rolled her eyes. “She loves you Scarlet; she likes doing what you do. You should be a little bit nicer to her. Besides you said this was important we did this as sisters, well she is our sister.”
“I know, but she can be just so annoying at times. I love her and I am glad she is our sister.”
“You could try and show her that a little bit more often. She may be only three but she knows she loves us, and if we just pick on her and bully her she’s going to shut herself off from us.”
“Serenity, how old are you?”
“Six, duh.”
“Well act like it please. You sound like an old lady.”
“I do not. I am just telling you what I heard on Dr. Laura.”
Scarlet groaned as she turned her bike around a corner. “That’s exactly what I am talking about. No normal six-year-old listens to Dr. Laura.”
Serenity let out a sigh and tried to push back the tears that were pricking at the back of her eyes. But it was to late seconds later she felt them streaming down her cheeks.
Scarlet rolled her eyes as she heard her little sister’s sniffs from the bike beside her. “Don’t cry Serenity. It’s not safe to ride a bike and cry at the same time. You could crash. I am really sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Besides we are here. I need your help waking up Sassy.”
Serenity parked her bike and held her big sister’s bike while Scarlet got Sassy out of the seat. She didn’t say anything as she and Scarlet walked up the driveway where her and sister’s had spent the first years of her life. It was a little mint green house that had four tiny rooms inside.
“Sometimes I wish Daddy’s computer business never made it big. I love this house more than our big house.” Serenity whispered as Scarlet unlocked the front door and balanced Savannah on her hip. “I know, I miss this house too. But I want to be just as successful as Daddy one day. Besides Mom and Dad are keeping this house.”
Serenity nodded and smiled at Savannah. “Hi sleepy head. Do you know where we are? Do you remember living here?”
“Yes, me and you shared a room. This is our old house. Where I got Barbie.” She said referring to her old golden retriever dog that just showed up one day and never left.”
“That’s right. You do remember.”
“Ok, let’s go to the stair case. There is a loose floor bored. Where we can put our letter’s.”
“I can’t believe we are writing letter’s to our future selves.” Serenity said following her sister’s into the house.
“It’s dark in here. Turn on a light Scarlet.” Savannah whined.
“Sassy, I can’t, there is no power. I brought flashlights. Just be a big girl for a few minutes please.”
“I am a big girl.” Sassy replied following her statement she stuck her nose in the air and jammed her thumb in her mouth.
Scarlet rolled her eyes and set her down. “Hold Serenity’s hand. While I get out what we need.”
Serenity grabbed tight to Sassy’s hand and turned on a flashlight. “See it’s not so scary in here now is it?”
Sassy shook her head and watched as her sister opened her backpack and pulled out pens and paper and a tin box.
“Ok.” Scarlet said sitting down on the floor. “Let’s sit in a semi circle, it’ll make it more official.”
Serenity and Sassy followed their big sister’s instructions and formed the best circle they could.
Scarlet cleared her throat and made a point to look at both of her sister’s directly in their eyes. “I hear by declare August 15th 1989 our official sister day. Today is the day we make our bond, as sister’s even stronger. Today we promise to be each other’s best friends forever.”
Serenity looked at her big sister and smiled. She hoped she was right. She hoped that they would always be as close as they were right this second forever.
Scarlet wrote down everything she had said and then signed. “Serenity you need to sign it, and then we can help Savannah sign it.”
“I can write my own name!” Sassy snapped sound over tired and over frustrated.
Serenity giggled knowing she had taught Sassy to write her name when she was only two. But Scarlet never paid any attention. She quickly signed her name and passed the paper to Sassy who began to very slowly write out each letter of her name trying to get it as perfect as she could. When she was done she passed it back to Scarlet.
“Oh my gosh, she spelled out Savannah.”
“Told you I could do it” Sassy said folding her arms over her chest. “I am not a baby!”
Scarlet shook her head and cleared her throat again. “Ok, the next thing we are going to do is make a promise to ourselves that we won’t ever let money take over our lives.”
Serenity scrunched her eyebrows together. “But I thought you wanted to become as successful as daddy?”
“Oh I do. I just don’t want to loose what’s important in life. I don’t see a need to show off that I am rich. Un-like our parents who came into money and rub in every ones faces. I want my money to go for things that mean something.”
“When I am big I am going to buy a house just for animals.” Sassy said putting her two cents in.”
Scarlet laughed “That’s what I mean. Well sort of. Serenity what do you want to do with money?”
Serenity shrugged her shoulders and let out a sigh. “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it. I guess I would save it for my kids, so they can go to school. Maybe also put some towards a good cause like getting more books for schools.”
Scarlet groaned “Only you would think of schools as being important.”
Serenity crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Sassy let out a soft sigh and listened to her sister’s bicker for a few minutes until she heard something. Scarlet and Serenity were to busy picking on each other so intensely that they didn’t notice her crawl away.
Serenity sighed and wiped at some tears. “Why do you have to be so¼” She was about to say more but Scarlet interrupted her. “Where did Sassy go?”
“I don’t know” She replied getting to her feet.”
“Great! I told you we should have left her at home.”
“Shut up! Quit saying that Scarlet” Serenity yelled getting to her feet. “No wonder Sassy is scared of you. Nothing she does is ever good enough for you.”
Scarlet looked wounded “She’s scared of me?”
Serenity nodded “Yes, I’d be scared of you too if you were as mean to me as you are to her. Just help me find her.”
Scarlet nodded and grabbed two flashlights. “Here” She said handing one to Serenity. “Sassy” She began to call as they moved around the house.
It only took them five minutes to find Sassy in the bathroom in the master bedroom. But to both girls it felt like a lifetime.
“Savannah Mae!” Serenity said in her best stern voice “What do you think you are doing? You scared us”
Sassy looked up at them and gave her sister’s a weak smile. “Look I found a kitten.”
Scarlet knelt down next to her little sister and carefully took the kitten from her grip. “Oh the poor baby, she’s so skinny.”
“How’d she get in here?” Serenity asked no one in particular.
“I don’t know, but she’s been in here for days by the looks of him or her.” Scarlet answered handing the kitten back to Sassy’s out reached arms. “Sassy will nurse her back to health. Won’t ya Sass?” She said running her fingers through Sassy’s hair.
Sassy looked up at her and beamed “I already named him.”
“I am not surprised.” Serenity said as she reached out to stroke the kitten’s milky white fur. “What did you name him?”
Sassy smiled “Griffey.”
“Griffey?” Scarlet questioned “How’d you come up with that name?”
“It’s just his name.” Sassy said with a smile.
“Well then, lets go put our stuff away and take Griffey home so he can eat.” Scarlet said as she grabbed Sassy’s free hand. “But next time you hear something, let us know ok?”
Sassy nodded not taking her eyes away from the kitten. “I love animals,” she said in a sing song voice.
* * *
“Scarlet, what time is it?” Serenity asked as she parked her bike in the garage.
Scarlet hopped off the bike and kicked the kick stand down. “Help me hold the bike, so I can get Savannah out. She fell asleep again. I am surprised the kitten is allowing her to clutch him so hard.”
“He trusts her. He knows she is going is to take care of him. Scarlet what time is it?” She asked again.
“I don’t know. Probably around twelve forty-five. Why?”
“Because all of mommy’s guests are gone. Plus the kitchen light is still on.”
“So? Mom just forgot to turn them off. She always does.”
Serenity let out a sigh “How come you don’t like mommy anymore?”
Scarlet stopped what she was doing and turned to face her sister. “How can you still like her?”
Serenity hung her head “Mommy hasn’t done anything to us?”
“No, only turned us over to nannies.” Scarlet muttered. “Come on Serenity it’s late. You’re tired.”
Sassy let out a soft moan and adjusted her head on Scarlet’s shoulder. “Scarlet, are we home?”
“Yes Sassy, shh just close your eyes and go back to sleep.”
“What about Griffey? He’s hungry.”
“I know, I’ll take care of him.” Scarlet whispered. Savannah nodded and closed her eyes. “Serenity keep up. We can’t go up through the maid’s staircase this time. Because it’s to close to mom’s room.” Scarlet said as she opened the kitchen door.
“Doesn’t really matter which way we go” Serenity said pointing to their mother, who was sitting at the kitchen table with a phone in her hands.
“Charlie come home. They just walked in the door.”
“Busted.” Serenity whispered as she came to a stop right behind Scarlet.
“Where have you girls been?” Their mother said as she rose to her feet. She rushed over to them. She carefully looked over each of them to make sure they were all ok. Once she was satisfied they were all ok she took Sassy out of Scarlet’s arms and put her on her own hip.
“Mommy, I found a kitten,” Sassy said cheerfully unaware of all the tension in the room.
Chapter 1
Serenity blew a dark strand of hair that had fallen into her face away from her eyes. “Breaks over” she muttered as she tied her apron back on around her waist. Her brown eyes showed the exhaustion she was feeling. She pushed the feeling away and tried to put on a smile.
“Did you have a nice break?”
Serenity turned to see her co-worker and friend Lauren standing behind her.
“It was nice, thanks for covering for me.”
“No problem, you weren’t looking so good. Are you ok?”
Serenity nodded “I am fine, maybe a little tired. Serena didn’t have a good night last night.”
Lauren grabbed two glasses and began to fill them with ice. “What’s wrong with the little one.”
“I don’t know. I think her molars are coming in and I don’t see her as much as she would like.”
“Serenity don’t start beating yourself up for working. Serena will understand one day.”
Serenity sighed “I hope you’re right, I just don’t want her to grow and think her mommy would rather do other things then spend time with her. The way my sister felt about our mother.”
Lauren sighed “Serenity, Serena won’t think that, besides you won’t always be working as a waitress.”
Serenity smiled and grabbed a few menus as a group of business like people came into the door. “Oh no” She moaned. “Lauren you’ve got to cover my section.”
Lauren looked over to Serenity’s section as she put hot plates on her tray. “I can’t my order is up. I know the business people can be snotty but man they leave great tips.”
Serenity shook her head “No, it’s not that. It’s I just can’t do that group of people.”
“I am sorry, if my order wasn’t up I would cover for you, but I just can’t.”
Serenity clutched the menus to her chest and let out a soft sigh. “This just sucks. My day couldn’t get any worse,” She said as she eyed one particular woman in the group.
Lauren sighed “Let me guess that girl was an arch enemy in high school who will use you as a waitress to rub in your own nose.” She said as she observed the woman at the table.
“No, not quite she’s my sister.” She took a deep breath to calm herself before making her way over to the table. “Hi, my name is¼”
“Serenity!” her sister finished for her in complete shock.
“Hi Scarlet” She said as she felt her cheeks start to burn.
“You know each other I take it.” An older looking man said in an almost disgusted voice.
Scarlet peeled her eyes off of Serenity for a second to address him. “You could say that! She’s my sister.”
Serenity never thought it would be possible to start a fire with her cheeks but right at this second it was a major possibility. “So who would like to hear our specials?” She asked in a voice she had never heard before.
Scarlet shook her head and sighed, “when did you start working here?”
“A few months ago.”
“When did things get this bad?” Scarlet asked raising her eyebrow.
“Scarlet, lets not do this right now. Just order your food have a nice lunch and then when you get off of work call me and we will talk ok?” Again with the voice she didn’t recognize.
Scarlet nodded “Right, well than we would love to hear the specials.”
Prologue
“Shh, don’t walk so loud or they will hear us.” The six-year old child whispered catching her big sister’s hand to slow her down a bit.
“Oh please, how can they hear us over the piano, wine glasses clinking, and all the laughter? I am appalled that mom could expect us to sleep through this.” The ten-year-old whispered back.
“What does pauled me?” A tiny voice whispered.
“Shocked.” The six-year-old replied to the tiny three-year-old child clutching her hand.
“Disgusted is more like it.” The older girl whispered. She turned around and pulled the three-year-olds hand. “Come on you are slowing us down.”
“I sorry.” She whimpered on the verge of tears. “ I didn’t mean to.”
The middle child rolled her eyes. “You’re not slowing us down, Sassy. Scarlet is just in a rush.”
“I don’t know why you even insisted on bringing the baby with us?” Scarlet hissed grabbing her other sister’s hand. “We can take the maids stair case and it will lead us right to the garage.”
“I am not a baby!” The toddler screamed.
Scarlet instantly slapped her hand over the tiny mouth. “Shut up Savannah, what are you trying to do? Get us busted?” She snarled grabbing on tighter to the toddlers hand.
“Scarlet stop, you are being mean to her.”
Scarlet sighed and stopped walking. She knelt down so she was eye level with Savannah. “Sassy I am really sorry I yelled at you. Do you forgive me?”
Sassy’s eyes lit up and she wrapped her tiny arms around her oldest sister’s neck. “Course me do. I love you.” She then planted a sloppy kiss on her big sister’s cheek.
Scarlet let out a moan of disgust and amusement at the same time. “I love you too.”
“See Scarlet, not that hard to be nice to her.”
“Point taken Serenity. Can we please just get going before we get busted.”
The three girls continued to make their way down the staircase and out of the house. They ran as quickly as they could to the garage. “Serenity, get your bike out. Then help me hold mom’s bike still so I can put Sassy into her seat.”
Serenity nodded and grabbed her bike as fast as she could. “Are you sure you can ride mom’s bike? It is bigger than yours and Sassy’s extra weight.”
“She done it before. Scarlet took me to the park last week when you were at Grammy’s.” Sassy said proudly.
Serenity smiled and shook her head. As long as she lived she knew she would never be able to figure out Scarlet and Savannah’s relationship.
After Savannah was in her seat with her helmet on, Scarlet climbed up onto the seat. “You ready?” She asked as she looked at her middle sister. “You’re not going to chicken out on me are you?”
Serenity shook her head so hard her long dark pig-tailed braids whipped her in the face. “N-n-no, but I don’t understand why this is so important to you?”
“It just is, now come on.”
“Ok, but Scarlet: if we get grounded for life I am never talking to you again.”
“Noted, now come on.” Scarlet called to her sister has she began to pedal the bike. “Besides we are only going three blocks away.”
“I know, but it’s also eleven o’clock at night. I am just not thinking mommy would be super happy to find our beds empty this late at night.” Serenity said as caught up to her big sister.
“Mommy’s guest won’t even be gone until one or two in the morning. Then Mommy and Daddy will go straight to bed and we won’t see them until after tomorrow’s piano lessons.”
Serenity sighed, “You’ve been planning this for awhile.”
Scarlet nodded “Yeah, since we moved. Hey Sassy’s being quiet.”
Serenity peeled her eyes from looking straight in front of her and glanced up at the baby seat on the back of Scarlet’s bike. “She’s asleep.” She said noticing the slumped figure.
Scarlet let out a loud sigh, “Figures. I know we shouldn’t have brought her with us. She’s just too young.”
Serenity rolled her eyes. “She loves you Scarlet; she likes doing what you do. You should be a little bit nicer to her. Besides you said this was important we did this as sisters, well she is our sister.”
“I know, but she can be just so annoying at times. I love her and I am glad she is our sister.”
“You could try and show her that a little bit more often. She may be only three but she knows she loves us, and if we just pick on her and bully her she’s going to shut herself off from us.”
“Serenity, how old are you?”
“Six, duh.”
“Well act like it please. You sound like an old lady.”
“I do not. I am just telling you what I heard on Dr. Laura.”
Scarlet groaned as she turned her bike around a corner. “That’s exactly what I am talking about. No normal six-year-old listens to Dr. Laura.”
Serenity let out a sigh and tried to push back the tears that were pricking at the back of her eyes. But it was to late seconds later she felt them streaming down her cheeks.
Scarlet rolled her eyes as she heard her little sister’s sniffs from the bike beside her. “Don’t cry Serenity. It’s not safe to ride a bike and cry at the same time. You could crash. I am really sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Besides we are here. I need your help waking up Sassy.”
Serenity parked her bike and held her big sister’s bike while Scarlet got Sassy out of the seat. She didn’t say anything as she and Scarlet walked up the driveway where her and sister’s had spent the first years of her life. It was a little mint green house that had four tiny rooms inside.
“Sometimes I wish Daddy’s computer business never made it big. I love this house more than our big house.” Serenity whispered as Scarlet unlocked the front door and balanced Savannah on her hip. “I know, I miss this house too. But I want to be just as successful as Daddy one day. Besides Mom and Dad are keeping this house.”
Serenity nodded and smiled at Savannah. “Hi sleepy head. Do you know where we are? Do you remember living here?”
“Yes, me and you shared a room. This is our old house. Where I got Barbie.” She said referring to her old golden retriever dog that just showed up one day and never left.”
“That’s right. You do remember.”
“Ok, let’s go to the stair case. There is a loose floor bored. Where we can put our letter’s.”
“I can’t believe we are writing letter’s to our future selves.” Serenity said following her sister’s into the house.
“It’s dark in here. Turn on a light Scarlet.” Savannah whined.
“Sassy, I can’t, there is no power. I brought flashlights. Just be a big girl for a few minutes please.”
“I am a big girl.” Sassy replied following her statement she stuck her nose in the air and jammed her thumb in her mouth.
Scarlet rolled her eyes and set her down. “Hold Serenity’s hand. While I get out what we need.”
Serenity grabbed tight to Sassy’s hand and turned on a flashlight. “See it’s not so scary in here now is it?”
Sassy shook her head and watched as her sister opened her backpack and pulled out pens and paper and a tin box.
“Ok.” Scarlet said sitting down on the floor. “Let’s sit in a semi circle, it’ll make it more official.”
Serenity and Sassy followed their big sister’s instructions and formed the best circle they could.
Scarlet cleared her throat and made a point to look at both of her sister’s directly in their eyes. “I hear by declare August 15th 1989 our official sister day. Today is the day we make our bond, as sister’s even stronger. Today we promise to be each other’s best friends forever.”
Serenity looked at her big sister and smiled. She hoped she was right. She hoped that they would always be as close as they were right this second forever.
Scarlet wrote down everything she had said and then signed. “Serenity you need to sign it, and then we can help Savannah sign it.”
“I can write my own name!” Sassy snapped sound over tired and over frustrated.
Serenity giggled knowing she had taught Sassy to write her name when she was only two. But Scarlet never paid any attention. She quickly signed her name and passed the paper to Sassy who began to very slowly write out each letter of her name trying to get it as perfect as she could. When she was done she passed it back to Scarlet.
“Oh my gosh, she spelled out Savannah.”
“Told you I could do it” Sassy said folding her arms over her chest. “I am not a baby!”
Scarlet shook her head and cleared her throat again. “Ok, the next thing we are going to do is make a promise to ourselves that we won’t ever let money take over our lives.”
Serenity scrunched her eyebrows together. “But I thought you wanted to become as successful as daddy?”
“Oh I do. I just don’t want to loose what’s important in life. I don’t see a need to show off that I am rich. Un-like our parents who came into money and rub in every ones faces. I want my money to go for things that mean something.”
“When I am big I am going to buy a house just for animals.” Sassy said putting her two cents in.”
Scarlet laughed “That’s what I mean. Well sort of. Serenity what do you want to do with money?”
Serenity shrugged her shoulders and let out a sigh. “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it. I guess I would save it for my kids, so they can go to school. Maybe also put some towards a good cause like getting more books for schools.”
Scarlet groaned “Only you would think of schools as being important.”
Serenity crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Sassy let out a soft sigh and listened to her sister’s bicker for a few minutes until she heard something. Scarlet and Serenity were to busy picking on each other so intensely that they didn’t notice her crawl away.
Serenity sighed and wiped at some tears. “Why do you have to be so¼” She was about to say more but Scarlet interrupted her. “Where did Sassy go?”
“I don’t know” She replied getting to her feet.”
“Great! I told you we should have left her at home.”
“Shut up! Quit saying that Scarlet” Serenity yelled getting to her feet. “No wonder Sassy is scared of you. Nothing she does is ever good enough for you.”
Scarlet looked wounded “She’s scared of me?”
Serenity nodded “Yes, I’d be scared of you too if you were as mean to me as you are to her. Just help me find her.”
Scarlet nodded and grabbed two flashlights. “Here” She said handing one to Serenity. “Sassy” She began to call as they moved around the house.
It only took them five minutes to find Sassy in the bathroom in the master bedroom. But to both girls it felt like a lifetime.
“Savannah Mae!” Serenity said in her best stern voice “What do you think you are doing? You scared us”
Sassy looked up at them and gave her sister’s a weak smile. “Look I found a kitten.”
Scarlet knelt down next to her little sister and carefully took the kitten from her grip. “Oh the poor baby, she’s so skinny.”
“How’d she get in here?” Serenity asked no one in particular.
“I don’t know, but she’s been in here for days by the looks of him or her.” Scarlet answered handing the kitten back to Sassy’s out reached arms. “Sassy will nurse her back to health. Won’t ya Sass?” She said running her fingers through Sassy’s hair.
Sassy looked up at her and beamed “I already named him.”
“I am not surprised.” Serenity said as she reached out to stroke the kitten’s milky white fur. “What did you name him?”
Sassy smiled “Griffey.”
“Griffey?” Scarlet questioned “How’d you come up with that name?”
“It’s just his name.” Sassy said with a smile.
“Well then, lets go put our stuff away and take Griffey home so he can eat.” Scarlet said as she grabbed Sassy’s free hand. “But next time you hear something, let us know ok?”
Sassy nodded not taking her eyes away from the kitten. “I love animals,” she said in a sing song voice.
* * *
“Scarlet, what time is it?” Serenity asked as she parked her bike in the garage.
Scarlet hopped off the bike and kicked the kick stand down. “Help me hold the bike, so I can get Savannah out. She fell asleep again. I am surprised the kitten is allowing her to clutch him so hard.”
“He trusts her. He knows she is going is to take care of him. Scarlet what time is it?” She asked again.
“I don’t know. Probably around twelve forty-five. Why?”
“Because all of mommy’s guests are gone. Plus the kitchen light is still on.”
“So? Mom just forgot to turn them off. She always does.”
Serenity let out a sigh “How come you don’t like mommy anymore?”
Scarlet stopped what she was doing and turned to face her sister. “How can you still like her?”
Serenity hung her head “Mommy hasn’t done anything to us?”
“No, only turned us over to nannies.” Scarlet muttered. “Come on Serenity it’s late. You’re tired.”
Sassy let out a soft moan and adjusted her head on Scarlet’s shoulder. “Scarlet, are we home?”
“Yes Sassy, shh just close your eyes and go back to sleep.”
“What about Griffey? He’s hungry.”
“I know, I’ll take care of him.” Scarlet whispered. Savannah nodded and closed her eyes. “Serenity keep up. We can’t go up through the maid’s staircase this time. Because it’s to close to mom’s room.” Scarlet said as she opened the kitchen door.
“Doesn’t really matter which way we go” Serenity said pointing to their mother, who was sitting at the kitchen table with a phone in her hands.
“Charlie come home. They just walked in the door.”
“Busted.” Serenity whispered as she came to a stop right behind Scarlet.
“Where have you girls been?” Their mother said as she rose to her feet. She rushed over to them. She carefully looked over each of them to make sure they were all ok. Once she was satisfied they were all ok she took Sassy out of Scarlet’s arms and put her on her own hip.
“Mommy, I found a kitten,” Sassy said cheerfully unaware of all the tension in the room.
Chapter 1
Serenity blew a dark strand of hair that had fallen into her face away from her eyes. “Breaks over” she muttered as she tied her apron back on around her waist. Her brown eyes showed the exhaustion she was feeling. She pushed the feeling away and tried to put on a smile.
“Did you have a nice break?”
Serenity turned to see her co-worker and friend Lauren standing behind her.
“It was nice, thanks for covering for me.”
“No problem, you weren’t looking so good. Are you ok?”
Serenity nodded “I am fine, maybe a little tired. Serena didn’t have a good night last night.”
Lauren grabbed two glasses and began to fill them with ice. “What’s wrong with the little one.”
“I don’t know. I think her molars are coming in and I don’t see her as much as she would like.”
“Serenity don’t start beating yourself up for working. Serena will understand one day.”
Serenity sighed “I hope you’re right, I just don’t want her to grow and think her mommy would rather do other things then spend time with her. The way my sister felt about our mother.”
Lauren sighed “Serenity, Serena won’t think that, besides you won’t always be working as a waitress.”
Serenity smiled and grabbed a few menus as a group of business like people came into the door. “Oh no” She moaned. “Lauren you’ve got to cover my section.”
Lauren looked over to Serenity’s section as she put hot plates on her tray. “I can’t my order is up. I know the business people can be snotty but man they leave great tips.”
Serenity shook her head “No, it’s not that. It’s I just can’t do that group of people.”
“I am sorry, if my order wasn’t up I would cover for you, but I just can’t.”
Serenity clutched the menus to her chest and let out a soft sigh. “This just sucks. My day couldn’t get any worse,” She said as she eyed one particular woman in the group.
Lauren sighed “Let me guess that girl was an arch enemy in high school who will use you as a waitress to rub in your own nose.” She said as she observed the woman at the table.
“No, not quite she’s my sister.” She took a deep breath to calm herself before making her way over to the table. “Hi, my name is¼”
“Serenity!” her sister finished for her in complete shock.
“Hi Scarlet” She said as she felt her cheeks start to burn.
“You know each other I take it.” An older looking man said in an almost disgusted voice.
Scarlet peeled her eyes off of Serenity for a second to address him. “You could say that! She’s my sister.”
Serenity never thought it would be possible to start a fire with her cheeks but right at this second it was a major possibility. “So who would like to hear our specials?” She asked in a voice she had never heard before.
Scarlet shook her head and sighed, “when did you start working here?”
“A few months ago.”
“When did things get this bad?” Scarlet asked raising her eyebrow.
“Scarlet, lets not do this right now. Just order your food have a nice lunch and then when you get off of work call me and we will talk ok?” Again with the voice she didn’t recognize.
Scarlet nodded “Right, well than we would love to hear the specials.”
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