A Sister's Love

Chapter 1

A cool, gentle breeze began to blow as the elegantly dressed Priscilla Bell Oxendine and Antonio Outlaw descended the stairs of the historical New York opera house. Strands of Priscilla’s curly red hair that had escaped from her neatly French twist frolicked around her face.

Antonio had surprised her with tickets to a sold out opera and it had been a wonderful performance. Why do they always have to end tragically?, she wondered. Her eyes met his dark ones as the back of his fingers gently stroked her cheek. I could get lost in his eyes, she thought, as he tucked a curl of hair behind her ear.

She smiled, admiring the ring on her left hand; a symbol of their commitment and their love for each other. Her excitement over flowed with anticipation, that tomorrow, she would be sharing her good news with her family.

During intermission Antonio had affectionately gotten down on bended knee and proposed.

She had joyfully accepted.

Walking silently hand in hand; no words needed to be spoken between them. Antonio had convinced her that it was time to set things right with her sister, Flo. Without God, family, love, forgiveness and trust, you have nothing. Antonio had persuaded.

He had helped her realize that she had been selfish and spoiled growing up, and her selfishness had ruined Flo’s chance at happiness. Not once; but twice and all those years it had caused nothing but misery and pain to her family.

With the love of her life beside her, she would have the strength to do what was right; to ask for forgiveness. Priscilla accepted the possibility that it may take years for Flo to forgive her and move forward to build a sisterly relationship like they should have.

It was time; she smiled looking into his eyes. Too much precious time had already passed. Too many missed birthdays, holidays and too many wasted opportunities for good memories. It was time to set things right and reunite with her family.

Crossing an empty street, his arm around her, he leaned down and spoke, I will love you forever and ever and ever. She opened her mouth to declare her love for him, but two bright lights stopped her. They were safely across the street and on the sidewalk, so why were the bright lights rapidly speeding towards them? Panic gripped her. She reached out to push Antonio away from the danger.

Someone screamed as the sound of screeching tires hitting the sidewalk invaded her ears. His strength overpowered her and he pushed her away. The sickening sound of a thud echoed. Someone screamed again. Her body came into contact with something hard and cold. She tried to move and couldn’t. Her body wasn’t responding to the command she gave.

Flo. God, please forgive me and have mercy on me! She needed someone to call her sister Flo. She felt time slipping away from her and she needed just that; more time. She needed time to tell Flo she was sorry; sorry for all the trouble she had caused, sorry for being selfish and most of all, sorry for her betrayal. She needed to ask for forgiveness and she needed to know… that she would always have the unconditional love of a sister.

Chapter 2

J ackson Winston III, a successful thirty-two year old New York attorney, and recently voted one of the city’s most eligible bachelors, sat in a private waiting room of Presbyterian Memorial Hospital in utter shock. For in his hands he held a two-year-old letter that he had forgotten existed.

It had been a tragic accident that had led to the discovery of Priscilla’s letters. It was his own fault; he stewed at himself. He had knowingly dismissed the letters two years ago when he should have taken Priscilla’s request more seriously. As an attorney, he knew better. He had been trained to read all documents thoroughly, no matter what they were. So why hadn’t he read this before now?

Straightening his shoulders, Jack took a deep breathe. Priscilla was known for her outlandish and wild ideas, but what she asked of him in the letter was ridiculous.

His life as he knew it stopped the moment two New York policemen knocked on his apartment door.

Jack Winston? one of the uniformed cops asked with a dismal look on his face.

Jack detected the look in their eyes that they were there to deliver bad news. The sight of the men standing at his door had sent his emotions into overload. Yes, how can I help you? His thoughts ran rapid, wondering why the police were there. His heart rate intensified as it beat in his chest. I just hung up with Abby and I could hear Priscilla’s twins with my niece and nephew, in the background giggling and laughing.

We’re sorry to have to inform you, but Priscilla Bell was involved in an accident. The second officer spoke.

Motionless, Jack stared back disbelieving as the color began to drain from his face. Priscilla? How had the officers known to contact him? Finding the strength to focus, Jack reached for his keys.

The officers exchanged a silent look and suggested that they would drive him to the hospital. He was in no shape to be driving.

Arriving at the hospital, Priscilla had been in emergency surgery for over two hours. He was escorted to a family waiting area where a nurse approached, wearing an unreadable facial expression. He mentally prepared himself for more bad news.

Are you Priscilla Bell’s next of kin? The nurse asked.

No, I… I’m her attorney and close friend. Jack waited for the unwelcome words to come next.

The next of kin need to be notified as soon as possible and that information isn’t on file. Do you happen to have it? The nurse asked with wide eyes.

Yes, I… I’ll make the necessary call. In a daze from his shock, Jack focused on putting one foot in front of the other as he made his way outside and hailed a cab. He ran a hand over his face and through his hair, remembering that there were no next of kin here in the city. The closet relative lived in North Carolina.

Inside his apartment, Jack threw open his office desk drawers in a frantic search of Priscilla’s family contact information she had given him a couple years ago.

Where is it? Jack demanded out loud to no one as his frustration began to build.

Tucked in the back drawer, Jack saw a folder labeled with Priscilla’s name and when he jerked it out, two envelopes fell to the floor. Picking them up, he froze. How had he forgotten about them? Holding the envelopes in his hands, the memories came rushing back.

Jack, Priscilla whispered swaying just a bit. I need you to keep something for me. One is for you and the other is for Flo, my sister. Priscilla barged in, brushing past Jack without a thought that he may have had guests for the evening.

Jack released a low groan. Priscilla was drunk again. She staggered into the living room and fell haphazardly on the sofa. Shaking his head, he closed the door and went into the kitchen to start a very strong pot of coffee. It was going to be a long evening.

Where are the twins? Jack asked, keeping his frustration with Priscilla in check. Was it too much to ask for a quiet evening or an uninterrupted weekend with no e-mails, faxes, phones and certainly no clients? The past week had been filled with all the drama he could handle from stubborn and non-negotiable clients.

Priscilla stumbled to the kitchen bar and propped her elbow on Jack’s broad shoulder. Oh, they’re over at Abby’s, she rolled her eyes and wiggled her fingers in the air. Have you had a hard day, Jack? You really should learn to leave work at work and have some fun. You’re still young and as handsome as ever, she patted his chest with emphasis. You should be out having a good time or enjoying the evening with your wife. Why aren’t you married anyway? Priscilla raised her eye brow at him. Her words stretched out and she waived her hands in the air dramatically. She had a tendency to do that when she had been drinking.

Jack avoided her gaze while he listened to her ramble on. He wasn’t going to justify her noisy questions with an answer. That topic was off limits for discussion and if he answered her, she would be here all night talking a whole lot, about a whole lot of nothing.

Priscilla pursed her lips and made a funny sound. I wouldn’t know what to do if wasn’t for Abby. She’s such a wonderful friend. She keeps them for me without any complaint and she won’t take any money from me. But I slip it in a drawer here, between the sofa cushions there. But don’t you tell her. She held a finger up to her lips. Shhh, it’s a secret. Her words were beginning to slur and she was swaying again.

Priscilla, why do you insist on drinking like you do?

I don’t know Jack! Why is the sky blue and blood red? Why doesn’t Flo want me in her life? Priscilla suddenly became serious. She doesn’t want me in her life. No one can get close to her anymore. I made sure of that long ago.

Just look at you and Abby! Sometimes, I’m so envious. You get along so well, relaying and helping each other without being asked. The only thing Flo relays on other than God is the Weather Channel, the price of grain and the Farmer’s Almanac.

Jack filled two cups of coffee and placed one in front of Priscilla. Drink this. It’s getting late and I’d prefer that you were sober when I take you home. When are you going to realize that this behavior is juvenile? You have two beautiful children to take care of and they need you.

Oh Jack, my love, that’s where you’re wrong. She patted him on the chest as tears pooled in her eyes with a wounded look on her face. They don’t need me. They’ll survive; they already have once before.

Jack stiffened hearing disappointment and something else he couldn’t identify in her voice. He doubted at the moment she knew what she was saying. Drink your coffee. Jack managed to say calmly. He was taken back by the vulnerable look on her face. Priscilla didn’t openly show her emotions and the fact that she was doing so confused him more about her.

After the third cup of coffee, Priscilla sobered up and her voice became soft and sincere.

Promise me Jack; promise me you’ll do what I’m asking. You’re one of my few loyal and trusted friends. I love my family but… I’m more than they can handle; I always have been. I can’t change the past but I can make an attempt to change the future.

Deciding to take her leave and let Jack think about what she had asked, she stood up and lost her footing. Tumbling, Jack reached out just in time to catch her by the waist to steady her.

Priscilla, you’ve got to stop this drinking! If you don’t I’ll have you admitted and locked up so you can dry out. Do you hear me? Your drinking has to stop!

The idea had crossed his mind the last time he had saw her drunk and seeing her in this state again had given him the courage to voice it. He only hoped that she would listen to reason. If she forced his hand, he was prepared to follow through with his promise.

I’ll stop drinking if you promise to do what I ask. She held her chin up in a defiant manner staring into his eyes.

And what do you ask of me Priscilla? What is it this time? Jack was beginning to tire of her games.

It’s all here in this letter. You promise to do what I’ve asked and I’ll never drink again. She pulled two envelopes out of her purse and laid them on the kitchen bar in front of him. Not waiting for his answer, she turned on her heels and started for the door.

Where are you going? Jack watched her retreat to the door.

Home, where else?

Don’t you want to know my answer?

I already know your answer. She smiled back with a cocky grin.

And what is my answer, Priscilla?

Oh Jack, I know you better than you know your own self. Not saying another word, Priscilla walked out the door.

Since that night, not once did Priscilla mention the letters or drink again.

Jack trembled and focused again on the envelopes in his hand. Two years. Two years the letters had been hiding in his desk drawer. Why didn’t he open the letter the night Priscilla gave it to him? Not wasting another minute, Jack ripped into the letter addressed to him.

And this is what he read:

My Darling Jack:

First, I want to thank you for being such a loving and supportive friend. You truly have been like a big brother to me. If anything should ever happen to me, you know what to do, call my sister Flo in North Carolina.

Jack, what I’m about to ask of you will be difficult on your part. I have given it much thought and I hope that you come to understand why you have been chosen.

Years ago, I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I had just signed with an art gallery where my first series of paintings were sold. I was on top of the world. It was during this time that Flo became engaged to her high school sweetheart. I was so jealous of Flo’s engagement. I wanted to be the life of the party, the center of attention. I convinced a group of friends, including Earnest, Flo’s fiancé, to fly to Colorado and go snow skiing. I never imagined that anything terrible could happen or go wrong. Well it did. There was a car accident and Earnest was killed. When Flo finally discovered that I was pregnant for Earnest, it caused pain to her and my family that I will never be able to undo. Flo’s silence has been the only way she knew how to cope with my betrayal. Till this day, I don’t think Flo has been able to forgive me.

A sister’s love has no boundaries, I know this now. I’ve learned it the hard way. My humble request of you my darling Jack, is that in due time, I want you to marry Flo. Before you say no, before you say it’s a crazy idea, understand that you are my last hope to correct my selfish act. You are my last chance to give Flo back what I stole from her.

I will admit it won’t be easy for you. Flo will fight tooth and nail to keep you at a distance, especially after she learns the conditions of my will. Be there for her Jack, because Flo and the twins will need you. Observe, watch and learn all you can about her and hopefully in time you will gain her trust. I’m certain that in due time you will fall in love with her.

As for Flo’s letter, you’ll know when the time is right to give it to her.

Marry her Jack. For my sake and the twins, marry Flo.

Love You Always, Priscilla.

Knees weak and shaking, Jack braced himself before he dropped into his desk chair. Blood pulsed in his ears and his head pounded with each heartbeat.

Chosen me? How could she ask me to do such a thing? I can’t believe this! Jack was numb from the shock of the words in Priscilla’s letter. All this time, she’s been plotting and planning.

Jack wasn’t aware of his surroundings until the elevator door the in hospital door dinged and swooshed opened.

But, is it such a terrible idea? Maybe Priscilla was aware of something that you’re not? The questions came from out of nowhere.

He cringed at the idea of dating again. His last date had been over two years ago and it had been a disaster. His date, Tina Mosley, had been more interested in how much he made, the status of his career position, the hottest new restaurants and going to the hottest new clubs. She kept asking Jack if he knew any celebrities, any politicians or anyone who were filthy rich. That night, Jack realized that being a bachelor really wasn’t all that bad.

Staring at the paper in his hand, obligation washed over him like a hot, muggy summer day. This could be Priscilla’s last request, he counseled himself, knowing he couldn’t ignore the seriousness in the nurse’s tone when she advised the next of kin needed to be contacted immediately. Whispering a quick prayer, Jack dialed the long distance number and waited.

Chapter 3

A ll Flo Oxendine could think when the sound finally began to register in her mind was, someone shut it off. Shut it off, make it stop! It was getting louder and louder and when she finally opened her eyes, the alarm clock announced that it was two am. The annoying sound Flo wanted so badly to stop was the phone ringing. It had been midnight before Flo had finally gotten to bed.

I betcha some drunk college student’s dialed a wrong number, Flo muttered as she turned over to find the phone.

No one else would answer it unless she did because the only other phone was located in the farm office and that was at the other end of the house. The phone rang three more times before Flo finally reached for it and picked it up. This better be good! Flo argued as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

Hello? Her voice was mirrored with annoyance.

Ms., uh, Ms. Oxen Deane? A baritone male’s voice asked with hesitation. It had taken Jack quite some time to pull himself together before he could dial the number and it was after the phone started ringing that he realized how late it was. Hearing her thick southern voice on the other end on the phone only made him more regretful that he had to call with bad news. Too much time has already passed. He tried to focus on the task at hand.

It’s pronounced Oxen-dine. Do you know what time it is? She released a sigh. She wasn’t in the mood for games. She wanted to go back to sleep, even if it would be for a few hours.

Ms. Oxen-dine, I’m Jack Winston, a close friend of your sister, Priscilla Bell? I do apologize for disturbing you at such an hour but there’s an urgent matter I must discuss with you. Jack tensed as an eerie silence lingered. He braced himself; not knowing what to expect.

The sound of the man’s distinctive and proper voice revealed that he wasn’t a local. He couldn’t even pronounce her last name and no one in Robeson County would’ve been crazy enough to call at such an hour unless it had been about blood, death or a fire. Flo threw her covers off and sat up. The silence on the other end of the phone was beginning to scare her and she didn’t scare easily. The feeling that something was wrong begun to creep up her spine.

Yeah, Priscilla’s my sister, Flo replied. At least that’s what Mama and Daddy said when they brought her home from the hospital. What about her? What’s she done this time? I hope you know it’s two A.M.!

Flo’s voice became raspy. I ain’t bailing her out of jail, I ain’t wiring no money ’cause she forgot her purse flying to Tim Buck Two and I ain’t paying for something Prissy said I would!

Flo had often wondered how long it would take before she got another call from a stranger saying Prissy was in trouble. The last call had been two years ago when Prissy called in the middle of the night asking for some money to be wired to Atlanta. Infuriated, Flo drove to Atlanta and they had an ol’ timey family reunion in the hotel lobby, where it had taken four security men and the threat of jail time to break them up.

Ms. Oxendine, please, this is important. Jack interrupted.

Call me Flo. What is it? I’ve only had two hours of sleep, spit it out, so I can go back to bed! Flo’s agitation was rising.

Jack chose his words carefully before he spoke. There’s been an accident… Priscilla has been taken to the hospital.

Accident? When? Where’s Prissy and where’s the twins?

Flo was up and out of bed in one movement pulling luggage from her closet and quickly began packing.

Jack took a deep breathe when Flo’s rustling movements on the other end of the line made him nervous. His intent had been to reveal as less as possible until someone arrived in New York. Listening to the tension in her voice, he didn’t want her any more distressed than she obviously was. Flo must have had an idea that something had happened because the sound of her movements were hasty.

The twins are at a sleepover and Priscilla was here in the city. Jack answered remembering Flo had asked him about Priscilla and the twins.

Where was she at? Some ‘A list’ wild party that got out of hand and she got arrested? Flo mumbled as she grabbed things to be pack. That was Prissy alright; always out late at night with the jips and rips, never coming home at a decent hour. Mama tried telling Prissy that bad things always happened after midnight. But, has she ever listened?

Ms. Oxendine, I am so sorry that I called you at such a late hour, but I wanted to be certain that it was truly Priscilla before I called.

Flo paused in mid-step. Something was off. The stranger on the other end wasn’t willingly giving any details, as if he was deliberately being selective and cautious on what he was telling her. She detected something serious in his voice and her fears escalated. She had always feared getting a call in the middle of night with bad news about Prissy.

I wanted to be certain it was truly Priscilla… The words echoed and Flo dropped into a chair that happened to be close by. What’s happened? Tell me now! The room decided to start spinning. Questions were running around Flo’s mind faster than a roller coaster. It’s finally happened, Flo thought. No. Flo pushed the thought away, I’ve got to get a grip; I’ve got Mom, Dad and the twins to think about.

Ms. Oxendine, Priscilla was taken to the Presbyterian Hospital.

Call me Flo! Where are the twins again? And please tell me no one has told them anything.

She took several deep breathes willing herself to stay calm and wished the room would stop spinning. She didn’t have time for this, she swallowed, trying to remain focused; she needed to get to New York and to the twins.

The twins are staying with their next door neighbors, the Jamieson’s. I’ve already spoken to Mrs. Jamieson and it’s been arranged for the twins to stay as long as needed. Mrs. Jamieson understands that Priscilla is unavailable.

Unavailable? What do you mean she’s unavailable? I don’t need you making excuses for Prissy; this is my responsibility, not yours. Flo paused realizing her error. It wasn’t this man’s fault that Prissy done the things that she did. She pressed her forehead into the palm of her hand. I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. It’s not your doing that Prissy has lived a careless and reckless life.

If Jack hadn’t been listening closely, he wouldn’t have heard Flo’s soft spoken apology. His heart melted at the soft southern voice on the other end of the line.

I understand Flo, more than you know. Mrs. Jamieson is my sister Abigail. The twins, my niece and nephew, have been friends and neighbors for the past five years. ‘Unavailable’ is a code word that Abby and I use, meaning that the twins are not to know anything is amiss.

Alright then. Flo stood and finished packing.

Flo… uh, I can meet you at the airport. Jack tried to hint that time was of the essence, without alarming her more than she already was. I just hope she can get here in time.

No, thank you. I’ll drive. I ain’t getting on no plane.

Flo, it really would be much quicker if—

No, I’m driving. Flo looked at the clock. I’ll call you in ’bout five hours and let you know wh’r I’m at. I take it you’re calling me on your cell?

Flo had already written down the phone number in her address book and had added it to her cell phone. It had become a routine for her to write down strange and unknown phone numbers from the caller ID, whenever the caller said they were calling about Priscilla.

Yes, I am. This is going to be tougher than I thought. She doesn’t miss much. Jack rubbed his forehead.

Then I’ll see you in about ten hours.

Jack heard the phone click and he stared down at the phone in his hand. Flo had hung up before he could argue further against her driving to New York.

All the years that Jack had known Priscilla, she had never once shared any information about her family in North Carolina. It was obvious with Flo’s sharp-pointed questions that she was concerned and protective of Priscilla and the twins; even though Priscilla had stressed for years that they were estranged.

It seemed odd to him and yet she was willing to drive to New York after one phone call from a stranger.

During one of Priscilla’s many visits to Jack’s office to conclude her last will and testament, she had brazenly admitted that she didn’t live the way she was raised.

"I never ask ‘what if?’, Jack. What if something bad happen to me, who would take care of the twins?" She shrugged her shoulders unconcerned by her bold statement.

Her callous admission left Jack astounded, wondering how a mother of two beautiful children could be so reckless and unappreciative to have a family. Being a part of a family was a blessing and those who didn’t have one were the ones who valued family the most.

Jack began to struggle to keep his eyes open while he waited for an update of Priscilla’s condition. The emotional roller coaster from the night’s events had him drained. He shifted in his seat fighting his fatigue. He wanted to stay the night with Priscilla, but knew doing so he would be useless when Flo arrived the next day. The thought of her sent his mind reeling. She definitely was headstrong and opinionated.

He was mesmerized by how fast she talked and how her words seemed to roll together with her strong southern accent. Jack closed his eyes and he wondered what Flo looked like.

Stop it! He scolded himself as he heard footsteps stop near him.

Ms. Bell is out of surgery, but she’s still in critical condition. A different nurse from before spoke observing him from the door way with a concerned look. It’s late and you’re obviously tired, why don’t you go home and get some rest. If anything changes, we’ll call you immediately.

Critical condition. The nurse’s words circled around Jack’s numbness. A few seconds passed before he was able to speak. I’ve contacted the next of kin and she’s driving up from North Carolina. She should be here by this afternoon.

Nodding her head in reply, the nurse turned away leaving Jack alone once again in the big empty room. In the corner, volume turned down low, a TV played a twenty-four hour news channel. His gaze was drawn to the window where he watched the rain fall. At the moment, the only thing he wanted to hear was that Priscilla was going to be okay and that Flo had arrived safely in the city.

He stifled a yawn and rubbed a hand over his face. The more he thought about getting some sleep, the more his muscles ached.

Just for a few hours, he told himself, I need to rest my eyes before Flo gets here. Standing up, Jack walked to the nurse’s station and he left his cell phone number.

Flo quickly threw on a pair of jeans, an oversized man’s long sleeve shirt and a pair of work boots. Gathering her hair up, she tucked it underneath a cap and pulled it snugly down on her head. She grabbed her bags and went down the hall to the kitchen where the light was on.

Just great! The phone woke ’em up. Better get prepared for twenty-thousand questions. Flo went into the kitchen hoping only to find her dad, Charles, but sitting at the kitchen table was her mother, Naomi too.

Who was it this time, Flossie? Naomi asked pointedly; a robust woman with wavy white hair. What did they want? What did they say?

Flo glanced from her Dad and back to her Mom. They knew the call was about Prissy. She could see the worry etched on their faces. This hadn’t been the first time that someone called saying Prissy was in trouble that she didn’t pack in haste to go sort out her mess.

Charles, slender and tall, stood at the kitchen counter watching the coffee brew. Hearing Flo enter the kitchen, he slid his shaking hands into his bathrobe pockets and averted his eyes. He didn’t want her to see the worry in his eyes; she had enough to worry about with the farm. And with this call so late, it was no doubt about Priscilla.

Someone in New York called about Prissy; probably another mole hill been made into a mountain. I’m driving up to see what I can sort out. Flo turned to Charles, Daddy, Mickey is scheduled to be here as usual at 5 o’clock to go over the actual head count from the chicken houses. Billy has the schedule and the work orders to get the houses ready for the new batch of biddies. Don’t you be overdoing it while I’m gone. You can play with the tractor and till the garden so we can plant the fall vegetables, but that’s it. Leave the big chores for the men I pay to do ’em. They know what needs to be done and know I won’t stand for any slack. Flo grabbed several bottled waters from the refrigerator.

Flossie, I’m still your father, you know. Charles watched her movements.

I know. And you know I’ll be worrying about you while I’m gone. Flo reached for a cup and filled it with coffee.

Flossie, Naomi’s voice pleaded. You don’t have to leave now. Can’t you wait and see if Priscilla calls? She always calls.

Flo concentrated on drinking her coffee instead of what Naomi was saying. Naomi had always made her feel guilty about the decisions she made, causing her to second guess herself. She stared down into her cup, Naomi’s trouble was she didn’t accept change of any kind.

Can’t you wait and see if someone can go with you? I don’t’ want you out on the highway alone.

No Ma, there ain’t, I’m taking Sadie with me. Flo hid her irritation. She loved her mother, but it was times like this, Naomi grated on her nerves believing she was incapable of being on her own. Flo wondered why it had been alright for Prissy to leave and go trotting all over the globe, but it wasn’t alright for her to go to New York when she was the one who had gotten the call saying Prissy was in trouble.

She shook her head at the nonsense of it all. Naomi believed in the old school ways, that a woman’s place was at home taking care of the family. Flo was the one who took care of her parents, paid the bills and who kept Stomping Ground Farm in operation. Would Naomi ever acknowledge it and give her credit for it? No. She swallowed the last of her coffee and placed the empty cup in the kitchen sink. Naomi was never going to give her credit for doing anything right.

Mama, Daddy, go on back to bed. It’s almost 3 o’clock and I need to get on the road. I’ll call you when I know more.

Flo grabbed her Bible off the piano bench and picked up her bags. Out on the back porch they hugged each other and said their ‘good-byes’.

Charles followed Flo to her truck; his mind burdened with the late hour call about Priscilla. The fall morning air was cool and it gave him a chill. Opening the truck door, Flo placed her bags behind the seat.

Flo don’t you go to New York and start any arguments with Prissy. You behave yourself. Charles gave her a pointed look.

Flo turned looking perplexed. You think that’s what I’m going to do, Daddy?

I know you will. Don’t think I don’t know what happened in Atlanta, because I do.

Flo’s eyes involuntarily grew wide and she knew it was best to keep her mouth shut. Somehow, he had found out about their argument. But how? Returning from Atlanta she hadn’t discussed what happened with anyone. Evidently, Prissy had.

Don’t worry, I won’t. I’m through arguing with Prissy and I’ve wasted my last breathe doing so. You and Mama go on back to bed. I’ll call in a couple hours.

Flo turned towards the barn and let out a loud whistle. Seconds later, a Siberian husky with a white glowing face and ocean blue eyes came bounding from the barn yard.

Come on gal, it’s gonna be a long ride. Flo dropped the truck tailgate down and Sadie jumped into the bed of the truck, settling down underneath the tool box.

Flo and Charles hugged one last time before she drove off. Charles stood in the yard and watched the tail lights disappeared down the dirt road. Silently, he prayed that Prissy was alright, but he had an uneasy feeling. Something about this call troubled him.

Someone had to go and see what Prissy had gotten herself into and once again, as always, it was Flo. He didn’t want Flo out on the road by herself either, but yet she was right. There was no one else to go.

It was time, for Priscilla’s tomfoolery to stop, Charles reflected as he walked back to the house. And the first chance he got he was going to tell her so. Flo repeatedly had put the family and the farm first, while her dreams were shoved to the side. It was time for Flo to make a life of her own and it wasn’t going to happen if she kept cleaning up behind Priscilla.

Sitting down next to Naomi in the kitchen, they held hands and began to pray. They prayed for the safety of one daughter who was traveling dark roads to New York and they prayed for the other who was in trouble.

Flo was two years older than Priscilla, and their personalities were vastly different. Priscilla was always dressed to the nines in the newest fashion where Flo could care less about how she looked or what she wore.

Priscilla would cry and threw a temper tantrum if she got her hands dirty or her clothes wrinkled and with Flo it was an everyday occurrence for her clothes to be dirty and torn. Priscilla was the queen of drama before the term was ever perceived, whereas Flo was happiest being outdoors and working on the farm beside Charles. Where Priscilla was prissy just like her nickname indicated, Flo had been a tomboy at heart; the roughest and toughest on the school playground who could outrun and out play all the boys in sports.

Priscilla loathed living on the farm, where Flo’s senior high school project had been on farm management and ways to increase and maximize yields on crop output.

Flo was the dependable and reliable daughter, who took care of chores around the farm and house without being asked. She never complained about working long hours or the manual labor that caused her hands to become calloused. When Charles could no longer manage the farm by himself, Flo stepped up and took charge without a hesitation or asking for anything in return. And not once has she complained that she put her life on hold or the many times she had to stop in the middle of harvest or planting to go bail Prissy out of trouble.

Naomi loved both her daughters but was often exasperated with Flo’s tomboyish ways. Naomi never once considered the consequences of spoiling Priscilla until five years ago when she took the twins from the farm. Six hours later, it was confirmed that Prissy had bought three one-way tickets to New York.

Devastated, Flo had found Charles in the barn clutching his left arm, having a heart attack. Concerned for her father’s health and through Naomi’s persistence, Flo didn’t pursue Prissy.

No matter what, Priscilla is still their mother.’ Naomi repeated over and over as they waited for news of Charles’ surgery. She’s still their mother."

That maybe so, Flo silently argued, but how many times is she going to selfishly hurt this family? How many times was Naomi going to justify Prissy’s actions with excuses? Did Naomi realize that this time, Prissy’s actions nearly killed their father?

Naomi realized all