by Bonnie Tharp
He leaned back against the cabinet and crossed his legs at the ankle.
“So, at least another week?”
“Looks that way. We need to get Annabelle moving more.” She felt sad at the prospect of being away from home so long, a temporary necessity.
“Since Sugar and I are moving in for the time being, I don’t have to worry about you all being here alone with Tom at large.”
“He’s made no threats.” Regina ran her finger around the edge of the coffee cup.
“Unfortunately, he has to commit a crime before the police can do anything, anyway.”
Joining him at the sink, Regina leaned against his warm body. He put his arms around her. She heard the stairs creak.
“What do we do now?” Sam asked.
“Whatever is necessary.” Regina disengaged herself with reluctance.
“Like cooking?”
The humor in his voice was evident, so Regina’s spine straightened and her hands went immediately to her hips.
“Hey, Mister, you know I can make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”
His hands came up to ward off any blows, then he grinned when she didn’t wallop him.
“That you can.”
What would be wrong with marrying this wonderful man? We’ve lived together for a year already. So I know it’ll work. I could be Regina Louise Morgan-Smith-Duncan . . . uh . . . too many hyphens. Regina Louise Duncan has a nice ring to it. I’ve been hyphenated long enough.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
His eyes twinkled.
Annabelle walked into the kitchen looking less disheveled. Her hair had been combed and she wore a blue tunic top with slacks.
“Hello, Sam.”
He held out a chair for Annabelle, patting her shoulder when she sat.
“Where are Tad and Peg?”
Regina’s hands stopped at her hips. “Tad’s tossing a few baskets and Peggy is helping Megan get dressed for school. You ought to go for a walk with Tillie, it’ll help you to get stronger.”
“Perhaps I’ll do just that,” Annabelle said with a lift of her chin.
Her cousin gave her a look that said exactly what she was thinking.
When? I want to go home.
Ms. Pickles wandered in and settled on Annabelle’s slippered toes to take a nap.
“What are your plans?” Annabelle asked.
“Sam’s going to stay with us for a while.”
“Oh?” Annabelle stared at Regina. “Where is he going to sleep?”
“He can sleep in Tillie’s old room, not that it matters.” Regina held Annabelle’s stare, hands resuming their position on her hips. “We’re adults, Cousin. You can stuff your hanky in it if you don’t like it.”
Sam cleared his throat. “Ladies. Sugar and I are only going to stay for a few days, just until things settle down.”
“Thank you, but I really don’t know why. We’re doing okay.” Color bloomed in Annabelle’s cheeks before she looked at the floor.
“Because I asked him to.” They hadn’t heard Megan appear in the doorway. “He’s part of our family.”
“Well, that’s that then.” Without looking at anyone Annabelle headed toward the parlor.
“So it is.” Her cousin’s abrupt departure stunned Regina.
I wonder what’s really bothering her?
Her loving beau kissed Regina on the cheek.
“I’m going by the office, then out to the house to grab the dog and a few clean clothes. I’ll see you before dinner, okay?”
The little girl reached up her arms toward Sam. He knelt so she could put them around his neck.
“Thank you.” She kissed his ruddy cheek.
He closed his eyes and gave her a squeeze. “I’ll be back soon. I promise.”
Megan smiled.
Tomorrow would be Saturday. You never know what the weekend will bring around here. Not to mention another person to compete for the bathroom. This should be interesting.
“When are you going to marry Sam?” Megan’s words slapped her out of her musings.
“I, um . . . we’re not, I mean . . . I don’t know the answer to that question.” Feeling her cheeks warm, Regina placed her cool hands up to cover them.
“Grown-ups!” She slipped her crutches under her arms and left Regina there to molder in her embarrassment and indecision.
Chapter 15
THE NEXT MORNING, when Peggy pulled up with Malissa and Mrs. Monahan, Malissa’s mom, she watched Tad wave at the driver who had dropped him off. He stayed near the drive, waiting for her.
He is so “in like” with Malissa. It’s pathetic. But I can’t rat him out, even to my best friend. It would break his little heart.
Peggy opened the door to the back seat and smiled at her best friend’s reflection in the rear view mirror. “Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Monahan. I’ll see you later, Malissa.”
“You’re most welcome. Tell your grandmother I said hello,” said Mrs. Monahan.
“Later, gator,” Malissa said with a wiggle of her fingers.
“Hey, brother o’ mine.” Peggy poked him in the ribs, the one place that still made him squirm. She dashed out of his reach and they raced up the steps to the door. Wrinkling her nose, she stopped. “You stink.”
“I do not. Besides, that’s the manly smell of sweat from exercise.” Tad flexed the slender muscles in his arms.
“More like the smell of dirty underwear.”
Girls never smell that rank. It has to be a guy thing. Hormones and bacteria all mixed together. Yuck.
He gave her arm a poke and laughed.
Damn. That hurt.
She turned away to rub the spot without him noticing.
“I won’t pass any sniff tests, for sure.” He opened the door for her, but squeezed in beside her as she entered. They nearly got stuck.
Her shoulder bag swung at her side as Peggy cupped her hands over the newel post. She leaned back. Tad threw his gym bag in the corner by the stairs.
“I smell food.”
“You smell food even when there isn’t any. How can you smell anything over your B.O.?”
He chased her into the kitchen where they found Regina, Annabelle and Megan sipping their liquid of choice. A jar of peanut butter and plum jelly sat on the counter.
“Hi. See, told you I smelled food. Any bread left?” Tad asked.
“I thought only dogs could smell peanut butter a block away,” Peggy said.
“Hi.” Regina pointed with her thumb. “There’s another loaf in the bread box.”
Peggy leaned down and hugged her grandmother while her younger brother made a sandwich.
“Hey there, baby sister.” Tad ruffled Megan’s brown locks.
“Hi, Tadpole. You smell funny.”
“That’s what I hear. I worked up a sweat on the court. Not too gross, right?”
“Whatever,” Peggy said. “What’s on the agenda for today? Since it’s Saturday, we ought to go shopping.”
I really need a new pair of flip-flops, but I’d rather look at cell phones.
“Actually, I was thinking of getting my hair done,” Annabelle said. “I’ve had wool head long enough. I’ll call Roxanne and see if she has any openings.”
“Yeah, time to jazz it up again, Gram.” Tad winked at his grandmother. “Peggy says you’re too young to look so old.”
“Gee, thanks,” Peggy said.
Megan giggled.
Smoothing her little sister’s thick locks, Peggy said, “Maybe I can French braid yours, since it doesn’t look like we’re going shopping.”
“Okay.”
“What are you going to do, Tad?” Regina asked.
“There’s a game
on TV this afternoon, so I’ll just hang out and watch.” He took a huge bite of his sandwich. “You’re welcome to join me. B.Y.O.P.”
“Excuse me?” Regina said.
“Bring your own popcorn.”
“I’ll have to pass, I’ll probably be the designated driver, you know.” She put finger quotes around her next phrase, “Regina’s taxi service. Maybe you can con the girls into making you some popcorn.”
“Dream on, little brother. Megan and I have better things to do than wait on you. I hope you take a shower before you stink down the house.”
“Don’t worry, I will, and I’ll use lots of towels, since it’s your weekend for laundry.” The last bit of bread disappeared behind his teeth. He swallowed and licked the jelly off of the tips of his fingers.
Putting her hands on her hips, Peggy said, “Maybe I’ll just burn your clothes and save the soap. That way your germs won’t get on anything else.”
Tad pointed a finger at his sister and growled. “You touch my basketball stuff and I’ll . . .”
Peggy couldn’t help but grin. “Gotcha.”
He stormed from the room and stomped up the stairs.
“That wasn’t very nice,” Annabelle said.
Lifting her open palms in surrender, Peggy said, “No, but it was funny. After Tad finishes his shower, I’ll wash and braid your hair, Meg.”
“Okay.” Megan twirled a lock around her finger. “I think I’ll head upstairs. It takes me a while.” She stood, slipped the crutches under her arms and hop-dragged out of the room, the rhythm very similar to the three-legged cat.
“It’s terribly late. I hope they can squeeze me in.” Annabelle headed toward the parlor with Ms. Pickles on her heels.
Peggy looked at Regina. “What do you think we should do?”
“Clean up the dishes, I suppose.”
“That’s not what I meant . . .”
“I know. We need to make things as normal as possible. Get back into a routine so both Megan and your grandmother will start to relax.”
“That makes sense.” The tension in Peggy’s shoulders visibly eased.
“Maybe we’ll go out and get them something new to read. You know, I think we need a better way to keep tabs on one another.”
“Like maybe a cell phone?” Peggy held her breath.
Oh, please say yes. Please.
“Exactly.”
The teenager rubbed her hands together. “Way cool.”
“A little one you can put in your pocket and keep with you all the time. Perhaps then Annabelle wouldn’t worry so much when you’re out with your friends.”
Oh, my, God. I can’t sit still. I want to go now. Breathe. Be calm. You’re almost an adult.
“That’s a good idea. Malissa uses hers all the time.”
Regina extended an index finger toward Peggy. “That’s not why I’m getting it, young lady. It’s for security, okay?”
Don’t ruin it, dope, or you won’t get your wish—a new neon cell phone!
“Do you really think she worries about me?” Thrusting out her chest, she put her hands back on her narrow hips. “I’m almost grown.”
“You won’t be sixteen for another month. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. While Megan’s on crutches, your grandmother is going to have her hands full. And it’s summer, so you’ll be off doing things without us. I’m hoping you’ll use the cell phone responsibly like an adult.”
I hate lectures. Don’t roll your eyes, Peg. Keep your poop grouped.
“I just lost my head for a minute.” She looked at Regina through her lashes and grinned.
Regina smiled and put her hand on Peggy’s skinny arm. “You’re entitled. Now, let’s get your Grandmother to the stylist so we can go shopping.”
Peggy wrapped her arms around her cousin’s middle. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For everything you’re doing for us.” Feeling a featherweight touch to her hair, Peggy sighed.
“You’re very welcome. Oh, by the way, Megan asked Sam to stay with us for a few days. He’ll be in Tillie’s old room.”
Releasing her hold, Peggy looked at her cousin. “Too bad.”
“Why do you say that? I thought you liked Sam.”
“I do. He’s cool. I just figured you’d rather he stayed in your room, since you know, you and he are, well, living together.” Peggy stifled a laugh.
“That would not be appropriate in front of you children.” Regina turned and led the way up the stairs.
“Yeah, whatever you say Regina.” Peggy pumped her fist behind Regina’s back and headed upstairs to braid her sister’s hair in record time.
SMILING, REGINA was happy that Sam would be home early. Regina felt needed right now, but hopefully not for long. It had been a month since Annabelle’s heart attack and her strength was returning. She seemed more certain lately, albeit a bit touchy. Regina definitely liked the improvements in Annabelle’s wardrobe.
Good grief, what kind of a statement have I been making all these years by wearing broomstick skirts and dangly earrings? Aged hippie? Nothing wrong with that. It had certainly pissed off mother, who thankfully, no longer haunts my every decision.
“Annabelle,” Regina called down the hall. “What time is your appointment?”
“Three-thirty. Will you be able to drive me?”
“Not a problem. Peggy, could you come into my room please?”
Peggy headed her way. Megan veered off at Annabelle’s room.
“How about we go now to get you that cell phone?” Regina slipped on her skirt.
“Okay, we’re ready, except for shoes.”
“Have you said anything to your sister?” After buckling her sandals, Regina looked in the mirror. Her braid had come loose so she pulled off the band at the bottom and started brushing it out.
“About what?” Peggy asked. “Wow, your hair is so long.”
“The cell phone.”
After wearing it this way for years she could braid her hair in a flash.
“She won’t have a problem with it. She knows I’ve been dying to get one.”
“But, it’s not just for talking to your friends all the time, okay? It’s for your protection and that of your siblings.” Regina turned to inspect her work. She could see Peggy watching her reflection in the Cheval mirror.
“I know. But I can still call my friends, can’t I?”
“Within reason.” Regina laid the brush on the dresser, leaning closer to Peggy’s image in the mirror.
Peggy shrank back from her scrutiny. “What about Tad?”
“What about him?” Regina turned to face the young woman.
“He’s fourteen. I know he’ll want one, too. Heck, we know kids who are ten who have cell phones.”
Regina smiled at Peggy.
“Let’s see how it goes. You’ll be the guinea pig. If it works with you, we’ll get one for Tad at Christmas.”
“Okay, but you tell him, not me,” Peggy held up a hand like a traffic cop.
“Whatever.”
“Aren’t you a little old to say things like that, Regina?”
“I think we’d better stop this conversation before I change my mind.”
Scooting out of the room, Peggy went to get her little sister.
Regina smiled, donning her largest silver hoops and slim matching bracelets.
I’ll show her who’s old.
The four females gathered at the bottom of the stairs. After locking up the house they piled into the Caddy to head for the store. Tad opted to stay home with Ms. Pickles and the televised baseball game.
“I still don’t see why you have to buy Peggy a cell phone,” Annabelle said to Regina. “She doesn’t need it.”
“It’s for safety. They’re less expensive now. When she’s out with her friends, you can reach her.” Regina kept her eyes on the road, but cast the occasional glance at Peggy in the back seat.
“If it’s an emergency, I could always call the police,” Annabelle said.
“Gram! That would be mortifying. Come on, it’ll be fine. I promise not to use it in school. The plan Cousin Regina is getting has limited talk time. I’ll be very careful not to use it too much. Just to check in and stuff.”
When they arrived at the phone store, Peggy couldn’t wait for Megan and the ladies to get out of the car. She dashed inside, straight for the displays.
“Are you getting the red or the pink one?” Megan asked once she caught up with her sister.
“I think the lime green one. Pink is a little too . . . pink for me. Red seems more like a mom color.”
“Oh.” Megan leaned on her crutches, her forehead furrowed.
“Why do you have to sign up for a two year contract?” Annabelle asked.
“It’s the most economical, and you get the phone free,” Regina said.
“I think that’s a bit more of a commitment than I’d be willing to take. This is just an experiment, right?” Annabelle fingered the tiny buttons on the phone in front of her.
“You’ll like having one around. Sam uses his all the time.” Regina walked up beside Peggy who had stopped to admire one of the bright colored phones.
“Why don’t you have one, then?” Annabelle asked.
Regina ignored her and turned to the clerk. “How much would it cost to add other family members onto the plan?”
“We’re having a nine ninety-nine special on these phones,” the clerk said.
“Well, then sign me up. I want a red phone,” Regina said.
And I’ll never forgive Tom Malone for forcing this situation. I hate cell phones. They’re irritating, and I won’t be able to escape anyone, unless I turn it off, of course. Which defeats the whole purpose. Oh well, time to adapt.
Whispering into Megan’s ear, Peggy smirked, “See? What did I tell you about red?”
Megan smiled up at her sister. “What number will you get, Cousin Regina?”