The Prodigal Heiress

by Vickey Rogers

  She got on her knees by the side of her bed and said a prayer of thanks to God for all He was showing her. She thanked Him for all the blessings she was receiving and for taking care of her dad in heaven. She now knew that her dad was not lost to her forever but that she would truly see him again one day. It would be in a wondrous place, where no pain or suffering could ever interfere or take away their joy. She knew it in her heart as well as her head.

  Lexi took a quick shower; then she joined Miranda for the last of Chris’s cooking for a month. It was a happy affair, with croissants and pastries, the likes Lexi had never seen or tasted before.

  “Careful Chris… We might not let you leave,” Lexi joked after consuming one too many of the croissants. She washed it down with a large mug of smooth black coffee and patted her full stomach. “I could become very overweight with you around.”

  “Oh, but I watch the menu for you,” Chris smiled happily.

  “Yes. You are a gem,” Lexi winked at him and his face became beat red, but the smile on his lips said her praise was well received.

  Chris said his good-byes once he had cleaned up the breakfast dishes and put everything away. Then he made his exit to his quarters to finish packing and get ready for his taxi to the airport.

  Lexi and Miranda walked into the great room to start a fire. It was quite chilly for a late September morning, but the coziness of a fire sounded so good that they were happy about the chill. Lexi had learned from Raymond how to build and stoke the fire. She decided that she didn’t need to be waited on hand and foot for every little thing. She just needed the servants to take care of the huge house when she couldn’t. She knew she was definitely changing into a better person; and it made her feel good.

  Lexi smiled and hummed as she worked on stoking the fire. When she had brought the fire to a comfortable blaze, she walked to the sofa, kissed Miranda’s cheek, and sat down.

  “Honey, you look so full of peace. It’s amazing. I remember the day you came to the house after Daddy died. You were so tormented. It showed so much on your face. It makes me feel so much better the peace I see there now,” Miranda said as she patted Lexi’s folded hands.

  “Yeah, I was a real mess. I had probably run as far from God as I could get. I was doing so many things I shouldn’t, just trying to occupy my useless life,” Lexi said as she stared into the fire, her eyes thoughtful as she remembered the past.

  “I was just spending money on myself and pampering myself. That got old so quick.” Lexi looked into Miranda’s eyes. “And to think that’s all I dreamed of for years. But it’s a dream that’s not based in reality. Now I don’t exactly know what I’m meant to do, but I know it won’t involve spoiling myself.”

  Lexi smiled as she took Miranda’s hands in hers and gently rubbed them in affection.

  “You still don’t know what it is that God has brought you to this place in your life for, huh?”

  “No. He could be telling me, but maybe I don’t know how to listen yet. I know I need to learn a lot more about God. I need to be a lot closer to him.” Lexi looked back at the fire, her brows furled with thought.

  “It’s Jesus you need to be a lot closer to. You need to develop your personal relationship with Him,” Miranda said, taking Lexi’s chin and gently turning her head to meet her eyes.

  “Jesus is God, right? It’s been so long. I’m kind of confused.” Lexi tilted her head slightly.

  “Jesus is God, yes. God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Many people are confused on this subject. I find it easiest to say God is like government. Government is one thing, but there are many people in government, just as God is one, and yet three. However, government is very imperfect, where God is perfection. And the will of God is perfect. They are always in perfect agreement, of one mind, perfect synchronization, if you will. Does that help?”

  “Yes. That makes sense,” Lexi said. Her face cleared a bit with understanding.

  “It’s more complicated. But for us humans, it’s the easiest way to think about the trinity. My minister told me that when I was young, and I have always remembered it.”

  “I’m so happy I have you to help me, Mama.”

  Lexi could see the surge of love that Miranda was feeling in her eyes. She hadn’t called her Mama since she was very young. She had always called her Mother since growing up. It was a label that had a disrespectful tone every time she had said it. Now it was always Mama, like when she was young. Lexi knew if she ever called her Mother again, it would be in a much more respectful and loving tone than before.

  “So am I, Sweetie. So am I.”

  The phone rang, and broke into their quiet time. It was Houston.

  “Hi Lexi… I found out Appel can have visitors starting today. Do you want to go with me to see her?”

  “Oh yes! That would be great. What time are you planning to go?”

  “I can be there in about half an hour if that’s good for you.”

  “Sure thing… I can’t wait to see Appel.”

  “I know. I feel the same way.”

  “K. I’ll see you then.”

  “Bye, Lexi.”

  After Lexi got ready for her visit, she explained to Miranda about Appel. She told her they would be going to see her and that she wanted to talk to her about God.

  “Honey, that’s wonderful. Only…”

  “Only what…” she asked looking into her mother’s eyes.

  “Be careful. If you come on too strong, you could push her away. Just maybe mention that you are learning about God. Leave it at that. Let her get interested by watching the transformation in you. Let her ask questions. I have learned what trying too hard can do.”

  Lexi realized that her mother was talking about her. She also realized her mother had a lot of wisdom.

  “All right, Mama. I see what you mean. And you’re right. I don’t want to turn her off. I’ll take it slow. Thanks, Mama.” Lexi kissed her cheek and went to get the door as the doorbell chimed Houston’s arrival.

  Houston greeted Miranda. Then he and Lexi said their good-byes and left to visit Appel.

  The drive to Shady River, the facility that Appel had checked herself into, was two hours long. To Lexi, however, it seemed rather short as she and Houston talked, laughed and used the time to get to know each other better.

  She was surprised at how easily she and Houston were able to talk and how comfortable she felt with him now that they had gotten their feelings out into the open. Chalk another one up for honesty, Lexi thought.

  “Well, here we are. I’m so happy Appel has done this. I just hope she’s feeling as happy with her decision,” Houston said with a little concern in his voice.

  “I know what you mean. I’ve been wondering myself if she’s regretting this. I hope not.”

  They walked in holding hands. They came to an information desk just inside the door. An older, heavy-set woman with large teeth and graying hair greeted them.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Yes. We would like to visit with Appel Broughter. I called earlier and was told she could have visitors today from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.,” Houston said with a professional air.

  The woman typed a few things into her computer and then said, “Ah. Yes. Miss Broughter will be in room 315C. Take that elevator to the third floor. And as you exit, take a right. Go down to the seventh door on the left, that’s 315C. It also has a plaque above the door, so you can’t miss it,” the woman smiled brightly at Houston.

  “Thank you,” Houston said with a slight bow of his head.

  Lexi and Houston found 315C with no trouble. They entered a large room with a few groups of people talking and laughing. They saw a couch with three chairs in one corner and walked over to claim that area.

  It seemed to take forever before Appel came into the room and looked around. As soon as she saw Lexi and Houston, her face broke into the biggest smile Lexi had ever seen on Appel’s face.

  She hurried over and hugged both of them tightly.
<
br />   “Guys, thank you so much for visiting me. I feel so alone here. I hate this place, but I guess it’s a necessary evil. I probably should have quit on my own.”

  “I think you did the right thing, Appel. I’m so happy you’re doing all right. You are, right?” Lexi reached out and took Appel’s hand and looked into her eyes intently.

  “Yes, little Lexi.” Appel squeezed Lexi’s hand and smile. She had given Lexi that nickname since she had been the shortest person in the group. She also saw her as a little sister.

  Appel shook her head, and her blond curls shook. Her eyes were crystal blue today and had a sparkle.

  They all sat down and got comfortable. Lexi and Houston sat at the end of the couch closest to the chair Appel sat in.

  “So how’s everyone? Or aren’t you guys in touch with any of the old group?” Appel looked at them apprehensively, concern wrinkling her forehead. Her family had been vacationing in Europe since just after Lexi’s father had died. Although she knew Lexi had stopped partying, she wouldn’t know much else, including if Lexi had started again or not.

  “No. We haven’t been in touch with anyone from the group. They have called me several times, inquiring about Lexi and me joining them for a party here and there. But I just let them know we’re not interested anymore. It’s too hard to watch what they do,” Houston said, shaking his head and looking down at the floor.

  “Yeah, I can see why now. I hope they all come to their senses and straighten up before they end up being buried by their partying. I don’t think anyone knows this, but there’s another reason I came here,” Appel paused and looked down at her hands. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes and she stared out the window a moment before she continued.

  “My cousin Lissa, the one in Maine, was killed in an accident. She and her friends were out partying on her friend’s yacht. They ran into another boat that exploded and there were no survivors.”

  Appel looked back down at her hands and a tear fell. Lexi squeezed her hand, and Appel shook her head and her eyes cleared up.

  “Anyway, my parents, for the first time in my life, put their foot down. I kind’a liked it. Now I know they want me around,” she said with a sad smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

  “That helps. I know if you don’t feel wanted, it’s very hard to care for yourself,” Houston said with a knowing tone. Lexi rubbed one finger lovingly over his hand in support.

  “Yep, now I know they care, so I care. Plus I know you both care for me, and I care for you. I must ask something though. I keep seeing you two look at each other kind of strangely. Is there something going on? Come on. You have to tell me,” she said over dramatically.

  Lexi and Houston looked at each other and grinned.

  “Lexi and I have started seeing each other,” Houston said as he took Lexi’s hand.

  “I knew it! Oh, guys, this is awesome. I always thought you two would be perfect for each other.” Appel got up and hugged them both.

  “Oh yeah,” Lexi asked. “If that’s true, why didn’t you tell me?” She laughed happily.

  “Well, I knew you wouldn’t listen,” Appel rolled her eyes. “You never listened to me. Every time I gave you advice, you did the opposite.”

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much true.” Lexi smiled at the memory.

  “This is just too great. You two have made my day.”

  Lexi and Houston looked at each other and knew the other was also wondering why Appel was happy about them as a couple.

  Appel saw the look and explained.

  “I know a bit about each of you, and I have always liked you two best out of the group. You’re both good people and deserve to be with good people. I also love it when I get my way.” Appel laughed heartily.

  Lexi and Houston laughed.

  “Well, I’m so happy we were able to give you the good news in person then. I love to see you smile, Appel,” Lexi said with a loving smile.

  “Oh, me too… I wasn’t expecting anyone to visit today since my parents are off in Europe somewhere. But I was hoping. Another wish came true when you two showed up.”

  They talked for a couple hours, and then Lexi felt comfortable opening a different kind of door in the conversation.

  “Appel, you won’t believe this. But Houston and I are going to church with my mother on Sunday.”

  Appel’s jaw dropped. She was very quiet for about two minutes and then started the questions.

  “Your mother…I thought you and her were kind of on the outs? Church… when did you start getting religious…? Houston… Church…?”

  Her questions went on and on for about fifteen minutes, Lexi and Houston answering in short, to-the-point answers—enough, they knew, to satisfy her curiosity but not too much as to turn her off.

  “Huh... Maybe one of these days you can tell me a little more. Now how about telling me some more about the two of you? You just started dating?”

  “Yes,” answered Houston; and they talked about future events they would like to do together and with Appel.

  When it came time to leave, all three were relaxed and happy from a very good visit. Appel had decided Lexi was right and that she had made the right decision to come to the clinic. She told Lexi and Houston she was going to really start participating with the doctors and staff so she could get well and come home. They hugged good-bye with the promise of another visit soon.

  Miranda was waiting for them in the great room when they got back to Rivenwood. She seemed very excited as she rushed out to greet them in the foye, taking their coats and handing them to Raymond with a smile.

  “Please come into the great room. I have a large fire going.”

  Lexi and Houston followed Miranda and saw a beautiful blaze much bigger than Lexi had built that morning. The fireplace was huge and could contain a small or quite large fire. Miranda had built almost to the fireplace’s capacity.

  “This is very cozy, Mom, but why such a big fire?”

  “It was pretty chilly in here, and I knew you two would be tired out from your drive. Have a seat. I made some warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks.”

  Lexi remembered her mother’s love of fall and how she loved to bake in the fall and feed her family fall treats.

  “Does this mean there is maybe a homemade apple pie somewhere in the house?” Lexi teased, but at the same time hoped the answer was yes.

  “Well, of course.”

  “Houston, Mom makes the best pies. And wait ’till you taste this cider.”

  Houston took a sip gingerly then took a full swallow.

  “Wow. This is amazing. I’ve never much cared for apple cider, but this is delicious.”

  Miranda beamed with the praise.

  “Okay, why all the special treatment?” Lexi asked.

  “I went for a walk around the grounds today, and the fall spirit just hit me. I got a chill and then wanted to surprise you with the big fire. I was also thinking we should find a place to get a pumpkin and take Demi. He’s never had a real Halloween. I know he would just love it.”

  Lexi felt a thrill surge through her at the idea.

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Mom. Since Abbey and Demi will be staying at the country club also, it’ll give Abbey some time to rest and Demi a chance to run around and wear off some of his energy.”

  “I’m so happy you agree.”

  “How about after we get settled at the country club Monday morning, we start hunting the Internet for some pumpkin patches?”

  “I know of a great one,” Houston said, catching the excitement. “My parents took me there as a kid, and I go every year just to look around.”

  “Then I guess we don’t have to search,” Lexi said with a happy giggle. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  The rest of the evening they spent enjoying Miranda’s cooking and packing things for their stay at the country club. Houston helped by bringing boxes down to Raymond so he didn’t have to tire himself out going up and down stairs and out to the limou
sine.

  When they were done packing, they had more apple pie with melted caramel drizzled over the top. It was a good, satisfying treat.

  Houston left to let Miranda and Lexi have some time alone before church the next morning. They used the time to take a swim in Miranda’s pool before bed.

  “Mom, I don’t know why, but I’m feeling a little anxious about church tomorrow,” Lexi said as she pulled herself out of the water and sat on the bath couch. Miranda pulled herself up to sit next to Lexi.

  “Maybe it’s because it’s been a while since you’ve been there.”

  “Maybe... How’s the minister? Is he interesting? I remember Pastor Herrol. He was so boring that when I tried to pay attention, I’d have a hard time not falling asleep,” Lexi said dejectedly.

  “Well, you were little then and didn’t understand what he was talking about. He was actually quite good. I guess you’ll need to hear this minister to form an opinion. But I really like him. He has a good sense of humor. That keeps sermons fun and interesting,” Miranda said and patted Lexi’s knee. Lexi smiled.

  Lexi thought that it was a good thing for a minister to have a sense of humor. This world was so sad. If a minister could make it a little better place by a smile here and there, so much the better.

  Chapter 9

  Lexi woke early the next morning. She had an excitement flowing through her she didn’t quite know how to feel about. It felt good, though, so she just enjoyed it.

  She came downstairs to find Miranda in the kitchen, cooking omelets and making toast. She had fresh-squeezed orange juice in a pitcher and a plate of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls on the counter.

  “Wow, Mom. How are we going to eat all of this?”

  “Well, I intend to help.” Houston walked in from the dining room with a large grin on his face.

  Lexi thought about the fact that she had never seen Houston smile much. In fact, it was always a smirk up until recently; and now he seemed to smile all the time. It made her heart break, and at the same time it felt as if it did a flip in her chest. She felt a sudden, very strong love inside for this man. She was falling in love with Houston. Her mother was right. She didn’t have to ask advice about this feeling. She knew what it was.