Category: In Public, I Call Her Sister (Page 3 of 5)

In Public, I Call Her Sister

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 30

August 14, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

By the time Lloyd returns home from work, Vera and I have managed to turn our moods around and be cheerful again. It helps to see how little Henry reacts to his Papa coming home and to see how much his father dotes on him.

Suddenly, I feel very much an outsider – like I don’t belong. Watching how sweet Lloyd is being to both Henry and Vera, hugging and kissing them . Seeing how fond Vera’s grown of her husband…

It’s almost too much to bear.

She’s made a good life for herself, as she deserves, I remind myself.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 29

August 13, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

The hours with Vera are blissfully quiet. Henry is such a good little boy, hardly making any fuss as his mother and I catch up.

He’s on my lap, snoring soft baby-snores. Vera smiles at us fondly, then raises her eyes to mine. I’m startled to find them glistening with tears.

“I wish… I wish this could have been possible for us, Rose,” she whispers quietly.

Suddenly, I find myself unable to speak, so I nod and reach for her hand. We sit in silence for a while, each of us lost in ‘what might have been and if only’.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 28

August 12, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

Lloyd’s gone for the day by the time I arrive, something I’m thankful for. Vera hugs me, holding on for longer than would be deemed proper. Longer, indeed, than she has in a while.

I realize just how much I’ve missed her. Before I can stop myself, I kiss her lightly on the neck – the door’s still open, something Vera’s quick to remind me of.

Stepping away quickly, I blush, stammering an apology. Closing the door, she shushes me, her fingers brushing my cheek as she smiles.

Her eyes tell me what her words cannot.

She misses me too.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 27

August 11, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

Exhausted. Completely and utterly exhausted. Between my parents and Royce, they have paraded me around, or had me so busy attending to the details of the wedding, that I’ve had no time to myself, let alone a chance to visit Vera and little Henry for three solid weeks.

When Mother enters my room, insisting on going over yet another wedding detail, I put my foot down, insisting I be allowed to visit my best friend. “Tomorrow, Mother, I promise. We have a whole week yet.”

Finally she relents and lets me get dressed to go to Vera’s for the day.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 26

August 10, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

Royce insists on spending more time together, being seen together. Whenever he isn’t working at the bank, that is. My parents are in agreement with him, claiming it’s important to be seen so that everyone will wish to attend the grand affair that is to be my wedding day.

I miss Vera terribly, wanting nothing more than to visit with her and little Henry, though whenever I manage to sneak in a few minutes with her, I try to avoid being around Lloyd.

Why, exactly, I’m not sure, but I have a nagging feeling I can’t quite rid myself of.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 25

August 9, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

I stay with her another day at their request, as Lloyd cannot afford time from his job and they have no help. I stay, even though I know it’ll upset Royce’s plans.

I find that I don’t care. Vera needs me more and will always come first.

The day is spent cleaning her house and tending to mother and child when needed. Vera’s asleep most of the time. More than once I sneak into her room to watch over her. I even dare to caress her like I used to, once upon a time.

She wakes with a sleepy smile.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 24

August 8, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

“It’s a boy! Oh, Vera, it’s a boy,” I laugh and cry as I take the screaming infant from the midwife.

Turning to Vera, I smile brightly at her. She’s exhausted, her cheeks streaked with tears, but she’s smiling too.

Leaning forward, I gently place her son on her chest, staying close enough to help if she needs it. I’m worried for her; she looks so very weak right now.

Lloyd is allowed in and he’s instantly at her side, beaming with pride.

The joy in her voice is unmistakable as she whispers, “Welcome to the world, Henry Lloyd Roche.”

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 23

August 7, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

Royce frowns at me, not understanding. “Why, Rose? We’re supposed to go to the gala tonight.”

I sigh, placing my hand on his arm in hope of placating him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Vera needs me. She’s in labor. I cannot abandon her now.”

His eyes search mine intently. I can tell he’s far from pleased. He’d purchased a beautiful gown just for the occasion, so he could show off his bride-to-be.

“Please, Royce. She’s my best friend.”

After a too long silence, he nods his consent, albeit reluctantly.

Kissing his cheek, I whisper, “Thank you.”

I wonder if he suspects.

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 22

August 6, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

Mother’s fussing with my hair, blathering on and on about how happy she is for me. How good life will be for me as Royce’s wife.

She coos about the ring Royce gave me when he asked me to marry him.

Fawns over all the things we’ll need to do in time for the wedding. Get the dress. The flowers. Who to invite, where to place them.

I let it all wash over me, not quite able to match her enthusiasm.

I know marrying Royce will make a good match.

It’ll make my parents very happy.

But what about me?

In Public, I Call Her Sister – chapter 21

August 5, 2011 / naelany / 0 Comments

As things with Royce progress, I struggle to allow myself to simply enjoy what attention he gives me, pushing aside my feelings for Vera.

I become more aloof, stand-offish, and generally begin acting even more the spoiled child than I ever have before.

Vera is due any day now. Lloyd’s doting on her, even asking me for any guidance I can offer to make her feel better during these last few weeks.

I lash out more. I know people call me a snob – conceited. Selfish.

But I’m not.

In truth, I am heartbroken.

And I can tell no one.