Page 36 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“I don’t know why she’s rebelling so hard.” I look at Sam. “She scared the shit out of me today. I’m not sure she understands the consequences of her actions. This was dangerous. I have no clue who she was with or what she was doing.” I prop my back against the side of the house and rub my hand across my face.

Sam threads her fingers through mine. “It’s not fair that all this is happening to you three. I know that Kara’s a good girl. She’s just in a bad place right now. We have to find a way to get over this hurdle.”

The fact that she said “we” means a lot right now. It helps me not feel so alone in this jungle I’m calling life. “Thank you for checking in on us. It means more than you know.” I pull her a little closer, placing my hand on her perfectly shaped hip.

“If there’s anything I can do, I’m here for you.” Sam holds my gaze. My troubles seem to fade away for the moment as she steps closer, causing my heart to beat a little faster. She runs her hand up my arm to the back of my neck, then presses her lips against mine. My eyes instantly close. Her soft lips taste like cherry lip balm. She pulls my bottom lip into her mouth before breaking free. “I’ve been thinking about doing that again,” she says, stepping back to break all contact.

“You do it well,” I admit, surprised by her boldness.

“You aren’t too bad yourself.” Sam smiles, backing away slowly. “I’ve got to go. Are we still on for dinner this week? Say, Wednesday?” The wind blows her long dark hair toward her face, making her the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

“Sounds good.”

She waves before turning to walk away, leaving me to watch, awestruck. I think Sam understands the power she has over someone, especially me.

I head back inside the house to face the awaiting drama. I’ve already grounded Kara and taken away her phone. What else is left to do besides never letting her leave the house again? Then she’ll hate me for eternity.

I close the garage door on my way in and go find Maisie first. She’s sensitive to the arguments that Kara and I have. Who can blame her? I need to make sure she’s okay. It takes me a few minutes to locate her. She’s sitting in the corner of the living room with arms wrapped around her bent legs and her head buried behind her arms.

“Hey, honey,” I say softly, sitting beside her on the floor. “Are you okay?” I rub her back. Maisie nods. “Will you look at me?” Maisie turns her head to the side, laying her cheek against her forearms that still hold tightly to her knees. “I wish things were different every day. But most of all, right now, I wish things were like they used to be with Kara. I know it isn’t easy to witness our outbursts. You’re caught in the middle and that’s not fair. I have hope that things will get better.” I brush strands of hair back from her cheek. “Do you trust me?”

Maisie falls into my chest. “Yes,” she says, her voice small, breaking me.

“I’m proud of you for handling this the way you do. Your mom and dad would think so too.” I lean down to kiss the top of her head. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Maisie squeezes me more tightly. My heart swells knowing she can still give her love so freely. She’s Annie to the core. I feel lucky to have a soul as pure as that to continue to love when my sister can’t be here.

“Want a snack?” I stand, pulling Maisie to her feet. “How about a small scoop of ice cream?”

Maisie’s teeth show with her smile as she nods her head vigorously. “Chocolate, please.”

“You got it, kiddo.”

Maisie follows me to the kitchen. She climbs up onto the barstool as I scoop out the ice cream. I slide the bowl and spoon over to her. I watch her eat as she tells me about her day at school. I enjoy just being in the moment with her and letting her be happy. I’m not going to talk to Kara tonight or put more punishments on her. I’ll let this be for now. Not for me or Kara, but for Maisie.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Chapter Thirteen

Wednesday evening is finally here. But it’s not as I hoped for. I had to cancel with Sam, even though I hated to. The girls have gone out to eat with Judy and to shop. I couldn’t say no. She pushed for them to stay overnight again, but I stood my ground.

The house is empty, a big, lonely space. I lean back on the couch, comforted by a glass of Woodford Reserve. Alabama Shakes play in the background as I sip my drink in the lonesome moment. I haven’t heard from Steven, and he missed work today. He’s swept up in his own romantic adventure. I’m beginning to think this is more serious than he lets on. He hasn’t been around much and that’s not like him.

I can’t stop worrying about Maisie being with Judy. Bill wasn’t anything like his mom. I have witnessed firsthand the way she would give in to Bill when he put her in her place. I remember when Annie started dating him. He was such a bright light in her life, treating her like a queen from day one. Before he asked her to marry him, he talked to me. He was very considerate of my feelings. He knew that we were all each other had. He told me that he would always love the bond we shared. He stood by his word and was the best thing for Annie. She loved him so much. They had a relationship that I envied. I was so happy for Annie. She deserved that for all that she sacrificed for me and how good a human she was. And on top of everything, Bill was so kind and loving to me.

I throw my head back on the couch, letting the memories move through my mind. Only when a ding from my phone sounds do I rejoin the present.

Are you busy? Sam asks.

I snap a picture of me with a whiskey glass in my hand and the comment Reminiscing with an old friend.

Ha! Her response is immediate. Got room for another friend?

I sit up a little straighter, feeling revived. Absolutely! You and Olivia can drop over anytime. Sure, I’m fishing to see if she meant a party of two or three.

My phone beeps again. Just me, if that’s okay. Olivia is with my mom.

I throw back the small amount of whiskey left. Come on over! I rush to the bathroom to check my hair. I’m wearing faded jeans, no socks, and a blue T-shirt. I can pull this look off. I rustle my hair to give it some life and apply some blush to my cheeks.