No Sister Of Mine

Chapter Two: Sister Secrets

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You know you live a privileged life if you can have a sleepless night in a California king sized bed. 

As the sun is begins to peek up over the horizon it gives Dana not so friendly reminder that she will have to face the reality of the turmoil she created for herself and her family. All of her wants to go to sleep and never wake back up but her faith in God won’t allow that. She will follow her journey no matter where it leads. The 3 a.m. meeting left everyone devastated and perplexed. She's been locked in her room refusing to see or speak to anyone ever since. This silent approach is not like open, honest Dana. Keeping the details of her situation from her family is hurting them. She wishes things didn’t have to be this way but it’s necessary so they would just have to understand.

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She looks over at her husband’s empty side of the bed. For the first time in three decades of marriage she doesn’t miss Henry. Her heart isn't shattered into a million pieces. All that Dana has ever known is built around the love she has for Henry Cooper. Everything she is most proud of was either created with him or for him. Her beautiful family. Her multimillion dollar beauty empire. Everything. To her that’s what being a wife is all about. She believes that a woman should make her marriage and the love of her spouse the number one priority. Now that she is facing prison time alone, that love doesn’t seem to mean much. 

Henry didn't get to the bottom of things like he promised his children. He asked no questions. He packed a suitcase and left the second he made it to their bedroom. Henry wants to be there for her but he doesn’t know how to. He is a man of few words. Supportive and handsome. He sets the perfect example for what a provider should be. Before he leaves, Henry tells his wife that he wants to take some time to process the news she’s given him. Dana knows better than that though. She shakes her head as she stares out her bedroom window into the early morning sky. Instead of staying home to help his wife with the scariest moment she ever experienced he looked for comfort in the arms of a high paid prostitute.

There is a light tap at the door. “Come in.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Cooper. Would you like your bed made and some breakfast?”

“No thank you, Emma. As a matter of fact tell the staff that everyone can take the day off,” she tells her middled aged caucasian handmaiden.

Emma looks confused. “You sure, Mrs. Cooper? Is there something wrong?”

“I’m fine. I just need a day to be alone. Recharge my battery a little bit.”

“I understand, ma’am. I’ll notify the staff and check on you before I go.”

“That’s fine. Thanks, Emma.”

“You’re very welcome.” Emma looks at Dana and waits for more. She can tell that something was weighing heavily on Dana’s mind. Her only response is a smile.

When Emma is gone Dana sits down in the large oak rocking chair she keeps by her window. She slides on her glasses and picks up her Bible from the side table. She turned to her favorite book, Job and starts reading. These are her go to scriptures when things get stressful for her. Job's undying faith through times of tragedy always puts things in perspective for Dana.

                  A few sentences in Dana's telephone rings. She ignores it and puts her attention back on her book. The caller eventually hangs up but a few seconds later her phone starts ringing again. She ignores it, too and continues reading.                

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                  "I don't know what your problem is but you need to get it together fast! You've always been a bitch but this?! I mean, this is just crazy! I swear to God you got ten minutes to call me back then I'm coming over there! No more hiding I'll be at your door!" Genie presses end and throws her cellphone on the bed.