Cherry Skies

Chapter 4- Hi Momma

Over the next couple of days to kill stress, plus the meltdown from Kaitlin didn't paint the prettiest picture. In an attempt to gradually dig to the bottom of things that lead to the bizarre behavior, Elizabeth gives her daughter a town tour.

"Now remember this place isn't as small as it seems. Take this road to get to the water tower. It was a party out there when I was about your age. I attended my first make-out party with the same guy I dated all through junior high and high school." Elizabeth reminisces with the pictures floating in her mind.

"Can we go out there, mom? I'd love to see where you used to party." Kaitlin makes her request known with a new light beginning to form in her eyes.

Hesitant at first, Elizabeth rattles her fingers along the top of her steering wheel in hopes of working out a deal in the process.

"I'll tell you what, let's get a bite to eat at Sully's Diner, and we'll see. I have a few questions to ask you, and judging by how you react, will determine what we do. Don't forget we still have to visit your grandma. I feel bad we've been here a few days, and we've done nothing but have fun."

Kaitlin brings up an excellent counterpoint to comfort her mother's guilty conscience.

"Mom, you work hard every day and even go in when you're called to the hospital when your patients go there. Take some time to relax for once, please. You're not fighting with daddy or MJ, and I like this side of you. Let's cut loose and have some fun, and yeah, sure we'll talk but not about the other day. I'm not ready just yet; I promise I'll tell you, but I'm ashamed. I just don't want you thinking less of me or that I'm just some sleazy little tramp." Kaitlin says, covering a wide range of things.

"Katie! I'm your mother, and I love you, sweetheart. There's nothing you could do to make me love you less. If someone's hurt you, I swear on my life I'll make them hurt in ways you can't even imagine!" Elizabeth responds with an emotional blow to the gut that someone has possibly harmed Kaitlin.

They park in front of the diner and find a seat inside the dated café, still smelling like the 1960's era greasy food and fake leather. Coral and pink colors align the walls with neon lights around the edge of the ceiling. Hundreds of memories come roaring back from after practice with the color guard crowd to big wins when they battle their arch-rival in Loveland.

Once they're comfy in the booth and a menu in their hands, a waitress comes over and immediately recognizes Elizabeth and hoots and hollers at the table.

"Good sweet baby Jesus you've finally come home! You've been gone from these parts a long time now, darling baby girl. You must have finally made up with your daddy. Speaking of which, how is your momma doing, and is this one of your little angels? Oh, how adorable, and she's a downright spittin' image of you if I may say so. Now listen to me going on and on, not letting you speak. I am truly sorry, honey. What can I do for you two ladies?"

"Yes, Miss Cheryl, this is my youngest of my two children. This is Kaitlin Phillips, and she does favor me a good bit doesn't she. Anyway, we're back here because mom had a heart attack, and we're going to see her here soon but thank you for remembering me. It's been a long time since I had one of Mr. Sully's burgers and chili cheese fries."

In a single motion, Cheryl drops her head with some horrible news.

"Mr. Sully passed about six years ago, but his granddaughter, you remember her right you two used to be best friends, Alice took this place over. I'll put it in, and for you, Kaitlin?" Cheryl says, ready to write down the order.

"Um, I'll have the Ultimate Grilled Cheese and a side of celery, please. I'm a cheerleader, so, you know, need to stay skinny." Kaitlin says and blushes, mentioning her favorite activity.