That Kiss (Revised)

Chapter Eight - An Unexpected Ally

                Savannah sat tiredly at the dining table. As to be expected, this particular dining table could seat about twenty. It was thick and coated in a deep cherry wood stain. The long rectangle was empty except for Savannah at the head of one side, and Edith opposite of her. An empty place setting lay between the two of them. This baffled Savannah. Normally you’d think you’d sit a little bit closer, but in this case the space was much appreciated.

                “Your lazy brother seemed to skip out on breakfast, again.” She sighed, buttering a piece of toast with a thick, shiny knife. “I tell you Savannah, I’m not sure how we’ve got so far with him holding us back.”

                Savannah sucked in a breath. Surely she wasn’t about to suggest that she poison her own brother as well! But before she could probe for a deeper meaning, Donnie walked in behind Edith stealing any kind of words Savannah was attempting to form, except “Donnie,” she whispered.

                He passed Edith with not even a glance in her direction, “You were saying?” Sitting in the middle of Edith and Savannah, he kept his gaze on the toast in front of him. “What exactly am I holding you back from, Edith?” he spoke with venom in his words and Savannah had to bit her lip not to smile. It reminded her of his quick wit and relentless sarcasm she missed dearly.

                “Never you mind, child. Your sister and I were just having an adult discussion. Clearly beyond your capacity, Donnie,” she didn’t skip a beat. Savannah had a feeling this was how Edith and Donnie’s relationship was; hateful and sarcastic.

                Donnie looked up at Savannah for just an instant their eyes met. It seemed her bewildered expression puzzled him. She willed herself not to cry, but her mind was racing. She wanted to close the space between them and hold him tight. She wanted to apologize for not stopping him from walking that specific night. She wanted to tell her how much she missed him.

                All too soon Donnie looked away. Savannah couldn’t help but notice him shake his head slightly before returning back to his toast and jam. “You’re exactly right, Edith. I couldn’t hardly keep up with such an elegant woman as yourself. In fact, I don’t even think I deserve to be in the presence of such an aristocrat. Please, excuse me.” Donnie looked back at me for a quick moment before lodging the toast between his teeth. His chair made a sharp sound as he pushed it back, gave Edith a small bow, and left the room.

                “Always a pleasure,” she grimaced, sipping on her tea. “Like I was saying, your brother is causing ripples in our plan.”

                “Oh?”

                “Yes. We need to make sure that he doesn’t do anything to damage the progress we’ve made.” She sighed. “Savannah, I think it’s in both of our best interest if maybe you spend some time with him. Try and make him see how this would benefit him, as well. Maybe if it comes from someone other than myself, he’ll be more willing to listen.” Even from across the table she could feel Edith’s glare upon her.

                Savannah nodded, pushing away her untouched breakfast plate and rising. “Never a better time to start than the present,”

                Edith’s head cocked to the side, like a curious dog would. As Savannah approached she grabbed her wrist devastatingly tight. “Remember Savannah, this is our last chance. It is vital that Donnie play a part in this. We need to stand united. If even one part of our front falters, it would lead to devastating results.” With that she released Savannah’s wrist and smiled warmly at her, completely contrasting her previous behavior. “Now your brother is probably out back by the river. Work your magic,”