Sister Dearest

Chapter 7 - A Rhumba of Rattlesnakes

The cursor on Lisa's computer screen blinked at her over and over as she sat staring at the email, with only the "Send To" field filled out.

She'd gotten enough courage, coupled with her mother's pressure, to reach out to Elody's father. How do you start an email telling a thirty something year old man that, surprise, he has a kid out there?

Lisa wasn't even sure she wanted to talk to him anyways. What if he'd changed? Of course he had, everybody changes. But what if he had changed in a dangerous way? What if he was a violent criminal? A drug dealing vagrant?

Or worse- what if he was normal and pleasant to be around? Then she'd be forced to integrate him into her life for Elody's sake.

Lisa knew she was being selfish, but she was perfectly happy if it was just her and Elody forever. She hadn't seen him in seventeen years- she didn't need him, but Elody deserved to know her dad. Or at least to know who he was.

She started typing. Hi, Henry. This is Lisa Ferris. We went to APHS together. I've been thinking about you lately. How are things? Lisa studied the email for a few minutes, and decided it sounded too creepy.

Hi, Henry. It's Lisa Ferris. We went to APHS together. How are things? Still no- her full name was in her email, and they had dated for over a year. He'd know who she was.

Hi, Henry. It's Lisa. How are things? It still felt a bit stiff.

Hi. Short and sweet.

Lisa made sure the receiving email was correct before shakily hitting "Send."

In her own room, Elody sat starting down her computer screen, going over her essay for any inconsistencies, grammar errors, and misspelled words.

When she was happy with what she read, she selected Isabel Westing's email address and confidently sent it off.

I can't believe I'm going to get published! She thought, getting up and spinning around. It's all I ever wanted! I'll be a real writer!

Gigi was hosting another family dinner, having decided that nothing of a higher magnitude could go wrong compared to last time.

Joanne and Lisa both came over. After saying grace, they all started on their dinner.

"Where's Claire?" Elody asked.

"She's traveling for work," Pop said. "Something about a convention."

Lisa smiled, putting her utensils down. "Speaking of work...I got a job in town!"

They all congratulated her. Elody knew she'd been wanting to move closer, even though she only lived forty minutes away, and needed a nearby job. Elody had mixed feelings about her living in town, but figured it would give her more opportunities to spend time with Lisa.

"That's amazing!" Joanne said. "Where are you working?"

"The Grind," Lisa said.

Gigi glared at her. "That run down coffee spot downtown?" She asked.

"Julie..." Pop said.

"Thanks for your enthusiasm and support, mum," Lisa said dryly.

"At least it beats- what were you doing before? Self-employed artist?" Gigi said, letting out a curt laugh.

Lisa frowned. "Can you please stop it? Just be happy I'm employed at all."

"I'll be happy when you're successful," Gigi said.