The Sacrifice Of Belladonna

I

NINETEEN THIRTY-NINE

"THE TALE OF TWO SISTERS"

Michael and his family were escorted to the front
doors of the Evergreen estate by Clement and Josette.

"We truly apologize for Belladonna's outburst. The shock of it all probably caused her to react in such a manner." Josette spoke sheepishly, embarrassed as ever to relive such a moment. She knew her family was at the mercy of the Jacksons, so whatever she had to do to keep their dynamics sweet as sugar, she would.

Michael shooed his hand in her direction, "Don't
worry about it Mrs. Evergreen, I know it's going to take Belladonna time to get acclimated to her new role as my soon-to-be wife but eventually, she'll come around."

Josette half smiled, parts of her felt guilt for giving
her daughter's hand away without her knowledge nor consent but the lifestyle she had grown accustomed
to was more important than anything else.

"Thank you for being so understanding," Clement interjected as he reached his hand out to give his soon-to-be son-in-law a shake, sealing the deal. Michael met his hand with a palm and slowly they shook.

His eyes happened to catch Indigo peering from around the corner who quickly leaned back when she noticed him noticing her. "Before I leave, do you mind if I speak with your daughter once more? I'll be leaving in the morning for a few days and would like to tell Belladonna about my whereabouts."

Lucille, Michael's mother spoke. "Sweetheart, we'll
be in the car, waiting." Clement walked the Jacksons out while one stayed put. It was now just Josette and Michael. He patiently waited for her blessing to see her daughter.

"She's probably in her room right now Michael..." She hesitated to say what was on her mind but eventually did. "It's a bit improper to go to her room so late in the night." She said a lot without saying much but Michael was smart, Jossette didn't need to spell it out for him.

"Mrs Evergreen I promise you I would never
try anything inappropriate with your daughter."

Josette was unconvinced but felt too uncomfortable
by his domineering presence to tell him no.

Forcing a smile, she complied.

"Alright Michael, I know you wouldn't do anything inappropriate. It's just my motherly instinct is all."

A forced chuckle escaped from her pharynx.

"INDIGO," Josette shouted. It didn't take her daughter long to appear as she was lurking in
the shadows with curious ears. "Yes, ma."

"Could you lead Michael to Belladonna's room? He wanted to tell her bye before leaving." Indigo nodded, "Follow me, Michael." Turning her back towards her mother, Michael trailed behind until they were both out of Josette's vision. Indigo kept her silence until
she knew she was far enough to not be heard by her mother.

"Why?" Indigo questioned as he walked by her side.

"Why what?" Michael spoke cluelessly, striking
at her heart. How could he be so shameless?

Indigo wondered if all the times she shared her
bed with him was her younger sister on his mind.

"Why are you marrying my sister?" The truth is, Michael conquered every woman he had ever wanted in his twenty-five years of living. It was always so easy to get what he wanted. Money, land, liquor, women.