The Dark Society

36

Christmas was only a week away, and with Jennifer's departure, the holidays would consist of just family. It was a typical Saturday morning, and despite sleeping in, Sabrina awoke in time for breakfast.

The mornings were particularly frigid, so she dressed for the harsh weather. She had grown up since leaving for college, but her passion for agriculture and hard work remained as strong as ever.

"I'm sure your father would appreciate your help," Julia said, tossing her a pair of work gloves.

"He always does."

Crisp snow crunched under each step as familiar aromas filled her senses. Sabrina intended to surprise her father while he tended to the stables, but her efforts proved futile.

"About time you did something around here," Tim announced, peering over his shoulder.

Sabrina froze, surprised he had detected her approach despite her careful steps.

"Are you going to stand there, or are you going to help prep those horses?"

"Yes, sir," she answered, wrapping him in an embrace.

"What's that for?"

She grinned and began preparing the feed. "Do I need a reason?"

Tim chuckled, but having Sabrina home again, doing what she loved, was more than he could have hoped for. Still, she seemed preoccupied, and Tim wanted to help his daughter relax.

"Of course not," he said gently. "But when you're ready to talk, your mother and I will listen."

They spent the morning in the barn, father and daughter working side by side on the daily chores. After the livestock were moved to pasture and the morning tasks completed, they trudged through the snow toward the house where Julia stood on the porch, watching.

"Time to get inside," she called.

Tim joined his wife as Sabrina glanced up at the gray winter sky. Her regrets about leaving London seemed to fade, because, being home felt right.

Later that evening, Julia watched as Sabrina prepared a mug of hot cocoa, and despite appearing content, their daughter often seemed troubled and evasive. Even still, Julia settled beside Tim on the couch as Sabrina curled up in the nearby recliner. After, her parents exchanged glances, clearly wanting to ask questions, but as Sabrina focused on the evening news, they simply watched her.

"What?" she finally snapped.

"Are you going to talk to us, or are you planning to ignore us all evening?" Tim asked.

Sabrina tensed, but her parents remained patient yet persistent. They hadn't pushed initially, but their daughter's evasiveness was becoming obvious as she nervously ran her fingers through her hair.

"Is it that serious?" her father pressed gently.

Sabrina straightened and looked at both of them, knowing their opinion meant everything to her. She felt uneasy--there were complicated aspects to her situation, and she needed their support and wisdom.

"I need you to hear me out," she said.

Julia leaned forward eagerly, as if she sensed something important coming, but regardless of her mother's intuition, Sabrina's mind was made up.

"Don't worry," Julia assured her. "What's on your mind?"

Her father raised an eyebrow. "Are you pregnant?"

Sabrina scowled as her mother turned to glare at him. "Timothy Allen Kole!"

"What?" he protested. "That's how parents always find out about these things. I wanted to get ahead of it."

Sabrina stayed focused despite Tim's attempt at humor. "No, I'm not pregnant. But I'm not returning to Imperial College either."

Tim's expression grew serious. "What about school?"

Sabrina didn't want to sound like she was giving up, so she chose her words carefully. "I'm not quitting school."

"Then what are you planning to do?" Julia asked.

"I've transferred to Kansas University."

"What about your scholarship and expenses?" her mother pressed.

Sabrina hesitated since Tim was a perceptive man who often kept his emotions hidden. Secondly, she never knew exactly what he was thinking. Still, she continued.

"They'll honor my scholarship with the same benefits."

Her parents had been patient so far, but Sabrina's hands were trembling as she spoke.

"So you've changed schools and you'll be living at home," Tim said slowly. "Is there anything else?"

The conversation was becoming more difficult, but their family's tradition of open dialogue had always helped them work through problems.

"There's someone," she said quietly. "A young man."

Tim shook his head knowingly. "I knew it. You are pregnant."

Julia shot him another sharp look. "Really, Tim?"

He shrugged. "What? First she's changing schools, now there's a guy involved. What am I supposed to think?"

Sabrina sat up straighter. "It's not like that at all. Besides, we only met recently."

Tim leaned back, waiting.

"He's an environmental law major," she added.

Julia leaned forward, studying her daughter's face. "I can see it in your eyes--you really like him."

Sabrina blushed. "It's complicated."

Julia reached over and squeezed Tim's hand. "Then coming home was absolutely the right choice."

Sabrina stood and hugged her mother. "Thanks, Mom. I knew you'd understand."

She noticed her father's uncertain expression and felt a familiar pang. There had always been a subtle distance in their relationship, and Tim clearly felt hurt when she connected more easily with her mother. Without another word, he headed upstairs, and when the bedroom door closed, an awkward silence filled the room.

"He's angry with me," Sabrina said.

Julia shook her head. "No, sweetie. Not at you--at himself."

As Julia headed upstairs to check on Tim, Sabrina remained in the living room, pacing. Despite her father's reaction, she felt proud of herself for finally speaking up about her decisions.