The Dark Society

36

 Christmas was a week away. But, with Jennifer's departure, holidays would consist of only family. Regardless, it's 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'd grown up since college, but her passions for agriculture and hard work remained strong.

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

"He always does."

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

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

Sabrina froze, surprised he'd heard her approach.

"Are you going to stand there, or 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, doing what she loved, was more than he could've hoped for. Still, she seemed preoccupied, so Tim wanted to help his daughter relax.

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

Father and daughter spent the morning working side by side. Pasturing livestock and tending harvests. Then, they braved the snow toward the house where Julia occupied the porch, watching.

"Time to get inside," she called.

Tim joined his wife as Sabrina observed a gray winter sky. As she did so, regrets about leaving London seemed to fade, and being home felt right.

Later that evening, Julia watched as Sabrina prepared a mug of hot cocoa. She appeared content, but 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, wanting to ask questions. But as Sabrina focused on the evening news, they continued to watch over her.

"What?" Sabrina snapped.

"Are you going to talk, or ignore us?" Tim asked.

Sabrina tensed, but her parents remained persistent. Because their daughter's evasiveness had become irritating.

"Is it that serious?" her father pressed.

Sabrina straightened and sighed, knowing their opinion meant everything. Moreover, she felt uneasy because things seemed complicated. Aspects which required their support and wisdom.

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

Julia leaned forward, as if something important was coming. But, regardless of her mother's intuition, Sabrina's decision was final.

"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 scrutinized each word.

"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. Second, she never knew exactly what he was thinking. Still, she continued.

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

Her parents remained patient, but Sabrina's hands were trembling.

"So you've changed schools and will be living at home," Tim said. "Anything else?"

The conversation became difficult. But, the dynamic of open dialogue always helped when working through problems.

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

Tim shook his head.

"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.

"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 like him."

Sabrina blushed.

"It's complicated."

Julia reached over and squeezed Tim's hand.

"Then coming home was 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'd always been a subtle distance in their relationship. However, Tim felt hurt when Sabrina connected more with her mother. Without another word, he headed upstairs. And as 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 for finally speaking her mind.