Love, Against All Odds

IV - Prologue

Rebecca rushed into the house after a long day at kindergarten and stripped off her jacket. 'Momma, I'm still hungry.'

Amelia shut the front door and grinned at her daughter, placing the tiny book bag on the bench next to the door. 'How about you go play in the living room while I get a snack for you? Your Aunt Belle will be over soon.'

With a huge groan, Rebecca stomped off and muttered, 'Tiffany is supposed to come over.' She groused and pouted on her way to the living room.

'She's still coming,' Amelia called back.

Rebecca cracked a slight smile and sat in front of her favorite toys. Her birthday was a month ago, and her parents had given her a great party. She still warmed at the memory of all her friends playing outside in the yard. It had been a chilly day, but the best day ever. Her mom rented a blow-up playhouse that was loaded with balls. Then her dad ordered Rebecca's most favorite food that she only received on special occasions. Pizza! After dinner, Rebecca had the largest slice of choco-choco cake, which left her with a small tummy ache when she went to bed.

Tiffany had been one of the many friends who came over for the day. She lived next door and was a year older, but Rebecca and she were close. They played most days after school and sometimes on the weekends. Tiffany's parents also enjoyed visiting with Rebecca's mom and dad. Rebecca's house was the only place Tiffany was allowed to go alone.

Amelia arrived with half of a sandwich on a small plate and handed it to her daughter. She smiled at the favorite toy in Rebecca's hand and spun the toy's tiny prop. 'Your dad will be home next week.'

Rebecca put the toy airplane on the floor near her knee and picked up the sandwich. 'I miss him.'

'I know.' Amelia played with Rebecca's golden hair that was similar to hers. 'I do too.' It'd been three weeks since her husband left for duty, but he was expected back soon. 'Do you have homework this week?'

Rebecca gave a huge nod while chewing and tilted her head back. 'Writing.'

Amelia hummed, then started toward the kitchen. 'After dinner, then.'

Rebecca grumbled even with a full mouth. 'Isus Belf hayin fer din?'

Amelia paused between the living room and kitchen, pivoting toward her child. 'Swallow, then ask your question.'

Rebecca finished chewing and swallowed the bite as told, then asked, 'Is Aunt Belle staying for dinner?'

'Yes.' Amelia went to the refrigerator, filled a glass halfway with water, and inserted a paper straw. She gave it to Rebecca. 'We haven't seen her since your birthday.' A doorbell alerted them both, but it wasn't Tiffany. Her friend often came to sliding door in the living room and knocked.

Rebecca recognized Aunt Belle's voice when the greetings started at the front door. She picked up the remote, turned on the television, and waited for the inevitable.