The Parent Trap (Camren)

Mom's in Love

It was breakfast time back in Miami and the phone rang. Camila was fixing herself up in front of the mirror when she heard the incessant ringing.

"Could somebody grab that please?" she called out and since Dinah was nearest the phone, she answered it.

"Cabello residence?" she answered then scrunched her eyebrows just as Punky passed her by peeling an orange, "Penny?" she said bewildered.

Punky looked up, "Yes Aunt Dinah?"

Dinah gave her a look, "It sounds just like you on the phone...I'm sorry, who did you wish to talk to? Penny? Right...a Mildred Plotka for you," she handed her the phone, "Strange, she sounded just like your twin," she remarked.

"My twin?" Punky exclaimed surprise, "Very funny Aunt DJ," she put the phone on her ear, "Hello? Oh Mildred darling how are you?" she said in her melodramatic Cuban-American accent. If the situation hadn't been so serious, Penny would've been rolling on the floor laughing hysterically.

"Hey, how's it going over there?" she asked worriedly bouncing on the balls of her feet as she walked into her en-suite bathroom.

"Oh, everything's quite lovely here. We're expecting a bit of rain today but Mildred, can you... hold on for a moment?" Punky made sure the coast was clear then entered the closet underneath the spiral staircase. She settled herself amongst the coats and pulled the string that turned on the light.

"Ok Punky but hurry - I've got to talk to you." Penny said as she paced her bathroom.

"Okay, now I can talk. OhmyGod, Mama's incredible. I can not believe I've lived my entire life without knowing her. She's beautiful and fun and smart and I love the dresses she designs and I got her talking about how she and Mom first met and what happened between them and if you ask me -" her blabbing was stopped by a cry at the other end of the line.

"Punky - stop!" an exasperated Penny cried, "We've got a major problem. You're going to have to bring Mama out here immediately."

"Immediately? Are you nuts? I've had one day with her. I'm just getting to know her. I can't. I refuse." Punky stubbornly said as she fished the pockets of the coats for something.

"But this is an emergency. Mom's in love." Penny pleaded but her sister just laughed.

"Get out of here. Mom doesn't fall in love. I mean, not seriously." Punky said and rolled her eyes.

"Trust me; she's serious about this one. She's always holding her hand, kissing her neck, waiting on her hand and foot..." her sister reported disgustedly and Punky found herself sinking to the floor.

"She is?" she asked disbelievingly.

"It's disgusting." Penny snapped.

"Well, you'll just have to break 'em up. Sabotage her. Do whatever you have to." Punky said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"I'm trying but I'm at a slight disadvantage since I only met the woman twelve hours ago. You've got to get back here to help me." Penny pleaded, desperation now in her voice.

"Penny, I can't. I want more time with Mama." Punky retorted stubbornly. She found a candy and popped it in her mouth. She looked at the wrapper and smiled mischievously.

"What's going on?" Penny cried into the phone hearing what seemed to be static.

"Penny! Are you still there? I can barely hear you!" Punky said exaggeratedly panicked.

"Punky, what're you...?" Penny tried to butt in, "Hello?!"

"I think I lost you, Pen!" Punky cried before slamming down the phone.