Twist (24 page)

“Okay,” she said.

“Wait,” I said. “Did Luke stop by yet?”

“No,” she said.

“Okay, don't tell me anything else,” I said. “This one was longer than the others. I think it started with Luke coming over . . . or really not coming over.”

And then I headed upstairs and stopped halfway. “What about Mrs. Gray, was she here?”

“Yes, but she had a quick turnaround,” Aunt Charlotte said.

“I got it. No more, please.” Fatigue consumed my entire being, as I slowly continued up the stairs and climbed into bed. I closed my eyes and thought about the type of house Mom would chose.

Epilogue

I woke up in a room I didn't recognize. A tattered piece of paper was lying on the bedside table. The writing looked familiar. I squinted in confusion when I read the title.
From Beatrice to Beatrice
.

I sat up and continued reading.

Your name is Beatrice Malcolm. You live with your Aunt Charlotte and Uncle George. Your father was on the FBI's Most Wanted list, until he turned himself in. Your mother passed away. Although your mind may constantly trick you to believe that she is still alive, don't believe it—it will only hurt more
.

You've experienced love, loss, and happiness, and when your brain is firing on all cylinders, an intellect that is unsurpassed. Yes, that's quite a bit for a girl who is only sixteen. seventeen
.

When you read this and decide that today will be a great day, remember what you can, and twist what you need to
.

Enjoy!

Beatrice Malcolm
.

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Coming Fall 2015

The Bishop Girls

by

Roni Teson

I. A Family Secret Revealed

1
Sleight of Hand

Mama's friends, meaning everybody in Mountford, Ohio, came running when Lydia's body arrived. That's when we realized Lydia didn't exist anymore. Shattered Mama's heart into a million little pieces. Got to me, too. I missed everything about my glamorous sister, the one person I wanted to be.

Rainey, my big-city sister, arrived at the last minute. Slid into the limo, sandwiched me between her and Mama. “My plane got delayed. Got here soon as I could. How you holding out, Molly?”

“My heart's cracked,” I said.

Tears rolled down Mama's cheeks. I grabbed her hand.

“Are they sure about the accident?” Rainey said.

Mama shot Rainey her
not now
look.

But Rainey kept on. “I'd like to hire an investigator. Find out what happened. The whole thing sounds suspicious.”

“Let's talk about that tomorrow,” Mama said. “Today, we need to pay our respects.”

“I have to catch a plane later on,” Rainey said.

“No. You won't be leaving today.” Mama huffed.

Rainey crossed her arms. Twenty-seven, but she'd obey Mama. We always did.

 

At the church, people crowded into the pews. Mama's bloodshot eyes made me want to cry more. She patted the tears with her white hanky, forced a smile. A church lady led us to the family waiting room.

I had to find a bathroom. When I came back, I caught Mama and Rainey arguing real loud, until they noticed me. A fake smile filled Rainey's face. Mama brushed the stray hair into place on my forehead.

“What's going on?” I asked her.

The organ started to play. Mama seemed relieved that she didn't have to answer me. “That's our cue,” she said. We followed her to the entryway of the church where she positioned herself between Rainey and me.

The ushers motioned for the guests to rise. We walked to the front row, where I saw my dead sister. The coffin lay wide-open. I heard a woman say, “That little one, Molly, sure does resemble Lydia.”

The preacher guy motioned for everyone to sit. The crowded church got noisier until somebody said, “Shush!” Then the quiet became scary loud, because everyone could hear Mama's sobs.

Mayor Hallman, who sat behind us with his wife, put his hand on Mama's shoulder. When Mama's hand came up to meet his, I swear I saw Mrs. Hallman cringe. But Mama acting friendly with any man wasn't unusual.