By Summer's End (Christian Fiction) Read online

  Brianna smiled in return. “I wonder what the house is like.”

  “I wish I knew,” Holly admitted. Although she had finally received a letter from the executor of her uncle’s estate, he hadn’t mentioned any details about the house. “I did call the phone number of the executor and left him a message that you and I would be arriving the day after tomorrow. I told him we’d call as soon as we get there, in order to set up a meeting.”

  Brianna nodded and sat quietly for a moment. She appeared to be pondering something of importance. “Holly, is there a reason you’re so careful with your money,” she asked finally. “I mean, I know it’s good to save and all that, but…”

  Holly sighed. At fifteen, Brianna was old enough to understand adult issues, but she hated to burden her with financial worries. She’d taken on the responsibility of raising her sister and it was her job to assure she grew up confident and secure.

  “I mean, if you don’t want to tell me…”

  “It’s … not that. The truth is, I don’t want you to worry about anything—least of all, money.”

  “But something is up with you…”

  Holly studied her sister’s face. The girl watched her, her eyes imploring. Perhaps she was old enough to know the truth. She was nearly sixteen. She was certainly astute enough to have picked up on Holly’s anxiety over money.

  Holly sighed. “Almost four years ago, my mom was diagnosed with a serious illness. We soon learned that her employer had allowed the insurance coverage of her employees to lapse. When we sought care for my mother, the hospital wouldn’t treat her without a promise of payment.” She gave a shrug. “I assumed financial responsibility for my mother’s care.”

  “She died, right? I think I remember my dad saying something about that.”

  “Yes, she did.”

  “Is the bill big?”

  Holly sighed. “Huge.” She perked up. “But it’s okay. I’m paying it off slowly but surely. We’ll be okay.”

  “You could file for bankruptcy, couldn’t you? I know my parents did it a couple times. They maxed out all sorts of credit cards. They got a lawyer and managed to keep their cars and our boat and they didn’t have to pay back their credit card debt. I’m sure you could file too and you wouldn’t have to pay the hospital back.” She grinned. “You could buy a new car first and new furniture and stuff for the house, then you could file.”

  Holly swallowed hard, determined to respond appropriately. Although she knew there were legitimate reasons for filing for bankruptcy, holding on to one’s luxury items wasn’t one of them. Maxing out credit cards in order to obtain ‘things’ and then expecting others to pay for them was dishonest.

  Her mother and stepfather would never have willfully incurred substantial debt and expected others to pick up the tab. She realized she had never really known her biological father and wondered, was she better off for it? What kind of an example had he been for Brianna?

  “Brianna, I appreciate your thoughts and advice, but I made a commitment to pay that bill.” She remained quiet for a moment. “You suggested I buy a car and other things, but the fact is, I can’t afford them. And if I were to declare bankruptcy, it would have long-term consequences for us. I wouldn’t be able to qualify for a car loan. It could affect my ability to get a job.” She shook her head. “No, I’m going to pay off my debt and any other debt I incur, since it’s just that—my debt.”

  “But you went into debt for your mom. It’s not fair you have to pay. She wouldn’t want you to suffer because you have to pay her bills.”

  “You’re right. My mom was very troubled about my assuming the cost of her care, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved and continue to love her very much.”

  “I guess so,” Brianna murmured, but sought her gaze. “But … didn’t your stepfather leave you any money?”

  “I’m afraid he lost his job when I was about sixteen. Since he’d been the primary bread winner, we ended up using our savings pretty quickly, as well as his retirement accounts.” She attempted a smile, though it was difficult remembering the pain her beloved stepfather had experienced, as their assets had depleted before his eyes. “He tried so hard to find other work, but wasn’t able to, and I’m afraid all the rejection took a toll. He had a heart attack one morning, on his way to a job interview.”

  “That’s so sad.”

  “Yes, it was. He was a wonderful man and I loved him very much.”

  Brianna appeared to ponder her words for a moment or two. Finally, Holly asked, “Hey, have you decided what you want to order?”

  “A cheeseburger, I think.”

  “That does sound good. I think I’ll order one too.” She arched her brows. “Let’s order a couple milkshakes too. We’ll really splurge tonight.”

  Soon, they received their meals, along with the shakes. The food was delicious, the shakes, frothy and thick. “This is so good,” Brianna said of her chocolate shake. “I could drink a dozen of these.”

  Holly laughed. “You’d get a stomachache.”

  “Probably. But it would be worth it.” She drew silent. “I guess a special treat becomes all the more special when you don’t get it all the time, huh?”

  “That’s probably true. I guess we could take milkshakes for granted if we had them every day.”

  “You want a taste?” Brianna asked, holding her cup out to her sister.

  Holly grinned and tugged the straw from her shake. She dipped it into her sister’s cup and took a hard pull of the treat. “Delicious.” She held her strawberry shake out to Brianna. “You have to try this too.”

  As the two women enjoyed their meals, Holly realized it was the first time she and her sister had experienced real normalcy while together. The heaviness that always seemed to loom overhead had vanished. When she looked into her sister’s pretty face, she felt a sense of peace. Perhaps this move would prove the catalyst to their forging a real, sisterly bond. Perhaps they would find happiness in Washington State.

  Chapter Four

  Holly studied the map she held in her hands. “Okay, according to this, we merge onto I-5 and follow it to the Battle Ground exit. Apparently, the town is just east of the interstate.”

  Brianna, behind the wheel, nodded. She was focused on the roadway, since it was rush hour and traffic was bumper to bumper.

  “You’re doing great,” Holly praised her. “You’ll want to stay to the right, if you can.”

  Brianna, gripping the wheel tightly, spoke without taking her eyes off the road. “Somebody told me that Interstate 5 runs south to California and north to Canada.”

  “Yes, that’s true.”

  “Have you ever been to California?” Brianna asked.

  “Once, when I was about fourteen, my stepdad surprised Mom and me with a trip to Disneyland.”

  “What … did you think of California?”

  “I really didn’t see much of the state, but I enjoyed Disneyland. Why do you ask?”

  “Just curious.” She was silent for a moment, but said finally, “Sometimes I daydream that I’m a big movie star, living in Beverly Hills. I imagine I’m at a movie premiere and my fans are lined up to see me.” She gave a self-deprecating laugh. “It’s silly, I know, but…”

  “There’s nothing wrong with daydreaming, or having big dreams or aspirations, for that matter. So you’d like to be an actress?”

  She nodded eagerly. “I was in a play at school once and I really liked it. My teacher said….” She paused, seeming embarrassed.

  “What? What did your teacher say?” Holly prompted.

  “Oh, well, she said I was really good. She encouraged me to try out for community theater.”

  “Did you?”

  “No. Mom and Dad said it was a silly way to spend my time. They said I couldn’t make a living at it, so why bother?”

  Holly took a moment to consider her response. She knew that while few people interested in acting hit it big, others managed to make a decent living pursuing their passion in o
ne way or another. “Well, it’s true that not everyone becomes an academy award winner, but if you love acting—performing—there are many avenues. If you majored in theater in college, for example, you could always teach theater arts. You might even participate in community plays, or even audition for local commercials.” She shrugged. “Who knows? I think if you work hard enough and believe in yourself, the sky’s the limit…”

  “You really think so?” Brianna said, sounding surprised Holly had encouraged her.

  “I do think so. Hey, once we get settled, whether it’s here in Washington or back home, maybe you could take a theater class in your high school, or even try out for a school play. And as I said, there’s always community theater...”

  “But I want more than that!” she cried. “I…”

  Holly watched her thoughtfully for several long seconds. She watched her sister’s profile and could see by the hard set of her jaw that she had somehow touched a nerve. She had tried to be encouraging, but apparently had said something that upset her.

  “Brianna, I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just…” She shook her head. “Never mind. Let’s talk about something else.”

  Holly hesitated, but nodded. She’d learned that once Brianna was done talking on a particular subject, she was done. No amount of prompting or urging could force the girl to open her mouth.

  “Oh, look, that’s our exit,” Brianna said, as she gave her right blinker and veered into the exit lane.

  Holly watched her navigate the off ramp onto the road into Battle Ground. She did a good job of looking over her left shoulder as she merged into the stream of cars headed into town.

  “Are you tired of driving yet?” Holly asked her.

  The girl surprised her by breaking into a huge grin. “I never get tired of driving.” She turned to Holly. “If you ever need a chauffeur, I’m your girl.”

  “Good to know. I do get tired of driving.”

  Holly remembered Brianna would be turning sixteen in four months. Like most kids her age, she would probably be asking for a car, sooner than later. How would she ever afford to give her little sister a car? Of course, she had yet to give Brianna the gifts and bonds she’d set aside for her. Surely there would be enough money there to purchase a reliable older car, but she hated the idea of her sister cashing bonds that could serve as a nest egg for her future.

  She suddenly remembered an appointment she’d had with a representative at the Social Security Department. She’d been notified via mail that Brianna was entitled to benefits, since she’d lost both parents while still a child. Holly was grateful for the help, but had no illusions the money was to be spent on frivolous things. It would be used for Brianna, and Brianna only. And as a growing teen, the girl needed new summer clothing, as well as a new fall and winter wardrobe, not to mention, new shoes and school supplies.

  As she thought about all the things she would need to provide for her sister—and she wanted to give her the world—she realized that money would be tight for several years to come. Holly felt the burden of worry settle over her shoulders, but abruptly scolded herself. She glanced heavenward and mouthed a prayer.

  “What … are you doing?” Brianna asked, glancing at her briefly and then back to the road.

  “Oh, I just prayed to God to take away my worries.”

  Brianna appeared to ponder the statement for a moment. She quirked a droll smile. “Sorry. I’m still here.”

  Holly gasped. “You are not a worry.”

  Brianna looked dubious. “Oh, yes I am,” she said.

  Holly took a moment to gather her thoughts and to choose her words. She shifted in the seat, turning toward her sister. “I worry about you, of course. I worry that I may not be able to provide you all the things you may need. But I don’t ever want you thinking for a moment I regret bringing you to live with me.”

  “But you don’t even know me.”

  “You’re my sister and I love you. It’s that simple.”

  “But you don’t know me,” she persisted.

  “And you don’t know me. But we will get to know one another as time passes.”

  “You could have known me,” Brianna said softly. “You could have visited me. You could have called.”

  To Holly’s surprise, the girl sniffled and tears began to stream down her cheeks. “Do you know what it was like for me?—knowing I had a sister somewhere, but a sister who apparently hated me.”

  “Hated you? Where would you ever get the idea I hated you?” Holly’s head was spinning. It was one thing for her sister to believe she hadn’t wanted to be involved in her life, but to think she hated her… And earlier, Brianna had said her parents had been afraid of Holly—that she might actually harm her. The very idea was ludicrous. Not to mention, a vicious manipulation of a young girl. She pointed to a fruit stand on the side of the road just ahead. “Pull over.”

  Brianna reluctantly steered into the gravel lot adjacent to the fruit stand. “You’re not going to let me drive anymore,” she accused. “You’re just like every other adult…”

  Holly suddenly felt like her head was going to explode. Every time the girl opened her mouth, it seemed she was offering her a bit of insight into her previous life. Holly suspected the adults had failed her. Regardless of how they felt about Holly or her mother, they should have protected Brianna’s feelings.

  “Okay, listen,” Holly began, “you and I have a few things to clear up.” She searched her brain, hoping for the right words to address her sister’s concerns. “First, regarding your driving privileges, I will only revoke them if you do something that warrants it. And so you know, talking to me openly and honestly about your feelings is not a reason for me to take them away.”

  Brianna gave her a quizzical glance. Holly saw that her face was streaked with black mascara and her eyes red from crying.

  “Do you understand?” Holly said.

  The girl appeared doubtful, but nodded. “So, you’re still going to let me drive?”

  “Yes.” She smiled. “But you’re going to have to rinse the makeup out of your eyes, otherwise, you may not be able to see.” She sighed. “Another thing you and I need to clear up is how I felt about you, and continue to feel about you. I love you and always have.”

  “But…”

  She raised a silencing hand. “I know. The evidence proves otherwise. You’re right. I wasn’t around—ever. But Brianna…”

  “Yeah?”

  “I wanted to be…” Holly felt tears spring to her eyes, but she still hesitated to open up to her sister about the past. If she told her the truth, it would likely alter her feelings for her dead parents. She would know that they had betrayed her by lying to her. She would understand it was their actions that had prevented Holly from having any contact with her. She would also realize that her father had turned his back on his own child.

  The truth was, he hadn’t even paid child support. He had balked anytime Holly’s mother had asked for help. Fortunately, when her stepfather had come into her life, he had been delighted to take on the role of husband, as well as father and provider.

  To Holly’s surprise, Brianna spoke. “Holly, there’s one thing I need from you. One thing I’m begging you to give me…”

  The words, spoken with such heartfelt emotion, caused Holly to turn toward her little sister. The girl’s eyes fastened on her own, determined, pained, older than her years.

  “What?” Holly said, bracing for her answer.

  “The truth. Tell me the truth. Even if it hurts me.” She waved a hand. “I don’t care. I just want the … truth! My parents rarely even spoke to me, and when they did…” She began crying.

  Holly’s heart broke for her sister. Their father wasn’t a good man. It was as simple as that. He’d been sorely lacking in character and Brianna had grown up with him as a role model.

  She didn’t know Brianna’s mother. What she did know was that the woman was instrumental in assuring Holly was preclu
ded from the family’s life. It was a sad testament that a woman, who was a mother herself, would encourage a man to turn his back on his own child. However, she didn’t blame a woman she didn’t know. She held her father responsible. Had he had a backbone, he would have insisted on having a relationship with his older daughter, regardless of what anyone had to say about it. He would have provided for her and loved her, because that’s what a father did.

  “Holly, please…” Brianna implored.

  Holly uttered a quick prayer to God, begging Him to show her what to do. Should she tell Brianna the truth, when doing so would surely cause the girl pain? But if she lied by omission, Brianna might one day hold her accountable. She would be yet another adult who hadn’t been honest with her.

  With a sigh, she climbed out of the car. “Pass me the keys and scoot over to the passenger seat.”

  “You’re not going to let me drive?” Her voice held an accusing note.

  “I have to show you something.”

  Brianna complied and watched Holly curiously as she rounded the car to the trunk. Holly began rummaging around for something, but soon, slammed the trunk closed. She approached the passenger side of the car with a large box in her arms.

  Brianna remembered Holly putting the box in the trunk—the last item she’d stowed away. She figured it held important documents.

  She opened the car door and Holly passed her the box. She closed the door behind her and hurried to climb into the driver’s seat. She turned to Brianna. “I… I hope I’m doing the right thing showing you this box. I pray the timing is right. I…”

  “What’s in the box?”

  “You’ll see. I’m going to start driving, since we’re almost to the house, but…”

  “It’s okay, Holly,” Brianna assured her. “Does this box hold the truth?”

  She nodded.

  “I’m going to look inside now.”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I don’t know. It’s hard being an adult. What if I’m about to cause you more pain?”