Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 5 - Game On

It didn't matter anyway, Harmony loved parties. If Anna hadn't been lying next to Harmony comfortable and warm, she wouldn't have agreed to go to half of them. The girls didn't get into trouble often, since Anna's father used shopping trips as a bribe. He knew Harmony couldn't refuse a shopping trip of any kind. Anna would much rather work than run around town. Her magazine took over her life and she liked it that way.

Christine walked back into the library with an armful of place settings, and Dad's favorite blue linen, for the nook's table as she rolled in a cart of food.

"What are you setting up for? I was just going to eat my lunch with you and Caesar." Anna suggested.

Christine smiled wickedly with humor, "It is a rare occasion when I know something before you."

"Oh goody, is Daddy home?" Anna asked in excitement.

"Of course, I forget about your mind reading abilities." Christine snickered.

"He wasn't supposed to be home for another week." Anna said feeling her heart speed up once again.

"Nate is here again too." Christine nodded.

"Nate is? I didn't see him either. Did he bring the witch?" Anna asked distracted.

"Anna, that is terrible, and no." Christine laughed. Christine started talking, but Anna was elsewhere in her thoughts because she was nervous about the night before. Makeup covered the slight coloration on her face but knew her father noticed everything.

Anna didn't think Nate's car was in driveway when she got home last night. She was still in shock from being slapped. It was dark outside so she didn't pay attention when she parked in front of the house. She had just rushed to change into her pajamas and cry before going out to her swing in the garden.

"I'm just really surprised Daddy is here." Anna said, hearing but ignoring the subject of Nate.

"Did you hear what I just said about Nate? He is only here to meet your dad for something and plans on returning home tonight or tomorrow." Christine furrowed her brows at Anna.

"What is wrong with you this morning? You look like you showered. You might want to wake up more than this before your father gets up. I think your brain is lagging." Christine cackled as she headed to the heated glass nook that overlooked the garden, the hills, and the valley below. She set up a lunch seating for two and wondered if it was for her or Nate. Anna knew Christine had seen her bruise under the makeup by the way she kept looking at her cheek. Neither spoke up of it because she knew Anna was say something when she was ready. This time she wasn't planning on it but didn't want to give her father a chance to notice it.

"What's wrong with your brain?" Colin asked. Christine smiled and put all her attention to her task. Anna noticed that Christine placed her on the side of her father that didn't expose her sore cheek as much, and for that she was grateful.

"I've missed you!" Anna exclaimed throwing her hands around her father, not letting go right away. He held her for a moment before he had to pull away to cough.

"Are you ill Daddy?" Anna asked concerned.

"No Princess. I'm just getting over a small cold. It's a little congestion, that's all."

Anna saw Christine's expression change on her face before she turned away to finish what she was doing with more vigor than needed. Anna looked back at her father and studied his face, but Colin headed to the table before she could study him further.

Something felt wrong. Anna thought. She watched Christine and her father interact but didn't see anything amiss. Or was it her own paranoia she wondered. She didn't want to let Daddy know she went to a bar the night before. He looked too tired to handle it, besides she had made a promise. Her cheeks flushed pink with guilt. She hoped it wasn't making the bruise darker.