Zhenna and Reuben awoke early Wednesday morning. Wednesday was the only day they both woke up before sunrise. The two quietly made plans for the day, snickering softly to themselves.
Suddenly, the lights switched on. The children turned to find their mother in the doorway. "Aren't you going to see me off?" She demanded, approaching the bed.
Reuben retreated closer to Zhenna as their mother came close.
"We'll be right there." Zhenna answered, hugging her brother.
"How's your arm?" Their mother inquired.
"It's not hurting much."
Her mother nodded knowingly with a smile. "You know, your dad was a medic in the army when he was younger; that's why he's so good with injuries. Well, get up, you two; I'll be leaving soon."
The children accompanied their father as he dropped their mother off at the airport. Seeing her mother's cheerful mood on their way to the airport, Zhenna felt comfortable enough to ask.
"Hey mom?"
"Hmm?"
"I've got a friend... she has a...situation at home...and she wants to get out."
"What's your friend's name?"
"Kaitlyn Murray."
"That little whore is the reason my client is divorcing her husband."
"She's not a whore!"
"No. She just sleeps with married men."
"No, she doesn't!"
"Zhenna, I've seen pictures of that girl; she's a shameless whore. I don't want you associating with her anymore."
Zhenna met her mother's stare. Her mother wasn't going to change her mind about Kaitlyn.
"Do you understand me, young lady?" Her mother ordered sternly.
"Yes, mom." Zhenna answered quietly.
The children waved goodbye to their mother at the gate. As soon as she disappeared, their father placed his hands on their shoulders. "Beach?"
The children's father took them to the beach for an early morning swim, then treated them to breakfast at one of the hotels on the beach before they raced back home to get ready for school.
ns 15.158.61.51da2
