Page 9 of Driftwood Daffodil

“And before that?” Veda challenged.

Well, if she wanted to make things difficult.

“Something about gumbo?” It was worth a shot. I figured I had about a fifty fifty chance, and I liked those odds.

The breath that my sister let out told me that I did not land anywhere near the bullseye. “I need you to come and pick me up.”

I rolled my head towards the clock, who’s blaring green digits felt like lasers being burned into my orbital sockets. It was two in the afternoon. Way too early for this bullcrap. Besides…

“Aren’t you at work?” Normally Veda had the weekends off – she worked for a domestic company called Sunnyside Maid Service. Their slogan was‘save your time and let us mop your grime’.

“Where do you think I need you to pick me up from?”

“Well I don’t know Miss. I’m gonna take a couple extra shifts.” I didn’t make that choice for her. “Why don’t you call Maw, Maw?”

“Trust me, I tried.” she muttered, “She’s at golf.”

Yup, that’s right my Maw Maw played golf. That wasn’t typically an activity for an older southern lady, but the last person that called Maw Maw older got smacked with her nine iron.

“So take the bus.” I grumbled.

“I need to leave now!”

“That sounds like a you problem.” Honestly I wasn’t even sure if my truck was here. I didn’t drive to the party last night, but that didn’t mean I didn’t decide to go for a ride later.

“Nova, please, I need to get out of here.”

Veda had to get out of everywhere. To say my sister had some trauma from her attack would be an understatement. The only reason she left the house at all was to earn money to feed my nephew.

“I’m sorry I can’t help you. There’s this amazing place called bed where I plan to spend the entirety of my Senior year.” Not to mention I’d have to find some pants.

My eyes fell down to my bare legs.When did I put on socks?

“I really need your help here.” She whined.

“Again, that sounds like a you problem.” They worked in teams of three, why couldn’t one of them bring her home?

“I’m not kidding.”

Neither was I. “Get Rita to drive you.”

“She had to leave early.”

Veda’s voice quaked with an oncoming panic attack. Part of me wanted to let it happen – my sister needed to start living again. And it wasn’t like she’d be walking home in the middle of the night. But I couldn’t do it.

If I had gone with her that night then none of this would’ve happened. I couldn’t leave her alone again. That didn’t mean I was happy about it.

“Fine,” I groaned and pushed myself up. “But know that I hate you.”

I didn’t, but that was beside the point.

“I’ll text you the address, just… Hurry up. There’s someone watching me.” Veda said and hung up.

There was always someone watching or following her. Veda saw danger everywhere. I got it. She survived something that should’ve killed her. Can’t say I’d be any better. That’s why I didn’t understand her decision to keep my nephew.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved Knox, but he was a living reminder of what happened. Yet, Veda clung to him as if he was her only lifeline. She claimed she was being a good parent, but Veda gave helicopter moms a bad name.

It wasn’t healthy. She needed a life of her own that included her son. Not one that revolved around him.

---