Unexpected Happenings, Chapter 49
by SIPort

Simone was finishing up packing when she heard a knock on the door.

Simone pulled Kay into her room and closed the door. “ Of course I am.”

” So, it’s true. You finished finals early, and you’re leaving.”

” The limo will be here in a few hours.”

“ Well, um….I’m gonna miss you.”

Kay hugged Simone.

” I think this summer will be good for both of us, Kay. We’ll be having new experiences. I think camp will be great for you.”

” Ya think?”

” See…that’s what I missed… my know-it-all best friend.”, Kay replied crying.

They sat down on Simone’s bed.

“ And you. I need a break from this town. They say that time helps the healing process. I’m staking a lot on it being true.”

Kay took out a piece of paper. “ It’s my address. I’m expecting postcards and letters.”

” I’ll write you. Send you post cards. Just send your replies to my house. I’ll have a bunch of letters when I come home. “

“ I never did tease you enough about falling for Reese.”

” Reese.”, Simone sighed.

” Oh my God. You’re like totally in love with him, aren’t you?”

TC was finishing up some paperwork when he heard a knock on his door at school.

“ I…I don’t hate you anymore, Daddy. I’m just really disappointed in you.”

” That’s an improvement, I guess.”

” Simone doesn’t hate you either, but she’s not ready to talk to you.”

” I understand.”

” I’m sorry our family is ruined. The house is a complete reminder of all those times. That’s why we need to have a long vacation.”

“ I know, Whitney. I never meant to hurt any of you. That includes your mother. She’s a very good woman. One of the best. My actions are a letdown, even to me.”

” I think the time away will be good for all of us. For awhile there, I wanted you miserable and unhappy. I don’t want that anymore. I want you happy, Daddy. Even if that means you’re with Mrs. Bennett.”

” Whoah. Grace and I aren’t like that, Whitney.”

” Daddy, you have two children together. If you aren’t with Mom, I’d hope that Grace Bennett was more than just a one-night stand. That would be the ultimate insult to our family and what I thought we had.”

” I’m just saying that Grace and I don’t have any plans. We’re parents right now, and that’s all either one of us can handle.”

” I guess that’s fair.” Whitney hugged her father. “ Have a good summer, Daddy. I love you.”

” I love you too, Princess.”

The doorbell rang, and Eve went to answer it.

” Oh, it’s you.”

” Sorry, Dr. Russell.”

” I thought you were the limo driver.”

” So, it’s true. You’re leaving today.”

” Yes.”

” I…I came to see Whitney and Simone.”

” Whitney’s not here, but Simone is.” Eve called upstairs. “ Simone, you have a visitor.”

Simone came down the stairs. “ Chad?”

” Hi Simone.”

” What are you doing here?”

” I wanted to give you and Whitney these.” Chad gave her a letter. “ I know that you’re still shocked about us being brother and sister. And, I’m not expecting miracles. I just…well, what I want is in the letter. I hope someday we can be friends. Will you give Whitney hers?”

” Sure.”

“ Well, have a good vacation.”

” I think it’s not Chad’s fault that he’s your brother. That was decided long before you were born. You know Chad. You followed his struggle from the first night he got to town. You want to know what I think? You need to give it time, then you need to give Chad a chance.” Eve kissed Simone on the forehead. “ I’m going to do the final walkthrough to make sure everything’s ok for us leaving.”