A Texas Family

Hilary swerved into the driveway, headlights blinding Jena. Jumping out, Hil said, “Hey, sis, I brought chicken-fried steaks for supper.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had Mabel’s chicken-fried steak.”

“Then you’re in for a treat. I brought chocolate pie with mile-high meringue, too.”

They walked toward the steps, and Hil suddenly stopped. “Didn’t get the yard mowed, huh?”

“Why didn’t you buy a self-propelled mower?”

Hil shrugged. “They cost more, and the guys usually mow, but they’ve been busy. I thought I’d get it done by the time you arrived.”

“I did the back, and, believe me, my muscles will be protesting tomorrow. As I was pushing that blasted thing to the front, the constable drove up.”

“What did Carson want?”

“To ask questions about that night.”

“Is he going to do anything?”

“Yes. I believe he is.”

“Hmm. You sound different than you did this morning. Are you developing a soft spot for the constable?”

“Of course not. Don’t be silly.”

“If you say so. But he’s s-o-o good-looking if you like tall, strong and masculine.”

“Shut up.” She held the door open and Hil laughed, walking inside.

“Hey, Mama, time for supper,” Hil shouted.

Norma clicked off the television. “I wondered where you girls were.”

“She seems fine,” Hil whispered in the kitchen.

“She’s been that way all afternoon.”

“Told you. It comes and goes.”

Hil ran around the kitchen in her cute cowgirl boots like a bunny on steroids, putting the meal on the table and fixing tea.

“How much coffee have you had today?”

“Enough.” Hil made a face.

They sat around the old Formica-and-chrome table and ate. It was reminiscent of better times. Before her dad started drinking heavily. Before Jared. Before...

“It’s nice to have my oldest home,” Norma said. “I was going to bake a cake, but I couldn’t get the stove to work.”

“It’s just temperamental,” Hil replied. “I can make it work, but I brought food and pie. We’re good.”

“Okay.” Norma continued to eat, but Jena noticed a change in her. She became quiet and stared at the refrigerator. Wrapping her arms around her waist, Norma mumbled, “It’s getting chilly. We’ll probably have ice in the morning. I saw on the TV it was snowing somewhere.”

Hil choked on her pie, coughed and took a quick gulp of tea. “What the hell was she watching?” Hil mouthed.

“Wheel of Fortune,” Jena mouthed back.

Hil shrugged. “It’s not that chilly, Mama.”

“I wonder where my flannel gown is.” Their mother stood and meandered to her room.

They cleaned the table and put the containers in plastic bags. “I’ll take the trash to the café in the morning.” Hil tied the top of the bag into a knot.

“What do we do about Mama?” Jena asked.

“I don’t know. I just agree with whatever she says. That seems to work best.”

They went to their mother’s bedroom and found her standing near the bed in a flannel nightgown, looking confused. “Where’s my electric blanket, Hilary?”

“It’s on the bed.” Hil winked at Jena.

“Good. I wanted to take a bath, but it’s just too cold.”

“That’s okay, Mama.” Hil helped her into bed.

“Is the blanket on?”

Hil knelt and pretended to fiddle with something. “How’s that?”

“Much better.”

Her sister got to her feet and kissed their mother. “Night.”

“Now, don’t you girls talk all night. You have school tomorrow.”

“We won’t.”

Her mother was in another time and another place. Maybe after all she’d been through it was a better place for her. And she had the resilient strength of Hilary to help her. Once again Jena was amazed at her sister’s patience and compassion.

She kissed her mother’s forehead. “Night, Mama.”

“I’m so happy to have my beautiful daughter home.”

“Hey. What am I? The ugly duckling?” Hil teased.

“You’re my sweet, good daughter.”

Hil flicked off the light. “Yeah, like that’s gonna get me a date with Ryan Reynolds?”