The Vigil Read Online Free Page A

overdue conversation. “Not for me. I can take care of myself. I’ll not sacrifice my safety for a man to take care of me. Do you really think Elray took care of you? Took care of us?”
    Mama lowered her aluminum-stirring spoon onto the spoon rest with a slow, deliberate motion, all the while avoiding my glare. When she finally lifted her eyes to meet mine, anger flashed in them followed by sadness. “I did the best I could at the time. It’s time you realize that. You never went without what you needed. Remember that.” She flipped the heat off each burner, turned her back to me, and then stormed out of the kitchen. “Spoiled brat.” Her last words cut.
    Her bedroom door slammed a few moments later. So much for long overdue conversations. While Mama and I had our share of disagreements, she’d never acted that way before. But we never delved that deeply into our past before.
    “Hey, sis.” Anthony walked into the kitchen. “Where’s Mama?”
    I nodded toward the bedroom and gave my brother a hug. “She’s in her room. We just had words, and she’s not at all happy with me right now.”
    “Words? About what?” His confusion was evident in his furrowed brow and concerned expression.
    “I actually questioned her about Elray.” I slid my purse onto my shoulder.
    “Really.” Anthony lifted his eyebrows. “Let me guess. She refused to discuss it.”
    “Not quite, she said she did the best she could and then stormed off to her room.” I stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Good night. I think I’ll go home. Tell her I’ll call her tomorrow.”
    “I will. That is if she wants to talk to me.” He kissed my forehead. “Good night.”
    I ventured out into the damp evening air and glanced at my phone. I’d been there a little over an hour. Some things never changed.
     
    ****
     
    Carlton was awake when I entered his room the next day. “How are you today?”
    He lifted his hand and vacillated it back and forth. “ Comme ci, comme ça .” His lips tilted up to the right.
    I hadn’t heard the Cajun phrase for so-so in a long time. “Sorry to hear. Guess that’s better than feeling worse.”
    He laughed. “Yeah, Miss Half-full. It is.”
    I checked his equipment levels and made sure he’d taken all his medication for the day. “Do you need anything?”
    “I’d like to try sitting in my chair for a while.” He nodded toward the recliner on the opposite side of his bed.
    “Sure.” I crossed to the other side of the bed and helped him walk the two steps toward the chair. Once he was comfortable, I draped the colorful, crocheted afghan across his lap. “Do you need anything else?”
    “Nope.” He pointed to the stack of letters on the nightstand. “Can you read more?”
    “Sure.” I filled both our glasses with water and angled my chair across from his.
    I reached for the stack of letters and unfolded the next one.
     
    Dear Carlton,
    I hope this letter finds you well and safe. I got your last letter and have read it at least five to ten times every day. Yes, I am well and trying to keep busy. I miss you so much. Mama keeps pushing me to get out and do things with my friends, but nothing sounds fun without you.
    I walked by Mr. Levi’s place the other day and thought about the time you and I jumped his fence and his bull nearly pinned us. I was never so scared and excited in my whole life. That’s what every moment with you is like—exciting. Everywhere I go in town reminds me of you. Which I guess is good since we have so many wonderful memories together. I can’t wait for you to come home so I can be Mrs. Carlton Perlouix. That has a nice sound to it. Of course, if Papa knew that you had proposed to me and I accepted, he would be mighty mad. Even Mama doesn’t know that I plan to marry you. I refuse to let a stupid family feud ruin our happy future together. All I want you to concentrate on is staying safe and coming back home to me. I will be praying and waiting.
    Love,
    Your Lady