Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister

  The first installment in the Twisted Sister Trilogy

  By

  Deidra D. S. Green

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to anyone who has ever loved and lost... and decided to do something about it…

  Twisted Sister

  By Deidra D. S. Green

  Published by Rathsi Publishing

  Copyright 2012 Deidra DS Green

  www.rathsipublishing.com

  All Rights Reserved and Proprietary.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form or format without written permission from Publisher.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Acknowledgements

  Regardless of how many writing projects I initiate and complete, regardless of the numbers of people who actually read what has been written, regardless of the people, places, and things in my life that must be removed or let go of in order for me to fulfill my divine purpose, I always have to begin with a word of thanks.

  I am so eternally grateful to my Creator for giving me the opportunity to be a deliverer of the written word. It is not a gift that comes without challenges; the challenges are many. But even in the difficult moments, there is a certain peace, calm, and reassurance that comes with the writing process. I find my solace there; the very place I go to when everything else around me may be unsettled, and my time, talent, and energies are divided among many obligations. In the writing is where I find myself made whole.

  As I have said many times before, and will continue to say as long as I am doing this work, none of this would be possible without my children. I never want them to think for one moment that I take their understanding, patience, and support for granted. They are my greatest legacy, and I appreciate them so much. VcToryann and Kamerron - know that I love you more than life itself. Everything I have done, am doing, and will do in the future is all for you. You are my gift from the Most High and I am thankful He thought enough of me to give me such an immeasurable treasure. I am thankful to all those that help bring my writings to live and the readers who willingly and unapologetically take this journey with me.

  I am forever grateful…

  Preface

  I have always been an avid reader. From as early as I can remember, I have always enjoyed losing myself in the storylines provided by some of my favorite authors. Turning the proverbial corner to being a provider of storylines has been an interesting journey for me. If you ask writers when they started writing, most will say they have always written. Well I am no exception. I have always written; whether it was secretly jotting down notes in my private diary or immersing myself in school projects; relishing the opportunity to express myself on paper, I have always fancied the written word. However, it has just been recently that I have been willing to share what has been written with the public.

  So this project is as much fun for me as it is challenging. Although I don’t frequently write about romanticized or fantasy-filled subject matter, and have been described as an author who leans more toward the macabre, I always strive to bring my best creative self to the table. I think my many years on the front lines of social welfare, seeing firsthand the kinds of atrocities people perpetrate on each other, have in some ways tainted my view of the world. Or maybe it’s the lens I chose to look through…maybe at the end of this, I will know the truth.

  Twisted Sister

  Chapter 1

  Their eyes met across the boardroom table, peppered with seasoned professionals in the finest tailored business attire; focused and intent on managing the business of the day. He smiled, and she smiled in return; ever mindful of whom may be watching. The attraction was undeniable and the chemistry shared in such an austere, polished, and professional environment was a taboo circumstance, but still electric to say the least…

  Holly Jefferson was considered by most to be a very accomplished young woman. She had always been a go-getter; excelling in academics as well as sports in high school, graduating in the top one perent of her Ivy League undergraduate program, and continuing that same trend when she graduated with a master’s degree in Finance from Princeton University. Now at age 29, she was the youngest executive at the prestigious finance company of Miller, Neil &Thompson. Her short-term aspiration? To make partner in the next few years. Holly was not only smart, she was beautiful inside and out. At a regal 5 foot 10, with an hourglass figure, deep brown skin, and darker brown eyes, when Holly walked into a room, heads definitely turned.

  And Holly agreed with the general assessments made of her; not in a conceited sort of way, but more in a self assured kind of way. Holly was confident in her abilities; she appreciated the accolades she received for her abilities and appearance, and she was clear on her life’s goals. Holly had always considered herself cosmopolitan; never suburban. While other little girls articulated dreams of getting married and having children, Holly’s dreams consisted of living in a big city in a beautiful high rise, luxury apartment, having a lucrative career, and traveling the world. Having a significant other would be nice, but she never considered herself “wifey” material: being a mother of 2.5 children, having the house with the white picket fence, the perfect purebred family dog, or driving the latest in minivans. Holly was a city girl and well on her way to accomplishing everything she had set out to achieve. She couldn’t be happier with her life, and she had great friends to share it with.

  Holly’s primary focus was her career. She really hadn’t spent too much time or energy on developing a significant relationship, at least not of late. Of course she dated, but none of the men she met wanted to play second fiddle to her demanding work schedule and her career-centered priorities. And Holly was okay with that. She had yet to find the man that made her heart sing, again. She knew at some point she would find him, or he would find her, but all that would happen when it was supposed to. She was still young and had plenty of time for another serious relationship, right? In the meantime, Holly was more than content with the way things were.

  Now if she could only convince her parents of the same thing. Her father never really brought the subject up too much; just a comment here and there when she would go back home for a visit. Her mother was a different story. Holly and her mother spoke every night, 9:00 p.m. sharp, no matter what. There were times when Holly would have to step out of a late night meeting to make the phone call, but there was an unwritten agreement between the two of them that no matter what, that call would be made. It was important to both of them.

  Holly’s mom was the exact opposite of her. Her parents had been married almost 40 years, and her mother thrived on being a good wife and mother to her two children. She had been and still was the classic suburban mom, and she loved it. Although she respected Holly’s drive and ambition, she wanted for Holly what she had established for herself: a wonderful family, a beautifully well kept home, and a husband who loved her unconditionally. And every night, before the end of the phone call, Holly’s mom would make the now-dreaded inquiry:

  “Have you met anyone interesting?”

  “Well what happened to the last guy you went out with?”

  “When are you going to make time for love?”

  Frequently followed by:

  “You know you’re not getting any younger.”

  “By the time I was your age, I had been married 7 years, and both you and your sister were born.”

  Holly knew her mom’s intentions were honorable, but hearing the same thing over and over again was a little frustrating. She no longer tried to come up with an excuse for not being in love or making time for love. Now she simply responded to her mother’s loving rant with, “I know mom… I’m working on it.” It wasn’t the truth, but it wasn’t quite a lie; anything to try and paci
fy her mom. The part for Holly that was much harder to deal with, however, was mom’s continuous comparison of Holly to her younger sister, Adrienne. Adrienne was the baby of the family, the apple of their father’s eye, and a carbon copy of their mom. From as early as Holly could remember, Adrienne wanted what most other little girl’s dreamed of, and she had it. She was the suburban wife and mother. She had the two children, purebred family dog, and drove the latest in minivans. Adrienne was living the dream; the dream their mother had for both her daughters.

  Holly tried not to be jealous of the relationship her mom and sister had because her sister followed so closely to her mother’s goals for them. But there were times when her emotions got the best of her, and secretly she found herself despising her sister’s ‘wonderful life.’ Holly always tried to mentally push away those sentiments and feelings, as she intellectually understood them to be unproductive and even counterproductive. But every now and then, she found herself ruminating on what could have been if she had chosen a different path; if she had really given her last love a chance…if she was willing to compromise. She loved her life, right? She did, and it was not necessary to keep trying to convince herself otherwise. Besides, Holly knew she needed to refocus her energies. She had a big case at the office she had been working on for months, and the culminating meeting was just a few weeks away. Time to refocus on the things that were most important...

  Blythe, one of Holly’s best girlfriends was a lot like her mother – singularly focused in her conversation. Blythe was also employed by Miller, Neil & Thompson as a financial analyst, so she and Holly spent a lot of time together at work and after work hours. Even though Blythe was equally as focused on her career, Blythe seemed to always make time for fun and relaxation, and she tried to drag Holly along as much as she could. Blythe was good for Holly, and Holly knew it. She genuinely appreciated her friend trying to help her keep some level of balance in her life. But just like Holly’s mom, Blythe had a point of focus that was unwavering. She was forever trying to set Holly up with someone. Not just any man… oh no… Blythe was intimately familiar with Holly’s checklist for a potential mate and ensured whenever she talked to Holly about meeting a new guy she always made sure at least the top five requirements on the ‘oh-too-long’ checklist were met.

  Today was no exception. Even though Holly and Blythe worked together in the same office and spent time working hard, they rarely had opportunity to take a leisurely lunch. That is, not the kind of leisurely lunch most would expect of high-powered executives. That kind of indulgence was left to the partners, and Holly and Blythe knew if they wanted to make partner and move up the corporate ladder they would not be able to indulge themselves in the manner senior level management did… at least not yet.

  Before the waiter could even bring the drinks, Blythe started in yet again:

  “Holly,” she began softly and sweetly.

  “Yes Blythe,” Holly responded, already knowing what was coming next.

  “I know you are probably sick of me trying to fix you up,” she paused briefly without taking a breath or waiting for a response, “but this guy is absolutely perfect!”

  Blythe was so excited! But she was always excited when she thought she had found the perfect prospect for her best friend. Although Holly tried to feign as though she was completely disinterested, part of her wanted to know who Blythe was talking about.

  “Blythe, we have been down this road so many times… you always say he is the perfect guy, but then he ends up being not so perfect…” Holly responded, secretly hoping Blythe wouldn’t be dissuaded by her lackluster response.

  “I know, I know,” Blythe coaxed, “but this time Holly, I think he really is the one.”

  Blythe could be so convincing. Holly knew Blythe really had her best interest at heart, and she was very genuine in her feelings and concern for Holly. Besides, it had been a while since she had taken the time to try to get to know someone… and to give them a real chance to get to know her. Her career was great, but there were nights when she felt absolutely alone, and sometimes even a little lonely. Holly didn’t like admitting this to herself, but sadly it was true. She did sometimes struggle with loneliness.

  “Okay Ms. Blythe, tell me all about Mr. Right. Or is he Mr. Right Now?”

  They both laughed. Blythe, if no one else, knew exactly what Holly meant. There had been some Mr. Right Now’s that satisfied the yearning and met a part time need, but lacked the qualities and characteristics to go the distance. They were a temporary fix … but nothing that would last.

  “Naw, girl, I think this one could be the real Mr. Right!” Blythe gushed.

  Blythe went on to describe who she thought would be the perfect match for Holly. She made sure to highlight the characteristics, qualities, and personality type she knew Holly had at the top of her checklist.

  As the waiter placed the ladies’ lunch on the table, remembering to refresh their drinks of the latest designer water with a twist of lemon and lime, Blythe described Mr. Right.

  “First of all, I know how important it is to you that he is a man of faith, and he is, so we can check that one off the list. He is also financially secure – he is in the banking industry so you all would have a lot in common… check two. He is not an only child – he actually has an older brother – although he is the younger of the two.”

  Blythe knew that he being the ‘baby of the family’ was almost as big a no-no for Holly as him being an only child, so she tried to brush by that fact very quickly.

  “This young man loves his mother and they have a great relationship, at least from what I have seen. And it doesn’t hurt that he is tall, dark, and fine!”

  Blythe had hit the highlights of Holly’s list with this one. All those components were important to Holly because of the things she had experienced in other relationships… one in particular. Holly had been in love before. As a matter of fact, she had been engaged before. But at the last minute, she found out some things, or allowed herself to be open to some realities she previously had been closed to. Even though that man had met many of the checkpoints on Holly’s now infamous checklist, there were a few problems Holly became critically aware of the closer they came to the wedding date.

  The man Holly had been engaged to had also been a ‘man of faith,’ successful in his own right as an entrepreneur, highly educated, sophisticated, and he wasn’t hard on the eyes at all. He was an only child and the apple of his mother’s eye. In the beginning that had all seemed fine. Holly was of the mindset that the way a man treats his mother was indicative of the way he would treat the woman in his life. Derrick and his mother had an admirable relationship… at least that’s how it looked in the beginning.

  This man doted on his mother, and she returned his affection and attention in kind. Holly initially thought those were admirable characteristics. Who wouldn’t? But Holly found out this man and his mother’s relationship was almost too close for comfort. She treated him like her husband and not her son. She wasn’t willing to really make room for another woman in her son’s life and she always managed to find a way to be right in the middle of things. When Holly brought her concerns to his attention, Derrick of course said he would handle it. He made excuses for his mother, and reminded Holly he was ‘all she had in the world.’ Holly tried to be understanding and respectful of their relationship, but things became increasingly problematic.

  Her future mother-in-law would make comments that at first Holly tried to ignore; chalking them up to a mother’s need to protect her child. For example, when Holly made dinner for the two of them one Sunday afternoon, his mother kind of turned up her nose and made a backhanded comment.

  “This looks nice and all but you’ll never be able to cook for him like his momma can. Ain’t that right baby?”

  Holly expected her fiancé to come to her rescue, but Derrick just shrugged it off and smiled; not validating her comment, but not defending Holly either. That was just the tip of the iceberg. The ba
ckhanded comments continued to grow, and Derrick never really stood up for her, defended her… protected her.

  Holly understood Derrick may have felt like he was in a catch 22 situation between the woman that brought him into the world and the woman he claimed to love without condition. But Holly really wanted to be sure he knew how his mother’s actions and words really affected her. The closer they got to the wedding date, the more his mother made her position very clear. It was no holds barred. His mother’s comments were no longer backhanded; they were blatant and out front for the whole world to see and hear. She became outright indignant and made no bones about the fact she felt Holly was ‘just not good enough for her son.’ With all of the accomplishments Holly had made -being her own woman, handling her business, being respectable and respectful - Holly could not fathom why this woman despised her so. But she did…

  Regardless of the way she was treated, Holly still tried to be the bigger woman, frequently brushing off his mother’s assaults no matter how much they hurt. Holly even invited his mother to go dress shopping for the wedding. Holly thought maybe if they spent some quality time together, just the two of them, his mother would come to see the kind of woman Holly really was and maybe her sentiments toward Holly would change.

  Holly took her fiancés mother to the finest dress boutique in town; the kind where appointments are private, there are no other customers in the store during your time slot, and the ‘red carpet’ is rolled out. The boutique serves champagne and wine during your appointment, and you have the undivided attention of the staff. Shopping at this boutique is more than just shopping - it is an experience, and Holly thought his mother would like it and maybe even be impressed by the fact that Holly could command this kind of service.

  But from the moment they walked in the door, his mother found something to complain about. The hors d’oeuvres were flavorless… she didn’t eat that kind of food… she didn’t want the champagne, “I’m a Christian and I don’t drink. If you paid any attention Holly, you would know that,” she ranted. Holly brushed it off, and smiled to hide her embarrassment in front of the boutiques’ staff. They proceeded to pick out dresses for his mother to try on. Again, nothing was quite right. She could not, or would not, be satisfied.

  “I don’t like all these people standing around me while I’m trying to shop. Don’t they have something else they need to be doing?” she said, loudly enough for everyone in the boutique to hear. She didn’t understand or refuse to appreciate the exclusivity of their appointment and the attentiveness of the staff. Again, Holly tried to remember her upbringing, especially the importance of being respectful to her elders. She wanted his mother to like her, at least to some degree. Holly knew how important his mother was to him. But she was certainly making it harder than it had to be!

  When Holly would like a dress, of course the future mother in law thought it was appalling. When Holly would comment on how nice something looked on her, she of course hated it. When Holly offered to pay for the dress, his mother insisted that anything she wanted she had enough money to buy herself or that her son would get it for her. By the end of their ‘girl time,’ Holly was mentally and emotionally exhausted. Holly’s mother refused to decide on a dress and they left the shop empty handed. “I didn’t like nothin’ in that place... couldn’t you have found a nicer place for us to go… one that had better options?”

  Holly was done. She felt defeated. When she described the situation to her fiancé that evening, Derrick acted as if nothing was wrong with his mother’s behavior. He actually defended her, inquiring as to whether indeed there was a better place for them to shop. That was certainly the last straw for Holly. Even though she tried to reconcile her feelings and her concerns, she simply was not able to. Derrick was dismissive and Holly knew that if he overlooked this now, he would overlook her mother’s blatant disrespect in the future. Holly was not about to set herself up for a lifetime of acquiescing and cow-towing to his mother. She was his mother for Christ’s sake, not the future mother of his children. Derrick was a momma’s boy and that wasn’t good enough for Holly.

  She had seen a few of her girlfriends deal with mother-in-laws from hell and she certainly wasn’t going to knowingly put herself in that predicament. When she confronted Derrick again about her feelings, he still didn’t seem to get it; denying he was hen pecked by his mother and asserting his ability to stand on his own two feet. He downplayed Holly’s feelings and tried to make her sound crazy for feeling the way she did. Shortly after that, Holly called the wedding off. She felt she had no choice. She loved him… she still did, but she was not willing to compromise; not on this one. There were times when she thought she may have acted prematurely, made a mistake calling the whole thing off. But love was simply not enough to make that relationship work… not with his mother square in the middle of it.

  So when Blythe made a point of saying this potential Mr. Right was not an only child and had a great relationship with his mother, she was saying that to confirm for Holly that it would not be like her previous relationship. Blythe continued to try to convince Holly how great this guy was as they finished up lunch.

  “You’ve told me so much about this man, Blythe, but you haven’t told me his name? Is it someone I know?” Holly inquired, as she picked up the check for lunch.

  Blythe was hesitant and Holly became increasingly suspicious that this guy may be someone she had crossed paths with in the past.

  “Well Holly,” Blythe began slowly, “let me say this,” she paused again, a smirk coming across her face, “he is not exactly a stranger…”

  Blythe didn’t go any further and Holly knew exactly why. This Mr. Right was someone she knew and Holly had the sneaky suspicion Blythe had either spoken to him or put a bug in his ear about her. Blythe was certainly up to something and Holly wasn’t exactly sure whether to be upset about it or not.

  “What did you do Blythe? I know you did something!” Holly scolded… sort of…

  Blythe acted as though she was embarrassed to have been caught in the act.

  “Let me start by apologizing Holster (her pet name for Holly), but you know girl I am just trying to help, and neither you nor him was going to make the first move. If I hadn’t stepped in, you two would still just be eyeing each other in the hallways acting like you hadn’t noticed the other.”

  Now Holly was definitely sure she knew who Blythe was talking about. She had her suspicions but now they were all confirmed. It was him…Trent… and she was guilty of stolen looks and wandering thoughts, but she had never told a soul, not even Blythe. She thought she had been very careful. Even though she was guilty of midday fantasies of him and sideways glances in the hallway, she didn’t think anyone had noticed. But obviously Ms. Blythe had picked up on something. She knew Holly all too well.

  Blythe continued, “You know I just want for you what I want for myself!” That was an ideal and an ideology the two ladies shared. They really did want the best for each other. Blythe was more than a friend to Holly. She was really like a sister. They had much more in common than Holly and her biological sister. Holly knew what Blythe meant when she said this. Blythe had been in a committed relationship with a fantastic guy for the past 3 years. They were true soul mates, and he really seemed to make Blythe happy. They had the kind of relationship that was enviable. And many in their social circle did envy them; even if they would never admit it to themselves.

  “I know you do Blythe,” Holly continued, refocusing her thoughts to the present conversation. “But how did you know? I never told you about him; I never told anyone.” Holly continued, now feeling the same kind of embarrassment Blythe just experienced when Holly realized she was up to something.

  “Holster, you don’t have to tell me. It is written all over your face. When we are in meetings, I see you both. When you pass each other in the hallway, the sexual tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife - and not a butter knife either,” she continued.

  Both ladies smi
led and laughed. Blythe was right and Holly had to admit it to herself and to her friend.

  “Yeah, I think he’s cute and stuff,” she replied sheepishly, “but how do you know the feeling is mutual?” she inquired, cringing inside and hoping the answer was in the affirmative.

  “Because I asked him, that’s how!” Blythe responded boldly, and without reservation.

  She was definitely the bolder, more assertive of the two. She had always been. And Holly loved her for that. But this time, she was not so sure.

  “What in the world did you do Bly?” she asked, as the two made their way out of the restaurant, putting on their designer sunglasses to shield their eyes from the beaming sun.

  “Nothing bad Holly,” she commented, adjusting her sunglasses, and reaching in her classic Gucci handbag for the car keys.

  “I just made a little inquiry and a few suggestions; you know, just trying to feel him out to make sure what I thought I was seeing and sensing really was what I suspected all along,” she said with a smile. “And of course I was right. He thinks you’re cute too… more than cute.”

  “You didn’t embarrass me did you Blythe?” Holly asked, dreading the answer. She was already embarrassed enough.

  “Of course I didn’t Holly, you’re my girl. I just gave him a little advice on how to move things from point A to point B, that’s all,” she quipped.

  “And what pray-tell did you suggest?” Holly asked.

  “That he stop cutting his eyes at you from 300 feet away and get up close and personal, “ she replied. “I know how traditional you are, wanting the guy to make the first move and all. But waiting on you two - or waiting on him, shall I say - was taking too long for me, so I helped him along,” she smiled.

  “He isn’t going to start stalking me, is he Blythe?” Holly said, with a little more firmness and sincerity in her voice. She was a strong proponent of keeping her business and personal life separate, and with what Blythe was suggesting, the lines could become blurred very quickly. Holly guessed Blythe missed number 7 on the checklist.

  “He ain’t no stalker Holly… damn! At least I don’t think so,” Blythe said the latter under her breath.

  They both laughed again. Holly trusted her friend and her judgment. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing… at least she hoped not.

  “I just gave him a few helpful hints on how to get your attention if he wanted to get to know you better; which he said he did by the way,” Blythe replied without taking a breath or pausing for a well-placed comma.

  Holly got serious for a moment, earnestly considering the implications and the risks of involvement with someone in the office. Although there were no strict written rules about it, Holly and Blythe both knew office relationships were frowned upon.

  “Now Blythe, for real,” Holly began. “Not saying this thing will go anywhere, but you know the risk we would be taking if we did get involved? If this thing panned out, my entire career could be in jeopardy and maybe a partnership too!” she said, the obvious concern written on her face.

  “I know Holly, but I think it is a risk worth taking. At least talk to the man. It might not turn out to be anything serious, but at least you would have given it a chance,” she said convincingly.

  “But if it does work out,” Blythe continued, “we’ll worry about that when it happens!”

  Holly tried to smile, but she had concern in her eyes.

  “Okay, okay Blythe, I am trusting you on this one,” Holly replied.

  The ladies made their way to Blythe’s midnight black Mercedes CLK, two door, and they continued to talk about Trent all the way back to the office. Secretly, Holly was excited about the prospect of getting to know him better. He certainly fit the bill from what she could see, and from the way Blythe gushed about him, maybe he really was Mr. Right.

  Holly tried to remain focused on the tasks at hand when she returned to the office following her interesting lunch with Blythe, but it was hard. Inadvertently, her mind would return to her conversation with Blythe, which would inevitably lead to thoughts of Trent.

  Trent Morrison III… 6’4, mahogany skin, well-groomed beard and goatee against a back drop of a freshly-shaven bald head; not gleaming like too much pomade was applied, but glistening naturally… in a sun-kissed way. He always looked so debonair in suits tailor-made to fit his handsomely masculine physique and his highly shined shoes and understated accouterments that polished his ensemble off to perfection.

  But Holly was not just into the physical presentation. Mr. Trent was smart and sophisticated, and Holly took note of that as well. He was intelligent but very much understated…not in any way braggadocios like so many successful men she had run across in the past. Trent had a deep, earthy, baritone voice that was music to Holly’s ears. She never admitted it to herself, but she had been paying particular attention to him since he started with the firm 6 months or so ago. There were lots of women in the office who noticed Mr. Trent Morrison, III. She knew she was not the only one, but it seemed, according to Blythe, he had been paying some attention to her as well.

  Just as Holly was ruminating on the goodness of Trent Morrison, he strolled past her office as if on cue. She could see him and he couldn’t help but see her. Holly’s office was encased in glass on three sides with an amazing view from the city occupying much of the fourth wall. She hadn’t bothered to smoke the glass when she entered her nicely appointed office, as she often did when she was seriously focused on a project or conducting a meeting with a client. She hadn’t bothered to, since her thoughts were somewhere else. Her thoughts had been on Mr. Morrison.

  Trent Morrison, III. Although he was relatively new to Miller, Neil & Thompson, he wasn’t new to the financial arena or to an office full of high-powered executive females who watched every move he made. He had been with Brown & Billingsley, a much smaller firm, but had jumped at the opportunity to join the much larger, much more prestigious firm of Miller, Neil & Thompson. He knew there were greater opportunities with the new firm, both on and off the clock. His time at Brown & Billingsley had been fine but there were new territories Trent needed to conquer. He never stayed in one place too long, tiring quickly of the same ol’ same ol’; quickly boring of the same old people, places, and things. He was a consummate go-getter, and he planned to get everything he could.

  Trent’s story was the classic tale of bad boy turned good: growing up in a broken home, poor, being raised by the streets, his father in and out of his life since he was little. Trent didn’t miss him when he was gone because when he was there, Trent’s father kept up a lot of hell and Trent’s mom was the one who paid for it. He would hit his mother; beat his mother, and before the bruises he purposely left on her face and body could heal, he would apologize to her and make love to her – not bothering to close the door, allowing Trent and his brother to overhear both the violence and the lovemaking that would follow. Other times, there would be no apology from his father. He would slap Trent’s mother - beat her black and blue - and within what seemed like minutes, Trent’s parents would be in the bedroom making up. His mother never seemed to protest. She went along with whatever his father did. Initially Trent didn’t understand how she could let his father treat her like he did.

  When Trent’s father had too much to drink, Trent and his brother would also feel the wrath of their father’s anger. Trent never knew why his dad was always so mad. It didn’t matter though… His father’s visits were most often brief, and when he was gone, Trent’s mother tried to make things nice to make up for the hard times.