Sunny’S Story 2: A Novel

By Kathy Almeida

Sunnys Story, the first novel in this trilogy, tells the story of a young woman, Sunny, who falls in love, finds out that shes pregnant, marries, is betrayed, and then sets out on her own to discover who she is and what she wants. Sunnys Story 2, picks up where the first one left off. Be prepared for more adventures, laughs, tears and ultimately love, as Sunny lives her life out loud surrounded by her family and friends, while choosing to trust and love again. Will she choose Jake, the one who broke her heart? Or will she choose Keeve, the one who loves her unconditionally? Or will it be somebody new? Even if you missed the first book, no worriesSunnys Story 2, set in the picturesque town of Crescent Beach-just south of Saint Augustine, Florida-will capture your heart and keep you entertained until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jun 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504356756

Kathy Almeida

Kathy Almeida is a creative artist. She lives in Belleview, Florida along with her husband and family on a farm with their animals - which includes a dog, three cats, five cows, a rescued steer, a donkey, and up until this year, a very bossy goat. She loves taking care of her family and her special needs adult son who has autism and a seizure disorder. She writes, paints, and crafts - inspired by her love of life. Mikaela’s Story 2 is her 7th novel and 8th book.

Book preview

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Chapter 1

"F or real… you’re kidding me right? You and Romeo….not married?" My sister, Rain, asked me, lying on her beach towel in the sand across from me, her bronze skin glistening with moisture.

Nope, it turns out that Jake never turned in our license. So, as far as the state is concerned, we’re not legally married. I stretched, lengthening my body on my towel, adjusting my big white floppy sun hat that kept falling into my line of vision every time the wind blew. As one long curly lock escaped, I tucked it back under.

Cool, she said, turning over onto her stomach, permitting the hot rays of the late morning sun to catch her back. How long have you known?

Since last week. I was filling out tax forms and had a question, so I called them. They told me that there was no record of any Mrs. Jake Wiley.

Do you know what this means? I paused, afraid to continue.

I looked over at my fourteen month old daughter, Crescent, playing happily in the sand, underneath the shade of the bright red umbrella. My heart soared as I gazed at her… the dark curly locks that framed her cherub face…her sweet dark chocolate brown eyes like her father’s with long black lashes. I noticed her little mouth, full lips, chewing on her bottom one, as she was busy digging in the sand with her chubby little arms and hands. She sat with her legs wrapped around her pail. She was adorable personified and I wanted to go over and pick her up and smother her with kisses.

Yeah, I know exactly what it means, Rain said, propping herself up on her elbows. You’re free from his no good ass. She crossed her ankles as she dug her bright red toe nails in the sand.

Knock it off, Rain. It means that I’m single and Crescent doesn’t have a last name. It also means she’s a… My voice trailed off, and I couldn’t bring myself to say the word.

"Don’t be ridiculous. She’s either a Johnson like us or a Wiley like him. Either way she’s got a last name, don’t you, baby?" Rain asked, smiling at her niece.

Crescent stopped shoveling sand into the bucket long enough to give her aunt a big smile, then it was back to business.

Rain added, Or… we could give her a new name to go with her first and middle names. Crescent Blue goes with… hmm…I don’t know. I thought it was bad enough when Mom and Dad named us Sunny and Rain….seriously what was up with that?

And then you top it by naming your daughter after a shape and a color. She suddenly turned onto her back and sat upright.

You can always ask Mr. Can’t-Keep-His-Ding-a-Ling-in-His-Pants, if he wants to make it legal and give her his name, right?

Jake made one mistake, I said. How long before you can forgive him and let it go?

"Well let’s see. Since it was you he cheated on and it was your heart he broke, I guess I could let it go. Let me think about it for a second…..nope I’m good. Even if it was you, I’m still never ever letting it go. Ever….just like in Taylor Swift’s song….’never ever, ever! Once a skunk always a skunk…and he’s lower than a skunk, more like a skank."

Rain! People can change you know, I said, burying my feet in the sand while my eyes feasted on the colors of the ocean that today reflected varying shades of deep teal blue. I bit my fingernail again. Or at least I hope they can, I added under my breath.

Whatever, she retorted, and flopping back onto her stomach placed her head on top of her crossed arms. By the way…where’s that smelly dog of yours?

He’s down there, I said, pointing towards the water.

And Beaches is not smelly.

Yes he is…he stinks like fish and shit.

That’s because he likes to roll in dead stuff on the beach and in the manure I spread in Kate’s rose garden.

Kate, our beloved grandmother, who had died a year ago last April, had loved her garden almost as much as Rain and me. It was no small mission on my part to keep her roses blooming as beautifully as when she was alive.

Yea, I’ve seen what he has done to the couch after his spa rolls, Rain said. I think you need to buy leather couches. They are easier to clean. Or, build him a dog house and leave his butt outside. She paused, rose up on her arms, and inhaled sharply.

Not going to happen. I like him inside. And nix on the leather couches too. Remember…veggie girl here…not going to happen. I just need to get some slip covers that I can throw in the wash.

No, what you need to throw in the wash or out with the trash is that dog. And speaking of dogs…thanks to a technicality…Romeo’s out…yay!

Rain! Romeo was her ‘pet name’ for Jake. She’d been calling him that since my first date with him. My mind flashed back to that night of nights. We were sitting on the couch, eating popcorn. The power went out. The lights went on…only it wasn’t the power. Nope, it was Jake’s hands and lips on me, igniting my virgin pilot. Yes, I was a twenty six year old virgin. Unheard of, right? It was a date that ended in an overnighter, I lost my virginity, fell in love and later discovered I was pregnant with our baby girl.

In July, it would make two years since Jake and I first met, here on the beach, just a bit north from where I sat now. So much had changed since that day.

I’m just calling it like it is. And some watch dog you have over there. The only time I’ve ever heard him bark is when you’re trying to get Crescent to sleep.

So, he’s got a few issues that are a little annoying.

A few? He’s like you. You know what they say about dogs and their owners. At least he’s cute, whatever breed he is…and what would that be exactly?

American…a little of this, a little of that.

But big…he’s almost the size of a horse.

You’re so dramatic. He is not. His head barely reaches my mid-thigh.

That’s huge!

You’re just used to Schnitzel. Schnitzel was our parents’ miniature dachshund.

As if on cue, Beaches came bounding towards us. He was covered in seaweed and smelling like something that had died three weeks earlier. He dove onto Rain’s beach towel and happily began licking her arm. She tried to push him away screeching, Ew, get away from me! Sunny! Do something with this dog!

I laughed. It’s the suntan oil…he loves the taste.

Listen, I said, rising and tossing my hat on the towel. I’m taking a quick dip. Keep an eye on Crescent, okay?

Crescent, stay here with your Aunt Rain… do you hear me? Crescent looked at me and gave me one of her smiles that kissed my heart.

Wading into the deeper water, I dove in, immediately feeling refreshed by the sea’s cool June tides.

I struck off towards the horizon, using what Grandmother Kate would call my ‘focused’ crawl stroke until I was breathless, then I slowly made my way back to shore. I slowed, bobbing up and down with the salty waves, then watched Rain trying unsuccessfully to shoo Beaches off of her, as if he were an annoying fly.

Finally, my sister picked up one of Crescent’s toy shovels and tossed it for Beaches to fetch. Crescent squealed with delight. Rain stood, shaking off Beaches’ residue. Her waist long hair swayed in the wind. She bent over at the waist and secured her hair in a headband and with a toss back she moved lithely to sit beside Crescent in the sand. She adjusted her black oval shaped sunglasses and smiled down at Crescent with her bright ruby red lips covered in lipstick.

I watched as three teenage guys walked by busy in conversation carrying their surfboards…that is until they saw Rain. She caught their gawking stares, smiled that sexy seductive smile of hers and they were like moths to a flame. She waved them on but not before they stumbled all over each other trying to vie for her attention.

My sister, with her lustrous wavy hair, beautiful features and fiery personality, attracted men like a water cooler in the desert. Rain was a force to be reckoned with. I’m thinking my parents should have named her Storm Central instead of Rain.

Suddenly, something slippery and alive brushed against my leg, and my crawl stroke toward the beach became, well, more than focused.

Arriving at the towels dripping wet, I scooped Crescent up, held her to my belly, and swung her around in a circle. Hey, who’s hungry? I asked, as my daughter collapsed into a fit of giggles.

I am, my sister said, as she gathered her gear and began walking towards the house.

Hellooo! I could use some help here, I shouted, putting Crescent down. Either Rain didn’t hear, or chose to ignore me, as she continued up the steps and out of sight. She walked over the dunes that blocked the view of the house and backyard.

The dunes had grown with each year and storm, adding more and more sand, which was now adorned with an abundance of wildflowers and greenery. At dawn and dusk, we could spot animals-turtles, rabbits, snakes, grasshoppers and frogs-living in the protection and safety of the habitat. One chilly winter afternoon, I spied a small baby rattler on the bridge crossing the dunes. I had been carrying Crescent in my arms, and terrified, I had backed slowly away from the ominous snake until its scaly body and baby rattler had been swept away by a strong breeze racing across the bridge.

Shrugging away the memory, I shifted Crescent to my hip and picked up the beach blanket and the small ice chest. I left the sand buckets, towels and radio to be gathered on the next trip. I marched, huffing across the wood slat bridge and hopping from one foot to the other, as the wooden slats had grown hot in the midday sun. Beaches heralded my march by running circles in front and around me, nearly sending me into a freefall down the stairs.

Beaches! I cried out. Crescent laughed, enjoying his antics. Shifting her weight on my hip, I ran quickly across the bridge and down the steps which led conveniently to the back yard of the beach house I now shared with Crescent and Beaches. My grandmother, Kate, had left me the house in her will. The home was small, compared to many of the homes that lined Crescent Beach’s beach-front property; but this two-story home felt like a castle to me, our heaven on earth. Bright blue French doors led the way through both of the house’s upper and lower levels, which opened onto sundecks lined with colorful Adirondack chairs.

It was an inviting home, which compelled me, and whoever was visiting, to sit with a glass of wine or cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

You know, you could put Crescent down. She’s been climbing up and down those steps for months now, Rain said, watching us from her position in the back yard.

Obliging, I deposited Crescent and everything else in my arms onto the soft green earth. Crescent began running circles around the yard, with Beaches close behind, nudging at her tiny legs. She plopped down on the grass and started giggling as Beaches licked her face. Crescent responded by sticking her miniature hands deep into Beaches’ mouth.

Ew, said Rain again.

Yea, I answered making a mental note to give her face a good washing as soon as I had the chance. Hey, will you watch her while I go get the rest of the beach stuff, or will you get it?

Sure.

I waited a minute to see which one she meant; she didn’t move. Donning my flip flops, I hurried back to our beach spot and gathered the rest of the beach gear in both arms. As I returned to the house, I paused at the top of the stairs and turned around, stealing another look. The white sand dunes covered in grass and sea oats, the blue gray, white-capped ocean water, and the brilliance of the blue sky, clouds and gulls above, never failed to fill me with joy. I took a moment to savor it. Thank you Kate, I said aloud.

Screams of laughter brought me back to the present. Rain was spraying both dog and child with the garden hose, pouring dish soap over the two of them as she sprayed. Beaches tried to bite the water with his teeth.

Rain!

What? They needed to be cleaned up and that’s what I’m doing.

Seriously Rain??

You should be thanking me, at least they’re clean now. So what’s for lunch? I’m hungry. All this mothering stuff has worn me out. Think I’ll take a nap too, right after we eat. So again… what’s to eat? she asked before entering the house.

Dropping the beach blankets, towels, and toys on the deck, I marched over to where my daughter and dog now sat in a puddle of mud playing with the soap. Shaking my head, I scooped up my muddy daughter and used the garden hose to gingerly wash the soap and mud off Crescent as well as Beaches who refused to be left behind.

As I dried the two of them off with beach towels, the three of us made our way through the lower French doors and into the house. Rain was sprawled out on the big cushioned denim couch with matching pillows, munching on potato chips and a banana. Crescent toddled over to her aunt, crawling up and finding a seat on top of Rain’s flat stomach. She held out her hand for a chip, which Rain immediately took from the bag and placed in her cute little chubby hand. Beaches jumped on the end of the couch wagging his tail, shaking his long fur coat all over them, purposefully making his way to the bag of chips in Rain’s hand.

Shit! my sister yelled.

Rain! I said to my sister nodding my head towards Crescent.

Sorry, but your dog just shook his wet furry ass all over me, what am I supposed to say…’Beaches, darling, get down from here?’ Shit! she cried out as Beaches, upon hearing his name, jumped across the couch landing next to Crescent on top of Rain’s belly and started licking Rain’s face. Ew!!!

Shit. Shit. Crescent clapped her hands and smiled, saying her new favorite word over and over.

Crap. Are you happy now? I snapped. Crescent honey, it’s not nice to say that word, I turned and gave my sister the look. It was the expression our mother had invented to ensure our complete subordination whenever we strayed from that golden path…hers. She was a master at reducing us both to shame with one icy glance. In fact, she still uses that look to this day, despite our adult ages. I tried to impersonate her with the look I was giving Rain, but let’s face it, my mother was the master. No one could replicate her technique.

Why? You say it all the time, Rain said. Don’t be such a hypocrite.

Shit, shit, my baby mouthed clear as the bells that rang in town on Sunday morning.

She found a toy block in between cushions, put it in her mouth, gummed it and then threw it across the room. Beaches ran to retrieve it, brought it back to her, and deposited it in her lap. She grabbed it, turned it in her chubby little hand and said, Shit, shit. She smiled at my horrified expression.

Great! I said. My daughter has a sewer mouth; and to top it all off she has Beaches’ saliva in her mouth. Ew!!!

Can’t be helped you know, it’s her father’s genes running through her, Rain said, happy to be free of both of them. I’m going upstairs for a shower. Will lunch be ready when I get through?

Hello, I need to change and clean up Crescent and this mess. How about you fix lunch for a change?

Nah, I’ll just wait. I’ve got a real craving for a burger though. I don’t suppose you’d fix me one, would you? Oh, and some fries. Damn my mouth is totally watering for one now. Oh, and a root beer float. Yum, I can taste it now. Why are you looking at me like that?

How do you not gain an ounce of fat when you eat like that? I’m just listening to you and I feel the pounds jumping on.

Just luck I suppose or maybe I take after Dad. Now he’s the skinny one.

That’s because he’s in constant motion. He never stops. He’s always doing something. Now Mom on the other hand….

Yea, she’s got that cute little pot belly, Rain said, finishing off the rest of the chips saving one for Crescent while dusting the crumbs off her lap to the floor, which Beaches immediately pounced on.

See in a few, Rain said, taking the stairs two at a time.

Well that was nice of her wasn’t it? I said, taking my daughter’s hand as we walked into the kitchen together.

Beaches followed. I lifted Crescent into her high chair, pulled a clean washcloth out of the drawer, wet it and commenced washing her face and hands under immense protests. Beaches started howling in sympathy.

Really? I looked down at his big brown soulful eyes looking back at me, with his long brown, black shaggy tail wagging back and forth.

Finished with clean up detail, I picked up a couple of peaches, peeled and sliced them putting them in front of my daughter who sat waiting patiently in her high chair. She picked one up and sucked on it and then held it out to Beaches who took it gratefully from her small sausage-like fingers. She giggled in delight and gave him another slice.

Crescent, Momma wants you to eat that, not Beaches. Beaches, come over here and eat your own dinner. I pulled him by his collar to the big blue ceramic bowl with his name painted on it, filled with Paul Newman’s Premium Organic dog food. I’m spending a small fortune on your food, the least you could do is eat it.

I heard the sounds of distant thunder. Taking a quick glance out the kitchen window to the north I saw dark thunder heads hovering over the horizon. Crescent baby, it’s a good thing we came in when we did, it looks like we’re in for a biggie.

As I watched the clouds roll in, I couldn’t help but wish I was back outside walking along shore. There was a sense of urgency, excitement, and life swirling in the fast lane, taking the loose and small fragments along with it, that called out to me. I remembered one time when Rain and I were young, staying at the beach house with our grandparents. Kate, Rain and I were on the beach as a storm rolled in off of the coast. I danced along the shore, enjoying the wind as it blew through my hair, watching spellbound as the water turned darker, white caps spewing into the air, the heat and humidity gone, as the cooler air set in announcing the rain’s arrival. I loved the contrast created between the darkening sky and clouds up above to the white sand below. Rain hid behind my grandmother, peeking around from the safety of Kate’s overalls. And I remembered my grandmother laughing, joy spreading across her face as she looked out at me and down at Rain… her beloved granddaughters, each experiencing life in their own unique way.

Crescent’s smacking her dish brought me back to the present.

I proceeded to cut up some veggies and added left over rice, stir frying them in the wok. When it was done, I cooled the food some before giving it to Crescent. She immediately made a game of eating some then throwing some at Beaches.

Crescent!’

Crescent began to cry.

What have you done to my niece? Rain said, walking into the kitchen with her hair drawn up in a towel, wearing fresh clean shorts and a tank top, with her perfectly pedicured bare feet…looking radiant.

Look at the mess she’s making, I cried in my defense.

Since when do you care? Besides, she’s having fun. Come here baby, Auntie Rain will make it all better, your mommy’s just cranky. You’d think she’d be elated now that she’s single again. Rain reached for Crescent who, by now, was working herself into a major scream fest, red face, tears rolling, fist crunched on either side of her face. Beaches was howling in turn. My head hurt. But I did feel somewhat soothed as I watched Rain’s loving face turn crimson as Crescent wiped her tears, hands, and face clothed with rice, spinach, squash, and string beans all over her Auntie Rain’s clean white top. Yep, I felt a whole lot better.

Crescent was thrust into my arms. Rain then proceeded to march up the stairs, swearing the whole way, giving Crescent more words to add to her growing vocabulary.

I held Crescent on my lap. Comforted, she reached to the table to pick at the food in her dish. Beaches waited patiently, hoping for more handouts. Afterwards, I bathed my daughter and dressed her in a cute yellow romper. By now, Crescent held her snuggly blanket close to her chest, looking for ‘momma’s bottle’. I sat in the rocker and nursed her until she fell asleep. As she lay on her tummy in her crib, I gently covered her with her blanket and walked softly out of her room so as not to wake her. Beaches, seeing his playmate in her crib, started barking, startling Crescent into a fresh set of tears.

Beaches was promptly put outside the room with the door closed. I patted Crescent’s fanny until she went back to sleep. Feeling tired and irritated, I went to my room, did a quick rinse off and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. All the while, I kept a watchful eye on Beaches, making sure he stayed close and away from Crescent’s room.

Back in the kitchen, I made two hummus sandwiches and put them on two plates with rice chips and pickles. I sat down to eat my sandwich. Rain came in sporting another clean tank top.

What’s that? she said, frowning.

Eat it or don’t. This is lunch.

Whew! exclaimed Rain. Somebody’s got their panties in a twist. I thought you’d be happy now that you’re a single girl and all."

A male voice suddenly boomed, So you finally divorced that creep. Good for you.

Startled I turned to see Mark standing in the kitchen doorway.

Mark, where did you come from? I asked with my mouth full.

Front door, why?

Didn’t hear you knock.

Since when do I have to knock?

Since you don’t live here and it would be nice if you did, I said, finishing the first half of my sandwich.

He laughed, the tanned skin surrounding his clear blue eyes crinkling. It was good to see the laugh lines, as smiling wasn’t exactly Mark’s forte’. Mostly serious and at times dark, he leaned more towards grouchy and irritable. Those blue eyes of his could turn to blades of steel in a matter of seconds.

And although Mark was my friend, he acted like the big brother I’d never had, which sometimes was good and other times…not so much. He’d been my grandmother’s business partner. Together they’d owned the Gallery in town, Saint Augustine. Mark and my grandmother created a venue for his photography and her oil landscapes and portraits, and for the work of other local artists in town.

I worked part time at the Gallery, bringing Crescent and Beaches along with me. I took time off when I needed, like when I had house guests….some of them stayed longer than their welcome, as the one in front of me who for some reason felt it important to stay and stay and stay.

Well since it’s the only decent thing around here to eat, she said giving the sandwich a dirty look. Look out Mark…Sunny’s in need of a nap.

Mark are you hungry? Princess over here can’t find it in her good graces to appreciate something good when she sees it, I said, ignoring her.

Yea, I can probably force it down, he said moving closer to inspect it.

Really what is wrong with you people? I asked. Where’s your better half?

Sierra, Mark’s wife, might truly be his better half. Since Sierra came into his life he was different. The softer, gentler side of Mark surfaced, more often than not. And although his smiles were usually a rare occurrence to see, now they were like the summer afternoon rain showers….a lot more predictable, especially when Sierra was around. Then his whole face took on an angelic expression….well almost.

Sierra’s still working. She’ll be by later. By the way, what are we having for dinner tonight to celebrate the good news? And where’s my second favorite girl in the world? He was referring to Crescent, who also brought out the soft and tender side of Mark.

Your girl’s sleeping, taking a much needed nap. And what dinner? And for what celebration?

Your divorce of course.

Right then a big smack of thunder exploded overhead. Seconds later the power snapped off and Crescent’s crying could be heard throughout the house.

"I’ll get her. She’s in need of her ‘Uncle Markie’.

Uncle Markie? both Rain and I chimed in at the same time. Grinning I stuffed a large dill pickle in my mouth.

Mark shrugged his shoulders. Hey what can I say…when you’ve got it, you’ve got it. Glad to hear you finally came to your senses.

I am not divorced, I called out to his retreating figure.

Whatever, he called back.

A few minutes later Mark was back in the kitchen with a smiling Crescent secure in his arms and Beaches close behind.

What’s with this mutt? Mark scowled at Beaches.

He likes you.

Humph.

I did not get divorced, I said to Mark. Don’t give me that look. I mean it.

She’s telling you the truth. You actually think she’d have the gonads to do something like that? It turns out that they are not married, something to do with the legal mumbo jumbo, Rain said.

For real? Mark said, sitting down with Crescent propped on one knee. Rolls of thunder exploded nearby but this time Crescent just smiled, feeling safe sitting on her ‘Uncle Markie’s’ knee.

Yep for real, but…. I didn’t finish.

What? he asked.

I walked over and leaned in to whisper into his ear, Now Crescent doesn’t have her dad’s last name. She doesn’t have any name.

Mark stepped back and placed a kiss on top of Crescent’s head. Sunny, don’t be ridiculous. Of course she’s got Jake’s name. He is her father isn’t he?

Mark, I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer, I said, backing away."

Whatever.

What is it with everyone whatever-ing me? I leaned against the counter. Seriously do you really think she has Jake’s name even though we’re not legally married?

There’s only one way to find out. Call the office and ask.

What office?

The legal records office.

And what’s that?

I don’t know, just do it.

Let’s Google it, Rain offered.

Oh yea, we can Google it, I said, looking around the counter for my iphone. What do I say?

Just ask it…. But Rain’s voice stopped abruptly when a flash of lightning and huge thunder clap exploded almost simultaneously. The explosion was followed immediately by a sudden crashing sound as part of the ceiling and roof came bursting through onto the kitchen floor. As we looked up, a huge limb speared its way through the opening-just missing one of us as its target. I instinctively grabbed Crescent from Mark and held her tightly against my chest. She was too startled to cry.

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Chapter 2

T he four of us stood in shocked silence. Sheetrock and roof shingles mixed with tile and concrete, as well as sticks and palm fronds, lay scattered all over the floor, table and kitchen countertops.

Where the hell did that come from? Mark asked, as we stared at what was left of a huge tree limb dangling from the open ceiling.

I have no idea, I said.

Slowly we inched our way to stand under the hole in the ceiling, surveying the damage. We saw straight through to the upstairs guest bedroom and out into the open gray sky. Something creaked and torrents of rain gushed down over us like an angry waterfall.

Holy shit! Rain screamed. Crescent let loose her own waterworks with sound effects to match. Drenched, we jumped away from the cascading water. Another bolt of lightning struck with Jurassic Park thunder booming close behind. Wind blew in with the rain, and for a moment it looked as if the tree limb would come crashing down to the floor. But instead, a cacophony of squawking, feathers, and wings erupted into the room as a pelican flew through the hole in the ceiling, as if it had been tossed like a football.

Terrified, the bird flew haphazardly around the room and suddenly landed directly on top of Rain’s head, wings flapping. Rain screamed and began running around the room. The pelican was young, not full grown. Glancing away from the bird to my sister, I saw horror written across her face. It may have been my imagination but I could have sworn that the pelican wore the same expression.

Get this thing off of me! Rain screamed, hopping and running around in circles.

I wrung my hands, not knowing what to do. Then for some strange reason I smiled and giggled. Mark smiled and actually had the nerve to laugh out loud. Then I did. Crescent stopped crying and began to smile. We were drenched, standing in a wind tunnel, laughing at my sister running around the room with a pelican hanging on her head for dear life.

That’s until Rain turned my way. I quickly wiped the smile off of my face and stopped laughing as her eyes bore the look of a wild animal ready to leap. I thrust Crescent into Mark’s arms and went over to see what I could do to help. It was a catch twenty two. The pelican tried to fly away, his wings spread and flapping, but his webbed feet became entangled in my sister’s thick dark hair. The more the bird struggled to free himself, the crazier became Rain’s cries for help.

Rain, calm down, Mark shouted, trying to be heard above the din of her cries and the tempest both inside and outside of the house.

You calm down! She shouted back. And then as she caught me smiling again, she jabbed her index finger square into my breast plate. It’s not funny!

Ouch! I said. That hurts! I moved away…besides Rain’s fury, there was no way I wanted a pelican jumping onto my head.

Good, now you know what it feels like to be attacked! she shouted, coming near me again. She got so close I could feel the heat radiating off her body…from anger, fear, or all the running…hard to tell. And her breath smelled like garlic and onions.

Rain, did you eat some of the hummus?

What does that have to do with anything? I’m being attacked by a killer bird and you want to know if I ate your stupid vegetarian sandwich?

Well did you?

Eyeball to eyeball, breathing heavy she spat out, I may have had a bite.

I could tell, your breath stinks!

Figures, stupid lunch.

You wouldn’t know a good lunch if it hit you in the head.

Your lunches… would sink an unsinkable ship.

So while she and I were discussing the pros and cons of lunch, the bird took the opportunity to untangle itself and fly to the kitchen counter.

Will you two shut up?! Mark barked. Dark Mark was back and it wasn’t pretty. Look! he commanded pointing towards the counter.

We looked and there on its new perch sat the pelican. Ah, how cute. Little Peli, I said.

Peli? Rain asked looking at me as if I was deranged.

Yes, he’s cute and I named him.

Sunny, there is seriously something wrong with you! Gingerly, Rain patted the top of her head, breathing a sigh of relief. She forgot and leaned against the counter where the pelican now sat. The pelican’s beak met with my sister’s back, sending renewed panic through her. She screamed and ran around the table like a chicken with its head cut off, while the pelican on the counter squawked and flapped its wings in frantic motion. Mark stood with Crescent in his arms, keeping her safe. Beaches was nowhere to be seen.

I started to leave the kitchen.

Sunny, where the hell do you think you’re going?!! Rain shouted. And it wasn’t a question.

I have to pee. Happens every time I’m under duress or think something’s funny. This fell under both categories.

Don’t you dare leave me, I need you!

At that moment ‘Peli’ flew up on top of Rain’s head again, perching as if her head was his new pier stump.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAgggh! Rain screamed as she commenced to run around the kitchen again.

Mark moved closer to where I was standing with my legs crossed trying to control myself. Rain, seeing us, decided to come our way with the bird fully entrenched on top of her head. Mark, Sunny do something! This bird is going to kill me!!!!!! Rain yelled. Mark backed away from her while I ran for the bathroom, shutting and locking the door quickly behind me.

Sunny!!! Open this door! Now!

No friggin’ way! I yelled back safe on the other side.

At that moment I heard the front door open. It’s a hurricane out there! I heard Sierra say, just before the wind slammed the door shut.

Sierra, help me! Get this thing off of me! Rain moved away from the bathroom door. As Rain continued to scream, I inched my way out of the bathroom quietly. I spied Sierra standing at the front door still holding onto her dripping wet opened umbrella, her eyes locked on the scene in front of her.

Quick, open the door! I said to Sierra.

She opened the front door, holding on fast. The pelican, seeing a way of escape, took leave of his perch, taking with him trails of Rain’s long dark hair out into the blinding rain.

Rain sunk to the floor in a heap of tears.

I knelt on the floor by her and took her hand. Rain honey, you are okay. I don’t see any blood dripping down your face.

Between catching sobs, she took a moment to look my way. In that instant, she shot me a gaze that I would have willingly exchanged for a pelican on top of my head. I backed up an inch or two.

Then her hand grabbed my arm fiercely. I struggled to free myself from the crazed woman in front of me posing as my sister. I wasn’t quick enough though because before I knew it she was on top of me reaching for my hair, pulling and tugging with all her might. If Mark hadn’t handed Crescent, who was calmly sucking her thumb through the whole ordeal, over to Sierra, and jumped in between us, I’m afraid I might have ended up with more missing hair than my crazy sister.

Kneeling between us, Mark said, Really, you two need to get over whatever it is that’s got you all hot and bothered.

I’m not hot and bothered. She’s just plain crazy! I yelled.

Oh yea, and you are the picture of sanity, Rain spit out.

Seriously, if you two don’t calm down, I’m taking Crescent home with me and sending the two of you to your rooms just like little kids…not that I can tell the difference, Mark said, sitting back on his haunches, peering first at me, then at Rain.

You’re funny, I said trying to untangle the knots in my drenched hair.

I think you should do it, Rain said. Take Crescent away from her mean spirited mother. Oh, and while you’re at it, I think you should call Jake and tell him to come get his daughter. Rain cast the ‘that’ll fix you look’ my way.

I don’t think Mark would do that and even if he would, Sierra would never go for it, would you Sierra? I asked pleadingly.

Sierra shook her head no, afraid to say anything that might set Rain off. She gave Crescent a kiss on her cheek as she rocked her, swaying back and forth from foot to foot.

Whatever, Rain said, sitting up and raking her fingers through her hair. Oh!

What! Are you okay? I said rushing past Mark to my sister’s side.

I don’t know. Hurry up, look, I think I’ve got blood clots on top of my head, Rain said reaching over to grab my hand, putting it on top of her head.

I felt something. It was gooey, kind of like a blood clot might feel; but when I pulled my hand away from her to inspect it, I discovered that the supposed blood clot was none other than pelican poop. Ew!!!

What! What is it? Rain exclaimed. She took one look at the goo in my hand and almost passed out. She turned white as a ghost and started fanning herself frantically. Hurry, call 911, I need medical attention like yesterday!!

Why? I asked dumfounded.

What do you mean why? My brains are falling out, look, there they are in your hands, she said pointing and nearly fainting at the sight.

Rain your brains aren’t falling out, that’s bird poop, big pelican bird poop. I shoved my hand right under her nose so not only could she see it, she could get a whiff of it, too. Who would have thought that it could stink like that?

Oh, bird shit. So I’m not dying. Good. Now get that shit out from under my nose. Really Sunny, I don’t know about you.

Me? I said ready for battle.

I mean it, came the solid serious tone from Mark, his eyes darting towards Crescent as he jangled his car keys.

Fine.

Fine.

Where’s Beaches? I asked, suddenly aware that he’d gone missing.

Who cares, Rain said.

Beaches, where are you, boy? I got up and went looking for him. By this time, Crescent had fallen asleep in Sierra’s arms. Sierra had moved into the living room and sat in the rocker where she gently rocked Crescent.

I went to find Beaches. He was nowhere to be found. I checked the kitchen area where the rain continued to pour through the gaping hole in my roof and ceiling. The wind blew in all sorts of debris that I’d have to clean up later. Wow…what a mess, I said to no one in particular.

I looked for Beaches out the front door, just in case he’d run outside during all the confusion. The only thing I found was more stormy weather blowing my way.

I came back in and grabbed a towel from the guest bathroom. Drying my hair, I called out, Has anyone seen him down here?

Told you we don’t care, Rain said looking in the hallway mirror trying to inspect what damage may have occurred to her crown of glory.

I care, I retorted. I hope he didn’t wander off in that storm.

Don’t worry, he’s probably hiding somewhere, Mark said. He’s not the bravest dog, you know.

He’s plenty brave, I retorted.

Check upstairs, Sierra offered.

Taking her advice, I went upstairs, checking the guest bedroom first. The site before me stopped me cold. What once had been an inviting guest bedroom, now stood in shambles. Debris covered all surfaces, while rain poured through the opening in the roof and the huge tree limb poked out from the hole in the floor.

Damn! Mark said, coming up behind me.

Wow, I said.

It’s fixable, Mark said. Good news is now you have a sky light.

Great, just what I always wanted, I answered unenthusiastically. I moved into the room and bent down to look under the bed. Beaches are you there boy? Nothing.

Mark walked around the room, surveying the damage.

Shaking my head, I went in search of Beaches. I found him hiding under my bed. Ah, there’s my brave boy. I saw and heard his tail wagging but there was no way he was coming out.

As long as you’re okay, I said petting his head.

Did you find him? Mark asked