Mirror Image

By Sherry Chappell

This book is about identical twin sisters with conflicting values. A man confuses the identity of the sisters and sets in motion a chain of events that lead to an intriguing story based upon mistaken identity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891570184

Book preview

cover.jpg

Mirror Image

Sherry Chappell

Copyright © 2024 Sherry Chappell

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2024

ISBN 979-8-89157-009-2 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-89157-018-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

About the Author

For my mother, Rene, an avid reader of romance novels, and my sister, Trude Kersey.

The sharp blast of a horn reminded Anne that her mind should be on her driving and the traffic, instead of the personal problems awaiting her at home. Home was a strange word to use for a place she'd only seen in photos her mother had mailed to her at school.

Anne had left for college at the same time her mother and twin sister, Sheila, had moved to Conlin, Florida. Her mother had hoped the move to the small community would make Sheila give up her wayward behavior and force her to settle down, but if her mother's letter, pleading for Anne to skip graduation exercises and hurry home, was any indication, then the move obviously hadn't done Sheila any good.

Anne ran her eye over the car's gauges and noticed she needed gas. She pulled into the next service station, and while the attendant filled her car, she got out the map to check her directions. According to the map, she was only another forty miles from Conlin, and then she had her mother's letter giving her directions to get to the house. Anne paid for the gas, thankful that her compact Honda Civic got such good gas mileage. Glancing over her left shoulder to check for oncoming cars, Anne eased out into the traffic again; thoughts of her sister filled her head.

Anne couldn't understand her sister. Sheila was a beautiful girl with an intelligent mind, so how could she let herself get mixed up with the same kind of people over and over? Anne was afraid that her sister experimented with drugs, and she drifted in and out of intimate relationships with men she hardly knew. From the letter lying in the seat next to her, Anne knew her mother was at her wit's end about what to do.

Entering the small city of Conlin, Anne was impressed with the attractive residential section she drove through. Further on, she passed through downtown, which was quite old and quaint, although Anne knew from letters her mother had written that there was a more modern business section in town with newer buildings and a mall. Everything looked so clean compared to the older northern city of Albany where she'd spent the last four years in college. Palms, hibiscus, and oleanders were among the many flowers and trees adding color and glamour to this town.

Anne took the bridge over the river, a winding ribbon of blue studded with emerald isles, toward the ocean. Turning onto Ocean Drive, she looked for Honeysuckle Lane. Two lights later, she found it and turned right looking for the address of her mother's house.

She found it moments later, an attractive white stucco house set amid a variety of Florida flora that sheltered the house from the street. The corner lot afforded extra privacy.

Anne pulled into the driveway and gladly got out of the car. She stretched, muscles stiff from long hours spent behind the wheel of her car, hoisted her shoulder bag more firmly onto her shoulder, and walked up the stairs to the screened porch. Colorful-webbed chairs and a glass-topped table provided a pleasant place to relax and view the changing street scenes.

Before Anne could ring the bell, her mother burst through the front door embracing Anne warmly and exclaiming, Darling, thank goodness you're here. Let me look at you. As beautiful as ever I see, although I think you look thinner, but just listen to me rambling on. You must be exhausted. Come in, honey. Where are your things?

Hi, Mom. It's wonderful to see you too. My bags are in the car, but I'll get them later. Right now, I'd love a cold drink.

Of course, Anne, follow me.

Anne followed her mother into the mudroom and through a bright yellow kitchen into the dining area. She collapsed onto the nearest chair, while her mother reached for two glasses, opened the refrigerator, and asked, Would you prefer lemonade or iced tea?

Iced tea sounds great, Mom. Where's Sheila? Isn't she here?

Her mother's face clouded over as she fixed the tea, and she said, I don't know where she is, Anne. Probably out with those awful friends of hers. Setting the tea in front of Anne, she continued, I really thought this move would help Sheila settle down, but wherever she goes, she seems to attract the same kind of friends. I look at you, Anne, and see a lovely young woman who's making something of her life, and then I look at Sheila wasting hers and ask myself, ‘Why? Where did I go wrong? How can one daughter make me so proud and the other so ashamed?'

Tears filled her mother's eyes, and Anne jumped up to put her arms around her mother's trembling shoulders trying to comfort her. Mother, please don't cry. I'm here now, and I'll do anything I can to help.

Anne, when your father was alive, he at least seemed to exert some influence over your sister, but now she's impossible to manage. I only hope it doesn't take something terrible to happen before she realizes the mess she's making of her life. But enough of Sheila for now, said Mrs. Hamilton. Let me show you to your room. I thought about having you share with Sheila, but with her coming in at all hours, I knew you wouldn't get any rest. I've put you in the Florida room. It's enclosed, and the sofa pulls out into a comfortable bed. Besides, I thought you'd enjoy having some privacy.

The Florida room was lovely. Painted a celery green on three walls, the fourth wall was paneled a rich dark walnut. Against the paneled wall was a fireplace. It was wooden mantel-painted celery with white accents. Two small windows were set high in the paneled wall to admit light, but still afford privacy, had their moldings painted the same celery green. The effect was charming. The rug was beige and light green, and the furniture was colonial style. Several healthy-looking plants trailed from their macramé hangers, bringing a touch of outdoors inside.

Oh, Mother, Anne exclaimed, I love it!

Well, honey, I hoped you would. I do want you to be happy here.

Her mother turned to an attractive walnut armoire telling Anne she could use it for her clothes and that anything which needed to be hung up could be put in her closet at one end that had been cleared specifically for that purpose. Mrs. Hamilton also pointed out the stereo and portable color television that were in the room.

Come along, Anne, and I'll give you the grand tour of the rest of the house, her mother laughed. She led Anne back into the living room through the archway which allowed access to the Florida room and down a short hall from which branched the common bathroom and two bedrooms. The master bedroom had its own private bathroom. Both bedrooms were painted an antique white, and the carpeting in the master bedroom was a rich sculptured blue, while the second bedroom's carpet was a unique shade of orange, kind of like a blazing sunset.

Sheila has the master bedroom, her mother said. As much time as that girl spends on her appearance, it was more practical for her to have the private bath. Well, what do you think of the place?

Mom, I think it looks great. As usual, your taste is impeccable. The furniture from our old house looks good in here, and I see you've added a few new pieces too.

Mother and daughter walked back to the living room and sat down. The living room furniture was made of a rich leather-like material, and one literally sank into it.

I've got a casserole and salad in the refrigerator. I wasn't sure what time you'd be here, so I thought that would be easiest. I can pop the casserole into the microwave, and it'll be ready in a few minutes. Are you hungry or is that a silly question? her mother asked.

Both women laughed at the private joke. Anne's family teased her about having a stomach that was really a bottomless pit. She put away vast quantities of food and yet had a figure most models would envy. Approximately five feet, six inches tall in her stocking feet, Anne weighed only 118 pounds. Despite her slender frame, she had voluptuous breasts and was nicely curved in all the right places. Her hair, which hung to her waist, was an attractive sable brown with a healthy sheen to it. Hazel eyes abundantly fringed with dark lashes, and high cheekbones gave her a kind of classic beauty that wouldn't suffer with age.

As usual, Mom, I'm famished. A casserole and salad sound fine.

Why don't you freshen up in the bathroom and I should have everything ready when you are, her mother suggested.

Anne stood up and gave her mother a quick squeeze. You spoil me, Mom, she said, but as tired as I am, I think I'll let you this time.

Spoil you indeed, her mother snorted. Who else have I got to pamper now that your father's gone, and Sheila doesn't seem to need me? I'm just so glad you're home, Anne.

Anne went out to the car for her two bags and carried them into her room. She flipped open the larger bag and rummaged around for her cotton nightgown set. Nylon might look sexy, but Anne had discovered that cotton was a lot cooler, and besides, until she got married, she didn't have to worry about sexy nightwear. With the gown and robe over her arm, she headed for the bathroom.

Anne took advantage of the shower massager to ease the tense muscles in her back. The water, turned up as hot as she could stand it, pulsated over her. It felt divine and really helped her to relax.

Stepping out of the shower onto a fluffy plum-colored mat, Anne reached for a fresh towel. She rubbed briskly to restore circulation and bring the oil back to her skin and liberally doused herself with baby powder. Donning her nightgown and robe, she deposited the soiled clothing into the wicker hamper and returned to the kitchen from which a heavenly scent was coming.

Her mother already had the table set and had poured a glass of white wine for each of them. As soon as she saw Anne, she removed the casserole from the microwave and set it on a hot plate on the table. She fetched the salads from the refrigerator and announced, Dinner is served.

Anne dug into the delectable chicken and broccoli casserole with relish. She was already on her second helping before her mother was finished with her first.

There's strawberry cheesecake for dessert if you've got room for it, her mother teased.

Strawberry cheesecake! Are you kidding? I'll make room, Anne answered.

While her mother drank her usual after-dinner coffee, Anne ate her way through the creamy dessert which was her favorite. Mom, she exclaimed, you really do spoil me!"

Nonsense, that's what mothers are for. Go relax in the living room while I stack these dishes in the dishwasher. Then, if you aren't too tired, we can have a nice long talk.

Anne wandered over to the rocker and picking up a copy of Woman's Day, leafed through it while waiting for her mother to join her.

Well, now, said her mother, that didn't take long, did it? Making herself comfortable on the couch, she said, So, Anne, what are your plans? I'm very grateful that you're home to try and help me with Sheila, and naturally, I'd love to have you here permanently. Is there any chance of that happening?

I don't know, Mom. One of my professors at college, Dr. Wilson, has a brother with a flourishing practice. Dr. Wilson said he could get me a position there if I want to live in New York. I think I could go farther in my career there, but I'd miss you.

"Dear, you mustn't consider staying here because of me or Sheila either for that matter. I admit I'll be lonely for you, but there are always vacations, and I'm a genius at dialing the telephone, so we'll keep in touch. You have to do what's best for your career as an