Misty Hill Manor

Damn Cat

Bryn got the mess in the kitchen cleaned up after her shower. Found another pot under the sink and enough coffee left in the canister to make a few cups. The cat was hiding, planning an attack no doubt. But, quiet for now. Sitting down at the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee and her computer, she started her hunt for another job. Reading the "suggestions for job hunting" part of Monster jobs, it read "Make a list of things you're looking for in a job". So, she did. It took most of the morning. She didn't realize it was so hard to figure out the things she would accept. Ultimately, she knew she would settle for any job. As long as it was close to home and wasn't a psych ward. She wasn't sure she could handle crazy. She has enough of that in her family. Just then, her phone buzzed on the table. She looked, "speaking of.." she said and noticed a message from her dad.

"Are you coming down for the weekend?" he asked "It's Peg's birthday, she really wants you here". She knew he was lying. Peg couldn't stand his kids or anything that was associated with his ex-wife. 

"I'll let you know by the end of the day." She answered. She wasn't sure if she wanted to see anyone. Especially 'Peg'. She needed to find a job, no one knew she wasn't working at home anymore. She has just been wallowing in self pity for days. Hasn't bothered sharing her shame with anyone. 

"Great! See you then!" He answered. She blinked and made sure her reply was basic avoidance. "I said I'd let you know, Dad. By the end of the day." She replied, again. 

"OK! Your sisters and Ben will be here. Please try." He texted.

"All weekend?" She asked. "Yes" he typed back, quickly. 

"I'll let you know." She wanted to see her sisters and nephew Ben, but she still wasn't sure if she was ready to face them. If she found a job before this evening she would probably go. She looked over at her computer to turn it on and was met by an evil gaze and quick swat by nailess hands. Ducking the jab Brynn timidly said "Hello, Beth. Can I?" as she attempted to push the cat to one side. Beth said no with her teeth and growled. Bryn threw her hands up and stood quickly to her feet. I guess I'm going to get a newspaper. She grabbed her jacket and headed out the door. 

Infront of her apartment, Bryn texted her sister. "Are you going to Dad's this weekend?" she waited for a reply. Bonnie wasn't quick with responses. Not for her siblings anyway. "No." Bonnie responded. "Dad said you and Beck were both going and Beck is bringing Ben". "Dumb family" Bonnie answered "Ben is at his dad's and Peg is a b***h. I'm not going." Bryn groaned and wanted to throw her phone. "WTH! Dad said everyone was going! I'm not. If you and Ben aren't going, I'm not. I won't be there with Peg alone. NO WAY!" Bryn was fuming. 

"Calm down!" Bryn heard a voice behind her. She spun and saw Bonnie standing there. "Oh my God, woman!" Bryn's face was twisted in fear. Bonnie doubled over laughing. "I'm glad you think scaring me is funny!" Brynn swatted at her sister, still trying to calm her heart beat.

"I do!" Bonnie said, containing her amusement. "Calm down. I'm sorry. It was just a perfect opportunity". Still laughing, Bonnie hugged her sister and together they started walking towards the corner shop. 

"You didn't tell me you were in town". Bryn said to her sister. "I know. No one knows I'm here. Just got here last night. Stayed at Joey's. He's out of school for break". Bryn looked at her "His Mom didn't mind?" 

"She's out of town. We didn't bother to ask". They laughed together and went to the back of the store where the coffee shop was. Finding a table they sat down with drinks and a newspaper. 

"Whatcha looking for?" Bonnie asked.

"A job". Bryn answered, slowly looking up at her sister searching her face for a response. 

"Cool". Bonnie replied

"That's it! No, what happened, or I told you so?"

"No. Mom told me." Bryn was floored. "Mom? How did Mom know?" 

"Dr. Dave called her". Bryn totally forgot her Mom had been after Dr. Dave for years. He was 20 years younger than her mother, but she didn't care. Their mother Robin, was single, not bad on the eyes for her age, and didn't care what anyone thought of her. Not even her ex's new wife, Peg. In fact, Robin did things on purpose. So their father, Mike, had to answer for it. Mike didn't much care either, he knew how to calm Peg down. But Robin still had fun doing it. Robin always told her girls she was done with men after their father. They knew she was done with marriage. She had more boyfriends than Carter had Jelly Beans but was chasing Dr. Dave like a ravenous wolf. Or, cougar. The doctor would tell Bryn, it didn't bother him. But every time Robin came to eat lunch with Bryn, Dr. Dave would head in the other direction. He even made a point to be assigned to evening rounds. Said it was because no one else would. Everyone knew it was because of Robin. 

"And she didn't call to check on me?" Bryn asked. "She's playing dumb". Bonnie answered. "waiting for you to tell her". She nodded and went back to her newspaper. 

"So, you going to Dad's?" Bonnie asked her. 

"I don't really want to until I have a job. I don't want to hear it from anyone".

"They all know". Bonnie told her without looking up from her cup. "Mom called Dad around midnight last night. Peg answered. Mom said it was funny. She called Beck this morning. She told them all to keep it quiet. That you would probably want to tell them yourself after you get another job. Or, after you come out of your apartment. Whichever is first". 

Bryn was stunned, staring at her sister blankly. "She's not right in the head". 

"Nope". Bonnie agreed. "But she's not wrong! So, are you going?"

"Are you?" 

"Yeah, Joey's Mom will be home tonight. I don't want to be there when she finds her bed is broken. Can I borrow some clothes?" They laughed together and headed back to Bryn's place.