Baby Doll(50)

“Mommy, why are we on TV?”

“It’s hard to explain, Chicken. Basically, Daddy Rick did something that made people upset and now he has to go away for a while.”

“Is he mad at us?”

“Not at all. I talked to him and he said he misses his best girl.”

“Will I get to see him soon?”

“It may be a while, but he loves you so very much.”

Sky took this in, nodding as if she understood. Abby wanted to throw the table and scream at Sky that this man wasn’t worthy of her love, of anyone’s love, but she remained quiet, in awe of her sister’s strength once again.

Lily finally glanced up at Mom and Abby, as if waiting for their judgment. Mom made eye contact with Abby, and for once they were instantly on the same page.

“Sky, will you walk to the front with me?” Eve asked. “I’m pretty sure there’s some candy up there.”

Sky seemed to sense Lily’s distress. “Mommy, do you mind if I go with Grandma?”

“Not at all, Chicken. Aunt Abby and I will be right behind you.”

Sky took Mom’s hand, glancing back at Lily, who kept a smile on her face until they rounded the corner. Lily’s breathing was heavy, her complexion ghostly pale. She avoided Abby’s gaze, staring down at the bloodred tablecloth.

“Why do you call Sky ‘Chicken’?”

Lily was clearly not expecting this question. She looked up from the paper napkin she was currently ripping to shreds.

“There was a fairy tale I used to read to Sky, the story of Chicken Little. Every time I read ‘the sky is falling,’ she’d laugh hysterically. She loved hearing her name in a book. She’d repeat it over and over. I always thought it was so ironic. I’d call her my Chicken Little. Before long it just became Chicken.”

Lily’s breathing had slowed. Abby’s plan to calm Lily down had done the trick. Abby guessed she’d learned something from all those damn therapists after all.

“He made me take that photo. He was ready for this. He knew that he’d use it one day. He knew!”

“No one’s going to believe him. No one.”

“Are you sure?” Lily asked, her question hanging in the air. Abby wanted to say yes. But she couldn’t. There was no way to predict what other people might think. Abby wished now that she could do more, that she’d done so much more to Missy.

By the time they left the restaurant, the sun was beginning to set. The mood had changed. Fucking Rick Hanson ruining things once again. Abby’s back was killing her, the alien invader clearly not happy either. Lily’s eyes drooped as she cuddled up next to Sky, who was already fast asleep. Mom drove in silence, caught up in her own thoughts.

They arrived back at the house, now familiar, if not still annoying with the reporters that were camped out for what to Abby seemed like the long haul. Only now they were employing new tactics, calling Lily a cock tease, asking if she was in love with Rick Hanson, doing whatever they could to get a reaction out of her.

“Ignore them, Lily,” Abby said, as they hurried inside. But the minute she stepped into the living room, she froze. Sitting on the sofa was Wes, and across from him was Sheriff Rogers. “How’d you get in here?” Abby said, glaring at Wes.

He sighed. “Eve gave me a key.”

Abby was going to have a serious discussion with her mother later.

“I thought I made it clear that I didn’t want to see you,” she said to Wes, ignoring the sheriff. “I told you I didn’t want to see you or speak with you.”

“Abby, can you not pick a fight right now?” Mom asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion and annoyance.

Lily zeroed in on Sheriff Rogers.

“Is this about that photo? Rick’s photo?”

Her question startled him. “That photo… it’s bullshit! Just Hanson grasping at straws.”

“Then what’s going on, Tommy?” Eve asked. His expression was filled with regret.

“I’m afraid I need to take Abby down to the station.”

Lily gasped and carefully readjusted Sky in her arms. “Why? What’s wrong?” she asked, keeping her voice low.

“Missy Hanson filed harassment charges. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding, but I still need you to come with me, Abby,” Sheriff Rogers said gently.

Mom stepped forward, eyes flashing. “Tommy, you’ve got to be kidding. Abby hasn’t harassed anyone. That’s crazy. When in God’s name could she have possibly—?”

Mom realized there was merit to this claim, and her eyes flashed with anger.

“Jesus Christ, Abby, what were you thinking?”

Abby heard her mother’s underlying question loud and clear. Why do you mess up everything? Abby didn’t bother answering. Who cared what Mom thought? All Abby could think about was that bitch Missy Hanson. What a stupid bitch. Abby turned to find Lily staring at her.

“Abby, what did you do?” Lily asked.

“She called you a liar, Lilypad,” Abby said, wanting Lily to understand. “She was on TV, telling the world that what Rick did was all your fault. That you wanted it. She was showing that photo…”

Sheriff Rogers held up his hand. “Not another word, Abby. Please. Don’t say one more word.”