Flight of the Monarch

"Mothers and daughters have better relationships than the one we have."

Maddie sat on the edge of Hayley's bed. "I do not find anything wrong with our relationship."

"It must be working well for you."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't feel like discussing anything right now."

"Perhaps you should take a nap and when you have awakened, we can talk again."

"Perhaps later, you can explain why it is that you and father have never told me about the family I never knew I had."

Maddie's expression revealed the statement startled her. "What are you talking about?"

"Why would you not tell me that Mrs. Sommers is my Aunt Adelaide?"

"Where did you hear that?"

"It does not matter where I heard it. It upsets me that you never cared enough to tell me."

"Hayley, rest now and later you can come down and eat. We can discuss it with your father later." Maddie stood.

Hayley sat up. "It is true, isn't it?"

"It is not for me to discuss."

"In other words, it's true." Hayley tried not to cry, but was choking on her words, as the tears streamed down her face. "How could you let me get so close to Austin and not tell me the truth?"

"I am sorry." Maddie sat down quickly and brushed away the tears. "There is so much you would not understand."

"How could you--lie--to me?"

"I have not lied to you Hayley."

"I trusted you!" Hayley laid her head on her pillow and sobbed. "Please leave me alone, now."

Maddie rose slowly and walked to the door. As she closed it behind her, she felt a twinge of pain in her heart, she had never known before.

_ _

Two days later: "Father, I want to go with you tomorrow."

"There is nothing for you in Kingston."

"I would like to spend time at the university library."

"There would be no one to look after you while I am working."

"I am grown, Father, and I can take care of myself."

"According to Maddie, you have been rather sullen. I would not be comfortable in leaving you to your own devices."

"Then let me come on an expedition. If I've been sullen, it's because I need to spend more time away from here and have more time with you."