Until Sunrise

****

Two days after the burial, Flora McAllister woke up late and narrowly escaped meeting with her best friend from high school. The two had plans to meet at Westfield Ohio’s bar for a night of margaritas and gossip.

But her mother had different plans for her.

“I’d like you to stay for the reading of the will.” Betty said as soon as Flora walked into the living room. A slight wrinkle furrowed her brow at her mother’s comment. Flora would rather chew on cud than getting sucked to attend the reading of the will. After all, her father made it clear that he wasn’t going to leave her anything.

“I have plans now.” She lied, and spread butter onto her toasted bread. She was approaching thirty and could not forgive her mother for cheating on her father several times and making out with her friend from high school.

“I know you hate me but I’m a changed person now.” Betty said.

“Good for you. I don’t hate you, I only hate your horrible ways.” Tiny creases settled in the corner of Betty’s blue eyes.

“You don’t act like you love me.” Betty removed a strand of hair from entering her left eye. “Give me a chance to show you that I’m a changed person, we can go shopping after the meeting. We’ll drive and spend the day at the mall.” Betty smiled with genuine pleasure. “Now that you are here, let me show you how much I love you.”