Just Between Sisters
Okay, because most of you demanded it. Here's a follow up to Not Tonight. It's the morning after Alvin had spent the night. That next morning there's a knock on Brittany's door. It's Jeanette. Will she jump to the wrong conclusions?
Alvin was on the phone ordering breakfast when he heard a knock at the door. "Brittany," he could hear Jeanette's voice. "I really need to talk to you." Even though he was only half dressed he answered the door. "Alvin," she said in surprise.
"Hey, Jeanette," he said, letting her in. Jeanette couldn't take her eyes off the shirtless Alvin. "Brittany's in the shower."
"Really?" she said sarcastically. "Well, um..., it's obvious I'm interrupting something, so I'll come back later."
"No," Brittany's voice came from the bedroom door. "You're not interrupting anything." She looked over at Alvin. "Could you give us a minute?"
"Sure, babe," he said and went into the bedroom to give Brittany and Jeanette some privacy.
"Brittany, what's going on?" Jeanette said. "After that fight you had last week you said you never wanted to see him again, and now he's..."
"Jeanette, get you mind out of the gutter. It's not what you think."
"Then what is it?" Jeanette demanded.
"I just had a little too much to drink last night, and he brought me home."
"Is that all?" Jeanette asked.
"Yes, that's all," she said, but it was obvious that Jeanette didn't believe her.
"Look. I don't have time right now. We'll have lunch at the cafe', one o'clock. Then we'll talk. Okay?"
"Okay," Jeanette said and gave her sister a hug. "Could you do me a favor, Britt?"
"What?" she said, feeling a lecture coming on.
"Just be careful," she said. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"Stop worrying so much. Besides Alvin and I worked everything out. Now, I'll see you later."
She practically forced her sister out of her apartment. She closed the door relieved that she didn't have to further explain the situation.
"Jeanette leave?" Alvin said, coming out of the bedroom. He was fully dressed now, which disappointed her a little since she kind of like him shirtless. She walked halfway up to the landing until he was standing next to him.
"Yea," she said, "But I told her I'd meet her for lunch." There was a sudden nervousness in her being so close to Alvin. "I should go change."
"I, ah, kind a like you like this."
"Maybe," she said with a laugh. "But I don't think Professor Wilkins will."
"So, you're dropping me for him?" he teased.
"If I had a choice I'd choose you, but I really need to pass this class."
"Okay," he said and gave her a quick kiss. "You go change. The food should be here soon."
"I won't be long."
"Alright," he said, knowing full well she wasn't serious about that. There was a second knock at the door and Alvin went to answer it. He opened the door and saw a delivery boy on the other side. "Great. Breakfast." He handed the kid the money and took the bag of food. He put the food on the counter leading to the kitchenette and went to the cupboard to find some plates. He set the table for two.
At that moment Brittany came out of the bedroom. She was dressed in her casual jeans and a pink top, but her hair was down and flowing down her back, just the way he liked it.
"Hey, what's this?" she asked, looking at the set table with a plate ready and waiting for her.
"Breakfast," he said.
"I see that," she said. "You did all this?"
"It's just takeout," he said. "Now you just sit down and have something to eat."
He pulled out her chair for her, and she sat down. "This is nice," she said. She took a few bits before saying, "I just want to apologize..."
"For what?" he asked.
"For last night," she said, embarrassed. "I don't know what got into me."
"Forget about it," Alvin said. "But I guess it up to me to keep you out of trouble."
"You? You're the king of trouble." They both laughed at that, because they knew it was true. Brittany looked at her watch. "Oh!! I gotta go. Class in 30 minutes."
"Hey, how about dinner tonight?" he asked.
"Okay," she said and smiled. "Pick me up here about seven."
"Sure," he said. They both rose from their their seats. She was about to grab her bag and purse, but before she could. "Hey, wait a minute." He pulled her close to him. He put his arms around her and lowered his lips to hers. He opened his mouth and as she did, his tongue rolling around with hers. She didn't want him to stop, and he knew it. He suddenly broke off the kiss, which confused her. "A sample of things to come."
It infuriated her the way he teased him, but she figured she deserved it after last night.
Later that day, Brittany met Jeanette at the little cafe' on campus. She was running late as usual. She spotted her sister and rushed over to her table.
"Jeanette," Brittany said, almost out of breath. "I'm so sorry I'm late." Brittany put her bags on the floor next to her chair and placed her purse on the table. Only when she looked up did she noticed that Jeanette was crying. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Brittany, I don't know what I'm going to do." Jeanette lost control and started crying uncontrollably. Brittany took her sister's hand from across the table, which calmed her down a little. "I feel so stupid."
"What's going on, Jeanette? You never break down like this."
"Brittany, I'm pregnant," she said, crying again. "I don't know what I'm going to do."
"Have you told Simon?" Brittany asked.
"No," she said, taking a napkin and blowing her nose. "I don't want to either."
"Jeanette, you have to tell him. He's going to find out eventually."
"No, he doesn't," she said, and dried her eyes of the rest of her tears. She looked up at her sister with a serious look on her face.
"Jeanette, no, you're not thinking of...."
"What? An abortion? What else can I do? We're not ready for a baby. I have two more years of college, then medical school. I can't do that with a baby. And what about Simon. He has plans, too. There's just no way..."
"Jeanette, I can tell you're having doubts. You do this, you can't take it back. Just think about it for a while."
"I have to do it before it's too late."
"Why don't you discuss with Simon first?"
"No, because I know what he'll say. He'll want to keep it, and get married, and forget about his career and everything he's worked for. Then one day he'll resent me and the baby."
"No, he won't," Brittany said. "He loves you. You're smart and your strong, and I know if anyone cane work this out you can."
"I'm glad you have so much faith in me, but I've made up my mind. I'm going to do it, but I need you to come with me. Please, Brittany, I can't do it by myself."
"Well, of course I'll be there for you, but I still think you should talk to Simon first."
"No!" she demanded, and you can't tell him either. Promise me. I don't want him ever to know about this."
"It's not for me to tell," Brittany said.
"My appointment is on Saturday. Will you go with me?"
"Sure," she said. "We're sisters. I'll always be there for you."
"Thanks, Brittany," she said.
Brittany was so busy running her errands that day that she forgot all about her date with Alvin. She walked in the door at a quarter till seven. No sooner did she get home did a knock come to her door. She was a mess, but she didn't care. She answered the door and saw that Alvin was dressed up and waiting for her with a bouquet of flowers.
"Alvin," she said surprised to see him. "I completely forgot."
"Are you canceling on me?" he asked.
"No, just give me ten minutes." She ran into the bedroom and rushed to find something to wear, while Alvin searched for a vase to put the flowers in. Twenty minutes had gone by, but still she hadn't come out. Finally after thirty minutes she did came out. She was wearing a short red dress that was formfitting to her perfect body. Alvin almost fell over when he saw her.
"You look great," he said, coming up to greet her. "It was worth the wait."
"So. You approve?" she asked, modeling the dress for him.
"Yea," he said, grabbing her, which caught her off guard. "Let's skip dinner and stay here." He started nibbling on her neck.
"No way," she said, pushing him away. "You promised to take me out tonight, but we can save that for later."
"Promise?" he asked, taking her in his arms again.
"Yea, it's a promise," she said. He leaned down to kiss her, but she stopped him. "None of that, or we'll never get out of here."
"That was my plan, but if you really want to got out..."
"I really want to go out." He put his arm around her shoulders and led her to the door. She grabbed her purse while Alvin opened the door for her. "So, where are we going?" she asked as they made their way to the parking garage.
"It's a surprise," he said, and gave her a devilish look like he was hiding something.
"Alvin, don't tease me," she said, as he opened the car. "You know, I have ways of getting it out of you."
She leaned towards him and started kissing him on his neck. "Brittany!" he said. "That's not going to work."
"Oh, yea," she said, giggling seductively. She continued to kiss him, while exploring his bod with her hands. Even through his clothes he could feel her delicate touch. "Now, will you tell me?"
He crashed his lips down on hers and and pulled her close to him. She could feel how excited his was getting. He broke off the kiss and looked her straight in the eye. "You keep doing that, and we'll never get there."
"Okay, okay," she said, putting her hands up in surrender. "Let's just go."
He opened the door and she got in and buckled her seat belt. She was happy this day was over. Now, she could concentrate on having a little fun with her boyfriend.
During the drive Brittany was fiddling with the radio. "Damn commercials. Oh, who needs the radio anyway."
"So," Alvin said. "How was your lunch with Jeanette?"
She was taken back to the conversation she had with her sister, but she wasn't about to let it out what Jeanette was about to do.
"It was alright," she said, but it was a lie. She became suddenly quiet.
"Hey, is everything okay, with you and Jeanette?" he asked.
"Sure, everything's fine, just sister stuff."
She gave him a smile and the mood lightened again. Suddenly Brittany observed a sight that got her all excited. "Is this your surprise?"
"Yup," he said.
She squealed and leaned over and hugged him planted multiple kisses on his face. "Oh, Alvin, you're the best boyfriend in the world."
"So, you like this place?" he asked.
"Like it? I've been trying for months to get reservations. How did you do it?"
"Hey, ole Morty owed me a favor."
"The Mortimer Club," she said all excited. "Wow!"
He exited the car and went around to help her out of the car.
As they walked in she noticed how beautiful the place was, from the elegant oriental carpet and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the soft romantic music playing.
The hostess approached the couple. "Do you have reservations?" she asked.
"Yes," Alvin said. "Seville, table for two."
"This way, sir." They were taken to a quiet table in the corner and were seated. The hostess gave them menus. "Your waiter will be here shortly to take your order."
Brittany opened her menu excitedly. "Wow! Everything looks so good."
"Yes, it does," Alvin said.
She looked up and realized he wasn't even looking at his menu. "Very funny, Alvin Seville," she said, laughing.
"I'm serious," he said, taking her hand. He brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "So, what do you want? Order anything."
"Are you sure? This place is so expensive."
"Nothing is too good for my baby. I just want you to have fun tonight."
"Okay, if it will make you happy," she said and smiled.
The waiter approached their table. "Are we ready to order?"
"Yes, sir," Alvin said, sounding very refined. "I'll have the roast beef. You know what you want, Brittany?"
"That's sound good. I'll have the same."
"Thank you," the waiter said. "Your appetizers will be here momentarily."
"So, how was your day?" Alvin asked.
"Truth?" she asked. "Lousy. I swear that Professor Wilkins is out to get me."
"He's like that with everyone."
"Maybe, but I just think he does it to humiliate me in front of the whole class. I know I'm not the smartest girl in school, but he just makes me feel so stupid."
"Hey, you're not stupid. Anyway, you have a different kind of smarts."
"How so?"
"Come one, how many years did you and your sisters live on your own?"
"That's different, and it's not like we had a choice," she said.
"Yea, that's what I mean. Most people wouldn;t have made it out of that situation, especially as kids. But you and your sisters?"
"We had each other, and we never thought about what we didn't have."
"Exactly, and look at you now."
She smiled at the thought. "I guess I'm not doing so bad for a poor orphan girl."
"Most beautiful, sassy, headstrong..."
"Stop," she said. "You made your point. So, just answer one question?"
"Anything?"
"Why are we together? I mean, we're always fighting, so I don't get it."
"Simple," he said. "Because I never get away with anything with you. Most girls in school just fall all over me, but not you. You call me on all my crap. Plus the fact you're incredibly hot."
"Okay, smart ass." The music started to play, which made Brittany's eyes sparkle. She got up from her seat and walked over to where Alvin was sitting. "Dance with me."
He took her hands in his. He got up from his seat and led her to the dance floor. It was a slow romantic song. She was glad, because she wanted desperately to be close to him. but soon the song sped up in tempo he twirled her around a few times then pulled her back close to him. No one ever danced with her the way he did. He seemed to know exactly what to do and when. She never felt awkward dancing with him, and when he held her close it sent tingles through her whole body.
He looked back over at the table and noticed the appetizers had come. "Hungry?" he asked.
"I'm starving," she said as he led her back to the table.
They sat back down and started to eat. That's when her cell phone rang. She dug through her purse trying to find her phone.
"Just let it go to voice mail," Alvin said.
She picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID. She recognized the number. "It's Ellie," Brittany said. "I have to take it."
"Ellie?" Brittany answered.
"Brittany?" Eleanor said. Brittany could tell she was crying.
"Ellie, what's wrong?"
"I'm at the hospital." A look of horror came over Brittany. "It's Jeanette. She was shot."
"No," she said. "Is she...?"
"She's alive, but they don't know if she's going to make it."
"Which hospital?" Brittany asked.
"Mercy," Ellie choked out.
"Ellie, don't worry. I know where that is. I'll be right there."
She hung up the phone, terror on her face.
"Brittany?" She wouldn't answer. "Baby, what is it?"
"My sister," she said. "Jeanette... she's in the hospital." She started crying now. He came over to her in the hopes of comforting her. "She's been shot."
She broke down and cried uncontrollably. "It's okay, baby. Come on. We'll go to the hospital."
"I'm so sorry, Alvin," she said, still crying.
"Nothing to be sorry about. Come on. Let's go."
He helped her stand and she leaned on him for support. As they reached the entrance the hostess approached them. "Everything alright, sir."
"No, everything was fine, but my girlfriend got some bad news and we have to go." Alvin handed her a large bill and said, "This oughta cover it."
Eleanor paced the in the waiting room of the hospital emergency room. Her boyfriend, Theodore, tried to calm her down.
"Ellie, please, calm down."
"I can't, Theo. That's my sister in there, and she could die, and..."
She could not longer speak, all she could think of was Jeanette. Theodore came to her and put his arms around her. She couldn't stop crying.
"It's going to be alright, Ellie. I'm sure she's going to make it."
He got her to sit down finally and he held her, trying desperately to comfort his distraught girlfriend.
"I wish Brittany were here. She would know what to do."
"You called her. Right?" she nodded. "Then she'll be here."
At that moment Eleanor saw her big sister racing towards her. "Ellie!" Brittany called to her. Eleanor was still crying. "Don't worry, Ellie," Brittany said. "I'm here." Brittany put her arms around his baby sister.
"I'm glad your here, Brittany."
Brittany looked into her sister's teared-stained face. "Do you know what happened?"
"I don't know. The police said she was jogging on campus. She had her sweats on when they found her. She was shot twice, and they don't who did it, and..." Ellie broke down and cried again.
"It's okay, Ellie," she said. "Theo, take care of my sister. I'll go see if I can find out anything."
Alvin went with her as she made her way up the front desk. "May I help you, miss?"
"Yes, my sister, Jeanette Miller was brought in a little while again. She was shot."
"Yes, ma'am," the nurse said. "I sorry, all the information I have is that she's still in surgery."
Brittany started to tear up. "How long before we know something?"
"I'm not sure, ma'am, but the doctor will come out and talk to you as soon as she's in recovery."
Alvin walked Brittany back over to where Eleanor and Theodore were sitting. Eleanor looked up as Brittany approached. She sat down next to Eleanor.
"Did they tell you anything?" Eleanor asked.
"No, Ellie," Brittany said. "She's still in surgery."
"She can't die, Brittany," Ellie cried.
Brittany thought for a moment. "Hey, did anyone call Simon?"
"I tried," Theodore said. "But he's not answering his phone. I did leave him a message though."
"Well, I hope checks his messages soon," Brittany said. "Let me try again." She dialed Simon's number. She heard it ring, after three rings he finally picked up.
"Hey, Simon!" Brittany practically yelled into the phone. "Where the hell are you?"
"On my way to the hospital. I just got Theodore's message. Any word yet?"
"No, she's still in surgery."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," Simon said. His voice was lower than usual. He sounded so calm over the phone that it was hard to tell how he was feeling. He rarely showed his emotions to anyone. Jeanette was the only one who truly understood him.
Time was going by so slow. Brittany couldn't stand it anymore. Why wasn't anyone telling them anything? She then looked up to see Simon running towards them. By the time he stopped he almost lost his glasses.
"Hey, Si," Alvin said.
"How is she?" It was all Simon could say.
"We don't know," Brittany said.
"What happened?" he asked. There was urgency in his voice.
"You tell us," Brittany said, going off on him.
"She was shot," Eleanor said through her tears.
He looked on in horror unable to say anything.
"Yea, Simon, that's right," Brittany said angrily. "You're her boyfriend. You're supposed to protect her. So where were you?"
"We had a date tonight, but she canceled," Simon said. "She said she had to study. Damn lame excuse."
"Didn't you think to go check on her?" Brittany fired at him.
"I wanted to, but she said she needed time alone." He sat down putting his head in his hands. "Damn it, I knew something was wrong. Why didn't just go over there? This is all my fault."
Brittany's anger turn to sudden sympathy when she realized how distraught he was. "No, it's not," she said. "It's that bastard who shot her. Because of him she could..."
"She could what?" Simon asked.
"Nothing," Brittany said.
"What do you mean, Brittany?" Simon shouted. "Tell me!"
"Hey, Si!" Alvin shouted in his brother's face. Don't yell at my girlfriend!"
"Everybody just shut up!" Eleanor screamed. "Jeanette could die, and you're all yelling at each other."
Suddenly a woman in a white coat appeared before them. "Are you the Miller family?" she asked.
"Yes," Brittany said and stand up and shook her hand.
"I'm Doctor Myra Reynolds."
"I'm Brittany and this is Eleanor. We're Jeanette's sisters. How is she?"
"She was very lucky, but she'll recover. But..." There was something else. Something Brittany didn't want to hear. "I'm very sorry, but we couldn't save the baby."
"Baby?" Simon shouted, a look of shock about his face. "She was..."
"Pregnant," Doctor Reynolds said. "About six weeks."
That realization just hit Simon like a ton of bricks. "That's why she was so upset. Why didn't she tell me?"
Brittany managed to keep her composer. "Thank you doctor," she said. "When can we see her?"
"In a little while. She's in recovery, then she'll be moved to a room. Just go to the third floor and turn right."
Simon looked over at Brittany. She was the only one who didn't seemed shocked by the news.
"You knew, didn't you?" Simon pointed the question at her. She didn't say anything. "Well, I guess I have my answer. Why would she tell you and not me?"
Brittany finally spoke. "Because she was scared. She didn't want to ruin your life. And now..."
"No, this isn't happening," Simon said and walked off.
"Simon, wait!" Brittany called to him.
Brittany was about to go after him, but Alvin held her back. "Hey, just leave him alone for now," Alvin said.
"Alright," she said. She looked back at Alvin. "I just want to see my sister." Alvin gathered their things while the sisters walked together. He walked next to Theodore, but neither said anything to each other.
They made up to the third floor and walked over to the nurses' station. "We're looking for Jeanette Miller's room," Brittany said to the nurse. "Has she been brought up yet."
"Yes," The nurse said.
"Can we see her?"
"Yes, but one at a time, please."
"Brittany, you go first," Eleanor said.
"Are you sure?" Eleanor nodded and Brittany gave her a hug before going in.
Jeanette was only half conscious when Brittany came in. She walked up to her bedside and brushed her hand up against her cheek.
"Hey, little sister," Brittany said.
"Brittany," she whispered.
"Don't try to talk, okay just rest."
Jeanette looked over at her older sister and noticed what she was wearing. "I ruined your evening."
"Hey, don't think about that. You didn't ruin anything. We're just all glad your okay. I just don't understand what you were doing out by yourself."
"I just had to think is all. I realized you were right... about the baby and telling Simon." Then Jeanette thought for a minute and was instantly scared. "Brittany, is the baby okay?"
"Don't think about that right now," Brittany said, not wanting to tell her the truth. "You just rest. Okay?"
"What's wrong, Brittany?" Jeannette asked, but in a way she didn't want to know. "Did something happen to my baby? Please, tell me." Brittany couldn't say it. She just shook her head. "No," Jeanette cried.
"It's okay, Jeanette," she said, trying to console her sister.
"No, it's not. I wanted to kill it, and now it's gone. Simon is going to hate me. It's all my fault."
"No, sweetie. It's not you fault. None of it."
"Yes, it is," she cried. "Brittany, I just want it die."
"No, don't you ever say that, Jeanette," she said, scolding her sister. "Do you hear me?"
"But it's true," she cried. "I deserve to be punished."
"No, you don't," she said. "And I never want to hear you say you want to kill yourself. Don't you know that I couldn't get along without you. You're my sister, and I love you."
"I love you, too." she said. "I want to talk Simon. I have to tell him."
"He's knows you lost the baby. The doctor told us."
"Where is he?" Jeanette asked.
"I'm not sure," she said truthfully. "He was so upset."
"My poor Simon," Jeanette said. "Does he know..."
"That you were planning an abortion. No! That's just between us. No one will ever know about that."
"Thanks, Brittany."
"You just get some rest, okay?"
Brittany left Jeanette's room vowing never to tell the secret.
Well, here's the end of Just Between Sisters. I hope you all liked it. This took a while to write. I hope the ending wasn't too sad. There will be more. Please read and review and let me know what you think.
