CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
The next morning, Alan and Edward walked into the den.
"Father. I already told you. The answer is no."
The two of them noticed Tracy. She was contently lounging in a chair, reading a newspaper.
She smiled, "Am I interrupting?"
"You stay there," Alan said. "We can take this elsewhere."
"Alan, it's all right. If you want me to leave, I will…," she said in a rather pleasant voice.
Alan was surprised, "You are rather agreeable today."
She placed the newspaper down. "Is that a problem?" She paused. "You know, Daddy. If you are not going to participate in this conversation, you may as well leave."
Alan became angry with his father, "You are STILL not talking to her?"
"Who?" Edward looked around.
"Oh Daddy," Tracy laughed. "Your act has become tiresome."
Edward just left the room.
"He is unbelievable." Alan shook his head. ""Unbelievable. He hasn't talked to you at all?"
"1 month and counting. I've learned to make the best of it," she sighed.
"How? You cannot stand the cold shoulder."
"Hahaha. You know me so well." There was a certain shakiness in her voice that Alan noticed. She was definitely hurting.
"Of course I do. I am your big brother."
"Please do not wax sentimental." She was glad that her brother cared enough to check up on her, but she didn't do the syrupy, schmaltzy stuff. Why did he even bother?
She stood up and stretched.
"Do you want me to talk to Father?" Alan asked. He wasn't sure if he could get through to him, but there was no harm in trying.
"No. Don't be ridiculous. He'll come around." She poured herself some orange juice. "He has to."
"And if he doesn't?" Alan wondered, although he knew the answer. His sister would continue pretend that it was no big deal. She wouldn't let him know that her father's icy silence was eating her up inside.
She sighed before sitting herself on the sofa. "All I need to know is that he is alive and well…and he is."
Alan sat next to his sister. "Our mother would not have approved of his behavior."
Tracy spoke quietly, "Sadly, Alan, our mother isn't here." He saw the wave of sadness fill her face. She blinked in an effort to stop the tears from streaming down her face.
"You all right?"
Tracy nodded. But she wasn't all right.
"You know she would be very happy for you," he said gently.
Tracy smiled slightly hoping that she could hide her tears, "Yeah I know," she whispered.
PREVIEW: Emily has an announcement. No, she is not pregnant. ; )