Chapter 34

"No, Krystal, she never once gave me any indication that she had any feeling for you other than love," he smiled. "She also worries about you, and was at your father's memorial service, but was afraid to speak to you."

"That doesn't make sense, why would she be afraid to come and talk to me?"

"Did you have your uniform on that day?" asked AJ with concern in his voice.

"Yes, I wore it in honor of Dad," she nodded.

"There you go, you said that she wasn't thrilled with anything military," AJ shook his head.

"Tom, there's my Escalade. If you don't mind just pull in beside it," pointed AJ. "I wish you both more luck than I had. Tom, call me and let me know how things go."

"I will, AJ, and keep the faith!"

"At this point, Tom, that is all I have…that and hope," he said climbing out of the car. "Be careful and get her to talk about this last year of her life if you can."

"Why? What's going on? There's something you're not telling me," she replied looking him right in the eyes. "Admiral, I have a right to know."

"Yes, you do, and she'll tell you if she wants you to know. But Krystal, don't give up easy," he advised as he shut the door and waved the away.

"Tom, do you know what he's talking about? It's almost like he's foretelling someone's death," shivered Krystal leaning into Tom. "I'm scared now, Tom."

"He told me in confidence, Krystal, you really do need to hear this from your sister. But remember if she won't tell you, then AJ has said he will. Lets go and see her now."

"How far is it from here? How long will it take us to get there?" Krystal asked. "You have to remember I'm new to this town."

"About five minutes, from what AJ told me." Just minutes later they pulled up to a small store with the sign out front that said, LilacRose's Aromatherapy.

"So this is where Krista works," Krystal said climbing out of the car. "What if she doesn't want to see me Tom? What if she tells me to leave and never come back?"

"She won't, from what AJ said, she's afraid that you hate her. Since you don't, I'm pretty sure she'll be happy to see you."

"I don't know why she would think I hated her," replied Krystal holding tight to Tom's hand. "I'm
afraid she'll turn us away, Tom. Help me to convince her that I love her. You know I've been searching for her, tell her."

"Just tell her that darling. She'll hear the love in your voice and know it comes from your heart."

"You're right, I'll make her understand that I love her and want my sister back," Krystal said looking at
Tom. "Come on, let's go and let me show her that I love her and need her back in my life."

"I am with you darling. Just hold onto my hand if you need the support." He gave her a quick hug and then pushed open the door to the shop so she could go in ahead of him.

Krista was sitting on a stool behind the cash register and drinking tea. Their eyes met instantly. On shaky legs Krystal walked over to her sister while Tom held her with his arm wrapped around her for support. Both sisters just stood looking at the other as though the years had faded away.

"Hello, Kris. I've missed you, and searched for you everywhere. I hope you know that I love you and
need you in my life since you're my only family," she said reaching for Krista's hand. "Please don't turn me away."

Tears slowly appeared and slid down her cheeks as she put her tea mug down on the counter. "You don't hate me?" she whispered.

Bringing her hand up and touching Krista's cheek, she said through the tears, "No, Kris, I could never hate you. It would be like hating myself. You're my other half, my twin sister. I love you and want you back in my life. Please, Kris, I need you to be whole again."

To be continued…