Page 55 of Corrupt Idol

She tensed, but covered the telling motion by pushing off the ground to make the swing sway. “Yeah.”

Lynne draped her arm around her and patted her side. “I’m glad. It hurt me to see you two drift apart. You were so close, closer than most blood siblings.”

She said nothing.

Lynne sighed and rested her cheek on her head. “We’re family. We fight, but we should never let the sun set without settling our differences. Life is too short for that.”

She grunted.

“I know you don’t need the lecture, but I feel like I need to impart as much wisdom as I can,” Lynne said in a tone filled with wry humor. “You’re going to carry a heavy load when I’m gone.”

She straightened so she could see Lynne’s face. Lynne had dark circles under her eyes and in just the few days they had been gone, seemed to have lost more weight. Seeing this strong, larger than life woman morph into a frail caricature of herself made her lightheaded with rage. Life was so unfair.

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

“I’m worried about them—Jesse and your father. Women are the glue that holds families together.” Lynne cupped her cheek. “I need you to promise me you’ll keep the family intact.”

Her heart leapt into her throat. “I don’t—”

“Jesse needs family. You and Isaac are all he has. Don’t let him pull away.”

She escaped from one emotional skirmish only to run straight into another.

“Your father is so angry. I don’t know how he’s going to be after I’m gone. I’ve been talking to the pastor about it. We’re glad you’re coming home so your dad will have company.”

She shut her eyes against the flood of tears and placed her hand over Lynne’s. “Mom.”

“I’m sorry, Violet. You’ve had the shortest amount of time to digest this and will have the biggest responsibility after I’m gone. They need you.” Lynne kissed her forehead as a tear coursed down her cheek. “I know you can do this.”

She swallowed hard. “I just need a moment.”

“We have that.”

Lynne settled her against her side again and let the swing rock as they sat in silence. A slight breeze ruffled the leaves of the forty-foot Texas Ash trees that lined the back yard. Beyond the trees were rolling hills that went on forever. It was a tranquil, peaceful scene, but she felt anything but.

“I thought I had so much time,” Lynne mused. “Before I found out I was sick, I was worried about paying off the mortgage before I retired and buying a new car. Now, I’m grateful for soft socks, beautiful days like this, and everyone around me.”

Her heart tore.

“A lot of my students have stopped by. I love listening to their stories and hearing how far they’ve come.” Lynne let out a heavy sigh. “I wish I could see where you and Jesse will end up.”

“Mom.”

Lynne gave her a watery smile. “You two are so young. You have lots of life to live.” She stoked her cheek. “Promise me you won’t take anything for granted. Live, Violet.”

“I will,” she promised.

Lynne’s eyes tracked over her face and brushed back her tangled hair. “I couldn’t ask for a better daughter.”

“And I couldn’t ask for a better mom,” she whispered.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Lynne smiled. “Help me inside, honey. I want to lie on the couch.”

She steadied Lynne as she helped her into the house. Lynne’s skin looked ashy and she seemed so weak.

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