Page 288 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Have a piece.” She uncovered the bowl of fried chicken. “This should hold you for a while.”
They each grabbed a chicken leg and bit into the savory meat. The crispy coating crunched between their teeth as they ate.
“Felix?” a voice sounded behind him. He turned to see Helen a few feet away.
Felix jumped up, wiping his mouth on his sleeve and holding his half-eaten chicken leg. “Helen. I'm happy to see you.” He pulled her into a hug and turned to the Sterlings.
“Helen, this is my summer family, the Sterlings.” He pointed with the chicken leg. “This is Ma and Pa Sterling and their son Joey.”
“It’s lovely to meet you.” Helen smiled. “I’m Felix’s sister, Helen.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Helen. Felix didn’t tell us he had such a beautiful and charming sister.” Mabel smiled at Helen and Felix.
“He’s not much of a talker, I’m afraid.” Helen nudged Felix on the shoulder. “But he’s a pretty good brother…as far as brothers go.”
“Hey…I’ve been a great brother.” Felix grinned at Helen.
“He’s certainly been a blessing at our house,” Grover said. “Joey here is a different person since Felix came to the ranch. These two get along well.”
“He’s like a brother to me, too, Helen.” Joey wore a broad grin.
“I’m not surprised,” Helen said. “He needed to get away from Father for a while.”
“Won’t you join us for lunch?” Mabel asked.
“No, thank you. Mother brought a spread for us on the other side of the park. I wanted to walk around and see everything, and I spotted Felix. I need to get back.”
“We’ll walk over there in a bit, Helen,” Felix said. “I want to be sure Mother knows about the rodeo competition. I’m entering the calf roping contest.”
“What? You’re entering a contest? I didn’t know you knew anything about calf roping.”
“He’s a natural,” Joey boasted. “I taught him what I know, and he picked it up quicker than anyone I ever saw.”
“I’ll second that,” Grover said. “He should have been a rancher long ago. He’s taken to it quickly and appears to be enjoying himself.”
“Wow,” Helen gasped. “You competing in the rodeo is hard to believe, Felix. I’ll tell Mother about your event and tell her to expect you this afternoon. She’ll be glad to see you.”
“We’ll stop by later.” Felix made sure to include Joey.
“It was nice meeting you,” Helen said. “I’m glad Felix is doing so well. He is like a different person.”
“Bye, Helen. Give our best to your mother,” Mabel said.
Helen gave a wave as she strolled back into the crowd.
“She's nice,” Mabel said. “I never asked about your brothers and sisters.”
“Helen is my oldest sister. She’s a year younger than I am. Then Margaret, who is thirteen, and Winston, who is ten.”
“Sounds like a nice family, Felix.” Grover smiled. “You’re a lucky guy.”
“Thanks, Pa,” Felix said.I am lucky to have you, Ma, and Joey as my family.He was never happier in his life.
* * *
Helen strolled back to her family. Cornelius brought a small table and chairs to the park. Hattie refused to sit on the ground. She packed cold sandwiches, a jar of cool tea, and a platter of cookies.
“Mother, I ran into Felix,” Helen said as she approached the family.
