We Didn’t See it Coming Read Free Page A

boring and my friends won’t have any fun,” Kenley cried.
    â€œIt’s traditional,” her mother reminded her. “Kenley Houston, you will not embarrass me in public the way you talk.”
    â€œMother,” Kenley said.
    â€œNo back talk.” Milandra jumped in as they headed to their next destination.
    Kenley looked out of the window as they drove off. She folded her arms and sat back in her seat, pouting.
    â€œWhy are you so quiet, Noelle? Is there something you want to talk about?” Alana asked, noticing her daughter was lost in her thoughts.
    â€œNo, Mother, I’m just not in a talkative mood. Kenley has a mouthful for all of us.”
    â€œYes, she does,” Milandra agreed.
    Noelle wanted to spill her thoughts. The secret she held would overshadow her baby sister’s argument about a party. It would be a long lecture about what a Houston should do or not do. She wanted no parts of hearing the Houston book of rules, and she dared not share her secret. Her mother would be furious. After having a heart attack a year ago, her delicate heart might not be up to par for such a secret.
    â€œMother, did you take your medicine this morning?” Noelle asked her.
    â€œNot as of yet. I’m changing my medicine schedule. I’ll start taking it in the evening, after supper.”
    â€œMother,” Milandra said, “don’t go changing things around. You’ll take the medicine as soon as you get home.”
    Alana Houston loved the concern her daughters had for her. Their attentiveness to her health made her admire them even more. “I will. I want to be around to do many lunches with my daughters.”
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    â€œMother, this is too much,” Kenley told her as she turned around in front of a three-way mirror in the dressing room. She went over to a chair and tried to sit down. The excessive fabric made it difficult for her to sit. “See, I can’t sit down,” she complained.
    â€œYou’ll be dancing the night away. No need for sitting,” Noelle said as she peeked down into her handbag at her cell phone. Shenoticed Baron’s number displayed on the screen. She was not happy that she was not able to return his call.
    â€œIt’s lovely, Kenley,” Milandra commented.
    The final decision was supposed to be her mother’s, but as usual, the majority ruled. Therefore, Kenley was outvoted.
    The salesperson hung a garment bag over the peach-colored satin dress with a crinoline slip attached underneath, below the bodice. She handed it to Kenley, who carried it out of the boutique. The Houstons loaded up into the limo and headed home.
    As they drove up to the front of the estate, Alana surprised Kenley. “I’ve decided you will be the first to have two parties, one by the poolside and the other at the yacht club.”
    Kenley scooted over her sisters to give her mother a grateful hug. “I love you, Mother. Thanks so much.”
    â€œMother, I knew you would give in,” Milandra said annoyed, looking out at the carpet of grass that covered the grounds. Any golfer in South Carolina would think the grass was an ideal spot to putt.
    The heat from the sun beamed down on them, but the view of the water fountain in the front yard gave them a vision of coolness. Kenley, the first out of the limo, noticed that the limo her father rode home in every day was parked near the house. She dashed through the front door. “Father, you’re home,” she called, but got no response.
    Her mother followed closely behind her daughter. “Kenley, go hang your garment up in your closet. You have plenty of time to show it off to your father. He’s probably handling business in his study.”
    Kenley made her way up the staircase to the west wing of the house. As she entered her room, a world of bold shades of pink, green and orange showered her with colors. The drapes were drawn,letting in the