What Survives of Us (Colorado Chapters Book 1) Read Free Page A

disappointment.  Her oldest daughter was finishing up her junior year at the University of Northern Colorado – not all that far away, but she didn’t choose to visit home very frequently.
    Piper had been almost twelve when Macy was born, a surprise tag-a-long.  She had adored her baby sister on sight, and that adoration continued to be mutual – Macy was convinced her older sister hung the moon.  Naomi always thought of Macy as the magical glue that held her family together.  Her birth had come along just as Piper decided her mother was an embarrassing throw-back to the 1950’s, possessed no discernible ambition beyond being “Suzy Homemaker” and rescuing stray animals, and therefore was a failure as a modern woman and role model for her daughter.
    When she gave voice to her criticisms, she came up hard against her beloved father’s disapproval.  Scott rarely stepped in to discipline the girls, but he’d made it perfectly clear that he would brook no disrespect for Naomi.  Piper might not have given a rip for her mother’s feelings, but her father’s good opinion meant the world to her.  She had never spoken of it again, but her disdain for Naomi and the choices she’d made was clear.
    Naomi had tried to bridge the gap, of course.  She’d reached out, read books, attended seminars, but nothing she’d learned or tried had worked.  In the end, she’d reached the conclusion that time was the only healer.  When Piper knew herself better, when she understood her own value as a woman, she’d be more accepting of the choices her mother had made.
    “I have an idea.”  Naomi looked at the clock, and calculated.  They might just catch her before her Friday night social life revved up.  “Let’s Skype her.  We should find out what her plans are for Easter.”
    Macy’s smile dazzled.  “I’ll get the laptop!”
    Ten minutes later, that same dazzling smile shone on Piper’s face via the computer monitor.  “Hey, bitty bean!  Are you rebelling at last, breaking the weeknight ‘no electronics’ rule?  Better not let Mama Bear catch you – she’ll put you on pooper-scooper detail for sure.”
    Naomi leaned over Macy’s shoulder and smiled warmly in spite of the pinch to her heart.  “It was Mama Bear’s idea,” she said lightly.  “We missed you.  Are you getting ready to go out?”
    Piper grimaced.  “Sort of.  Study group at the pub.  Hopefully we’ll get something done before too many ‘adult beverages’ have been consumed.”
    “Well.  Good luck with that.”  Naomi straightened.  “I’ll let you girls chat for a bit.  Macy, don’t disconnect until I’ve talked to her, please.”
    She puttered around the kitchen, listening to Macy talk about her life, about the things that shaped the world of a 10-year-old:  4-H, the horse camp she was desperate to attend this coming summer, school.  And she savored the patience and warmth in Piper’s voice as she responded to her little sister; oh, these girls, they were her whole wide world, the breath in her lungs.
    “Mama,” Macy hopped up from her spot at the table, and gestured to the computer.  “She has to get going.  Better ask her about Easter.”  To the screen:  “Please come home for Easter, Piper, we could do eggs, it would be so fun.” 
    Naomi took Macy’s place.  “So, do you have plans for that weekend?  Easter’s on the 8 th this year.” 
    As she spoke, Ares strutted into the kitchen, stretched, sat down on his pudgy kitty behind and yowled for his supper.  Piper laughed.  “Sounds like you’re still starving Ares to death, poor boy.”
    Naomi scooped him up and snuggled him, the only human afforded that privilege.  Ares was a rescue, like all their animals, and even though he’d been with them for years, he would permit no one but Naomi to touch him.  “Easter?” she prompted.  She was tempted, oh so tempted, to play the “Macy would love to see you” card.
    “I’m not sure, mom.