Free The Good Sister: Part One by London Saint James Page B

squirmed, trying to breathe, she let go.
    “I’m going to the main house,” she announced, allowing me the victory without the need for fancy words, which only seemed to tangle me up more.
    “Okay,” I said and handed my mother the mail. “Wait.” I spied a small brown box with my name on it. I took the box then handed my mother the rest of the mail.
    I watched my mother walk off. Deep down I knew my mother was experiencing something beyond joy in this moment. She was just trying hard to hide it. I guessed my relationship with her was always something of an uncomfortable, seemingly wordless one. Oh, we talked, but mostly about nothing of importance. We had a hard time with words, especially when it came to my accomplishments, of which there were very few, but even more so when it came to my failures, of which there were more than I could count.
    I looked at my box. By the postmark, I knew it was from Reid. I shook it by my ear as I walked into the Zen garden. Something rattled around inside. I perched herself on my boulder bench. Shook the box once more then slid my finger under the brown edge of the paper wrapped around the box, finally breaking the taped seal. The brown paper was stiff, course, and reminded me of old grocery sacks.
    In my lap sat a white box. I studied the small container intently before lifting the lid. There was a dark green stone the color of jade, smooth and almost heart-shaped, tucked inside. I picked it up and held it in my hand. It wasn’t very heavy, and a little bigger than a silver dollar. I felt the smoothness of the stone, and discovered my thumb rested easily within the middle hollow. I rubbed the stone before I picked up the note card.
    The note card smelled of jasmine and said:
     
    Baby bird,
    I found this. Someone told me it was a wishing stone. It has the power to grant a wish, take away your fears. Maybe you could make a wish. Give it some of your fears. I hope you are well.
    Reid
     

Chapter Five
    I clutched onto my wishing stone as though my life depended on it while my mother drove me to the eye clinic. Due to my condition, the doctor agreed to make the consultation along with the procedure all in one visit. I figured Mrs. Addison persuaded him of such, but imagined the persuasion came at an extra cost.
    When the car finally stopped, I took in a deep breath. My eyes had been shut the entire drive. I heard honking horns, and the noise of the traffic mix into the buzzing sounds of the city. I blocked it out. I found that place deep inside of me, and went there. The quiet, tranquil place.
    “Ready?” my mother asked.
    I nodded before taking my mother’s arm.
    When I made it to the waiting room, I sat down and closed my eyes, all the while rubbing the wishing stone Reid sent me. I figured people were probably watching me, believing me to be insane, but I built that wall up to conceal the thought. I concentrated on Reid. My mind went to the silver of Reid’s eyes, the lines of his body, the tone and texture of his voice.
    I heard, “Trinity Winslow.”
    My mother took ahold of my hand. I was far too old to have my mother hold my hand, but I needed the support in order to walk into the exam room. I kept my focus on the floor and witnessed my feet move forward. I knew they were my feet, yet I had that feeling. As if I were unsure I was actually moving. I’d experienced this detached feeling many times before. In an attempt to break this detachment I glanced at the carpet and noticed it was deep green with a wave pattern.
    “Mrs. Winslow,” a kind female voice greeted. “Mrs. Addison has explained our possible dilemma today.”
    I glanced up to see the nurse, dressed in a light pink smock. Her brown hair was cropped short, and she wore a silver lip ring. I touched my own lip in sympathy, and wondered if piercing your lip hurt.
    My mother started to reply, “Yes, well, Trinity—”
    “Trinity is standing here in the room.”
    Mom blinked. She stared at me like I’d suddenly