Free Unresolved Issues by Wanda B. Campbell Page A

warmth to the bed, but it didn’t. The sheets were still cold.
    She’d been tempted to call and tell her estranged husband off on a few occasions, but what would that solve? It definitely wouldn’t bring him home. With each day he was gone, she wondered if she really wanted him back. After service on Sunday, she did, but by Tuesday, she didn’t care if she ever saw him again. Then last night, she wished she’d been there when he came so she could see his face and hear his voice, or perhaps feel his soft hands against her skin.
    Staci had just finished cleaning the refrigerator when she received a call from Miss Cora, apologizing for, as she put it, “her crazy son.”
    â€œStaci, this doesn’t change our relationship. If I’m still living, I want to see you at my birthday party,” Miss Cora told her. “Hopefully, by that time, you and my son will have worked everything out. Honey, I know he’s going to come around, but before you let him back into your good graces, make him beg. Make him think he’s never going to get back into your bed. That way, he’ll appreciate you more when you do open up to him.”
    Staci laughed at her mother-in-law’s reference to sex.
    â€œI’m not playing. Hold out as long as you can.”
    I’m going to miss her when she passes on, Staci thought sadly after she hung up. Miss Cora was something else. She was the one who gave Staci handcuffs at her bridal shower.
    â€œI should’ve used those handcuffs to keep his behind at home,” Staci grumbled in frustration.
    No sooner had she sat down in the den with the remote in hand, her doorbell sounded. To her surprise and delight, it was Shannon and Lashay, carrying grocery bags.
    â€œWhat are you two doing here?” Staci relieved some of the bags and walked toward the kitchen. They followed.
    â€œChecking on our girl,” Shannon answered, after placing the remaining bags on the counter.
    â€œThat’s nice of you, but what’s with the groceries?”
    â€œThis is for the slumber party,” Lashay smiled after hugging her cousin.
    â€œWhat?”
    Shannon explained. “We’re sleeping over tonight. Marcus is away at an engagement this weekend. His plane doesn’t land until eight o’clock in the morning.”
    â€œAnd what about Brian?” Staci questioned.
    â€œHe’s on a ministry trip with Reggie. So that leaves us with some time alone to cheer you up,” Lashay smiled and patted her shoulder.
    Staci smiled too, but her smile didn’t last long. In no time, she was leaning over the counter crying. “Thanks so much for stopping by, but you really don’t have to stay,” she managed between sniffles.
    â€œWe’re more than relatives; we’re friends, and right now, you could use your girlfriends,” Shannon said. “So stop protesting and sit down. We’re going to handle everything.”
    Lashay began unloading the bags. “We’re making tacos and s’mores. You can’t have a slumber party without something to drink so we brought this to help you drink your troubles away.” Staci smiled when Lashay pulled out three bottles of her favorite sparkling pear cider. “We also have pickles and peppermint sticks and ice cream. The pickles and peppermint are for us, but you can eat the ice cream; it’s Ben & Jerry’s.”
    â€œFor our viewing pleasure, we have five of the hottest DVDs. One each: drama, comedy, action, suspense, and love story.” Shannon fanned the disks in her hand.
    â€œYou guys have thought of everything.” Staci was about to cry again, but Shannon stopped her.
    â€œNo more crying. We’re here because we love you. Now go on into the den and sit down.”
    Staci quietly obeyed and thanked God for a cousin and a sister-in-law like Lashay and Shannon. Their company was a welcomed distraction.
    In record time, the two pregnant women