Anchored in Hope by Kimberly Thomas

Author:Kimberly Thomas [Thomas, Kimberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kimberly Thomas

Chapter Fifteen

Nikki

Nikki's eyelids fluttered open, only to be met with a pounding headache that seemed to reverberate through her skull. “Ugh”, she groaned as she gingerly sat up, her mind foggy with the remnants of the Christmas party from the night before. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the merriment seemed distant now, overshadowed by Lacy's unexpected revelation.

“I’m your sister.” Her heart clenched with trepidation of what that statement could mean for already painful memory of hers and Trish’s childhood and their father. The claim they had another sister had shaken Nikki and Trish to the core, leaving them in a state of disbelief and confusion. Nikki's memories of the conversation with Lacy played on a loop in her mind, each word etching itself deeper into her consciousness.

Denial had been Nikki's initial reaction. She had almost accused Lacy of lying, unable to fathom the idea that their family tree had a hidden branch. The weight of her doubt had been palpable, hanging heavily in the air as Lacy's face registered a mix of hope and vulnerability. Nikki's heart ached as she recalled the flicker of pain in Lacy's eyes, the desperate need to be believed.

But as Nikki rose from the bed and made her way to the bathroom, the nagging feeling of uncertainty gnawed at her as she remembered her conversation with Lacy prior to last night. What if she was telling the truth?

Slowly, she got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. Reaching for the aspirin bottle, she popped a couple of pills into her mouth, chasing them down with a sip of water. The bitterness of the medication seemed to mirror the bitterness of her doubts, leaving a lingering taste of uncertainty.

With a sigh, she ventured toward the kitchen, her head still throbbing with each step. The scent of cinnamon and other warm spices wafted through the air, curling around her senses like a familiar embrace. Pushing open the kitchen door, the scent of cinnamon and spices enveloped her, mingling with the familiar notes of Christmas carols playing softly from the radio.

“Good morning.” Amy who stood at the counter rolling cookie dough, a cloud of flour dusting her apron, greeted with a warm smile on her face.

“Good morning, Amy,” Nikki croaked as she took a seat by the island.

“You sound awful,” Amy concluded. “You don’t look too good either.”

Nikki managed a weak smile, her eyes reflecting the remnants of her headache. "Head's pounding, but I'll survive."

Amy nodded in understanding. “Some coffee might do the trick,” she suggested, already dusting the flour from her hands and reaching for a mug from the cupboard and pouring the hot, dark liquid from the receptacle.

“I think you might be right,” Nikki agreed. She readily accepted the steaming beverage. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingled with the holiday spices, offered solace in its warmth. Heat seep into her hands as she took a cautious sip. The rich flavor danced across her tongue, soothing her senses, and clearing away some of the mental fog that had clouded her thoughts.

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