Barbara L. Clanton - 2 - Tools of Ignorance - Lisa's Story by Barbara L. Clanton

Author:Barbara L. Clanton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781935053996
Publisher: Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC
Published: 2010-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

THE NEXT DAY, Lisa tried to stay upbeat and positive during her last day of classes and then later at practice. No one seemed to notice that she was preoccupied, thank goodness. After dinner, her mother let her skip her usual dish washing chore to get caught up on homework. After an hour and a half of homework, she’d had her fill and went outside to call Sam. Her mother didn’t make a fuss, because she must have known Lisa was bursting to talk to someone. Lisa strolled to the deserted playground trying to figure out what to say to Sam.

She jumped up on a swing. The distant street light was the only source of light in the darkness. A few bats flitted overhead diving for insects.

She slid open her phone and said, “Sam.”

Sam picked up on the other end almost instantly.

“Well, hi stranger,” Sam said, her voice happy.

“Hi.” Lisa pushed off the ground and let her feet dangle as she swung back and forth.

“I love this new cell phone of yours. I get to talk to you more. Are you ready for tomorrow’s big bus ride?”

“Um hmm.” Lisa’s chest tightened, and she started to cry into the phone.

“What’s wrong, baby? Are you okay?”

Lisa swallowed hard and choked out, “No.”

“Okay, I’m putting my shoes on and getting my car keys. I can be there in forty minutes.”

“Oh, no, Sam. I’ll be okay, really. I just didn’t know who else to talk to.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive out there?”

“I’ll be okay, I guess.”

“Well, if I were there I’d pull you into my arms right now.”

Lisa took a breath. “And I’d snuggle into you and lay my head on your shoulder.”

“And, then I’d start stroking your back. So, now that I’m holding you tight, tell me what’s wrong.”

Lisa’s face scrunched up again as she tried not to cry. It didn’t work. She knew Sam heard it.

Sam said softly, “And right now, I’m kissing your tears away.”

“Um hmm.” Lisa’s throat was still tight.

“Oh, Lisa, c’mon, what’s wrong? I know you’re not upset about the playoffs in Binghamton tomorrow.”

“No.”

“You’re not breaking up with me, are you?”

“Oh, no, Sam. I—” She had been about to say, “I love you,” but stopped herself. Instead she said, “Never.” She attempted a smile hoping Sam would hear it on the other end. “It’s nothing like that. I just…” God, where to start?

“What, baby?”

“I haven’t been completely honest with you.” Lisa pushed herself higher on the swing. “My father isn’t…” She took a big breath. “My father isn’t my father.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, my mom is my biological mom, but my father isn’t.”

“Oh,” Sam said with understanding. “Did you just find out?”

“No. My father married my mom when I was six. Lynnie, Lawrence Jr., and Bridget are all his. They don’t know that I’m not their full sister, though, and I don’t want them to ever find out.”

“Is that what’s got you so upset?” Lisa heard the sympathy in Sam’s voice.

“Partly.” Lisa felt her chest tighten again.

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