Brought to Our Senses by Kathleen H. Wheeler

Author:Kathleen H. Wheeler [Wheeler, Kathleen H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2016-07-07T12:00:00+00:00

“Mom, it’s Teri.” She made the call from a pay phone after almost exactly seventy-two hours on the run.

“Teri! Where are you—are you okay?” said Janice with relief and anger all jumbled up in her response.

“Yes, Amy and I are fine,” said Teri, huddled close to the phone booth. “We’re in New Orleans, but we’ve got no money and haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

“Louisiana? How in the world did you get there?”

“We hitchhiked with a truck driver. I know, I know—don’t say it,” said Teri, braced for a thrashing as she started to cry.

“You did the right thing by calling, don’t worry!”

“I’m so sorry, Mom,” said Teri, not prepared for sympathy from her mother. “I know it was stupid.”

“Let’s not go there—not now.” Janice’s prayers had been answered, and she wasn’t about to start yelling.

“Can I come home? I’m scared and it’s getting dark. We need to get out of here.”

“Tell me where you are and stay put. I’ll have someone there in a flash.”

The New Orleans Police Department arranged for Teri and Amy to be flown back to Illinois. Elizabeth refused to welcome her sister back from the vacation she’d taken at their mother’s emotional and financial expense, forcing Janice to set her daughter straight on her intentions.

“Elizabeth, I do not want you to discuss this mess with Teri, do you hear me?” Janice said.

“What, are you kidding me? I want her to know what it’s been like the last three days—the hell she’s put you through,” Elizabeth said.

“You’ll do nothing of the sort. I’ll handle this myself, and I don’t want you interfering. She’ll have enough to deal with from me, count on that. This is over as far as you’re concerned.”

Janice didn’t waste time after pondering how best to get her wayward daughter back on track the whole time she was missing. After a home-cooked meal, a hot shower, and a good night’s sleep, Teri had to face the consequences of her actions with a heart-to-heart behind closed doors. Luckily for Elizabeth talks in the Kraus family meant yelling matches, so she heard it all from her hiding spot around the corner.

“Nothing I’ve done has gotten through to you yet.” Janice paced in front of Teri, who sat on the edge of her bed with her armed crossed. “And now you’ve pulled this stunt.”

“Yeah, but you know—”

“Quiet, stop right there. I talk, you listen. Got it?”

“Fine.”

“I’ve tried punishment, I’ve tried two different psychologists, I’ve pleaded until I was hoarse.” Janice stopped to stare at Teri with her hands on her hips. “And still you are defiant, always in trouble, and act out in ways dangerous for you and unbearable for the rest of us.”

Teri looked away and pouted, already tuning out. Here it comes, she thought, another one of those lectures.

“There’s nothing left but drastic measures to consider. I’m going to take you out of your comfort zone and away from the bad influences you hang around. You’re starting over, this time to get it right.”

“Wait, what do

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