For Keeps (Aggie's Inheritance) by Chautona Havig

” The woman’s eyes clouded with concern. “ I’m so sorry, Aggie. ”
    “ It wasn’t your fault. Accidents happen. ”
    While Tina ran for a bag of frozen veggies to double as an ice pack, Ellene whipped out her cell phone and dialed the clinic. An impudent grin accompanied her voice as she spoke to the person on the other end. “ Hello? This is Murphy Howard over on Last Street, and we have a woman with an ankle injury. We’re bringing her in, but I wanted to make sure someone who can run the x-ray is on hand. ” A few nods, an “ mmm hmm ” followed and then she spoke again. “ She twisted it in a killer pillow fight. Yes, that’s correct, a pillow fight. Murphy Howard. H-o-w-a-r-d. ” Ellene gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes and covered her mouth to stifle giggles. “ I think you might know me better as Ellene. ”
    Fresh tears smarted as Aggie tried not to laugh and failed. Each shake of her shoulders seemed to travel through her torso, into her leg, and jostle her ankle. Even with the pain she felt, it was obvious to her that this sprain wasn’t nearly as severe as the last one. She didn’t feel faint, sick, the blackness didn’t even threaten to appear -- nope. It just hurt and would for a day or two.
     
     
    Luke says: Aggie? Is it you?
    Aggie says: No, it’s Tina. Aggie is asleep on the couch.
    Luke says: Uncle Zeke listens to the police scanner and heard that Aggie went to the clinic with an injury. Is she ok?
    Aggie says: Argh! I have to change the settings on this thing.
    Aggie says: I can’t be Aggie. It just doesn’t work.
    Luke says: I can understand that.
    Tina says : Aaah… now that’s better.
    Luke says: Well, hello Tina. So, can you tell me what happened? Is she ok? Did they send her home?
    Luke says : Of course they sent her home if she’s sleeping on the couch. I assume that means it isn’t very serious.
    Tina says: Whoa, boy. Hold on.
    Tina says: Ok, we were having a pillow fight, and she fell and twisted her ankle. The doctor said it isn’t too bad. He thinks she’ll be walking normally in a few days.
    Luke says: That’s good to know. But it looked bad, right? I mean, that’s why you took her in. He’s sure it isn’t serious?
    Tina says: We were just over cautious. She sprained it terribly a few months ago.
    Luke says: Ouch! That sounds painful. I remember that time. 
    Tina says: You do? That was before she moved here. I thought you met her when Zeke sent you to fix the electrical nightmare.
    Luke says: I did. But, when she lived in Rockland, Uncle Zeke had me install an intercom system for her. She slept through it, but I remember how she winced, even in her sleep, if she shifted at all.
    Tina says: You were Mr. Sandwich!? I didn’t know that!
    Luke says: Well, come to think of it, I don’t know if Aggie does. It all depends on if Uncle Zeke ever said anything.
    Tina says: I’ll have to ask. How funny is that?
    Luke says: Do you think she’ll have trouble sleeping this time? The last thing she needs is a bad case of sleep deprivation.
    Tina says: Well, she’s resting right now. That doctor was a little over-zealous and loaded her up on Vicodin. She’s out.
    Luke says: Well, it’s late, and I should be getting home.
    Tina says: You’re not home?
    Luke says: I’m at my mother’s house helping her with a few things.
    Tina says: I’m very tempted to don my matchmaker’s shawl.
    Luke says : Why?
    Tina says: I just can’t help wonder what your “ intentions ” are concerning my friend.
    Luke says: I haven’t figured those out for myself yet.
    Tina says: Is that a polite way of telling me to mind my own business?
    Luke says: No. I just don’t know…
    Luke says: What I mean is that I haven’t given enough thought to it.
    Tina says: Hee hee.
    Tina says: Ok, ok. Don’t kill yourself. I didn’t expect an in depth answer. I have what I need to know.
    Luke says: Uh, oh. I think I just stuck my neck out there. Are you going to put it in a noose?
    Tina says: