Mary and the Bear by Zena Wynn Page B

every day, and I tell you the same thing. This is my home now. We've discussed this before and I'll tell you the same thing I told mother when she asked. I like it here.” She tried not to sigh with impatience.
    "She doesn't understand this foolishness any more than I do. Your mother and I spoke today and I explained to her about us. She understands and has given her approval."
    " You did what? What is wrong with you ? Why did you do that? You know how mother is. Please, get this through your head. There is no us, and hasn't been for a long, long time. You were married, remember? You got married and I moved on. We're friends, Charles. That's it. That's all it will ever be. Now, you go back and tell her the truth!"
    "Darling, I'm so sorry I upset you by telling your mother about us before you were ready for her to know. You're right. I should have waited, but your parents need to know that your sister tricked me. That conniving bitch, she hid her true personality from all of us."
    "That ‘conniving bitch’ was my twin, and for seven years you were happily married to her."
    "She made a fool of me. You would never have done that. You loved me."
    "That's right, Charles. Loved, as in past tense. Look, I know you're hurting and your ego is bruised. I'm sorry, but this is the way it is. You made your choice a long time ago and I'm content with it. You're my brother-in-law. We're family, and that's all we'll ever be. Now, I have to go. You caught me on my way out the door. Goodbye, Charles.” She placed the receiver back in its cradle and stood there for a moment, just staring at it, her mind elsewhere. It immediately started ringing again, but she ignored it. She knew grief did strange things to people, but Charles had some serious issues he needed to deal with. Not your problem , she told herself and walked out the door.
    Kiesha lived up the mountain in an area known as Raven's Peak. She drove slowly and followed the directions carefully. The road was dark and heavily forested. A half an hour later, she was in front of Kiesha's house, looking for a place to park her truck. The front yard was huge and packed with the vehicles. She climbed out of the truck, tugged her skirt back into place, reached inside and grabbed her things before approaching the house.
    When the door opened, she exclaimed, “Wow, what a great house. Looks like it belongs in one of those designer home magazines labeled as the perfect mountain retreat.” She handed Kiesha the homemade chocolate cake she'd brought as a gift.
    "I know,” she laughed, “Isn't it great. Alex had it built. It's a toss-up as to which I love more, the house or the man?"
    "Hey! I heard that. There's no doubt about it woman. It's me you love, then the house.” He spoke confidently as he extended his hand to Mary Elizabeth in welcome. “There's something I've been dying to know. Does everyone call you Mary Elizabeth? No one's ever given you a nickname or tried to shorten your name, maybe to just one of them?"
    "And ruin a fine southern tradition?” She sounded properly horrified. Seeing the uncomfortable look on his face, she burst out laughing. Kiesha joined in. “Sorry Alex. I couldn't resist. Actually, people have tried, but nothing seemed to stick. My mother was a stickler for propriety. She corrected anyone that tried to shorten my name, until people quit trying. I'm used to it now."
    "Come on, let's put this cake in the kitchen and then I'll introduce you to our guests. By the way, you look great. Love your hair,” Kiesha told her.
    Mary Elizabeth looked around as Kiesha led the way to the kitchen. The living room was dominated by a massive fireplace on one side and a staircase leading to an upper level on the other. The ceiling in the living room was vaulted, directing one's attention to the skylights in the roof. Someone wrapped Christmas lights around the stair rail, giving the room a festive glow. The house was packed. There were people everywhere, on the stairs and