Finding Her Way by Riley Jefferson Page A

turned her back to the window, sliding down the cupboard doors to the floor, releasing the pain in her heart as she cried.

    †

    Jerrica let the memories fade, focusing on her current surroundings. She felt cold even with the comforter wrapped tightly around her and holding a hot cup of coffee. In the distance, she heard a door close. Ah, the minions have returned , she thought. Not getting up, she waited for them to find her.
    “The back door looks partially open. I bet she’s on the back porch,” Lauren said.
    “Maybe we shouldn’t go out there. Maybe she doesn’t want company. Maybe she wants to be left alone,”   Jaime responded,
    “You know I can hear you, right?” Jerrica responded from the porch.
    Stepping around Jaime, Lauren said with a smile. “I think she won’t mind company. Good morning, sunshine. How are you feeling?” Lauren placed herself in the chair across from Jerrica.
    “I feel a lot better this morning,” she said, pulling the comforter from around her head.
    “Well, you still look tired,” Jaime added as she perched herself on the railing.
    “Thanks for the compliment so early in the morning.”
    Jaime looked like she was about to panic when Lauren reached out and touched her knee. “She's messing with you Jaime, calm down.”
    She let out a breath and hopped off the railing. “That coffee looks good. I’m going inside to get some, Lauren, you want any? Jerrica, do you need your coffee topped off?”
    Both women looked at one another, a little surprised by the energy level displayed.
    “I could use a cup, thanks,” answered Lauren.
    “I’m good.”
    “Ok, I’ll be right back,” she said as she bounced into the house.
    “That girl has way too much energy,” Jerrica said.
    “Yeah, I don’t know where she gets it,” she said, turning her attention back to Jerrica. “Seriously though, are you ok?”
    “I’m feeling better than I did last night. I don’t know what happened.”
    “Exhaustion, Jerrica. You’ve been working too hard.”
    “I doubt that, Mom. Did you get me chicken noodle soup while you were at the store?”
    “As a matter of fact, I did and ginger ale as well.”
    “You’re my hero, Lauren.”
    “I know.”
    The screen door flew open and Jaime strolled back onto the porch. She was holding two coffee mugs and a plate of cheese and fruit. Placing the tray and Lauren’s coffee on the table between them, “I figured it was close to lunch time and you could use something to eat,” she said, directing her comment toward Jerrica.
    “That was kind of you.” Reaching a hand out, Jerrica plucked a few grapes off the plate.
    Grabbing a slice of cheese in one hand, her coffee in the other, Jaime hopped back on the railing.
    Jerrica enjoyed the grape while she observed Jaime’s actions. “I wanted to talk to the both of you about something,” Jerrica said, sitting up straighter in her chair.
    Lauren and Jaime exchanged glances.
    “Since everyone is now aware of my relationship with Devin,” Jerrica flushed. “I guess it’s time to explain something about myself that you don’t know.”
    Lauren sat back in her chair.
    Jerrica noticed Lauren’s sudden change in body posture. “I know there are things, Lauren, that you know about my past relationships, but there are many other things you don’t know.”
    “Well, I’m not going anywhere.” Jaime leaned up against the column attached to the railing. “Talk away.”
    Lauren sat with her arms across her chest, waiting for Jerrica to continue.
    Jerrica’s voice began to quiver as she recalled the events of the day she left him.

    †

    “I’m leaving!”
    She rushed down the stairs with her suitcase in hand. On her heels was the man she was trying to escape. The strong hand grasped her bicep before she was able to reach the floor. The sudden jerk on her arm caught her off balance, sending her falling down the last four stairs to the marble-tiled foyer floor. Her suitcase slid across the floor beyond