We Didn’t See it Coming by Christine Young-Robinson Page A

a cherry file cabinet. She tried to pull a drawer open but it was locked. “I can’t open it. I need a key.”
    â€œTry one of these keys.”
    The keys dangled as Milandra handed them to her sister.
    â€œFather had too many keys.”
    Noelle fumbled through several keys before she finally opened the file cabinet.
    â€œI bet Father’s employees are gossiping.”
    â€œLet me hear them. I’ll fire them.”
    Noelle giggled. “You sound like Father.”
    Kenley came back in the office. Her sisters noticed she had one small box.
    â€œAll these personal items that Father has, and you bring back a tiny box,” Milandra said.
    â€œThe woman who spoke to you, Milandra, is getting the custodians to bring us big boxes,” Kenley said. “I think she’s kissing up to us.”
    â€œThe woman could happen to be nice,” Noelle defended her.
    â€œShe wants to be nosey,” Milandra said. “No one comes in here. Kenley, you guard the door.”
    â€œYou’re treating me like help. I’m a Houston; have you forgotten?” Kenley asked, making her way to the door.
    The woman came to the door. Kenley stepped out of the office.
    â€œPlease leave the boxes here. We’ll come out and get what we need.”
    The woman helped one of the custodians place the boxes outside the door. She tried every angle to peek into the office, but Kenley kept a close watch on the door opening.
    Once the woman left, Kenley carried in the few mid-sized boxes.
    â€œLet’s dump everything we think is personally important in the boxes. We can sort things later,” Milandra supervised.
    Kenley stacked the photos from the desk and around the room in one of the boxes. Noelle went through the file cabinet and gathered up personal financial files. Kenley cleared out her father’s desk.
    They left one portrait of their father on the wall.
    Once they had searched the entire office, the boxes were ready to be carried out by the custodians.
    â€œWhat are we going to do with the boxes now?” Noelle wanted to know.
    â€œTake them to the Houston Villa,” Milandra said.
    â€œI know we’re not going there right now. I’m hungry,” Kenley said.
    â€œNo food. We have to get this done,” Milandra shouted.
    â€œCan you and Noelle do it without me?” Kenley asked.
    Milandra gave her a “don’t mess with me look.” She picked up the phone on the desk and called in the movers to move the boxes.
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    The movers followed their limo to the Houston Villa.
    The sisters pulled up to see a home approximately four thousand square feet. They got out of the limo and stood looking at the brick house surrounded by trees. Pine straw scattered on the grass.
    â€œThis is unacceptable. Father knew I have allergies.” Milandra sniffled.
    â€œHe always told you not to run away from any problems. Deal with it,” Noelle said. “I guess this is one of the things he meant.”
    â€œBe quiet,” Milandra said.
    They walked up to the house. Milandra pulled the screen door open. She unlocked the steel white door. Inside, the home was heated with the outside warmth.
    They fanned as they walked throughout the house. The kitchen was half the size of the one in the Houston Estate.
    Rupert had furnished the house with cherrywood furniture. There were photos of his daughters in the family room. They went upstairs to the bedrooms. There was no east or west wing; only a small hallway to the three bedrooms. Each bedroom had a small-scaled bathroom. The queen-sized beds were covered with quilted spreads, not like the lavish comforter sets at the Houston Estate.
    Noelle came to tears. “This is nothing compared to our real home.”
    â€œI changed my mind. I’m staying with the crazy half-sister,” Kenley said.
    Milandra rolled her eyes at Kenley. “Father is testing us. He wants to see if we can be