Their Double Blessing

Patricia’s chest tightened. If this was what she was thinking then the chickens had come home to roost. Mary had become more excited of late, getting closer to that con artist despite her best efforts. She’d stayed close in hopes of being there when the relationship went sideways. Instead it seemed that logic was being thrown out with the bath water. Ronald wasn’t exiting their lives anytime soon and that wasn’t a good thing. “Then out with it. Good afternoon to you both. I was doing some cleaning and decided to take a break.”

Mary tutted and kissed Ronald on the cheek. “My sister is such a workaholic. Even after being on a huge date last night, she still finds chores to do instead of relax.”

Patricia froze watching the scene unfold. After keeping her relationship a secret from everyone but Mary, there was no way that this lovesick fool had told a criminal everything. It took everything in her not to explode and throw them both out. She’d been wrong to try and protect someone who wasn’t willing to face the truth. “So he knows about who I’m dating? That’s quite the surprise since I haven’t taken the news public as of yet.”

Mary’s face went several shades pale. Being sisters, there were things you couldn’t hide. Despite Patricia’s calm demeanor the younger sister knew that she was furious. This secret had been kept for months and no permission had been given to share it with anyone. “That slipped my mind. Ronald’s like family, it felt wrong keeping such happy news to ourselves. He won’t tell a soul, it might surprise you but his life’s all about keeping things under wraps.” The pleading look in her eyes was a cry for help and forgiveness for moving out of turn.

“If I may speak,” Ronald interjected. “I think it’s great that you found someone, Patricia. It seemed that romance was out of your life but then a white man rode in. Ironic a woman of the people fell for a man from outside our social strata. But you were always one to see opportunity. Even if it was to share with this lovely community instead of keeping it to yourself. No matter what happens I wish you happiness with this new boyfriend.”

Patricia knew this was a move to distract her. Give Mary the time to come up with an exit strategy. She was in no mood to give out mercy. “Thank you Ronald, but I would sooner baptize a shelter full of cats than pretend to tolerate you a second longer. Tell me what news that needs to be said then both of you get out of my house,” she spat with venom.

“I told you she was never happy about us. Men like me know when a woman’s being sneaky. Learned long ago to stay ahead of those who wish me and those I love harm,” Ronald said. His eyes danced with the victory of being right all along. She wanted to tear him apart.

“Ronald and I are engaged. I wanted to invite you on a trip to help me pick out a ring. But I guess that’s not going to happen.” Mary sniffled, looking away. Even now she was trying to pull a guilt trip. After spilling secrets that weren’t hers and bringing a conman into their home. Disappointment quickly turned to raging anger, enough was enough.

“I’m not going to waste my time explaining how much of a mistake this is. Ronald left you high and dry. I helped you pick up the pieces and I’m repaid with the return of this loser? I’ve had enough, if you want to ruin your life I’m not going to stop you,” Patricia snorted.

“That’s a terrible thing to say. I always encouraged you to find love, that romance was still in your future. You just wanted me to stay and be lonely. Well sorry sister, but we both found the man of our dreams and there’s no crime in that,” Mary spat back with fire in her own eyes.

“Then I guess there’s nothing left to say. You have three months to leave here permanently, Mary. I’m certain Ronald can take care of you.” Patricia folded her hands. If Mary wanted to throw her life away it was time to let her sister do that. But she wasn’t going to stand by and watch a naive girl throw her life away. Mary could do that somewhere else.

“You’re kicking me out? But we’re sisters.” Mary tried to walk towards her.

“No, we’re roommates. I put up with your crap because of sisterhood. I was wrong to do that and now I’m done. You not only took back a criminal but shared my personal business with him. I’m not waiting to see what happens next, I’m done.” Patricia rose to her feet.

“Then I guess we take our leave. Just one question, has George proposed?” Ronald asked, “I never thought you would be the one to have a sugar daddy but life’s full of surprises.”

“If you don’t get out I’ll make sure this one’s your last,” Patricia hissed.

“Come on Ronald, Patricia needs time to cool off. I’m sorry if I stepped on any toes. Goodbye Patricia.” Mary walked out, crying as Ronald comforted her.

Patricia slammed the door behind them. Both of them were tricksters and meant to be together.