I Love You Still

“I love you both.” She said then sat them in a chair. Silently she began picking up the table.

“Pauline didn’t say goodbye to me.”

“ I know. Don’t worry she won’t come home again. You drove her away and all she had done was for us. So we could be proud of her. Why?” Angela asked sadly.

When she arrived she timidly knocked at the door.

“OH Pauline come in.” Alice invited seeing the tears in her eyes

“I tried so hard to please them and dad doesn’t want me there.” She said. Alice put her arms around her shoulders.

“Come sit down. Have you eaten?”

“ Yes,” She responded quietly. “I carried seventeen credits and worked forty hours to help pay for school and he didn’t care.”

“You are something to be very proud of Pauline. Mike, will you go bring in her things please.”

“ Sure mom.” He said then went out to get her bags.

“Pauline, do you need help with school?” Arthur asked gently.

“No, I have a scholarship, plus a little in saving in case. Thank you for asking.”

“Now why is your father disappointed in you?”

“ I don’t know. My first year” She began telling about her education . “..When I got home he asked what I was planning to do while I was here.  I went to find a job that evening then he asked me, no that’s not right. He was watching me as if to ask did you work today. I told him I had. He said it looks like a I lost weight. I made sure to help with dishes then go study and stay out of his way. Then I told him about that incident at the store. He asked in an accusing manner why Mike was there. I told him why. I don’t think he believes me. I just can’t do it any more.”

“Just calm down Pauline. Yes, you can do it. You are bright. Now everything will be alright.”Arthur said calmly. “ Well Alice, we got our daughter after all.”

Mike came back downstair to join his parents.

“ It will be alright. I will make out dreams come true.” He said with a smile.

“Plagiarism!”

“Slightly.” He admitted laughingly. “You look so tired homey.”

“I am .”

“Come on I’ll show you to your room.” Michael said calmly. Pauline said goodnight then wearily followed Mike upstairs.”Here is the bathroom, my room, my parents sacred room and this is your room.”

“ Mike I need to go shopping tomorrow after work.”

“ What do you need?”

“ A special girl for your parents.”

“Okay, after worked then.” He said brightly with a chaste kiss. She entered the lovely room done in shades of green.

During the rest of the summer and until they left they worked and studied every evening after dinner. Arthur watched as she diligently studied the problems as did Michael. Just before they left Pauline gave Alice her daughter.

This is Michelle, she’s been naughty, she spilled Kool-aid on the sofa. When you are lonely , you have your daughter.” Alice chuckled warmly.

“Thank you.” Alice said then embraced Pauline warmly. Pauline called her mother to say goodbye.”

“Baby, your father is upset that you didn’t say good bye to him.”