“They’re taking it in stride. These girls are survivors, Rip. They’re going to be okay,” I predict.
“They’d have to be, Nova. Now, before I let you go, do you want me to put a man on your house?”
“Naw, I’ll set my alarms and my system is good. Nobody will be able to get past my driveway without them sounding off,” I tell him.
“Alright. I’m going to start volunteering some brothers for decoration and shopping detail. They’re gonna be thrilled. I can’t wait. Talk to you later, Nova.”
“Later, pres,” I say, hanging up, my lips quirking in a smile. Tucking my phone back into my pocket, I head out to my truck and gather the girls’ belongings and my evidence.
The girls must smell the aroma of the meat on the grill because shortly after I toss the steaks on, they come ambling outdoors.
“Sorry it took us so long to join you, we fell asleep,” Two says, apologizing.
“No sorries needed, Two. Y’all have been through an ordeal today. Have a seat and I’ll grab y’all something to drink. We have a few things we need to discuss while the food is cooking,” I state, putting my tongs down and heading toward the cooler. I open the lid and dig through the ice, realizing I have no clue what they like and what they don’t. “I have Coke, Dr. Pepper, water, and beer, what’s your preference?”
“The only thing I’ve ever had on that list is water. What’s good?” One asks.
I emit a sigh because that’s not something I considered when I posed that question. Who goes their entire life without trying a soda? I check off another thing on the list I’m compiling toward their father of reasons why he needs an old fashioned ass beating.
Coming up with what I consider as being a brilliant idea, I propose, “How about I give you each a cold drink and y’all share? You can let me know which you like and which you don’t. Will that work?”
“Sure,” they simultaneously agree.
I set two cans on the table and a bottle of beer. I show them how to pull the tabs and pop the top of the beer. They each take a small sip and I hold my stomach to hold in the laughter when Two crinkles her nose after trying the beer, pushing it away and toward her sister. One tries it and licks her lips. That’s one outta two I can share one of my favorite brews with. I slide the Coke and Dr. Pepper in front of Two. I watch with rapture as she tests them with small samples.
“I like this one the best,” she tells me, pointing to the Dr. Pepper can before shifting her finger toward the Coke. “But this one’s alright too.” One drags the beer bottle closer to her and starts taking shallow drinks. I nod my head and head back to the grill so I can flip the steaks, giving them a moment to enjoy trying something new.
“I ordered a book of names from the bookstore in town. In order for me to get you a birth certificate, we need to choose a first, middle, and last name for y’all as well as come up with birthdays. Would you like to read through it now or wait until after we eat?”
“Now please,” Two says, her eyes alight with excitement.
“I’ll go grab that while y’all relax.”
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
GIRL ONE
“How do we know if it’s the right one?” I ask Nova. There are so many choices to select from inside this book that I’m having a hard time settling on one.
“It should be something that has a meaning for you,” he tells me.
“What would you suggest?” I query.
This is a big, life-altering decision and it has me feeling anxious and twitchy.
“Traditionally, women go with things like Hope, Faith, Honor… those types of names because that’s how they’re feeling,” Nova explains. “But none of those seem to fit you two. What did you feel like when you were leaving today?”
“Like I was breaking free of the chains that had surrounded me my entire life,” I confess. “For the first time, I was able to breathe freely.”
He nods his head and turns toward my sister, and asks, “What about you, Two?”
She clears her throat and says, “You’re going to think it’s stupid.”
“Try me,” he insists.
“I felt like a goddess. Wielding power by not following Father’s rules. I felt strong, and loved feeling the breeze on my face, even though I’m not a fan of the sun. I could feel the love and beauty of the world surrounding me.”
