“Yes, Papa,” I respond as I finish washing the potatoes for dinner.
“Good, make nice,” his voice is clipped and cold.I haven’t seen him in four years and nothing about him has changed in that short amount of time.
Make nice?What is that supposed to mean?I’ve never not been nice even when I’ve wanted to scream at the top of my lungs at him.Why does he want me to hang out with the mayor’s daughter?From the buzz around the house Papa wants to expand the farm and purchase the land next to this place owned by the city.Does he want to use me as a way to bridge that relationship?
I swallow down what I really want to say and plaster a smile across my lips.
“Yes, Papa.”
“You may use the car, but I expect you to be home at a decent hour.No respectable girl stays out late at night,” he declares.
I didn’t get home from my mission trip and my rebellious detour from the airport until after one in the morning a few days ago.I lied when we were at breakfast the next morning and said that there was an accident on the highway that delayed me.It seemed to appease the adults, but I find that I’m ignored more than not around here, which works out perfectly for me.
“Can I see Mama today?”I ask.She hasn’t been here, and no one will tell me anything about her whereabouts.
The older woman next to me, who I’ve learned is named Karen, clears her throat.
“She’s not ready for visitors,” Papa snaps, looking down at his phone then leaves without another word.
I haven’t been able to see her since I’ve been back.Everything has changed so much in the four years since I was shipped off to a foreign country, all in the name of doing my duty for The Fellowship.
“Why must you agitate him by bringingherup?”Karen spews next to me by the sink.
I want to scream and throw this potato at her head.Who does this woman think she is?
“Her?As in my mother?”I turn and place my hip up against the stainless steel sink.
“We do not bring her up unless Shepherd Walter does,” Karen informs me.
Shepherd Walter.
Apparently that is what my father is referred to now.Not just his name has changed, but where we live is all new too.The Fellowship occupies a three hundred acre farm outside of Sweetwater.It has various little homes that house men and women.There is a small section that is actually for farming I’ve come to realize, but for the most part, it’s become like a commune of the congregation, which has grown to hundreds of members over the years.The church in the middle of town is still used on Sundays and Wednesdays, but it’s mostly for appearances from what I’m gathering.
I reach for the rag and wipe my wet hands off.
“I’m going to get ready,” I tell her and toss it on the counter.
“Be home early,” she says at my back as I make my way out.
I stop and snap my neck towards her.Who does she think she is?I take a deep breath in my nose and then out.I need to remember my place.I need to remember that I have a purpose.So I paste my best, obedient smile on that I’ve perfected over the years.
“Of course.”
“Of course, what?”Karen stands tall and crosses her arms over her chest, raising an eyebrow.
I grind the back of my molars down and swallow hard.
“Of course, Mother Karen,” I grit.
“Much better, dear.Now go,” she dismisses then turns her back to me.
I want to scream and throw the closest object I can reach at her.
Upon my arrival, I learned that my father has taken on multiple wives besides my mother since I was gone.Four, in fact, and they’ve all had kids together.I have nine half siblings, all under the age of four.
After putting on a long skirt and short sleeve shirt, I head out of my designated room in the main house where I’m told to stay and out through the house where the car is located.
“Sutton,” I hear my name called and see Papa and a man dressed in a similar button down shirt with slacks on.
