no time to complain

"What?" Sheena didn't need anymore stress. After all, the house had to be perfect for Sara and Taylor's arrival. Why was Omaha doing this to her? "Where is she?" Sheena couldn't help to slip in a bit of a high pitch question, as she waited in line at the grocery store, with fresh flowers and champagne for the newlywed couple.

"I..I..I don't want to go in there." Omaha's voice cracked as if it was something bad.

"Where is Minnie?" Sheena wanted some answers. This wasn't a guessing game.

"In..in Sara and Taylor's bedroom." He finally managed.

"YOU GO IN THERE RIGHT NOW-" Sheena found herself shouting into her smart phone.

"No. I won't."

She bet he was shaking his head.

"Why not?"

"I don't want too. I don't want to get involved with my cousin's wife, anymore than I have too." He told her.

Sheena didn't have time to waste. When she found a cashier who could take her, she hurried over with her basket of goodies.

About 15 minutes later she managed with all the plastic bags, into the kitchen.

"I thought.. you recycled?" Omaha didn't say a word about Minnie.

"Where is she?" Sheena was out of breath and maybe out of sorts, too. They had to get Minnie out of that room. She checked her watch once more. They'd be here within the hour.

She hurried to the bedroom. Omaha followed, but stopped at the threshold, as if this might be a holy place.

There was Minnie, laying across the bed, as if she might take ownership of it. And, she was crying.

"What happened?" Sheena went to her. Minnie looked so distraught, as if her world was crushed.

"I hate Blackie Roberts." She mumbled into Sheena's shoulder.

"I want YOU to tell me everything, but we have to get out of here." Sheena grabbed her shoulders then, and looked her in the eye. "You, can stay with me, OK?" It was a quick fix..she knew, but this was no time to dwell on it. They had to be ready for a surprise party. "See, Omaha's housemate and his wife will be here..anytime..and..well...can..can you wait, after cake and ice cream?"

Minnie finally nodded.

Sheena did her best to smile. She looked back at Omaha. She needed his help with Minnie.

Omaha sighed and did as she asked.

He could make Minnie hot tea and she could wait in the kitchen, or the basement..if she wanted too.