The muffled vibration of her cell phone could be heard as Deven stepped into her bedroom. She was torn for a brief moment. Part of her didn’t want to answer it. But then there was the slight panic because it could have been the cops or the medical examiner, preferably with a break in the case. They probably wouldn’t have finished their tests on the body that fast, but it was wishful thinking that perhaps someone, maybe that woman’s real sister, had come forward to identify her. Deven could hear it now. I’m so sorry Ms. Reynolds, this was all a big mistake. We’ve spoken with your sister, Kennedy, and everything is fine now. The thought was too absurd to be true, she knew, but that still would’ve been less absurd than the string of madness that had taken place since she’d gotten up that morning.

Deven rummaged through her purse and found her phone in the junk of old receipts and loose change. It was the caller ID reading that had added a little more urgency to her movements. They didn’t call often, but when they did, it was usually something important. “Hello?” she answered.

“Yes, Deven Reynolds?”

“This is she. Is my mom okay?”

Betty, the kind receptionist from Blessed Haven Assisted Living, cleared her throat. “Yes, your mother is fine,” she assured her. “I was just told by her nurse to give you a call. Today isn’t really a good day.”

Of course, it wasn’t. Lately, her mother had been having more and more of those. Deven didn’t want to be irritated. But this, compounded on an already stressful day, wasn’t what she needed right now. “If you could come down and help us calm her down, Ms. Reynolds,” Betty went on. “Plus, we have a few things to discuss with you regarding her long-term care.”

Something about the way she said it let Deven know there was something else she should be concerned about. “Okay, I’ll be on my way,” she said.

She hadn’t planned on facing her mother until she had an idea on how, or if, she was going to let her know about Kennedy. She sure as hell wasn’t ready. But it looked like she had about a thirty-minute drive to get ready.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Excerpt from the diary of Kennedy (Age 11)

I was a mistake. But not like a bad mistake. A good mistake. Like when I’m in Ms. Wilson’s class and I don’t know the answer so I just “eenie meenie mini mo.” But the answer ends up being right. (I think that’s how Deven meant it). I’m so glad she’s my sister. She makes me feel better and she loves me for real. Most big sisters hate their little sisters, but I guess I got lucky.