My Sister's Prayer Read Online Free Page A

wrong with good old plaster of paris?” Nana had cried. “At least it’s white, unlike this ridiculous pair of oversized Popsicles.”
    â€œOh, Mom, it’s what all the kids are doing these days,” my father had said, trying to calm her down but causing a quick jab to my gut. How many times had he uttered that sentiment?
    â€œShe’s drunk? Oh, well. It’s what all the kids are doing these days.”
    â€œMoving in with some guy? I suppose that’s the way kids are these days.”
    â€œArrested for possession? It’s okay, honey. I think it happens to a lot of kids these days.”
    Shaking those thoughts from my mind, I focused on the girl in front of me. “How are you feeling?” I asked. “Think you’ll be up to making the big shift by Saturday?”
    To my surprise, Nicole’s face fell. “Saturday?” she whimpered, and in that moment I realized she’d thought I would be taking her back with me tonight. How very much like my sister to expect the thing she wanted without giving any thought to the complicated logistics involved.
    Trying not to sound aggravated, I explained I needed time to shift stuff around in my apartment and make room for her, plus we’d have to get a bed delivered, plus Nana and I needed to work out the details of her care.
    She huffed. “Fine. Just don’t leave me here any longer than that.”
    â€œI won’t, I promise—as long as you’re sure you still want to come once you hear my ground rules.”
    Ahardness passed across her eyes, but she was in no position to refuse. If she really wanted out of here, this was the price she’d have to pay.
    â€œGo ahead,” she said with a heavy sigh.
    â€œI just have three rules, but they’re nonnegotiable. First, no visitors or phone calls except those preapproved by me—and I’m not approving anyone who might come in and slip you some drugs, so don’t even ask.”
    â€œHow am I going to call anyone anyway?” she retorted. “My phone got busted up in the crash.”
    â€œYou have the burner phone Nana gave you.”
    â€œYeah, but without my contacts, what good does it do?”
    I hesitated, realizing she’d never bothered to memorize her friends’ numbers. I would check the activity on her device periodically just to make sure, but I had a feeling rule one was probably a nonissue for now. Deeply relieved, I continued with my list.
    â€œSecond, you’ll do thirty meetings in thirty days. Between Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery, I’ve found plenty to choose from. You can start next week.”
    â€œNext week ? My casts don’t come off for another month.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter. Nana said the doctor just cleared you for moderate activity.”
    â€œYeah, but he meant like physical therapy. Not trudging down to some church basement to talk about my feelings and sing ‘Kumbaya’ with a bunch of other losers.”
    She was trying to be funny, but her words broke my heart. “You’re no loser, Nicole.”
    â€œYeah, yeah,” she said. “What’s the third rule?”
    â€œAs soon as your casts come off, you’ll get a job—preferably with me. I talked to my supervisor this afternoon and lined one up for you if you want it. It’s just clerical-type stuff, but you can work from a seated position, it pays hourly, and the schedule would be flexible enough to accommodate your meetings, physical therapy, and endurance level.”
    She didn’t reply.
    â€œAnd that’s it. Respect my home and my things, and in return I’llhappily share with you what I have. I’ll take the best care of you I know how, and I’ll do it without judgment or criticism or, uh, hairdressers. If you play your cards right,” I teased, “I might even teach you how to knit.”
    â€œWhy stop there?” she snapped. “We could