For Nicky by A. D. Ellis Page A

need to fix it.  Earlier when we were talking about the Decker girls and I referred to the prettier one not the freaky one, can you tell Libby what I said to you please?”
    Dad looked hesitant and I knew he didn’t want to tell Libby what I’d said about Audrey, but he must have realized the importance of this when he looked at my pleading eyes.  So, with a red face, he said, “Well, Elizabeth, he said you were gorgeous.  He apologized for calling Audrey freaky but explained she was just too, too much for him.  Does that help clear up any confusion?” Thank you, Dad!
    “Yes, Mr. Morgan, that was very helpful.  Thank you,” replied my sweet Libby. Whew! Crisis averted!
    “You called ME freaky!?!?”
    Uh-oh!  I guess this is a great lesson in keeping your damn mouth shut unless you have something nice to say!  Now I’ve gone and hurt Audrey’s feelings!  Damn, who knew she was within ear-shot? Time to man up.
    “Listen, Audrey, I’m sorry.  There’s no excuse for my asshat move. I was name calling, and I was wrong.  Just because you’re not my type doesn’t mean you’re freaky.  Luckily, my dad didn’t play bystander and let me get away with my bully behavior.  He called me on it, and I appreciate it.  I’m sorry for calling you names.”
    I didn’t let go of Libby’s hand that whole time I apologized and Audrey’s eyes flashed with envy and anger right before she lashed out, “Well, you’ll learn soon enough which one of us is the freaky one.  I love my sister, but she’s not enough woman for you or any man.  Hell, under those plain clothes I bet she’s got even uglier granny panties.  She’s not hot, and she never will be.  She’s kissed and been with ONE guy her whole life, and I had to coerce him with sex with me just to get him to keep dating her!  She laid there like a limp rag doll during sex. I had to keep her man happy with real sex!  So, don’t count on her to keep up with your needs! You’ll find out soon enough that you need more than what Beth can give. When you’re ready for a real woman, you know where to find me. I can promise you hot and totally no-strings-attached sweaty sex any place, any time!”
    I seriously have never been so shocked or angry.  My sweet Libby was mortified and we had drawn a crowd, including Captain Decker. I waited for his reaction.  I waited for him to stand up for Libby, his daughter.  But he just shook his head at Audrey’s rude, hurtful words.  I could tell these were insults that had been hurled many times before.
    “Audrey, I won’t stand for you talking to or about Libby like that.  You say you love her, but you just said some very hurtful words to her and I get the impression this is par for the course with you the two of you.  You bully to make yourself feel better, she lets it happen because you’ve convinced her she’s beneath you, all while family and friends stand idly by.  All due respect, Captain Decker, but Libby deserves you stopping Audrey’s bullying and standing up for her. When you just shake your head or make excuses for Audrey, you’re confirming Audrey’s inaccurate insults in Libby’s mind.  Audrey, I’m sure you can take care of the tear down and clean up here.  I’m taking this gorgeous girl away from here for a little while.  When you’re ready, an apology is in order, and I can help you find someone to talk to about your reasons for bullying your sister.”
    With that, I lead Libby to my Jeep with many wide eyes and open mouths in our wake. Even though I’ve never used my counseling degree in a professional aspect, it felt good to know I had the knowledge to pin down what was going on with Audrey and Libby. I had no clue what had happened in Audrey’s life that caused her to bully Libby. It could have been her mother dying. It could have been any number of things or a combination of many things. But, Libby and Audrey both need to work through this unhealthy relationship, and they both are