The Good Sister: Part One by London Saint James

sprouted a third eye. I clutched to the stone in my hand. If I wanted Reid I had to do better.
    “I’m sorry,” the nurse said, “I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable, Trinity.”
    I mustered up a half grin that remained partly obscured by my curls.
    “It’s fine. I do a bang up job at making myself uncomfortable,” I replied.
    The nurse asked, “Trinity, what can we do to help you feel more comfortable?”
    I thought about that for a moment. No one ever bothered to ask that specific question of me before.
    “May I ask what your name is?”
    “Sure, Trinity. I am Lillie. Most people call me Nurse Lillie, but you can call me—”
    “Nurse Lillie,” I said. “And the doctor’s name?”
    “Doctor Richards,” Nurse Lillie replied.
    I puffed out my cheeks with air then exhaled. “Okay, well, it helps to know your names, and it will help if I can keep hold of my wishing rock.” I rubbed it, allowing my thumb to feel the soothing smoothness. “It helps me with the anxiety to rub it,” I explained, “and it also helps if no other people I don’t know enter my space.”
    “Trinity, I assist Doctor Richards so it will only be myself and the doctor. Would you like your mother to stay?”
    I looked at my mother. “I need to do this on my own.”
    She nodded. “I’ll be in the waiting room if you need me.”
    ****
    November 3 rd
    I entered the main house, gazed at the staircase then made my way over to the study. Mrs. Addison had given my quite of few projects, but it was coming to an end. The last box of records awaited me. This time I was looking for wire transfers to a bank in Zürich. I tugged the box across the desk, and sat down.
    I noticed a family portrait perched on the corner of the large oak desk. It must have been taken when Reid was twelve or thirteen. Next to it sat another photograph. He was wearing a navy blue cap and gown, and holding a diploma in his hand. Obviously that photo was from his high school graduation. I picked up the silver frame that contained the family portrait, and marveled at how Reid had always been beautiful, never gangly or awkward. I gawked at the younger face of Reid, but his eyes were still the same. Liquid pools of silver. Snap out of it, Trinity. I was daydreaming of Reid instead of getting my work done.
    I pulled the lid off the box and grabbed the first section of records while my other hand made its way to the crystal pen holder. I snagged a familiar yellow highlighter. The ringing of the phone cut through the room. Startled, I jumped. Subsequently the files in my hand scattered on the floor in disarray.
    “Cheese and crackers!” I bent down to pick up the folders. I expected the phone to stop. My mother had to be around somewhere. But the phone rang, and rang, and rang… “Mother, the phone!” I yelled out. No response. I bit my lip, took a breath, gazed at the phone for a moment then picked up the handset. “Addison residence,” I greeted.
    There was a long pause. A breath.
    “Trinity?”
    My stomach flipped.
    “Reid,” I said, the sound of my voice was clear, not breathy. This surprised me.
    A pause.
    “Trinity, how are you? And what are you doing answering the phone?”
    I giggled. Reid stilled.
    “I’m fine,” I answered. “I’m working for your mother. She had some files she wanted me to go through for her, and, well … the phone started ringing. I was the only one here, so I answered it.”
    A breath. An exhale. Another long silent pause. It became so quiet, I wondered if Reid was still on the line.
    “Reid, are you still there?”
    “Yes,” he said. “You are working for my mother?”
    “Yes, Reid.”
    “I have to admit you surprised me, Trinity.”
    “Some surprises aren’t all that bad,” I teased.
    “No,” he agreed, “some surprises aren’t all that bad.”
    “Do you need me to give a message to your mother?”
    “I can call my back, baby bird. It’s probably best I give her the news.”
    “What