Eleven

So weary of the darkened sky,

She gave the sun a ring.

So anxious for a morning song,

She taught the birds to sing.

Rain was streaking at an angle across the window pane when she looked out the next morning, but weather wasn't going to prevent Andrea from doing what she intended. Before sinking into a fitful slumber around midnight, she had steeled herself against the second thoughts she expected with daybreak. It was imperative now: she would see Estelle.

"Go get ready", Andrea said to the children as she cleared the breakfast table. "After I get dressed we're going to return the movie and then you're going to Grandma's house while I run some errands."

"Can we take Buddy," Brian said, as usual.

"Not this time," she said. "Grandma's not expecting him. We don't want to push our luck by springing a wet dog on her."

"Oh please, Mommy," Brian whined.

Robin shoved her brother. "You're such a little wiener."

"Hush up now, both of you," Andrea said, glaring at Robin, "and don't pick on your brother. Do you hear me young lady?"

She would be glad when school started again. It would be easier to be patient with Robin if she were gone part of the day.

Andrea took extra care in dressing and applying her makeup. She wanted to look attractive if she was going to confront a rival. As she looked in the mirror, combing her hair, Andrea realized it wasn't a confrontation that she needed. She merely wanted to settle it in her mind. Was this Estelle the woman she had seen parked outside her house over a year ago? Andrea would recognize her hair, if not her face, and she would know the car if it was parked in front.