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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Family
- Published: 08/06/2020
Brotherly Love
Born 1944, F, from Melbourne, FL, United StatesBrotherly Love
by
Valerie Allen
“I don't like her,” Mina said. She and Julia, seated in the car, watched and waited for their parents. As the church doors opened a procession of weary congregants thanked the pastor for a fine service dedicated to the hopeless and the helpless among them. The parking area was full of friends and relatives, too busy to attend the 24-hour-prayer vigil themselves, but willing to come and pick up these godly folks who did and drive them safely home.
“You just met her!” Julia rolled her eyes at her sister, Mina. “What's not to like?”
Mina pinched her lips and leaned forward. “I don't need a reason. I just don't like her, that's all.”
“Well, I like her and I have a really good reason,” Julia said.
Mina raised her eyebrows. “Yea, like what?”
“BettyJo is in love with Ray.” Julia touched her fingers to her bangs and swept them aside. “You remember our brother, Ray? That 38-year-old overgrown boy, still living at home with Mom and Dad?”
“Please, don't remind me,” Mina said “And don't mention any of this around the folks. It'll get them upset.”
“Any woman who's willing to marry Ray is high on my list of likable people,” Julia said. “The sooner the better and this weekend can't come fast enough.”
Mina spotted their parents shuffling hand in hand across the parking lot. Their father's shoulders drooped, their mother clutched a hanky to her chest, exhausted after their prayer marathon. Mina waved and gestured them toward the car. She turned to look at her sister. “Hmm. Well, I think BettyJo is a gold digger. She looks the type.”
“A gold digger?” Julia asked, her voice rising. “Are you kidding me? Ray doesn't have two cents to rub together, let alone any gold.”
“True. He has never kept a job, that's for sure,” Mina said.
“Kept a job? That's a joke.”
“He says it's 'cause he didn't finish high school,” Mina said.
“High school? Well, that's another joke on his part,” Julia said. “He didn't finish eighth grade.”
Mina raised her hands, palms up. “Well, whose fault is that? He's always full of excuses!”
“He never got his GED and never went to trade school. Did he think he was going to get hired on his good looks and delightful personality?” Julia asked exasperated.
“All he does is sit around and eat,” Mina said.
“And complains the food isn't good enough,” Julia added.
“He's had so many jobs over the years, who can keep track.” Mina tilted her head toward Julia. “He only gets those jobs to work long enough so he can quit and collect unemployment.”
Julia wagged her finger in the air. “Don't forget there were a few Work Comp Claims in the mix, too.”
“Oh yes, big brother Ray is a real charmer.”
“At least he's not an axe murderer,” Julia said.
Mina looked at her sister. “Are you sure?”
“Oh, stop! He's had a few tickets, a few DUIs, that's all,” Julia said.
“Humph, that's all we know about,” Mina said. “What about those “small brush with the law” incidents he never wants to talk about?”
“Hmm, well those too,” Julia conceded.
They watched their parents approach the car. The couple's eyes were downcast, a mask of defeat covered their faces.
“So where did he meet this wonderful woman? Please tell me it wasn't at one of his AA meetings,” Mina said.
“No actually, according to Mom, it was in a church group of all places,” Julia said.
“Oh, boy. Is this BettyJo one of those Jesus people? That's all we need,” Mina said.
“Oh, stop it! Be open minded, will you?”
“I'm just worried about Mom and Dad being hoodwinked by some bible thumping crazy,” Mina said. “Since when was Ray involved with a church group?”
“Since Mom and Dad said they were tired of feeding him and threatened to kick him out. Ray's solution was to start going to church to get on their good side. It worked out better than he thought.”
“How's that?” Mina asked.
“When Ray found out the church had a free breakfast after the morning service,” Julia said. “That cinched the deal for him.”
“Well, wasn't that his lucky day! So Mom and Dad think he's found God, is that it?” Mina asked.
“Well, this time they told him to 'find God' or 'find a men's shelter',” Julia said.
“That again? They've been singing that same ol' song for a long time, but they never do anything about him,” Mina said.
“This time they seem serious.”
“Well, good for them. I hope they stick to it,” Mina said. “Of course, I don't know what good it's going to do for Ray to find his way to heaven at this stage of the game. He's the laziest man I know. He watches Dad mow the lawn, feed the dogs, and fix the cars. Mom can be staggering in with bags of groceries and Ray doesn't lift a hand to help her. His only interest is what's inside the grocery bags for him to chow down while he's sitting in their house, watching their television!”
Julia shook her head. “I think Mom and Dad are on a roll. Their next step, according to Dad, is to force Ray to pay his share of the living expenses.”
“That'll be the day,” Mina said.
“Now do you understand why I love our sister-in-law-to-be?” Julia asked.
Mina nodded. “I'm beginning to see your point. I guess we better work hard to show her the love before she changes her mind.”
“I don't care if she has two heads and seven toes on each foot. If she's willing to marry Ray I'm a happy girl,” Julia said.
“Amen to that. Do you think she has a job? Maybe she comes from money,” Mina asked.
“Now you're pushing it. She's warm and willing, that's all we can hope for,” Julia said. “We'll have to sidle up to her and find out all the particulars.”
“So, you're telling me we should be nice while we pull out every detail of her pedigree,” Mina said.
“That's right. That's why you have to pretend to like her. Get her to open up and give you the goods.”
“You want me to get the inside scoop about this woman?” Mina asked.
“Yes, I do. I'll do my part, too,” Julia said.
“What part is that?”
“I'm going to butter up Ray. Tell him what a great gal she is. What a terrific guy he must be to have gotten a catch like her and any other baloney I can throw his way. He's so vain, he'll buy every word of it,” Julia said. “More importantly, the lovely bride will get Ray into a honeymoon cottage somewhere other than at Mom and Dad's house.”
“Hmm, that's true. No woman in her right mind wants to live with her mother-in-law,” Mina said. “Sweet though Mom is and all.”
Mina and Julia got out of the car to help their parents. They got them settled in the back seat and watched as their mother collapsed her head into the crook of their father's shoulder. He kissed her on the top of the head and rested against the seat.
“You know Dad,” Mina said, “maybe you and Mom shouldn't be going to these prayer vigils and marathons. I know it's important, but it takes a lot out of both of you.”
Her father said not a word, closed his eyes, and with the wave of his hand, dismissed her.
Julia and Mina exchanged glances. Julia whispered. “That must have been some heavy duty praying to leave them so worn out they can't even talk. I hope they're up to the wedding next weekend.”
* * * *
“So, Ray, you gotcha a real nice gal this time,” Julie said. She pulled a lawn chair along side Ray and smiled at him. Most of the wedding guests were inside chatting it up over the blare of country music. Exhausted, their parents had taken to their bed last week and hadn't been seen since.
Ray tilted his beer bottle to his lips and took a long full swallow. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hairy hand and then dragged it across his shirt, leaving a wet trail behind. “Yep, BettyJo is a real winner.” He belched and his ample belly bobbed up and down.
“This wedding was such a rush job, we hardly know anything about her,” Julia said.
Ray grinned. “What's to know? She's a hard worker, loves animals, found Jesus, and drinks beer.” Ray winked. “She's my kinda gal.”
“BettyJo has a job?” Julia asked.
“She sure does. Makes good money and lots of big tips.” His eyes widened with excitement as he spoke.
“She works at a restaurant?” Julia asked.
He looked away and spit across the yard. “Sorta.”
“Sort of?” Julia asked. “What does she do?”
Ray looked around and then leaned in toward Julia. He lowered his voice. She's a bartender.”
“A bartender?” Better not let Mom and Dad know about that. Where does she work?”
“At the Boobs and Rump.
“The Boobs and Rump? That's a strip joint!” Julia's voice went up an octave. “I'd hardly call that a restaurant.”
“Shhhh.” Ray hissed and glanced toward the back door. “Keep your voice down. BettyJo's sensitive about it.”
“I guess so!” Julia said. “That place makes the news almost every night with some brawl or another going on.”
“Hey, she makes a good livin'. I've told her there's no shame in honest labor, besides, they serve food there.”
“Right, pretzels to go with the booze,” Julia said.
“They have those little cheese crackers too,” Ray said.
Julia raised her eyebrows. “How would you know that?”
“Because BettyJo brings the leftovers home to share.”
“That's kind of her to bring food home; wouldn't want to throw those leftover snacks in the trash. Where does this frugal woman live?”
Ray shifted his eyes. “She's been living in a shelter, but it's only temporary.”
“In a shelter? I thought you said she made good money and big tips. Why can't she afford a decent place to live?”
“She's working on it, but it's hard to find a place when you have pets.”
“Pets?” Julia asked. “What kind of pets?”
“Dogs. Two dogs,” Ray said. “Pit bulls; adorable animals.”
“Two pit bulls!” Julia's hand clutched at her chest. “Where does she keep these adorable animals?”
“They're chained out in back of the restaurant for now. They're good watch dogs—keeps the riff-raff away.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “I bet they do.”
“There were some complaints, so BettyJo can't keep them there much longer. She's working on making other arrangements.”
“What kind of arrangements?”
“She wants to have a place big enough for us and the dogs.”
“Oh, Ray, that would be wonderful. Where's she going to get the money to do that?”
“She took on a part- time job.”
“Wow, she is a hard worker. You're lucky to have her.”
Ray grinned from ear to ear. “I am one lucky man.”
“So what kind of work does she do exactly at her second job?” Julia asked.
Ray tilted his head toward Julia. “After her bartender shift, she fills in for one of her friends as a pole dancer.”
Julia's head jerked up. “A pole dancer?”
“You see her friend's in jail on a DUI and can't make bail. BettyJo said she'd help her out for a few weeks.”
Julia swallowed hard. “She's earning extra money working as a pole dancer to help her jailbird friend?”
“Yep.” Ray smiled. “Isn't she great? She'd do anything to help out.”
“Have you given any thought to where you and BettyJo and the hounds are going to make your new home?”
Ray smiled. “We have thought about it and we've found the perfect place.
“You two will need a sizable yard with two pit bulls.”
“That's what I was telling Mom and Dad.”
“Mom and Dad?”
“Yep. I know they've been doing a lot of prayin' over the matter ever since we talked about it.”
“Talked about what?”
He sat up straight. “Living here with Mom and Dad.”
Julia's face paled. “Live here with Mom and Dad?”
“Yep. BettyJo told me how you and Mina have been so nice, gettin' to know her and all. She said you two have takin' the time to talk to her and show an interest in her. I can't thank you two gals enough for making her feel welcome. It's made her feel like part of the family—you know, like she belongs here.” Ray lifted his beer and gulped it down in one long swallow. “Besides, you know how Mom and Dad love animals.”
Julia's throat went dry. She could hardly speak.“You and BettyJo and the two pit bulls plan to live here with Mom and Dad?”
“Why sure! They even talked to the preacher about me and BettyJo and they asked all their friends to join them in prayer about the whole thing.” He lifted his chin. “You know it's all good when Mom and Dad arrange a special prayer meetin' about us.”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Brotherly Love
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review
on Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday House Rules
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
No Goin' Home
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You! Mr. Jackson
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
~ ~ ~
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Brotherly Love
by
Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B01N5QDO5B
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
For more information contact:
Valerie Allen
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
ValerieAllenWriter.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Brotherly Love(Valerie Allen)
Brotherly Love
by
Valerie Allen
“I don't like her,” Mina said. She and Julia, seated in the car, watched and waited for their parents. As the church doors opened a procession of weary congregants thanked the pastor for a fine service dedicated to the hopeless and the helpless among them. The parking area was full of friends and relatives, too busy to attend the 24-hour-prayer vigil themselves, but willing to come and pick up these godly folks who did and drive them safely home.
“You just met her!” Julia rolled her eyes at her sister, Mina. “What's not to like?”
Mina pinched her lips and leaned forward. “I don't need a reason. I just don't like her, that's all.”
“Well, I like her and I have a really good reason,” Julia said.
Mina raised her eyebrows. “Yea, like what?”
“BettyJo is in love with Ray.” Julia touched her fingers to her bangs and swept them aside. “You remember our brother, Ray? That 38-year-old overgrown boy, still living at home with Mom and Dad?”
“Please, don't remind me,” Mina said “And don't mention any of this around the folks. It'll get them upset.”
“Any woman who's willing to marry Ray is high on my list of likable people,” Julia said. “The sooner the better and this weekend can't come fast enough.”
Mina spotted their parents shuffling hand in hand across the parking lot. Their father's shoulders drooped, their mother clutched a hanky to her chest, exhausted after their prayer marathon. Mina waved and gestured them toward the car. She turned to look at her sister. “Hmm. Well, I think BettyJo is a gold digger. She looks the type.”
“A gold digger?” Julia asked, her voice rising. “Are you kidding me? Ray doesn't have two cents to rub together, let alone any gold.”
“True. He has never kept a job, that's for sure,” Mina said.
“Kept a job? That's a joke.”
“He says it's 'cause he didn't finish high school,” Mina said.
“High school? Well, that's another joke on his part,” Julia said. “He didn't finish eighth grade.”
Mina raised her hands, palms up. “Well, whose fault is that? He's always full of excuses!”
“He never got his GED and never went to trade school. Did he think he was going to get hired on his good looks and delightful personality?” Julia asked exasperated.
“All he does is sit around and eat,” Mina said.
“And complains the food isn't good enough,” Julia added.
“He's had so many jobs over the years, who can keep track.” Mina tilted her head toward Julia. “He only gets those jobs to work long enough so he can quit and collect unemployment.”
Julia wagged her finger in the air. “Don't forget there were a few Work Comp Claims in the mix, too.”
“Oh yes, big brother Ray is a real charmer.”
“At least he's not an axe murderer,” Julia said.
Mina looked at her sister. “Are you sure?”
“Oh, stop! He's had a few tickets, a few DUIs, that's all,” Julia said.
“Humph, that's all we know about,” Mina said. “What about those “small brush with the law” incidents he never wants to talk about?”
“Hmm, well those too,” Julia conceded.
They watched their parents approach the car. The couple's eyes were downcast, a mask of defeat covered their faces.
“So where did he meet this wonderful woman? Please tell me it wasn't at one of his AA meetings,” Mina said.
“No actually, according to Mom, it was in a church group of all places,” Julia said.
“Oh, boy. Is this BettyJo one of those Jesus people? That's all we need,” Mina said.
“Oh, stop it! Be open minded, will you?”
“I'm just worried about Mom and Dad being hoodwinked by some bible thumping crazy,” Mina said. “Since when was Ray involved with a church group?”
“Since Mom and Dad said they were tired of feeding him and threatened to kick him out. Ray's solution was to start going to church to get on their good side. It worked out better than he thought.”
“How's that?” Mina asked.
“When Ray found out the church had a free breakfast after the morning service,” Julia said. “That cinched the deal for him.”
“Well, wasn't that his lucky day! So Mom and Dad think he's found God, is that it?” Mina asked.
“Well, this time they told him to 'find God' or 'find a men's shelter',” Julia said.
“That again? They've been singing that same ol' song for a long time, but they never do anything about him,” Mina said.
“This time they seem serious.”
“Well, good for them. I hope they stick to it,” Mina said. “Of course, I don't know what good it's going to do for Ray to find his way to heaven at this stage of the game. He's the laziest man I know. He watches Dad mow the lawn, feed the dogs, and fix the cars. Mom can be staggering in with bags of groceries and Ray doesn't lift a hand to help her. His only interest is what's inside the grocery bags for him to chow down while he's sitting in their house, watching their television!”
Julia shook her head. “I think Mom and Dad are on a roll. Their next step, according to Dad, is to force Ray to pay his share of the living expenses.”
“That'll be the day,” Mina said.
“Now do you understand why I love our sister-in-law-to-be?” Julia asked.
Mina nodded. “I'm beginning to see your point. I guess we better work hard to show her the love before she changes her mind.”
“I don't care if she has two heads and seven toes on each foot. If she's willing to marry Ray I'm a happy girl,” Julia said.
“Amen to that. Do you think she has a job? Maybe she comes from money,” Mina asked.
“Now you're pushing it. She's warm and willing, that's all we can hope for,” Julia said. “We'll have to sidle up to her and find out all the particulars.”
“So, you're telling me we should be nice while we pull out every detail of her pedigree,” Mina said.
“That's right. That's why you have to pretend to like her. Get her to open up and give you the goods.”
“You want me to get the inside scoop about this woman?” Mina asked.
“Yes, I do. I'll do my part, too,” Julia said.
“What part is that?”
“I'm going to butter up Ray. Tell him what a great gal she is. What a terrific guy he must be to have gotten a catch like her and any other baloney I can throw his way. He's so vain, he'll buy every word of it,” Julia said. “More importantly, the lovely bride will get Ray into a honeymoon cottage somewhere other than at Mom and Dad's house.”
“Hmm, that's true. No woman in her right mind wants to live with her mother-in-law,” Mina said. “Sweet though Mom is and all.”
Mina and Julia got out of the car to help their parents. They got them settled in the back seat and watched as their mother collapsed her head into the crook of their father's shoulder. He kissed her on the top of the head and rested against the seat.
“You know Dad,” Mina said, “maybe you and Mom shouldn't be going to these prayer vigils and marathons. I know it's important, but it takes a lot out of both of you.”
Her father said not a word, closed his eyes, and with the wave of his hand, dismissed her.
Julia and Mina exchanged glances. Julia whispered. “That must have been some heavy duty praying to leave them so worn out they can't even talk. I hope they're up to the wedding next weekend.”
* * * *
“So, Ray, you gotcha a real nice gal this time,” Julie said. She pulled a lawn chair along side Ray and smiled at him. Most of the wedding guests were inside chatting it up over the blare of country music. Exhausted, their parents had taken to their bed last week and hadn't been seen since.
Ray tilted his beer bottle to his lips and took a long full swallow. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hairy hand and then dragged it across his shirt, leaving a wet trail behind. “Yep, BettyJo is a real winner.” He belched and his ample belly bobbed up and down.
“This wedding was such a rush job, we hardly know anything about her,” Julia said.
Ray grinned. “What's to know? She's a hard worker, loves animals, found Jesus, and drinks beer.” Ray winked. “She's my kinda gal.”
“BettyJo has a job?” Julia asked.
“She sure does. Makes good money and lots of big tips.” His eyes widened with excitement as he spoke.
“She works at a restaurant?” Julia asked.
He looked away and spit across the yard. “Sorta.”
“Sort of?” Julia asked. “What does she do?”
Ray looked around and then leaned in toward Julia. He lowered his voice. She's a bartender.”
“A bartender?” Better not let Mom and Dad know about that. Where does she work?”
“At the Boobs and Rump.
“The Boobs and Rump? That's a strip joint!” Julia's voice went up an octave. “I'd hardly call that a restaurant.”
“Shhhh.” Ray hissed and glanced toward the back door. “Keep your voice down. BettyJo's sensitive about it.”
“I guess so!” Julia said. “That place makes the news almost every night with some brawl or another going on.”
“Hey, she makes a good livin'. I've told her there's no shame in honest labor, besides, they serve food there.”
“Right, pretzels to go with the booze,” Julia said.
“They have those little cheese crackers too,” Ray said.
Julia raised her eyebrows. “How would you know that?”
“Because BettyJo brings the leftovers home to share.”
“That's kind of her to bring food home; wouldn't want to throw those leftover snacks in the trash. Where does this frugal woman live?”
Ray shifted his eyes. “She's been living in a shelter, but it's only temporary.”
“In a shelter? I thought you said she made good money and big tips. Why can't she afford a decent place to live?”
“She's working on it, but it's hard to find a place when you have pets.”
“Pets?” Julia asked. “What kind of pets?”
“Dogs. Two dogs,” Ray said. “Pit bulls; adorable animals.”
“Two pit bulls!” Julia's hand clutched at her chest. “Where does she keep these adorable animals?”
“They're chained out in back of the restaurant for now. They're good watch dogs—keeps the riff-raff away.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “I bet they do.”
“There were some complaints, so BettyJo can't keep them there much longer. She's working on making other arrangements.”
“What kind of arrangements?”
“She wants to have a place big enough for us and the dogs.”
“Oh, Ray, that would be wonderful. Where's she going to get the money to do that?”
“She took on a part- time job.”
“Wow, she is a hard worker. You're lucky to have her.”
Ray grinned from ear to ear. “I am one lucky man.”
“So what kind of work does she do exactly at her second job?” Julia asked.
Ray tilted his head toward Julia. “After her bartender shift, she fills in for one of her friends as a pole dancer.”
Julia's head jerked up. “A pole dancer?”
“You see her friend's in jail on a DUI and can't make bail. BettyJo said she'd help her out for a few weeks.”
Julia swallowed hard. “She's earning extra money working as a pole dancer to help her jailbird friend?”
“Yep.” Ray smiled. “Isn't she great? She'd do anything to help out.”
“Have you given any thought to where you and BettyJo and the hounds are going to make your new home?”
Ray smiled. “We have thought about it and we've found the perfect place.
“You two will need a sizable yard with two pit bulls.”
“That's what I was telling Mom and Dad.”
“Mom and Dad?”
“Yep. I know they've been doing a lot of prayin' over the matter ever since we talked about it.”
“Talked about what?”
He sat up straight. “Living here with Mom and Dad.”
Julia's face paled. “Live here with Mom and Dad?”
“Yep. BettyJo told me how you and Mina have been so nice, gettin' to know her and all. She said you two have takin' the time to talk to her and show an interest in her. I can't thank you two gals enough for making her feel welcome. It's made her feel like part of the family—you know, like she belongs here.” Ray lifted his beer and gulped it down in one long swallow. “Besides, you know how Mom and Dad love animals.”
Julia's throat went dry. She could hardly speak.“You and BettyJo and the two pit bulls plan to live here with Mom and Dad?”
“Why sure! They even talked to the preacher about me and BettyJo and they asked all their friends to join them in prayer about the whole thing.” He lifted his chin. “You know it's all good when Mom and Dad arrange a special prayer meetin' about us.”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Brotherly Love
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review
on Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday House Rules
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
No Goin' Home
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You! Mr. Jackson
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
~ ~ ~
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Brotherly Love
by
Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B01N5QDO5B
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
For more information contact:
Valerie Allen
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
ValerieAllenWriter.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
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JD
08/26/2020OH dear... that does not sound like a very bright future for the new couple nor the old one! Sigh....
Thanks for sharing one family's heartbreak, past, present, and future, Valerie!
And Happy Short Story STAR of the Day! : )
COMMENTS (3)