Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 32 - Don't Touch It

"I got your car tuned up and filled with gas early this morning Jake. Most people are closed on New Year's except for Mike's place in case of New Year's accidents or flat tires." Kyle said.

"Thanks Dad. I appreciate it." Jake replied buttering the next set of toast.

"No problem. That reminds me Stacy, I want your keys out tonight so I could get yours done tomorrow early." Kyle said putting the jam, salt and pepper on the table.

"Ok daddy." Stacy said getting juice and milk poured into everyone's glasses.

They tuned into the conversation of the female voices in the room. Stacy was bubbly and cheery, Jake's most hated mood in the morning. He just smiled because if he let his sister know it bothered him, she would make it worse. He learned that the hard way when they were younger.

"Yes, Mom, I am excited. I think I am going to like three of the five shows and colleges we plan to look at."

"I like the one closest to us and not half across the country like your brother." Alicia said with a raised eyebrow, indication pointing to Jake.

Jake concentrated on his breakfast looking worse for wear, not missing the comments but was too tired to respond. His nightmare had torn him away from the peaceful sleep he needed which seemed to be more and more each minute. He took a drink of his coffee hoping it would help. He just smiled. He listened to half an hour of babble before he contributed his share of comments.

"Jake did you sleep at all?" Alicia asked watching her son.

"It doesn't feel like it, but I'll be alright. I'm excited to get on the mountain." Jake smiled not wanting his mother to worry as he could tell they were trying to restrain themselves over Stacy's trip.

"Don't forget to return that sweater soon." Jake reminded Stacy.

"Of course, I will." Stacy said looking down suddenly consumed by her food.

"I mean it. No wearing it first and taking a chance of ruining it. Be responsible."

She looked up and pouted. "Fine, I just had a couple of dates in mind I wanted to show it off to. With my luck though, my clumsy friends would find a way to trash it."

"Yes, I agree. I know your friends. That sweater is too expensive to wear as something casual."

"Anna did."

"She could afford it. Could you?"

"How much does the sweater cost?" Kyle asked Stacy.

"Enough." Stacy said her stare not wavering from Jake's. Jake could tell she was getting irritated which he didn't mind after her outburst of Anna's and his activities the previous night.

"How much is enough?" Alicia asked.

Stacy turned to her mother, "As much as two of your suits, four pairs of your shoes, three of your purses, and would be worn by the mother of the bride in a platinum glamour wedding."

Alicia sharply inhaled.

"Do not even touch it. Put it in a box with a bow, I have one around here somewhere." Alicia started to fluster and stand up from her chair.

"No give it to me, I'll take it back. Hand me the address." Alicia said not even hiding her distrust of her daughter.

"No Mom, I promise I will return it when I come back from my trip. It will be safe in my closet. Nothing is going to happen to it for it won't have a chance to even get ruined."