INSTALLMENT 47  



Mitchell Residence:


   Melinda stares down at her finished meat loaf, taking in the rich Italian
aroma.  Staring at the clock above the stove, she hopes  Katie  sees her efforts as
a peace offering.  Since discovering Katie's images splashed all over that website, things have been tense. 

  Just then her cell phone starts vibrating.  Not looking at the caller id, she flips open her cell phone, hoping
it's Stephen  calling her back.

  "Hello?" 

  "Hey, sorry about not calling you back right away but I was in the middle of class.  Did I
hear correctly that your father is back in town?"  Stephen asks, the concern evident in his
voice.

  "Yes, he informed me of his presence not too long ago.  Thankfully, neither Katie nor  Wally 
are aware of his return."  Melinda spits out, thinking to herself that this dinner could be an
opportunity for her to break the news to her sister.  If only Wally didn't have to study tonight,
she could hit two birds with one stone by telling them both at the same time.  It isn't that she
doesn't want them to know their father's back in town, she just doesn't want to give their
father the satisfication of telling them first.

  As if Stephen could read her mind he asks, "You are planning to tell them he's back, right?"

  "Of course I am!" Melinda sharply responds,  "I just needed to digest the news first before I
spread the word."  Melinda explains, trying to convince herself more then Stephen.

"I'm glad to hear it." She could sense a little resignation in his voice,  "If they find this out from
anyone else, I can't imagine either would be happy with you.  I certainly wouldn't want to see your
sister's temper."  Stephen jokes, trying to picture what Melinda is going through.

  "That's why I just finished making a homemade dinner for Katie.  I figure if i make her favorite meal then I
can break it to her about daddy dearest's unwelcome return."  Melinda reasons, hints of bitterness in her
voice.