“Lily please, they won’t hurt you. They haven’t even started drinking yet.” Which Beth hoped was true. “You have nothing to be afraid of from them. Have I ever let any harm come to you?”

A small moan passed Lily’s trembling lips, taking a hesitant step toward Beth. “That’s it sweetheart," Beth praised.

“For heavens sake, leave bitches. No one wants you here anyway.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Beth noticed Razer motion for Evie to get Sam quiet.

“Why do I have to shut the fuck up; that skinny slut think she’s better than us…” Beth heard a sharp yelp as Evie’s hand smacked Sam’s mouth.

“I told you to shut up.” Finding herself surrounded by the other women, Sam shut up.

“Beth…” Lily’s broken voice tore at Beth’s heart.

“Come on sweetheart, a few more steps.” Beth waited patiently on shore, aware the bikers stood immobile. Finally, she walked within reach; Beth wrapped the blanket around her shivering form. Tugging her from the water required every ounce of strength she possessed. As they drew closer, the men in the group pulled back, giving Lily the space she needed. Finally, Beth was able to maneuver her into the car. Hastily she moved towards the driver’s door, Razer stopped to hand her the towel and basket she left behind.

“Thanks," she said.

“She going to be ok?”

“Yes, she will be fine when I get her home.” Beth tried to explain, trying to be tactful. “It’s not you guys, it’s the liquor.”

Razer smiled, showing that he knew she was lying. “I think probably a rowdy gang of bikers didn’t help the situation.” When Beth would have denied it, he forestalled her.“It’s cool. No offense taken, we scare everyone in this small town. Two lone women on an isolated spot; would be crazy to have no concerns when we invaded your space."

Beth smiled at him naturally for the first time, blushing as he grinned back. Not wanting to keep Lily waiting longer, Beth got inside the car, giving her sister a concerned look, she drove home. When they arrived, she made a hot bath for Lily and a light dinner of chicken salad. They sat quietly munching, not talking. Beth left her to her thoughts; Lily had demons in her past that events triggered. Beth had learned long ago it was best to let Lily battle it out herself, usually without Beth’s aid she realized it was an over reaction and strove harder next time to keep better control of her fears.

It was later in the night when the screams woke her. Running into Lily’s room, she found her curled into a ball in the corner. Beth sat down next to the crying girl pulling her into her arms, offering what comfort she could, smoothing down her dark curls. Beth rocked her sister until she fell asleep. Gently disengaging herself, she went to the bed, removing the comforter and pillows. Placing the comforter on the floor, she maneuvered her sleeping sister until she lay prone on the thick material. Beth laid down next to her, raising her head and putting the pillow beneath her head. They slept curled together as they had many nights when they were children. Beth felt tears slide from her eyes at the pain Lily had endured as a child, only to survive with the brutal memories waiting for a chance to attack. Beth whispered into the darkened bedroom the same prayer she did every night since Lily had become her sister. That she find peace from her nightmare and someone strong enough to give it to her.

Chapter 3

Sunday morning turned out pretty; Beth woke a groggy Lily to get ready for church. They had never missed a morning service and even after their difficult night, it didn’t occur to either to miss.

The service was positive and left each girl in a lighter mood, unlike the ones her father used to give. After the service, they walked to the local diner, which was just across the street. Lily’s friends joined them and they ended up at a large table. Her friends were boisterous as kids their age usually were; but Lily didn’t mind joining in with her own wicked sense of humor. Beth sat at the opposite end of the table, contently sipping her coffee watching the shadows in her eyes disappear in her lovely violet depths. The restaurant was packed with people standing around waiting for a table to empty.

“Pastor Dean!” Lily waved at their Pastor when he walked into the restaurant. The good-looking pastor had received many invitations to lunch after the services, but Pastor Dean always declined. Eligible, young, and extremely handsome with mahogany hair, the women in the church were vying for his attention. He excused himself from the parishioner he was talking to, making his way to their table. Beth watched as he greeted Lily and her friends, the respect they had for the pastor was obvious. He was a very good pastor who made time for his parishioners; including the young ones when he had began earning their trust. He had taken over for her father two years ago and at first had meet resistance from within the church. He was more lenient, while her father had been hell and brimstone. Beth didn’t resent the change; in fact she was happy that the younger crowd wouldn’t be taught in such a stifling atmosphere.

“Would you like to join us?” Beth asked when she could get a word in.

Dean laughed. “I would.” Pulling a chair out next to Beth, he sat down. “Give me a break from the more stodgy parishioners.”

“Now pastor, we don’t want to deprive your flock of your company.” Beth laughed.

“Please deprive away.” Dean ordered his breakfast from a passing waitress. “Unless you need my advice on your everlasting soul.”

Beth shuddered. “No, I’m good.”

Dean laughed again, quickly drawn into a conversation with the others at the table. The youth group was planning a weekend trip to donate their services to rebuild a church that had been destroyed by a tornado. It was an enjoyable lunch with at times serious topics; the lunch crowd in the restaurant began to thin out. It was then Beth noticed the table in the corner against the back wall. Razer and two of his buddies sat watching their table.

“Beth!”

Lily drew her attention. “We are going to go to the movies then go to Charles’ for dinner. We need to finish a power point for class tomorrow.”

“Ok, take the car.” Beth reached into her purse and pulled out her keys.

“We’ll drop you off first.” Lily protested.

Beth glanced at her watch. “No, it’s in the opposite direction, you’ll miss the start of the movie. I can walk, it’s not far.” In fact, when their parents were alive they used to walk it every Sunday, weather permitting.

“I would offer you a ride, but mine is in the shop.” Dean said rising. “Ladies, thanks for allowing me to join you. Beth, I will be by one day to pick up the boxes for the charity drive. Call and let me know when it is convenient.” When he picked up the ticket for the table, Beth protested. “Allow me.” With a wink he ignored her and said his goodbyes. All the time, Beth was conscious of Razer’s sharp gaze on her.

“We better be going.’ Lily and her friends got up, but Lily walked to her sister giving her a hug. “I will be home by ten.”

“Finish your project. Don’t worry about the time, but remember you have school in the morning.” Beth smiled at her, mischievously glancing at Charles.

“I will.” Lily just stared at her. She was wearing a pale lilac dress with lace at the borders. It was soft and flowed to her knees. She looked like a model. Beth got a lump in her throat, reaching out to give her hand a quick squeeze. Beth would often touch her, noticing others close to her made excuses to do the same. Beth didn’t take offense knowing they did it for the same reason; to reassure themselves she was still within their reach. Women who had less beauty and had made fortunes with their looks could not compare to Lily. It wasn’t only her physical beauty that drew everyone in the room’s eyes, but her gentle spirit that shone in her face. Charles walked up taking Lily’s hand hurrying her towards the door.