Resent, Reject, Regret

Kyran became Deirdre’s kitchen helper. Around 5:00 p.m., they heard a knock on the door, prompting Deirdre to clap the flour out of her hands in joy. “Sweet! That has to be Glenna! Let her in, Kyran!”

A subtle change shadowed Kyran’s expression, though he ultimately obliged and answered the door.

The young woman had a few bags on her fingers when the door opened. When she saw Kyran, her eyes dodged him for a second.

Steeling herself, she called out, “Hi, Mr… Reed.”

Kyran nodded and stepped aside to let Glenna in.

Deirdre strode out of the kitchen and greeted cheerfully, “You came just in time, Glenna.A new change of kitchen helper is sorely needed! Kyran’s just no good at these things…He could not even peel and slice those potatoes right. If we want our dinner to happen soon, I’m gonna need your help.”

“Well, well, well! You’re in luck! This is exactly what I’m born to do!” Glenna placed the fruits down and rolled her sleeves. “Let me at ’em!”

Her usual preppiness had returned to her mannerism, making Deirdre assume she had finally let go of whatever misgivings she had. The thought relieved her. She brought out a large plate and said, “Slice them thin and place them here. We’re making chips later!”

Glenna started working. ‘These are a lot of potatoes for a three-person meal, don’t you think?” she remarked offhandedly.

finish them

Mr. King’s joining us

her friend’s movement freeze. Glenna

asked quietly, “You don’t mind him coming, right? I honestly thought you guys

to begin with. Even people who’ve known each other for

reason, Deirdre felt something was still amiss. Hushed, she asked, “What

sympathy, conflict, and something else in between

a little self-consciously and smiled.

you don’t have to overthink it. Who do you think we are? Schoolchildren? No, madam, we are

then. I’m with you on this. But if you need help with anything,

Glenna intoned

and hung it on the rack as

come with me,

“Where’s Miss McKinnon?”