Sunday, September 4, 1910
It was Sunday evening. Sarah put her key in the backdoor of the kitchen and walked inside. Jean and Will were waiting for her.
Jean started to say, "I'm glad you're back." She froze.
Michael Conrad was standing next to Sarah.
Will and Jean were very nervous.
Sarah slid a piece of paper across the table to the Clementines.
Jean mumbled to Michael, "Do you want some coffee?"
He shook his head. "I won't be here that long."
Will began to look at Sarah's paper.
Before he could ask, Sarah said, "This is a copy of everything I am about to tell you."
Will stopped reading.
Sarah cleared her throat. "Number One: Mrs. Clementine if you touch me ever again you will be arrested and my father will recall the mortgage putting you out of business."
Will shook his head. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Michael?"
Michael nodded. "Yes, Will, I know we’re best friends but your wife crossed the line. As your friend, I am giving you fair warning."
Sarah continued, "Number Two: I will stay here as your employee, not as a replacement for your daughter. I am not Emily!"
Sarah took a moment to recompose herself. "What ever unsettled issues there might be between you and Emily is your affair; I have nothing to do with your poor parenting skills."
Jean's eyes filled with tears.
Will rebuked her. "Jean? Pay attention."
She dabbed her eyes with a napkin.
Sarah spoke up, "As your employee you will pay me a reasonable amount for my services minus any expenses I incur from room and meals."
Jean shook her head. "We can't afford to…."
Sarah interrupted her, "You can afford it and lot's more if you become a better manager of your bakery."
Michael added. "Jean, come over to the bank tomorrow at 10 and bring your ledger. You and I are going to sit down and go over your expenses.
Also, Sarah has several reasonable, cost effective ideas which will help you make more money. It's not that you're deliberately eking out a living, it's that you could make more and I have a vested interest in seeing that this businesses, which occupies my property, prospers. Understood?"
Jean nodded. "I do. Thank you, Michael."
Will asked, "Sarah, anything else?"
"Number Three: I will not skip any school in order to help run your business. I will go to River City on Friday nights; I'll go on dates and any other activity for which I see fit. My time is my time, not yours.
In conjunction with that, ma'am, sir, I apologize for my poor attitude and errors in judgment on Friday.
I should not have lied to you. I should not have locked the door for such a long period of time.
Please accept my apology."
Jean meekly nodded. "It's ok." She put her head back down.
Sarah sighed. "Good. Just one more thing, Mrs. Clementine."
Jean looked up.
Sarah walked around the table. She held on to her.
"Mrs. Clementine, you're practically my mother as surely as Emily is practically Paula Conrad's daughter. I love you so very much, ma'am, and I am truly sympathetic with the pains your body must be enduring during this difficult process."
Jean kissed her on the cheek. "I love you too, Sarah."
Will wiped his eyes, as did Michael. Will asked carefully, "Friends?"
Michael nodded. "Always."
He headed towards the backdoor. "Goodnight, Jean, Will, Sarah."
"Goodnight father, sweet dreams."
