Previous chapters of the Vista Falls story:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

How should the story continue? Voting is open on the current chapter!

Last time, Jenny and Sam Colbert decided to let the wedding reception continue while they helped Mr. Jaquith investigate the mysterious paintings and Mia Duomo’s disappearance. While searching in the museum’s upstairs corridors, they stumbled upon a hastily drawn sketch of Mr. Dinello that someone had drawn on the wall. The sketch was in the style of the frightening paintings. They wondered why anyone would do such a thing. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Mr. Dinello and the teens waited while Vera was being examined. Also waiting was Lucy’s and Vera’s mother, Mrs. Ivy Molton. Mrs. Molton was very upset. Her fear was taking the form of anger—anger which she was misdirecting at Lucy. Kate—the twins’ cousin—didn’t like the way Mrs. Molton was talking to Lucy. Did she say anything or keep quiet? Here’s what you decided.

Chapter 13: Nieces to Pieces
By Joseph Crisalli

Mrs. Molton sat down next to Lucy in the waiting room. “How did this happen? I thought that you’d all be safe at the reception. After all, it was the marriage of the Chief of Police and an officer. You’d think there’d be good security there.”

“Mom, we told you already what happened. Vera panicked.” Lucy said softly.

“Can’t I trust you to look after her? You’re twins! You’re supposed to take care of one another.” Mrs. Molton continued.

“You know Vera is her own person. She does what she wants.” Lucy said.

“All the more reason for you to watch out for her. You’re supposed to be the sensible one!” Mrs. Molton continued. “How could you be so irresponsible?”

Kate squinted. She didn’t like the way her aunt was talking to Lucy. She understood that Aunt Ivy was upset, but that was no reason to be shouting at Lucy. It wasn’t Lucy’s fault.
As Mrs. Molton continued, Kate began to feel all the more sad for her cousin, Lucy. Kate wanted to say something, but she didn’t know what to say. Perhaps she shouldn’t say anything at all.

“I’m just disgusted by you, Lucy.” Mrs. Molton grumbled.

“That’s enough!” Kate said angrily.

“Excuse me?” Mrs. Molton said, turning around sharply.

“Just be quiet, Aunt Ivy!” Kate said, her cheeks turning bright pink.

“How dare you?” Mrs. Molton snarled. “How dare you speak to me like that?”

Kate realized that she had spoken out of turn. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re taking it out on Lucy and it isn’t her fault. I know you’re upset. We’re all upset, but…”

“You know?” Ivy Molton growled. “You know? What do you know about anything?”

“I know what it’s like to be upset and to take it out on the wrong person.” Kate said softly. “I’ve done it myself.”

“Yes, yes you have.” Mrs. Molton smirked. “Like when your mother and father decided they didn’t want you any more and you had to come live with us. Remember that? Remember when your parents got divorced and neither of them wanted you? Remember how you came to live in my house and eat my food? Remember that?”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “Mom, please.”

“No, Lucy,” Mrs. Molton said, “I’ve waited too long to say this.” She turned to Kate, “You ungrateful little girl, you came into my home and I took care of you when no one else could stand the sight of you and you have the nerve to talk to me the way you just did? How dare you!”

“I…I…” Kate stammered.

“Now, you can’t talk?” Mrs. Molton said fiercely. “Suddenly you have no voice? Where was your quiet a minute ago when you were telling me off?”

“She’s going to run off.” Delia whispered to Mr. Dinello.

“She always does.” Mr. Dinello nodded.

Kate began to cry. And, indeed, she did run off down the hospital corridor.

“Oh! Kate!” Mrs. Molton shouted. “I’m sorry.”

“Mom…” Lucy began.

“It’s just that I’m so upset…” Mrs. Molton said. “I didn’t mean any of that.”

“Mom!” Lucy pointed behind her mother. “It’s the doctor.”

“Mrs. Molton.” The doctor began. He looked serious. “Is your husband here?”

“He’s on his way.” Mrs. Molton said.

“I wish he were here. I’d like to talk with you both together.” The doctor continued.

“What’s wrong?” Mrs. Molton asked nervously.

“I’m sorry to tell you this…” The doctor began.

Meanwhile, Kate was running. She ran straight out of the hospital and toward Cascades Park where she saw a familiar face.

Blaine Bauer had become a close friend of Kate’s. He saw her coming and stood up.

“What’s wrong?” Blaine asked.

“Everything!” Kate screamed, tears running down her face.

“What can I do?” Blaine asked sincerely.

“Run away with me.” Kate said plainly, wiping her eyes on her hands.

How should Blaine answer?

He should say that they should sit and talk?
He should agree to run away?
He should take her back to the hospital?

Go to next chapter!