The Lisa’s were still at a loss for words after witnessing Lynne’s power. Neither one had ever seen so much power and fury. The future Lisa was shocked Lynne felt like this. “I...I never knew she felt that way about her sister and her family,” she whispered. “Oh god...did..did I..did I...push her too hard.”
The present day Lisa now tried to console her grown down future self. The woman turned teen seemed almost catatonic as she stared off into space. As Lisa attempted to get the woman to calm down she turned to her daughter. “Gloria,” she said quietly. “I want you to go upstairs and talk with your sister.”
Gloria could feel the color drain from her face as she listened to her mother’s request. “M..mom,” She stammered. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Listen to me,” Lisa said sternly. “That girl upstairs is alone and in a lot of pain. Trying to change her with the ring pushed it too far. We have to keep her safe, no buts. Go up there, talk with her, apologize if you have to, but, do not let her leave.”
Gloria gulped and nodded, she had no idea how she was going to do this. “Okay mom,” she said quietly as she cautiously began to make her way upstairs.
As Gloria approached the room her and Lynne shared, she felt herself catch her breath. She feared what Lynne could possibly do to her if provoked. Gloria’s magic would have no affect on someone so powerful, she now tried to remain deathly quiet as she cautiously peered into the room.
Lynne was gathering up her clothing and haphazardly placing it into a pair of duffel bags. Thankful the girl seemed absorbed in her work and had not noticed Gloria yet. Mustering enough courage to step forward Gloria now slowly stepped into her room.
“If you keep coming forward I’ll shatter your legs.”
Gloria stopped dead in her tracks as Lynne sully looked up at her. “L..Lynne,” She stammered nervously. “Can...can we talk?”
“Already said no,” Lynne said calmly, throwing a bunch of clothing into one of her duffel bags. “But I’m guessing you won’t listen. You never do. It’s always, ‘I know what’s best for you sis’.” Lynne narrowed her eyes as she stared at Gloria, a mixture of contempt and sadness on her face. “I used to believe you. Now I see, you were just trying to control me and hold me down. You don’t give a damn about me and you never have.”
“I..I wouldn’t Lynne I....”
“Save it,” Lynne said softly. “Doesn’t matter. You broke your promise to me. A promise you and Katie both made. A promise I have always kept.”
“What promise?”
Lynne sighed sadly, wiping her eyes. “You promised you would never use your magic on me,” she whimpered. “You promised you would always look out for me and keep me safe. You said I could always trust you and that if there was ever any problem we would work it out without getting mom and dad in the middle. You broke your promise.”
“Lynne,” Gloria pleaded. “I...I was just worried about you. You were being so reckless. Something....something really bad could happen with you messing around like you did.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Lynne huffed, zipping up her duffel bag. “You didn’t have a second thought about useing the ring on me. After promising me years ago you would never let that happen. Then the future you decided to tell mom about some stupid diary you have. You betrayed me twice.”
“It was an accident,” Gloria whimpered.
“Bull,” Lynne spat. “You don’t make mistakes. Your too perfect. You nitpick everything I do and mom always takes your advise. I used to think you were just looking out for me, keeping me in line. Meeting....you...I realize that you just want to have everything go your way. Consequences be damned.”
Gloria could feel a lump from in her throat as she gazed at the angry teen. Could Lynne be right? Was the future Gloria just trying to control Lynne? If Lynne was so hurt that she believed her family loved Gloria more than Lynne then was Gloria really a good person or a good sister?
“I’m...I’m sorry,” Gloria said quietly, lowering her head. “I...I can’t speak for my future self but you have to believe me I never tried to hurt you intentionally.”
Lynne gave a short laugh as she shook her head. “I’ve heard you say that before too,” she spat. “And I used to believe you. Now....well...now I see the truth, your full of it.”
Gloria was at a loss for words as she looked at Lynne. No matter what she said it appeared the girl had heard Gloria say it before. As much as Gloria wanted to protect this girl there was a small nagging voice in the back of her head. A voice telling her to just let this girl leave her house forever.
“No,” Gloria thought. “Whatever I did, whatever I will do to Lynne I can’t give up on her. She’s my sister, she needs me.” Taking a deep breath Gloria now stepped towards the girl, hugging her tightly. “I’m..I’m so so sorry,” she cried, tears leaking from her eyes. “Please, let me try again.”
Lynne paused as she let her sister hug her. Although Lynne would not return her hug she could feel her sister begin to cry. Still angry she needed to decide, give her sister another chance or go with her plan and leave for a house me she would be more comfortable in.