Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Jenna hadn't seen Gilbert all day, and when she finally did, she clung to him like glue, not wanting to let go. "Jenna, it's bedtime. Be a good girl, or mommy will get mad and I won't be able to visit us anymore."

At that, Jenna quickly shut her eyes, "Sleepy time!"

"What a good girl."

Gilbert chuckled under his breath, tucking her in and soothing her to sleep.

When he finally stood to leave, an hour had passed.

Sherilyn was waiting at the door; she was sharing Jenna's room for the night.

As the door opened, she brushed past Gilbert without a glance.

"Sherilyn..." Gilbert caught her arm, trying to explain, "Caroline's been really emotional lately, give it some time..."

"Shh!"

Sherilyn peeked inside, careful not to wake Jenna, and softly closed the door.

Still, her voice was a whisper.

"I don't care about you and your lady's drama, I just want Jenna to be okay."

"Sherilyn?"

Gilbert was puzzled, his brow furrowed.

"I know you don't like Caroline, but... don't you have even a shred of sympathy for her condition?"

"No."

didn't hesitate, a smirk playing on her lips. "If you ask me, she's getting what

can you say that?"

"Feeling sorry for her?"

could

wrist, she broke free from his

moment, Gilbert was momentarily stunned,

no secret in the upscale Sunhaven circles that she and Caroline never got

anything, it seemed Caroline harbored

year, it was because of Sherilyn that Caroline lost

look at Caroline with such... deep-seated

on the tip of his

...

to shoot these next few

character in the play

in.

to touch Jenna's feverishly hot cheeks, "Jenna,

She paused mid-sentence.

Jenna so

"Jenna?"

within her, but not

Jenna, she

within her, but wanting

"Jenna, wake up,

e."

"...Mama. Morning."

grabbed a thermometer, checking Jenna's temperature.

beat.