Roses
by Barbara Cohen
He opened his briefcase and slowly withdrew a single deep pink bud. I
took it from him, put it to my nose, and inhaled its heavy sweetness.
"It's gorgeous," I said. "It'll be even more gorgeous in a couple of
days when it opens."
"Izzie," he said slowly, "it cost me dear."
"Pops, I'm sorry. I know roses are expensive, but I only asked for
one --"
He didn't seem to hear me. "Or maybe it's you it cost dear. Or both
of us."
Isabel has always been the protected younger dauyghter, but now that
she is seventeen there are new demands on her, and her sister Mimi's
forthcoming wedding has signaled changes at home that are confusing
and difficult to manage. Them she meets Leo, whose existence is
shrouded in mystery, and she discovers her need to reach out and
involve herself in a life that seems damaged almost beyong repair --
even though it may cost her dear.
Beauty and the Beast
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