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“That’s a start.” Clay leans in and kisses my forehead. “I’ll see you later. Call if you need me before then.”
I watch Clay leave my room. I lean my head back against the headboard and close my eyes.
If only I had a magic wand.
***
Five p.m. on the dot, I hear the door bang closed below. I don’t move from the bed. I know it’s Clay, and I know he’ll be marching up here to make sure I’m at least out of bed.
“Aria! I have a surprise for you,” says Clay.
I sigh.
Clay peaks his head around my door and spots me sitting on the side of the bed. I’m freshly showered, and probably look a lot healthier than I have for the last few days.
“Good, you’re up. Now come and see.”
I stand up and follow Clay through the house. I can hear someone else moving about in the kitchen and my heartrate picks up, thinking that it’s Caleb. I could really go for a Caleb cuddle right now.
I stop in my tracks. My brother looks up as I enter the kitchen. He puts down the container, rounds the counter, and takes me in his arms.
I hold him tightly and sob into his hoody. I haven’t seen Spencer in so long. Just having him here is amazing.
“It’s okay, sis. I’ve got you.”
I don’t know how long I’m held in his embrace, but when I pull away, it’s only Spencer and me. I look around for Clay, but he’s gone.
“Clay has some work to do. He thought it would be good for us to have some time together. I’ve brought Chinese food.” Spencer points over his shoulder and gets back to opening dishes. I pull out a seat and sit down. All the different aromas are divine.
“How long are you home for?” I ask.
“As long as you need me. I’m not going anywhere for a while.”
I feel the tears fall down my cheeks. Apart from my mom, Spencer is the only other person in my family that has made me feel special.
“I just want you to know that I’m going to be here for you and the baby. I could have punched Dad when I came home. I still could.”
I shake my head. “It’s over with. As long as I have you, I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”
“What about Caleb?”
“It’s complicated. I don’t want to talk about it, Spence.”
He nods. He pushes dishes across to me and I help myself to crispy shredded chicken, noodles, and some vegetable dish. I don’t care what I’m eating because I’m ravenous.
“How long have you been home?”
“A few days. I was supposed to surprise you on Friday at the cabin, but obviously, things changed. I couldn’t wait one more day. I had to see you.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“Clay and Caleb are worried about you. And Clay and I are worried about Caleb. It’s a vicious circle y’all have going on here, Aria. I want to help you all, but I don’t know what to do and say. I’m terrified in case I say something terrible.”
“Just be you. I don’t want everyone to act differently around me. I need normal.” I stuff my mouth with a forkful of food and savor the taste.
“And Caleb?”
“I don’t want to talk about it. It’s best for Caleb to be away from me. End of story.”
He nods. “Okay. Just know that I’ll be here for you and the baby. Anytime.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
And it does mean a lot to me. Just having Spencer here with me is amazing. I don’t want to be around a lot of people, but Spencer reminds me of Clay. He’s just himself. Nothing and no one will change him. If he has something to say he’ll say it. I need straight talking. I’m sick of riddles.
