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“Is it?” I look over, pretending to see them for the first time. “Oh, yes. So it is,” I say through gritted teeth. “Maybe we can catch up with them later.”
Please, Daniel. Let’s just go get a burger.
“Oh, come on. We have to go and say hi. They might be gone later.”
I can’t stop him from lunging toward them, so there’s no point in trying. That being said, I don’t follow him straight away. For a micro-second, I try and figure if there is any way out of this situation, but I already know the answer. Heaving a sigh, and knowing I have no choice, I turn and follow my brother, who has already reached the two women. He greets them with such excitement that makes me think that the thing that Daniel once had for Sylvie didn’t really go away. She’s older than him by about two or three years, but Sylvie and her family have lived in Sharon Springs all their lives. We all know each other very well; they’re good people. I just wonder why he hasn’t made his move already.
“Hi, Jackson,” Sylvie squeals, reaching up and throwing her arms around my neck, giving me a huge hug.
I hug her back gently and release her with a smile. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her, but she always greets me this way. Like I’m her big brother as well as Daniel’s. Maybe it’s because I babysat them both about, oh, a hundred years ago. A time when she still wore ponytails and braces.
“Hey, Sylvie,” I reply warmly.
“It’s been so long since we’ve seen you,” she continues in a delightful tone. “You’re back to look after Ben?”
I chuckle a little. “For heaven’s sake, don’t let my dad hear you say that. He’ll chase you down the street, wheelchair or not.”
She giggles. “I know. Poor Ben! That accident has really cramped his style. So, how long are you staying?” She gives me a look, and I know what she’s thinking. Just like everyone else, she knows why I haven’t been back here as often.
“A few weeks, just to ensure that the business runs smoothly.”
Bree just stands there, looking anywhere but in my direction, pretending to be interested in something farther across the field. Maybe she’s making a point; and if I’m honest, I can’t blame her. I’ve hardly been polite since our first meeting. It’s just that she scares me to death.
“Have you been on the rides yet?” Daniel says, interrupting our reunion. He’s talking to Sylvie, obviously.
“Not yet. Why? Will your big brother not go with you?” Sylvie says with a grin, digging me with her elbow.
“He doesn’t do fairground rides. Come on, we can go together.”
I’m a little surprised that Sylvie just leaves Bree without introducing her. But then, she probably figures we’ve met already, her being Dad’s housekeeper. For a second, I don’t know whether to stay with Bree or follow Daniel and Sylvie. But my manners kick in. I can hardly leave the outsider here alone, even if her newfound friend clearly has no problem doing so.
“I suppose we should follow,” I say to her.
Bree brings her gaze back to me, and I can’t make out her expression. It’s not hateful daggers, but she’s hardly gushing with delight at the suggestion either.
Eventually, she shrugs. “Sure.”
We don’t speak as we walk after the two who’ve dashed off ahead. I have no idea what to say, and the truth is, I don’t really want to get to know this woman. Not just this woman. Any woman. I’m done with relationships. I’m done being hurt and treated like a fool. I know, it’s a pretty narrowminded view, but constant humiliation will do that to you.
The silence continues when we reach the ride that Daniel and Sylvie have queued up for. Only now, it feels more intense. At least before, the mere act of walking through the crowd served as a distraction. Now, we’re just a foot apart, stationary. Nearby, but not together. Daniel turns to me, whooping and hollering as they finally get their turn. I smile and wave in reply, and then, the ride begins.
I’m going to have to say something. This tension is thicker than the city traffic in rush hour. As I take a breath in to speak, I hear her voice.
“I really like it here. It’s so different than the city.”
I can’t give her the silent treatment again. It’s just not right. Besides, this situation is different than the other times. I can’t just walk away.
“It’s just like every other small community,” I reply, more to say something than nothing at all. I don’t know if she’s looking for my opinion, but what else am I supposed to say?
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve lived in New York City my entire life. I’ve only been here a couple of weeks, but I think I like the gentle silence that prevails the air here. It’s so much better than in the city.”
I can’t help but begin to feel the anger rise within me. Sure, life in a small community is great when all is going well. She ought to try living here when it isn’t. Without realizing it, she was poking the hornet’s nest, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep the anger from my voice.
“Yes, well. I miss the city. I can’t wait to get back there,” I growl.
It was an instant conversation stopper, which was a stupid move. I don’t know how to carry it on; and besides, I’m busy dealing with wounds that are slowly tearing open, inch by painful inch.
