AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m sorry for disappointing you and mom. I’ll do whatever you need me to do. I’ll take the bus to the sites or leave when you do, and I’ll be professional during work hours.” Righting my shirt, my voice breaks as I struggle to get myself under control. I slow my words and speak with precision. “But don’t expect me to sit at the same table with him.” Shrugging off out of his grasp, I trudge down the hall to my old room and throw myself on my bed. I should have just gone to my house, but something about being in my old space is calming to me. Trying to block them out, I hear mom as she tries to explain the twin dynamic, but Adam’s words cut her off.
“...You’re enabling him, Mom...”
“...It gets worse when Tom calls. Tell him not to…”
“...You can’t cut him off from his brother…”
“...He’s got a drinking problem…”
“...Hunter’s right. He’s not going to wake up until he kills someone or worse…”
My hands tighten into fists. Is that what they think? That I’ve got a problem? And now they want to keep Tom away from me? I live for the few moments I hear his voice, because then I know he’s okay. That’s not the problem. The problem is the in between times when Idon’thear his voice. I know it’s been hard on my parents. And I know I’m making it worse.
But I can’t stop. The pain of change is too much, and I don’t want to feel any of it.
CHAPTER NINE
ADLEY
Three months later …
“Chelsea!”As I enter the house and call out her name, I notice that she hasn't completely unpacked the boxes she brought with her. She’s been here for six months already, which means her current relationship with Adam is worse than I thought.
“In here!”
Walking down the hall, I find her in her bedroom, trying on different outfits. “You going to tell me where we’re going yet, or what?”
“Where do you think? Britt’s having a party.” She shimmies her jeans over her hips. We both have big asses and finding jeans that slide on right and actually fit is always near impossible.
“Your man going to show up? Or is he working again?”
“Leave him alone.” She says as she turns to assess herself in the mirror.
“Sis, you move here for him and then all he does is work. What the hell do you do all day, anyway? Obviously, it’s not unpacking boxes.”
“If you’d move here, I wouldn’t be alone.” She turns on me quickly and I put my hands in the air, in a defensive mode.
“Oh no! This isn’t my fault! I stayed for as long as I could, and I’m here every other weekend. What do you want me to do? Move in with you?”
“Actually, yes. It would make me feel better, plus you’d be better off with me than with that asshole of yours.”
“That asshole doesn’t live with me anymore.” I speak it out loud and feel a bit of relief for the first time in a long time.
“What,” she screeches. “Why are you just telling me this?”
“Because I’m sick of thinking about it. You were right. He’s got something against me being here. After that weekend he surprised me by coming here, we fought. He doesn’t like that I’m here with you all the time. I don’t know if it’s a jealousy thing, or he thinks I’m looking to move away, but I told him I need to concentrate on what I want. Publishing my books is important to me and he thinks it’s a waste of time. I’m a journalism major! What did he think I was going to do? If he can’t support me, I can’t stick around. And no one is going to tell me I can’t be with my sister or help her. He should know by now if you tell me to do something, I’m going to do the opposite.”
She rushes me, pulling me from the doorway to hug me. “I’m sorry. And I’m sorry if by me being needy and possessive of your time, that it caused this. I’m glad though. Use me as an excuse anytime!”
“It’s not an excuse. I see how good life can be here for you-”
“It could be good for you, too.”
Ignoring her interjection, I continue to talk over her. “And for right now, until Adam can figure out a schedule, I want to be here with you.”
“Stay away from him for good now. Please.” Sighing, she holds me at arm’s length. “How’d we get here?”
“Our stunning home life and outstanding father figure?”
