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When Mark had stepped aside, Veronica wasted no time. She engulfed her sister in a huge hug, tears falling down her cheeks. As she held her in her arms, the world around them spun away. That kid had grounded her—both kids had given her a sense of love she had never expected to feel before they became a family. And because of that, her heart was now breaking. How could she ever have wanted them to leave?
With a kiss to Ali’s temple, she choked out the words, “I love you.”
Ali hugged her tighter. “I love you, too, Ronnie.”
She refused to pull away, whispering into Ali’s hair. “Be careful. And study hard. I’m only a phone call away. Anything you need.”
“I know.”
Ali wiggled out of her embrace. Too soon. But Veronica let her go. She had to. It was time.
She huddled with Mark by the door while Cal kicked his foot at the beige carpet.
“I wish you were staying with me,” Ali said. A look of sadness fell over her face. A more intense longing even than when she’d hugged Veronica and Mark.
For the first time, Veronica felt like an outsider. The bond between the two kids had never been more apparent. It reminded her of her own relationship with Mark.
“Maybe next year,” Cal whispered. He shoved his hands in his pockets and finally peered at his sister. “Look, don’t go crazy just because you no longer have the warden watching over you.”
“Hey.” Veronica’s head snapped up. “I’m nothing like a warden. An uptight correctional officer, maybe, but not a warden.”
Mark squeezed her closer and kissed the top of her head with a chuckle.
But she couldn’t manage a laugh. This was awful. This feeling inside. She was happy she would only have to do it maybe once more with Cal. She didn’t think she could handle having to say good-bye to another child. Her baby had grown up and spread her wings. Because this was Ali’s entry into the real world. She may return for a few months every year and visit on holidays, but she might never come back permanently. And that left an achy feeling, a heartsick feeling in the pit of Veronica’s stomach, despite wanting so desperately to have her life back.
Cal continued to lecture his sister. “Remember, guys are only trying to screw you.” This time he stood straight, believing strongly in his words. “I don’t care what they tell you, I don’t care how nice you think they are. All we think about is our dick.” He pointed down at his own. “And where we can stick it.”
“Eww,” Ali said, her face curling up in disgust.
“Nice mental picture.”
Thank heavens. If she thought boy bits were disgusting, it meant she was still a virgin. Which meant she’d be studying instead of letting a boy manipulate her into drinking too much and doing things she shouldn’t be. Veronica celebrated, but on the inside.
“I’m serious, geek.” Cal grabbed Ali’s arms and steadied her.
They were witnessing the protective older brother routine. Veronica had experienced it before with Mark, but Cal’s intensity and determination to make Ali listen was surprising. He was usually so noncommittal with his words. Everything was a joke. But not this time.
“Keep your pants on, because if I find out one of these pricks hurt you I will hunt him down. Do you understand me?”
Ali nodded and lifted her hand to brush his floppy hair away from his face. They had been through so much together before showing up on Veronica’s doorstep.
“I love you, Cal. You’ll come and visit, right?”
Cal smiled wide. “You know it. Someone’s gotta teach these geeks how to party.”
Ali laughed and hugged him tight, tears falling down her cheeks. In a surprisingly gentle move, Cal ran his hand down her hair.
Mark cleared his throat. “We should get going.”
Veronica looked over at her older brother. His face had flushed red and his eyes were bloodshot. He was doing his best to hold back the tears. Wow. He’d only cried a handful of times in his life.
“Bye, family.” Ali clasped her hands in front of her, excitement and fear dancing in her eyes. But despite conflicting emotions, there was no question she knew she was exactly where she belonged.
“Have fun,” Mark said as he walked out the door.
“Not too much fun,” Cal yelled on his way out.
Veronica didn’t say a word as she took in the image of her little sister, all grown up, ready to start this new chapter in her life.
