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“Adriana, what’s wrong? I mean, apart from the obvious?”
Should I tell her about the doubt creeping in? How that raven spooked me, and all I can think about is Elijah? In some ways, Charlie is so lucky to have it all. She has a man who will move heaven and earth for her, two beautiful children, money, the works. Jealousy is an ugly trait, and one not to be had toward your best friend.
The door opens, and we both turn to see Lex. He asks Charlie if he can have a moment with me. She stands and leaves, closing the door behind her. Lex keeps his distance, standing behind me while I continue to sit on the step avoiding his presence.
“I’ve got nothing left to say to you.”
“Adriana, why do you have to make my life so fucking hard?”
I turn abruptly. “Your life?”
He keeps quiet. So quiet only the owls loitering in the trees can be heard.
“Out of all the people in LA, why him?”
I stand up in a hurry. “I’m not wasting my breath. I don’t expect you to understand. All you really care about here is Charlie. Not me.”
I walk back inside the house. It’s quiet.
In the living room, my mom, Charlie, and the girls are watching a movie. Standing around for a few moments, I easily get bored and go in search of Andy.
In the den, my dad and Julian are watching a documentary, engrossed in a lengthy discussion about the African government. It’s probably best I leave them alone, and just as I’m about to walk out, I catch a glimpse of Andy sitting on Julian’s lap with his head resting on his chest, happily sucking on his thumb, again.
The strings to my heart are pulled every which way, the contentment on Andy’s face indescribable. This isn’t all about me, this is about what Andy needs as well. Everyone needs a father, one who can take you to soccer practice or coach little league, teach you all about the birds and bees because Mama knows it’s the most awkward conversation of all time.
I wander back to the living room but remember I need to grab something from the guest bedroom. Making my way past the bathroom, an unusual sound escapes the room. What the hell is that? It’s more of a moan, and just when I’m about to open the door, it becomes too clear.
“Charlotte, you are mine. You fucking understand me?”
It’s followed by a low rumbling moan.
You’ve got to be kidding me!
I run out of the hallway fast, determined to erase the image creeping into my brain along with the sex moans. Dear God, please give me amnesia now. I’m out of breath by the time I enter the den, letting Julian know it’s time to leave.
By the time my dad and Julian have said their goodbyes and arranged to meet up to discuss his trip in more detail, we’re in the hallway when a very flustered Charlie turns the corner. She avoids eye contact, and when she goes to hug me goodbye, I place my palm in front of her, stopping her.
“No thanks, God knows what’s all over you.”
With that comment, her face turns beet red. Even Lex looks pleased with himself. I don’t say goodbye to him, and Julian knows not to even attempt but does say farewell to Charlie. It pisses Lex off, and his smirk falters into a bitter expression.
Outside, we walk along the path until we reach the car. With Andy strapped in, I let out a sigh of relief when I sit down. I shiver in disgust at the thought of them going at it in the bathroom. It’s not like they are horny teenagers, they have a whole house to themselves and sleep in the same bed every night.
“Why the shakes?” Julian asks as he reverses the car out of the driveway.
Without even thinking, I burst out, “Argh, just… gross… catching Lex and Charlie going at it in my parents?
? bathroom. I mean, where’s the respect?”
A silence follows, and Julian’s face shows no expression. His grip on the steering wheel looks tighter than usual. I expect him to say something, but he doesn’t for the entire ride home. Andy is the one talking, and as soon as we park the car, Andy is quick to speak, “Jay, can you please read me a story tonight? The one with the puppy losing its mama?”
Julian releases his belt and turns to face Andy. “Sure, kiddo.”
He ignores me, and I’m taken aback.
Inside, Julian is reading to Andy in bed. It isn’t long before Andy asks, “Jay, will you stay here in my bed? The monsters talk to me, and I’m scared.” Julian nods and pushes his hair aside.
I stand outside the room, wanting to ask what the hell happened in the car. Why did he have a problem with Lex and Charlie having sex? Yeah, it was gross, but why did it bother him this much that he has to give me the silent treatment? He falls asleep beside Andy, and I don’t have the heart to wake him.
