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The longer the contraction goes on, the wider Annie’s eyes get. Her mouth opens, and I watch her hold in the pain for her sister.
“Holy shit,” Beth says when she can take a breath. “How did women end up on the shitty side of this situation?” She looks at Sam and my gut clenches. I can tell he’s going to be her punching bag.
“Just the way God wanted it, I guess.” He shrugs.
Even I know that’s the wrong answer.
“I think what he means is, he’d change places with you if he could,” I lean forward and add.
She falls back to the mattress as Annie rubs her arm. “You’re dangerous.” She smacks Annie in the shoulder. “Stay far, far away from him.” Beth points at me. “Dangerous. Like Tom Cruise in Top Gun dangerous.”
Annie giggles, although I can’t see her face straight-on to know what she’s thinking.
“You girls and that movie.” Franklin shakes his head. “They must’ve watched that volleyball clip a million times that one summer.”
“Summer of 2005,” the sisters say in unison, and Annie’s head falls on her sister’s shoulder.
“Am I missing something?” Joyce asks.
“Just our entire childhood,” Annie murmurs.
Beth’s eyes find mine and she doesn’t say anything as she runs her hand down her sister’s hair, soothing her. These two are amazing to watch. I thought my brothers and I were close. We are, but this is different. They obviously know each other’s weaknesses, have shared many nights talking about their feelings and fears.
The doctor steps into the room. “Okay, Beth, let’s see how you’re progressing.” She pauses and takes all of us in. “Full house. Are we allowing everyone in?”
“Um…” Beth says. “How many am I allowed?”
“We’ll be back.” Annie stands and heads out of the room.
I follow her because the stirrups are coming out, and yeah, I don’t need to be here for that. Her parents follow me.
Joyce stands in front of Annie. “I really wish you could put your personal feelings aside. At least for today. It’s supposed to be a joyous day.”
“Sure,” she says, but I can tell she has no intention of doing so.
“You’re like you were at thirteen. So stubborn it’s ridiculous.” Joyce shakes her head.
Annie’s hands ball into fists, and she glances at her dad.
“Joyce, you can’t expect the girls to just understand.”
I look between them.
“She’s grown, let her speak for herself rather than you always putting words in her mouth.”
“Words in her mouth? You left them. You’re the one who—” He stops himself, pushing a hand through his gray-and-black hair, then inhales a deep breath. “Just… give her a break.”
“Must be nice to still be Daddy’s angel,” Joyce sneers.
Annie’s jaw tics. “I’m going to the vending machine.” She walks off down the hall.
I stand there for a moment, not sure where my place is.
I’m going to kill Billy.
Eventually I follow her and find her in a small room off the waiting area, digging for money in her purse.
I pull a couple bills from my money clip and insert two dollars. “Anything you want.”
