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“What’s going on?”
“Sandra’s alive. My father lied to you and to her. I wanted to say something, but he ordered us all not to tell. I’m pretty sure he thinks it's for Sandra’s own good, but I… I don’t agree. So I’m here.”
I can hardly hear her past the incessant ringing in my ears.No fucking way. Is she telling me the truth? “But she… She was shot while protecting me.”
“Yes,” Charlotte says with a sigh. “Straight through the chest, but the bullet missed her heart. It was touch and go for a little bit there, but she’s okay now. Sandra thinks you’re dead.”
I stand, gripping the edge of my desk so hard my knuckles turn white. “What?”
“To keep her from looking for you. Dad told her—”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Don’t get mad at me, asshole,” Charlotte snaps. “I’m frankly still pissed as hell at the both of you. I told you I’d never forgive you if she got hurt.”
“Then why are you here? What changed? This entire time I thought…”
Charlotte swallows hard. “Sandra hasn’t been feeling well. The other day… She took a pregnancy test.”
All the blood drains from my head and pools into my feet, a sudden chill shrieking straight through me. I’m pretty sure my jaw hits the floor. “And?”
“She said it was negative, but I think she was lying.”
I stare at Charlotte in a mix of stunned amazement and horror. All this time… All this time, Sandra was alive? And she could be pregnant with what I can only assume is my child?
“Why…” It takes me a moment to find my voice. “Why would she lie? How can you tell?”
“She’s my twin. I can practically read her mind. As forwhyshe’d lie…” Charlotte shrugs. “You know what it’s like out there. Our world is unstable. Unsafe. I think she’s trying to figure out what to do next, and she needs time to do that, so…”
“Then why are you telling me this?”
“I hate your fucking guts, but Sandra’s been absolutely miserable without you. I’ve never seen her so broken. I just…” Charlotte sighs heavily. “I love my sister so much. And I don’t think I can stand by and watch as the world tears her apart. It’s clear how much she loves you, and if the two of you being together will make her feel whole again…”
“Does she know where you are?”
“No. I snuck out. To be honest, I have to get back soon. So I’m only going to ask you once: are you coming with me?”
Her words echo inside my skull, a light buzz radiating out from the tips of my fingers and toes. Leo, who’s still standing at the doorway, watches me expectantly. Just like Charlotte, he’s waiting for my answer.
“Take me to Sandra.”
Chapter 39
Sandra
Ionly have so much time. Before long, my baby bump will begin to show, and then the jig is up. I need to figure out how to break the news to Dad without sending him into full-on cardiac arrest. My decision is final, though, no matter what he or the rest of my family has to say. I’m keeping this baby, and I’m going to protect him or her with every fiber of my being.
Do I think Dad might disown me when he learns the truth? Probably not. He’s always been a level-headed guy. I doubt he’d do anything so drastic… But that doesn’t stop me from coming up with a Plan B, C, and D—just in case.
I’m just about to pull out my phone to look up some rudimentary information on what mothers should expect when I hear a strange sound coming from outside. The screech of car tires, angry shouting. My heart automatically leaps into my throat and lodges there.Oh, God. Are we under attack? All this excitement and paranoia can’t possibly be good for the baby.
My little brother comes hobbling in, clutching the door frame. “Sis!”
“What’s going on?” I ask hurriedly. “Is everything okay?”
“Uh… I don’t really know how to answer that.”
“Just tell me.”
