“You and I both.”
Without any further words, Nathan disappeared and I was left wondering what exactly had gone wrong with my family.
***
Dwelling on my sister's cruel attitude would do nothing to solve the problem. I would be responsible for my own actions, not hers. If she wanted to be so insufferable, that was her problem. I wouldn't let her bother me.
I ordered a pizza for me and Nana and we watched a movie until she was tired and went to bed.
“Rules, rules, rules.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “What’s the point, sister? Why are you so angry?” I rubbed my forehead, deep in thought, trying to figure out what exactly prevented us from getting along. Whatever it was, it seemed to be bothering her now more than before. She hadn’t even bothered to greet me.
My thoughts were interrupted by the door opening, Nathan and Hannah's familiar voices engaged in a hushed argument. This time, I did try to listen in to their conversation, though I didn't get much of it.
I started tiptoeing up the stairs, failing to go unnoticed.
Both their gazes drilled on my retreating body and I turned around slowly, giving them the most innocent look I could muster.
“I was just going to bed. Didn’t want to interrupt your…conversation.”
Nathan clenched his jaw. “We were just about done here anyway.” He forced a smile toward me and glanced back at my sister, who still stood at the bottom of the stairwell. The conversation wasn't over for her.
“Nathan—”
“Good night, Hannah.” He squeezed my arm gently. “Good night, Evie. It's good to have you back.”
I nodded, unsure what to say. He continued his way upstairs, catching my attention when he turned the opposite way of the master bedroom. With furrowed brows, I looked at my sister.
“What was that?”
“Don't, Evelyn.” She walked past me, stopping when she was a few steps above me. “Remember, nothing you see here are you supposed to mention to anybody.”
Still not quite understanding, I watched her go into what used to be their master bedroom.
They don't even sleep together.
Evidently, my sister's marriage was in shambles.