Page 71 of The Right Kind of Wrong

CHAPTER 26

Evelyn

After learning I was evidently not meant to be a painter, I spent the day in Nate's studio, admiring the paintings he had there and also using his laptop to begin catching up on homework before I went back to school.

I had missed two weeks of class due to Nana's death and knowing that she would have completely disapproved, I decided to make her proud. Disappointing her was not an option. It was still a bit hard to focus and I hoped that my professors would be as understanding as I hoped.

The door to the studio opened up quietly and I braced myself for what was to come. I swallowed, looking at the woman in front of me.

Hannah placed a hand on her waist, waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, she groaned in frustration and started to pace throughout the studio.

“Who did you sneak in the house yesterday?” she asked, an accusing glare in her eyes.

“No one.”

“Don't lie,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Who snuck in?”

“No one snuck in.”

She pressed her lips together while she struggled to remain calm.

“Then who were you having sex with?”

I narrowed my eyes, studying her annoyed expression. Something was off. She was angry, yes, but there was something else.

“You know,” I stated, raising an eyebrow.

Her expression changed from angry to shock. “I don't. That’s why I'm asking.”

“You're not asking. You’re seeking confirmation.”

It was a stare-off she wasn't going to win. Before I would have given anything to have her speaking to me. I'd looked up to her, after all. Now, I could only pity her.

I could almost picture it: Hannah alone on her deathbed, regretting everything she didn't do because she had decided work her ass off. Maybe she'd have a grand funeral, an expensive coffin and a beautiful dress to be buried in, but who would truly be there for her? What would her last thoughts be?

If things with Nathan didn't work out, at least I would have lived it. I'd cherish those memories and hold them close to my heart because I had been happy, truly happy. And I would have loved with all my heart.

“Look, Han,” I said, standing up. “If you really have nothing to say, I'd rather you leave me alone. I have school work to catch up on.”

“Answer me, Evelyn,” she said, gaze unwavering.

I nodded, scratching the back of my head. “Okay, but only if you answer me honestly, deal?”

“I don't have time for this.” Hannah turned, not liking the direction the conversation was taking.

“Do you actually care, Hannah?” I asked, stopping her retrieving figure. “Do you genuinely care about who I was sleeping with? Or is it a matter of pride for you? Because you've never cared. In fact, I'm pretty sure you don't even know whether I've ever had a serious boyfriend or not, or if you know what I'm doing with my life. So, do you care?”

I sighed, shaking my head in sadness. “Mom doesn't even care, so why should you, right?”

For the first time in my life, I thought I saw a glimpse of regret on her face. Unsure what to do with it, Hannah shoved away the feeling and cleared her throat in an attempt to break the moment. “I have things to do,” she said.

“There's always things to do,” I scoffed. “It's fine, Han. Cower away from the real shit. You can handle business talk all you want, but when it comes to the things that truly matter you hide away. It’s fine.”

“What is your problem, Evelyn?”

“My problem is that I'm surrounded by people who don't give a damn about anything,” I hissed. “And for some odd reason, I thought I could look up to you. I couldn't look up to mom because well, she's a snake, but I always thought I could look up to my big sister. And these past months you've done nothing but disappoint me, Hannah. You turned your back on me when I needed you the most. I don't know that I can ever forgive that.”

“I'm not asking for forgiveness.”

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