Page 40 of 4-Ever

“I didn’t want to say anything. To let you down. I’m the one who’s supposed to have it together, to look after you,” he let out a sigh. “Not that I did a great job of that either.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.”

I touched his arm. The one that didn’t have an IV attached.

“Rae?”

“When we were growing up, you were bullied. And because we went to different schools, I couldn’t help you,” he bit his lower lip. “Thank fuck for Ronin. How is he, by the way?”

“He’s fine,” I bit out.

I didn’t want to talk about Ronin at all.

Rae’s eyes narrowed. “Something happen between you two?”

I shook my head quickly. “Nope.”

My love life—or lack thereof—was the least of my worries.

“Are Mom and Dad still here?”

I nodded. “They want to see you.”

“No. I can’t face them. Not after what I’ve done. I just can’t.”

“They love you.”

“They love the successful version of me,” he spat out. “My MBA, my job, my perfect wife. Not this. A heroin junkie.”

“They just want you to be okay. And speaking of that, remember that rehab centre in California I went to? I’ll make a call.”

Rae reached out and grabbed my wrist, holding tight. “I don’t know if I can do it, Faise.”

“I’ll fly out there with you and everything. Trust me?”

Rae’s wan smile had tears welling up in my eyes.

“My little brother is all grown up. And taking care of me. Fuck, how did that happen?”

“Life happens. And we take care of each other,” I replied and squeezed his hand tight. “I swear I’m going to do better. To reach out more. And you have a chance to get sober and rebuild your life. It’s not easy, but I know you. You can do it.”

Rae let out a shaky breath and wiped his eyes.

“Okay.”

“And let Mom and Dad see you. They’re scared out of their minds.”

Rae nodded and I slowly let go of his hand.

“Will you stay with me today?”

“As long as you need. Let me go get Mom and Dad first.”

I got up and headed for the door. By the time I spotted my parents, I was shaking all over.

“He’s ready to see you. Just—” I paused, unsure if I should say anything.

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