Page 78 of Fragments of You

“You are my sister,” I repeat. “I have always loved you.”

“Love me? You’ve barely tolerated me.”

“Maybe because you’re an entitled brat!” I explode, my words so forceful I’m almost certain they shake the walls around us.

“See.” She smiles triumphantly, like she’s just made her point.

“You know what, I’m done. I have tried. For years I have tried to have a real relationship with you, to be close the way most sisters are. I can see now what a complete waste of my time that has been. I’m done trying.”

“You say that like it hurts my feelings.” She’s hiding behind her anger. I recognize this tactic because it’s the very thing I’m doing.

“You and Felix can have each other. Turns out, you actually make a pretty good pair. Both of you are fantastic liars.” I turn back to my bag, quickly finishing shoving all of my makeup inside. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have to go.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Because my packing didn’t give it away?” I snort.

“Where are you going?”

“Given that you’ve just made it very clear that you don’t care about me in the slightest, I’m not telling you. But rest assured, it will be very far away from both of you.” I zip my bag, grab the one with my clothes, and sling them both over the same shoulder. “I wish you all the happiness in the world, Sister. Truly, I do.” I shove past her into the hallway, heading for the stairs.

I didn’t know what to expect, when and if I saw my sister again, but what I got was not it. I thought she’d at least be remorseful, but if anything, she looked proud of herself. Let’s see how long she feels that way after my mom and dad learn of her betrayal. Secrets only stay secrets for so long, and I have no doubt that hers will come out eventually.

Having already left a note for my parents in their bedroom, promising to call as soon as I get where I’m going, I push my way out the front door, nearly toppling down the porch steps when my eyes land on the one person I hoped to avoid more than any other...

Nash.

Having already exhausted most of my strength on my sister, I feel ready to crumble at the sight of him.

“So it’s true.” He gestures to the bags I’m carrying as I force myself down the stairs. “You really are leaving.”

I have no intention of stopping, but Nash doesn’t let me off that easily, quickly cutting off my path of escape.

“Get the hell out of my way.” I grit my teeth, staring holes at his chest because if I look into his eyes, I’m not sure I’d remain standing.

“Don’t do this. You can’t just leave.”

My anger flares.

“Why can’t I? You did!”

“You can’t let him win,” he tells me, a softness to his voice that threatens to pierce the thick armor I’m struggling to hold in place.

“Don’t you see...” I reluctantly meet his gaze and it’s quite nearly my undoing. “There are no winners here.”

“Running away won’t solve your problems.”

“Seemed to work out okay for you.” I take the gun and expel the shot he loaded himself.

“I had no other choice.”

“And you think I do?” My voice quivers. “You lied to me.”

“I thought I was protecting you.”

“You keep saying that, but we both know that isn’t true. You have and will always protect yourself first. I guess I shouldn’t expect any less from a Ketter.” Another shot, and this one hits him square in the chest. “All you do is lie, Nash. You lie and you leave, and I have stood by, blind to it all because I love you. But my eyes are wide open now. I see the world around me. The people who have deceived and hurt me time and time again. And I can’t do it anymore.”

“Nothing is broken that can’t be fixed.” I flinch when his hand wraps around my wrist.

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