Page 9 of Won’t Let You Get Away

Just as I start to spiral with concern that he’s mad at me, Tommy snaps out of it and rushes towards me, scooping me up in a hug and spinning me around. This is something he’s done since the moment he outgrew us girls, and normally I love it. But with the way my stomach is feeling, the quick motion doesn’t sit well.

“Um, Tom-ster, you might want to put her down…” Tucker’s muffled voice comes from somewhere in the cabin, but I can barely hear him over the sound of blood rushing in my ears.

Tommy stops abruptly and releases me, but keeps his hands on my shoulders to steady me. I try to aim myself towards the bathroom but everything is still spinning and I stumble into Tommy’s arms again.

“Sabrina!” Someone gasps, but all I can think about is not throwing up on the living room floor.

Tucker appears at my side, hooking an arm around my waist to help Tommy hold me up. “Let’s get you to the couch,” Tommy suggests.

I shake my head, instantly regretting the movement and clamp a hand over my mouth.

“Um, I think the bathroom might be a better option,” Tucker says, his voice filled with concern.

I give his arm a reassuring pat but don’t nod or move. Before I can even protest, Tucker scoops me up in his arms and carries me to the bathroom. He sets me down and I quickly scramble towards the toilet.

After what feels like an eternity of hell emptying the contents of my stomach, I push away from the bowl to flush it. It’s then that I realize someone has been holding my hair away from my face and rubbing my back through it all.

Groaning, I sit on the floor and smile weakly up at Tucker. “You could have just left me here.”

“That wasn’t even an option,” he soothes, releasing my hair and standing up. “Are you gonna throw up again or can I help you stand?”

I take a deep breath, assessing how my body feels. After a few moments, I’m mostly convinced that my stomach has settled. “I should be good.”

Tucker helps me to my feet and I finally notice the luxurious updates my Pa made to this bathroom. What used to be a cramped stall with just a shower, toilet, and small sink, is now spacious and modern. The shower has been upgraded to include a bathtub, the vanity is all white with a sleek black faucet and handles, and there’s even a closet for added storage.

“Damn. I would have managed with how it was, but Pa did good in here.”

“He did,” Tucker chuckles, looking around before turning back to me. “I know you said to ask at the end of the day…”

I shake my head, cutting him off as I move towards the sink. “Let me clean up first. I’ll be out in a second.”

He eyes me skeptically but walks away.

I go through the motions, heading straight for the cabinet under the sink. My Ma always keeps extra toiletries on hand, prepared for any visitors who may have forgotten something.

As I open a new toothbrush and toothpaste, I prepare myself to tell my family about the baby.

I’ve been thinking about how to break the news, debating whether I should tell them individually or all at once. It’s been over a month since I found out and while it’s still easy to hide with flowy tops and sweaters, or blame it on too many tacos, I know I won’t be able to keep this from them much longer. And honestly, I don’t want to.

I just need to hold out until Pa is around, and then I can tell everyone at once. Addison already knows, but I can blame the sickness on being in a car for the past day to buy me time.

Squaring my shoulders, I’m about to open the bathroom door just as a booming laugh echoes from the other side. I yank the door open and gravitate towards the sound. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I round the short hallway corner and see my dad hugging Addison.

His eyes meet mine immediately, his laugh lines crinkling at the corners.

“There’s my girl, heard your brother made you sick.” He chuckles, letting go of my sister.

“I did not!” Tommy protests, but I say nothing.

Instead, I practically fling myself into our dad’s arms.

He catches me without missing a beat, bending down to wrap his arms around me. And then it all comes crashing down. The dam breaks and I sob into his chest.

“Shit… okay, maybe I did make her sick,” Tommy says. “But I swear I didn’t mean to! I just?—”

I shake my head. “No, no, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Sighing, I stay in Pa’s embrace for a moment longer. Addison meets my gaze and lifts an inquisitive brow. With a reluctant sigh, I pull away and slowly walk over to my sister.

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