Page 88 of Sweet Nothings

A small spark of warmth lights in my chest.

“Do you know what happened to Kellan?” She hesitates, unsure if she wants to know the answer.

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “I haven’t paid much attention to anything outside of you, but I’m sure if the police didn’t show up, Fred is most likely covering for him. Seems like he’s always had Kellan’s back no matter what.”

“I didn’t know Kellan had the chance to be released early.” She frowns. “I hate what he did to our family, but it makes me sad knowing this is the way things turned out with him. I miss the old Kellan.”

“I do, too.”

“I don’t know where he or Fred are, but if they try to come, I don’t want to see them,” she states firmly. “I don’t want to live out the rest of my days spending time with family that only want to spend time with me because I’m dying. I don’t want them to see me out of pity.”

“I understand.” I nod.

“I told the nurses that came in my room I didn’t want to see them if they tried to show up.” She inhales a deep breath. “Does that make me a bad person?”

“Are you kidding?” I ask, shocked she’d even suggest it. “No. They made their choices, and you have every right to pick and choose who you want in your life. Whether you were dying of cancer or not.”

She nods and sniffs, squeezing her eyes shut as if she’s willing her tears to disappear. She opens her eyes again.

“I want you to know something,” she starts. “You’re more than my sister, Laurel. You’re my best friend. I think it’s about time you start doing things because it’s what you truly want for yourself instead of doing everything for everyone else.”

We allow silence to fill the room. My eyes lift to the monitor above Roe’s head, tracking her heartbeats.

The tight knot in my chest pulls even tighter, and it’s difficult to breathe.

“Are you scared?” I ask her, looking her in the eye.

“I was, but I don’t think I am anymore,” she says in a stronger voice. “Because now I can let go knowing you’ll live a full and happy life. I can let go knowing even though you’ll be losing me, you won’t be alone.”

“I love you, Roe,” I tell her, my phone buzzing in the pocket of Lennon’s jacket. I slid it inside after Lennon offered it to me in the hallway.

“I love you, too,” she says, her eyes darting to the buzzing sound. “Is that him?”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “But that’s not important right now. I’m here with you.”

“Of course it’s important. He’s your husband, Laurel.” She tilts her head to the side. “Seeing you happy makes me happy.”

“Okay.” I smile, pulling my phone free. I click on the screen and open Lennon’s text.

“It’s him,” I tell her. “He said he found a nurse to fix up his hand.”

“I saw what he did to Kellan before I passed out. I’m glad he was able to get it cleaned up.”

I nod and text Lennon back.

Me: I’m glad you were able to get it cleaned. I’m going to stay with Roe a bit longer if you want to go home.

Lennon: Are you sure?

“You don’t have to stay this whole time if you don’t want to,” Roe interrupts my texting.

“Stop.” I drop my shoulders and look up. “I don’t mind staying. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” she says. “For now.”

My heart sinks and plummets in my stomach knowing the deeper meaning behind her coy response.

She gives me a pointed look as her eyes survey me up and down. “You could use a little cleaning up yourself.”

---