Page 93 of Mark

Surprise hits my chest. I never expected her to react like that. She normally jumps on the Freya is lying parade. I don’thave high hopes that Esther will listen, but it’s the thought that counts. “Um, thank you.”

“But we would still like you to spend some time with us,” she adds, and my shoulders drop.

“Mum,” I begin.

She holds her hand up. “We want this sorted between you two. What better place to do it than on a beautiful island? We will talk to Esther, make her agree to stop with all this nonsense. It’s gone on for too long.”

“I’m not trying to be difficult, but that isn’t going to happen, Mum. I know how badly you want us to fix things but it’s too late. Too much has been said and done.”

“She’s your sister,” she replies sadly.

“Like Mark told Esther yesterday, you say that like it means something. No one said it to Esther when she announced she was dating Danny. I didn’t hear, ‘but she’s your sister’.” I take a breath, not wanting to get choked up. “I know you two knew about them before that night. None of you protected me. It hurt that no one considered my feelings.”

I watch as shame fills their expressions. “We didn’t think you would care,” Mum admits.

Dad reaches over to try and take my hand, but I pull back. “You were fine the day after you broke up.”

“So what, because I’m strong, everyone thought I’d be okay with being blindsided about their relationship? I meant it when I said I was over it that next day, but it still didn’t make what she did to me okay. What you guys did to me, it hurt. I felt so alone. Every time she caused an argument, I felt more alone. And every time you took her side, the knife dug a little deeper inside. That is what hurt me the most. Summer is the only reason I still live close by. Did you know that?”

“What do you mean?” Mum questions. “Honey, where is this all coming from?”

“I planned to leave. I wasn’t planning on coming back. I was going to stay near Nanna and be done with all of you.” I wipe at the tear that slips down my cheek. God, I hate feeling weak. But they need to know. They need to understand that what they did hurt me more than anything Esther did. They need to understand that me being done isn’t a rash decision. It’s something Esther has been pushing and pushing me towards. Mark places his hand on my thigh, giving me a gentle squeeze. “It was more than feeling I disappointed you. I felt invisible and unloved. Every time we had an argument, it was all about Esther. I couldn’t do anything right because I always upset her. Yet she got to do as she pleased, regardless of what it did to me. I don’t need to be showered with love and affection. I hope I’m not that needy. But I needed something. Something to let me know I was wanted. And the only reason I am telling you this now is because you are doing it again. You don’t want us to fix things because it’s time; it’s because Esther wants it and you want to give it to her. I’ve given her chance after chance, hoping for a different result. It never happened. So please don’t make me do this. I’ve never asked you for anything, but I’m asking you for this. I’m not saying it’s forever, but for right now, I want space from her. I need for you to understand what this is doing to me, and stand by me for once.”

“We didn’t know,” Mum chokes out. “Why didn’t you come to us?”

“I tried,” I declare. “Remember when I asked you to meet me for coffee after Aunt Alley’s birthday?”

Her hands fall to her lap. “Esther came along,” she whispers.

“I tried so many times, Mum. I even made sure Esther would be at work one time, but it’s like she knew I asked you to delay your plans with Alley so I could talk to you. Because she stayed home sick and never once left your side until you left.”

“I got mad at you for making me delay plans for nothing,” she agrees, her head bowing. “I’m so sorry, Freya.”

“And I bet she is the reason you called me about the cruise ticket. She already knew I wasn’t coming. I had already declined the invitation. But she went to you knowing I wouldn’t say no. I’m not saying this to upset you. I just need you to see where I am coming from.”

“We will talk to Esther,” Dad promises. “And we promise to do better. We didn’t realise we were treating you like that. It won’t happen again. Can you forgive us?”

“Yes, as long as it stops now. I don’t need you to take my side, but I do need you to consider my side.”

“We will,” Mum assures me. “But will you still spend the day with us?”

“She’s joining us today,” Mark interrupts. “My dad has paid for us to go snorkelling, but you’re welcome to join us. We won free tickets at last night’s Trivia. We came in second. We planned to give the remaining four tickets away, but you’re welcome to them.”

“Your dad has paid for Freya’s ticket?” Mum asks.

“Yes. She helped my sister, Lily,” he replies. “Lily had a panic attack, and your daughter was amazing with her. Freya rushed on deck with my niece in her arms to find my parents so my sister’s husband could stay with my sister. My parents are grateful to your daughter. We all are. Everyone will at some point do something for Freya.”

“Mark, they really don’t need to. Lily already said Jaxon paid for me to join them when they go swim with the turtles. I don’t need anyone to thank me.”

“Babe, you know what Lily has been through. She told me she told you. She doesn’t talk about it with anyone. But you also know how protective we are of her. You saw her strength whilst so many see a weakness. All of us are grateful,” he states.

“Thank you for the offer, but snorkelling isn’t for us,” Mum declares. “But maybe we can join you both on deck for drinks after dinner.”

“He won’t be there,” I declare.

“I’d love to,” he replies.

“Seriously?” I ask.

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