Page 23 of Where We Fall

Just outside of her bedroom, the nurse stops me.

"She's never done this before," I say as tears now begin to fall down my cheeks.

I look down at my outfit, thinking about how I felt when I put it on this morning. The smile that took over my face, the confidence I've felt throughout the day. Now, all I see is my father leaving us, my mother crying herself to sleep.

"I know my hair is different. I put highlights in, and my clothes aren't my usual, but I thought…"

"Now, honey, don't go blaming yourself. You didn't come in with a new face. Those are minor changes. This is the disease, it's nothing you did."

"But it's the first time I've changed these things and the first time she hasn't recognized me."

"I don't think that it…" she begins, but my mother is calling from the other room. "Look, she's agitated and confused tonight. As tough as this might be to hear, I think it's best if you leave tonight. Try another day."

"What? You want me to leave?"

"This disease is hard to navigate. When they are in this kind of mood, this confused…it's best to eliminate the source of distress."

"Which is me," my voice trembles.

If it's best for my mom, I know I need to do it. As much as it hurts.

"Okay. I'll go. Can you just…call me with an update? So I know she's calmed down."

"Absolutely. You go take care of yourself tonight."

With that, she goes back into the room, and I'm left standing on the outside like a stranger.

Chapter Eight

Marcus

Tripswithmysiblingsare no longer the same. What was used to be the four of us going out all the time, enjoying fancy dinners, has now become lonely nights in the hotel room.

Gabe and Alexis are enjoying their time away from kids to "reunite" as Alexis so eloquently put it. Luke and Savannah are spending the night in since Savannah can barely keep her eyes open past dinner time, and Mia said she's tired and just wants to read a book.

So, here I am, eating room service in my pajamas on a Friday night. Can't say it's that awful, it's cozy, just a tad bit lonely.

An image of Lexi flashes in my head.

There's a connecting door to our rooms. She's going to be sleeping just a handful of feet away from me. For some reason, it makes me feel something strange. I can't quite name it, but I know it's something that I shouldn't be feeling for her.

I hear a door open and slam shut. It sounds like Lexi's door, but that can't be right. She didn't leave too long ago. Surely, she would still be with her mom right now.

Then I hear it, it's an unmistakable sound. The sound of her crying.

I jump from my bed and rush over to our connected door. Without hesitation, I knock.

No answer. I still hear the cries, just softer now.

I try again. "Lexi, I can hear you in there. Are you okay?"

"I'm alright."

Lies. She is still crying. I can't stand it, I don't like hearing her so upset without doing something about it.

"Lexi, open up. Please."

I'm not used to begging, but I don't care how I come across right now.

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