Page 39 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“That man wants you. I’ve been trying to throw him hints, but he’s totally crushing on you,” Ximena sings as he walks off.

I reach for the rings around my neck as I think of Michael. Our anniversary is coming up soon. I’ve been married for four years.

I haven’t seen my husband in two years. I’ve tried to understand why he doesn’t come to see me. Uri and Annabella come to Boston at least twice a year. Nico even came for my birthday this year.

I was sure Michael would appear when I turned eighteen. He sent a gift and his apologies, but all I wanted was him.

“That will never happen. It is impossible,” I breathe.

“Why?”

“You are my only friend. Why must you always ask me questions that will get you killed?”

Ximena gasps. I lower my gaze to my lap. I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.

“You don’t joke, so I’m going to back off. I got you a turkey sandwich. I heard you when you said you hate the peanut butter ones.”

“I’m sorry. Some things you are better off not knowing. This is one of those.”

She places my sandwich in front of me and scoots closer to me to place her head on my shoulder as she wraps her arm around my waist.

“I love you, Sim. I only want to make sure you’re not missing something that’s staring you in the face.”

“If what you say is true, I will need to send him back to—I would need to request a replacement.”

“Relax, I don’t think he wants to leave you. He’s not going to tell you how he feels. I’m going to mind my business.”

“Ximena?”

“Yeah, Sim?”

“I love you too. Thank you for being my friend. I like this sandwich. The pickles are delicious.”

She giggles. “That shit is still gross.”

“You have never tried it. How can you say this?”

“I asked you the same thing about sex. What did you tell me?”

I blink as I think her words over. The other girls in school were talking about boys and sex. Ximena asked me why I had been so quiet.

“When it’s for me, I will try it,” I say as I remember my words.

“Exactly. That nasty shit ain’t for me, sugar. I’ll happily make them for you but that’s a no for me.”

My phone rings as I go to respond. I look at the screen to find it’s Michael. A smile comes to my face.

“I have to take this. Please wait for me,” I say and stand.

I walk out of earshot and answer the call. Butterflies fill my belly from knowing it’s him. I take a deep breath to steady my voice so he doesn’t hear how happy I am for his call.

“Hello,” I say.

Michael

I close my eyes as I hear her voice come through the line. Gone is the voice of the young girl I rescued four years ago. Symphony has changed so much.

Her speech still comes off as robotic at times, but she tends to find a rhythm and flow when we speak for long hours. I live for our conversations. Hearing about her friend and her classes always brings a smile to my face.

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