Page 49 of One More Round

When we get back into Chicago, I opt for Simon to just drop me off at my apartment. I don’t know if Morgan will be home, but I’d rather face her wrath on my own. It’s my mess to clean up and I’m kind of embarrassed. I know Simon understands, but I don’t want him making excuses for me. If she isn’t home, I’d kind of like a few moments to myself.

Unlocking the door, I walk into a near-silent apartment. The ticks of the wall clock in the dining room are the only sounds I hear. I yell out for Morgan, but there is no reply. I head down the hall toward our bedrooms and see her door is open, but the light is off. So, she isn’t here. I toss my overnight bag on the floor inside my room, walk over to my bed and faceplant into it.

I’ve decided on my strategy when dealing with Morgan. To start, I need Ruby to be here, as a buffer, but also so I only have to explain things once. I’ve decided to just be completely honest with them. To tell them everything and answer anything they want to know.

I roll over onto my back and fish my phone out of my pocket. Calling Ruby is probably better than texting. I need to feel her out.

“Hey, lady!” she sings. OK, well that’s a good sign.

“Hey. So, I’m home,” I tell her.

“Oooh, is Morgan?” she replies.

“Nope. Do you mind coming over?” I ask her.

“Not at all. Hey, is everything going to be OK with your brother?”

With a sigh, I tell her, “Yeah, I think so. But I owe you and Morgan an explanation and an apology.”

“Yeah, but I still love you. You know that, right?” she says.

“I’m glad to hear you say that. Hopefully, Morgan feels the same way,” I say, slightly hopeful. But I’m greeted with silence.

“Well, I guess that answers that question,” I mutter.

“No,” she drags out the word slowly, “she does still love you, but she is really hurt. You kept a big … huge … massive part of you a secret from her. You two are pretty much soul sisters and you were lying to her the whole time. She has every reason to be hurt.”

“I know. But why …” I pause.

“Why aren’t I? Honestly, I kinda am, but she really is, and I think you need someone on your side too. Someone who doesn’t have a dick, that is. Obvs you have Simon, but you’re my girl. And you need all the help you can get when dealing with Mo.”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “Alright, Ruby. You’d better get over here before she does, to keep me safe.”

We say quick goodbyes and hang up. I spend the next 30 minutes staring at the ceiling reflecting on the past three days. Dang, I’m tired.

Not even ten minutes after Ruby arrives, Morgan walks into the apartment. Ruby and I are sitting on the couch and Morgan isn’t surprised to see us both there. She offers Ruby a smile but heads down to her room without a word.

“You didn’t mention she was in the silent treatment stage,” I whisper.

“It’s because I’m not,” Morgan says, walking back into the room.

I straighten as I’m about to get my punishment.

She sits down in the chair and just looks at me. And I just look back at her.

Ruby breaks the uncomfortable silence. “OK, let's not do that again. Hashtag awkward.” She grabs my hand and squeezes. “Gia, why don’t you start by telling us if everything with your brother is going to be OK.” I give her a thankful smile.

“Actually, I think I should just start from the beginning,” I offer.

“Maybe don’t leave anything out this time,” Morgan chides.

I just nod and launch into my story. I go chapter by chapter, starting with when I first realized Todd and I were different than other twins our age. Then, about growing up with a brother who was mentally unstable and undiagnosed. About when Simon entered my life. Telling them the truth about why we left and moved to Indy. All bringing me to the moment when I first chose to lie about my family to Morgan.

Looking directly at Morgan, I tell her that when she asked me about my family, the only thing going through my head was my mom telling me to look at this move as a new start. That since Todd wasn’t living at home or enrolled in school, I knew he wouldn’t be around. I didn’t know her well enough yet to know if she would stick around long enough to become my friend. That I was used to losing friends because of Todd. Old habits die hard.

I tell them that I didn’t really think that far ahead, as to how I would explain him if he did move back home. But we went off to college before that happened. Then about how I made my mom go along with it because I felt that she owed me.

Finally, Morgan says something, as she has been quietly taking in everything I’ve said so far.

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