Page 110 of As the Rain Falls
“Hey, I’m at the flea market with Kay.” I pause, wetting my lips. “We’re getting ice cream.”
“Mmn… Just Kayla?” he asks, his voice sounding off.
It takes me some time to come up with an answer. I feel especially nervous because I know there aren’t many places around Le Port where my brother likes to hang out. I hear a faint sound of people talking in the background. A bar, probably.
“Cassandra?”
“Yeah, It’s just her,” I clear my throat. “Where are you?”
“Bar. Leaving soon to pick you up. You worried about me?”
Nathaniel’s question strikes me as odd. I stare sadly at the coconut tree Pepé won’t stop sniffing, the pit in my stomach growing heavier.
“Please, let me stay. Kayla’s sister offered to drive me home later,” I say carefully. “She’s going to pick us up. I’ll be back before it darkens.”
“Nope.” His lips make a loud, popping sound that resonates deep in my ear. “I’m picking you up. Ten minutes. See you soon.”
The call ends.
Kayla walks back holding two small plastic cups filled with ice cream. My hands are shaking, and I almost drop mine after she hands it to me.
“Everything okay?” she asks, a glimpse of worry showing as her brows crease. “Cassie?”
“My brother just called me,” I explain, my voice sounding raw. “He’s picking me up, Kayla. I’m sorry.”
“Seriously?” She intertwines our fingers together, her thumb pressing against the center of my palm in circular motions. “We’re having so much fun. Why is he always like this?”
“I don’t know.” I hate this.I really hate this. “It’s just how he is.”
She sighs, “Can’t you call your father? Tell him your brother’s being a total control freak again? For me, please, Cassie.”
“I…” my voice wavers. “I can’t.”
Kayla’s face falls. She waits with me anyway, standing by my side on the sidewalks as we finish eating our ice cream, because that’s the kind of friend she is.
I try to joke around, lighten up the mood, and poke fun at the situation, but it’s no use. She’s disappointed. We already don’t get to see each other very often outside of school; her dance schedule keeps her busy enough. I think she misses spending time with me.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize again, feeling my eyes start to tear up.
“It’s okay.” She shakes her head, putting on a fake smile. “It’s fine, really. I’m used to this. It always happens.”
I really, really hate this.
“I’ll text you when I get home,” I promise as Nathaniel pulls up, wanting her to understand that I do care about her. I lovespending time with Kayla. She is my closest friend. I love her more than anything in the world. “Is that okay? Can I text you?”
“Of course! God, of course,” Kayla reassures me, smiling, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
She glances at the car, eyeing it with suspicion when my brother can’t parallel park. Is he even safe to drive? I don’t know. I can’t tell.
“Stay safe, Cassie.”
“You too.”
The drive back to Port des Ondes is long, and Nathaniel avoids every shortcut. I ignore him, stay buried in my phone, and check my social media. Pepé is sleeping in the backseat.
Antony just posted a new picture. Next to him, I see Mateo and Angelina Cardoso side-by-side, grinning at the camera. I like the post, but don’t leave a comment.A few minutes later, Mateo follows my account. I follow him back immediately. He’s liking all my pictures, leaving comments that make me laugh. His humor is very cheeky, which is always the best kind.
“Who are you talking to?” Nathaniel asks suddenly.
