Page 33 of Lies in Promises
I once made a promise to Bennett that I would go back, that it would be me and him against the world. I broke that promise when I signed over guardianship to Henry. Never did I think I would go back to Chicago, especially not like this, but it’s the only option. The best option.
It’s interesting.
The place that was once my hellscape after the death of my parents is now my safe haven.
CHAPTER 12
BENNETT
PRESENT DAY
“What are you doing here?” That’s what I say after seeing my brother for the first time in fourteen years.
I don’t run to him and hug him tightly.
I don’t smile that he’s here with whom I assume are his children.
I don’t do anything but stay rooted in place and ask, “What are you doing here?”
Fourteen years.
I haven’t seen my brother in fourteen years, and all I can do is utter five simple words in the harshest tone.
There should be relief and kindness rolling through me, but all I feel is anger. Anger that he left. Anger that he is here afterso long. Anger that he was able to raise his children but couldn’t raise me.
Robert looks at me for about a minute without saying a word. It’s as if he is taking me in and can’t believe the individual standing in front of him isn’t the little boy he abandoned all those years ago.
“I can’t visit my little brother?” he eventually says, a strained smile forming on his lips.
My jaw tightens. “You haven’t “visited” in the last fourteen years. Why the fuck are you doing it now?”
A part of me acknowledges I need to keep the cursing to a minimum since there are kids around, but the anger is boiling inside me is becoming hard to push down.
The smile falls from his face, and I see his shoulder tighten, as if he is also trying to control his anger.
“Because I need help, okay? I need help, and this is the only place I thought to come.”
“Convenient how this is the place you think of when you need help, but when I needed you, you were nowhere to be found. I’m surprised you even remembered where this house was.”
So much for pushing my anger down. Seems like no matter how much therapy or drinking I do, fourteen years of unresolved issues will surface no matter what.
Robert opens his mouth to say something, but the baby in his arms starts to fuss.
The last time I saw my brother, he was a sixteen-year-old who played video games every chance he could. It’s weird seeing him older with four kids.
How old are they, and where’s their mom?
“Mr. Lane,” Henry’s voice comes up from behind me, reminding me of his presence. When I turn to look at him, I see him looking at Robert. I guess I forgot there was more than oneLane within five feet of him. “I’ll take the children and get them settled while you and Mr. Bennett talk.”
Henry probably thinks we’re about to go to blows with each other and wants to get the kids inside so they won’t have to see it.
Smart of him.
Also, why is Robert Mr. Lane and I’m Mr. Bennett? That shit needs to be equal.
Robert gives him a nod, and Henry outstretches his arms for the baby.
“Thank you, Henry,” my brother says, sounding tired and defeated. “It’s been a long twenty-four hours, and with everything going on, I might have missed a meal or two. They’re probably hungry and tired.”
