Page 129 of Wrecked
Her hair is dark again.
She dyed her hair back to its natural color. A much darker red than mine, almost making her brunette. She looks like my Katie again. The dreamer, my protector. I let out a sob I wasn’t expecting. She pulls back, taking my cheeks in her hands, and leans her head forward to kiss my forehead.
I always loved her forehead kisses.
“It should have been me,” she whispers. “You should have never been on that plane, Els. It should have been me.”
“Technically, it would have been us,” I joke, though my words are painted in sorrow.
“Yeah…yeah, it would have been us.” Tears flood her eyes before she continues, “I didn’t even say goodbye. I didn’t say goodbye to…to either of you.”
“He loved you, Katie. And he knew you loved him,” I admit, knowing she needs to hear those words.
She nods her head, but I can tell she doesn’t believe me. “I’m so happy you’re okay, Els. God, I’ve missed you. I died the day we buried you. When we heard the news, I took my first real breath in a year.”
“I missed you too,” I say, feeling guilty that I didn’t give her grief much thought.
“Was he…did he live long?” Her eyes hold so much fear. Like she doesn’t really want the answer.
“He died three days ago.”
She gasps in shock. The tears fall over her lower lids and run down her face.
“I was… I was his power of attorney,” she says, pressing on. “They asked about arrangements for his body. We…well, we already have plots for both of you. So I was thinking about cremation. What do you think?”
Agonizing pain strikes me in the heart.Sheis his power ofattorney.Shegets to decide what happens tomyhusband. She gets to keep his ashes.
HE IS NOT HERS!
My nurse walks in before I can explode on my sister. I can tell Katie feels the change in me. She tilts her head in confusion, trying to assess my mood swing.
“Miss Hansel? I have some test results I’d like to go over with you,” she states calmly.
That’s not my name. My name isMrs. Westin.
Hot tears roll down my face over a name that no one will ever know. A name that will never be legal in the eyes of the law. A name that only exists under the stars where we said our vows.
“Would you like your guest to step out of the room?” she continues.
“Yes, please.” I look at Katie’s hurt face, but I don’t change my mind. This is my excuse to be alone again.
Silently, Katie stands up and exits my room. The nurse pulls a chair forward and takes a seat.
“We had some blood work come back, Ellison?—”
“Ellie,” I interrupt.
She smiles kindly. “Ellie. Just some routine labs we get on everyone when assessing the full spectrum of their health.”
“Was…is something wrong with me?” I ask, not even afraid. If death is ready to claim me, then I am ready to go.
“No,” she smiles gently, “nothing is wrong with you. We got your hCG results back. That test, well it’s a hormone?—”
“I know what it is,” I whisper, my heart pounding. “I’m a nurse.”
She gives me a tight smile full of sympathy. “Okay, well I guess I’ll just come out with it then. You’re pregnant, Ellie. Your, um…your sister says you were on the island with her fiancé?” she asks softly, no judgment in her voice.
“I was,” I confirm, my voice just a breath.
