Page 94 of This I Know
“Good,” she says, her eyes glassy. “Good.”
The house smolders. It’s controlled, thank God, but it doesn’t look salvageable. At least, not without lots of repairs on Avery’s side of the house. I shudder as I see the repercussions of Julia and Cole’s actions, and I think about the difference between what happened and what could have happened if only a few things in life had been tweaked. Like, for instance, that I hadn’t received that otherworldly spur of inspiration to come and talk to her.
She probably wouldn’t be here.
I take the moment to look down at Avery, clinging to me. I’m right about her – she’s so strong in so many ways, in so many things she’s overcome, and yet she needs me. At least, I hope it’s me she needs. She needs someone, and I pray that in the end, after she knows the truth, I’ll still be it.
“Mrs. Dylan,” I say, pulling her mom’s attention away from the activities of the workers, “is it alright if Avery comes to my house for now? Until things get settled here? I’ll get her warmed up for you.”
“Oh. Well, I suppose that’s all right with me. Here–” She holds out a second phone.
Avery takes it and hides it in her hand, which then disappears back into her long sleeve.
“Keep that on you at all times,” her mom says. “I mean it. Okay? I’m going to call you in a bit. We’ll get something figured out…” The woman’s voice trails offin a string of concern.
“Of course, Mom.”
I wish I’d caught Julia for her. For both of them. So that I could offer the smallest peace of mind as a gift. It feels as though that’s all I can offer.
Which reminds me: I need to talk to the cops.
Avery sinks into my cushy sofa. She leans forward and puts her head in her hands. I wouldn’t be surprised if she never got up again.
“Holy shit,” she says. “I can’t believe that just happened.” She looks up at me. “Did that just happen? Am I dreaming this?”
“No, you’re not dreaming this.” I sigh sympathetically.
She sits back up and runs her palms across her pants. “Wow. All my things…”
I drape a blanket over her shoulders and sit down next to her.
“…they’re probably all gone.”
“Come on, Avery. That’s not what’s important. You know that, right?” I lean into her, giving her a nudge. “What did your mom just tell you? Wherever you have to go, it’ll be okay.”
Her head sinks. “I know. You’re right.” She hugs me, then shakes her head. “You rescued us. How? And out there, after, when you ran off after whoever did this. How did you do any of that?”
“I guess I’m no stranger to disaster and panic. And attempted vengeance.”
“Don’t play it off. You’re brave, that’s what it is. I don’t think I could have done what you did.” When she lifts her head again, she’s looking straight at me. “Ethan?” she says slowly.
“Yeah?”
“Whywereyou there? What were you doing at my house at–” she picks up the phone, clicking the screen on, “–at that time of night?”
I rest my weight on my knees and clasp my hands together. “I, uh–”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you were there. Obviously.” She waits for me to speak.
“Well, there was … something I wanted to tell you.”
Her brows go up. “And it couldn’t wait until morning?”
“Not really, no.”
Then I tell her.
But I don’t know how to say it, so I end up stammering like a fool. “I’m close to someone who’s affected your life in very close ways.”
