Page 62 of Banshee
“Congratulations, it’s a girl.” Kytten laughed through tears. “And a boy,” she added. “But he’s throwing a tantrum at the moment. He’s good at those.”
King scoffed, and Diana chastised Kytten, “Rosie. Be nice to your brother.”
Jack threw his head back and laughed, cutting the tension. “She’s the only one besides Indie, and my old lady, who knows how to handle the kid’s tantrums.”
“Shut up, Jack,” Blade hissed.
“I don’t understand.” I looked at Diana, then Kytten. Nothing made sense right now, and I pressed myself back against Banshee.
“It’s a long story, Irene—”
“Aspen,” I snapped.
“What?” my sister asked.
“I’m not Irene anymore. She died two years ago. It’s Aspen now.”
“I guess we both have stories to share.”
I nodded. Looking around the room, I asked, “Is Haizley here?”
King groaned. “She’s gonna rip my fucking balls off. Gunner, call your old lady.”
“Who’s Haizley?” Diana asked.
“She’s a therapist. You’ll love her,” Bane said. My eyes trailed his hand as he reached out for Diana. “I think between her and Torment, we should be able to work through all this shit.”
“Dr. Dunaway is here?” Kytten asked.
“Out in the main room, with Payne.”
“And you didn’t think maybe I needed him here when I reunited with my mother?”
“Baby, you know how your brother is. Torment and I both thought it was a good idea that he wait.”
“You’re seeing Torment?” Diana asked.
The voices were all blending together inside my head. I didn’t know who was talking as I stared at my sister. I wanted to reach out and touch her, to prove she was really here. But she was a link to my family. One I couldn’t have. Not now. Not with everything happening.
“I think maybe he should come in here,” Kytten whispered.
“I’ll get him,” Bane said as he left the room.
“I-I need to go,” I whispered to no one. Diana looked at me, pain cutting across her face.
“Aspen, do you want me to tell Haizley to come find you?” Gunner asked.
“Please,” I replied, my eyes pleading with Gunner. I had to leave. Had to get out of this room.
“Can we talk later?” Diana asked, reaching out again, but pulling her hand back when I winced. I didn’t mean to. I just couldn’t handle this right now. I felt blindsided by my past.
“Maybe, yeah.” I nodded. I didn’t wait for Banshee. I left the room and ran upstairs. Crashing through the door to our room, I ran straight to the bathroom. I kneeled on the floor, my arms holding tight to the toilet, and threw up.
Banshee was behind me, holding my hair, rubbing my back.
“How is she here?”
“I’m not sure, baby girl.”
