Page 11 of Bring Me To My Knees

“We’re here,” I say, pulling down the massive driveway, which leads up to the Halloway’s beach house.

I glance at Marley in the mirror. I don’t know if anyone else would notice the grief that crossed over her face as soon as the house came into view. She’s probably not been here since Mal died. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a sibling, let alone a twin.

I watch Mitch turn around in his seat, grabbing his sister's hand, sympathy in his eyes.

“Am I missing something?” Riley says, looking at Mitch and Marley like they’ve grown an extra head.

“Mind your business and get out of the truck,” I gruff, opening the door and letting myself out.

“What the fuck is your problem now?” she asks, slamming her door behind her.

“You. You’re always the problem,” I say, ignoring her, walking around to the back to grab my bag.

Delaney gets out of the truck too—I’m sure to give Marley and Mitch some space. She looks awkwardly between me and Riley.

“Can I help you?” Riley says, making a face in Delaney’s direction.

“Excuse me?”

“That’s enough from you,” I say, pointing to Riley.

“I get it. You’re fucking her, right?” she says, smirking.

“I wouldn’t blame him if he were fucking around. You’re a fucking psycho,” Delaney mutters, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Fuck you, Clark,” Riley yells, stomping off towards the back yard.

I’m sure she’s going to pout. Then pop a couple pills and she’ll be fine in about a half hour. She’ll be all over me and forget what she was even pissed about to begin with.

“Sorry about that, but if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I don’t put up with any bullshit,” she says, shrugging.

“I don’t blame you. You weren’t wrong.” I grab my bag, walking towards the front door, Delaney not far behind me.

“They needed a minute,” she says, gesturing towards the truck.

“How’s Marley doing?” I ask.

“Honestly? I have no idea. She’s like a closed book. That’s the most emotion I’ve seen from her in years.” She sighs, following me inside.

That’s what happens when you’ve got kids that were trained to never show any emotion.

“That’s enough of that, Marley.” Claire sighs.

“But, Mama…” Marley’s eyes fill with tears.

“What did I tell you about crying? Toughen up, little girl. Don’t ever let people see you cry.”

“They hurt my feelings.”

“Enough!”

I watch Marley run upstairs, tears falling from her eyes.

Claire turns back to my mother, rolling her eyes.

“One day she’ll figure out that you don’t show emotions. That’s for the weak.”

“I think she just wanted some comfort,” I say, interrupting the two of them.

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