Lost in madness

30

I took a deep breath, my hand resting on my still-flat stomach as I zipped up my suitcase. The summer sun streamed through my bedroom window, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floor. I could hear Chima's footsteps coming up the stairs, no doubt to make one last attempt at changing my mind about going on this trip.

"I can't believe you're really doing this," She said as she entered the room.

"Chima, we've been over this. I'm going. It's just like old times, it's no big deal."

"But it's not like old times, is it? This is a disaster waiting to happen. And what happens when Sally finds out?" Chima pressed. "Have you thought about that?"

I picked up my suitcase, avoiding her gaze. "She won't find out. Not this weekend, anyway. I'm barely showing, and I've got it under control."

Chima followed me as I made my way downstairs, her voice low but urgent. "Dabe, listen to me. This isn't just about you anymore. You're carrying a child –  Andrew's child, your life could be at risk. ."

I paused at the foot of the stairs, turning to face my sister. "Can you stop?"

Before Chima could respond, a car horn sounded outside. My heart leaped, hoping it might be Luke. I rushed to the window, but my excitement quickly turned to surprise when I saw James behind the wheel.

I turned back to Chima, who was watching me with a mix of worry and resignation. "I'll be fine," I promised, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'll call you if I need anything."

"You better," she mumbled into my shoulder. "And Dabe? Be careful."

With one last reassuring smile, I grabbed my suitcase and headed out the door. James got out of the car to help me with my bag, and I couldn't help but notice again how much he looked like Andrew. The same dark hair, the same easy smile. But where Andrew's eyes were a warm brown, James' was a piercing black.

"Hey, stranger," James said, giving me a quick hug. "Long time no see."

I forced a laugh as we got into the car. "Yeah, not since the wedding."

As James pulled away from the curb, an awkward silence settled between us. He was the only other person who knew about the affair,  making things a little more awkward.

"So," James said, breaking the silence. "How have you been?"

I shrugged, staring out the window at the passing scenery. "Oh, you know. Busy with work, same old stuff. What about you?"

He launched into a story about his travels, and I found myself relaxing a little. It was nice to talk about normal things, to pretend for a moment that my life wasn't a complete mess.

But eventually, the conversation turned sour,

"Have you talked to Andrew lately?" He asked, his tone careful.

I shook my head, my throat suddenly tight. "Not for a few weeks. How... how are they doing?"

James drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "They seem happy enough. Sally's is being Sally again."

"That's... that's good," I managed to say.

"You know, It's not too late to turn back. We could make up some excuse, say you got sick or something."

"You sound like my sister," I told him.

"She sounds smart. You should listen to her."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I need to see Andrew. We need to talk."

"If you say so."

He nodded, not pushing the issue further. We spent the rest of the drive in companionable silence, the radio playing softly in the background.

As we pulled up to the cabin, my heart began to race. I could see Andrew and Sally standing on the porch, waiting to greet their guests. Andrew looked as handsome as ever in a casual button-down and jeans, his arm around Sally's waist. The sight made my stomach churn.

Other cars were pulling up behind us, It was Folake, Sade, and some other friends. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the weekend ahead.

Sally bounded down the steps as we got out of the car, her face lit up with a warm smile. "James! Dabe! I'm so glad you guys made it!"

She pulled me into a hug, and I forced myself to return it, feeling like the worst person in the world. "Thanks for having me," I said, my voice sounding strained even to my ears.

"And thank you, James, for picking Dabe up last minute," Sally added, turning to give James a quick hug as well.

I couldn't help but notice Andrew's face as he watched us interact. His jaw clenched slightly, a flicker of something – perhaps jealousy? Or disdain– passing across his face. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

James, ever the troublemaker, seemed to have noticed Andrew's mood. Trying to mess with his brother, he slung his arm around my waist, pulling me close. "No problem at all," he said cheerfully. "Dabe and I had a great time catching up, didn't we?"

I laughed nervously, trying to play along without making it too obvious. "Oh yeah, James regaled me with tales of his travel exploits the whole way here."

Andrew's expression darkened further, and I can admit, I felt a twinge of satisfaction. Let him feel a fraction of the uncertainty I'd been living with.

"Well, come on in, everyone!" Sally said, oblivious to the tension. "We've got drinks and snacks set up inside, and then we can figure out sleeping arrangements."

As we followed Sally and Andrew into the cabin, James leaned down to whisper in my ear. "You okay?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Are you trying to get us killed?" I gritted the last part.

He winked at me. "You're welcome"

I laughed despite myself, grateful for James' attempt to lighten the mood. "You're incorrigible, you know that?"

"It's part of my charm," he grinned.

As we stepped into the cabin, the familiar scent of pine and memories washed over me, I couldn't shake the feeling that this weekend was going to change everything.