Two Sinners Make a Right {+18}

22. You Were Never Here

Enjoy!

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     The next morning, I find myself sitting opposite my sister in a small cafe, tucked away on a quiet street. It's the kind of spot that's both charming and unassuming, with mismatched furniture and walls adorned with local art. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of pastries fresh out of the oven.

     We're seated at a small table by the window, sunlight streaming in and casting a warm glow over our plates. I absentmindedly pick at a slice of avocado toast topped with poached eggs and a sprinkle of chilli flakes, thinking about what happened last night between me and Easton. I can still smell him and I still remember how good it felt to have him inside me. And I know I'm going to keep going back for more, right until Alex makes it impossible.

     Ashley watches me, a vibrant açai bowl sitting in front of her, the bright colours of the fruit contrasting sharply with the uneasy tension hanging between us. She takes a sip of her iced latte as her eyes study me over the rim of her glass. "So, how's college going?" She asks, her tone light, but I can still hear the concern she's trying to hide.

     I shrug, focusing on my plate as I spear a piece of avocado with my fork. "It's fine," I reply, my voice a little too flat, even to my own ears.

     My sister isn't one to be easily deterred. "Just fine? I know it isn't exactly the school you wanted, but you've been there over a month now. How are you settling in? Making any friends?"

     My jaw tightens. "I'm doing okay," I say, not meeting Ashley's gaze. The truth is, I'm not sure what to say. How can I explain the mess I've gotten into with Easton, the late nights with him, and the constant push and pull of emotions I can't quite sort out? I'm not even sure I understand it myself.

     And then there's Alex. He hasn't texted me once since he forced me to watch a man get beaten, but I know that won't last for long.

     Ashley leans forward slightly, her brow furrowing. "You don't sound okay, Brielle. I can tell something's up. You're my sister— I know you."

     I stab at my toast, the crunch of the bread loud in the quiet cafe. I'm trying to keep my cool, but the stress is starting to get to me. I know Ashley means well, but the last thing I want is to have this conversation. Not here. Not now. I should have known why she wanted me to have brunch with her.

"I'm just trying to keep my head down, focus on my classes," I say, a little too quickly, a little too defensively. I finally look up, meeting her concerned gaze. "It's not a big deal."

Ashley's eyes narrow slightly as she reads between the lines. She sets her fork down, her expression softening as she reaches across the table to touch my hand. "You don't like to worry me, I know. But you've been through a lot, and I don't want you to feel like you have to deal with everything on your own. You can talk to me, you know."

I force a smile. I know Ashley is coming from a really good place, but I just wish things weren't so complicated and dangerous. I feel like we've grown apart so much in the past month. "I know,
Ash. But really, I'm fine."

Ashley sighs, withdrawing her hand but not her concern. I can't help but feel guilty, like I'm disappointing her. She takes a deep breath, glancing out the window before looking back at me. "You know, it's okay that things aren't perfect. College is supposed to be a time to figure things out, but you don't have to have it all together right away. It's okay to need help."