Sister Mother

Chapter 3

Leo

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Addie wasn't...

I knew she wouldn't be like her old self, and no one could expect her to be at a time like this. The problem was, she was still Addie. Still fierce, untamable, standing in a storm and crazy beautiful, inside and out.

But now with an extra layer of skin that I selfishly wanted to peel back.

I hated the idea of being her hero. She didn't need one, even if she deserved one. But someone needed to help her. I didn't know if she needed a shoulder to cry on, a punching bag, a friendly distraction or someone to shovel snow off her driveway, but I'd figure out how to be whatever she needed if that meant—

Forget it. I don't need anything in return.

Even if I'd take it if she offered.

Maybe I am an asshole.

Addie led me into her garage. A vibrant red Genesis was parked beside an unoccupied spot.

"Yours?" I asked.

"My dad's," Addie muttered, her gaze falling to the floor. "I can't drive it since it's not adapted."

"Adapted?"

"If I tried to drive my dad's car or your truck, I wouldn't be able to reach the pedals and the steering wheel at the same time. My car has extensions, hand controls and no airbags since those would go off in my face and suffocate me." Her shoulders stiffened. "Ironically Mom's weren't working and might have saved her."

Not knowing how else to respond, I softly grabbed her hand. Saying "sorry" felt like the obligatory thing to do but it also felt pointless. An apology wouldn't change anything. She glanced over at the empty parking space.

"Where's your car?" I asked.

"With Gabe at school. We've only got one adapted car, so we share. I get around by Lyfts and Ubers whenever he's at school. I sold Mom's car after the wreck for parts. Come on, let's go inside before we freeze to death."

She climbed the steps that led into her house, her knee bumping the top of the stair before she lifted her leg.

Following her into the house, I tried to imagine how expensive those rides were. I couldn't, and didn't mention it. Addie was probably well aware of her financial problems.

What can I possibly do to help her?

Once in the house, a small orange tabby cat ran up to Addie and hissed. She hissed back, flaring her teeth. The cat pawed the air in front of her and she stomped over to him, chasing him away.

"Who's this?" I asked, grinning as the cat came back.

"My sister's cat and my arch-nemesis," Addie answered as she unzipped her coat. "Mom and Dad got him for Beatrice's eighth birthday. Leo, meet The Damn Cat."

"What's his name?"

"The Damn Cat."

I raised my eyebrows. "I can understand why your parents left you in charge of your siblings, but this guy? Poor thing."

"He's the devil in a furry coat. Don't let him fool you. He's hated me since he first came home. He only leaves dead mice in my shoes, eats my bed sheets and has suckered everyone else into thinking he's a cute little angel. The name stuck and it's the only thing he responds to."

"Poor thing." I bent down and held out my hand, letting him sniff me. "I'm going to call you Mittens. Or Fluffy. No, Truffle."

The Cat's nose wiggled and he slowly walked over to me, brushing himself against my arm. Smiling I pet his soft fur, stroking his back and scratching under his chin. He purred, leaning his entire weight against my arm.