Flashcards On The Wall

Chapter 60: More Truths

At home Tash questions me, "What did Gabriel mean about you guys needing money?"

"We're moving in together," I answer.

"That's sudden," she replies.

"Or it's overdue," I reply.

"Don't be surprised if he leaves when things get too real," says Tash.

"Tash, you think Gabriel abandoned me and he didn't," I respond.

"Yes, he did," she replies.

"It was Charlie's baby," I say.

"What?" she asks, "No it wasn't."

"I'm positive," I tell her.

"How do you know?" she questions.

"Do you remember a couple weeks ago, that morning you were upset about Gabe being my visitor?" I ask her.

"What about it?"

"That was the first time I slept with Gabriel. The only other guy was Charlie," I explain.

"What?" Tash tells me.

"It's true," I say.

"I was sure you were just too shy to give me the details like I always asked you to," Tash replies.

"That wasn't it all," I assure her, "There was nothing to tell."

"Oh," Tash replies.

"I'm sorry I didn't trust you. I feel like I let you down so often, this was no different. I knew there were measures I could have taken to prevent it and I didn't. Then, well I couldn't even get that right," I say.

I can tell Tash feels a little bad. She sits on the couch and points to the other side for me to sit. I do.

"I know I was hard on you Millie. I pushed you to do what I thought to be right," Tash replies.

"It's okay," I respond.

Tash starts again, "It happened to my mom."

"What?" I ask.

Tash continues, "She was a child, barely five years old."

"Oh Tash," I give her a hug, "I am so unbelievably sorry."

"She didn't tell a single soul. She didn't have anyone there to tell her to say something. Nobody was there to tell her 'I believe you, let's go after him, let's make him pay.' A man stole her childhood Amelia and she was terrified of saying anything. It keeps happening, and they go free. Then when it happened to you, I wanted to be the person that helped give you the strength to speak up," Tash says.

"You did give me strength," I reply, "You were incredibly supportive. You were there for me when I couldn't go to anyone else. You helped me so much. Tash, you're my sister."

"Yeah," she agrees, "I know I make it obvious I disapprove of you and Gabe, but nobody hurts my sister and gets away with it."

"Gabe and I hurt each other, but the both of us think we deserve another chance," I say.

"Of course you do. I suppose he's not completely awful," Tash states.

"That's about as close to a compliment as you'll get, isn't it?" I ask.

"For now, yes," she answers.

"So, Rhoades?" I ask.

"I'm enjoying our time together," Tash responds, "with Sean things were serious and with Rhoades, I just like him."

"Seems like his life is a little complicated though," I state.

"He's separated," she tells me.

"Separated is not divorced," I reply.

"Separated isn't married either," she answers.

"Technically, it is," I respond.

"So what?" she asks.

"Oh my God, you really do like him," I say.

"Who knows," says Tash.

"Well, nobody is good enough for my sister," I explain, "especially someone who is clearly taking advantage of his position."

"He is not," she defends him.

"I don't like it, but I guess you will do what you want," I say, "You should talk to my mom, she did the same thing. Well, I mean she didn't know he was married but it did not end well for her."

"What happened?" asks Tash.

"I happened," I answer.

"Oh, well you know I don't leave that stuff to chance," she replies.

"I would hope not," I comment.

"Who would have thought we'd end hating each other's boyfriends?" Tash asks.

"Ugh, he is your boyfriend?" I ask.

"I don't know what we are honestly," she answers, "but who would have thought that out of the three of us you, Logan and I, that he'd be the one in the healthiest relationship?"

"He puts in the time. You've seen me, always ready to bail at the first sign of trouble," I admit.

"And me always looking for a good time," Tash replies.

"I think there's definitely room for improvement on both our parts, but we're doing okay," I respond.

"Agree. Also, don't tell Lo I complimented his relationship, I won't live it down," Tash says.