By the Potomac

Chapter Twelve

I kneeled by Annalise's bedside the whole night. I couldn't sleep anyways, and I thought it might help her feel better.

"Hey Liesel," she whispered, straining her voice.

"Hi," I whispered back, "I wish you would've told me about Father." I felt my face go hot, wishing I could pull the words out of her ears

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just...Mother made me promise not to tell you. I was delusional, Liesel, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything." A promise? My heart fell at the realization that my family was keeping secrets from me. Was my whole life a lie, and not the truth?

"Tell me what?" Annalise turned away.

"Nothing, Liesel." My throat tightened in anger. All these years...

"I trusted you Annalise, I trusted you! And now, and now, you're leaving me. Leaving me wrapped in lies!" Silence engulfs the room, save Annalise's breathing. All these years of being ladylike suddenly washed away.

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Are you still moving away?" I ask, desperate to change the subject.

"Yes." She then fell back to sleep. I pulled a warmer blanket over her to keep her warm. I sighed. Why couldn't Annalise just stay here? With me?

I laid down on the wooden floor before falling asleep. My back would hurt in the morning, but I didn't care. Annalise was more important.

"Liesel! You silly girl! Come here!" My father had giggled. My mother shook her head and eventually started laughing too. I giggled, pounding my hands on the ground. My mother tickled me some more, making me laugh harder. My father had gotten up as the phone rang. "Yes? Oh, all right. Yes, yes, I'll be there. Okay. Thanks."

I woke up with a start. At first the room swirled in unfamiliarity. Then I realized I was with Annalise, and turned to face her. She was still in a peaceful slumber.

I crept down the steps carefully as it was only four o' clock in the morning. The birds sang a little prelude for the day as the sun rose in the fiery sky.

I pulled on my boots and shawl once again and headed towards Mr. Hathway's house. I had to try again.

It was still dark out, so I grabbed a lantern on the way out. Fog and mist blocked my path and wondered aimlessly like little spirits. The scene made me smile. I almost wanted to write it down. But I knew I couldn't. I couldn't write anything anymore; it had all been sucked out of me. Why bother, if it's all fake, all a lie, anyways?