Forbidden

13

I set my bag on the bottom bunk and go back into the living room. My dad and Jim are sitting on the couch together talking. I smile at them as I pass and go into the kitchen. Joe and Nick are by the refrigerator, both of them looking at something on Nick's phone.  

"Hey." I say and they both look up from the phone. Nick shoves it back into his pocket.

"What were you guys looking at?" I ask.

"We had an interview today but we canceled it." Nick admits.

I frown, "because of me? I don't want you guys to miss out on anything."

Joe takes a few steps closer to me, "We want to be here with you. It's just an interview."

"Yes, really Ellie, it's okay." Nick says.

"Well thank you." I tell them both. "If you don't mind, I don't think I can work the show tomorrow night."

"Of course. We didn't expect you to." Nick says.

"Thanks." I say.

I join my brother in law and father in the living room, sitting next to my dad. He wraps his arm around my shoulder, holding me close.

"We were talking about... funeral arrangements." Jim says.

"I'm going to stay here for a while. How long will you be able to stay?" My dad asks.

After the concert tomorrow, we have two full days off and then on the third day we go to Vancouver. I know they would let me take as much time off as I want. But I would rather be distracted by work then stay here, dwelling.

"I don't have to leave for another four days. But I will be able to come back for a funeral of course." I say.

"Okay. I'll finalize some things and let you know. I have to make a few phone calls." He says before getting up and heading upstairs.

"I'm glad you are here dad. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances though." I say.

He grabs my hands, holding onto them. I give him a quick squeeze. "It was nice of your friends to fly me here like they did." He says.

"Yes, they are very good to me."

"I'm glad." He says.

"You okay dad?" I ask, though I know it's a stupid question.

"No, but I'm glad I have you Ellie bear." He says, his eyes filling with tears. We stay seated, hand in hand for a while, just enjoying each other's company.

I walk down the hall and can hear Joe talking, but no one is responding. I stop, listening. I quickly realize he is on the phone with someone.

"I can't believe you wouldn't fly down here to be with her. You are supposed to be her best friend and you can ride in our jet."

Is he talking to Amy?

"Yeah well, work isn't fucking everything Amy. I hope one day you realize that."

Silence.

He must have hung up. I can't believe he said that to her, but I can't blame him. I could really use my best friend right now, but I didn't even ask her to come because I knew what her answer would be.

Later that night, I throw a pan of lasagna in the oven to warm up for the five of us. When it's ready, I scoop everyone a serving of it. Jim and my father go out onto the back patio to eat, while Joe Nick and I eat in the kitchen.

I move a noodle around on my plate with my fork, my stomach too twisted inside to consume much. I can feel Joe's eye on me but I don't look up. I sigh, picking up my plate and walking over to the sink. Something white catches my eye to the left. It's the corner of a piece of paper, sticking out from underneath a platter of cookies. I grab it, pulling it out. It's a handwritten note from my sister.