The Fire Station

Chapter 9

Staring back at me was the sister I hadn't seen in quite some time. The sister I was extremely close to growing up. The sister who had grown to resent me for leaving her behind.

When my senses came back to me, I blinked my eyes a few times, doing a double take. "What are you doing here? How did you even get here?" I asked.

"I took a bus," she answered. "I needed to get away. I'm sorry if me being here is an inconvenience. I can leave if you don't want me here."

"No. Alison, you are always welcome. I'm just trying to understand why. What made you come here to find me? We've barely spoken the last couple years."

"I needed something different in my life. I'm tired of being stuck at home with nothing to do and no one to talk to." I sensed there were other reasons. I wondered what had happened at home to make her come here. For the time being, she wasn't saying much. "Can I stay with you?"

"Of course, you can stay," I insisted. Clara gave me a questioning look at the thought of her living with us. "We can work something out."

"I'm exhausted from the trip. Would you mind if I took a nap somewhere?" she asked.

I led her into my room and let her settle into my bed for a nap. She was out almost instantly.

I went and joined Clara in the living room, sitting down on the couch.

"Something is up with her," Clara said.

"I know," I agreed. "I don't know what it is, but she's hiding something."

Sidney's name popped up on my phone, indicating an incoming call. My stomach was instantly in knots seeing his name. I had this overwhelming fear he would know the truth through my voice alone. I almost declined the call, feeling sick to my stomach again. But I knew if I didn't answer, he'd keep calling and be worried about me.

"Hello," I said.

"Hi," he said in return. "I haven't heard from you all day. Everything alright?"

"No, not really." I wanted to tell him. I wanted to get it out in the open so we could figure out where to go from here. I wanted to believe he would be happy; we could make this work. But I couldn't tell him over the phone, especially while he was at work. He needed to focus on his job, not have added stress of being a father. The thought of him being a father brought a smile to my face. I could picture him holding our baby in his arms and looking extremely happy. I wanted that to be true. "My sister showed up unexpectedly at my apartment. She's sleeping right now, but something is up with her. I don't know what yet. I feel like I should stay here for a couple days just to be sure she's alright and figure out why she's here."

"Yeah," he agreed. I could hear the pain in his voice. I had just agreed to live with him and now I was pulling away. "Of course. Your sister needs you."

"It won't be for long. Just a few days while I figure out what's going on," I assured.

"You'll still join me for Christmas with my family?" he asked.

"Absolutely!" I said, reassuring him that I wouldn't miss it.

"If your sister is still here for Christmas, you are welcome to bring her along."

"Thank you. I'll let her know and see what she says. I'm not entirely sure how long she plans to stay."

"Would it be alright if I came by to see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"Um... I have to work tomorrow. I'll call you when I get off and fill you in on what my sister's plan is. I'm hoping when she wakes up, I'll get some answers."