Page 73 of Running Winter

"Love you, sis," the guy mumbled, and I stood completely still.

What the fuck?

"Love you too. Please try, Leigh."

With that, the guy smiled sadly before shaking his head.

"Gotta go. Take care."

Rayna watched him leave before dragging her hands through her hair.

"Rayna."

She whirled around, her lips parted when she saw me.

"Chase, oh god. I can explain."

I sprinted towards her, taking her into my arms. I was mad as fuck that she didn't contact me, but it didn’t matter.

All I knew was that guy wasn’t a secret lover.

Our lips met urgently, and her tears wet my cheeks.

"Hey, calm down," I whispered, stroking her cheeks as she trembled in my arms.

"I wanted to text you, but I just—I had just found out that Leigh—"

"Is your brother?" I finished for her as she inhaled sharply.

"He isn't just my brother, Chase. He is my twin. My fucking twin."

DAMSEL

C H A S E

"What? But you're an only child," I stammered as Rayna dropped her eyes from mine.

Something told me she was still processing the information she was about to tell me, but I saw the hesitation in her face.

"Rayna, talk to me."

"Out here, on the street? Can we go to yours?"

I recalled Dad's comment about me going for a walk, so I shook my head.

"My parents are...busy. Shall we go to the park?"

Rayna nodded, and to my relief, she sent me a small smile. She looked exhausted, judging by the dark circles under her eyes.

"Um, I don't know where to start," Rayna whispered as we walked together.

I was relieved to have her by my side again, but part of me wanted her to tell me why the fuck she didn't just answer my calls.

But something stops me.

How would I feel if I found out I had a sibling after years of being an only child?

We crossed the road, heading towards the lush green fields of our local park, walking towards a bench by the small pond there. It was pretty empty, just the odd dog walker nodding at us as they walked by.

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