Page 54 of Sinful Storms

“Well, we-we wanted to apologise. Tristan told us everything. I want you to know that we had no idea that Samuel wasinvolved in your great-uncle’s passing.” My godmother sniffed. Was she crying?

My godfather’s voice came through the speaker. “She’s right. Please believe me when I say that if we’d had any inkling?—”

“Aria, darling. I am so, so sorry. How can we make it up to you?”

“Oh…um…” It really wasn’t their fault. They’d been as much in the dark as the rest of us. Knox’s dad and Tristan’s uncle had had a long talk with Tristan’s grandfather, and I’d learned that the Brotherhood had sworn an oath to cover up what had happened that night. They’d hidden the evidence and disbanded the society to protect themselves and had never spoken of it again. It would have been a secret they’d have taken to the grave if I hadn’t found the box that night.

That box had unleashed a chain of events none of us had seen coming.

“It wasn’t your fault,” I reassured my godmother. “I don’t blame either of you. I just…it’s a lot to deal with. I’ll be taking some time away once the exams are over.”

“Of course,” Gregory said. “Whatever we can do to help… We’re at your disposal. Money, a car, a place to live…whatever you need, we can provide as your godparents. We don’t want you to feel like we’re doing this out of guilt. You’re our goddaughter, and that isn’t going to change.”

My lip trembled, and I bit down on it fiercely, the metallic tang of blood hitting my tongue. “You were manipulated into becoming my godparents.”

“Manipulated or not, you are our goddaughter, and we care for you very much.” Jane’s voice wobbled. “What Samuel did was abhorrent, but it brought you to us, and I shall never regret that.”

“Hear, hear.” My godfather cleared his throat. “As I said, we are at your disposal. Don’t be afraid to ask us for anything.”

“Th-thank you.”

“I understand if you feel as if you need some distance, but will you consider seeing us soon? Perhaps a luncheon or something. We don’t want you to push us away.”

No matter what had happened, no matter what was going on with Tristan, no matter how misguided they were…they’d done what they thought was best, and I couldn’t hold that against them. “I…I’ll consider it, yes. Thank you both.”

The call ended, and I lay back, rubbing at my eyes. Despite my earlier assurances to myself, my conversation with my godparents had reminded me that I wouldn’t really be able to make a fresh start. Not fully. I’d always have something tying me to Nottswood.

29

ARIA

Hatherley Hall was buzzing. It seemed as if everyone was excited for the final lacrosse game of the year, even those who weren’t normally interested in sports. The truth was, this was a momentous occasion. Our team needed a win against Clifton, and they also needed Burford to win their game against St. Peter’s. If that happened, Hatherley Hall would become the league champions. Sitting cross-legged on my bed, I stared out of the window, watching the figures gathering below, a sea of navy and royal blue with everyone wearing school colours. Some people had even painted their faces in shades of blue.

I inserted my earbuds, pulling up a playlist on my phone to drown out the noise that I could hear even from this high up. Flipping open my politics textbook, I stared down at the page in front of me, the words swimming before my eyes.

My phone vibrated.

Two new messages.

My hand trembled as I unlocked my screen and saw who the messages were from.

Tristan:

I know you said you didn’t want me to contact you again but I had to try. Please come to the lacrosse game. It’s important. If you never want to speak to me again after that I understand and I’ll respect your wishes

Please come, Aria

“Oh, fuck,” I whispered. How could he ask me to do that? Why was it so important? Surely he could see that it was better for us both to go our separate ways, especially after everything that had happened?

Me:

I can’t. I’m sorry

Tristan:

Little scorpion. I’m begging you here. Please

A tear fell from my lashes onto the screen. I hadn’t even realised I was crying until then. I pulled up my knees, curling my body over as I buried my head in my arms. I was tired of denying it to myself. The truth was, I missed him so much. Why did I have to fall for the one person who couldn’t be mine?

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