Page 2 of Smoke

“I guess I need to go tonight?” she asked, chewing her bottom lip.

Miles was kind enough to step up. “Do you think it would make things easier for you to leave tonight? I mean, versus arriving tomorrow morning?”

“There’s bound to be questions,” Fence added. “The house might be quieter overnight.”

“Oh. That’s true.” Alina nodded.

She and Jasmine looked at each other, having a silent conversation while the rest of us stood and watched. Jasmine shrugged, and Alina nodded.

“Yes. I guess it would be easier to go back tonight and get myself settled in. I can answer questions in the morning. I don’t need everybody jumping on me the moment I walk through the door.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.” Jasmine went to her again and held her tight, squeezing her eyes shut against the tears I was sure wanted to flow freely down her cheeks. I wondered how I would react if I knew I’d never see my brother again.

“I love you. I’m so happy for you.” Alina took Jasmine’s face in her hands and held it close to her own. “I want you to know that. No matter what happens or if I never speak to you again, I want you to always know how happy I am for you right now. I want this for you, because I know it’s what you want.”

“What about what you want?”

A ghost of a smile appeared on Alina’s face. “That’s never really mattered, has it? You know what I mean. I’ll be happy knowing you’re happy. Besides, I’ll have my work, and that’s always been my life.”

“That’s true.” Jasmine didn’t believe her.

Neither did I.

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