Page 47 of The Golden Goalie

That’s because the old me was busy hanging out with friends on the weekends.But I’m trying to do better, so out loud, I say, “I know. I’m sorry.” I take a deep breath. “Okay, I need to clear the air. I’m sorry I’ve been such a jerk. I know I have been distant and difficult, and I’m sorry.” I face Brielle. “And I’m sorry I didn’t listen about Adam; you were right. You’re always right,” I add with a small smile.

“Oh, Amber. I didn’t want to be right, not about this. I just knew you weren’t happy with him. You were miserable, and you never smiled. I’m your big sister; I hate not seeing you happy.”

I sigh. “Yeah. I just couldn’t see it.” I shake my head at my own stupidity.

“I love you, Amber,” she says as she wraps her arms around me.

“I love you too, Bri.”

We sit back and my mom and Bri wipe their eyes. “I need to apologize as well,” Bri says, sitting back.

I smirk. “For what? Being perfect?”

She scowls at me. “Far from it. No, Mom told me how much you’re paying for her medicine. I had no idea. You should have told me.”

I look at my mom, who looks guilty. “Bri, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine. We have tons of money now. Well, I mean Aiden makes a ton of money, and I get to help him spend said money.”

“We’re not taking your money, Bri,” I argue.

“Then let me take over mom’s medical bills.”

I open my mouth to argue with her, but my mom stops me. “Amber. I saw the bill the other day.” My heart sinks; I’ve been so careful to keep them hidden. “Why didn’t you tell me we were so behind?”

Guilt about swallows me whole. “I just got behind. Between my school bills, one of your medicines increasing in price, and just everything...I just got behind.”

“Wait,” Bri says frowning. “I thought I was paying towards your school bills.”

I frown. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve sent money every month since you started school, money I made from teaching to help with your schooling.”

I stare at her. “Is that why you’re always asking me about my classes and grades and stuff?”

“Well, kind of,” she admits.

We both turn and look at my mom. “Mom?” I ask.

Guilt crosses her face, and my heart drops. “I’m sorry, Girls.” She takes a breath. “I had to remortgage the house before Bri went to college. I got behind, and things just kind of got out of control.”

I stare at her as my stomach starts to cramp. Bri turns to me. “So you never got any of my money to help with your college bills?” I shake my head. “How have you been making it?”

I snort. “Same as you. Through grit and determination and not eating.” She doesn’t laugh at my joke.

“Amber, you should have told me! I'm so sorry.”

I frown. “It’s fine, Bri. It’s not like you had help either.”

“Yeah, but I sort of resented you for it,” she admits sheepishly.

“Oh goody,” I say dryly.

“Man, I can’t believe you weren’t getting any of the money I sent.” She turns to our mom.

“I’m sorry; I should have told you,” she says quietly.

Whatever Bri was going to say dissipates at the look on our mom’s face. “It’s fine, Mom,” Bri says, taking her hand. “You did what you had to and what you thought was best. We can’t fault you for that.”

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