Page 56 of Poinsettia Lane

A looming stack of paperwork waits for her at the Sioria the next day and Everly meets it with a grimace, annoyed that most of her job is simply signing her name next to yellow arrow sticky tabs. She checks in with her assistant as well as the managers who report directly to her, but everyone appears happy and everything seems to be running smoothly, so she’s not needed for more than a few hours that day. Normally she would find more to do, putter around and make herself useful.

Leaning back, she spins her chair around to face the gorgeous view out over the river. Everly studies the hilly landscape with massive boulders along the water and pockets of greenery and trees here and there, but largely covered in cacti and smaller brush. It’s at the tail end of the rainy season, which means everything will be blooming soon if it’s not already. It’s one of her favorite times of the year, when the desert turns green and colorful and everything is so alive.

As she enjoys the desert view, swinging her chair back and forth with her feet, Everly’s mind wanders to the night before. She marvels at how comfortable the date was, even though every single thing was a new experience. From what she chose to wear, to riding a motorcycle and being lost in the desert, to the snack picnic and frenzied making out.

It felt like she was in high school again—if she hadn’t been a perfect goody-two-shoes, straight-A student whonever stepped a toe out of line and wasn’t way too shy to let herself feel so openly like that. The most she ever did in high school was some very PG-13 kissing after prom.

Her parents were always emphasizing how important it is to maintain the proper image, that you never know who might be watching, and it became so ingrained into her psyche that Everly can’t remember a time when it wasn’t at the front of her mind. She loved her parents, still does even though they’re gone, but looking back she can admit that wasn’t the most healthy way of parenting two daughters.

Reflecting on last night, Everly can’t think of even one instance when she was worried that someone might see her. Carrie has explained how much of the way she was raised has impacted her view of herself, so Everly has a clear understanding on where much of her self-doubt and anxiety in social situations comes from. This is why she’s so surprised at her behavior with Asim. She’s beenliterallycovered in dirt and mud, for crying out loud. It’s unfathomable, out of character, and entirely amazing.

She feels more herself than she ever has before, in large part thanks to Asim’s steady and soothing demeanor. It’s a precious gift she never knew she was missing until now.

Everly thinks back to how Addison mentioned feeling like she can’t truly be herself, that she doesn’t know who she is. Everly is struck by a bolt of guilt, realizing she wasn’t there for Addison when she probably most needed a big sister. Since Addison is a few years younger, her experience with their parents was different. Everly determines to make up for it now as best she can.

Checking her phone, she sees it’s almost time for their video call. Addison had texted her that morning asking if they could schedule a time to talk, assuring it was nothing bad, but she wanted to chat face to face. Everly is a little nervous, having no idea what it’s about, but knowing it isn’t bad eases much of the anxiety she would have otherwise felt.

Her phone rings a few minutes later and she connects through her laptop. Everly smiles at her sister’s face filling her computer screen. They make the usual small talk, chatting and laughing about the crazy trends they’veseen online, what the youth are up to these days, random other small things, until Everly can’t wait any longer.

“So what’s the big deal? What did you want to talk about?”

Addison looks down, and Everly gets the sense she’s fidgeting with something out of sight.

“Whatever it is, you can tell me," she says, trying on what she hopes is a comforting, sisterly smile.

“Well, you remember how we talked about me coming back to visit again…” Addison trails off.

“Of course, I’d love that.” In her head, Everly is already planning possible outings, including the spa, cocktails in hand, of course.

“Okay, cool. Well, yeah. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Everly tries to hide her confusion; her normally chipper, bubbly sister is acting odd in a way she can’t quite figure out.

“Alright, did you want to check dates or something?” she asks.

“Sure, that’d be great.” Addison’s voice is still too high. They compare calendars, and Addison checks flights while they do so. They land on a weekend about a month away at the end of March, but something still feels off. Addison is avoiding the camera, and isn’t nearly as talkative as she usually is.

“What’s going on, Ad? You’re worrying me," Everly says.

“It’s just…” she trails off, taking a breath before looking up and starting again in a rush. “I was wondering if I could stay with you?” Her eyes flare wide and she drops them, looking back at her lap.

Everly realizes this was the hard part for her. Addison was worried about asking to stay at the house instead of the hotel.

“Of course! Please, stay with me! Of course you can, Ad. Oh this is going to be so fun.” Addison’s head snaps back up and a smile stretches across her face when she sees Everly’s excitement.

“Yeah?” she asks.

“Hell yeah! I’d love that.” The sisters are beaming at each other, excitement radiating through the screens, abeacon strengthening the connection between them.

“Okay, let’s do it.” Addison clicks around on her computer before turning back to Everly. “It’s done. Flights are booked and car is rented.”

“I can’t wait. We can do all the girly stuff we never got to do…” Everly is the one to trail off this time, her face falling. Addison’s smile falls too as they both realize what she was about to say.

“Ad. I’m really sorry," Everly says. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I regret it so much, I don’t know what to say or how to make it up to you but I’m so incredibly sorry.” Her eyes turn glassy with unshed tears. She wants her sister to understand, but there simply aren’t words for it.

“It’s okay, Ev," Addison says, her voice soft with aching sadness. “I’m sorry, too. It takes two, and neither of us reached out. I regret it, too. I missed you every day. We both lost mom and dad, but we also lost each other, and that hurt just as much.”

Everly is nodding along with her, matching tears streaking down their cheeks. They feel like good tears, though. They’re purging, renewing, making way for the healing and love that she senses is coming now that they’ve reconnected.

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