Page 93 of Atone

She shakes her head, cutting herself off as a tear slips out. It’s rare that my sister cries. I’ve only seen it a handful of times in my life, and all of them were before I ended up at Montgomery, because after that, she iced over like an endless winter settling in. But a tear slips free now.

“You’re talking.” Patience surprises me by closing the space between us and throwing herself at me.

She’s not affectionate, so it takes a moment to process her thin arms wrapping around my shoulders. Her chest shakes with the sob she can’t hold in.

I wrap one arm around her, but my other won’t let go of Mila.

I can’t.

Not now, when it feels like everything is on the verge of coming apart. My silence has kept both of them safe all these years, but the truth is slowly spilling out.

What will be the next thing to break?

What if I lose control?

Patience steps back, wiping her hands over her wet cheeks and pulling herself together. She straightens her spine and clears her throat. Relief and fear churn in her gaze.

“You’re talking,” Patience repeats.

This time, when her voice cracks, it’s not followed by tears.

I nod.

“I didn’t even know if you could speak after what they did.”

“No one knew,” I say. “They still don’t.”

Patience’s eyes dart between me and Mila. “You’re only talking to her?”

I nod again.

“And you’re…” Patience’s eyes move to our clasped hands. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Alex?”

“I’m not taking advantage of him if that’s what you’re worried about.” This time it’s Mila on the defense.

Patience’s gaze snaps up to mine. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“I’m fine.” My teeth clench.

I already know my sister’s view of me without needing her to explain it in front of Mila.

“Okay.” Patience’s tone doesn’t match her expression, but she leaves it at that. “I guess we’re all going to dinner then? Do Mom and Dad know she’ll be there?”

“No.”

Patience drags her teeth over her lower lip, knowing our parents well enough to understand why I wouldn’t tell them, as well as the potential fallout.

“I can stay here if I’m interrupting. It seems like it might be a family thing.” Mila tries to pull away, but I don’t let her. “I doubt your parents even want me there, Alex. I wasn’t invited.”

“Don’t worry.” Patience sighs, responding for me. “They don’t want me there either. And Igotan invitation.”

“Besides.” I tip Mila’s chin up. “I want you there.”

Mila nods, even as her eyebrows knit with worry.

“So, this is real then?” Patience asks. “You two are actually happening.”

“We are,” Mila answers for both of us.

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