Page 46 of Reconciling With the Rival

Fuck, I forgot to call Lizzie last night.

Dammit, I guess I spoke too soon. My sister texted me the other day saying she wanted to talk to me about something, and I was in the middle of a meeting with an author when she did. I had to decline; I told her I’d call her after, but I was so exhausted, I fell asleep at my desk.

Shit. I should know better. I should be doing better, but life feels way too overwhelming lately, and I can’t get it to stop. I’m normally so good about juggling multiple things at once, so I don't know what’s throwing me off my game.

I take my phone out to text her.

Ella: Hey! Sorry I forgot to call you last night. I’m available after work if you want to chat. Was it something important? Is it about Dad? Is he okay? Are you okay?

She answers me a few minutes later.

Lizzie: Dad and I are both fine, Ella. Stop worrying. It wasn't a big deal.

Ella: If it matters to you, it matters to me.

Lizzie: It’s more of an in-person conversation. Can you come to Dad’s for dinner sometime this week?

I don’t know why her choice of words has my stomach dropping. My mind races through all the possible things it could be, and none of them are good.

Ella: Anything for you. How does tomorrow night sound?

Lizzie: That works. Can you pick me up from school too? Dad’s car is in the shop.

Ella: Again? What for this time, and why didn't you tell me about it?

Lizzie: Something with the engine. But it’s fine; my friend has been driving me to school.

Ella: But I could’ve helped, Liz.

Lizzie: Ells, it’s okay. I’ll see you tomorrow? I have to go to class.

Ella: Okay. See you then. I love you!

Lizzie liked a message.

I try not to think about the conversation too much, especially since she didn't say she loved me back. I hope this is some sort of phase, but maybe it’s what she has to talk to me about that’s making things so weird.

Have I not been there enough? Has there been something going on at home I don’t know about? Does she resent me for leaving? Does she think I don’t check in enough anymore, and now she hates me?

God, I can’t deal with this. I knew I should have been there more for her and my dad, but it slipped my mind the past few weeks. I’m a terrible sister. That’s probably what she wants to talk to me about.

Fuck my life.

My phone rings a few seconds after I put it down, and I immediately pick it up.

“Lizzie?”

“Nope. It’s your other sister.”

Hads. “Hey. Sorry, it’s been a long ass morning.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not really. It’s nothing, actually. What’s up?”

I hear her sigh heavily from across the line. “This is your formal invitation to Grant’s birthday party. Check your email. I sent an e-invite.”

“Okay,” I say as I open my email and click on the one from Hads. Grant is officially having his birthday at a trampoline park, and he invited us all to come. “Why did you call me for this?”

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