Page 51 of I Knew You
Bram: How’d it go?”
It was a simple enough question, and given the one-word answer I’d come back with earlier, I shouldn’t start analyzing his one-dimensional question too hard.
Before I could stop myself, I typed out what the truth was, but also held a bit of an agenda.
Me: It was great. Got some blood work as well as the hot physician assistant’s phone number.
Nerves ignited in my stomach as I pressed send. How would he react? What if he wasn’t concerned in the least?
Three dots popped up on the screen as if he were typing, but then they disappeared.
I watched it happen again.
And again.
Unable to watch anymore, I grabbed my belongings and ran to the back door to release Lakey from her kennel.
She was excited to see me. Then, as I stroked her spotted fur, a notification came through on my phone. But it wasn’t from Bram, it was from Whit.
Whit: How’s it going? You like the house?
He had no clue I was at Bram’s, and he had no idea how I had reacted when I saw what he’d done to Grams’ house. He definitely didn’t know about the marriage yet, or I would have already heard from him.
Yet, I felt unprepared to face everything and masked the truth.
Me: It’s nice. Thanks for letting me stay there.
Whit: There? Where are you now?
I didn’t realize I’d typedthereinstead ofhere. Of course, he would latch on immediately to that. I sighed as I typed.
Me: What happens in Mill Creek, stays in Mill Creek.
He had no idea how close to the truth that was.
Whit: Cryptic. Have you seen Bram? He was supposed to come and help you.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard, my heart beating out of my chest. I started typing, knowing what I was doing was a risk. I didn’t owe my brother an explanation for my actions. Yet, for the sake of transparency and growth, I let the truth fly.
Me: I’m actually at Bram’s house right now. I’m staying here.
Just like Bram had done a bit ago, I saw the typing dots appear and disappear on the screen repeatedly, until finally a message appeared.
Whit: What are you doing at Bram’s? Why are you staying there?
I needed to play it cool. I took a deep breath.
Me: A lot to explain. But nothing is wrong. I couldn’t stay at Grams’. It was too different.
Me: It was like she was erased.
The bubbles bounced around once more, and I held my breath.
Whit: I should have told you. Didn’t think you’d have big feelings about it, or I’d have warned you.
Whit: I’d never hurt you like that.
I exhaled in a loud whoosh.
