Page 36 of Tell Me Everything
Alex was surprised to hear that her voice was deeper than that of her aunt and cousin. More mature. “I don't know if this is a good idea.”
“I think you should go,” Alex said.
He knew how much she missed them. Elena turned to him, questioning him with her eyes. She was asking for his opinion. He nodded to reassure her.
“Too bad you can't come with me.”
Alex smiled at her. She’d be okay. Elena was a fighter, she just had to realize it.
***
Elena
I was nervous, and by nervous, I didn't just mean a racing pulse, but also nausea, sweaty palms, and being unable to hold still for more than two seconds. How was I going to tell my mother I was going to see my family this weekend? She'd never explicitly forbidden me to see them, but she'd clearly told me to avoid Jade and my grandparents whenever possible. Why? I didn't know. All my life, I'd been very close to my grandfather and aunt. After my brother's funeral, everything had changed. Now that I was about to see them again, I didn't know if it was a good idea. After all, I hadn't heard from them in three years, and the Christmas and birthday cards had stopped coming.
“Stop pacing like that. You're like a caged lion.”
Except that I felt more like the lamb that would be thrown to the lion once I left the Niessen home. Alex got up and stopped in front of me. He was grimacing from the pain.
“You should lie down.”
Alex ignored my words and placed his palms on my cheeks. His gaze was calm and benevolent, and a small part of my unease dissipated. How he did it was a mystery.
“It's time for you to think about yourself and whatyouwant in life. Your mother made her choices, but she can't make yours. Do you want to go to this family party?”
I'd wanted to see them for years, although I'd never dared. I hadn't dared go against my mother, and I hadn't dared tell my family how out of control my father had become. Alex was right. It was time for me to think about myself. I nodded, unable to answer.
“Then go.”
“What if they don't want me?”
“Jade and Ella want you. If your family is as caring as they are, you'll be fine.”
I hugged him without thinking. He winced but hugged me back.
“Sorry...”
“You Fleureau ladies are all brutes.”
If only he could come with me. I had become far too dependent on his support. I really had to learn to cope on my own, but I felt invincible when Alex was with me. The doorbell rang and my pulse quickened even more. I knew I was going to disappoint my mother, and I didn't feel ready to do so.
“Don't worry, I'm with you.”
***
When I walked into my grandparents' kitchen, all eyes wereon me. My grandfather frowned, and one of my aunts shook her head disapprovingly. I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. Coming here had been a mistake. Why had I thought this would be a good idea?
“What are you doing here?” an uncle asked.
I shouldn't be surprised. It was delusional to think they'd all be happy to see me; of course, they wouldn't be delighted at my sudden presence. I was a stranger to them now. The anguish that had settled in my chest was starting to suffocate me, and my head was spinning. For a brief moment, I hesitated to call Alex. I had to get out of here.
“Stop tormenting her!”
I looked up at the person who'd just spoken. Grandma Louise. Tears shone in her eyes. Without hesitating, she hugged me, her peony perfume tickling my nose. She smelled just like I remembered. My eyes stung. God, how I'd missed her.
“My little girl, I'm so happy to see you.”
She let go of me and looked at me from every angle. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Aunt Laurene and her husband watching us warily, but I decided to ignore them.
