Page 58 of Broken Secrets
Message from emmakline.17.
I stare at the notification for a full ten seconds before tapping it.
Emma: Hi Olivia, I’m so sorry for disappearing like that. I didn’t mean to ghost you - that’s not who I am. My mom found out I was messaging you and took my phone away. She went through all my accounts and deleted a bunch of stuff. Dad had to get me a new phone where she can’t control what I do.
Emma: I know this is going to sound weird, but my mom really doesn’t like your mom. Like, REALLY doesn’t like her. I don’t want to get into all the details because it’s messy and old drama, but she freaked out when she found out I was talking to you.
Emma: I felt awful leaving you hanging like that, especially after we had such a good conversation. Did I do something wrong? I really hope you don’t think I just changed my mind about wanting to know you.
Relief floods through me that I actually laugh out loud, drawing curious looks from Maya and Sophie.
“Good news?” Maya asks.
“The best news.”
I type back quickly:
Me: Emma, I’m so glad to hear from you! I was worried I’d said something wrong or that you’d decided having a half sister was too complicated. I’m sorry your mom reacted badly - I can’t imagine how stressful that must have been.
Emma: It was pretty awful for a few days. But Dad stood up for me, which was nice. He said I have the right to know you if I want to, and that mom can’t control that anymore.
Emma: Speaking of which - I really want to come visit California. Not spring break, but sooner. I know we’d both have to talk to our parents first, but would you be interested in meeting in person?
My heart pounds as I read the message. A month. Emma wants to come visit.
Olivia: Yes! I would love to meet you. And I think my mom would be okay with it now - we had a big conversation last week and she said she supports whatever relationship I want to have with you and Jeremy.
Emma: Really? That’s amazing! I was so worried she’d hate the idea.
Emma: I should probably talk to Dad tonight about dates and logistics. Are you free to video chat this weekend? I feel like we have so much to catch up on, and I want to hear about your school and your life and everything.
Olivia: Definitely. This weekend works perfectly.
Emma: I can’t wait! I’ve been thinking about you constantly since that first conversation. It’s so weirdhaving a sister I’ve never met but feeling like I already know you somehow.
Olivia: I know exactly what you mean. Talk to Jeremy about the visit - I’ll talk to my mom. This is really happening, isn’t it?
Emma: It’s really happening. I can’t wait to meet you, Olivia.
I put my phone away and look up to find Maya staring at me with raised eyebrows.
“That was definitely not just good news,” she says. “That was life-changing news.”
“Emma wants to visit. Soon.”
Maya’s eyes go wide. “Your sister and your biological father are coming here?”
“Maybe. We still have to talk to our parents, but…” I can’t keep the smile off my face. “It’s really going to happen, Maya. I’m going to meet them.”
“That’s incredible, Liv. How are you feeling?”
“Okay, terrified in a way.” I gather my lunch trash, suddenly too energized to sit still. “I need to get to practice. Coach will kill me if I’m late.”
“Text me after you talk to your mom!”
“I will!”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
