The Right Kind Of Wrong

by L. B. Reyes

  “Woman things?”

  My eyes widened but soon narrowed in on Nathan, who had raised an eyebrow, arms crossed over his chest.

  “Don't judge me,” I muttered.

  He chuckled, taking a seat next to me and munching on another cookie.

  “You were always a night owl,” I said, nudging him with my elbow.

  “Sleep is hard to come across these days.” Nathan pressed his lips together as if trying to hold back what he wanted to say. Knowing I couldn't necessarily ask if what was wrong had something to do with my sister, I opted for the safest route.

  “Is everything okay? Is there anything you want to talk about?”

  Nathan tilted his head thoughtfully but ended up wrapping his arm over my shoulders, making me giggle. “Nope. No annoying problems will be talked about tonight. How are you liking being back?”

  “You said no annoying problems,” I teased.

  “Uh. That bad, huh?” Though a joke, the words held truth. Being back only emphasized the truth of my family's situation and it wasn't one I was really fond of. Not wanting to elaborate or make him feel bad, I simply nodded.

  Nathan squeezed my shoulder, removing his arm from around me. “I really am sorry you got dragged into this…hell.”

  Shrugging I replied, “I was born into it.”

  We stayed silent for a while longer, chewing on the cookies that were basically gone. I pouted at the thought of them disappearing forever but didn't hesitate to take the last bite.

  All good things must come to an end, right?

  “Your birthday is coming up.”

  Usually, I would have been excited. Hell, I was going to be two decades old. I should have been ecstatic. However, it was clear none of my birthday wishes would be coming true.

  “I see you haven't forgotten,” I said.

  “How could I?” Nathan paused, scratching his stubble-covered chin. “Is there anything you'd like?”

  My only wish was to have my family together. My parents to come home from wherever they were, forget about work for at least one day. My sister to pretend to care about me. Nana to be happy. It was impossible, though. Everyone’s priorities were different. No chance of us all getting together.

  So instead, I simply shook my head no.

  “Do you still talk to that friend of yours? Karla?”

  I smiled at his attention to detail. I hadn't mentioned her often, but she was the closest friend I had in Florida and I missed her dearly. It had always been easy to talk to her. “Yeah, we still text every day.”

  “Do you miss her?”

  “Yeah,” I said, lowering my gaze. I missed healthy interactions. Those didn't exist here.

  Nathan didn't look away, drowning in his own thoughts until I yawned, rubbing my eyes with sleep.

  “Let's get you to bed,” he said, helping me up.

  His arm was wrapped around my shoulders as we walked back upstairs. We stopped in front of my room and he didn’t even glance over to my sister's room.

  “Are you feeling better?” he asked quietly, placing a strand of my crazy curly hair behind my ear.

  “I am, actually. Thanks for the talk and the cookies.”

  “Of course.”

  I leaned my head against the door frame, watching him quietly. Though the essence of him was the same, I could tell he was stressed. He wasn't happy. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, one that he couldn't hide.

  I settled for asking the question I had been holding back for the past few days. “Will you two be okay?”

  A flash of emotions passed through Nathan's face. Everything was there but he settled for one thing only—acceptance.

  “No. We haven't been okay in a while.”

  “I'm sorry,” I said honestly. At some point, they'd cared about each other. I liked to think they had loved each other too, otherwise, they wouldn't have married. “I wish Han would talk to me about it,” I admitted.

  “It's a burden you don't need to carry.” Nathan glanced over toward Hannah's room, but there wasn't a single ounce of longing there.

  “Will you be okay?”

  A slow smile crept across his face, showing off his perfect teeth. “Look at you, always so worried about others.” I rolled my eyes, watching him take a step back with his hands in his pockets. “I'll be fine. If not, I'll just take your example and resort to eating all the cookies I can find.”

  My eyes widened in anger. How dare he mock my cookie craving while I was on my period? Nathan chuckled softly walking towards his bedroom. “Good night, Evie.”

  “Watch out, Maxwell.” He grinned at the use of his last name.

  I closed the door to my bedroom and jumped on the bed, bouncing slightly. With the blanket I'd been carrying around still with me, I pulled the sheets over me, needing the extra coziness. I decided I would make an attempt to form some sort of relationship with my sister. She was my family after all. That wouldn't change just because we didn't agree on our outlook on life.

  The next day, however, was the day I realized that though maybe I'd never truly have a relationship with my sister, the connection between Nathan I had only gotten stronger.

  I wasn't sure whether to fear it or embrace it.

  CHAPTER 5

  Evelyn

  I prettied myself up, straightening my hair and putting on a bit of makeup. I didn't expect a present or anything of that nature, but was it wrong to expect at least a “Happy Birthday?” I didn't think so, and if it were to happen, I wanted at least to get a picture to remember the rare moment of a hug from my sister.

  After applying a bright red lipstick and checking that my leggings weren't doing anything funny, I walked downstairs and heard my sister talking to someone. When I finally got downstairs, she merely glanced at me, not once paying much attention to me, even when I waved in her direction. I was sure I did a horrible job at hiding the disappointment in my face, one that Mr. Carter immediately noticed.

  “Miss Evelyn.” He smiled warmly. “Happy birthday, my beautiful girl.”

  Mr. Carter opened up his arms and I readily accepted, reveling in his warm, fatherly hug.

  “May all your wishes come true, Miss Evelyn. It's been a joy being a part of your life, watching you grow up.”

  I looked back at the sweet man looking down at me, his grey hair and light blue eyes only accentuating the passage of time. He'd dedicated his time to watching over Hannah and me, neglecting the personal part of his own life. We were all he had. He took out a small box from his suit jacket and placed it in my hands.

  “Oh, Carter, you didn't have to,” I said softly.

  “I wanted to, dear. Now, it looks like your sister is ready to go,” he said, nodding towards Hannah, who stood by the door. “But I will see you later today, okay?”

  “Thank you, Carter,” I said, hugging him once again. I saw them disappear, my sister not once turning around to even smile at me.

  Though I was thankful for Carter's gesture, I couldn't help but feel sad about Hannah's lack of care. I walked over to the kitchen, sitting down on the stool near the island. Groaning, I covered my face with my hands.

  It didn't seem like things would ever change. My parents couldn't be bothered to send me a single text message at least to say good morning, my sister didn't give a damn about me, even though I lived under her roof. Not even Karla in Florida had been able to send me a text message, despite us spending three years together. And Nathan, he didn't seem to—

  “I hope you're not crying there,” I heard a voice behind me. I jumped off the stool startled, only to end up with one of Nathan's arms wrapped around me. “Hm, you don't want to fall on your birthday, now do you?”

  I felt myself blush at the teasing nature of his comment, his grey eyes sparkling with amusement. He didn't let go.

  “Happy birthday, Evie,” he said softly, bringing forward the arm he had behind his back. A bouquet of pink and white roses was in his hand, a small smirk on his face. “It's not much, but I hope you like it.”


  “Nathan, I—”

  “You thought I didn't remember,” he murmured, placing a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I always remember.”

  Our gazes met and for a moment I forgot how to breathe, lost in those ever-revealing eyes of his. Maybe it was the way he did always remember or the way he looked at me with such emotion that made me want to reach up and kiss him. At the realization, I cleared my throat, taking the roses in my hands and taking a step back. Nathan looked confused for a moment, as well, as if he couldn't understand what had just happened.

  “Thank you, Nathan. They're beautiful.”

  “Your favorites,” he said with a crooked smile.

  I bit my lip nervously, glancing over at the man who was still looking intently at me.

  “You look beautiful today. Twenty suits you.”

  I rolled my eyes and tried to hide the blush that was surely on my cheeks by looking for a vase in which to put the flowers in. A shiver ran down my spine when I felt his eyes still on me, intense and with something I couldn't decipher.

  “Any plans today?” he asked, walking around the island and standing next to me.

  I shook my head. Maybe Nathan could visit Nana with me. “Just hoping I can head over to Nana's.”

  “Oh, good. I'm busy today, but maybe I'll see you later.”

  Oh.

  No Nathan today, either.

  Seeing the disappointment in my face, he stopped in front of me, hands in his pockets as if trying to prevent himself from reaching out. I couldn't understand what was happening, things felt…different at that moment. I couldn't define it.

  “Listen, I know today has been less than ideal but try to enjoy the day, okay?”

  Even though I wasn't sure how much of a good day I would have, I nodded. All hope for a nice birthday with the people I cared about was gone.

  “Do you want me to drop you off at your Nana's?”

  “I can take a cab.” Nathan was shaking his head in disagreement already, so I accepted his offer. The drive was silent for the most part, except for the music on the radio.

  It seemed as if neither of us could break whatever tension followed us, something odd, considering it was never this weird when we were together. Maybe it was just me.

  Totally just me.

  Most likely, I just felt strange because it was the crappiest birthday I'd had in a while. I shifted in my seat, catching Nathan's attention.

  “You are very quiet today.”

  He noticed.

  “There's nothing to say, really.”

  “You're disappointed because?”

  “Hannah didn't say a single word to me. My parents haven't sent me a text at least…” I sighed, playing with the hem of my sweater. “I just thought they'd show they cared a little bit.”

  His grip on the steering wheel tightened and when I turned to look at him, his jaw was clenched, as if trying to hold back his anger. Now that my true feelings were out, I couldn't seem to shut up. “It's stupid, really. I should have known better.”

  “It's not stupid,” he said, glancing over at me. “I think you're the only sane one in the family, actually.”

  “You too,” I said.

  Nathan sighed, a flash of remorse in his eyes. “No, not really.”

  We pulled up to Nana's house and I unbuckled my seatbelt, curious as to what Nate meant.

  “I'm not saying anything,” he said with a small smile playing on his lips.

  “I don't see how you can think you're not sane,” I whispered. “You're different from them, you-”

  “I've done things I'm not exactly proud of,” Nathan interrupted.

  “Like?”

  Nathan sighed, running his hand through his hair. “We're not doing this on your birthday, Evie.”

  And that's final.

  He really did feel that he'd done something bad, I could see it in the way his posture had changed. He felt guilty. Against my better judgment I leaned in, pressing a kiss on his cheek.

  “I don't believe you,” I said softly. “No matter what you've done, you've proven you're different. Nothing you say can change what I think about you.”

  After a few moments of tension building, I opened the door, stepping out of the car. “I'll see you later, Nate.”

  “Have a nice day, Evie.”

  ***

  I spent the rest of the day with Nana, eating, watching movies and talking about life in general. She was so happy, it was a good distraction from everything that happened the past few days.

  She mentioned how in a couple days for Christmas she wanted the family together, though she mentioned she knew it wasn't happening. My parents were going to Europe and Hannah was throwing a get-together with her “friends.”

  “We can spend Christmas together, Nana. I can come over and spend the night here.”

  “Oh, nonsense. You're young, you'll probably want to have fun with your friends. Don't worry about me.” Nana looked back at the clock on the wall, muttering something under her breath.

  “What is it, Nana?” I asked.

  “Oh, nothing, dear. Tell me, how is life with your sister so far?”

  “She hates me.” I shrugged. “But you knew that already.”

  “Pardon my language.” I rolled my eyes at her need to excuse herself, I cursed way more than she did. “Your sister hates anyone that doesn't kiss her ass.”

  After a few more minutes of talking, I saw Carter pulling up to Nana's house and with it, another wave of disappointment.

  We watched him step out of the car, following until he was knocking on the door. Like a scene from a movie, my grandma opened the door. “Will you be coming with us, Anne?” Carter directed the question towards Nana, eyes sparkling.

  I never liked playing cupid but…

  “Yes, she will be. Why don't you help her to the car, Carter?”

  Both of them knowing what I was doing, they laughed, shaking their heads as I stepped foot in the Escalade. I didn't bother asking about anyone at home. It didn't matter anyway. Everyone had their lives to live, as did I, and I wasn't about to spend the last hours of my birthday being miserable.

  We arrived at the house and I hopped out, Carter and Nana already sharing secrets. They followed behind me as I opened the door into the silence, turning on the light.

  “Surprise!”

  I gasped, looking around only to find Karla there along with friends I had attended high school with before I left. The place was decorated with balloons and stringers, and leaning against the wall was Nathan with his arms crossed over his chest, a grin on his face. I was too stunned to say anything, still staring in shock at the people in front of me.

  Karla was the first to step forward and hug me.

  “You bitch,” she complained. “I'm here all the way from Florida and you can't even greet me. Happy birthday, girl.”

  Next came a group of friends I'd grown up with: Evan, Helen, and Jenna. I hadn't seen them or talked to them in years, so how they even remembered me was a surprise. They hugged me as if time had never passed; one of those group hugs like when we were sixteen.

  “I can't believe you're all here,” I said quietly.

  “You look beautiful,” Jenna, the oldest from the group said.

  “We've been in contact with Nathan for a few weeks. He let us know you were coming back,” Evan said with a smile. “We're so happy you're back.”

  “Thanks so much for being here.”

  “Thank your brother-in-law over there.” Karla nudged me. “He bought the ticket for my flight, picked me up at the airport, and everything.”

  Nathan was talking to Nana and Carter, eyes still fixed on me. I excused myself from my friends and walked over to Nathan, hugging him tightly.

  “Thank you so much.”

  “You deserve it.”

  It was in that moment when I took a step back and looked into his eyes that I knew I was deeply crushing on my brother-in-law.

  And I was pretty sure he was crushing back on m
e too.

  CHAPTER 6

  Evelyn

  I look around at the people conversing, taking a sip of the drink I wasn’t supposed to be having. There weren’t many of us there, but the place felt full of happiness and warmth.

  And it was all thanks to the man looking back at me from across the room. I lifted my cup, toasting with him from a distance and he did the same, holding up his before drinking and going back to the conversation with Nana and Carter.

  This is so fucked up.

  “He seems cool,” Karla said, nudging me with an elbow.

  “Who?” I pretended not to know who she was talking about, earning an intense eye roll from her. I shrugged, downing the drink in one gulp. “Yeah, he's nice.”

  “And hot,” Jenna said, chiming in.

  Karla agreed, a dreamy sigh leaving her lips.

  “He's also married,” I added, glancing between the girls. “To my sister.”

  “Minor detail,” Karla shrugged. I glared, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. She shouldn't have been talking about Nathan like that, but more than anything, I shouldn't have been thinking about him that way, either.

  “You know, people talk,” Jenna said quietly.

  Both Karla and I gave her our attention, a proud smirk on her face. Jenna wasn't much of a gossiper, but she was quiet, and I had heard that the quiet ones were the ones to fear. They didn’t talk, yet they sure as hell listened.

  “They've been going to therapy for a month or so,” Jenna said, the news taking me by surprise. “Mom says they've actually been separated for a bit over a year.”

  That explained a lot.

  “I had no clue,” I said surprised.

  “Well, you know your sister. She has a ‘reputation’ to live up to. Keep up with appearances and whatnot.”

  That did sound a lot like my sister, all reasons for her to stay in a loveless marriage. Maybe if she was with someone who loved her, she'd be less bitchy, more compassionate. Caring.