Bending Under Pressure

by Lindsay Paige

  “Sorry, I thought you agreed to it,” Keira says, looking as if she’s the guilty party here.

  “She told me I was meeting her sister. That’s it. Don’t feel bad; it’s not your fault.” I take a deep breath. “Let’s go, I guess.”

  Keira smiles, happy I’m not speeding out of here like I want to. She loops her arm through mine and begins dragging me toward the madness. We bypass the people hanging around the entrance. There are rows of tables lined up and at the front of the room is dish upon dish of food. At least it smells good, and I’ll get a good meal out of this.

  I spot Natalie, but she doesn’t see us yet. Keira doesn’t take us to see her though. There’s a woman who looks older than Natalie, but not as old as my mom, sitting at a table alone for the moment. Her face lights up when she sees us.

  “Aunt Frances, he’s here and you’re the first person I’ve brought him to meet,” Kiera says as the woman stands, this woman who is my aunt.

  “Thank you.” She looks at me. “I’m a hugger. Is that okay?”

  I nod, thankful she asked. Aunt Frances steps forward and hugs me tight.

  “It’s so nice to see you again,” she whispers. Her perfume seems familiar. “I’ve thought about you a lot.” She pulls away. “Have a seat.” We sit back down at her table. “Keira has told me a lot about you, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

  Something about her puts me at ease. Is it odd that I almost, sort of, kind of remember her? It’s like this vague memory with a younger image of this woman. The overall feeling is positive; maybe that’s why I seem to like her already. she was the one who took care of me the most when I was younger.

  “Where do you want me to start?” I ask.

  “Tell me about your family.”

  I grin. She recognizes them as my family, and that’s already more than what Natalie has done. “I have a brother. His name is Cameron, and we are the same age. My parents, Octavia and John, were looking to adopt one kid, but they adopted us both to keep us together. We play football for our high school and we’re pretty close. My whole family is. My parents are in their last year of teaching at the local elementary school before they finally retire. They’re truly the best people I know. I couldn’t ask for better parents.”

  Aunt Frances smiles. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope I can meet them one day. Keira said you have a girlfriend, too.”

  I glance over at my sister. “Is that the only thing you do? Talk about me all the time?” I tease.

  She laughs. “Not all the time, and in my defense, Aunt Frances asks me like twenty questions about you every day.” Keira rolls her eyes. “I’m going to catch up with some cousins. You’re in safe hands, Keelan.”

  “Thanks,” I reply as she stands.

  Once she’s gone, my aunt leans forward. “So, how are you doing with being here and getting to know Natalie and Keira?”

  I shift in my seat, unsure if being honest is the best thing. Even though I like her enough already, I don’t know if I can trust that feeling. “Fine. Kiera is a good kid. I didn’t know I was coming to a reunion though, so it threw me off at first.”

  She shakes her head. “I told Natalie she needed to be honest with you about that, but she wouldn’t listen. She didn’t think you would come if she did.”

  “I wouldn’t have,” I interject.

  “And don’t think I didn’t notice how you didn’t comment on her either,” she continues. “She wants you to know us, but I don’t agree with her on her methods. We’ve never agreed on a lot of things, even now. There’s only two things we ever agreed on; her kids were better off with me, but then I couldn’t take care of you both.” Her inhale is slow and measured as if she’s trying to stay in control of her emotions. “The image of you being taken away has always haunted me. I’m so happy that you ended up with good people. I’m certain they’ve given you a better life than I or Natalie ever could.”

  Before I can respond, I unfortunately hear Natalie’s voice shout, “Keelan! My boy is here, y’all!”

  Her boy?

  I wonder if there will ever be a time when her claiming me as her kid won’t bother me. Glancing over my shoulder, I see her walking quickly toward me as everyone has momentarily stopped talking to watch. I begrudgingly stand. She lays a hand on my shoulder blade and speaks to the room.

  “This is Keelan, everyone. I’m sure you’re as thrilled as I am that he came to meet his family. This truly is a reunion.”

  If I wasn’t the center of attention, I would roll my eyes. Instead, I have to will my facial muscles into a smile as a few hoots and claps sound around the room.

  “Let me introduce you to everyone.”

  Natalie drags me away from the safety of the corner of the room. She’s not even going to apologize or mention how she set me up? I guess I’ll have to double check with Keira from now on about the plans I make with Natalie. My anger rises more and more as she introduces me to countless people as her son. The longer she pretends we’re some sort of happy family and I’ve just come home from an extended trip or something fuels the fury.

  Eventually, we sit down to eat and Natalie frowns when I sit between Keira and Frances. Tough shit. I’ve stayed beyond my hour. Partly because I want hang out with the people on either side of me more and partly because Natalie wouldn’t let me walk away from her for five seconds. I’ve had to tell my life story like a million times. As soon as I finish eating, I’m leaving, no matter what. I’m tired, annoyed, angry, and ready to go home.

  I ask Keira about her dance, so she’ll talk about that while we eat. Natalie can’t try to make conversation with me if someone else is talking and has my attention. In fact, I ignore her completely and only speak to either Kiera or Frances. It’s weird to be here with them. I mean, it’s weird to be surrounded by people who are related to me whom I’ve never met, but to enjoy hanging out with at least two of them startles me.

  I’ve had my heels digging into the ground for this entire experience, mostly with good reason, and I’m able to relax around my aunt and sister. Whether that will ever happen with Natalie is highly unlikely. I’ll still try to give her a chance, but she rubs me the wrong way, and she has since the moment I opened her letter. My gut instinct has been telling me to run the other way.

  And right now, I’m going to listen to it.

  “I’m leaving. It’s a bit of a drive home and Mom doesn’t want me coming back too late,” I say.

  “Oh, I’m sure she’ll understand if you want to stay longer,” Natalie insists.

  “Probably, but I don’t want to put off the drive back.” I stand as do Frances and Keira. “It was nice to meet you.”

  Aunt Frances pulls me into a hug. “You too. Is it okay if Keira gives me your number?” she whispers into my ear and I nod.

  Kiera throws her arms around me the moment I turn to face her. “I wish you didn’t have to go so soon.”

  “If you want, I can ask my mom if you can stay over one weekend. Haley and Jess can come too.” If she’s talking to Cameron by then.

  “Really?” Her grin and excitement are contagious.

  “Won’t hurt for me to ask.”

  “If not,” Natalie begins, “you can always spend the weekend with us.”

  Yeah, I don’t think so. I nod, but say to Kiera, “I’ll let you know.”

  Once I’ve said my final goodbyes, I walk outside to my car, texting Mom that I’m about to leave and smiling when I see a text from Haley. I text her before driving.

  Haley: How did it go?

  Keelan: Long story. Want to go up the water tower tonight?

  Haley: Same time as usual?

  Keelan: Yep.

  Haley: I’ll be ready. :)

  Mom and Dad both are waiting in the kitchen when I get home. Even though I just ate a bunch of good food, my stomach growls when I see a platter of freshly baked cookies. I grab one, take a large bite, and sit down.

  “Did she apologize or explain why she mislead you?” Mom asks, not waiting f
or me to finish my cookie.

  I shake my head and swallow. “Didn’t even mention it.”

  “How was everything else?” Dad asks.

  “Fine. I did meet my aunt, Frances, and I tried to hang out with her and Kiera, but Natalie kept dragging me around the room and calling me her son. How’d I come back and it truly was a reunion. Then she wanted me to stay longer. When I told Kiera I would ask if she could come spend a weekend with us, she jumped in and said I could stay with them. Did you call her?”

  “No,” Mom answers. “I decided to wait until you came home, to see if she apologized or anything. Do you want me to call her?”

  “Someone needs to put her in her place.” I pause and try to joke, “And you are the mom here, so be the parent looking out for her son, please.”

  They both give me a small smile. “Okay, I’ll call her,” Mom says.

  “Thanks. I’m going to my room for a bit. Thanks for the cookie, too.”

  I stand and falter in my steps when I see Cameron sitting about midway up the staircase. He looks pissed, but then that’s nothing new lately. He shakes his head at me as I begin my way up.

  “You’re unbelievable,” he mutters when I walk past him.

  “What?”

  He stands and brushes my shoulder hard as he starts to pass me. “I said you’re unbelievable,” he repeats as I rush to catch up. “You have your real mom find you, who is dying to be a part of your life, and you keep finding reasons to hate her.”

  “She’s not my real mom,” I argue back, going into his room with him. “Mine is downstairs. She raised me. Not Natalie. Don’t be pissed off at me because I don’t like her.”

  “I will because you can’t appreciate what you have!” he shouts.

  “Says the guy who won’t talk to his girlfriend!”

  Cameron shoves me. “Don’t bring her into this,” he warns, his voice filled with more vehemence than I’ve ever heard. “Your mom actually wants you and you want to throw it all away because she’s trying too hard? Are you kidding me? You’re so fucking selfish!” He pushes me again, and I step forward to retaliate.

  “That’s enough,” Dad’s authoritative voice stops me. “Keelan, go to your room or anywhere else but here.” I turn to leave and hear him add, “Cam, you have two choices. Me or your mom, but you’re talking to one of us.”

  I hear Cameron huff and mutter under his breath, but don’t catch more than that as I go into my room and close the door.

  My heart and spirit are soaring high. I get to see Keelan tonight and Dad called, wanting to spend the day with me tomorrow. I even had a good day shopping with Mom today. I thought nothing could bring me down from my high.

  Until I slide into the passenger seat next to Keelan.

  “What happened?” I blurt out.

  He told me his meeting with his aunt today was a long story, but I didn’t think it went as bad as he looks right now. He looks forlorn, upset, and the frown on his face seems as permanent as the pinch of his eyebrows. Keelan simply shakes his head and says, “Let’s get to the water tower, Hales.”

  We’re quiet as we drive into town. Like before, we park and then walk over to the water tower. I keep glancing over at the police station, feeling more anxious about being caught now that it’s the two of us. When Keelan chuckles, I’m filled with a bit of relief. He’s still in there somewhere; he isn’t of lost in whatever’s bothering him.

  “I got you, Hales. Stop forgetting it.”

  “Sorry. Help me up,” I say as I lift my arms above my head.

  Keelan grabs my hips and lifts me up. I begin to climb, hearing him following behind me shortly after. I keep thinking of what could’ve gone wrong. My mouth opens; ready to fire the questions his way, when he joins me at the top of the water tower. He was a few paces behind me, so I sat down already. Keelan sits behind me, much like before.

  “Let’s not talk, okay?” he interrupts all of my unspoken questions.

  My mouth closes, and I nod. I don’t want to push him. He wraps his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder, our legs dangling over the edge with the view of the station, and trees beyond ahead of us.

  “Can I ask one question though?”

  He takes a deep breath. “Sure.”

  “Is Cam okay?”

  Keelan tenses behind me, and it hits me that maybe something happened with Cameron, too. “Why?”

  “Well, Jess was ignoring my texts, so after Mom and I came back from shopping, I went to her house to check on her. Cameron was already there, but her dad was at the door, telling him that Jess didn’t want to see him and she’d let him know when she does. He looked crushed. I was worried about him.” Just then, I see a figure jogging toward the water tower, I tense before the nearby streetlight reflects a head full of blond hair. “Is that Cameron?”

  “Yeah. Thanks for asking about him. It explains why he was in a bad mood with me.”

  “Why do you think he’s here?”

  I feel his shoulders shrug. We don’t say anything else as Cameron climbs up to the top. He’s wearing a hoodie, and he wordlessly pulls out three bottles of soda from the kangaroo pocket. Cameron hands us one each and then sits down next to us.

  “So, Jess has had a meltdown or something, and I need help in getting her to talk to me.”

  Keelan scoffs from behind me. “That your apology?”

  “No. I was hoping I wouldn’t have an audience for that.” Cameron pointedly looks at me.

  “Do you have a plan?” I ask because I don’t want to hear Cam make up with his brother any more than he wants me to hear it.

  “Short of kidnapping her and tying her to a chair, no.”

  Jess wants to talk to Cam, I know that much. Why she’s refusing to is confusing to us all. I want to help them both. I take a sip of my soda, thinking over what we can do to speed this process up. Cameron’s sentence keeps replaying in my head.

  “Why don’t we sort of do that?”

  “Kidnap her?” Keelan asks with disbelief.

  “No.” I elbow him on the ribs lightly. “You sneak over all the time, right?” Cameron nods. “Then we’ll go to her house, you’ll sneak in, and Keelan and I can like block the window. Tell her none of us are leaving until y’all talk.”

  Cameron rubs his knuckles along his jaw. “I don’t know. It seems kind of wrong to bombard her like that.”

  “Do you want to fix this or not?” I ask him.

  “It’s worth a shot,” Keelan adds.

  Cameron finally nods. “Okay.” He stands, ending our time at the water tower.

  We park at the tennis courts like before, and then sneak over to Jess’s window. Cameron knocks lightly twice on her window before pushing it up. We can see Jess’s eyes widen as she scrambles off her bed.

  “What are you doing here?” she whispers heatedly.

  “We’re going to talk.”

  “And we’re not leaving until y’all do,” Keelan tacks on.

  Jess huffs, crosses her arms over her chest, and sits on her bed. Cameron lowers the window to grant them privacy. Keelan and I turn around because creeping would be, well, creepy.

  “Do you think this will work?” I ask.

  He glances over his shoulder, quickly frowning. “She’s crying, but they’re talking, so yeah. Good idea, Hales.”

  “Do you want to do some talking of your own?” I rub my arms because it’s as if the temperature suddenly dropped.

  Keelan takes my hand, pulls me against him, and rubs his hands over my arms. “The meeting with my aunt? It was a full-blown family reunion and Natalie acted like I was her long lost son. Then Cameron and I got into it.”

  “So, is everything okay now?”

  “They will be. Mom talked to Natalie and I got the impression it went well. Hey, Keira might come spend the night next weekend. You wanna come stay, too?” He tilts his head back toward the window. “If they work things out, I’m going to ask Jess.”

  I smile. “Aw, look at you, trying
to spend more time with your sister.”

  He chuckles and shakes his head at me. “Is that a yes?”

  “I have one condition.”

  “Let me guess. You want a race?”

  My lips spread into a grin. “Yes.”

  “Deal. Do you think your mom will let you stay?”

  “If you parents are there and so are other girls, once I tell her about sleeping arrangements, I think so.” I pause. “What are the sleeping arrangements, by the way?”

  “Mom will probably put all y’all in either mine or Cameron’s room. Why? Were you hoping for a sleepover with me?”

  I roll my eyes, but before I can speak, Jess’s window opens. We both turn to look at Cameron.

  “We’re good. Y’all can go. Thanks.”

  We can hear Jess’s sniffles behind him. Something tells me that not everything is good.

  “Okay,” Keelan begins. “Make sure you’re back before six, or you’ll get caught.” He interlocks his fingers with mine and leads me to his car. Part of me wants to protest, but I really don’t have a reason to. “What are you doing tomorrow?” he asks once we’re on the road.

  “Spending the day with my dad.” I stifle a yawn, my sleepiness hitting me all at once. “You never sneak into my window,” I mumble. Why does it matter? I know that Cam and Jess do things when he sneaks over and I don’t want to do anything with Keelan yet.

  Keelan laughs. “Do you want me to?”

  “Maybe.” Yes, no, I don’t know.

  “It’d be easier to sneak you into my house, you know. On the off chance someone drives by your house, don’t you think it would be suspicious if my car was parked at the end of your driveway?”

  “Oh, good point.”

  Keelan drives right past my house. I start to wonder what I’ve gotten myself into when he parks in his driveway. I don’t speak up or change my mind because I’m excited. This will sort of be like when we fell asleep in the hammock, but this time, it’ll be in a bed. Nothing to be nervous about. We quietly close our doors and Keelan smiles before he opens the door to the house with a finger pressed over his lips.