“What do you want us to do?”
He nods with a grin, appreciating my turning his question back on him. “Well, I guess we should just take it one day at a time. Definitely take it slow...but spend time together and see where it goes.”
“It’s hard to argue with such logic. I think I can handle that.” Relief must be etched across my now smiling face.
“Good. I was hoping you’d say that.”
Before I can say anything else, he pulls a flower from the bouquet and slides it behind my ear, then leans in to lay a tender kiss upon my lips.
My heart pounds. How could I have ever walked away from such a perfect guy?
A few seconds later when he pulls away, he looks me in the eyes. “Well, Miss Chloe. Shall we go inside to join your family?”
Do we have to?
But I’m not able to say much after such a sweet surprise, so I nod. Hunter stands up, holding his hand out for mine. His cheeks light up the second our hands touch.
“Oh yeah, before I forget. Can I see your phone for a sec?”
“Um, okay.” I hand it over.
Hunter types in something—pulls out his vibrating phone—then hands mine back. “There. Now we can get ahold of each other whenever we want.”
As usual, his smile renders me speechless.
Sometimes it’s the little things in life that truly make us the happiest.
Chapter 11
Reunited
The next few days pass at lightning speed. Everyone’s getting along, I’ve had no new visions, Pap’s still in stable condition, and my time hanging out with Hunter and my family has been amazing. Who knew just sitting around talking and watching movies could be so much fun.
I haven’t seen him at the hospital this week since he’s on day shift, but he’s been coming by at night to hang out. We’re supposed to go out this weekend—do something by ourselves. Not that he’s told me what he has in mind. The brat.
Dru and Aunt Morgan are at the airport picking up Ash and Aidan, while the rest of us are here with Pap. But I’m getting anxious waiting for them to get here. It’s been months since I’ve seen them. And it’s hard to believe Dru and Dhelia have never met the boys. Sure, they’ve seen pictures and videos, but that’s it.
While Dhelia’s glued to her laptop, I just can’t seem to stop myself from daydreaming about two of my favorite people. Ash and Aidan are two of the most extraordinary guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. When they’re together, they are so dynamic, animated, and funny. Apart, they’re unbelievably shy, and so awkward you wouldn’t think they were the same people at all. Anyone who knows them gets such a kick out of the drastic transformation in their personalities when separated. I smile to myself, picturing their quirky behavior.
Ash and Aidan are also beyond brilliant. Both go to Stanford on a full ride. They’re artistic, talented, sing and play acoustic guitar—as well as write music, which they perform on a regular basis at various clubs near school. Since they’re graduating this week, I’m sure they’ll miss it. Especially since it’s how they earn spending money.
I often wonder what their abilities would be if Aunt Morgan hadn’t bound their powers, as I’m sure they’re just as cool as Ash and Aidan themselves. I understand her reasons for keeping magic out of their lives as children, but perhaps as adults, she’ll let them choose for themselves.
As I think about how ecstatic I am to see the boys, Dhelia slams her Toshiba shut with bang. I jump. “Is everything okay over there?”
She stands up, fisted hands at her sides, trying to hold back her anger. “I wanted tickets to Dave Matthews this weekend. They’re playing at The Garden on Saturday, so I thought we could show the boys around the city since they’ve never been to Manhattan before. But of course...the show’s sold out already. Damn it!”
“Awe, that was sweet of you, Dee. They love Dave Matthews. But I’m sure there’s gotta be something else we can take them to see. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”
The defeated look on her face is almost painful to watch. She hangs her head with a heavy sigh. “Yeah, I know. I just wanted to make a good impression. I want them to like me.”
I understand where she’s coming from, but she’s not usually the person who cares about what anyone thinks. Who knows, maybe there’s hope for her yet.
“Well, as long as you don’t bite their heads off when they walk through the door, I’m sure they’ll love you.” I pucker up, blowing her a big ole’ kiss.
Dhelia snarls, but can’t hold it for more than a few seconds before she flops down next to me on the couch, pushing me like she’s pissed. But for once, I know she isn’t.
We share a laugh together, completely unaware that Gram had stopped reading until she says, “Well it’s about time!”
We smile at her pleased expression. But just as Gram’s lips part to speak, voices draw our attention towards the door.
Dru and Aunt Morgan walk through first and the boys follow a few steps behind.
“Ash! Aidan!” I jump up, rushing over to kiss them both on the cheek—followed by a smothering hug. “Oh my god. I’ve missed you guys so much.”
“Hey, Cuz. We’ve missed you, too.” Ash returns the greeting, while Aidan sends me a radiant smile.
“My boys! Get yourselves over here and give your old gram some sugar.”
Wow! Now this is a beautiful picture. Looking at Aunt Morgan and her boys next to Dru and Dhelia, you’d swear the five of them are super models. And they all look so much alike. Of course, Ash and Aidan have some of their father’s Italian features, so their bone structure looks slightly different—but still model-like to say the least.
Once Ash and Aidan are free of Gram’s smothering, they stand frozen in place, staring at our comatose grandfather lying before them.
Everyone’s silent, giving them time to process the image that’s sure to be ingrained in their memories forever.
We all know how they’re feeling. The problem is, there’s nothing anyone can do to make them feel better. Nothing.
I’m guessing Aunt Morgan filled them in on the way here, so I’m sure they’re just in shock and unable to ask questions.
Dhelia walks over to the boys, lifting her arms around their shoulders as she fills the empty space between them. They turn their heads to see who it is and she says, “This isn’t how I imagined meeting you guys for the first time, but I’m so happy you’re here with us now.”
They smile, moving their arms up around her waist.
I watch in astonishment at the mirror-like images before me. Ash and Aidan are so in sync with every movement, it almost seems unnatural. Nevertheless, it’s still fascinating. It reminds me of a ballet. Each movement choreographed and timed to perfection. Except with these two, they need no rehearsal. It’s like breathing for them.
When I used to watch them, I would always wonder if I would have been the same way with my own twin if she hadn’t died. I’m not sure why I torture myself—wondering about things I’ll never know. Perhaps I just enjoy inflicting unnecessary pain upon myself.
My ADD mind suddenly drifts to Hunter. I know I shouldn’t get carried away, but I suddenly find myself anxious for the boys to meet him. They’ve never been crazy about anyone I’ve dated before, but I have a feeling this time will be different. Because Hunter’s different.
There’s something special about him, even though I still haven’t figured out what that is. Ash and Aidan are great at reading people, so I know they’ll see what I do—even if Dru doesn’t.
Gram interrupts my musings with chattering about heading out for lunch. They’ll be taking Pap down for tests soon, so we decide to head out then. The boys are hungry for good Sushi, so Torigo Japanese Restaurant here we come. Yum.
* * *
Hours later, we go home to help Ash and Aidan unpack, but I find it difficult to pay attention to the conversations going on around me. Which seems to be my normal reaction after hearing Hunter’s on his way over. I’m sure it�
��ll wear off in a few weeks, and then I can get back to business as usual, by focusing on everything else in my life. That day can’t come soon enough.
We head back downstairs, but not before Dru cons the boys into playing Guitar Hero later. Apparently, he’s quite the video game buff. I should have known.
Instead of hiding out upstairs all night, I’m hoping I can convince the boys to play a few of their songs after dinner. Dru and Dhelia would go nuts!
The ringing doorbell makes me jump. I run to welcome the visitor I’ve been desperate to see all day. As I open the door, he glances behind me, seeing that everyone now stands where they can easily spy on us. But instead of embarrassing me, he pulls me out on the porch where he can properly—and thoroughly—greet me with his hungry lips.
Time always has a way of standing still when his mouth touches mine. No one else exists—and nothing else matters. If it’s possible to be paralyzed and impassioned at the same time—then that’s exactly what happens.
The second he tears his tender kiss away, reality comes crashing down around me. This time, however, it’s more subtle. My excitement for the evening overshadows any—and all—negativities in my world.
We step inside the house at the exact moment everyone disperses to the kitchen. Gram places us at the table, but she’s kind enough to put Hunter close to Ash and Aidan, while Dru remains as far away as possible. Thanks, Gram!
Hunter talks to the boys about their plans for law school in the fall—and they ask him questions about being a fireman. But his look of pride for his job vanishes the second he mentions how difficult it is when men on his crew are injured—or killed. Like his best friend, Trevor, who still might not make it.
I wish he talked about his family. I’d love to know how they feel about him putting his life on the line every day. I’ve been waiting for him to bring them up, but maybe I can find a clever way to mix it in with conversation. Like maybe on our date this weekend.
I don’t say much as we devour Gram’s scrumptious lasagna and garlic bread. I’m too enthralled with watching my favorite people interact with one another.
As I take everything in, a vision pops into my thoughts and startles me—penetrating my mind in an instant—but then is gone as fast as it arrived. I shiver as my eyes open.
It’s about Michael Russo. Again.
His face is flushed, sweaty, and pulsating at the temples. And he’s on his way to our house now!
This isn’t just a vision. It’s a warning!
My chest tightens as I try to figure out what to do. I turn to my Gram and Aunt Morgan to get their attention, but they’re watching the boys talk with Hunter.
Dru stands, clearing his throat. When I catch his blank stare, he motions for me to go in the living room with him.
I get up—follow him out of the room—and hope Hunter doesn’t see the nervous look I feel spreading across my face.
Dru squeezes my forearms and says, “What happened? What did you see?” I shake my head. “It’s Michael. He’s livid and on his way here this second. I’m not sure how much time we have. We’ve gotta get Hunter out of here, but how?”
“Is this the vision you saw the other day?”
“No, this is different. In the other vision, he was sad. Now he looks pissed.” And then some.
“Are you sure this is happening right now?”
“Definitely. What I felt in the vision is what he’s feeling at this very moment, of that I’m certain. So we don’t have much time.”
“Okay. Think.” He lifts his hands to his face. “Um...how can we get him out of here without raising suspicion?”
I pause for a moment. “I got it! I can send him to the store. Let’s hurry!”
We dash back to the kitchen where they’re still laughing at old stories. There’s no time to waste, so I whisper in Hunter’s ear, “Can you come to the living room with me for a minute? I need your help with something.”
He doesn’t say a word. He just gets up from the table and follows my lead.
“Is there any chance you would do me a huge favor?” Oh, god. Please don’t let me look as nervous as I feel.
“Sure, what is it?” He doesn’t even hesitate.
“I was supposed to take care of a little surprise tonight, but I lost track of time and forgot. The plan was for me to go to the store without the boys knowing, to get a cake to celebrate their graduation. I’m such an idiot. If I leave now, they’ll know something’s up. So would you mind running to town for me? You could say you got called to work or something.” I place my hand on his cheek, batting my eyes so he can’t resist. ”I will owe you big time.”
“Anything for you, Miss Chloe.” He smiles. “Is there a particular cake you want?”
“How about a half marble sheet cake with buttercream icing.” Is that particular enough?
“Done. I’ll be back before you know it.” He leans down, kissing me on the cheek before he sneaks out the door.
I feel bad for lying, but I didn’t know what else to do on such short notice.
As soon as I’m certain he’s in his car and pulling out, I dart across the floor to the kitchen.
“Okay everyone, we don’t have much time.” I sound frantic, but I can’t help it.
With questioning eyes, they turn their heads to look at me.
“Chloe had a vision. And it’s one that’s going to happen any minute,” Dru explains.
I look at the boys then move my attention to Aunt Morgan. “The moment you’ve been dreading for all these years is upon us. Michael knows something and he’s pissed! He’s on his way here this very second to confront you. I sent Hunter to the store, but I doubt he’ll be gone long.”
No one says anything. We just watch Aunt Morgan, waiting for some word of what she wants to do.
“Aunt Morgan?” I try to get her attention.
She lifts her head, opening her mouth to speak—but the ringing doorbell stops her.
She jumps to her feet.
Her limbs shake as she turns towards the door.
“Shit!” She exhales. “Okay, boys. We knew this was coming. We can do this.” She sends them a wary smile.
She pivots, hesitation etched through her deep lines of worry, then walks towards the front door. But I know it’s the last thing she wants to do.
The doorbell rings again, followed by persistent pounding.
Aunt Morgan looks back and winces, but moves forward.
As she reaches the door, her hand lifts to the knob—and she freezes.
She turns back to look at Gram—me—then at the boys. After another deep breath, she pulls the door open.
Chapter 12
The Greatest Lie
Ever Told
Michael stands before her, fury oozing from his glistening pores. It takes him a second to speak, his eyes burning a hole through Aunt Morgan’s face.
Everyone but Ash and Aidan move into the living room.
“Is it true?” he demands, his strained voice dripping with disbelief. “Please tell me it’s not true?”
Her head droops, but I can tell she’s holding back the tears. Aunt Morgan always hides her face when she’s about to cry.
She lifts her head back up. “Is what true?”
He takes a step closer, but his hateful glare never waivers. “I just got off the phone with my distraught mother, rambling on about the two boys she’d seen that were a carbon copy of me. Me! She saw them with you, and then realized she’s had grandchildren for the last twenty-one years…and that I’m a father…but no one ever felt the need to tell us.” He turns to us, but then looks back to Aunt Morgan. “Please tell me this isn’t true? I told her she was wrong, that you could never do such a thing.
“She’s wrong, right?” The pleading in his voice tugs at my heart.
His expression softens, staring at the tears billowing in her eyes.
“Yes, Michael. It’s true. I’m so sorry, but it’s true.” Aunt Morgan’s bottom lip quivers the second she pushes the words
from her mouth.
His distinct, Italian jaw drops, the color draining from his cheeks. “What? I...I don’t understand. How could your family tell me you had a miscarriage? H...how could you keep this from me for twenty-one years?” His head sways, trying to control the anger in his voice.
Ash and Aidan abandon the seats keeping them out of Michael’s line of sight. They move closer to where their parents now stand. Together.
“Don’t speak to her that way! After everything you’ve done to her, don’t you dare blame her because you didn’t know the truth,” Ash exclaims, defending his mother in a frigid, protective tone. I’m sure it’s making Michael’s insides shake.
“She gave you exactly what you wanted by not telling you. You knew she was pregnant, but you left her anyway. If anyone should feel bad...it should be you.” Aidan points to his father with contempt.
In awe of his mirror image duplicated before him, Michael stands like an ice sculpture, seeing his twin boys for the very first time.
Moments pass as he stares at them. Morgan steps closer, placing her hand on his arm. “Michael, are you okay?”
She waits, but he doesn’t answer. She tries again. “Michael? I never meant to hurt you. I thought this was what you wanted.” Her voice cracks.
“What did you say?” He turns to her, surprise pinning his eyes wide open. “You thought it’s what I wanted? What in the hell would have ever made you think I would want nothing to do with my own flesh and blood? For god’s sake, Mo, we had their names picked out the very night we found out you were having twins.” Visibly broken, the dark circles and blood-shot eyes overpower Michael’s face.
Aunt Morgan releases his arm, moving so she can stand between her sons. She takes a deep breath, turning to face their father again.
As if being wiped by an invisible cloth, sadness is replaced by one of antipathy as a vivid sneer creeps up her face. “Your letter made it quite clear how you felt about us. You said you wanted nothing to do with me, or the Satan spawn I was carrying...and I believed you. Given the fact that you never, not even once, tried to contact me, only proves you meant every word.”
Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) Page 14