by J. P. Castle
“That’s not true, is it? He told you, didn’t he?” said Bryce, starting to confirm some suspicions she’d had lately. Bryce rapidly detected that Troian wasn’t going to clue Rani in, so she took the liberty. “Bastian had a mass removed last summer from one of his kidneys. That’s how he got the scar on his back. It didn’t get there from a dirt bike accident. He didn’t want anyone to know that’s all, he wasn’t trying to hurt you by keeping it from you.”
“I’m not anyone. I’m his girlfriend. Why in the devil would he tell you, Troian, and not me?” said Rani in a tone.
“Look, Rani, he got hurt really bad the night we left Jay’s house . . . got his back crushed on a sidewalk curb. He simply mentioned it while he was in pain.”
“Yeah, well, he could’ve shared it with me last summer. Must’ve been too hard for him to talk about. I guess I can understand that. Is there anything else I need to know, Troian?” said Rani.
“No, nothing else happened that evening, and I would never try to come between you and Bastian. That’s not who I am,” said Troian, leaving out the part where she’d woke up with her face buried in his crotch, even though innocent. Technically, me telling her that is—not a lie because nothing else really happened on ‘that’ particular evening. Hopefully, she will let it go now.
Bryce knew her big brother must’ve felt super comfortable with Troian to mention his kidney issue, even in a moment of severe pain. He’d refused to talk about that to anyone, even at home . . . when they had a home. She wasn’t sure how her brother and Troian had grown so friendly with one another. Friendly enough for Bastian to share something so deeply personal to him. How did this happen? Did I miss something? The only thing she reasoned is the fact that she’d been way too busy to notice—preoccupied with Caleb’s injury and the ‘run for your life’ situation.
The room quieted, each girl held up by her own internal thoughts. Rani studied Troian, who chose to remain silent. Bastian interrupted with a moan, speaking out again in his feverish state.
“Rani, I have . . . Troian . . . Troian . . . kiss . . .”
“What’s he saying? Bastian, what are you trying to say?” said Rani.
“He’s not in his right mind, it’s the fever talking,” said Troian.
Bryce knew before Rani even spoke, where Rani would go next with the conversation.
“He’s mentioned you twice now, delirious or not, and even held your hand. Earlier, you said, ‘not that evening.’ I’m no Harvard scholar, but for some reason, that phrase is bouncing around in my head like a basketball. Are you implying something else happened on another occasion?” said Rani, pulling a face.
Troian pondered the question, a plethora of words flooded her mind. A landslide of mental notes invaded her brain all at once. The longer Troian waited to respond, the wider Bryce’s eyes became. Yes, Rani. He held me at the refrigerator one night while you slept. I felt his heartbeat in my ear while my face was nestled against his hard chest . . . until Ginger Halliday so graciously interrupted . . . or who’s to say where that would’ve gone. I would love to have found out.
And he fake kissed me to play off the cops, though as smart as he is, I’m sure he could’ve come up with something else . . . then, he followed up the first kiss with a real kiss that made me melt and nearly faint. I remember breathing in his warm breath as he exhaled.
Oh, and by the way, he said we wouldn’t tell you about the real one. He mentioned telling you about the fake one. But I guess he changed his mind, didn’t care to tell you, or didn’t want to hear your petty crap for the thousandth time. He’s sick of your needy, whiny, self-centered . . . bullshit.
Do you really want to die today, Troian? Go away—bad thoughts—go far, far away. Should I tell her the truth? What kind of friend am I? Am I her friend? She never even gave me the time of day in school, but technically she wasn’t mean to me either. Do I tell her about the kiss . . . the fake one, the real one . . . both? Was it all innocent, and I’ve built these things up in my mind? I’m not a liar. I’m not deaf either, he’s lying there calling out my name . . . but he does have a 104-degree fever.
Troian, gazing out the kitchen window, had stewed on the question way too long.
“Oh . . . my gosh . . . I can’t believe this. I might be an airhead cheerleader to you—or who knows exactly what you think of me. I can only imagine, but I’m NOT STUPID,” said Rani.
“No, Rani, no you’re not. And I don’t think bad of you,” said Troian.
“Shut up, don’t speak,” said Rani, holding up one finger. “You tell me right now, Troian Sinclair—what the hell is going on here and do not mince words, sister.”
Troian remained speechless.
Bryce dared not utter a single syllable. Big brother, what have you done. Seems you’ve been really busy, or so it would appear. Quite the mess you’ve created here. Can’t imagine how this is gonna play out. Better hope you slip into a temporary coma until Rani calms down.
“TROIAN! Answers please,” said Rani in a raised voice, clapping her hands.
Bastian didn’t stir, probably for the best.
Caleb and Ledger stepped inside the rig to check on their friend.
“GET OUT, OR DIE. YOUR CHOICE,” said Rani in her death tone.
Caleb and Ledger backed out the door at a rapid pace.
“What the heck is going on in there? Did you get a load of those three? Bryce looks like she saw a ghost,” said Caleb. “Rani’s head looked like it was about to spin around like that old movie we watched . . . what was it . . . oh yeah, The Exorcist.”
Ledger laughed, he’d seen this day coming, just didn’t expect it this soon. He’d noticed the tell-tell signs from his friend. How Bastian silently paid attention to Troian’s whereabouts. What she was doing. Who she talked to during the day. What she talked about as he quietly worked around her—listening to every word. How he made plenty of time to spend with her and the baby every evening . . . more than he needed to. How he’d ignored Rani lately—even been short with her on occasion.
“Just between you n’ me, Caleb, and I mean you and me only . . .” said Ledger.
Caleb nodded.
“My guess is, our boy in there has a little situation brewing. I know him too well, and from what I’ve seen in his eyes, let’s just say he’s about to have his hands full.”
“You mean, he likes . . . Troian? Because Bryce is his sister, and there’s only one other choice standing in there.”
“I am gonna step wayyy, way out on a limb here and saayyy—yes, but I’m not sure if he’s been too stressed out to recognize it yet, or just isn’t ready to face the music from Ran Ran.”
“Wow, where have I been?” laughed Caleb.
“In your own coma, literally, or chasing Bryce, hahaha. Take your pick,” said Ledger.
Caleb laughed, “You’re a jerk, man.”
“That’s my specialty, according to Rani Unstoppable.”
“Who?”
“Never mind, long story,” said Ledger.
“SO, I’M WAITING,” said Rani. “Did you two hook up?”
“No, I promise no,” said Troian. “I’m not that kind of person.”
“Well then, what kind of person are you? Did you kiss him?”
Troian swallowed hard.
She blurted out the only thing she could come up with in her head. “He told you about the fake kiss, right? The night we nearly went to jail in the park.”
“OH MY GOSH, YOU KISSED MY BOYFRIEND! FAKE KISS? WHAT FAKE KISS TROIAN,” Rani said, wrinkling her forehead.
“I . . . guess not,” said Troian, closing her eyes. Stepped in it deep this time. “Please let me explain, and before you explode, please remember people can hear us outside. The reason I’m telling you this is to clear the air before he says anything else in his fevered state that doesn’t make sense.
“Bastian wanted to explain it to you himself, he simply hasn’t found the right time between different people trying to kill us. It meant nothing.” Not th
e first kiss anyway. “He was about to be recognized by the police, and it was simply a cover for him. A staged kiss. He grabbed me and pretend kissed me to avoid being captured. It’s that simple. It was the night we got split up after we left Professor John’s house. Nothing more to it.”
Bryce had an understanding expression on her face. Troian’s explanation sounded plausible and acceptable to her.
Rani glared at Troian, who wanted to puke on the floor.
Troian did her best to protect Bastian before he said something she couldn’t readily explain away.
“So, that’s it?” said Rani.
Do I mention the rest to her? Bastian said we wouldn’t. My moral compass is spinning out of control here. I’m unsure of what to do. I don’t lie. I’m not a liar. I don’t want to hurt her even though she’s not my favorite person in the world. “Yeah, that’s it, Rani.” Oh, I hate myself right now.
Rani got up and pranced outside.
“Do you suppose she went for a gun?” smirked Bryce in a half-serious tone.
“Let’s hope not,” said Troian. “I promise I haven’t tried to come between them or draw him away from her.”
“I don’t believe you purposely tried to come between them, but you’ve definitely have come between them. But, even without you, this would’ve happened anyway. Since we were thrown to the wolves out here in the real world, he sees Rani is not the kind of person he wants in his life long term.
“I’m not saying it’s you either. I’m saying that Rani is A LOT . . . to deal with. She’s also my best friend, and I’d never hurt her by telling her any of that. She can be very difficult at times . . . as you surely have seen by now. If you mention any of that, I’ll deny every word. As my dad used to say, ‘my dog’s not in this hunt.’
“Those two, together in school, made fairytale sense, out here, not so much. But that’s his choice. I don’t even give him my opinion on such matters. You and he are trying to take care of a baby, and now another . . . not sure how that’s gonna play out, but that’s between you two.
“He’s taken on a heavy load trying to take care of this group. I’m not surprised at all that he’s sick . . . at least I hope he’s just ill from the cold last night, and not—the other problem,” said Bryce.
CALEB AND LEDGER chatted near the edge of the dirt road. Rani blazed a straight line over to Ledger. Before he could say anything, she wrapped her arms around his neck, vaulted onto her tiptoes to reach his lips, and engaged in a lengthy, heated kiss.
Caleb’s eyes nearly boggled out.
Ledger put his hands on Rani’s waist, not exactly pushing her away, even though he had some idea of where her mind lay. The kiss seemed to last forever. Rani lowered from her tiptoes and wiped her lips. Before she backed completely away, she paused and winced at Ledger.
She didn’t expect to feel anything from the kiss. But a sudden heat came over her—again, similar to the time he’d prevented her fall from the R.V. steps.
Neither spoke.
Ledger maintained eye contact, confident. He didn’t grin like a schoolboy just kissed by the most popular girl in school. He kept his jaw firm, tight. He didn’t need to say anything.
Caleb felt like the third wheel on a bike. Before he could excuse himself, Rani spoke.
“Sorry to use you like that, Ledger Thomas, just a bit of good old-fashioned revenge, nothing more,” said Rani, straightening her shirt, trying to compose herself.
“You’ll be back, Rani Unstoppable. We both know it,” said Ledger with a convinced face.
“Humph,” she growled, storming back off toward the R.V.
“What in the world was that? She’s your best friends’ girl, man,” said Caleb.
“They do not love each other—period. It was a popularity thing in high school, that’s all. And I have never pursued her in any way. You were standing right here when she launched her mouth assault on me. My conscience is clear. I have no idea what’s happened since dinner, but it’s hit the fan somehow.”
BRYCE AND TROIAN froze when the R.V. door opened, wondering whether to stay put or hide. They didn’t call it the ‘wrath of Rani’ in school for no reason.
“We’re even now,” said Rani without further explanation. “Troian, I would appreciate it if you and the kids slept out of here and in a tent.”
“You can’t be serious. At least let the kids stay in here,” said Troian. “Do you realize how cold it gets out there at night?”
“I’m sure the little tykes will be fine,” said Rani.
“Rani, that’s not a wise idea,” said Bryce.
“Whose side are you on little Ballentine?” said Rani, batting her lashes.
“I’m just saying . . .” said Bryce.
“Shhht, you don’t need to just say anything. I’ve made up my mind,” said Rani. “She’s outta here, and so are the rug rats. Now shew, shew, shew, off with you Troian Sinclair and all traces of those kids.”
Troian shook her head. She didn’t want to argue or expose the children to any violence. She put her coat on and went outside to round up a tent. Ledger watched her exit; he knew she wasn’t out for a late-night stroll.
“Let me help you right now,” said Ledger.
Troian held her forehead with tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe this is happening. I should’ve just lied to her.”
“No, whatever you said to her, in truth, was the right thing to do. I may appear to be some lowlife hoodlum in a black leather jacket back in our old life, but the truth is, I’m a real quick study of the qualities in people. You’re a decent person, not vicious or spiteful as we know princess Ran Ran can be, hahaha whew. Don’t worry, everything’s gonna be okay. I’m gonna sleep with you all out here tonight.”
Ledger gathered plenty of blankets together. He built an additional fire near Troian’s tent. The majority of the group had already gone to bed and didn’t witness Troian’s embarrassing moment.
Ledger took Liam’s hand and crawled inside with Troian and Ezra. “Do you wanna talk about it?” he said.
Troian explained what had happened . . . minus the real kiss and Bastian’s kidney tumor. She also told him about Bastian calling out her name, during his fever, and trying to hold her hand.
“Oh no, I can only imagine how that went over. Bastian better hope his family jewels are tucked in tight tonight,” he whispered. “Sorry, I shouldn’t make jokes right now with you being upset. Rani will cool off. Her bark’s worse than her bite, she’s trying to save face. She’s not used to not getting all the attention, and Bastian’s been spread pretty thin lately. Are you warm enough?”
“I’m cold, but I’ll survive, I’m worried about these kids,” she said.
Ledger scooted them all closer together, including Troian, then put his arm over them for added warmth.
“It’s really noble what you’re doing with these kids,” said Ledger.
“I’m trying. What else can I do with them right now? Thanks for helping us, seriously, thank you.”
“No problem.”
Back inside the R.V., Caleb laid down to go to bed. “Wow, it’s quiet in here. I can’t believe she made those kids go outside,” he said in a discreet tone. “Maybe I should say something.”
“No, stay out of it. But for once, I agree with you. I can’t believe it either,” said Bryce. “Big brother has some things to sort out pronto. I’d hate to be in his shoes with . . . the princess tomorrow.”
“Sooo, just you ‘n me tonight. Do you want to lie over here and spoon with me under the stars?” said Caleb, already 1000 percent certain what her answer would be. He chuckled before she even gave it.
“There are no stars on the ceiling ding-dong, and even if there were, the answer’s no. I haven’t had my own bed for a while now, and I’m going to enjoy it immensely,” said Bryce, rolling over.
“Why can’t I just be your ding-dong, though?” said Caleb, trying to keep a straight face.
“Shut-up, Caleb,” said Bryce, grinning in her pillow, no
t wanting him to see her amused by his antics.
She loves me. Somewhere buried under all of that deep-seated hatred in the back of her brain, she loves me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Breakup
BASTIAN’S FEVER BROKE the next morning. He slid back into the tumultuous reality awaiting him. Rani delivered him breakfast in bed.
“Morning, Bashy,” she said, with a heightened spark in her tone. “How you feelin’ today?”
Bastian cocked an eyebrow watching her flutter about in the room. Something’s up. He knew her too well but answered anyway.
“Better, I think . . . thirsty, super thirsty.”
Bastian ate his eggs and toast, got dressed, then went into the living room of the R.V. His lower back ached, but he brushed it off to visit baby Ezra—who always smiled at him first thing. He noticed Troian’s absence. The chilly morning made him question why she would have the children outside in the weather.
“Where’s Troian?” he said.
Caleb looked over at Bryce, keeping his word not to get involved.
Bastian redirected his attention to his sister, “Okay, I’ll ask again. Where is Troian?”
Bryce stared straight at her big brother, observing the tachometer in his head dive deeper into the red zone. She knew his temper well . . . she knew he’d explode when he found out that someone he’d invited in, was tossed out into the cold. Bryce shook her head in silence, and pointed to the door.
Bastian’s face tightened.
He walked outside, no Troian, no kids. He spotted Ledger unzip a tent to crawl out and stoke a new fire. Why does he have a second fire built over there? ‘N why’d he sleep out here?
Bastian approached. Before he could say anything, Troian poked her head out of the tent, shocking Bastian. Chills trailed down his aching spine, anger instantly filled his throbbing head.
He couldn’t imagine Troian and Ledger being—together. How could this happen overnight? I mean . . . there’s nothing I can do about it, but how could this happen so fast. Troian and Ledger? Does she like him? Troian’s not the hookup type . . . and with the kids. Not technically our kids, but wow, I must’ve wholly misjudged her character. Somethings way off with this picture here or I’m a total fool. The thought unsettled him profoundly.