Bethany. I jumped slightly, startled by the response. I had truly believed that I was never going to receive one. Cade placed a hand in the small of my back, steadying me before I crashed into the banister. Bethy?
Abby?
There was a soft shuffling noise and then my little sister appeared in the doorway of our moms bedroom. Relief filled me, a small cry escaped as my knees nearly gave out. And then I was moving, running, fighting back tears of joy as I grasped hold of her. At fifteen, she was only two years younger than me, but she seemed much younger. Maybe it was her far more petite, and delicate build, but I felt it had more to do with her innocent, youthful air. She was nowhere near as jaded as I was.
Her small arms wrapped around me, clinging tight as she sobbed against my shirt. Oh Bethy I was so scared! I didnt know what to do, I couldnt leave her, she moaned.
I closed my eyes, my heart breaking as Abby confirmed my horrifying fear that our mother had not been as lucky as us. I could barely breathe, but holding Abby gave me a sense of strength that I hadnt felt until this moment. I had to be strong for her; I had to keep her safe. No matter what, I had to make sure that she survived. Aiden?
Abby shook her head, her coffee colored hair fell about her shoulders in a tumbling mass of long curls. I dont know, he went to see Bret earlier but he hasnt come back.
My hands tightened on her as I clung to her, taking solace in the fact that at least she was still moving, still ok. If Aiden was able to move he would come back here as soon as he could. Brets house was farther away than the antique store; it would take Aiden longer if he decided to wait for nightfall too. If he wasnt still moving then I would find him at Brets, but I was in no hurry to rush out of here. Not right now. I was heartbroken, tired, and I wanted to see my mom. Where is she?
Abby nodded toward our mothers bedroom, but it was obvious that she didnt want to return to it. She was shaking, terrified, and unlike me there were tears coursing rapidly down her face. I ached for her, she had probably spent the entire day standing guard over our mother, terrified and confused. And completely alone. I didnt blame her for not wanting to return, shed done enough already.
Stay here, I said as I gently squeezed her shoulder.
I moved past her, creeping into my moms room. The room was dark, but I saw her instantly. She was sitting on the bed, her head bowed over the papers spread out before her. Her reading glasses were in place, a pen was clasped between her lips. Her dark hair had been pulled into a lose bun that hung against her slender neck. The resemblance between her and Abby was unmistakable. They both had elfin, striking features, dark hair, and a petite physique. Abby and my mother had always reminded me of delicate faeries. I often felt awkward and out of place around them due to my clumsiness and larger build, a part of me was convinced I would accidentally hurt them one day. I was slender like them, but taller than and not as dark, as Aiden and I had inherited our dads height and honey blond hair.
Mom, I whispered, even though I knew it wouldnt do any good. She did not respond, did not even blink. I moved closer to her, shoving aside the papers as I slid onto the bed. I had seen her in this exact same position many times before, but this was the first time I had ever felt out of place and frightened. I touched her
cheek lightly, her skin was still warm, but it was cooler than it should have been. That man had still been alive, she had to be also, I hoped. Sadness filled me; I choked on my misery. Oh mom.
I bowed my head to hers, resting it against her bent head. I was trying hard not to lose complete control, not to turn into a sobbing mess, but I wasnt sure I could keep my sanity through this whole catastrophe. I felt Cades presence in the room, sensed his dark gaze focused upon me before I saw him.
I lifted my head, my hand lingering upon my mothers cheek as I turned to him. I wanted to take strength in his gaze but I was lost, adrift, and terrified that I had just lost the only parent I had left. What do we do? I asked quietly.
We survive. They were cold words, and yet the tone that issued them was not cold. It was sad, understanding, and sympathetic. It was also resilient and unwavering. Because we have to, because it is what she would want you to do.
I cant leave her here.
I know. I turned away from him, unable to form words or opinions at the moment. We wont. I have to go somewhere right now though.
My head snapped around, my mouth dropped. I released my moms still hand as I slid limply off the bed and took a step toward him. Where? I managed to choke out.
I have to go to my house. There are some things I need to do.
I was confused by this sudden turn of events. I hadnt expected him to leave us here, but of course there would be things that he would need to do. Things that he would have to check on, or want. I didnt know where he lived now, or who he lived with, if anyone. He was most likely on his own now, he was eighteen after all. Of course.