She nods her head swallowing. “It’s complicated,” she admits to me.
“So there’s something?”
“I’m not saying there is. I’m saying whatever I feel towards him is complicated and that’s all I can give you right now because I don’t even fully understand it.”
“I can accept that.”
“You can?” She’s hopeful and I don’t want to take that away from her. Not after all that she’s suffered.
“I can. Just try your best to stay away from him until you make it uncomplicated. I don’t like seeing him with you. Already told him I’ll kill him if he lays a hand on you.”
Her eyes go wide and she slaps me lightly on the arm. “He’s an officer, Ethan.”
I shrug. “Doesn’t matter to me. Any man who wants you better be prepared for death.”
She shakes her head but she’s smiling. “Still so protective.”
“You’re my little sister. I’ll always be protective of you.”
“I know. That’s why I love you.”
I throw my arm around her shoulders and start walking with her to show her the room she’ll be staying in once she gets her stuff here.
“So, you going to Grace’s graduation party at The Pit?” I casually ask her already knowing the answer.
“I don’t know. Too many people. Bodies pressed up on each other. Not really my thing.”
More like not her thing since what happened to her. Nora before was more adventurous and carefree. A free spirit.
That was taken away from her that night.
If I could murder that fucker all over again I would.
“You will have people by your side the whole time. You won’t be left alone,” I assure her.
“I don’t want someone to be my babysitter.”
“They wouldn’t be. It’s just to make you comfortable. Plus, aren’t you the one who said you can’t let your fear control you? Isn’t that the whole point of moving here?”
“Damn it,” she mutters under her breath. “I hate when you use my words against me because I can’t argue with that.”
“Then come. Everyone misses you.” I see her easing up to the idea of going. I’ll push her a little more before Grace’s graduation party next week. “Don’t ever forget that you have family here.”
She looks up at me. “How could I ever forget that? You’re here.”
“I love you, sis. I’m happy you’re here.” Having my sister back with me like when we were kids has me happier than I have been in years. Of course I’m going to be worried about her. Being here will open the old wounds that have never fully healed. But she’ll have me to help slay her dragons, to protect her. I’ll right that wrong.
“Love you, too.”
It feels almost foreign.
The man before he enlisted is starting to come back.
And truth be told I’ve missed him.
Gracie Mae
The day is finally here.
