"I wanted you to realize that I wasn't just the reason we’re orphans. Our parents are gone, and Macy is definitely no parent, so that leaves us with just each other. You made sure to leave me out of the ‘each other.’"
They shared a look of what I hoped was regret, but I couldn’t be too sure.
Then, unexpectedly, Emerson came closer to me. I backed up instinctively as she continued forward before wrapping her arms around my neck. It was stiff and unnatural, unlike how it felt when I was wrapped in Javi’s embrace.
Easton rigidly patted my shoulder twice. He was doing his best to be loving, and I commended him for trying.
Easton parted his lips and closed them a few times, clearly struggling to get out the words. With a few attempts, he eventually did. "I don’t know what I would have done with myself if you didn’t end up okay, Elias. I'm fucking sorry that it took you almost dying for me it to click in my head that it isn’t all your fault.”
"We have a lot of growth to do with ourselves," my sister added. "We can’t change how we’ve treated you, but we can try to unlearn some of it now."
"Do you really mean that?" I asked shakily. I was reluctant to believe it despite the reflection in their voice. Well, at least the start of the reflection.
“Mom and Dad wouldn’t be proud of the way we treat you,” Easton said softly.
Maybe it was stupid of me. Maybe I should have let their words go in one ear and out of the other, but I believed them. Sure, they did not come into the room when I was in the hospital and they waited until the absolute last minute to see me after I got out, but they showed up. All I wanted was for them to show up and they finally did. They took their time doing so, but they still did it.
And like they had said, it was not going to change overnight. Their underlying resentment they had towards me needed to be picked apart by a professional and that would not be easy. I would never forget how they made me feel, but their words made me hopeful that they would treat me like their sibling instead of some killer they were forced to be around.
I did not want to think about the fact that their words could be just that—words. However, they had time away from me to do true reflection. It gave them time to think and eventually reachtheir own conclusion on how they felt about me. So maybe it was naive of me, but I felt comforted by their words.
"We can talk about it more when you get back." Emerson ruffled my hair. "Have fun on your trip, Eli."
They made their way to the car before I could say anything. I waved at them as they drove off and then a moment alone before going back inside.
Javier and Anita were sitting on the couch silently when I came back in. Javier was battling between both concern and curiosity as he chewed on his fingernails. His mom was waiting seemingly calm, but she also looked nervous.
Their heads jerked my way when the door creaked open. I was walking toward them, but Javier stood up and met me halfway.
His eyes watched me hard. "What did they say? Are you okay?"
I wanted to tell him yes, but the words were caught in my throat. I was still processing the unbelievable conversation I had with the twins. I looked between Javi and his mom as I let out a breathy, incredulous laugh. After realizing a few seconds had passed and I still hadn't given an answer, I nodded.
"I'm good,” I said sharply. He didn't look convinced until my lips pulled into a small, real smile. "Seriously, I’m shocked, but kinda happy. I think."
Alan entered the living room. He slapped his hands together like he was shaking dust off them as he told us all of the luggage was packed. It was time to leave for the airport. Anita left to say her goodbyes to her husband and the other kids in the house, leaving Javi and I alone for a moment.
"Hey." He tapped my shoulder. "What did they say out there?"
"They apologized," I said, the disbelief clear in my voice.
“Really?"
"Yeah, crazy right?" I muttered. "It's only the beginning, obviously. They could say this now and then flip a switch next week, but I really want to believe they meant what they said. I’m just not sure if I should. Do you think I should believe them?"
He draped his arms over my shoulders and pulled me close until my back pressed against his torso. "Well, it depends. Do you, or don't you?"
"I think I do."
"Then keep believing, baby."
I wrapped my arms around his that were securely draped over me. "And if they let me down?"
"Then I'll be here to pick you up." Javi kissed my temple. "Because I love you."
"Not as much as I love you," I gushed.
"Te amo más de lo que las palabras pueden decir," he spoke easily, as if I understood a word.
