“That you would give up your dream again. For me.”
Her brows knit together.
I move to the only vacant spot on her mattress that isn’t occupied by her things. She pulls her vanity stool over and lowers herself onto it, watching me intently.
“That night in the diner,” I begin. “You had just found out Caleb cheated on you. You were supposed to go back to school after break.”
“Okay…”
“But you never did.”
Bella sighs.
“You transferred schools,” I whisper. “You gave up your dream school…because of me.”
She drops to her knees so fast the stool tips over behind her. Her hands cover mine. “Oh, honey…”
“You’ve been talking about working with Helena James for three years,” I say quietly. “You were about to wow her, then Chase called when I was shot and you came. You wanted to stay in Huxley Bay. And when I learned more about The Octopus… I knew if I told you any of that?—”
“I’d drop everything and come back home for you,” she finishes barely above a whisper.
“I know she didn’t call back to reschedule, and it was my fault—again—that you lost out on something you really wanted.”
“She didn’t like that I answered Chase’s call. Told me that if I left, I shouldn’t expect another opportunity.” Bella shrugs. “She didn’t call back because I told her bitch-ass not to bother.”
My head jerks up. “You did?”
“I did.”
Her words slice me open.
“Erin,” Bella whispers, cupping my face, “I’d drop everything and come back for you. Every time. Without hesitation. It’s us against the world.”
Her tone is different this time.
She’s not giving a statement. Her words are an oath.
“Does keeping secrets make me selfish?” I ask. “I was trying to prevent you from having to sacrifice your dreams for me again—because of my messed up past”
“No,” she says, shaking her head hard. “You were protecting me from hurt. That’s not selfish. That’slove.”
“I just didn’t want to be a burden again,” I whisper.
“You weren’t. I stayed in Huxley Bay because I was happy. I finished my degree. Got a job I love. That school was never my dream, Erin. It was Caleb’s.”
I blink. “I didn’t know that.”
“You didn’t ruin any dream of mine,” she says. “You helped me find what I always wanted. You were my second chance for a new start.”
I drop my chin, guilt still lingering. “You saved me all those years ago. I just wanted to be a good sister.”
“I didn’t save you,” Bella says. “I just brought youhome. You were the missing piece to our family. Mom and Dad loved you so much. Hell, maybe even a little more than me. You’re the only one who ever went for seconds on Dad’s awful lasagna.”
We both laugh, our grief mixing with joy.
I sniff. “It did get better over the years.”
“Maybe a little.”
