“Seriously? Why?”
“To pursue our relationship,” I said, giving her a very vague response.
I didn’t know the true dynamic of their family and didn’t want to assume Josiah had told her anything he hadn’t. My firing was news to her. It led me to believe he hadn’t revealed much.
“Just like Josiah. Let me guess… He didn’t want you coming to the facility anymore.”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“He barred us all. But I understand.”
“So do I, no matter how much it sucks.”
Silence.
I adjusted my body, taking the opportunity to catch my breath.
“Will you have a service?”
Janeese quickly shook her head.
“Is there a reason?”
Her nostrils flared, although she was smiling. She was a seated contradiction.
“Because there’s something my brother isn’t telling me. And, until I find out what’s real and what’s make-believe, I will not celebrate a man Josiah has disgraced. Yes, I loved Anthony. But Josiah loves me. And, Aubrey. And our parents. So much that he’d self-sabotage, which is what is happening right now. I can feel it deep in my soul.
“You know? While he’s in there suffering, I don’t get to stand over an empty casket and cry tears for a man that I could possibly regret later. And, maybe Josiah never tells me what happened or why. I’ll have to live with that choice. But I’ll always understand that it had to be made. He’s a good man. A great man. And, would never cause Aubrey and me this level of pain. Not unless he had to.”
“You’re admitting his guilt?” I wanted to know.
“My heart tells me so.” Her voice cracked.
She knew Josiah well. Though partially surprised, it wasn’t foreign to me. I knew Chemistry by heart, too. He could do no wrong in my world. Not because he was incapable, but because he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. His heart wouldn’t allow him to. Just as Janeese was standing by Josiah’s side, I would be there with Chem every step of the way.
He was my Teddy.
My soft spot.
My comfort zone.
My bear.
My place of peace.
“Well, I’m getting ahead of myself here, but I could use some fresh air. With all of this happening, I haven’t had a moment to myself. My parents decided to get Aubrey for the night. I hate to admit it, but she’s been my emotional support.
“Though I should be home learning to function without her during this time, I’m almost about to get on my hands and knees asking if you want to get out of the house tonight. Maybe go for a drink. I could use a drink. You want a drink?”
I shook my head. “I can’t drink right now.”
Naturally, my palm planted itself on my small, growing belly. To someone who hadn’t been around long, one would believe it to be my unaltered framework. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I was bulging, and it wasn’t because my period was near. It wasn’t bloat. It was babies. Two precious human growing inside of me.
Janeese’s eyes grew three times their size as her mouth widened.
“Wait! Seriously?”
I shrunk slightly, hoping I hadn’t ruined plans Josiah might’ve been preparing.
