“That’s all,” she whispers. As though speaking softer will make it true.
“Do you swear it?” I prod, voice sharp as our mother’s once was. “No other plans? Like, say, with the boat?”
She nods. “No plans. I want to visit Ireland someday. That’s what we were talking about when you found us.”
“Swear it, Liney. Swear on…” I look around. No Bible in sight. “On our last orange.”
I take the fruit from its bowl on the counter and hold it out to her. She puts a hand hesitantly on the peel. Her fingers cross over mine. They’re cool while mine still smolder.
“I swear.” In the dim firelight, Liney’s dark eyes flicker the flame back at me.
I move to retract the orange, but Liney brings her other hand to capture mine.
“Your turn.” Her face is set in alien resolve.
“I’ll do you one better.” My love outweighs my honesty. While my core is solid, all my edges are rough and torn, ready for her to rip apartif she dares to try. “When I get back, and if you’ve both been good, I’ll answer anything you wish. No secrets barred. But I’ll know if you cross me again.”
I don’t know how I’ll handle Liney after I kill Bridget. What could keep her loyalty without breaking my deal? But I can manage her from afar with this temptation. Above all else, she’s curious.
Above all else, I’ll do what’s necessary.
24Liney
To Bathe
Do I believe Elle?
It all happened so quickly. Yet the night is torturous. I don’t think any of us sleeps. Elle, alone in the bed. Bridget, on the couch, wary another attack could come. Me, curled up on the same blanket I brought back from the cave.
One thing was made clear by Elle. My position as sister, the object, will always outweigh my reality as a person with desires beyond the scope of a windy little island.
There are so many possibilities she’s shielded me from. What Bridget’s opened my eyes to. And Elle’s terrified I’ll take them.
She stands at the door, a small bag loaded with money and clothes on her back. Another bag at her feet is full of more bags to carry her spoils back.
“Good luck,” I tell her, icy. “Don’t forget the newspaper. If you think I still deserve that.”
Elle’s shoulders slump. As though she were the burdened one. But Idid nothing wrong. Elle chose this. She flew off the handle, left bruises on Bridget’s neck. For what? It’s all clear now. Elle’s controlling nature suits her, not me. I always saw her as selfless, the pinnacle of sacrifice. I was, by contrast, immature and foolish. But it’s not unnatural to dream. To need more.
If this breaks what I have with my sister, perhaps it was never strong to begin with.
“Of course. This isn’t a punishment, Liney. When you prove you’re responsible enough—”
I wave the rest off. She’s told me near half a dozen times. Doesn’t make it true.
Elle opens the door, then looks back at me. Why won’t she leave already? I need space, time to process and decide if it was delusion or malice that made her nearly kill my…whatever Bridget is to me now.
“Can I…” She stumbles on her words, looking down.
What could she possibly want? “Out with it,” I mutter unkindly.
“Give you a hug?”
Oh. It disarms me. Underneath her cloak of harsh words and high expectations, she still wants my affection. I could dismiss her. Let her feel how it is to be pushed aside.
I glance back at Bridget. She matters here too. I won’t snub Elle if it will cause problems for her. She shrugs, as if to say,Up to you.
I grant Elle this little peace, hugging her close and without restraint. She hugs me back so hard my back cracks, though no pain follows. She keeps hold of me for a long time. A few tears fall onto my shoulder.
