Page 45 (1/2)

I sigh, trying to relax My whole body is stiff with tension, and I was on a knife’s edge all through breakfast, waiting for Tegan to open herTo her, they’re just funny stories froood yarn, but to me, they’re painful re that man, not now he’s in the past forever

Alicia

I feel a wave of gratitude so large I could drown in the relief of it all Part ofby loriousthe slate clean I told her the truth, every black, selfish thought, all the bitter sins that have been haunting ht it would be the end for us, that I would finally push her away

Instead of leaving, she kissed the pain fro lirace and kindness For the first tiht That Connor’s addiction wasn’t my fault I still blaht here on the beach with her, my burden eased, just a little

In her arms, I was the uilt driving me half-crazy in my mind SheLike I’ood man behind the bullshit

She makes me feel thatbrother"

I turn Tegan is ot a couple of sodas in her hand, and she hands round beside ht breeze sending her hair dancing in her eyes as she looks out at the cloudless bay "OK, so maybe I can see the appeal of this place," she says with a faint smile

"Was Paris what you needed?" I ask My brothers and I fought like crazy over whether we should let her go It was too soon after rehab, too far away for anyone to help if she got in trouble again My heart clenches just re and the neon bright hospital wards A panic so deep I thought I would losemind

She swears it’s behind her, but after Connor, I wasn’t about toway But in the end, Tegan made the decision for us She booked her ticket and was half a world away before she called to tell us it was done

Now, I can see the trip was good for her She still looks too pale, too fragile, like a strong wind could break her right in two, but there’s a spark back in her eyes She looks focused and deter

Tegan nods "I think so I was good to get away frouys too It’s not that I don’t love you," she adds quickly "But it’s three against one Sometimes, you s to look out for you" I say gruffly

She s to rest her head on irl now, I need to take care of myself"

I take a breath She’s my baby sister There won’t be a day in both our lives I’ to protect her

But look what a shitty job you’ve done so far