Page 68 of Diluted Truths

“No, you don’t,” was his only response as he kissed the top of my head and followed Sarah deeper into Will’s home.

Will chuckled, grabbed my hand and followed them into his living room where we all sat on the various chairs and couches. No one said a word for a moment. Sarah was busy smiling so hard her cheeks must have hurt.

Oliver was smiling smugly, glancing between Will and myself. Will was too busy glaring at the two of them still shirtless, and I was just trying to figure out what was going on.

“So…” I interrupted the odd tension. “What did you guys need from me?”

“Well, Ophelia, first I want to say good job. Second, Theodora called Oliver and I, looking for you.”

Okay, whiplash. I shook my head trying to make sense of Sarah’s words.

“Wait, first. Good job?” I asked.

She smiled in response. “Of course. You scored Mr. Anti-Commitment. I’m extremely proud.”

Oliver and I broke out into such uncontrolled laughter you could barely hear Will muttering beside me, “I can’t believe you’re my best friend.”

“You love me, William,” Sarah responded as she chucked herself.

“Unfortunately, I do. You also said Theo called?”

That sobered me up, it was odd for Theo to go to such extents to get a hold of me. We did talk most days, but if one of us didn’t answer it was normal. I was busy with work and her with Violet.

“Yeah, she called Jackie and then me and apparently Fai and Sarah after that,” Oliver answered Will. “She wouldn’t tell me what’s up, but said it was important. The fact she called me was reason enough for me to try and find you right away.”

He had a point. Oliver and Theo had met a handful of times, and they were definitely not the best of friends. I had decided they were too different and just rubbed each other the wrong way.

I stood and walked toward the phone that Will had in his living room. As I began dialing I turned to Sarah. “She called you too? Did she tell you what’s up? Is Violet okay?”

“She actually called Fai… but he is taking a moment to evaluate his behavior. Well, I’m making him take a moment. God, I love him, but that man is stubborn. She didn’t tell him either. I’m just here to tell you to call her,” Sarah responded.

I nodded, contemplating what could be so important while the phone rang.

“This is the James household, Theo speaking. How can I help you?” I heard Theo say when she picked up.

“Theo, it’s Jackie. What’s going on?” I asked.

I could hear her exhale in relief. “I’ve tried getting ahold of you all night and all morning. You caught me right before I left. I was going to try calling again when we landed but I didn’t want them to have your number. You need to pack a bag and find a plane,” she hurriedly said.

“Woah. Take a breath, Theo. What’s going on?”

“Kai was hurt at work. His wife called me last night saying he was asking for us and that it was bad, they aren’t sure if he’s going to make it. Where were you all night?”

Kai, or Malachi, our oldest brother, was married? “I’ve been at Will’s. Where’s Kai at? I’ll fly out as soon as possible.”

That got the three others in the room’s attention.

“Where are you going?”

“What’s going on?”

“Is Theo okay? Violet?” They all asked in unison. From Sarah, Will and Oliver respectively.

“We are going to talk about this whole Will thing later. I need details,” Theo responded before hesitating for a moment. “He’s still in Grantsville. We need to go home for a bit.”

I sighed. I always knew we would have to go back someday. Neither of us had been in Grantsville, let alone Utah, since Nate got us out. We hadn’t seen or heard from our parents, and had only heard from Kai a handful of times. While I knew we had to go back, I also knew I would never be ready.

“Can I meet you at the airport? I don’t think I can see them alone,” I asked dejectedly.