Page 88 of Threads That Bind Us

The present is messy enough that I shouldn’t think of the future. But watching her pick up the toddler and balance her on her hip, making faces that cause Maddie to erupt in giggles, I can’t help it.

“Don’t worry, you handled the black hair dye incident of freshman year. We owed you one.” Linda and Gwen share a look before Ana comes stomping down the stairs, her bag under her arm.

“This does not mean I forgive you.”

Gwen and Ana are in the back seat together, as usual, but Ana will barely look at her sister.

“I promise, we’ll give you as much of an explanation as we can,” I say, watching her in the rearview mirror.

She huffs and rolls her eyes.

“Oh yeah, I’m totally looking forward to the story of how you blackmailed my sister into marrying you.”

I think about that first night at Catalina’s, when Gwen thought I was doing just that. Her grandmother’s watch still sitson her shelf in our office, surrounded by new books and old photos, all our memories.

“We already addressed that,” Gwen argues, her mom-voice in full force. “There was no blackmail involved.”

“Oh, and I’m just supposed to believe that? What if you have Stockholm Syndrome? What if he’s still threatening you?” Her voice climbs higher and higher, and I can’t tell if she’s actually afraid Gwen’s in trouble, or she’s just validating her own anger.

“Zane, pull over,” I order. Ana’s eyes catch mine in the rearview as Zane smoothly glides against the curb and puts the car in park. “Get out of the car.”

He and I both do, stepping out onto the suburban street. Both Gwen and Ana roll down their windows.

“What’s this?” I hear Ana ask, but she’s on the driver’s side of the car. Gwen’s suppressing a laugh while she stares at me.

“Gwen, you are free to go. The keys are in the ignition. If you are afraid, or I’ve blackmailed you, or whatever, please feel free to take the car and make your getaway.” I try to keep my tone serious, but the look on Gwen’s face is making it difficult. I glance over the roof of the car to see Zane with his arms crossed, staring at Ana like she’s being ridiculous.

“Fine! Gwen’s not a victim of extortion, I understand. Please get back in the car and turn on the AC,” she whines, and I lean through the window to kiss Gwen before getting back in the car.

As Zane starts back down the road toward the highway, I continue.“ As we said at the hospital, your sister and I had a mutual understanding.”

Gwen’s staring at Ana, who refuses to look at her.

“And this understanding included paying for my treatment?”

“Yes,” Gwen says, all the humor gone from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Ana, but our insurance didn’t cover the cost, and I didn’t know what else to do. Charlie’s offer was a miracle.”

Ana’s biting the inside of her cheek, staring at her feet. She looks so young. Too young to think about medical bills.

“I know you didn’t want Gwen to change her life for you, but that comes with the territory of being a parent,” I say, which has her head snapping up to meet my gaze.

“She’s not my mom,” Ana barks. Gwen’s face blanches, and for the first time, Ana looks guilty. She turns to her sister, tucking her bare feet under herself. “It’s not fair to you, having to do all this for me when I’m not even your kid.”

“You think I care?” Gwen replies, her voice on the edge of cracking. “You’re the most important person in the world to me. I’d do anything, and I meananything,for you. I wouldn’t trade our relationship for anything.”

Ana purses her lips, taking deep breaths through her nose like she’s fighting tears.

“So he gave you the money, and you agreed to marry him?”

“Yes,” she replies simply, and I fear what question is coming next.

“Why?”

“We can’t tell you,” I say, watching the small amount of trust we just built with her leave her eyes. “I’m sorry, but there really are some things I can’t tell you until you’re an adult. But I swear that once you’re eighteen, if you want to know, Gwen and I will tell you.”

Ana looks down at her hands again. I know this is going to be hard for her. I wish I could make this easier. Life’s given her enough difficulty on its own. She shouldn’t have to be so strong.

“I’m assuming that’s also going to be the answer towhy do I have a bodyguard?” she mumbles.