Her laugh came faint, light, full of music and chatter. “I’m out, Lesley. I’ll drop by tomorrow. Don’t sound so serious.”
Morning came. She walked in, designer bag over her shoulder, hair perfect. More runway than hospital.
I gave her a small, quiet smile. “You came.”
She tilted her head, lips curling. “Of course. I wanted to see you… though let’s be honest, Lesley. I’ll never donate bone marrow for you. Why would I? You know I only want Fredrinn. I’d rather see you gone.”
“I know, cousin. You wanted me dead. Then take him. Care for him yourself.”
Her eyes flashed. She grabbed my arm hard, nails digging in. Pain shot through me, but I bit my lip and didn’t scream.
The noise woke Fredrinn.
Miya let go immediately, slapped her own cheek, then burst into tears. “Fredrinn! Lesley hit me! She was jealous! Told me to give her my bone marrow while you were asleep! When I said no, she slapped me!”
She cradled her face, sobbing. Her cries shook the room.
My eyes went wide. “That’s not true. Beck, listen to me. She’s lying.”
“Enough.”
Fredrinn ripped the IV out of his arm and stormed toward me. His face was white, eyes wild. He grabbed my arm so hard it burned straight through the skin, then his hand came down.
The slap knocked me to the floor.
My head rang. Warm blood rushed from my nose, dripping onto my clothes.
His voice cracked, sharp and ugly. “Is this who you are now, Lesley? Forcing Miya like that? Couldn’t you wait? Why are you like this? You’re not the Lesley I loved before. You’re disgusting.”
Behind him, my twin covered her mouth, crying softly like she was pure and fragile. But through her tears, I saw it. The curl of her lips. She was smiling.
I pressed my sleeve to my nose. Tears slid down my face, mixing with blood. I didn’t argue. There was nothing left to explain. Nothing left to save.
I stood up slowly, legs shaking, and walked out.
Right before I crossed the door, I heard his voice again. Gentle. Warm. The voice he used to save for me.
“Miya, don’t cry. I’m here now. I’ll protect you. I’ll deal with Lesley after I’m discharged.”
I smiled, bitter and empty, and wiped my tears with the back of my hand.
By the time I got home, my face still burned and my nose wouldn’t stop bleeding. I collapsed on the couch. Everything hurt. I wrapped my hand in a towel and tried to breathe.
Then the doorbell rang.
My heart jumped.
I dragged myself up and opened the door.
It was my mother.