09-19-2018, 07:39 PM
Cayli
Cayli's heart sank to her feet. She loitered by mom's elbow, watching Jay's stupid face, hurt that he imagined she had been the one to drive Natalie away. Why was he so surprised anyway? The only surprise was what she hadn't run a mile sooner. She had no reason to stay. Mom acted like she was invisible, and dad was apparently convinced she was some sort of Russian spy (because, obviously). Jay never corrected them. Hell, he never even introduced her at the hospital before she prised Jay and dad apart with a few words, nor since. What the hell WAS an ambassador?
She frowned down at her feet. "Did you know she spent the whole morning with me today? Since apparently I'm only important to YOU when I'm dying. Maybe you ought to let her go. Not like you have a great track record." Tears sprung like hot sparks despite herself, but it wasn't Natalie she was talking about now. She showed no signs of being starry-eyed about her brother, and Cay saw the tells often enough to recognise them. But Anna Marie had been a part of their family for as long as Cayli could remember, even after Jay broke her heart the first time. She was like a big sister, always popping in at the farm. And she always had time for Cay.
Would she even see her again now?
The potential loss wrenched hard in her chest, at war with the anger. How many days until Jay was gone again? Leaving only wreckage in his wake. He was just. So. Selfish! WHY couldn't they stay in Iowa? Cay's life was in Iowa. Only there was no point in asking. Jay wouldn't tell her anyway. Mom's arm snaked around her shoulders like she were still a kid, but for once she only appreciated the gesture quietly.
Cayli's heart sank to her feet. She loitered by mom's elbow, watching Jay's stupid face, hurt that he imagined she had been the one to drive Natalie away. Why was he so surprised anyway? The only surprise was what she hadn't run a mile sooner. She had no reason to stay. Mom acted like she was invisible, and dad was apparently convinced she was some sort of Russian spy (because, obviously). Jay never corrected them. Hell, he never even introduced her at the hospital before she prised Jay and dad apart with a few words, nor since. What the hell WAS an ambassador?
She frowned down at her feet. "Did you know she spent the whole morning with me today? Since apparently I'm only important to YOU when I'm dying. Maybe you ought to let her go. Not like you have a great track record." Tears sprung like hot sparks despite herself, but it wasn't Natalie she was talking about now. She showed no signs of being starry-eyed about her brother, and Cay saw the tells often enough to recognise them. But Anna Marie had been a part of their family for as long as Cayli could remember, even after Jay broke her heart the first time. She was like a big sister, always popping in at the farm. And she always had time for Cay.
Would she even see her again now?
The potential loss wrenched hard in her chest, at war with the anger. How many days until Jay was gone again? Leaving only wreckage in his wake. He was just. So. Selfish! WHY couldn't they stay in Iowa? Cay's life was in Iowa. Only there was no point in asking. Jay wouldn't tell her anyway. Mom's arm snaked around her shoulders like she were still a kid, but for once she only appreciated the gesture quietly.