Silent Prejudice

8

The phone line hums with an awkward silence as our discussion wanes, though neither of us seems eager to end the call. “Well, I better get going,” I finally concede. “It’s getting late.” “Of course, you should get some rest.” “Good night, Z,” I whisper. “Isa…” He pauses, and I wait with bated breath to hear his next words. “I’m glad we talked.” “Me, too.” “Sleep well. I’ll be in touch.” I end the call with a blossoming smile sprouting straight from my heart. I feel like we’ve taken the first step down a new path. A thrilling and promising new path that is so unexpected, it’s also a little terrifying. Do I dare get my hopes up? Could I quash them even if I wanted to? I doubt it, judging by the electric energy now thrumming in my veins. My train is already headed down the tracks. All I can do now is proceed with caution. Inside, my dad is watching TV alone in the living room. I tell him good night and head upstairs to find Gia cuddled under the covers, playing a mindless game on her phone. “Hey there.” My smile grows as I join her on the bed. Her face lights up, clearly relieved at my improved mood. “Hey! You feeling better?” “I’m getting there. It’s been a crazy couple of days. Hell, it’s been a crazy few weeks.” I lie down next to her, and she follows suit, turning on her side to face me. “You want to tell me about it?” I do, but I deliberate for a moment before going forward. I know by telling Gia this secret, I’m technically breaking Zeno’s trust. However, I can guarantee with absolute certainty that she will go to her grave before she tells anyone. I need to be able to talk to someone about what I’ve learned, and there is no better secret-keeper than Gia. And after all, this secret involves her, too. “What I’m about to tell you cannot be breathed to another living soul. I was told under the strictest of confidences.” Surprise widens her eyes. “Maybe you shouldn’t say anything, then. I don’t want you to break anyone’s trust.” “It’s not that simple. This involves all of us, and I need to talk about it with someone.” “Okay.” She nods for me to go on. “After we got back from the city, Zeno came by the house.” “He did?” “I was on the back porch, so he didn’t come inside. We talked, and it didn’t go well. Actually, it was more like a fight. The next day, he left a letter for me finally explaining what happened when we were kids and why he’s been so distant ever since.” “What happened?” She lifts onto her elbow expectantly. “What could possibly justify the way he’s behaved?” “You’re not going to believe this.” I lean in and speak on a hushed breath. “Dad had an affair with Elena, and Nevio is their son. He’s not technically a De Rossi. He’s our half brother.” Gia drifts slowly back down to her pillow, wide eyes turning to the ceiling. “Holy shit.” I have to bite down on my lips to keep from laughing. Gia rarely cusses. And though this is a serious matter, hearing her swear always tickles me. I’ve pulled the rug out from under her. I know the feeling well. Only, she wasn’t embroiled with the brothers like I was. For her, the news may be a little distressing, but it’s more fascinating than anything. “That’s why Zeno tried to keep Nevio away from me,” I continue. “It’s also why he’s been so rude. He said that for the longest time that I reminded him of Dad, who he blamed for tearing apart his family.” “Oh, Isa. That’s terrible. I mean, I can see why he’d feel that way, but the whole thing is just awful.” “He’s known all this time but never told anyone. Fourteen years.” Her brows draw together over compassionate brown eyes. “That had to be so hard on Z to carry that burden as a child.” “Yeah, but not telling anyone meant Nevio was sent away in high school solely because he had a crush on me, though he wasn’t told as much. He felt like he was being cast out. That hurt him so much, and now … Gia, he’s terribly bitter. I didn’t realize, but today when I told him I wasn’t interested in a relationship, he showed his true colors. It would have broken your heart. He’s so angry with the world.” “I imagine Z did the best he could at the time. We can’t expect a young teenager to know how to navigate something like that.” Always compassionate, that’s my sister. “I know. I hate for someone who was so good-natured to become twisted with spite, especially if simple honesty could have prevented it.” “You don’t know if that would have helped. Some people become bitter for no reason at all, and others have all the reason in the world but choose to remain unjaded by life’s misfortunes.” God, I love my sister. I may begrudge her perspective at times, but for the most part, she is insightful beyond belief. I hadn’t considered that Zeno’s secret isn’t necessarily the sole cause of Nevio’s issues. The two seem so naturally connected, but I have no proof that’s the case. I pull her into a hug. “You’re the best, G. I’m sorry I wasn’t up for talking yesterday. I needed a chance to process things.” “You know I’m always here for you. And don’t worry about the secret. I won’t tell a soul.” When I ease away, Gia shakes her head dazedly. “Dad and Elena. Who would have thought?” “Crazy, right? Guess I can cross Ancestry.com off the Christmas gift list.” I cut my eyes over to her, and we both burst into laughter—a cathartic, healing, hysterical laughter totally inappropriate for the moment but exactly what we need. I drift into a peaceful sleep that night, my heart lighter than it’s felt in weeks. Things are looking up, and I can only hope that my luck has turned a corner. Before I know it, I’ll be finishing school, and this chaotic summer will be a distant memory.