All Wrong

Chapter Ten Thursday

Sydney

“How was your plans last night?” Grace prods. We’re in her pool on floaters sipping cocktails.

“A bust.” I admit.

“So it was a date?”

“No. I told you I’m not ready.”

“Okay.” She concedes. I watch her move to the ladder and I follow her climbing out.

“Where’s your brother? It’s awfully quiet.” I say.

“Couldn’t tell ya.”

When we get to the kitchen I say “must be with gabby.”

“No I dumped her yesterday.” A voice startles me. Grace laughs and then straightens up.

“Wait seriously?” She asks.

“Yeah.”

“Why?” I ask.

“We’re leaving soon for college. And she’s a slut.” He shrugs leaving the kitchen.

Grace doubles over laughing and I stand in shock. Not because he’s wrong but because I missed it.

“Sorry I missed it.” I finally say and Grace nods trying to get ahold of herself.

We sit down and dig into the junk food she bought after school. When we’re finished we decide to go upstairs. We spend all night watching movies.

Grace doses off and I get up to pee running into Henry.

“You’re up.” He says surprised.

“Just using the bathroom.”

“How is it?”

“The bathroom?” I ask.

“Being here again.” He says gently.

“It’s just a house.” I shrug. He scoffs and sighs rolling back on his heels.

“Whatever you say tough girl. But if you ever wanna talk.”

I’m caught off guard by this. Taken aback.

“Thanks.” I say finally.

He nods and walks into his room. After I go to the bathroom I walk to the guest room.

I stand outside the door with my hand on the knob.

“It’s just a room.” I tell myself opening the door. It’s dark. That’s the first thing I notice.

I turn the light on. The next thing I notice is the bed. Exactly how I left it nearly a year ago. A knot forms in my throat and I force it down stepping into the room. Everything is the same. I close my eyes as my heart beats out of my chest.

“Nobody’s been in here since that night.” Henry startles me. I only nod. “You should try to get some sleep.” He adds.

I don’t move. Can’t. Because I’m watching that night unfold all over again. Living it. Hearing it.

“Sydney.” Henry says gently touching my arm. A strangled sob leaves my mouth and he curses under his breath. He tugs my hand until we’re facing a closed door again. I take deep breaths.

“The light.” I finally say. Which makes him furrow his brow. “It’s still on.”

“I’ll get it later. Are you alright?” He looks concerned. I laugh.

“It’s just a room in a house.” I laugh shaking my head.

“That’s not true and we both know it.” He says flatly. I search his face but only see confusion and worry.

“She was drunk. I forgave her. Is that wrong? That I forgave her and not him?” I ask facing the door again.

“It makes you the bigger person. If I were you I would’ve killed him.” He shrugs making me laugh again.

“You don’t like him.” It isn’t a question.

“Nah.”

“Why though?” It’s out before I can help it.

“He’s not a good guy Syd.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.”

“Why’d you put up with it then?”

There’s a harshness to the question.

“I loved him.” It’s not much but it’s the truth.

“Freshman year I had a girlfriend. A real one. And Bryce” he sighs trailing off. “He’s not a good guy.” He says. I look at his face and see a storm of emotions. I only nod.

“Night.” I say walking to his sisters room and laying down. Surprisingly sleep comes fast tonight.