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    lethabo hlongwane
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    Mor emi is overwhelmed with guilt over his past actions and worries about explaining himself to his wife Susan. He receives a call from Susan asking to meet but claims he has meetings. Later, Mor emi visits Emily, the woman he had an affair with last year. Upon seeing her frail condition, he is struck by the magnitude of his past decisions.

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    Reborn by Tshepi m (1)

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    Mor emi is overwhelmed with guilt over his past actions and worries about explaining himself to his wife Susan. He receives a call from Susan asking to meet but claims he has meetings. Later, Mor emi visits Emily, the woman he had an affair with last year. Upon seeing her frail condition, he is struck by the magnitude of his past decisions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    1K views1,382 pages

    Reborn by Tshepi M

    Uploaded by

    lethabo hlongwane
    Mor emi is overwhelmed with guilt over his past actions and worries about explaining himself to his wife Susan. He receives a call from Susan asking to meet but claims he has meetings. Later, Mor emi visits Emily, the woman he had an affair with last year. Upon seeing her frail condition, he is struck by the magnitude of his past decisions.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 1382

    REBORN

    01

    Mor emimovedt hemet alt hatwasheavyonhi s


    fi
    ngerupanddown, hi
    sgui l
    tdr owni nghi m.Thi s
    pastweekhasbeenf i
    ll
    edwi thsur prisesandhe
    di
    dn' tknowhowhewasgoi ngt oexpl ainhi mselfto
    Susan.Shedi dn'tdeser vet his.Godknowsshe
    di
    dn' tdeser veanyoft hehur thewasaboutt ohur l
    herway.Wasi tbettertosavehert hehur t
    ?He
    woul ddoanyt hi
    ngt opr otectherf r om anyki ndof
    pain.Hesi ghedandanxi ousl yletgooft her i
    ngand
    pl
    acedhi shanddown.Ther ingf eel i
    ngheavi erthan
    usual .Ar emi nderofwhatheshoul dn'thavedonet o
    hi
    swi fe.Hisphoner angonhi sdeskandhi swife'
    s
    numberf lashedont hescr een.I nst eadofspeak, he
    woul dphr asei tas'thinkoft hedevi l
    .'Hist hroat
    bobbedasi trangf orami nut ebef oret hecal lcut.
    Hesl owl ypi ckedthephoneandnotevenasecond
    l
    ateri tstartedr i
    nging.Heanswer edt hephone,
    l
    ooseninghisti
    etobreat
    hali
    tt
    leandtryt
    onotl
    et
    theguil
    tweighthi
    m downtot
    hepointofher
    noti
    cingthechangeinhi
    smood.
    "
    Hel
    loSu…"
    Ther
    ewassi
    lence.
    "Whyareyoucal
    li
    ngmeSu?Whatdidyoudodear
    husband?
    "Sheaskedandhel
    eanedback.
    "Nothi
    ng.I
    'mj
    uststr
    essedmogat
    saka.
    "Hesai
    dand
    therewasapausebefor
    ehehear
    dhervoi
    ceonthe
    otherend.
    "I'
    l
    llett
    hatsl
    ide.Fornow.Areyouf r
    eetomorrow?"
    Sheaskedasherhusband'st houghtsr
    anwi l
    dwith
    whathewast odo, t
    henextstephewasgoi ngto
    take.
    "
    Ihavemeet
    ingswi
    thmybossest
    omor
    row.
    "
    "Okay.Iunderstand.I'
    l
    lseeyouathome.Bye. "
    SusanhungupandMor emi r
    ubbedhi stempl
    es,
    feel
    ingaheadachecomi ng.Ther egret
    sarealways
    goingtobet her
    ebutwhatwashet odowithhis
    currentpredi
    cament ?Hewasgoi ngtobescolded
    l
    ikeal i
    tt
    leboybutwasn' titbett
    erthantolosethe
    womanhel oves?Sheshoul dn'tevenknow.
    *
    **

    AtSusan' shouseshepar kedt hesmal lcari nside


    theyardbef oreshegotoutt ogocl oset hegat e.
    Shecoul dn'
    tshaket hefeel
    ingt hatsomet hingwas
    wrong.Itwasaf eel
    ingthatjustcoul dn'tgoaway.A
    yearagoshef el
    tli
    kethatbutshet houghti twasher
    hormonespl ayi
    ngonhersi nceshewasi nherl ast
    tri
    mesterandshewasanxi ousaboutt hebaby, the
    babyhadbeeni nbreechposi t
    ionandshehadbeen
    hopingshewasokaybutherl itt
    lebabyt ur nedout
    tobef i
    ne.Shesi ghedandwal kedt ot gedoor .She
    openedt hedoorandf oundhermai dwat ching
    tel
    evisi
    on.Shepushedhersof tdreadshai r
    styl
    e
    back.
    "AusiLorato…"Hervoi
    cet
    rail
    edof fandLor
    ato
    tur
    nedt olookatheremployer.Shewashomeear
    ly.
    Shereducedt hevolumeoftheshowshewas
    watchingandt ri
    edtosmi
    le.
    "
    Dumel
    ang.I
    '
    m sor
    ry.Idi
    dn'
    tknowyou'
    l
    lbehome
    early."Shest artedandSusanj ustnodded.Lor ato
    quickl ystoodupi nhermai duni f
    or m andheadedt o
    theki tchen.Susansi ghedassher emovedher
    pumpsandwal kedt othebedr oom sheshar edwi t
    h
    herhusband.I nt heroom shest r
    et chedherbody
    befor eshewal kedbar efoottot her oom herkids
    shar ed.Theywer eallnapping, herf i
    veyearoldwi th
    histhumbi nhismout h,her,hert hreeyearol d
    sprawl edont hebedbesi desherbr otherandher11
    mont hol dinhiscotwi deawakewi thhisbottl
    ein
    hispout ymout h.Shewasdonewi thkids.Three
    wasahousef ullandshecoul dn'tf at hom another
    stressf ulpregnancy.Shewal kedcl osertothecot
    andshet ookhi shandashegaveheragr i
    nwi th
    onet oot hshowi ng.Sheshoul dpr obabl yputhimi n
    hiswal kertoenabl ehi
    mt oatl eastt rytotakehis
    fi
    rstst eps.Shewasal waysanxi ousaboutnotbei ng
    therewhenherl astborntakeshi sf ir
    ststep.Such
    speci almoment swer eprecioust oherandshe
    want edt oknowever ythi
    ng.Shepi ckedhi m upand
    hedr oppedhi sbot t
    leandshesmi ledpi cki
    nghi m
    up.
    "Hithere,
    wantt ospendti
    mewithmewhi lewai
    ting
    foryoursibl
    ings?"Sheaskedt
    heinfantandwalked
    outwi t
    hhimi nherarms.Shehadtopreparef
    ood
    forherhusband.
    Loratosawherempl oyerwhowasj ustthreeyears
    olderthanhermakeherwayt othekitchen.Heronly
    j
    obwast ocleanthehouseandt akecar eofallthr
    ee
    toddlers.Itwasagoodj ob, foranunempl oyed
    graduat ewhohasbeenl ookingf orwork.Shet ook
    whatwasavai labl
    eandasl ongasshewasabl eto
    takecar eofhergrandpar ents,anythi
    ngwasf ine
    withher .Herbossdidn'ttalkmuchexceptwhenshe
    wantedt ogetherpointacrossot herwiseshekept
    toher selfandobservedsi l
    entl
    y.
    "
    Letmel
    eaveyouMr
    s."
    "
    Lor
    ato?
    "Shef
    acedherboss.
    "Thankyou.You'
    rethefi
    rsthelperwe'
    vehadandI
    knowwehearal otaboutbadhel per
    sbutthankyou
    somuch.You'reexcept
    ional.
    "Loratonoddedwit
    ha
    smile.
    "
    Youcanhaveadayof
    ffr
    om t
    omor
    row.You'
    l
    lcome
    backonSunday.
    "Lor
    atogr
    inned.
    "Thankyousomuchma' am.Thankyou.
    "Lorato
    want edtohugherbutSusanhadheryoungeston
    herhi p.Susansmi l
    edbri
    efl
    yandnodded.Lorat
    o
    turnedar ound.Shebett
    ergopacktogohomeand
    seehergr andpar
    ents.

    *
    **

    Thatsamel unchhour,Mor emi rappedont hedoor.


    Hisanxi etyspiki
    ngandhi sbreathcomi ngoutas
    uneasy.Heneededapr operexpl anat
    ionandhe
    didn'tknowhow.Hi sringbur nedhi sfi
    ngerandhe
    closedhi seyes,hecouldal r
    eadyseeSusan' s
    reactionandhel ovedhert oomucht ohaveher
    exper i
    encethis.Shetr
    ustedhi m somuchan-Hi s
    handsgotal lsweat
    yashewi pedt hem onhisgrey
    slacksandheswal l
    owedhi sownsal i
    va.He
    knockedagai nandthedoorf inall
    yopened.Hewas
    metbyayoungl adywhoopenedt hedoor.Thelady
    smi l
    ed.
    "You'r
    eMrMor emi? "Henoddedandt helady
    openedt hedoorwi der.Hewal kedinsidethehouse,
    seeingtoysscat teredallaroundandacotwi tha
    babyinpi nk.Hisheadst ar
    tedspinningandhe
    paused.Themagni tudeofhisdecisionscomi ng
    downonhi ml i
    keat onofbr i
    cks.Theyoungl ady
    pausedandl ookedatt hemant henatt hesweet
    l
    itt
    legirli
    nt hecot .
    "
    Areyouokay? "Sheaskedandhenoddedashe
    r
    aisedhishand.Herubbedhisheadt
    henhischi
    n
    l
    ookingatthecot.
    "MsEmi lyisintheotherroom."Theladysaidand
    henoddedashef ol
    l
    owedheraf terst
    eali
    nga
    glanceatt hebabyinthecot.Thedooropenedand
    hesawt hewomanhel astsawayearago.Al lf
    rai
    l
    andweaki nthebed,hergreenveinsshowingon
    herarm andhepausedatt hedoor.Emilyfor
    ceda
    smi l
    e,usingallt
    heener gyshehadtoappearf i
    ne.
    "
    HiMor emi.
    "Herraspyvoi
    cecr
    oakedupandhe
    l
    ookedather.Hereyesholl
    owsocket
    sandt
    he
    wordsdiedi
    nhismout h.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    REBORN

    02

    AtEmily'
    shouse,thei
    reyeslockedandEmi l
    y
    coughed.Herbri
    tt
    lebodyshakingf r
    om whata
    heal
    thyhumanbei ngcouldconsideranormal
    cough.Thegir
    lexcusedherselfandEmilytr
    iedt
    o
    si
    tupright
    .
    "S-
    sitdown."Sheinst
    ruct
    edandMoremi satdown
    onthechairnexttoherbed.Hedi
    dn'
    tknowhow
    shefellpr
    egnant.I
    twasonenight
    ,onenightthat
    shouldhaveneverhappenedandonenighthe
    regr
    ettedmor ethananything.Emil
    ycouldseet he
    questioninhiseyes,howithappened.Shecoughed
    againandMor emihelpedhersitupri
    ghtandfixed
    herpill
    ow.Shesai dthankyousof t
    lyasshelooked
    athim.Shecoul dseet hegoldri
    ngonhisf i
    ngerand
    i
    tdidn'tsitwel
    lwithherthatshewasaboutt obe
    l
    abelledahomewr ecker.I
    twasn'tsupposedtoget
    thi
    sfar .
    "How?"Emil
    ydidn'tthi
    nkhewasgoingto
    under
    standherlogic.Herr
    easoni
    ngatal
    l.
    "
    Iwasl
    onel
    y."Shesai
    dqui
    etl
    y.
    "
    Iusedpr
    otect
    ion.
    "Hecount
    ered.
    Emil
    ybr eat
    hedoutheavi
    lywhichwassuchat
    ask.
    Herli
    tt
    lebabyneededacaringhomeandwho
    bet
    tertocallt
    hanherfat
    her
    ?
    "I
    -I
    -"Shelookedintohi
    seyesandcoul
    dseet he
    shatt
    eredlookinthem.Hewantedtounder
    stand
    how.Sheswal l
    owed.
    "
    Ius-usedthesemenintheco-
    condom t
    omake
    myselfpr
    egnant.
    "Ther
    eitwas.Thetr
    uthfel
    tli
    kea
    t
    onofbr i
    cksthr
    ownintoMoremi'
    sfacewhil
    eitfel
    t
    cat
    har
    ti
    ctoEmi
    ly.

    "Y-youwhat ?
    "Emi lyjustnodded.Shewas
    desper ateforachi l
    dandshenevert houghtshe
    woul dhavet oi nt
    eractwi t
    hMor emiagai nafterthat
    encount er,hellhewasn' tsupposedt obei nher
    daught er'
    slifeunti
    lshegotol derbutl i
    fehadot her
    plansandher eshewas.Mor emist oodupand
    coveredhi sface.Wow!Hewasr i
    ght,henevergot
    herpr egnant.Therewasnowayhewoul driskhis
    mar ri
    agef orabast ardchi l
    dbutt hisambi ti
    ous
    womanhadt henervet omakeher selfpregnant.
    Emi l
    ybr eathedout .
    "I-
    Iwasdesper ateandneededacompani on."She
    saidwi t
    har aspyvoi ceandMor emishotheraglare.
    Iflookscoul dki l
    l,hewouldhaveki l
    ledherthe
    momenthest eppedi ntot
    hiaroom.Emi l
    ycoughed
    andpl acedherhandoverherchest .Shesaidal ot
    oft hingsthatt ooktoomuchofherener gybutshe
    hadmor etosay.Sheweakl ypickedtheglass
    besi desherbedandt heglassshooki nherhandas
    shebr oughtittoherl ipst
    owetherpar chedthroat
    .
    Shecl
    osedhereyes.
    "'
    I'
    m sosorryf
    orimposi
    ngheronyou. "Shesays
    andMor emi'
    sangerdi
    ssolved.Hecouldn'
    tfighta
    womanwhowasatherl owest.Emil
    yclutchedat
    thesheetsandopenedhereyes,shelookedat
    Mor emi
    .
    "Sheneedsaguardi
    anandI
    -Iha-
    "shecoughed
    befor
    esheconti
    nued.
    "Havenoonebuther .Justher."Shesai dandhe
    couldseet helookinhereyes.Shedi dn'
    twantto
    l
    eaveheri nfant.Itwasgoi ngtot aketimeforhi
    mt o
    beabl et
    ovi ewt hechildashi sbutt hechi
    ldwashis
    blood.Godwast hishiskar maf orthatonefuckup?
    Hecoukdal r
    eadyseeSuzi epacki ngherbagsand
    walkingoutwi t
    ht hei
    rt oddler
    s.Thatwoul ddestr
    oy
    him.
    "I
    '
    m sososor
    ry."Emi
    lysai
    dseei
    nghowhi seyes
    hadapai
    nedlook.Hewasmostprobabl
    ythinki
    ng
    ofhi
    swif
    e.
    Shet
    ri
    edtogetoutofbedbutfai
    led.Moremi
    wal
    kedcl
    oserandhelpedhergetoutofbed.
    "I
    'l
    lint
    roduceyout oher .
    "Shesai dandMor emi
    noddedashehel dhersteady.Shewasonl yaf r
    ame
    ofthelushwomansheusedt obe.Hesi ghedand
    walkedsl owlyoutofthebedroom wi t
    hhert othe
    l
    oungewher etheyounggi rll
    ookedatherbossand
    excusedher sel
    f.Theywal kedtothecotand
    Mor emicouldseet hebabywhowaswi deawake.
    Nodoubtshewashi s.Shecoul dtel
    llookingather
    eyeswhi chlookedsomuchl ikehismot her's.
    "That'
    sAlora.AloraMor emi.
    "Emi l
    ysaid.Pridei
    n
    hervoiceatthelitt
    legir
    lshehadcar ri
    edandbi rt
    hed.
    Mor emilookedatt hegi
    rlwhowasl i
    ghtskinned
    thanallhischidl
    ren,makinghertheoddoneout .
    Probablybecaudehermot herwasbasi cal
    lybir
    acial
    .
    Hislargehandspi ckedthebabywhogavehi ma
    gummysmi le.Shewasi nnocent.Godwhatwas
    happeningher e?
    "
    Hell
    oAlora.
    "Hesai
    dandr
    hegi
    rlbr
    oughtherwet
    f
    ist
    stohisface.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    32] :REBORN

    03

    Moremil ookedatAl or
    athenbackatEmi l
    yashi s
    thr
    oatbobbed.Al orawasinnoncent.Soinnocent
    andwhatEmi l
    ydidwaswr ong.Hedidn'
    tknowi fhe
    couldsayi twasil
    legalbutitwaswrong.Heenever
    consentedt ot
    heconcept i
    onofAlora.Emilysat
    downont hecouchasherkneesgaveout .Emil
    y
    rel
    easedaheavybr eathasshelookedattheduo.
    "
    Iam so-
    sorr
    y."Shesaidwithadryvoiceand
    Moremidi
    dn'tknowhowt hatsor
    rycouldtur
    nback
    t
    hehandsoft i
    me.Hiswifewouldneveraccept
    Al
    ora.Heknewt hat
    .Tear
    sf i
    ll
    edhiseyesashe
    thoughtofSusan.Hewasbr i
    nginghomeevi dence
    ofhischeat i
    ng?Andt hechi
    ldwasl ightski nned?
    Hiswi fewasnotlightski
    nned.Shewasadar k
    skinnedwomanwhowasbeaut ifulinsideandout
    andhehadspentt hefir
    styear
    soft hei
    rr elat
    ionshi
    p
    assuringherthatshehadabeaut i
    fulski ntoneand
    sheshoul dn'
    teventrytobuybleachi ngcr eamst o
    l
    ightenherski nandhecheatedwi thal ightskinned
    woman.
    "
    Fuck!"Hemutteredunderhi
    sbreathandAl or
    a's
    wideeyeswereonhim befor
    eshegi ggledand
    t
    ouchedhisface.Shewasbeaut i
    fulbutshewasn't
    aprior
    it
    yri
    ghtnow.Hismar r
    iagewas.
    Emi l
    ycoul dseehowhewasf ightinghist
    hought s.
    Maybesheshoul dhavegonetot hesperm bankbut
    theassur anceofknowi
    ngyourbaby' sfat
    heri ncase
    somet hinghappenstoyouwonandshedeci dedto
    usehi ssemen.Nowsheknewt hatevent houghshe
    createdmor eprobl
    emsforhim, herli
    tt
    legirlwas
    goingt obeokay.
    "I
    '
    llseewhatt
    odo.
    "Hesaidfi
    nall
    yandEmily
    nodded.I
    twasbet
    tert
    hannot
    hing.Shewi
    llhavet
    o
    acceptt
    hat
    .
    "
    Thankyou.
    "Emil
    ysai
    dandMor
    eminoddedpl
    aci
    ng
    Al
    oradownint
    hecot.
    "I
    '
    m sor
    ry.
    "Emilysai
    donceagai
    nandMor
    emiblew
    outabr
    eath.I
    twastimetocomeupwi
    thasol
    uti
    on.
    "
    Howoldisshe?
    "Moremi
    asked.Al
    oral
    ookedol
    der
    t
    hant
    hreemonths.
    "Fi
    vemonths.Shewasapr
    emat
    urebaby.
    "He
    nodded.

    *
    **

    Hourslat
    er,Susanwai tedinthehouse.Her
    husbandwasn' thomeasofyet .Shetri
    edcal l
    inghis
    phonebutitwasn' tgoi
    ngthrough.Shepl acedt he
    phonedownwi thalongsigh.Maybehehadal ong
    dayorwaswor kinglat
    eevent houghheusual lytel
    ls
    her.Shecouldn'thelpbutwonderi fsomethingwas
    wrong.
    *
    **

    Mor emiraspedonthedoor,wai
    tingforTshol
    ofel
    o's
    door.Thelightswentonandthedoorlocktur
    ned
    beforethedooropened.Tshol
    ofeloheldakni
    fein
    herhandbef oreshesqui
    ntedhereyesandhergr i
    p
    l
    oosenedont hekni
    fe.
    "
    It
    'smeTshol
    o."
    "Whatar eyoudoi ngher e?Gobosi gokana. "(I
    t'
    s
    l
    ate.)Moremi rubbedhi schi nandTshol otil
    tedher
    head.Shenot icedthef inelinesaroundhi seyesand
    thelostlooki nhiseyes.Wassomet hingwr ong?Di d
    hefightwi t
    hSusan?Shedi dn'twantt obel i
    evehe
    foughtwi t
    hhi swi f
    e, Susanwasn' tthekindt ofight
    andshewast oosof tifshemaysayt hat .No
    wondert heirmot herwal kedalloverSusanand
    couldevenut t
    erhor ri
    blet hi
    ngsaboutSusanwho
    usuallysighedandwal kedaway.Thef actthatthe
    chil
    drenhadSusan' sski ntonetoowasj ustmor e
    ammuni tiontot heirmot herwhoal wayssai dSusan
    rui
    nedhergr andchildrenandaskedMor emiwhyhe
    di
    dn'
    tmar
    ryal
    ightski
    nnedwomani
    nst
    eadof
    -
    Shest
    oppedhertr
    ailofthought
    s.Thewor
    dswer
    e
    har
    shanyway.ShewaitedforMoremit
    osay
    somet
    hing.
    "CanIcomei nsi
    de? "MoremiaskedandTsholofelo
    steppedbacksoherbr ot
    hercangetinsi
    de.She
    walkedtothetelevisi
    onandplacedtheknif
    eont he
    tvstandbeforeshef ol
    dedherarmsandgaveher
    brotheral
    lherattenti
    on.
    "
    Imessedup.
    "Moremisai
    dashecover
    edhi
    sface
    wit
    hhi
    shandsandsatdownont
    hecouchsl
    owly.

    *
    **

    Thatsamenight
    ,Emilysatonherbedast hecool
    windblewandshecouldfeelherchestcl
    osingi
    non
    herassheheldAlor
    ainherhands.Herlit
    tl
    ebaby.
    "I
    '
    m s-sosorryI
    'mleavi
    ng."Shewhi speredtothe
    sl
    eepingbaby.Herbri
    tt
    lefingerstouchedthose
    pinksweetl
    ips.Shegentl
    ypl acedthebabyont he
    bedandhel dontotheheadboardtogetupslowly.
    Shewant edt ol
    ookatthestarswit
    hherbabyand
    talkt
    oher .Shewasnevergojngtohavesuchan
    opportuni
    tyeveragain.Shedrewthestrengt
    hto
    pickherbabyandAl oraopenedhereyesbeforeshe
    start
    edtocr yherl
    ungsout.Emilyrubbedherback.
    "
    Wear
    egoi
    ng-
    "shecoughed.
    "Tolookatthestars.
    "Shetooksmallstepst
    owalk
    outoftheroom withherwail
    ingbaby.Thegir
    lwho
    helpedaroundthehouseopenedthedoorandshe
    l
    ookedatt hecryi
    ngbaby.Aloramustbesoheavy,
    Emi l
    ywasbar el
    yholdingherri
    ght
    .
    "
    Letmehel
    p."
    "No.Iwanttodoit
    ."
    Thegi
    rlsi
    ghedandwat
    ched
    Emilywalkoutsl
    owly.
    "Canyouopenthedoorf orme? "Thegi r
    lnodded
    andwalkedtothef rontdoortounl ockit
    .Emi l
    y
    arri
    vedfi
    veminut eslaterasshest eppedoutside
    withaquietAl
    orawhowasqui etl
    yobser vi
    ngher
    now.Thecoldwi ndbl ewaccrossEmi l
    y'
    sfaceand
    shelookedatAlorawhowasdr essedwar mly.She
    call
    edthegirlt
    otakeAloraf
    rom herhandssoshe
    cansitdown.Shesatdownandi nstruct
    edthat
    Alorabeplacedinherarms.Shelookedatherl
    it
    tl
    e
    baby.
    "Iam sosor
    ryAl
    ora.
    "Shecoughedbef
    oreshe
    conti
    nued.
    "IfIknewever yt
    hingwoul dgowr ongallofasudden,
    Iwoul dhaveneverbr oughtyoui nt
    othisearth."She
    said.Shedi dn'tevenknowwhatwaswr ongwi thher
    andt hedoct orssaidmaybeasever einfecti
    onbut
    theycoul dn'tdetectathing.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    Shehadt houghtofherf ri
    endtostaywi t
    hAlorabut
    shedi dn'tknowherf riendthatlongtoleavea
    newbor nbabywi thher .Shedidn'
    tknowhowshe
    suddenl yfelli
    lltwomont hsaf
    terdeli
    veringAlora
    viaac- secti
    onwhatwentwr ongbutther ewas
    nothingshecoul ddo.
    "
    Iguesswe'r
    eallgoi
    ngtodi
    eatsomepoint
    ."The
    t
    earsfel
    lonAlor
    a'sf
    aceandEmil
    ysni
    ff
    ed.
    "Atl
    eastIbi
    rt
    hedyoumylit
    tl
    epri
    ncess.Youwer
    e
    alwaysmydream,keepdr
    eamingl
    it
    tl
    eone.Noone
    canstandagai
    nstyourdr
    eams.
    "Emilysai
    dandthe
    tear
    scamelikeafl
    oodandshesobbedlooki
    ngat
    herbabywhostart
    edtocryt
    oosensi
    nghermood.
    "Iam sosorry.
    "Shesaid.Sheapologi
    sedoverand
    overagainbeforesheplacedherli
    psweaklyon
    Alora'
    sforeheadandthetearsfel
    lonAlor
    a'sred
    face.
    "
    Iloveyou.
    "Shesai
    dweakl
    y.

    Thegir
    lwatchedt
    hem onthest
    oepandshesighed
    asshewalkedaway,t
    aki
    ngoutherphone.I
    trang
    foraminut
    ebefor
    eitwasanswered.
    "I
    sshedeadyet?Whoi
    sshel
    eavi
    ngAl
    orawi
    th?
    Shedoesn'
    thavef
    amil
    y."
    "
    Therehasbeenanewdevel
    opment
    .Al
    orahasa
    f
    ather
    ."Ther
    ewasapause.
    "
    What
    ?"
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    32] :REBORN

    04

    Thegirlr
    epeatedherwordsandt
    hewomanatt
    he
    otherendoftheli
    nesighed.
    "
    I'
    llpassbyt
    omor r
    ow.Idon'
    tknowhowshehidt
    hat
    f
    rom me.IsAlor
    agoingtogowitht
    hefat
    her
    ?"
    "Seemsso. "Thewomanatt heendoft
    heli
    ne
    want edtopuncht hewall
    .Thiswassomerever
    se
    unocar dright
    ?Everythi
    nghadbeengoing
    accor di
    ngtoplanandallofasuddenther
    eisa
    fatherinthepict
    ure?Shesighed.
    "Anytr
    aceofpaper
    saround?AWi l
    lmaybe?"She
    askedagai
    n.Shedidn'
    tevenknowEmil
    y's
    goddamnlawyerandi
    twaspr
    ovi
    ngtobeaharder
    tasknomatt
    erhowmuchshewasther
    eforEmil
    y.
    "
    No.Not
    hing.
    "
    "
    Okay.Thankyousomuchf
    orupdat
    ingme.
    "
    "I
    t'st
    hel eastIcandoaf teryoufoundmet hisjob."
    Thegirlsai dandthecallwascut .Shelookedatt he
    blankscr eenbeforeshesl i
    dthephonei nherback
    pocketandwal kedbackt othesit
    tingroom.Emi ly
    washummi ngtolit
    tl
    eAlor ainbetweensobsand
    shewal kedaway.I twast oopainfultoli
    stento.

    Emi
    lyki
    ssedAl
    oraagai
    n.
    "Iswear,I
    'l
    lbethebestguardianangelt
    herei
    s.Your
    concepti
    onwasnotabeaut i
    fulonebutyouareone
    beauti
    fulgir
    l.
    "Shesaidbeforecatchi
    ngherbreat
    h.
    "Al
    ora,Ihopethenightbecomesyourfr
    iend
    becaudethat'
    swhendr eamscomealive."Shesai
    d
    andlookedupt hesky.

    *
    **
    Tshol
    ofel
    oshookherhead.Shecoul
    dn'
    tbel
    ievet
    his.
    "
    Soyou'
    react
    ual
    lysayi
    ngyou-
    "
    "
    Ee.
    "Tshol
    ofel
    ocl
    appedherhandsonce.Twi
    ce.
    "
    Youcheat
    edandf
    ather
    edachi
    ld?
    "
    "
    Shemadeher
    sel
    fpr
    egnant
    ."
    "
    Thechi
    ldi
    sst
    il
    lyour
    s."Mor
    emicover
    edhi
    sface.
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "Youcheated.OnSu?Suwagogor ataosemot ho
    wasepewhenshewasj ustasecret
    ary,Suwhois
    stil
    lwit
    hyour egar
    dlessoft hei
    nsult
    st hatare
    hurledherwayeverytimeshei satheri n-
    law'
    s
    place?Suwhowasst ressedduringthelast
    pregnancyandyoucheat edonherthatt i
    me?"
    Tsholofel
    oasked.
    "I
    -Idon'
    tknowhowtoexplai
    nmyself
    .Idon'
    tknow
    howt oapol
    ogi
    setoSusan.She'
    l
    lneverf
    orgi
    veme."
    "
    Iencour
    agehernott
    o.Susanhasbeennothi
    ngbut
    agoodwifet
    oyou.Howwouldyoufeeli
    fshefel
    l
    pregnantwit
    hanot
    herman'
    sbaby?"Mor
    emifi
    sted
    hishands.Hewoul
    dobvi
    ouslyki
    llt
    hemanshe
    cheatedwit
    h.
    "Yousee?You'
    real
    readyangr
    yandshrhasn'
    teven
    cheat
    edyet.Youar
    eonyourown."Tshol
    ofel
    osaid.
    Moremibeggedherwithhi
    seyes.
    "Ican'
    taffor
    dt oloseSusan.Iam beggi
    ngyou
    Tsholofel
    o.Justthisonefavour.Keagokopa
    nnake."Tsholofel
    orel
    uctantl
    ylookedathi
    m.
    "
    Please,
    atl
    eastwhil
    eIfi
    ndawayt otel
    lherandto
    t
    ryanddealwit
    hwhateverpuni
    shmentthat
    'sgoi
    ng
    t
    ocomemyway. "Hesai
    d.

    Tshol
    ofel
    ofi
    xedthedoekonherheadandl
    etouta
    si
    gh.I
    tfel
    twrongtodothi
    s.
    "Ican'tt
    ellt
    hefami l
    y,motherwil
    lgl
    oatinSusan's
    faceandhur ther.Idon'
    twanttohurtSusan."He
    saidandTshol ofel
    ocouldhearthedesperat
    ionin
    herbrother'
    svoice.Helovedhiswif
    ebutcheat i
    ng
    wasj ust,
    unforgi
    vableinherbooksanyway.
    "
    Okay.
    "
    "Tanki
    .Thankyousomuch.I
    tmeansal
    ott
    ome.I
    promise,
    I'
    llt
    alkt
    oSusan.
    "
    "
    Youbet
    ter
    ."
    "
    Cant
    hisst
    aybet
    weenusf
    ornow?
    "
    "
    Ofcour
    se.
    "
    "Thankyou.Ihavet ogohomenow, sheisprobabl
    y
    worri
    edaboutme. "Thetwosiblingsstoodupand
    Tsholofel
    owal kedherbrothertothedoor.Hegave
    heragr at
    efullookasTsholoopenedt hedoorand
    hewal kedout.Tsholofel
    oclosedt hedoorand
    l
    ockedi tbefor
    eshesi ghed.

    *
    **

    Susanpul l
    edhergownandt i
    editti
    ghterasshe
    fj
    nal
    lyst ar
    tedswit
    chingofft
    hehouselights.She
    heardthecarengineoutsi
    deandpausedbef oreshe
    cont
    inuedwi thhert
    ask.Thecardoorclosedj ustas
    shewal kedtothebedroom.Hedidn'
    tbotherpi cki
    ng
    upherphonecal
    lsorevensendingatextmessage.
    Sheswit
    chedofft
    hebedroom li
    ghtaswel land
    wal
    kedtothebedwhereshegotunder covers.
    Mor emiusedhi sspar ekeytounlockthehouse, she
    waspr obablypissedof fri
    ghtnow.Theki dswer e
    asleep, hewassur eoft hatbutshemustbeangr y
    ri
    ghtnow.Hepushedt hedooropenandswi t
    ched
    ont hel i
    ghtashest eppedinsi
    dethehouse.He
    closedt hedoor ,l
    ockedi tandswitchedoffthelight
    again.Usi ngthisashi achancetonavi gat
    et othe
    bedr oom inthedar k.Heswi t
    chedont helights
    thereandhepl acedhi sbagdownbef oreheundi d
    histie.
    "HiMrsMor emi
    ."Hesai
    dandSusandi
    dn'tt
    urn.She
    j
    ustremaindedi
    nt hebl
    anket
    sandMoremihadto
    actnormalorel
    sehiswifewasgoi
    ngt
    oask
    questi
    ons.
    "Iwasatwor kandtherewasalottodo.I'm sorr
    yI
    didn'
    tret
    urnyourcall
    sorsendat exttel
    li
    ngyouI '
    ll
    behomel ate.
    "Hesaidasheunbuckl edhispants
    andtheyfellt
    ohisfeet.Hegr
    oaned.Heshoul d
    haveremovedhi sshoesfi
    rst
    ,Moremi awkwar dl
    y
    walkedtot
    hebedandsatdownt
    oremovehi
    s
    shoes.
    "Su,you'renotasleep.Isawyouswi t
    choffthe
    l
    ights."Hecontinuedandhegotnor esponse.He
    fi
    nishedget t
    ingundr essedandheslidi
    nbesides
    her.Het ouchedherwai standsher
    emovedhi s
    hands.Hel aughed.
    "You'renotasl
    eep.Lookatme."Heaskedherand
    sher emainedi
    nherpositi
    on.Heheldherwai
    stand
    pickedhersoshewasont opofhi
    m.
    "MrsMoremi,l
    ookatme.
    "Shet
    ight
    lyshuthereyes
    andhelaughedsomemore.
    "TlhemmaSusan, I
    '
    m sorryIcamehomel at
    e."He
    saidandkissedhercheek.Hecouldshewas
    blushingevent
    houghhecoul dn'
    tseeanycolouron
    hercheeks.Shefi
    nall
    yopenedhereyes.
    "
    Itshoul
    dn'
    thappenagai
    n."Shesai
    dandhenodded.
    "Eemma.I twon'thappenagai
    n.Ever.
    "Hemoved
    hishandsupanddownherwai standgri
    nned
    againstherl
    ips.Heopenedhismouthtoencl
    ose
    herli
    psinaki ssbutshemovedherhead.
    "Notsofast
    .Youhavet
    obepuni
    shed.
    "Shesai
    d
    andhelookedather
    ,movi
    nghi
    shanddownto
    squeezeherbut
    t.
    "
    AoSuzi
    emma?
    "
    "GoodnightMoremi."Sherol
    ledt
    ohersideandshe
    gavehim herbackasshemovedcl oser.Moremi
    heldher.He'
    llt
    akethat.Howcouldhetellherwhen
    shelovedhimlikethis?Howcouldhebr eakhi
    s
    beloved'
    sheartwit
    hhi ssel
    fi
    shways?"

    *
    **

    Thef ol
    lowingmorningatEmi l
    y'
    shouse, t
    hehouse
    helperfedAlorawhowokeupahappybaby.The
    l
    it
    t l
    egirlwassobeautif
    ulandonecoul dtellshe
    wasgoi ngtobethecentreofattent
    ion.Thehouse
    helperwenttocheckonEmi lywhowasawakebut
    stari
    ngattheceil
    ing.Emilytur
    nedtof aceherhouse
    helperandt r
    iedt
    osmi l
    e,hereyesweref i
    ll
    edwith
    despair.
    "I
    sthi
    ssomefor
    m ofpuni
    shment
    ?"Emi
    lyaskedher
    househel
    per
    .
    "
    Idon'
    tthi
    nki
    t'
    spuni
    shment
    ."
    "Th-
    hedoctor
    sdon'tknowwhat '
    swrong.Idon't
    knowwhat'swrong.Keamomonegahel ake
    bopame."
    (I
    'mfadingawayandl osi
    ngweight)The
    househel
    perlookedatherboss.Sheshookher
    head.
    "
    You'
    l
    lgetbet
    ter
    .ForAl
    ora.Sheonl
    yhasyou.
    "
    Emi
    ly'
    seyesf
    il
    ledwi
    tht
    ear
    s.
    "CanIseeher ?Iwanthernearme. "Thegirlnodded
    andwal kedoutoft heroom togopi ckAlora.Emil
    y
    coughedandcoughedbef oreshelaidherheadon
    herpil
    low.Shecl osedhereyest emporaril
    y,toease
    thetension.Sheopenedhereyeswhenshehear d
    Alor
    a'sgi bberi
    sh.Herheartdidabackf l
    ip.Alora
    washerwor ldnowandshedi dn'
    tknowhowl ong
    Moremii sgoingt otaketothinkaboutit
    .

    Out
    side,
    Lina'
    scarpar
    kedandshepl
    acedherhead
    ont hest eeringwheel .Shewasgoi ngt ohavet o
    pretendwhensheget st here.Samegoesf orwhen
    shevi sitshersi st er
    , shehast opr etendtolikethat
    shei smar r i
    edwi thahappyf ami l
    yandal oving
    husband.Shewant edt ogag.Whenwi lli
    tbeher
    turn?Sheaskedher selfever hdaybutshehad
    startedt ofigur eoutt hatifyouwantsomet hing,you
    gof orit.Ful lfor ceanddamnt heconsequencesor
    shoul dsher at hercol l
    ateraldamage.Shewascl ose
    toget ti
    ngwhatshewant edandshehadhopedt hat
    i
    twor kedf ast erandnowt herewasanewf act
    orto
    consi der.Gr eat !Thewi t
    chdoct ornevertoldher
    aboutt hatot herf act or.Shesi ghedandpi ckedup
    theyoghur t.Sheopenedi tandt henher
    compar tmentt ot akeoutt hepowderi nthesmal l
    plastic.Shepour editi nsideandcl osedit.Sheis
    heret otakecar eofadearf ri
    end.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    33] :REBORN

    05

    Li
    naknockedonthedoorwi
    thpl
    ast
    icsandt
    he
    househel
    popenedthedoor
    .
    "
    Hi.Wher
    eisshe?I
    sAl
    oraokay?
    "
    "Sheisint hebedroom wit
    hAlora."Thehouse
    helpersai
    dandLi nasteppedinsidethehouse.She
    l
    ookedar oundandsawt hetoysont hefl
    oor.Soon.
    Shesaidt ihersel
    fandshewal kedtothebedroom
    withtheplasti
    csinhand.Shel i
    ghtlyknockedonthe
    opendoorandshesmi ledseeingEmi l
    ywi t
    hthe
    cutestbabyshehaseverseen.
    "HiEm,howar
    eyou?"SheaskedandEmi
    lygave
    heragenui
    nesmi
    le.
    "
    Sti
    llweakbutwekeepf
    ight
    ing.
    "Li
    nanoddedand
    pl
    acedtheplast
    icsdownt ositont
    hesideofthe
    bed.Shef
    ixedEmi l
    y'
    spill
    owasshel ookedatAlor
    a
    whogaveagummygr in.Thatbabywasbeautif
    ul.
    "
    Didt
    hedoct
    orsf
    indanyt
    hing?
    "Sheasked.
    "
    Theycan'tf
    indanyt
    hingt
    obehonest
    ."Li
    nal
    etout
    afakesi
    gh.
    "I
    '
    m sosor rythatthisishappeningt
    oyou.Youhave
    alottolivefor
    ,includi
    ngthisli
    tt
    lecut
    ie."Shesai
    d
    asshet ouchedAl ora'
    scheekandEmi lygaveasad
    smile.
    "
    Iknow.I
    -Imaybei
    t'
    sfat
    e."
    "Haveyoutr
    iedthespi
    ri
    tualr
    out
    e?"Sheasked.
    Testi
    ngthewaterst
    oseeifEmil
    ymightbeontoher
    .
    "Idon'
    tbel
    ievei
    nthatbogusbecausei
    tmakes
    peoplebel
    ievei
    nthi
    ngsthatdonotexi
    stt
    obe
    honest.
    "
    "Isee."Shesai
    dandshet ookouttheyoghurtf
    rom
    theplasti
    c.Shepi
    ckedtheteaspoonfrom t
    hetabl
    e
    besidesthebedandlookedatEmily.
    "
    Ibr
    oughtyoghur
    tandf
    rui
    ts.I
    sitokay?
    "
    "Thankyousomuch. "Emil
    ysaidandLinanodded
    withasmi l
    e.Sheopenedtheyoghur
    tasEmi l
    y
    shif
    tedherattent
    iont
    oAlora.Shemixedthe
    yoghurtandshesmi l
    edatEmily.
    "ShouldIf
    eedyou?"Emi
    lygaveoutadr
    ychuckl
    e
    beforeshecoughed.
    "I
    '
    lldoitmyself
    ."Li
    namixedtheyoghur
    tandplaced
    i
    tont hetabl
    e.Shegotonherfeetandf
    ixedEmil
    y's
    pil
    lowsoshecoul dsi
    tupri
    ght.
    "
    CanIholdher?
    "Emil
    ynoddedandLinapi
    ckedup
    Al
    ora.Shel
    ookedatt
    hecutebaby.
    "HeybabyAlora.
    "Shesaidsof
    tl
    yandthebaby
    scrunchedhernosebef
    oreshestar
    tedcr
    ying.Li
    na
    tr
    iedtohushAloraasEmilyt
    ookonespoonfuland
    placedthespoonback.
    "
    Ssshit
    'sokay.
    "LinacooedbutAl
    oracr
    iedt
    il
    lshe
    wentr
    edstil
    lnotstoppi
    ng.
    "Bri
    nghe-her.
    "Linasi
    ghedasEmi l
    yopenedher
    skelet
    alli
    kearmsandsheputAlorainherar
    ms.
    Emilybithercheekasshepl
    acedherbabyonher
    l
    apandshewentsi l
    enti
    mmediatel
    y.Li
    nahumphed.
    Whywasthechi
    ldact
    ingup?Shewasgoi
    ngt
    otake
    t
    hebabyanywayonceEmil
    ydies.
    Emil
    ysmiledandkissedAlor
    a'sfor
    eheadwhile
    wipi
    nghercheeks.Alor
    atouchedhermother'
    sface
    andgiggl
    edasifshewasn'tcryi
    ngafewmi nut
    es
    ago.
    "Shedoesn'
    tli
    kebei
    ngt
    ouchedbyot
    herpeopl
    e."
    Emilysai
    d.
    "Iunder
    stand.
    "Li
    nasai
    d.Shedidn'
    tunder
    stand.
    Thechil
    dwaaact i
    ngupbutnottoworr
    y.
    "
    Iwasjustchecki
    nguponyou.Ihavet
    ogobackt
    o
    wor
    k."
    "Th-
    thankyousomuchLi
    na.I
    tmeansal
    ot.
    "Li
    na
    noddedwithasmil
    e.
    "Can'twaittoseeyouatwor kEm."Shesaidbef
    ore
    shewal kedoutandEmi lylookedatAlor
    a.Shedidn'
    t
    crylikethiswhenMor emi heldher
    .Emil
    ykissed
    Alora'sfacebefor
    eshepi ckedtheyoghurttot
    ry
    andr esumehereat i
    ng.
    *
    **

    AtSusan'shouse, sheplayedwi t
    hthekidsas
    Loratodidthelaundry.Aft
    eral
    litwasherdayof f
    eventhoughherhusbandwasnotof f
    .Herphone
    rangandshewat chedhersist
    er '
    snamef lashon
    thescreen.Itt
    ookherener gytotalkt
    oLi na
    becauseitwasei thershewast hrowi
    ngsubt l
    esubs
    atherorplainl
    ytelli
    ngherthatmendi sappoint
    .She
    pickedupthephone.
    "
    Hel
    loLi
    na.
    "
    "
    Hell
    onkgonne.Iwasj
    ustchecki
    nguponyouand
    wonder
    ingi
    fwecandolunch."
    "
    Iam spendi
    ngt
    hedaywi
    tht
    heki
    ds.
    "
    "
    Wellyoust
    aywit
    hthem everyday,
    I'
    llbookatabl
    e
    f
    orusandyoucanshowup. "Susansighed.
    "Li
    naifyouwantl
    unch,
    whydon'
    tyoucomeover
    ?
    Lorat
    ocanmakelunchandwespendt
    ime
    toget
    her.
    "
    "
    Ngng.Icanaf
    for
    dtopayf
    orl
    unchatar
    est
    aur
    ant
    Susan,Iwon'
    tsubjectmyselft
    olunchyeowhenI
    havethemoney."Susansighed.
    "AndIcan'
    thaphazar
    dlywast
    emoney.
    "Li
    nashook
    herhead.
    "I
    '
    llpayee,
    whymar
    ryamanandgivehim al
    otof
    ki
    dsifpayi
    ngf
    oramerel
    unchseemsli
    keatask?
    "
    "
    Idon'
    twantyourl
    unchi
    fet
    lakat
    shel
    eLi
    na.
    "
    "
    Sor
    ry.I
    '
    m sor
    ry.I
    '
    llsendyout
    hel
    ocat
    ion.Bye.
    "
    "Bye."Susanhungupandl ookedatRebant
    le,her
    threeyearol ddaught
    erandsmi l
    ed.Shehopedshe
    wasn' tgoingtobebull
    iedbecauseofherskin
    colour,shewasdar kbutnottoodarkli
    kehersoit
    wasbet t
    er.
    "Heyl
    it
    tl
    eReba. .
    "shesai
    dandtickl
    edRebantl
    ewho
    l
    aughedoutloud.Rebant
    le'
    syoungerbr
    other
    crawl
    edcloserandheheldRebantl
    e'
    sfootwhich
    wasabitbigforhissmal
    linf
    anthands.
    "Mooket
    siae…"hegrinnedreveal
    inghisf
    ronttoot
    h
    andshesmiled.Thei
    rolderbrot
    herBokamosowas
    busywit
    hhistoycarsintheroom allt
    hethree
    chi
    ldr
    enshar
    ed.
    "
    Mama?
    "
    "Ma?
    "Shehadst
    oppedti
    ckl
    ingRebant
    lewhowas
    nowcat
    chi
    ngherbr
    eath.
    "
    Kaol
    ata.
    "(
    Iloveyou)
    "Iloveyoutoobaby. "Shesmi ledbeforeshegotup.
    Sheshoul dgetreadyf orthelunch.Shesighed.She
    didn'twanthermot hertobeonhercaseabouthow
    shehasabandonedheryoungersi sterandbeing
    askedi fshei
    sjealoust hathersist
    erismor e
    educatedandhasahi gherpayi ngjob.

    *
    **
    Aroundluncht
    ime,Susanwalkedi
    nsidethef
    ancy
    rest
    aurantweari
    ngawhitedresst
    hatwasa
    contr
    asttoherskint
    one.Shespott
    edLinawho
    wavedherhandandshewal kedtoher.Li
    nasmil
    ed
    asSusansatdown.
    "Thatdr
    essdoesn'
    tlookt
    hatgood.
    "Susan"
    ssmi
    le
    droppedandshesi
    ghedasshesatdown.
    "
    Hel
    loLi
    na,
    howhaveyoubeen?
    "
    "
    I'
    m okay.Howar
    eyourki
    ds?
    "
    "Gr
    owingLina,
    growi
    ng.
    "Li
    nanoddedast
    hewaiter
    camewi tht
    hemenuandSusan'
    seyeswi
    denedas
    shelookedatt
    hemenu.
    "
    Ican'
    taf
    for
    dthi
    s…"
    "I
    '
    llpaySu, rel
    axandor deranythingonthemenu. "
    Susangaveherawar yl ook.Shecan'tmakeher
    si
    st erpayforthi
    s.Shetr i
    edtolookforthecheapest
    i
    tem shecanaf f
    ordbuti twaswor t
    hherweek's
    salary.Shecan'tbespendi ngsuchabizarr
    e
    amountwhenshehaski ds.
    Linawatchedhersi st
    er,itwasalwaysf unseeing
    hersquirm overpri
    cesshecan' taf
    fordandt ryi
    ngto
    l
    ookf orthecheapestthingtobuy.Susanl if
    tedher
    headandherl argeforeheadshined.Linawasgl ad
    thatthegenesthatmadeSusant hatdar kski
    pped
    her,whatdidMor emiseei nSusan?OhMor emi
    wasn'texactl
    yrichsol i
    kepolesatt
    ract.She
    guessed.
    "
    I'
    llhavewat
    er.
    "Susanf
    inal
    lysai
    dandLi
    nabur
    st
    outl
    aughi
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    33] :REBORN

    06

    Susanplacedt
    hemenudown,embarassed.Li
    na
    di
    dn'thavetoi
    nvi
    tehert
    oanexpensi
    vediner.
    "Justor
    deranyt
    hingyouwant
    .I'
    l
    lpay.
    "Li
    nasai
    d
    andSusansighed.
    "
    It
    'sal
    ot.
    "
    "
    Idon'
    tmi
    nd.Notatal
    l.
    "Susanr
    eluct
    antl
    ypicked
    t
    hemenuandshetri
    edtofi
    ndsomethingcheaper
    thanther
    est
    .ShelookedatLi
    nawhowassnappi
    ng
    herfi
    nger
    srocallt
    hewait
    ertocomet
    aket
    heir
    order
    s.Li
    natur
    nedtofaceSusan.
    "Haveyoumadeyourdeci
    sionyet
    ?"Susanshook
    herheadandLi
    naplacedt
    hemenudown.
    "I
    '
    llhaveFrenchporkr
    il
    let
    esformystarters.Su,
    pickastar
    ter.
    "Susan'
    seyesskit
    tedoverthemenu
    befor
    eshechose.Shehadneverhadmostoft he
    mealsonthismenu.
    "Cheesebroccol
    isoup."Thewait
    ert
    ooktheor der
    andlookedattheladiestomakesur
    ethatwasal l.
    Linanoddedanddi smissedhi
    m.Thewaiterwalked
    awayandSusanr ubbedherpalmsonherdr ess.
    "
    Howi
    sever
    ythi
    ng?Wor
    k?"
    "Worki
    sgood.Imi ghtgetapromot
    ionsoon.How
    l
    ongareyouintendingonbeingasecret
    ary?
    "She
    askedSusanandSusansi ghed.
    "
    Itpayswel
    l.
    "
    "Doesit
    ?Areyouconvi
    nci
    ngmeoryoursel
    fSu?"
    LinaaskedandSusancl
    osedhereyesf
    orabr
    ief
    secondbef
    oresheopenedt
    hem.
    "
    Itdoes.Icanpaymybil
    lsandwecanbuyf
    oodas
    wellaspayourhel
    per
    ."
    Li
    nachuckl
    ed.
    "You'
    reconvi
    nci
    ngyoursel
    fsweethear
    t.Whyl
    et
    yourhusbandmakeyoupregnantthi
    smuchwhen
    yourj
    ointi
    ncomeisnotevenenough?"Li
    naasked.
    "Li
    na,ourhousehol dfi
    nancesar enotyour
    business."SusansaidandLi naleanedbackand
    thoughtfull
    ylookedathersister
    .
    "Whenwast helastti
    meyouboughtyour self
    clot
    hes?Yourhairisoldandyoulooksool dSusan
    i
    t'
    snotapr ett
    ysight.
    "Susanconsciousl
    ytouched
    herhair
    .Ithadtosurvi
    veonemor eweek.
    "Anywaysyoudoyou,mar
    rypoorandst
    il
    lremaini
    n
    povert
    y."Li
    nasai
    dandshegl
    ancedatherphone.
    "
    Buti
    fyouneedanyt
    hingi
    ncl
    udi
    ngmoney,
    I'
    m her
    e
    t
    ohel
    p."
    "
    We'
    reokayandcanwedr
    opt
    hissubj
    ect
    ?"
    "
    Sur
    e."
    "Haveyout
    houghtofhavingki
    ds?"Susanasked
    andshesawLinapause,hereyeshardeni
    ngand
    thenasmil
    eonherface.
    "
    Idon'
    twantki
    ds.
    "
    "
    Oh.
    "
    "I
    '
    m buil
    tdif
    ferentSusan,Iam notthatdesperat
    eto
    haveki
    dswi t
    hj ustanyoneincl
    udingastruggli
    ng
    manwhowon' tpr ovi
    deforthekidsaseffi
    cientl
    yas
    heshould.
    "
    "
    Ok.
    "
    "Butyouhavekidssot
    hatshoul
    dbeenoughthatI
    havenephewsandaniece.Whydoyouneverlet
    them vi
    sitme?
    "
    "Yourbusyscheduleshouldn'
    tbei
    nterruptedby
    kids,
    it'
    sokay."Susansai
    d.Tenminutesl ater
    ,thei
    r
    mealscameandSusanl ookedatt
    hef oodwhi le
    Linasmiled.
    "Goaheadandeat,Ihavetr
    iedthatsoupbef
    ore.I
    didn'
    tli
    kei
    tbutyoumi ghtl
    ikei
    t.
    "
    "
    Osur
    e?"
    "Everyonehasdif
    ferenttast
    ebuds.Youwon'tknow
    unlessyoutryi
    t.NjaSusan."Susanpickedaspoon
    andi twasthewrongone.Linashookherhead.
    HowwasSusangoi ngt oeatherot
    hermealswhen
    sheusedt hewrongspoon?

    *
    **

    AtEmil
    y'
    shouse,Emil
    ysmil
    edasshesawMor emi
    walki
    nsi
    deherroom.Shehadgot
    tenweaker
    .She
    l
    ookedathi
    m.
    "
    Hi.
    "
    "
    Hi.I
    '
    llt
    akeher
    ."Emi
    ly'
    seyesl
    itup.
    "
    Youwi
    ll
    ?"Mor
    emisi
    ghed.
    "Ican'ti
    gnoremyownbl oodr egardl
    essofhowshe
    wasconcei ved.
    "Emily'
    seyesf i
    ll
    edwithtearsas
    shel ookedatAl
    ora.ShekissedAl or
    a'scheekand
    foreheadthenherhead.
    "
    Thankyou.
    "Shecoughedbef
    oreshel
    ookedathi
    m.
    "
    I'
    llhaveherbagspacked.Al
    lofherst
    uff
    ."Shesai
    d.
    "Iwantt
    otakeherri
    ghtnow.
    "Emily'
    ssmil
    efaded.
    Shewantedtosaynobutsheisgett
    ingweakerby
    theday,
    itwasbett
    erAlor
    aadjust
    stoanew
    envi
    ronmentri
    ght
    ?
    "
    Sosoon?
    "
    "
    Ijustwant
    edt
    ogetever
    ythi
    ngoveranddonewi
    th.
    "
    "
    Okay.
    "Shet
    ouchedAl
    ora'
    scheeks.
    "I
    '
    llaskmyNel lytopackherst
    uff.
    "Moreminodded
    andhewal kedcloserasEmil
    ycoughedbeforeshe
    call
    edNelly.Nell
    y,t
    hehousehelpwalkedi
    nand
    sawAl or
    a'sfat
    her.Shewil
    lupdateLi
    nalat
    ertoni
    ght.
    "CanyoupackAlor
    a'sst
    uff
    ?"Nel
    lyf
    rownedbut
    quickl
    ypl
    aster
    edasmi l
    e.
    "
    Ofcour
    se."ShewalkedoutandEmi
    lyki
    ssedAl
    ora.
    Whi
    sper
    ingstuf
    finherear.
    "Uhm canyougett hatsuitcaseforme? "Sheasked.
    Hersuddensi cknesshadmadeherpr epar
    eforher
    daughter
    'sfuture.Shestartedcoughingallover
    agai
    nandi ttookaf ewmi nutestil
    lshewasokay.
    Hereyeswer
    etear
    yandshet
    ouchedhert
    hroat
    .
    Moremiputt
    hesui
    tcasedownandEmi
    lygavea
    weaksmil
    e.
    "
    Gowi
    thi
    t.I
    t-
    "sher
    ubbedherchest
    .
    "Hassomeofherst uff
    ,documentsf orstuff.My
    othercopiesareatthelawyer'sof
    fice.
    "Mor emi
    l
    ookedatEmi l
    y.Shehadr eall
    ypreparedf orher
    death,heknewhewasn' tr
    ichbutthef actthatEmi l
    y
    hadmat erialt
    hingsandhehadbeenl ookingf ora
    quickf*ck.Nowondershecal l
    edhim whileshewas
    onherdeat hbed.Shedidn'tneedhimi nraisingthei
    r
    daughter.
    "
    I'
    m sor
    ry.
    "ShesaidagaintoMoremibef
    oreshe
    l
    ookedatherchi
    ld.Shewil
    lmissher
    .Dearl
    y.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    33] :REBORN

    07

    Mor emipar kedhiscaroutsidehissist


    er'
    syar dand
    walkedt othebackt oopent hedoor.Alorahadbeen
    peacefulonherwayher eandhewaswonder i
    ngi fit
    wasbecauseshecoul dsenseorwhatbecause
    Susanhadoncesai dbabiessenseemot ionssohe
    guessedi twast rueforAl
    ora.Heunbuckl edher
    babyseat .Thef actt
    hatEmi l
    yhadwental loutfor
    thi
    sbabyandboughthert hingsthatevenhe
    couldn'
    taf f
    or dforhi
    schil
    drenandshet houghti t
    woul dbeagoodi deatousehi ssperms.Hesi ghed
    andhel dthef i
    vemont holdinhisarmsandwal ked
    tothedoor .Heknockedont hedoorandTshol ofelo
    opened.Shegaspedseei ngt hechi
    ld.Shel ooked
    backatMor emi.
    "I
    sthisher?
    "MoreminoddedandTshol
    ofel
    olooked
    attheli
    ghtski
    nnedbaby.Shet
    ouchedhercheek
    andlookedatt
    hebandonherhai
    r.Shewasso
    pret
    ty.
    "Ngwanaomont lej
    ang."(sheissuchabeaut y)
    Tsholosai
    dasshesmi l
    edatt hebaby.Somet hing
    stuckinMoremi'
    sthroat.Hissisterneverhadt hat
    react
    ionwhenhesawhi sdaught erRebantle.She
    hadsaidsheisabeaut i
    fulbabybuti thadlacked
    thismuchenthusi
    asm.Hel i
    ckedhi sli
    psasshe
    openedthedoorwiderandhest eppedinside.
    "
    I'
    llt
    ellSusan.
    "Tsholonoddedandfocusedon
    Al
    orawhowascur i
    ouslyl
    ookingather
    .
    "Whodidyousayhermotherwas?Ogodi
    ret
    se
    ngwanaomont l
    ejangMoremi.
    "
    "
    Thanks.
    "
    "Letmehelpyouwithher.
    "Hegavehert
    hebaby
    andhewalkedbackt ot
    hecartogetAl
    ora'
    smany
    babybags.Tshol
    ofel
    osatonthecouchandshe
    l
    ookedatAlora.
    "Mmal ekgoabatho!"Shesmil
    edandt ouchedher
    chubbycheeks.IttookMoremi t
    enmi nut
    estoplace
    ever
    ythingAlor
    aownsi nhi
    ssister
    'sbedroom.He
    tookthesui
    tcaseEmi l
    ygavehim andputitt
    here.I
    t
    hadacodeandhewasn' tsur
    eifheshouldgivehis
    sist
    erthecode.Tsholof
    elost
    oodbyt hedoorand
    l
    ookedatthesuitcase.
    "
    Whosesui
    tcasei
    sthat
    ?"
    "
    Alor
    a's.
    "
    "I
    tlooksl
    iket
    hoseonesfrom f
    il
    mswhi
    chpeopl
    e
    putnumberstoopenthem."
    "
    Itis."Tshol
    ofel
    onodded.Hesai
    dandhel
    ookedat
    Alora.
    "I
    '
    llbudgetandgiveyouP500orP600amont h.
    "
    Tsholof
    elonodded.I ttookmor etorai
    seababybut
    hehadbr oughtAlora'sstuf
    ffrom theunopened
    milkti
    nstotheunopeneddi apersandthecarseat
    .
    Shewi l
    lhavetosleepwi ththebabyonherbedbut
    i
    twasasmal lpr
    icet opay.
    "Youknowwhati tent
    ailstorai
    seachi
    ldbutfor
    nowi t'
    sokay.
    "Moremi nodded.Emi
    lyhadextr
    aof
    everythi
    ng,hecoul
    dtel
    lAlorawasherworldyeti
    n
    his,
    shewasmor eofaweapont odest
    royhis
    marriage.
    Heslidhishandsinhisfor
    malpantsandnodded.
    Hecanwor khardforthatpr
    omotionandmaybe
    j
    ustmaybemakeenoughmoneyf orhi
    sfamil
    yto
    moveoutoft hathouseandthenbri
    ngupAlora'
    s
    exi
    stence.
    "Ihavetogobackt owor k.Thankyousomuch
    Tsholo."Tshol
    onoddedandMor emif
    lashedasmi l
    e
    atAlorabeforehewalkedout .Tshol
    ofel
    ol ookedat
    Alora.Shepracti
    cedwhatshewasgoi ngtosay, she
    hadadopt edherfri
    end'sbaby.Thatwast hestory.
    Noonewast hisli
    ghtinthefamilysoitwasgoi ngto
    beeasy.
    "HiAl
    ora,shoul
    dIcallyouRora?Omont l
    egore
    nnana.Wenawagor et senyastr
    esskabontl
    ejwa
    gago.
    "(You'
    resobeautif
    ulbaby.You'
    regoi
    ngto
    str
    essuswi t
    hyourbeaut y.
    )Shehear
    dtheengine
    andsmi l
    ed.
    "I
    '
    m auntTsholo,I'
    l
    lstaywit
    hyouwhi l
    eyourf at
    her
    sort
    southisissuesandhopefull
    yyou'meetyour
    stepmotherandsibli
    ngs.Yourstepmotherisanice
    woman."Tsholofel
    osaid.Al
    orastart
    edcr yi
    ngand
    shehel
    dherwhi lepatti
    ngherback.
    "Ther
    e,ther
    e.Doyouneedanappychange?Orf
    ood?
    Let'
    stryadiaperchangef
    ir
    st.
    "

    *
    **

    Att
    hefi
    nedi ni
    ngr est
    aurant
    , t
    hebi l
    lcameandLina
    l
    ookedatthetotalbef
    oreshel ookedathersist
    er
    whowasuneasy.Shecoul dt el
    lfrom thewayshe
    l
    ookedaroundthenshesmi ledlookingather.
    "Su,r
    elax.Isai
    dI'
    l
    lpay.
    "Shelookedatt
    hewai
    tert
    o
    bri
    ngtheswi pi
    ngmachinesoshecanpayof
    fthei
    r
    meals.
    "
    Whati
    sthet
    otal
    ?"
    Li
    nal
    ookedatt
    hebi
    llagai
    n.
    "1.
    5Susan.Relax,i
    t'snothi
    ng."Susan'
    seyes
    popped.Thatwasal ottobewast edonfoodf ora
    day.Wit
    hthemoneyshecoul dfil
    lhertankforthe
    month,payLorat
    of orherservi
    cesandmaybebuy
    i
    cecream f
    orthekidstoshare.Itwouldbeenough
    foratl
    eastsomeoft hei
    rcosts.Thewai t
    ercame
    andLinaswi pedhercarbeforeshepressedher
    cardpin.Thetransact
    ionwentthroughandshe
    shooedt hewaiteraway.Susanlookedatthet
    ime.
    "
    Ithi
    nkIhavetogo."Li
    nast
    oodonherf
    eetand
    wenttohughersi
    ster.
    "Okay.We'
    l
    ltal
    kandIl
    ovedspendi
    ngt
    imewi
    th
    you."
    "
    Met
    oo.
    "
    "Motherwoul
    dbepr
    oudwear
    eget
    ti
    ngal
    ong.
    "Li
    na
    sai
    dandSusanchuckl
    ed.
    "Wehavebeenget
    tingal
    ongmmekana.
    "Shesai
    d
    andLi
    nachortl
    ed.
    "True.Letmenotkeepyouhere.
    "Shebrokethehug
    andSusansmi l
    edbef
    oreshewalkedout,
    thegui
    lt
    ont heamountofmoneyspenttodayeati
    ngherup.
    Shewascomi ngupwithwaysonhowt opayher
    sisterback,
    maybepayherhalfofthemoney.
    Li
    nawat chedhersi
    sterwalkoutbefor
    eshel
    eaned
    back.Whywasshej ealousofasist
    erwhowas
    str
    uggli
    ngwithherhusband?Theyhadkidsandshe
    wasenvi ousoft hat.Shesi ghed.Shewasl yingt o
    herself,shewant edahusbandt ooandki dsbutshe
    couldn'thaveki ds.Sher eallycouldn'tandt hemen
    alwaysl eftaf teraweek.Sayi ngshewast oo
    possessi veandcr azyf orthem.Shesi ghed.Atl east
    i
    fEmi lycoul dleaveAl oraandshewi llhaveami ni
    l
    itt
    lebestf riend.Thatwast hepur poseofal lher
    effor
    ts.Shedi dn'twantEmi l
    y'
    smoney.Justt he
    beautifulli
    ttlebabygi rlwhocaughtherat tent ion
    whenshewasamont hol dandEmi l
    yt oldhershe
    couldvi sit
    .Shesmi led.Shehadal readypl aced
    ordersonbabyst uff,theadopt ionpr ocesswast oo
    l
    ongf orherl ikingandshewasabusywomani t
    wasnotgoi ngt obegr antedbutachi l
    dwhom she
    i
    smadeal egalguar dianofwaseasi er.Shehad
    thoughtaboutt hi sforweeksbef oreshewentahead
    withit.Besi desEmi lyhadnoot herfami lyt ot he
    pointofsayi ngshewasr eall
    yimpor tant .She
    smi l
    ed.Shewasgoi ngt obeamommy.

    *
    **
    AtMor emi '
    soffi
    ce,het ookoutapenandpaperand
    j
    ustf orr efer
    encehewr otedownhi sproper ty.The
    l
    itt
    leheownedanddi videdi tamonghi sfour
    chil
    drenandwi f
    e.Hedi dn'thavemucht obegi n
    with.Hest oppedwr it
    ing.Itwasusel ess.Heputt hat
    roughdr afti
    nbet weenadi aryheusedf orhi s
    schedul e.Ahouseandacarpl usasmal lmor aka
    wasn' tal otofproperty.Hest ruggledforthoseand
    i
    twasn' tmuch.Hel ookedathi sringagai n.The
    goldbandhewor eeverydayt oshowhewasa
    mar r
    iedmanyethehadachi l
    dout si
    demar riage.
    Hecl osedhi seyesandl eanedback.Hewi lltell
    Susan.Hewi l
    l.Hetoldhi msel f
    .

    *
    **

    AtEmi l
    y'shouse,shecoughedmor ethanusual,
    coughingoutbloodwhi chhasn'thappenedin
    weeks.Nel l
    ywasbyhersi dewithwat erand
    painki
    ll
    ers.Emil
    y'
    seyeswat ered.Shedi dn'
    twantto
    fi
    ght.Alorawassaf eandshedidn'twantt ofi
    ght
    .
    "N-
    Nellym-mybag.
    "Shesai
    dandNel
    lyr
    ushedt
    o
    getherbag.
    "Op-openi t.
    "Anothercoughingfi
    thitherandshe
    want edtocr yinpain.Nel
    lydidso,herbossseemed
    worseaf terLinalef
    t.Nell
    yhadonej obandthatwas
    reporti
    ngt oLinaaboutMsEmi l
    y'
    sst at
    eofhealt
    h
    andAl ora'swellbei
    ng.Thatwasit.
    "
    Money.Take….
    "Anot
    hercough.
    "
    Takemoney."Emi
    lytookoutt
    hepurseandshe
    f
    oundalotofP200notesi
    nthere.
    "Wh-
    whenIdie…"shecoughedagai
    n.I
    tseemedso
    pai
    nfulandNel
    ly'
    seyesfi
    ll
    edwit
    htear
    s.
    "
    You'
    renotdyi
    ng.
    "
    "
    Iam Emi
    ly.Cr
    emat
    eme.
    .t
    ell
    …"
    "Tel
    lthem Iwantt
    obecr
    emat
    ed.
    "Emi
    lyshookher
    head.
    "
    Alor
    a.MswhataboutAl
    ora?
    "
    "She'
    sokay."Emi
    lystoppedt
    alki
    ngasshecoughed
    andlookeddown.Herheadhurtandachedsobad.
    Itwasactuall
    yworsethanonotherdays.
    "Than-
    thankyouforbei
    ngwi
    thmeonmyl astdays.
    "
    Shesaidandshef or
    cedasmil
    e.Nel
    lywi
    pedher
    tear
    sandwal kedtot
    hebedtohugEmil
    y.
    "
    You'
    l
    lbeokay.Justhavehope.
    "Emi
    lyj
    ustnodded.
    "
    Sleep…"
    "Ofcourse.
    "Nell
    yfixedthebedandshehelped
    Emilylayherheaddown.Emi l
    yknewthatshetol
    d
    Moremiwhatt her
    ei st
    oknowaboutAloraand
    Alor
    a'sinher
    it
    ance.
    "Th-
    thankyou.
    "Emilysai
    dandNel l
    ynodded.She
    gotupandwalkedout.Emil
    yclosedhereyes,her
    chestgoi
    ngupanddown.Shewant edpeace.Just
    peace.Shesai
    dagainandagaintil
    lshecouldn'
    t
    hearherownthoughtsandshewentstil
    l.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    SI
    XMONTHSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    33] :REBORN

    08

    Susan'
    seyesf i
    ll
    edwit
    htear
    sasshelookedatthe
    l
    ett
    eront heboardr
    oom t
    abl
    e.Herbossgavehera
    sympatheti
    clook.
    "Wehavenochoi ceMrsMor emi,t
    hecompanyhas
    beenoperati
    ngatalossandwehavet oletsome
    employeesgo."Shebi
    therlowerlipandnodded.
    Whatwasshegoi ngtodowi ththr
    eekids?Three
    ki
    ds?Shewasn' tal
    oneyes,shehadherhusband
    butt
    hent heywouldhavetoletLorat
    ogoaswel l
    .
    "Wehaver ecommendedyout
    oothercompani
    es
    sinceyourworket
    hici
    ssomethi
    ngtobeproudof
    ."
    "Iunder
    stand."Shesai
    d.Shetookadeepbreat
    h
    andshepi ckedthet
    erminat
    ionl
    ett
    er.Shest
    oodup
    andranheldittight
    lyinhersweat
    ypalms,not
    al
    lowingherselftobreakdownatwork.Sot
    oday
    mighthaswel lbeenherveryl
    astday.
    "You'
    llgetyourpayf
    orthedaysyouwor ked.Thati
    s
    allt
    hecompanycanaf f
    ord."Shenodded.Sheknew
    whatshehadbeenget t
    ingintoworki
    ngforasmal l
    company.Suchwasboundt ohappen.
    "Il
    ovedwor kingi
    nyourcompanyandt hankyouf or
    hir
    ingme. "Thebossnodded.Knowi nghehadt en
    mor eempl oyeestodotheverysamet hingto.
    Knowinghewast aki
    ngthei
    rsourceofincome.He
    rel
    easedasi ghasSusanwalkedoutandhehadhi s
    PAcal lt
    henextempl oyeewhowast ermi nat
    ed.

    Susanfor
    cedhersel
    ftowor ktotheof
    fi
    ceshe
    sharedwi
    thfourot
    herladies.Ti
    metopackher
    thi
    ngsandgo.Shedidn'tevenneedabigbox.

    *
    **
    AtMor emi'soff
    ice,hisphonest art
    edr
    ingi
    ngandhe
    sawTshol ofel
    o'snamef lash.Hewantedtoignor
    e
    hercall
    ,shewasgoi ngtosayt hesamethingshe
    al
    waysdai dwhenevershecal l
    ed.Hetookadeeo
    breat
    hbef orehepickedt hecall.
    "
    Hel
    lo?
    "
    "Mor emi
    ,haveyoutoldSueyet?Roraisal
    mosta
    yearoldandyouhaven'ttoldyourwi
    feabouther.
    Whatar eyourint
    ent
    ions?Ifyoudon'
    ttel
    lSuI'
    lltel
    l
    her.Youcan'tkeepawhol ehumanchil
    dasecr et
    andnnayaanongsephi risagagosankimelarra.
    "
    Mor emiswall
    owed.
    "
    I'
    llt
    -"
    "Ifyoudon'
    ttel
    lherIwil
    l.Yoycheatedandyouhave
    toownupt oyourmi st
    akes.IknowSumetAl or
    a
    thinki
    ngsheisminebutownupt othetr
    uth,you'
    re
    oldandyouhavet odealwiththeconsequencesof
    youracti
    ons."Moremirubbedhisface.
    "
    I'
    llt
    ellher
    .Today.
    "
    "
    Please,t
    hischi
    ldneedsafamilyandIam nother
    mother,
    sheismyni ecebutsheisaboutt
    ospeak
    andver ysoonshe'
    llst
    artcalli
    ngmemama.You
    rar
    elyvisi
    tyourownchi l
    d.Justsendmoneyand
    youthinkit'
    senough,shealsodeservesthel
    ove
    yougiveyourotherchil
    dren."Moremirubbedhi
    s
    chi
    n.
    "
    Ihearyou.
    "
    "Good.Bye. "Tsholofelohungupandhel eaned
    back.Hel oosenedhi sti
    e,hisbodugett
    inghotal l
    over.Het r
    iedt otellhimselfi
    twil
    lbeokaybuthe
    wasaboutt obreakSusan.Heswal lowed.Het ook
    hisphoneanddi aledSusan' snumber.Thephone
    star
    tedr i
    ngingandwi pedhi sfor
    ehead,hisheart
    beatingfastashewai t
    edforhertoanswer .She
    answer edaf t
    eraf ewseconds.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    ."
    "
    Himylove.Iwantedustotal
    kaboutsomet
    hing
    t
    oni
    ghtathome."Therewassil
    ence.
    "Iagree.Wedoneedt otal
    k."Sher
    epl
    iedandhi
    s
    heartrateskyrocket
    ed.Di
    dsheknow?Did
    Tsholofelotel
    lher?Whywassheagreei
    ngsoeasi
    ly.
    "
    Toni
    ghtathomet
    hen.Byebyel
    ove.
    "Susansai
    d
    andhungup.

    Moremirubbedhisheadast
    hecal
    lcut
    .He
    unbut
    tonedthefi
    rstt
    wobutt
    onsofhi
    sshi
    rt
    .

    *
    **

    Li
    naclosedthelaptop.Howdi dthishappen?Al
    lof
    asuddenEmi l
    ygaveAl oraherfatherandshedi
    ed?
    Herpl
    ansbackf i
    red.Badlyfort
    hatmat ter
    .Whowas
    Al
    ora'
    sfather?Shedidn'tevenknow.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    33] :REBORN
    09

    Mor emiwatchedtimemoveasswi ft
    lyasthewind.
    Whywast i
    mer ushing,hehaddel ayedthisandhe
    closedhi
    seyes, i
    magi ninghiswifecryi
    ng.Hehurt
    herandhadpr oof.Howcr uelwashe?Hi sphone
    rang,pul
    li
    nghim awayf rom hi
    sthoughts.He
    answeredhismot her'
    scal l.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    ."
    "Mor emi,
    youdi dn'
    tsendmoneydi kgwedit
    se
    dingwe."Mor emisighed.Hishandswer eti
    ed.He
    hadf ourkids,hecouldn'taf
    for
    dt otakecar
    eofhi s
    mot herandhi stwosistersandtheirki
    dswholived
    onhi smoney.
    "
    Iwasusi
    ngi
    t.
    "
    "
    Thatyouforgotaboutyourmot
    herandsi
    bli
    ngs.I
    s
    i
    tthatbur
    ntcharcoalr
    efusi
    ngwit
    hyourmoney?"
    "Mamakekopal ebui
    semosadiwamesentle.And
    noit
    'snother
    ,Ihavemyownprior
    it
    ies.I
    fyouare
    goi
    ngtoinsultmywi f
    eyoushoul
    dn'
    tcal
    lme,
    I'
    ve
    haditwi
    thyourinsult
    sbecausemywif
    ehasdone
    not
    hingbutrespectyou.Bye.
    "
    Hecutt helinebeforehismot hercoukdr espond.He
    didn'tneedanymor estressaddi ngontot hestr
    ess
    hehad.Her ubbedhistempl es.Hecheckedt hetime
    agai nandleanedback,hishear ttel
    li
    nghimt onot
    tellSusan.Hedidn'twanttohur thiswife.Tears
    fil
    ledhiseyesandher ubbedt hem aspainchoked
    him.Whathadhebeent hinking?Hedi dn'
    tknowt o
    behonest .

    *
    **

    Susansatonherbedathome.Shewaswai ti
    ngf or
    herhusbandt ot
    ellherwhathewant edthem t ot
    alk
    aboutbeforeshedropsthebombshel labouther
    suddenterminat
    ionatwor k.Sherubbedhert ear
    s,
    shedidn'twantt
    obr eakdown, herkidsmi ghtwalk
    i
    nandBokamosomi ghtwalkin.Hewasaboutt o
    star
    tstandardonesoon.Thi swast hewor sttimeto
    beunemployed.Shoul
    dsheaskLi nat
    ohel pher
    l
    ookforajob?Linaknewpeople.Shepickedher
    phoneandmovedf rom t
    hebedtositonthefloor
    agai
    nstthebedsti
    lli
    nherfor
    malwear .
    Thephoner
    angandshewai
    tedf
    orLi
    nat
    oanswer
    .
    "
    Hel
    loLi
    na?
    "Shesai
    datt
    heot
    herendoft
    hel
    ine.
    "Hisi
    s.Howar
    eyou?
    "Ther
    ewassi
    lenceonSusan'
    s
    end.
    "
    Notsogood.Ineverdot
    hisandIhopeIwon'
    tbe
    i
    nconveni
    enci
    ngyou."
    "Youcanneveri
    nconveni
    encemeSu. "Susan
    swall
    owedherpri
    de,Moremi'si
    ncomealonewon'
    t
    beabletomaint
    aint
    heirhousehol
    d.
    "I
    -Il
    ostmyjobtodayandIam looki
    ngf
    or
    employment.
    "Therewassi
    lence.
    "Okay.I
    'l
    lseewhatt
    odo.SendyourCVand
    everyt
    hing.
    "
    "
    Justl
    iket
    hat
    ?"Susanasked.
    "Yes.Ithi
    nkbytheendoft heweekyouwillhave
    somet hi
    ng."Rel
    iefwashedoverSusan'
    sfeatur
    es
    befor
    eshewasgui l
    tri
    dden.Butt
    hentherewere
    peoplewhoweregoingtoapplyf
    orthejobandthey
    wouldn'
    tgeti
    tbecauseshehadbeenfavoured.
    "
    It
    'sokayi
    fyoucan'
    t
    ."
    "Su,I
    '
    llf
    indsomet
    hingforyou.WenasendyourCV
    helaotl
    abonadil
    odiit
    obetsa."
    (You'
    l
    lseet
    hings
    worki
    ngout.)
    Susanbi therl
    owerli
    p,ther
    ewasnoneedtostress
    Mor eminow.Sheshouldwai tonLi
    nat
    ogiveher
    feedbackbeforeshebreaksthenewst
    hatshehad
    beenr et
    renched.
    "
    SuIhavet
    ogo.Mamawal
    etsa.
    "(
    mom i
    scal
    li
    ng)
    "Bye.
    "Susanhungupandbi therl
    owerli
    p.Wher
    e
    wasMor emi?Sher ubbedherchestandsmil
    ed.
    Linawasserious?

    *
    **

    Li
    naanswer
    edhermother
    'scal
    lassheoepnedher
    l
    aptopt
    oseewhatpost
    swereavail
    abl
    einthe
    companyshewor
    kedi
    n.
    "
    Hel
    loKat
    ali
    na…"Li
    nar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "Mom Li
    naisf
    ine,
    Isentmoneyyest
    erdayf
    oral
    l
    yourbi
    ll
    s."
    "Iam notcal
    li
    ngaboutmoneyKat
    ali
    na,
    youar
    e
    gett
    ingold.
    "Linachor
    tl
    ed.
    "
    Nott
    hismar
    ri
    aget
    alkagai
    n.AndIam notol
    d."
    "You'
    llbel
    onel
    yandbi
    tt
    er,youragemateshave
    stabl
    ehomesandfamil
    ies.Lookatyoursi
    ster
    ."
    "
    Ngng.Iwoul
    drat
    herremainsi
    ngl
    eandalonethan
    mar
    ryamanwhocan'tprovi
    deandisdi
    rtpoor
    ."
    "
    Youal
    sost
    art
    edf
    rom t
    hebot
    tom.
    "
    Li
    nashr
    ugged.
    "AndIworkedhar d,
    Mor emidependedonSuat
    somepoint.LehaSuesemot howasepe,Moremi
    enekemowahel aandSual l
    owshisequal
    lypoor
    famil
    ytomi st
    reather.Lovegayannasentl
    e."
    "
    Kat
    ali
    na,
    youar
    ebei
    ngbi
    tt
    er.
    "Li
    nasi
    ghed.
    "
    Canwedr
    opt
    hismar
    ri
    aget
    alkandchi
    ldr
    ent
    alk?
    "
    "
    ButyouknowIhaveapoi
    nt.Yourcousi
    nisget
    ti
    ng
    mar
    riedan-
    "
    "
    I'
    llbebusyont
    heday.
    "
    "
    Kat
    ali
    na!
    "
    "
    Iam abusywoman.Ot
    herf
    ami
    lymember
    sar
    e
    t
    her
    e."
    "Okay.ByeKatali
    na.
    "ThecallcutandLi
    nasi
    ghed
    asshel eanedbackonherchair.

    *
    **

    Mor emi,whohadf inall


    ygai nedsomel iquid
    couraget ogohomeandf acet hemusi c,stoodup
    fr
    om hi schair.Hegothiswor kbagandhi sphone.
    Susanmustbecooki ngri
    ghtnowi nt hatwhi te
    apronhegi ftedher.Hishear tbroke.Hewal kedout
    oftheof f
    ice.Inminuteshewasatt hepar ki
    ngl ot
    ,
    hismindcomi ngupwi thvar i
    ousscenar i
    ost hat
    werelikelytotakeplaceaf t
    erhi sunti
    mel y
    confession.Hedidn'thaveagoodf eeli
    ngabout
    t
    odayorwasi
    ttheanxi
    etyt
    alki
    ng?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    10

    Moremidr oveatasl owpaceashi sthoughtstook


    over.Hewassoscar edaboutSusan'sreactionas
    hedr ovet hrought heheavyGabor onetraf
    fi
    c.Inhis
    case, hismi ndwander edoffforthemill
    ionthtime
    eversi ncehesai dhewi l
    ltalktoSusan.Whati f
    Tsholof eloalreadygottoSusanandshewas
    waiti
    ngf orhim soshecoul ddivorcehim?That
    fi
    ll
    edhi m withsomuchdr eadandhehadt of i
    ght
    histhought s.Susanl ovedhi m,shewoul dnever
    divorcehim.Notbyal ongshot .Yesshewasgoi ng
    tobeangr ybutadi vorcewast oodr ast
    ic.The
    traff
    icli
    ght swentgr eenandsi ncehewassl ow,
    carshoot edandhepani cked.I
    nsteadoft aki
    ngthe
    curve,hedr ovestraigjtaheadandcol li
    dedwi than
    oncomi ngcar .Hislastthought swereofSusanas
    hisbodymovedf orwar dashecol li
    dedwi ththe
    brokenglassandhi tthest eeri
    ngwheelwi thsheer
    forcethenbackwar dandhi sbodyshotoutof
    brokenwi ndow.

    Ont heroadcar sstoppedmovi ng.Thi shappened


    sofastandt heydi dn'texpectitashi sbodylanded
    onthesi deofther oad.Theyhear dthebonesbr eak
    andsomehel dtheirhear t
    s.Justliket hat
    ,
    Gaborone' sl
    ateafternoont r
    afficturnedintoa
    tr
    agedy.Theywer en'tevensur eifhewasal i
    veor
    notbecauset hewayhi scarspi thim outwast oo
    vi
    olent.Somedi aledt hepolicewhi l
    esomedi al
    ed
    paramedi cs.
    *
    **

    Li
    nal ookedatherl apt
    opandopenedSusan' sCV.I t
    wasgood.Wel lshecan'texactlycompl ainsincr
    Susanknowi ngthatpeoplewentf orcour seslike
    Account ing,
    Medi ci
    neandEngi neer i
    ngi nt he
    country,shewentf orasil
    lylit
    tl
    ecour selike
    Journalism.Itwasar el
    evant l
    ynewcour seandt he
    countryhadf ewnewspaper sbutstill
    , i
    twassi l
    ly.
    Shesi ghedandpi ckedupt helandline.Shedi aleda
    numberandi trangforafewmi nutesbef or eitwas
    answer ed.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    "
    "
    Hi,IsawyouropeningforanewPA.Ihavea
    r
    ecommendation.Justarecommendat
    ion.
    "
    "Okay.Sendt
    heper
    son'
    sCVandI
    '
    llgetbackt
    o
    you."
    "Thankyou.
    "Shesentt
    heCVandcl
    osedherl
    apt
    op.
    Sheleanedbackandsi
    ghed.
    "
    Thet
    hingsIdof
    oryouSu.
    "
    *
    **

    Athome, Susancheckedt heti


    me.Ther ewasst i
    ll
    nosignofMor emi.Shegnawedonherbot tom l
    ip
    asshesatont hebed.Thatsamebadf eel
    ingshe
    hadwhent hedayst ar
    tedwasbackagai nandshe
    wantedt oignoreitbecausealreadysomet hingbad
    happened.Shel ostherjobtoday, whatmor ecango
    wronginherl i
    fe?Hei sprobablywor ki
    nglateand
    theywillt
    alkinbedwhenhear r i
    ves.Shestoodon
    herfeetandwal kedoutt ocheckonherki ds.

    Twohour selapsedandshewasnowdi alinghis


    phonebutitwasn' tgoi
    ngt hrough.Shesatont he
    couchandsentamessage.Shewor ri
    edal ot,
    especial
    lyaboutthepeopl eshecaresabout .She
    l
    eanedbackont hecouchwhenshehear dacar
    outsi
    de.Shewal kedtothewi ndowandi nsteadshe
    sawt wopoliceoffi
    cersinsideapolocevan.What '
    s
    goingon?
    Sheopenedt hedoorjustast hemenst eppedoutof
    thecarandopenedt herust ygate.Thepol i
    ce
    offi
    cerssawherstandingt her ei
    nabl ackdress,the
    shorteronenudgedatthet allerone.Shewasl ikea
    Nubianbeautyorsomet hing, herdarkskinlooked
    kindofexoti
    c.Theyclearedt heirt
    hroats.
    "
    MrsMor
    emi
    ?"
    "
    Yes.
    ."
    Theyl
    ookedateachot
    herbef
    oret
    het
    allonegot
    cl
    ose.
    "It
    hinkyoumightwanttosi
    tdownforthi
    sMr s
    Moremi."Theai
    raroundhershi
    ft
    edandshenodded
    assheopenedthedoorwidertol
    etthem i
    nside.
    Sheclosedthedoorassoonastheywereinside.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    11

    Insi
    det hehouse, Lorat
    olookedattheunifor
    med
    menbef oreSusangaveheraqui etlooktoexcuse
    them.Lor atogreetedbefor
    eshewentt ohersmall
    bedroom insidethehouse.Susanpl acedherhands
    thatonlyhadagol dbandonherr i
    ngf i
    ngerasshe
    facedthepol iceoffi
    cer
    s.Shewashopi ngitwas
    nothingser i
    ousbutshewasnotGodsoshe
    couldn'
    tknow.
    "MrsMoremi,wehatetobebearersofbadnews…"
    Theshort
    erpoli
    cemanpausedasSusant apped
    herthi
    ghwithherf
    inger.Badnews?Whatcoul dbe
    badenoughtomaket hisdayworse?Shelookedat
    herhandsbefor
    eshef orcedher
    sel
    ftolookatthe
    pol
    iceoff
    icer
    s.
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    "
    "Today,thisl
    ateaft
    ernoonanacci denttookplace."
    Nowt hatsentwarningbellstoSusan'smi nd.An
    accident?Today?Lateafternoon?Hereyesf l
    eeted
    tothewal lcl
    ockasshehel dbackt ears.Shelooked
    atthepol i
    cemenandshecoul dseet hepityi
    nt hei
    r
    eyes.Whywer et
    heypityi
    ngher ?Why?Shedi dn't
    needt hei
    rpit
    y.Maybet heaccidentwasnot hing.
    "
    MrMor
    emigoti
    ntoanacci
    dent
    ."
    Susant
    ouchedherhear
    tassheopenedhermout
    h
    butnowor
    dscameout .
    "Hewasal i
    veandjustbl
    eedingprofusel
    ywhent
    he
    paramedicsar
    ri
    ved.Unfort
    unatel
    yhedi edt
    went
    y
    minutesaft
    erarr
    ivi
    nginthehospital
    ."
    "Bommaaaaaweeeee! "Shescreamedastears
    quicklyfi
    ll
    edhereyesandroll
    eddownhercheeks.
    Shef ellt
    oherkneesinagony.Theywerel
    ying.She
    spoket oherhusbandaroundlunchti
    meandhehad
    saidhewasonhi sway.Theywerelyi
    ngtoher.
    Thet
    wopol
    iceof
    fi
    cer
    slookedatoneanot
    herast
    he
    l
    adywhol
    eftt
    hem af
    ewmi nut
    esagocameintot
    he
    smal
    lsi
    tt
    ingr
    oom andf
    oundMr
    sMor
    emiont
    he
    fl
    oor
    .
    Loratobentdownandshet ouchedherboss'
    s
    shoulderasshecri
    edoutloudtothepointoft
    he
    twoolderkidscomingouttoseewhatwaswr ong.
    Loratoshooedthem awayandlookedatthepol
    ice
    off
    icers.
    Thetall
    eroneremovedhi spol
    icecapandl ower
    ed
    hishead.Itwaspainf
    ultodeli
    versuchnewsbut
    theyneededMr sMoremitoidenti
    fythebody,
    maybet heygotrhewronghouseholdandtheywere
    makingheragonizeoversomet hi
    ngthatdoesn'
    t
    concernher.
    "MrsMoremi
    ,weunder
    standyourdi
    str
    essbutyou
    needtocomewi
    thustoident
    if
    ythebody.
    "
    Achillr
    andownLor ato'
    sspine.Body?Hereyea
    widenedasreal
    isat
    ionsetinandshenowcoul d
    underst
    andherempl oyer
    'sagony.
    "He'sali
    ve!"Susanhalfyell
    edassheli
    ft
    edherteary
    eyes.Mor emiwasn'tdead.Theywereplayi
    ngwith
    her.Itwasaj oke.Abigjoke.
    *
    **

    Li
    nadi
    aledNel
    lywhoanswer
    edi
    mmedi
    atel
    y.
    "Nell
    ywarewhoi
    sAl
    ora'
    sfat
    her
    ?"Ther
    ewas
    sil
    ence.
    "Nel
    lyIhaveaskedthisquesti
    onformonths,
    it'
    snot
    asifIwantEmily'
    shouses.Idonotcareaboutthat
    .
    Notatall
    .WhoisAl or
    a'sfat
    her?"
    "
    Ifor
    got
    ."
    "Maaka.You'
    relyi
    ngtome,howmuchdoyouwant
    ee?It
    'snotasifyouhaveaj
    obanyway.
    "
    "
    Thr
    eet
    housand.
    "
    "Forafucki
    ngname?Youhavegott
    obef
    ucki
    ng
    kiddi
    ngmeNelly.
    "
    "
    GoodbyeLi
    -"
    "
    Okayfi
    ne.Fine.I
    '
    llgi
    veyout
    het
    hreet
    housand.
    Whoishe?"
    Nell
    ybreathedinandout.Hopef
    ull
    yLi
    nadi
    dn't
    knowthemanandhowcanshegetabahyf rom i
    t'
    s
    l
    egalguardian?I
    t'
    simpossibl
    e.
    "
    Mor
    emi
    ."
    "
    Hng?Justt
    hat
    ?"
    "
    MoremiMor
    emi.That'
    shisname."Li
    napaused.
    Wai
    tadamnminute.Waitafucki
    ngdamnmi nut
    e.
    "
    Mor
    emiMor
    emi
    ?"Sheaskedsl
    owl
    y.
    "
    Areyousur
    e?"
    "
    Eemma.Whenar
    eyougi
    vingmet
    hemoney?
    "
    "
    Tomor
    rowmor
    ning.You'
    resur
    esur
    e?"
    "Ver
    y.Heistall
    ,hasaconnectingbear
    dwi t
    haf ai
    nt
    scaronhischeek,hehasalightbrown
    complexi
    on."Nell
    yaddedandLi na'
    seyeswidened.
    Shewasdescr i
    bingherbr
    other-i
    n-l
    awtotheT.
    "You'l
    lgetyourmoney.Bye."Katal
    inahungupand
    bitherlowerli
    p.Aha!Susan'
    smar ri
    agei snotso
    perfectaft
    eral
    l.Hecheat
    edandf atheredachild?
    DoesSusanknow?Maybeshecanbl ackmailhim
    i
    nt ogivi
    ngherAl or
    abecauseifSusanknewshe
    ouldbetakingcar eofthatcutebabyorbet teryet
    despisi
    ngAl orabecauseshei snot hi
    nglikeher
    charcoalli
    kebi ol
    ogi
    calkids.Shel aughed.Okay
    blackmailwillworkonMor emi, maybeof f
    ermoney.
    Themani spooranyway.Shet urnedinheroffice
    chairwit
    hahugegr inonherf aceasshedevi seda
    plan.

    *
    **

    Atthehospital,adistr
    aughtSusanwal kedbehi nd
    thepoli
    ceofficersasanur seledthem t oar oom.
    Theywer el
    ying.Herhusbandwasst il
    lalive.Ver y
    muchal i
    veandhewasonhi swaybackhomef rom
    work.Theyst oppedatadoorandt hepol iceof f
    icers
    stoppedoutside.Thenur seopenedt hedoorand
    promptedSusant ogeti nsi
    de.Susanhel dher self
    ri
    gidasshewal kedinside.Thenur secl osedt he
    doorandshecoul dseet hewhi tesheetcover ingt he
    bodyont hebed.Hert ear swerequi cktospr ingout
    assheshookherhead, takinginthatfor m she
    r
    ecogni
    sed.
    "Nononono! "Shecr iedoutquickly,notwanti
    ngto
    believewhathereyeswer eseeing.Theywalked
    closertothebodyandt henursegavehera
    sympat heti
    cl ook.Deathal waysbrokeeventhe
    strongestofpeopl eandshewasn' tsureift
    helady
    woul dsurvi
    vet his.Shel ookedatSusanoncemor e
    beforesher emovedt hesheet.Susanpaledand
    stoodt her
    ei nhor r
    orasherkneesf ail
    edberand
    shewi shedshewasn' tseeingthis.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    12
    Atthehospi
    tal
    ,thenursehel
    dSusanst
    eadi
    lyt
    o
    keepherfr
    om fall
    ingdownandhi
    tti
    ngt
    hefl
    oor.
    “Notmyhusband! ”Shewai ledashercr i
    est or
    e
    throught her oom wher et
    hebodywaskept .Another
    nursewal kedt hr
    oughandsawt hescene.I twasnot
    alwayseasyt obreakdownt henewsl etaloneallow
    thef amil
    yt oi dentif
    yabodyaf teranacci dent.The
    nursewhohel dSusanl edheroutast heotherone
    wal kedtot hecor pset ocoveri t.Itshoul dbet aken
    tothecol dr oom andt hefami l
    ywi llhavet opicka
    mor tuarywher ethebodywi llgo.Asheal t
    hcar e
    wor kers,t
    heysawt hiseverydayandhadgr own
    numbt oit.Itwaspar toftheirjobandt heyhadt o
    doi tsomehow.Thenur seledacr yingSusant othe
    benchesasshebr okedowncr yingi ntoherhands
    assoonashenur selethergo.
    “
    Wewer
    efi
    neyouknow?
    ”Susansaysmi
    dtear
    s.
    “Anormaldayt
    odayan-
    “shecoveredherfaceand
    cri
    edsomemore.Peopl
    estaredatherand
    wonderedwhyshewascryi
    ngthismuch.Itwasat
    thi
    spointSusanknewherl
    if
    ehasi
    rr
    evocabl
    y
    changed.

    *
    **

    Linalaughedasshesatont hecouch, thatpoor


    uselessmanhadt heaudaci tytoevencheat ?She
    didn’tknowhehadi tinhim.Shecr ackeduponce
    againknowi ngi twasgoi ngt obeeasyt ogetAur ora
    becausei tlooksl i
    keSusandi dn’
    tknow.Shesi pped
    onheror angej uiceandpl acedt hegl assdown.Her
    planwasgoi ngt obef oolproof.Nel l
    ywast he
    witness,shewasgoi ngtodr agNel l
    yf rom what ever
    holeshewasi nt oidentif
    yifshewast alki
    ngabout
    theMor emisheknewasherbr otherinl aw.Her
    phoner angandshesawt hecal l
    er.Susan.She
    chuckled.PoorSusi e.Herpictureper fecthomei s
    notsopi ctureper f
    ectaf t
    erall.
    “
    Hell
    oSu.”Sheansweredwi
    thahappyvoi
    ce.Ther
    e
    wassil
    enceandshefr
    owned.
    “
    Su,
    hel
    lo….
    ”
    “Gone,he’
    sgoneLina.
    ”Susansai
    dasshet
    ri
    edt
    o
    holdbackhert
    ears.
    “
    Stopspeaki
    ngi
    nri
    ddl
    esSusan.
    ”
    “Mo-“Susanbrokedowncr yi
    ngandLi
    namovedthe
    phoneawayfrom herear .Shewasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    oli
    sten
    toSusancryi
    ngr eal
    ly.ShedidknowwhySusan
    wasevencrying.
    “
    Susant
    lhemmaakoobue.
    ”(
    pleasespeakup!
    )
    “Moremiisgone!Heisdead!
    ”Shescreamedand
    Linapaused.Wait
    .Shemissedachaptersomehow.
    Whatdidshemeangone?Ther ewereaf ewmissi
    ng
    chapter
    sinthi
    sstory.
    “WhatdoyoumeanSu?Heki ll
    edhimself
    ?”Lina
    asked.Thatwasthereasonabl
    eexplanat
    ionsince
    hehadasecr etandsecret
    sareheavy.
    “What?Howcouldyouevent
    hinkofthat
    ?”Susan
    exclai
    medmidtear
    s.Shehasneverhear
    dSusan
    thathear
    twr
    enched.
    “Acaracci
    dent
    !Hedi
    edtodayi
    nhiswayhome!”
    Susantear
    edupagai
    nandLinabr
    eat
    hedout.
    “
    Cal
    m downSusi
    e,youcr
    yingi
    sn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    ohel
    p…”
    “Wow! ”SusanhungupandLi nathrewherhandup
    i
    nt heair.Itwasthetruth.Wit
    hMor emigonet here
    wereot herimpendingissues.Susanhadt odeal
    withthef amil
    yandt hreeki
    dswi t
    hnoi ncome, wel
    l
    i
    fsheget shir
    edit’
    sokaybutwhati nheri
    tancewas
    shegoi ngtoget?Thatst uf
    fyhouseandt hoset wo
    oldcarst heyowned?Sheshookherhead.Shet ol
    d
    Susant ogof orarichmanbutdi dshel i
    sten?Now,
    l
    ookathernow.

    Li
    na’sphoner
    angagainandsheanswer
    edher
    motheri
    mmediat
    ely.
    “
    Mom…”
    “Katali
    nastaywithyoursist
    er,I
    ’
    m ontheway…She
    needsal otofsupportandhelphercal
    lotherpeople.
    Shei snostatetodealwit
    hherin-l
    aws.I’
    l
    lhavet o
    taketheeveningbus.”
    Li
    nasi
    ghed.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogot
    othatmust
    yhousemama?
    ”MaSu
    si
    ghed.
    “Foranight,yoursist
    erj
    ustl
    ostherhusband.I
    t’
    s
    noteasytoloset heoneyouloveandthekidsmust
    besocluelessandhavenoi deawhatis
    happeni
    ng..”
    Kat
    ali
    nasi
    ghed.
    “Fi
    ne.Don’
    ttaketheeveningbus.Acci
    dentshappen.
    Comeinthemor ning.”Li
    nahungup.Thesecretwil
    l
    havetowai
    torwi l
    lit?Shewil
    lseehowt odealwi
    th
    i
    t.

    Shegotupf r
    om hercouchandstr
    etchedhersl
    im
    body.Shewalkedoutofthel
    oungeheadingtot
    he
    bedroom t
    ogethercarkeys.

    *
    **

    Athome,Susancri
    edhereyesoutonthebedshe
    shar
    edwi t
    hherhusband.We’
    lll
    atehusbandand
    j
    ustthatwordst
    art
    sanewbat choftearsthatshe
    can’tseem t
    ostop.Lorat
    oiswit
    htheki
    dsandshe
    i
    sgr atef
    uleventhoughsheknowshewil
    lhavet o
    l
    etLor at
    ogoaf t
    eraweekbecausehowwill
    ,shepay
    Loratowhenshehast heheavybur
    denoftaking
    careofthreeki
    ds?
    Thebedroom dooropenandshedoesn’tl
    if
    tsher
    headtolookatthepersonwhoj
    ustwalkedinsi
    de
    thebedr
    oom.
    “HiSu.Ibroughtfoodforyouandt heki ds.”Li
    na
    start
    soutasshehol dherhandsandt henl ooksat
    thecrumpledmesshersi sterwas.Susanwoul dn’
    t
    becryingli
    ket hi
    sifsheknewherhusbandwas
    suchacheat ,sheknewhersi st
    erdetestedcheat i
    ng
    witheveryfi
    breofherbei ng.Shewast empt edto
    stopthissuddenmour ningbut ell
    ingSusanwhat
    sheknewsot heycanfindAl oraandletLi natake
    thechil
    d.
    “Mom saysIshouldhelp.Wit
    ht hecall
    sand
    everyt
    hing.
    ”Susanfi
    nallyl
    if
    tedherheadandi thas
    onlybeentwohourssinceshef oundoutbuther
    eyeswer er
    edandswol l
    enwi t
    ht earst
    reaksvi
    sibl
    y
    showingonherdarkskin.
    Susanpoi
    ntedtoherphoneandLi napickedthe
    phonesoshecanstartcalli
    ngSusan’
    sat r
    oci
    ousin-
    l
    aws.Shehatedthatfamilywit
    hpassion.She
    al
    mostgaggedatthet houghtoft
    alki
    ngtothatold
    womanwhowasst i
    llt
    akingcareofgrownwomen
    wit
    hchil
    dren.Di
    sgusti
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    13

    Li
    naheldthephonetoherearasi
    trangandSusan
    sobbedonthebed.Shesatdownbythecornerand
    wait
    edforSusan'
    smother-
    in-
    lawt
    opickupt he
    phone.I
    tjustr
    ungandshepl acedt
    hephoneonher
    chestasshelookedatSusan.
    "Su,ar
    eyouguysgoi
    ngt oMolepol
    olet
    oburyhi
    m?I
    havetoknowtheset
    hings.
    "Susannoddedasshe
    tri
    edtowipehert
    ear
    s.
    "Okay.Mom i
    sonherwayandt
    heyar
    enot
    answeri
    ngthephone.
    "
    "Hel
    lo.
    "Li
    naheardthemuf
    fl
    edhel
    loandsheputt
    he
    phoneonloudspeaker
    .
    "
    Hel
    loMaMor
    emi
    …"Li
    nasai
    d.
    "Heywena!Youaretheonewhosaidmyson
    shoul
    dn'
    tsendmoney?Omol oingwanyanake
    wena.Omol oi
    !"(
    You'
    reawit
    ch)Li
    narol
    ledhereyes.
    "Reetsaha!Youhavenor i
    ghtt
    ocallmysist
    era
    witch."Linal
    ookedatSu.Shet
    oler
    atedsuch
    bullshit
    ?Ngng.Thiswomanwasget ti
    ngapieceof
    hermi nd.
    "
    Omangwena?
    "(whoar
    eyou?
    )
    "
    IfIwereyouIwoul
    dspeakt
    omenicelybutl
    egal
    e
    l
    emol ehumengebi
    lel
    agooket
    segakaore
    br
    eadwi
    nneret
    lhokaf
    etse.
    "
    "
    Lina!
    "
    "What?AeSu,mosadi
    mogol
    oyoogaanabothoke
    raa,
    whycallyouawit
    ch?Hersoni
    snomor
    esowa
    gojamadiagamang? "
    MaMoremipaused.Whatdi
    dtheymeanherson
    wasnomore?
    "
    Whatdoyoumean?
    "
    "Icall
    edtotel
    lyout hatMoremidi
    edinacar
    accidentafewhour sago.Happy?Good.Start
    maki ngfuner
    alarrangements.
    "Li
    nasaidbeforeshe
    hungupandl ookedatSusan.
    "Nowdoest hatl
    adysoundl
    ikethetypetocomfort
    you?"Li
    naaskedandSusanr ubbedhereyes.She
    wassost r
    essed.
    "Asl
    ongaswegetthef
    uner
    aloutoft
    heway,
    ever
    ythi
    ngwi
    llwor
    kout
    ."
    Li
    naandSusanl
    ookedateachot
    herandSusan
    br
    eat
    hedout.
    "
    Asmuchasyou'
    rei
    ntol
    erabl
    e,t
    hankyouf
    or
    showi
    ngup.
    "
    "Iwouldsayanytimebut-
    "sheshruggedandSusan
    smi l
    ed.Thatwasherobnoxioussisteralri
    ght,t
    he
    onewhof el
    tli
    keshedeser
    vedever ything.Li
    nahad
    herflawsbutit'
    sokaytoacceptpeopl ewiththei
    r
    flaws.
    "Noweat.Ihaveafeeli
    ngyourmotherinl
    awwill
    star
    tcall
    ingagai
    n.Doyouhavet owearal
    lbl
    ack
    now?"Susan'ssmallsmil
    efadedandtear
    sfi
    ll
    edher
    eyesagainasshelookedatthegol
    dbandonher
    fi
    nger.
    "
    Ihavet
    o."Li
    nanodded.
    "I
    '
    llbringthef ood."Li nastoodupandSusan
    watchedhersi sterleavebef orehermindreplayed
    al
    lthememor iessheshar edwi t
    hherhusband.
    From holdingdownt woj obswhi l
    etr
    yingtof i
    nd
    wayst opayf orhi sdi pl
    omai naccountingsohe
    couldatleasthavesomet hi
    ng.Theycameal ong
    wayj ustforever ythingtoabr uptl
    yendlikethis.
    Theyhadpl anst odobet terandgetbet t
    er.Tear s
    burnedhereyesandsher ubbedherchest,trying
    nott
    ocr ybecauseshewasnotgoi
    ngt
    ost
    opcr
    ying
    theminuteshelett
    hetear
    sfal
    l.
    "OhMor emi,
    whyyou?Thi swast oosudden."She
    sai
    dwi thashakybreathandpickedthepil
    lowthat
    sti
    llr
    eekedofhisscent.Sheplacedthepi
    ll
    owon
    herkneesbefor
    eshel aidherhead.Tear
    s
    thr
    eateningt
    orolldownhercheeks.

    *
    **

    Tsholof
    eloputAlor
    at obedasshef ol
    dedherar ms.
    ShehopedMor emiwasser i
    oushet ol
    dhi swife,as
    muchasshewascover ingf orhim shewant edto
    l
    iveherli
    feandnotbehel ddownbyachi l
    dwho
    wasnotherstobeginwi th.Herphoner angandshe
    pickedi
    tup.Shehopedhermot herwasn' taski
    ng
    formoney.Shewasnotgoi ngtosuppor ttwogrown
    womenwhosl eeparoundandst ackchildrenli
    ke
    theyarebot
    tl
    es.Sheanswer ed.
    "Hel
    lo.
    "Hermother
    'swor
    dsweremuff
    ledbytear
    s
    andTshol
    ofel
    ofrownedasshewal
    kedoutofthe
    bedroom,headi
    ngtothesmallsi
    tt
    ingr
    oom t
    ocl
    ear
    Alor
    a'stoysandever
    ythi
    ng.
    "Mor
    emi!Moremiweee!Ngwanakeoi
    ket
    se
    badi
    mong!"
    (mychil
    disgone)
    Tshol
    ofel
    opaused.Wai
    twhat
    ?
    "
    Ma?
    "Shesl
    owl
    ysatdownont
    hecouch.
    "Moremiisnomor e!Bakwenaweeee!"MaMor emi
    cri
    edattheot herendoft heli
    neandTsholofel
    o's
    heartpounded.Mor emi?Gone?Shecoul dn'
    tbeli
    eve
    i
    t.Shequicklyhungupandl ookedaroundtheroom.
    Herhearddizzy.Hecan' tbegone.Whagwasshe
    supposedtodowi thAlora?No!No!Shecall
    ed
    Susan.Thephonewasanswer edbutnotbywho
    shewasexpect ing.
    "
    Hel
    lo,
    canIspeakt
    oSusan?
    "
    "
    Shei
    ssl
    eepi
    ng.
    "
    Tshol
    ofeloswall
    owed.Susanwasprobablywithher
    ri
    chsister
    .Theyhavealwaysbeeni
    ntimi
    datedby
    Katal
    inawhohadever yt
    hingandMoremialways
    sai
    dhehat edhissi
    ster-
    in-
    law.
    "
    IsMor
    emiact
    ual
    lydead?
    "
    "Ee.Anaccidentaft
    erwork.Conf
    ir
    medaf
    ewhour
    s
    agobySu, anythi
    ngelse?
    "
    "
    No.Thankyou.
    "
    "Al
    ri
    ght .
    "Thel inewentdeadandt ear sfi
    ll
    ed
    Tsholofelo'
    seyes.Whatwasshet odowi thAl or
    a?
    Sher eall
    yhadnochoi cebutt otellSusanbecause
    shecan' tkeepawhol echildasecr etandtakecar e
    ofachi l
    dwhi l
    eshewasst illyoung.Shehadbeen
    doi
    ngherbr otherafavour.Shegotupandwi ped
    hertears.Sheneedst opackAl ora'sstuff
    .Susani s
    under st
    anding, shewon'tr
    ef useanot herchi
    ld.It
    washehusband' schi
    ldafterall
    .

    *
    **

    Li
    nasatont hecouchandshesighed.Thiswasso
    uncomfortabl
    e.Shelookedar
    oundthehouse,
    hopeful
    lyshewillgett
    hejobandshecanmoveher
    nephewsandni ecetoabett
    erpl
    ace.Susanref
    uses
    hermoneybutshewillsee.Shesi
    ghed.Shewill
    comet otheAl
    orai
    ssueaf t
    erthef
    uneral
    .Itwasjust
    onstandby.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AWEEKLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    14

    Semphet
    ewenayoor
    ategang
    Mmol
    okiwaaka
    Faont
    seosesababangwe,
    semphet
    elenna
    KgosiJesu.Jesu!
    Jesu,
    keagor
    apel
    a
    Faont
    seosesababangwe,
    semphet
    elenna

    Thechur chladiesendedt hesongast heywal kedto


    theirseat s.Susanwassi tti
    ngnextt ohermot her
    andsi st erwhower ecomf ortingherasshecr i
    ed
    whi l
    et heywer esingi ng.Shedi dn'tthinkshewas
    strongenought oseehi scof fingodownoreven
    heart hedeat hrecitalbyt hepast or.MaMor emiwas
    cryingwi thherdaught erssur roundi ngher ,shelost
    heroneandonl ysonandi twassopai nful.Tsholo
    haddeci dedt oleaveAl oraatherhouse.I twast oo
    earlytocauseast i
    r.Theobi tuar ywasr eadas
    Susancont inuedsobbi ngonhermot her '
    sshoul der.
    Oncei twasr ead,itwast imef orthecof fi
    nt obel ai
    d
    downandt hatwast hehar destpast .Susan' sheart
    broke, itwasst i
    llhardt obelievet hatherl overand
    themanshehadknownf ormostofherl if
    ewas
    gone.Justl ikethat ,shewasexpect edt omoveon
    withlifeasi fshenevershar edherl ifewi thhi m.As
    i
    fheneverexist
    edonthisear
    th.Qui
    cktearsr
    olled
    downhercheeks.Godshedidn'
    tknowhowt otake
    awaythi
    spain.Shecl
    utchedherchestasshelet
    outt
    hatsobandhermot herr
    ubbedherback.
    Linawat chedcar ef
    ul l
    ybef oreshet urnedt olookas
    thecof f
    inwasl ower ed.Hedi edwithhi ssecr et.
    Luckybast ard.Linat houghtt oherselfbef or eshe
    glancedoverathermot herwhowasconf or t
    ingher
    oldersister.Oncet hecof finwasl ower ed,fami l
    y
    wascal ledt othrowsoi lintot hegrave.MaSusan
    helpedSusant ostandandSusanl ookedather
    oldestwhom shebr oughtt ot hefuner al.Hewast he
    onlychildshebr oughtbecauseshef elttheot her
    wer etooyoung.Bokamososatt hereont hechai r.
    Rigid.Hisimmat urebr aint ri
    edt opr ocess
    everythingt hatwashappeni ng.Hisf atherwas
    l
    ongercomi nghomet ot hem?Hewasi nthegr ound?
    Heshookhi shead.Thei rdadal wayscomesbackt o
    them.Hel ookedathi smot herwhoext endedher
    handt ohol dhi s.Theywal kedt othehol et hatwas
    sixfeeddeep.Shet oldhi mt ograbahandf ulofsoil
    andshedi dt hesame.Shel ookeddownont he
    graveandhertear
    srol
    leddownhercheeks.She
    wassayinggoodbyetohersoul
    mate.Shesqueezed
    them shutbef
    oreshet
    oldBokamosotothrowthe
    soildownandshedidthesamebeforeshewalked
    awayi nherbl
    ackpumpsandblackshawl.

    Mor efamilymember sdidt hesameunt ilitwast i


    me
    forthement of i
    llt
    hegr avewi t
    hsoi l.Eachshovel
    madei ttoor ealforSusan.Hewasgone, hewasn' t
    goingtogetoutoft hecasketandsayi twasapr ank.
    Hewasr eall
    ygone.Shewasawi dow.Shecl osed
    hereyes.Tshol owatchedSusanandshef el
    t
    i
    mmensegui lt
    .Howwasshegoi ngt ot ellherkate
    brother'
    swifewhowasgr ievingt hatt hemanshe
    gri
    evedf orcheat edonherandf atheredchi l
    d
    outsideofthei rmar r
    iage?Shehadt odoi t
    .Yes
    Alorawasherni ecebutsoonerorl aterSuhadt o
    know.I twasi nevit
    abler eally.Shesi ghed.Shewi ll
    callSusant othesi detot ellherabouti t.Shewon' t
    causeasceneoranycommot ion.
    *
    **

    Ithadn'tevenbeentenminutessincetheguests
    andf amilywerebackfrom t
    hebur i
    alsi
    tewhenone
    ofMor emi '
    ssi
    ster
    sthrewsubtlesubsatTsholofel
    o.
    "Tsholo,
    youhaveniecesandnephewsandyou
    decidetotakecar
    eofaf r
    iend'
    schi
    ld?
    "Tshol
    o
    rubbedherhead.
    "Notnow.Theguest
    sneedt
    oeatandweneedt
    o
    discusst
    hewayforwar
    dasafamil
    y."
    MaMor
    emil
    ookedatTshol
    ofel
    o.
    "Iam st
    il
    ldi
    sappoi
    ntedthatyoudeci
    dedtotake
    careofastr
    anger'
    schil
    dwhenyoursi st
    ershave
    niecesandnephewsthatyoucanoff
    ertotakecare
    of."
    "Thoseniecesandnephewshavet hei
    rmother
    s.Ga
    sennayooker i
    lengbor
    rraabonebabait
    atol
    e."
    (I
    didn'
    tsaytheirf
    ather
    sshoulddenythem)
    "Tshol
    ofel
    othat
    'srude.
    "Tshol
    ofelosi
    ghed.She
    didn'
    twanttodothisnow.Hersist
    er-
    in-
    lawwas
    mour ning.Shest oodonherfeetandwentoutside
    wher etheguest swer ebei
    ngservedseswaaand
    phaleche.Ther ealit
    yofthedeathwasgoi ngt
    ohit
    onceever yonewasgoneandonl yfami l
    yremai
    ned.
    Howt heylostabr other
    ,afat
    herandahusband.A
    son.Tear sfil
    ledhereyesandshel ookedup.
    "Brot
    herIpromisedbutI '
    m sor ry.I
    'l
    khavet obr eak
    thatpromiseandt ellher."Shesai dunderherbr eat
    h.
    Shewavedatt heguest swhowavedbackandsat
    downi nthetenttoeatt hef ood.Thewhol eweek
    wasever yoneextendingt heircondol ences.Susan
    wasgoi ngtositont hatmat tressandshehadno
    i
    deahowSusanwasgoi ngt ocope, atthi
    spointshe
    canonl yoff
    ertobabysi t.Shehadpausedherown
    l
    ifeforsolongtot ryandhi deherbr ot her'
    sinf
    idelit
    y
    buthewasnother et oanswerf orhimself.
    Outside,Linawor eahatandsi ghedasshehel ped
    servet heguests.Hermot herforcedherandit
    l
    ookedawkwar df orherinat i
    ghtblackski
    rtand
    stockingsandheel stobeser vingpeopl
    e.Itwasnot
    evenherf uneralandtheonl yfeeli
    ngshefeltfor
    Mor emiwasdi sgust.Disgustedthathewoul ddie
    poorandleaveSusant odealwithhisequally
    uncivi
    li
    zedfamil
    yandhi saudacitytotakeAloraand
    yetshecouldn'
    tfi
    ndt helit
    tl
    egirl
    .Shewasal mosta
    yearnow.Onlytwomor eweeksleftti
    llherf
    ir
    st
    bir
    thday.Basi
    call
    yAl or
    awasanor phan.Thatmade
    i
    tbet t
    ersomehow, shdwoul dadoptthechil
    dlegall
    y.
    Shehadt hefundsbutfirstshehadtof i
    ndthedamn
    chil
    d.
    Shel
    ookedatthenextper
    soni
    nli
    ne,
    anol
    dwoman
    whoshookherhead.
    "Yourhear
    tisdar
    kngwanaka.
    "Theol
    dwomansai d
    andLinaservedt
    heseswaaontot
    heplat
    etheol
    d
    womanhel d.
    "Darkheart
    sattr
    actbadthi
    ngs,youwon'
    tbehappy.
    Youhavebl oodonyourhands.
    "Theoldwoman
    saidandLinapaused.Shekeptafaceof
    i
    ndiffer
    ence.
    "
    I'
    m sur
    eyou'
    ret
    alki
    ngt
    othewr
    ongper
    son.
    "
    "Pel
    oyagagoemasweet l
    ogobolayanakonngwe
    ngwanaka.
    "(
    yourdar
    khear
    twi
    llki
    llyouoneday)
    Theol
    dwomanwal
    kedawayandLi
    nashr
    ugged.
    Shewasnotgoi
    ngt
    ostr
    esshersel
    f.Sher
    efusedt
    o
    str
    essher
    sel
    fwi
    thwhat
    evert
    hatoldwomanwas
    sayi
    ng.

    Twohourslat
    er,
    allt
    heguestswereseenoutand
    onlyf
    amil
    yremainedinthehouse.Susansatonthe
    mattr
    essashermother-
    in-
    lawwalkedinsi
    dethe
    room.
    "Iknowyouhadahandinmyson'
    sdeath.
    "Susan
    sighed.Ther
    ewasnoneedt
    ofi
    ghtthi
    swoman.She
    didn'
    twantto.
    "
    Youdon'tdeser
    veanyt
    hingthatmysonwor kedf
    or
    wit
    hhi
    shar dearnedmoney.Thathouseyouli
    vei
    n
    i
    snotyours.
    "Susanrai
    sedherhead.
    "That
    '
    snyhouse,
    Ibuul
    titwi
    th75%ofmymoney. "
    Shesaidandt
    heoldwomanclappedherhands.
    "We'
    llseeaboutthat
    .Youdeservenothi
    ng,oleswe.
    Let
    lakalalamosadi,youandyourugl
    ychil
    drenwill
    notinheri
    tathi
    ng."
    "
    Theyar
    eyourgr
    andchi
    ldr
    en.
    "Susancount
    ered.
    "Theydon'tevenlookl i
    keMor emi'
    schi
    ldr
    en,totake
    ntsekesabat l
    egobuammekat swaopateleysa
    ngwanakebanaesebagagwe.Youar egetti
    ng
    nothi
    ng.Iwillmakesur e."Theoldwomanwal ked
    outandSusanbr oughtherkneesroherface.She
    heldbackthet ears.Shewasn'tgoingt
    ocry.She
    wasn'tgoi
    ngt ocr y.Thedooropenedand
    Tsholof
    elowal kedin.
    "
    Don'tt
    ellmeIdeser
    venot
    hing.
    "Tshol
    ofel
    o
    f
    rowned.
    "Whatdoyoumean?Youbui l
    tallofthatwi
    thyour
    husbandandyouhavetogethisthingsbecause
    youhavet ot
    akecar
    eofhischil
    dren,whichiswhy
    I'
    m here.
    "Susanl
    ookedatTshol
    owi thherchinon
    herknees.
    Tshol
    ofel
    o'shear
    tpounded.
    "Ihavetot
    ellyousomethi
    ng."JustasTshol
    osaid
    that,
    Linawaspassingbytheroom andshepaused
    bythedoor.
    "
    Tel
    lmesomet
    hing?
    "
    "
    Yes.Ther
    eisnor
    ightorwr
    ongt
    imebuti
    t'
    s
    i
    mport
    ant
    ."Li
    naleanedagai
    nstt
    hewal
    landwai
    ted
    t
    ohearwhatTshol
    ofel
    ohadtosay.
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    "
    "
    Wel
    lMor
    emi
    -"
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN

    15

    Tsholofel
    obreathedinandlookedatSusan'
    spuff
    y
    eyes,thewayhercheekswer eholl
    owedandthe
    ti
    rednessinhereyes.Sheshookherhead.The
    mor eshedelayed,t
    hemor eitwasgoi
    ngt obehar
    d
    t
    otellher
    .Susanwai
    tedforTshol
    ofel
    otocont
    inue,
    whatdjdMoremiwant?
    "Mor
    emi,wel
    lmybrothermadeamistake.
    "Shesai
    d
    andSusanti
    lt
    edherhead.Whatmi
    stake?
    Byt
    hedoorMaSusansawLi
    na.
    "Li
    na,l
    et'
    sgoclearoutthet
    hings."Li
    narubbedher
    head.Hermotherrui
    nedeveryt
    hing.Hermother
    hel
    dherhipandLinat ur
    nedonherheeltowalk
    awayfrom t
    hedoor .
    Meanwhi
    lei
    nsi
    det
    her
    oom,
    Susananxi
    ousl
    ywai
    ted.
    "
    YouknowAl
    ora?
    "Susansmi
    led.
    "Shei
    ssweetandbeaut i
    ful
    .Thatwaskindofyout o
    staywi
    thyourfri
    end'
    sdaughter.Notmanywoul d
    dothat
    ."Tshol
    oclaspedherhandstogetherasshe
    satonthebedandlookedatSusan.
    "A-
    Aloraisnotmyf r
    iend'schil
    d."Si
    lence.Asecond
    wentby.Foll
    owedbyanot herasSusangave
    Tsholof
    eloaperpl
    exedl ook,makingTsholofel
    o
    expl
    ainherlastst
    atement .
    "
    Alor
    ais-
    Alor
    aismyni
    ece.
    "Si
    lence.Susansl
    owl
    y
    l
    ookedatTshol
    ofelo.Niece?NoneofMoremi'
    s
    si
    ster
    swerepregnantlookingatAl
    ora'
    sage.
    "
    Niece?
    "Tshol
    ofel
    osl
    owl
    ynodded.
    "
    Yourniecesstaywi
    ththei
    rpar
    ent
    s."Susandi
    dn'
    t
    wantt
    obel i
    evewhathermindwastel
    li
    ngher.
    "I
    t'
    sMor emi'chil
    d."Tsholof
    elowaited.Tohear
    screaming,cryi
    ngorsomeki ndofr eacti
    on.She
    hasneverhear dsil
    encequitethatloud.Shedi dn'
    t
    knowhowmucht imepassedi nthatsilence.She
    fi
    nallyli
    ft
    edherheadt olookatSusanwhowas
    wipinghertearsandt r
    yingtostandupf r
    om the
    mat t
    ress.
    "
    Suwhatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    "Susanchuckl
    ed.
    "I
    'mleavi
    ng.Notgoingt
    omour namanwho
    cheatedonme.Wasn'tIenough?Wasn'tIenough?
    Isitmyskincol
    our?Am Itoodocil
    e?Whyyy?"She
    coveredhermouthasthetearscameandshef el
    lto
    herkneescryi
    ng.Tshol
    ofel
    oquickl
    ystoodtohug
    her.Shebentdownandhel dher
    .Susanpushedher
    away.
    "
    Wh-
    whyar
    eyout
    ell
    ingmet
    his?
    "
    Tshol
    ofel
    obr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    "Youhadtoknow.Mor emidiedont hedayhewas
    supposedtot el
    lyou,
    If or
    cedhimt otel
    lyou."Susan
    l
    etoutabi t
    terchuckl
    e.Herhusbandact uall
    ybroke
    thei
    rvows?Theaudaci ty.Sheletoutalaughthat
    didn'
    tsoundlikeherown.
    "
    Youwer
    etaki
    ngcar
    eoft
    hechi
    ldsoyoucanst
    il
    ldo
    t
    hat
    ."
    Tshol
    ofel
    osi
    ghed.
    "Ican'
    ttakecar
    eofhernow, Ihavemyownl i
    feto
    l
    iveandshewassur vi
    vingoffthemoneyMor emi
    sentme.Hermot herdiedsixmont hsagoandnow
    herfat
    herisdead."Susanletoutal oudl
    augh.
    "Howi sthatmyr esponsi
    bi li
    ty?Idi
    dn'
    tsendhi mt o
    goinserthispenisinanot herwoman'svagi nadidI?
    Thatchildisnotevenr el
    atedt ome.Idon'tknowher ,
    sheisgoi ngtobet hesour ceofmypain.Ar eminder
    thatmyhusbandcheat edonmeandbr okwhi s
    promisest ome."Tsholofelonodded.Shecoul d
    understand.Susanwashur t
    .Reall
    yhurt.Susan
    shookherhead.Howcoul dsheevenmour nhim?
    Nowal lshecouldt hi
    nkwashi m sl
    eepingwi t
    h
    anotherwoman, hermemor i
    esofhim wer eal r
    eady
    tai
    nted.Her eal
    lyblewt hi
    s.No.Shewasnot
    mour ni
    nghim.No.Shehel dontothebedandgot
    up.Shewal kedtot hewar drobe.Shewasl eavi
    ng
    wit
    hherki dstoday.Shewasn' twait
    ing.Ifthey
    comef orherhouse, theyknowwher eitis.Shei s
    notspendinganot hernightheremour ningacheat er
    .
    "
    Su,
    cal
    m down.
    "
    "Asewenaocheat i
    lwengakereTshol ofel
    oand
    havethr
    eekidstotakeoffandjaanongobat lake
    tl
    hokomelangwanawanyat si
    …."(you'r
    enottheone
    whowascheat edonandnowyouwantmet otake
    careofasidechi
    ck'schi
    ld.
    )Tshol of
    eloshutup.

    IntenminutesSusanwasf ini
    shedpacki ng.She
    l
    ookedatherbl ackatt
    ir
    e.Shewasn' tdoingthi
    s.No!
    ShechasedTshol of
    elooutoftheroom and
    Tsholof
    elohadneverseenSusanangr y.She
    assuredhersel
    fitwasjustangerspeaking.She
    walkedouandf oundthefamilyi
    nt helounge.
    "WeneedtodiscussMoremi
    '
    spr
    oper
    ti
    es.
    "Ma
    Susanshookherhead.
    "Myson- i
    n-l
    aw'sbodyissti
    llwarmi nt
    hegraveand
    you'r
    eal r
    eadyaft
    erhispropert
    ies?"MaMor emi
    i
    gnor edherandLinashookherhead.Those
    properti
    eswereonespeoplewant ed?Forher
    sist
    er'ssakeshehopedMor emi hadawill
    .
    "Iwantthecar
    ."Theyoungersi
    stersai
    dand
    Tsholof
    eloshookherhead.Wow!
    "Wear eshari
    ngthehouser i
    ght?Ithast hree
    bedrooms."Theoldersistersaid.Theyengagedi na
    debateoverthosethingsthatMor emiownedand
    MaSusanshookherhead.Twent ymi nuteslater
    ,
    Susanemer gedwithherki dsintowasshet ol
    d
    them togotothecar.Ever yonefrownedandt he
    uncleswhower eoutsideraisedtheireyebr ows.
    Susanwasi nawhi tedressandnoti nthe
    customaryblackformour ningspouses.
    "
    Myson'sbodyisnotevencol
    dandyouwantt o
    l
    eave?
    "MaMor emistar
    tedandLinasawtheanger
    i
    nSusan'
    seyes.Susanheldhert
    ongue.Shel
    iked
    peace,
    shewasl
    eavi
    ngt
    hispl
    acewi
    thoutr
    aisi
    ng
    hervoi
    ce.
    Shewal kedbacktother oomsandcamewi t
    hthe
    chil
    dren'ssui
    tcasedraggingi
    ttothecar.They
    watchedherasshepassedandcamewi t
    hhers.By
    theti
    mesher eachedt hedoor,
    theunclesstopped.
    "
    What
    'swr
    ongngwanaka?You'
    rest
    il
    linmour
    ning.
    "
    "Notanymor eI'
    m not.Keakopakabot ho, kekopa
    got samaya."
    (Canipleaseleave.)Theyst eppedout
    oftheway, hopi
    ngt her
    ewasgoi ngtobesomesor t
    ofexplanati
    onforthiasuddenbehavi our.Susan
    walkedtohercarandl oadedever yt
    hing.Sheput
    herkidsinthebackandshesi ghedholdingback
    tears.Moremididthistothem.Why?Shesi ghed
    andwal kedbacktogetherhandbagt hathadt he
    carkeys.Shewasnotspendi ngani ghthere.When
    sheheadedt othebedroom, Linafoll
    owedherand
    closedthedoor.
    "Suwhat'
    swrong?"Sheaskedsoft
    ly.Susanwho
    hasbeentryi
    ngtoholdher
    sel
    fforthepast40
    minut
    esbrokedownagainandLinawal kedcl
    oser
    t
    ohugher
    .
    "
    H-hecheatedonme.Linahecheat
    edonme."Li
    na
    r
    ubbedSusan'sbackasshesobbedli
    keal
    it
    tl
    echil
    d
    wit
    hinaudi
    blewordsi
    nbetween.
    "
    OhSu,heneverdeser
    vedyou.Iam sosor
    ry.He
    wasj
    ustasel
    fishbast
    ard.
    "
    "B-
    butIsti
    lllovehim butsoangry.Soangr
    y,al
    lI
    canpictur
    ei sthem havi
    ngsexandt hener
    veto
    makeachi ld."Shecri
    edmor e.Li
    naconnect
    edthe
    dots.Aha!
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    34] :REBORN
    16

    Li
    nar
    ubbedSusan'
    sbackasshecr
    iedsomemor
    e.
    "It
    'sokay."Susanmovedbackasshebli
    nkedher
    tearsawayandr ubbedhercheeksi
    nanatt
    emptto
    stopcrying.
    "I
    t'
    snot.I
    twi
    llneverbeokay.
    "Susansai
    d.She
    si
    ghed.Sheneededtoleaveandgohome.
    "
    I'
    m goi
    nghome,
    Iwantt
    obeal
    oneandgat
    hermy
    t
    hought
    s."
    "Yousaidhehasachil
    d?Wherei
    sshe?"Susani
    n
    hertear
    spaused.HowdidLi
    naknowit
    'sashe?
    How?
    "I
    t'
    saboy.Onet
    hatlooksjustl
    ikehi
    m appar
    ent
    ly.
    "
    Susansai
    dandLinaquickl
    ynodded.Nell
    yli
    edt
    o
    her?
    "
    Areyout
    aki
    nghi
    m?"Susansi
    ghed.
    "Ihavet
    othi
    nkokay.Ihavetogo.Thankyoufor
    showinguptodayandbeingther
    eformethi
    swhole
    week.Iappr
    eciat
    eit
    ."Li
    nahuggedSusanagain.
    "
    Alr
    ight
    .Haveasaf
    ejour
    ney.
    "
    "Iwil
    l."Susanwal kedoutwi thherhandbagandLi na
    bitherinnercheek.FindingAl orawasprovingtobe
    ahar dtask,oneshedi dn'tthi
    nkshewi l
    lsucceedin.
    IfNellyliedandgaveawr ongdescr i
    pti
    onaf t
    ershe
    sentmoney, shewasgoi ngt ofeelherwrath.She
    satont hebed.Sheshoul djustleti
    tgoright?Nobig
    deal,afteral
    lithasbeensi xmont hswit
    hnol uck.

    Susanpassedbyt hesi tt
    ingr oom andt heylooked
    ather.Shebr eathedoutl ookingatt hem t oobefore
    shewal kedout .Afterallt
    heywer egoi ngt ocome
    takehert hingsbecauseheri n-
    lawsf eltthey
    deservethem mor eandshedi dn'tdeser veat hi
    ng
    event houghshewor kedhar dert hanMor emiand
    shecont ributedmor eint hehouse, hellsheputt hat
    mant hroughschoolbutdot heyseei t
    ?No!Al lt
    hey
    arethinkingabouti shispr opert
    ies.Shegoti nsi
    de
    thecarandl ookedatherki dsatt heback.She
    breathedoutandst artedt hecar .IfLi
    nacomes
    throughwi t
    ht hejobshewi lkbesaf e.Ever yt
    hing
    willworkoutf orher.
    Meanwhil
    eint
    hehouse,
    MaMor
    emi
    clappedher
    hands.
    "Sheki
    ll
    edmyson.Af t
    etthefuner
    alshel
    eaves
    whenwear esupposedtodivi
    deMoremi'
    s
    proper
    ti
    es?
    "
    "WhatifhehadaWi
    llandhegavehi
    swi
    fe
    ever
    ything?
    "
    Tsholof
    eloasked.Theywer
    emarri
    edi
    ncommuni
    ty
    ofpropert
    yifsherememberedwel
    l
    .
    "
    Hedidn't
    .Heoncetol
    dmehedoesn'
    thavemuch
    t
    hatdeservesaWi
    ll
    ."
    "
    Sti
    ll
    ,youhavenor
    ightt
    otakeSusan'
    sst
    uff
    ."
    "Sayssomeonewhodecidedtotakeastranger
    's
    chil
    dtotakecar
    eofinst
    eadofyourniecesans
    nephews.Oself
    ishTshol
    ofel
    o."Tshol
    ofel
    o
    chuckl
    ed.
    "
    Atl
    eastIworkanddon'twhoremysel
    faroundto
    menakerennaka?
    "Shesaidandhersi
    stertur
    ned
    r
    edinthefacewhil
    eTsholof
    elost
    oodup.
    "
    Excuseme."Shewal
    kedoutandt
    heuncl
    esj
    ust
    l
    ookedatt
    hem.
    "I
    t'
    snotnecessaryforyout
    ofi
    ghtSusanonthe
    propert
    ies,shehasthr
    eeki
    dst
    otakecareof
    ."The
    fi
    rstunclesaidandMaMoremigl
    aredathi
    m.
    "Iam hi
    smotherandhowsur
    earewethatt
    hoseare
    hiski
    ds?"Sheaskedandt
    heyshookt
    hei
    rheads.

    *
    **

    Twohour slater,Susanwashome.I nthehouseshe


    buil
    twithherhusband.Nowcamet hehar dpart,
    packibghiscl othesandever ything.Hi sboxf r
    om
    workcamet wodaysear l
    ierandshehadl efti
    tinthe
    si
    tti
    ngr oom.Lor at
    ohadbeebdi smi ssedfrom work
    andthel onelinesscreptin.Shewant edtogetangr y
    athim.Tobesoangr ythatshel oathedhi smemor y
    butshecoul dn't.Shecoul dn'tfi
    ndi tinherhear tt
    o
    hatehimt ot hatextent.Shecl osedhereyesand
    l
    eanedbackont hesofaast earsrol leddownher
    al
    readypuf fycheeks.Shehadt ot hinkabout
    ever
    ythi
    ngandputi
    tint
    oper
    spect
    ive.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN

    17

    DayspassedandSusanwokeupont heemptycol
    d
    bed.Al
    one.Widowed.Byamanwhocheat edonher.
    Sheshookherhead.Shegotoutofbedjustasher
    phonestar
    tedri
    ngi
    ng.Shepickedupthephoneand
    l
    ookedattheunknownnumber .Sheanswered.
    "
    Hel
    lo.Mr
    sMor
    emi
    speaki
    ng.
    "
    "
    MrsMor
    emihi
    ,I
    'm cal
    li
    ngi
    nregar
    dst
    oyourCV.
    "
    Susansatdownont hebedandli
    stenedcaref
    ull
    y
    asthemanpraisedherCVbefor
    ehesai dthewords
    thatputasmi
    leonherli
    ps.
    "
    Igott
    hej
    ob?
    "
    "Yes.Iwil
    lcal
    laf
    terl
    unchf
    ort
    hedet
    ail
    sandyou
    canstartonMonday."
    "
    Thankyousomuch,
    youwon'
    tregr
    eti
    t.
    "
    "Ihopeso."Thecal
    lcutandshepl
    acedahandover
    herheart
    .
    Shei
    mmedi
    atel
    ycal
    ledLi
    na.
    "
    Hel
    loSusan,
    I'
    m abi
    tbusyatw-
    "
    "
    Igott
    hej
    ob.
    "
    "Hecal
    led?Heaskedf
    oryournumberand-
    congr
    atulat
    ions.
    "
    "
    Thankyou.Ineedthi
    s.Tot
    akecareofthekidsand
    maybeworkwillbeamuchneededdist
    ract
    ion."
    "
    Didt
    heycomet
    otr
    yandgett
    hehouse?
    "
    "Shecal
    ledandt
    hreat
    enedmebutI'
    m mar
    ri
    edin
    communi t
    yofpr
    opert
    y,t
    heuwon'
    tgett
    hehouse
    andthecarisi
    nmyname.Mor emi'
    sinsur
    ance
    poli
    cyhasn'
    tpai
    doutyetbutt
    hat'
    stheonl
    ymoney
    I'
    m get
    ti
    ng."
    "Idon'twantt
    osayItol
    dyousobutSu,youar
    e
    getti
    ngpeanuts.
    "Susanbr
    eat
    hedout.
    "
    Iknewhewasn'
    tri
    chwhenwegotmar
    ri
    ed.
    "
    "
    Youhadbet
    teropt
    ions.
    "
    "
    Thehear
    twant
    swhati
    twant
    s."
    "
    Doeshi
    sfami
    lyknowofhi
    sbast
    ardson?
    "
    "
    That
    '
    snotni
    ceLi
    na,
    thechi
    ldi
    sinnocent
    ."
    "Heisabastardsonsoker eng?Idon'twantt o
    sugarcoati
    t."Susanswal l
    owed.Knowi ngAl or
    a
    waslight
    erthaneveryonesheknewf r
    om both
    famil
    iesandherownchi ldrenmi ghtevenfeel
    i
    nsecureatsomepoi ntintheirl
    iveswhent heygrow
    up.
    "
    Not
    hing.
    "
    "Good.Moremineagotlwael
    a.Lett
    hatchi
    ldst
    ay
    withthemother
    .Ihavet
    ogookay?Congrat
    ulat
    ions
    sis.
    "LinahungupandSusanfi
    nall
    ygotuptoget
    r
    eady.

    *
    **

    Tshol
    ofel
    olookedatAl
    orawhosmi
    ledather
    .
    "You'r
    egoingt obeaheart
    breaker
    ."Shesaidand
    Alora'
    seyeslitup.Shel
    ookedateverythi
    ngAlor
    a
    ownedallpackedupi nthesuit
    casesandthatbi
    g
    suit
    casewi t
    hacodewasamongt hebagsaswell
    .
    SheleftAl
    oraal
    lal
    onei nthesit
    ti
    ngroom andt
    ook
    thebagstohercar
    .Afterallwaspackedupint
    he
    car,
    shecamebackf orAlora.
    "HiAlora,I'
    mt akingyoutoyourst
    epmommy' s
    place.Shei saver ysweetwoman.Your
    grandmot herisnotsosweetandwon' tt
    akecareof
    you.We' l
    ltellhersomeotherti
    meaboutyourreal
    i
    dent i
    tyokay?Nowyou' l
    lmeetyoursi
    bli
    ngsandI'
    m
    surethey'l
    lloveyou."
    Shesaidasshehel
    dherhandwal
    kingsl
    owl
    youtof
    thehouse.
    *
    **

    Linacall
    edNell
    yagain.Shewasn'tevenansweri
    ng
    herphone.Okayshewi l
    llett
    hisAlor
    aissuego.I
    t
    wasnobi gdealri
    ght.Sheleanedback.Sheused
    thelandl
    inet
    ocallherdoctor.
    "
    Drhi
    ."
    "HiKatal
    ina,
    howmayIhelp?"Li
    nasi
    ghed.Her
    eff
    ortstogetAl
    orawer
    einvainandsheki
    ll
    edEmi
    ly
    j
    usttogetoutemptyhanded.
    "
    Iwantt
    ohaveachi
    ld.
    "Herdoct
    orsi
    ghed.
    "Isai
    ditwasi
    mpossibleforyoutocarr
    yyourown
    chil
    dLina,
    wetalkedaboutthi
    sextensi
    vel
    yfort
    hat
    mat t
    er.
    "Li
    nabl
    inkedbacktears.
    "
    I-
    Ican'
    tyour
    unt
    est
    sagai
    n?"
    "
    Wedi
    dthatpl
    ent
    yoft
    imes.
    "
    Li
    nabi
    therl
    owerl
    ip.
    "
    Icanf
    indasur
    rogat
    e,i
    sitokay?
    "
    "Iftheotherpartydoesagr ee,sur
    rogacyi sfai
    rl
    y
    newandIam notsur ethateveryonewoul dagree
    buti tisaroutethatyoucant ake.Ver yexpensiveon
    thebasi sthatwehavet ogi veyouf erti
    li
    tyshootst
    o
    beabl etoext
    ractyoureggsandsper m banksin
    Bot swana?Unl essyouhaveacandi dateyou'r
    e
    consi deri
    ngtogiveyousper mtof erti
    li
    zetheegg."
    Linal eanedbackandr ubbedhereyes.Sheknew.I t
    wassosoexpensi ve.Expensi vethant akingher
    friend'sbabyandr aisingherasherown.
    "
    I'
    llt
    hinkabouti
    t.
    "
    "
    Alri
    ght
    .Li
    nalook,notever
    yonecanhaveki
    dsand
    i
    t'
    sokay.I
    t'
    salr
    ightandnothi
    ngtobeashamedof
    ."
    "Yeah.Bye.
    "Shehungupandcover
    edherf
    ace
    cryi
    ng.

    *
    **

    AtSusan'
    spl
    ace,Tshol
    ofel
    oparkedthecarout
    side
    andshegotAl
    oraoutofhercarseat
    .Alor
    awasso
    beauti
    ful
    .Sheki
    ssedhercheek.Shewalkedt
    othe
    housesincet
    hegatewaswideopen.Sheknocked
    onthedooracoupleoft
    imesbef or
    eBokamoso
    openedthedoor
    .
    "Aunt
    yTshol
    o!"Thesi
    xyearol
    dsai
    dwi
    thgl
    eeand
    shesmil
    ed.
    "
    HiBk.Mamaokae?"(
    wher
    eismommy? )Thatexact
    momentSusanwal
    kedtot
    hedoorandshesucked
    i
    nadeepbreat
    h.
    "HiTsholo.Comein.
    "Tsholofel
    owalkedi
    nandput
    Aloradown, i
    nst
    ruct
    inghertogoplaywit
    htheother
    kidsinthei
    rroom.Thosekidswerehersi
    bli
    ngs.
    Assoonasnoki dswer
    einsi
    ght
    ,Susanl
    ookedi
    nto
    Tshol
    ofel
    o'seyes.
    "Iwanttoknoweverything.Don'tski
    panydetai
    l.
    "
    Tsholof
    elonodded.Shel ookedatherhandsand
    star
    tedfrom whenMor emi vi
    sit
    edherhousetotell
    heraboutAlora'
    sexi
    stence.
    Susanlist
    enedcareful
    ly,
    notinter
    ject
    ing
    unnecessari
    ly.Af
    terTshol
    ofelowasdoneSusan
    cl
    appedherhandsonce.Shewasnotsur ewhat
    hurt
    , herhusbandcheat i
    ngonherwi thalight
    ski
    nnedwomanort helightskinnedwoman
    i
    mpr egnatingherselft
    oshowt heevi
    denceof
    cheating.Orthemer efactthatherhusband
    cheatedandhewentonwi thli
    feasifhedidn'
    tdo
    anythingwr ong.Susanpushedherhai rback.
    "Ican'
    tpromisethatIwi l
    lloveherbecausesheisa
    constantreminderofmyhusband' scheat i
    ngways
    butsheisachi l
    dsoI '
    llsee."Tshol
    ofel
    onodded.
    Shdwasokaywi ththat.Itwasjustthefi
    rstst
    ep.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    THI
    RTEENYEARSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN
    18

    Susancheckedherwat
    chasRebantl
    eposedf ort
    he
    camera.I
    fsomeonetol
    dhershewouldbea
    mommymanagershewoul dhaveneverbel
    ieved
    them.Notatal
    l.
    “Tjat ’
    sawr ap.
    ”Thecamer amansai dandRebant l
    e
    relaxedherbodyast hecamer asstoppedcli
    cking
    andshecoul dn’
    tseet hef l
    ashesi nhereyes.She
    l
    ookedathermot herwhogaveherast rai
    nedsmi l
    e.
    Hermot herwastiredoft his,
    shecoul dtel
    lbutshe
    wast henewhott hingint hemar ket
    .Abeaut i
    ful
    blackt eenagerwhohadt hequal i
    ti
    esthefashion
    mar ketwaslooki
    ngf or.Shewor eherf l
    uffywhite
    gownt hathadhernameembr oideredattheback
    bef oreshewashandedabot tleofwater.
    “
    Wear edonenowright?Youhavehomewor
    ktoget
    t
    hrough.
    ”Rebant
    legroaned.
    “
    Mom, Iam i
    nvi
    tedtot
    hispart
    ytoni
    ght
    ,Ihavet
    obe
    t
    her
    e.”
    Susantouchedherfor
    ehead.
    “
    Weagr
    eedt
    hatonschooldays,
    nopar
    ti
    es,
    you’
    re
    barely18Reba.Honest l
    y,schoolshoul
    dbea
    pri
    ority.
    ”Rebantl
    esighed.Hermodel i
    nggigswere
    payingforallt
    hathomeschool ingandallshehad
    todowhatshowupf orherIGCSEexams, nobig
    dealbuthermot hermadeever ythi
    ngabigdeal.
    “
    Mom,
    notever
    yonei
    sAl
    ora.
    ”Susansi
    ghed.
    “Schooli
    simportant
    .Youwon’
    tbeamodelf orever
    Reba.”Theymovedf r
    om t
    hegreenscr
    eenast hey
    walkedtoherchangi
    ngroom.Susanclosedthe
    doorandlookedather.
    “Wetal
    kedaboutthi
    s,afewyearsfr
    om nowther
    e
    wil
    lbeanot
    herfaceorbodytheyareaf
    ter.
    ”
    Rebant
    lepl
    acedthewaterbott
    ledown.
    “
    Mom,
    rel
    ax.Igott
    hisundercont
    rol
    .”
    Susannodded.
    “I’
    m proudofyou.Getdressed,I
    ’l
    lbeinthecar.”
    Susanwal kedoutandRebant l
    eslowlyremovedthe
    gown.Shegotr i
    doftheclot
    hesshewasmodel i
    ng
    andthenl ookedatherbody.Shegottoofat,she
    touchedhert hi
    ghs.Herbodywasn’tsupposedtobe
    l
    ikethis,shehasbeenslackingatgym andit
    showed.Shesi ghedandopenedherwar dr
    obeto
    gethercl ot
    hes.Shewor ethosesweatsandhoodies
    beforeshepi ckedherphoneandt ext
    edhermodel
    fr
    iendst hatshewon’tmakei tt
    othepart
    y.Her
    mot herwassuchabor esometimesbutsheloved
    herallthesame.

    *
    **

    Alorasatquiet
    lyinherbedroom asshereadher
    favouri
    tebook,goingoverherannotat
    ions.Her
    bedroom dooropenedandshegl aredatthedoor.
    “Asimpleknockwoul
    dsuf
    fi
    cetobehonest.Iget
    ti
    redofrepeat
    ingt
    hesamethi
    ngoverandover
    again.
    ”
    “Calm downMsKnowI tAll
    .”Sheshotherbrother
    anotherhotglarethathadhim chuckli
    ngand
    closi
    ngt hedoorinfear.Thedoorclosedandshe
    breathedin.Ah.Peaceandqui et
    .Shewaswai t
    ing
    forSusanormot her
    ,whicheveroneofthetwoshe
    feltl
    iketoday.Shewasgoi ngtogowi t
    hmot her
    althoughtheyallknewherpast .Herfamilyknew
    shewasani ll
    egiti
    mat echil
    dandherfather’sfamil
    y,
    shewi shedthosebl oodywomenwentt ohel lsome
    daydi dn’
    tstoptor emindherthatsheisan
    i
    llegit
    imatechil
    dt hatwasunwant edbythef ather
    andevenencour agedSusant othrowheroutt i
    me
    tot i
    me.Shehat edt hem andcouldunderstandwhy
    Susanl oat
    hedt hem mor e.
    Shepaused, shehear dthecarout sideandthegate
    sli
    deopen.Hersi sterwasbackf r
    om hermodel l
    ing
    shootalongwi t
    hhermot her.Carefull
    ysheclosed
    herbookandgotup.Shewal kedtoherdeskand
    pickedupt heletterfrom school,shewalkedtot he
    windowandsawt hem getoutoft hecar.She
    movedbackandwal kedoutoft her oom.Shehad
    notseenBokamosot hewhol edayandshehad
    beengr avelyannoyedbyMooket si.Hewasonl ya
    yearolderandheact edasi fitwassomeki ndof
    feat.Shehat edit.
    Whenshegottot
    helounge,
    Bokamosowast her
    e.
    Shesawhi
    m handthei
    rmotheralet
    terandshesaw
    thej
    oyonSusan’
    sfaceasshereadit
    .Bokamoso
    smi
    ledshyl
    yandSusangr
    inned.
    “Ican’tbel
    ievet
    his.Wow!
    ”SusansawAl
    oraand
    smiled.
    “
    Ror
    a,hiwhatdi
    dyougetupt
    oatschool
    ?”
    “
    Sameol
    d,sameol
    d.”
    Susanchuckledandnodded.Ofcour se,i
    twast he
    samef orAlor
    a.Shewasneverf azedbyanything
    real
    lyandshewonder edi
    fitwasahabi tAlor
    a
    i
    nherit
    edfrom herl
    atemother.Susanshookher
    head,shewaspastthat.
    “BKdi dyoutellyoursibl
    ings?”Thet hr
    eeyounger
    sibl
    ingslookedatt hei
    rolderbrotherwhorubbed
    thebackofhi sneckandl ookeddown.Hewas
    almost20andcoul dn’
    tspeakupt osavehi
    sown
    l
    ife.
    “Uhm,I’
    m moving.”Hesaidasamatter
    -of
    -f
    act .
    Alor
    aheldherquicktongueasRebantl
    ewaited.She
    waspatientwit
    hhim andpati
    encewasnotAl or
    aks
    str
    ongestvir
    tue.
    “
    Igotaschol
    arshi
    p.”Hesai
    dsl
    owl
    yandAl
    orakept
    herstr
    aightf
    ace,
    asmilethreat
    eni
    ngherst
    eel
    y
    resol
    vebutshewasn’
    tlet
    tingit
    .
    “
    Okay,l
    etmesummari
    sewhatIreadf r
    om t
    hel
    ett
    er
    t
    hen.
    ”Susansai
    dandtheyal
    lli
    stened.
    ‘
    Basical
    ly,bei
    ngthebestt
    enni
    splayerhis
    Univer
    sit
    yhasakaUBhehasasponsor shipt
    o
    conti
    nuehisdegreei
    nanyinsti
    tut
    ioninAmerica
    exceptofcourseI
    vyLeagueschools.
    ”Alor
    anodded,
    fai
    renough.
    “Congr atulationsBK.”Mooket sisai
    dandt heothers
    fol
    lowed.Al or acar
    eful
    lylookedatMooket siwho
    hadahugesmi l
    eonhisface.Toohuge.Sher arel
    y
    smi l
    edandappar entl
    yshewasal waysangryso
    she’l
    lqui etlyobserve.Therewaschat terandshe
    quicklycr ossedt heroom togett oSusan.She
    handedhert hepieceofpaperandSusanl ookedat
    i
    t.Sher eadi tandsmi l
    ed.
    “
    Wehavet
    opack.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    ldot
    hat.Idon’
    twantanyonet ouchinganythi
    ng
    i
    nmyr oom andrui
    ningt
    heor der.”Susangavehera
    sympathet
    icl
    ook.Whenwasi ttooear l
    ytotryand
    bookachi
    ldi
    ntot
    her
    apy?
    “Anyway,
    restassuredI’l
    lcomebacki
    nvi ctory.
    ”She
    saidandSusankissedhercheekandAlor aresi
    sted
    theurget
    orubhercheeknoti ndi
    sgustthough.She
    didn’
    tsmi
    leasshet urnedonherheel
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN

    19

    Susansignedt
    hel
    etterandwal kedtoAlor
    a'sroom.
    ShefoundAlor
    aonherdeskt icki
    ngoffwhat
    seemedtobeli
    krato-doli
    st.Shelookedaroundthe
    room thatnooneshoul dn'
    tdarerearrange.Itwas
    scarythatatf i
    veyearsol
    dAl r
    oawasf l
    uentandby
    sevenshecr iedhereyesoutinpanicwhenshe
    foundoutsomt hi
    ngofhershadbeent urned.Even
    asshewentt hroughthegrades,
    girlcouldn'teven
    studyunlessever yt
    hingwasplacedinacer tai
    n
    order.Shesighedasshel ookedatherf ourteenyear
    old.
    "
    Ror
    aIsi
    gnedt
    hel
    ett
    er.
    "
    "
    Thankyou.
    "Shesai
    d.Gr
    atef
    ul.Susansmi
    led.
    "
    Iknowyou'
    regoi
    ngt
    owi n.
    "Al
    ora'
    sli
    psl
    if
    tedi
    n
    whatwasal
    mostasmil
    e.
    "Ihavet o.
    "TheMat hs&Sciencef ai
    rwasAl ora'
    sfir
    st
    one.Shehat edthattheydidn'twanthert obeont he
    team whenshewasi nFor m 1.Ver ysexistmoveon
    theirpartbecauseshewasagi rlandt heyt hought
    ohwel l
    ,sheistooyoungandshei sagi rl.Her
    i
    nt ell
    ectprovedthem otherwiseal ongwi thher
    glaresthateveryonehat ed.Shedi dn'twantanyone
    get t
    ingclose.Shefullyfacedhermot her.
    "
    ButdoIhavet
    ogocamp?Thecompet
    it
    ioni
    shel
    d
    i
    nUBandwear eadriveawayf
    rom t
    heschool
    ."She
    sai
    dandSusanchuckled.
    "Maybeforteam bui
    ldi
    ngandal
    l.
    "Alor
    apaused
    beforehereyesl
    andedonherbook.Susanwal
    ked
    closer
    .
    "You'
    restudyi
    ngFrench?
    "SheaskedandAl
    orawho
    hadrecentl
    ystar
    tedaselfst
    udyi
    nFrenchl
    ookedat
    hermother.
    "I
    t'sinter
    est i
    ng."Susanwil
    lneverunderst
    andher
    highachi evingdaughter.Howdoesonemanage
    ninesubj ectsandf i
    ndtimetoreadclassi
    cli
    ter
    atur
    e
    andl earnanewl anguage?Mooketsiwhowasi n
    For m 3att hisverymomentwasbar elyhol
    dingon.
    "Isee.Letmenotbor
    eyouokay? "Shenoddedand
    Susanwal kedout
    .Al
    orastoodupandwai t
    edti
    ll
    theirmotherwasabi
    tfarbefor
    eshewalkedoutof
    herownr oom.SheknockedonMooketsi'
    sbedroom
    door .
    "
    Onl
    yoneper
    sonknocksl
    iket
    heywantt
    oki
    ll
    ..
    "
    "I
    t'
    sonl
    ynatur
    alIwantt
    oki
    llmybr
    other
    ,opent
    he
    doorMoks.
    "
    "
    FineMsIKnowI
    tAl
    l.
    "
    "Idoknowi tall
    .Wantia."Mooket siopenedt
    hedoor
    andAl or
    acar ef
    ull
    ywalkedinsidet heroom.Thebed
    wasamessandshehel dherselfri
    gidl
    yasshe
    l
    ookedar ound.Shefi
    stedherhandsonhersi desto
    trynottotouchhisst
    uf fandcont rolhi
    s
    envir
    onment .Shefor
    cedher selftolookathi
    m.
    "
    Areyouokay?
    "
    "Doi
    ngbettert
    hanever
    ."Hesai
    dandAl
    orakepta
    str
    aightl
    ook.
    "Youarenot
    .Yoursmilewast oowidewhenBk
    sharedhi
    sexcit
    ingnews."ShesaidandMooket si
    l
    ookedatthosehazeleyesthatwerehis0sist
    er'
    s.
    Hecouldtel
    lwhenshewasn' treal
    lyshoot
    ing
    bull
    etsi
    ntohi
    sskullandwhenshewasconcer ned.
    "Everyonei sanachieverinthishouse."Mooketsi
    saidunderhi sbreat
    h.Hi smot herhadneverbeen
    call
    edf orawardsoranyt hingonhi sbehal
    f.Allshe
    eversawwasaver ageCsonhi srepor
    tcard.His
    olderbrotherwassomesor toftenni
    ssuperstar,
    his
    oldersisterahighindemandmodelandyounger
    si
    sterwassuchaner
    dthatshescoopedal
    lpr
    izes
    atschool
    .
    "Ever
    yonehasthei
    rstr
    ongfor
    teMooket
    si.Ican'
    t
    sayIunderst
    andbutIsympat
    hisewi
    thyou."
    Mooketsibur
    stoutl
    aughi
    ng.
    "
    Youcansympat
    hiseAl
    ora?
    "
    "Don'
    tant
    agoni
    seme.
    "He'
    l
    lhavet
    olookt
    hatwor
    d
    up.
    "AsIsaid,
    Iunder st
    andyourpointofview.Mot her
    l
    ovesusal lt
    hesame, sbedoesn'tputanyoneunder
    pressur
    eandappar ent
    lyCshireAmat erialstudent
    s
    orwhatevergibberi
    shthatsi
    ll
    yauthorwr ote.
    "
    Mooketsil
    aughed.
    "You'r
    enotdoingagoodj obatcomfort
    ingme
    sist
    er."Al
    orashrugged.Itwasnotherfort
    .Rebantl
    e
    diditbett
    er.Speaki
    ngofRebant l
    ethedoorburst
    openandRebant l
    elookedatAloraandMooketsi
    .
    "Don'tt
    ellmesheconvincedyoutolethertut
    or
    you."Alora'
    seyesdar
    tedtoRebantl
    e,herjeal
    ousy
    sprouti
    ngwhensher eali
    sedwhoRebant l
    ewaswi t
    h.
    TheneighbourboywhowassomewhatReba' sbest
    fr
    iendandhadsincetookhersist
    er'
    sattenti
    on
    whenhemovedi nandshest oppedtaggingalong
    becauseRebabarel
    ynoticedher.
    "Rora,we'regoingtogeti cecream wanttojoi n?"
    Mooket sisawl ongi
    ngi nAlora'seyesathersi st
    er'
    s
    propositi
    on.AloraandRebawer eclosewhi chwas
    expectedsi ncetheywer etheonlygirlsandt hen
    Rebantlehadabestf r
    iendwhent heymovedher e,
    theguywhowasal waysar oundherandt heref or
    her,whichexcl udedAlora.
    "Ofcourse.
    "Al
    orasaid,
    hereyesst
    il
    lassessi
    ngher
    sist
    er'
    sbestfr
    iend.

    *
    **

    Susanscr ol
    ledthroughsocialmedia.Checkingout
    Rebantle'
    sof f
    ici
    alTwit
    teraccounttoregulatethe
    tweetsalongwi t
    hRebantle'sFacebookaccount .
    Heryoungestdi dnothavesocialmediaunl essthey
    disobeyedherwhi chwasunl i
    kely.Al
    oraloathed
    cheati
    ngandshel oveddoingthingsbythebookso
    shewassur e.ShesawRebant l
    e'
    stweetabout
    i
    cecream wi thherbestf r
    iendandsi ster.Shesmiled
    asshelikedt hetweetandpassed.Shewentt o
    Bokamoso'saccount sandscr oll
    eddown.She
    pausedandt houghtful
    lylookedathi spictur
    es.He
    wassoci al
    lyawkwar dsoshehadquest i
    onstoask
    him.Withoutmaki nghimf eelawkwar d.Justasshe
    gotup,herphoner angandshel ookedatt he
    unknownnumber .Whatifitwasanagencyora
    cl
    othingbrandwant ingRebant l
    e?Sheanswer ed.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    ."
    "
    Susanhi
    ."Herbl
    oodr
    ancol
    d.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN
    20

    Shesl
    owl
    ysatdown.
    "
    HiSusan,
    areyout
    her
    e?"
    "Whatdoyoywant?"Susansai
    dasherf
    reehand
    creptupt
    oherneck.
    "
    I'
    m yoursi
    ster
    ."
    "
    Sist
    ersdon'
    thur
    teachot
    herKat
    ali
    na.
    "
    "
    Sist
    ersf
    orgi
    veeachot
    her
    ."
    "Di
    dyout hinkwe'dbef ine?Ist
    il
    lhavescarsonmy
    backfrom yourknifesodon'tthi
    nkit'
    sinthepast.
    Thesekindofwoundsl astandtheylast
    .Iwil
    lnever
    for
    giveyouKat al
    ina."
    "Foroveryear
    s?Wear
    est
    il
    lbl
    oodsi
    ster
    sSusan,
    I
    saidsorr
    y."
    "
    Timecanhealbutt
    hiswon'
    theal
    .No.
    "
    "
    Iloveyou,
    you'
    remysi
    ster
    ."
    "
    Thenift
    hatisyourdef
    ini
    ti
    onoflovethenbl
    ood
    r
    unscoldheysist
    er.
    "Susansai
    dt hewordsi
    steri
    n
    awaythathurtLi
    na'
    sheart
    .
    "Pleasedon' tcal lagainanddon' tt
    rytogot omy
    children'
    sschool s.Wheni tcomest ot
    hem, Iwi l
    l
    mostdef i
    nitelyki l
    lyousister
    ."Susansaidandhung
    up.Ever yoner eal l
    yhadal imitandshehadr eached
    herswheni tcamet oKatali
    na.Shehadcadual ly
    i
    gnor edal lther edf l
    agsturni
    ngt hem white.Atfir
    st
    shecr iedher selftosleepwonder i
    ngifshemade
    ther i
    ghtdeci siont ocutherof f,
    shebeggedand
    Linadi dn'twantt oli
    sten,i
    nsteadshehur therso
    much.Sodamnmuchandshewasgl adtheki ds
    wer etooyoungt ounder st
    and.Shehadt oprotect
    herpeaceandener gy.Shecl osedhereyes.Shehad
    tof or
    cedeepbr eathesbeforeshegotupand
    headedt oherson' sbedroom.
    Shef oundBokamosoonhi slapt
    opresearchi
    ng
    Universi
    tiesabroad.Shesmiledandhelif
    tedhis
    headt olookathi smother
    .Hewassucha
    handsomeboyi nal
    lhi
    ssixfeett
    all
    ness.Helooked
    l
    ikehi sf
    at hereachandeveryday.Apainf
    ul
    r
    eminderoft
    hemanshel
    ostt
    ooear
    lydespi
    tehi
    s
    f
    laws.
    "
    Hey,
    Ihaveaquest
    ion.
    "
    "
    Okay.
    "Hesai
    dandl
    ookedather
    .
    "Areyoust
    il
    lavi
    rgi
    n?"Sheaskedandshewat
    ched
    him br
    eat
    hheavi
    ly.
    "
    Nott
    hatyoushoul
    dn'
    tbeBK,
    justaski
    ngj
    ustso.
    ."
    "
    Ist
    il
    lam.
    "Hereyesdi
    dn'
    twi
    deni
    nsur
    pri
    se.
    "
    Isuspect
    ed.
    "Hechuckl
    eduneasi
    ly.
    "
    Ican'
    ttal
    ktogi
    rl
    stosavemyl
    if
    e."
    "Ar
    eyouperhapsuhm…"shedidn'tknowhowt
    oput
    i
    twhenhesmi l
    ed.Manheroldestwasso
    handsomewhenhesmiled.
    "IfIwas,Iwoul dbehavi
    ngamalefri
    endand
    disguisi
    nghi m asmybestf
    ri
    end.I'
    m notgay
    mot her.
    "Hepi ckedhi
    spenandtappeditonthe
    tablesurface.
    "Okay.Nott
    hati
    t'
    swr
    ongaswel
    l,
    I'
    lll
    oveyout
    he
    same."
    "
    Iknow.
    "
    "
    WasthatasubatRebant
    le?
    "Het
    appedhi
    spen
    l
    ouder
    .
    "
    Idon'
    tbuyt
    hat
    bestf
    ri
    endactmot
    her
    ."
    "Anyway,you'
    rest
    il
    lavir
    gin.Idon'
    tknowi
    fIshoul
    d
    bereli
    evedorscar
    ed."
    "
    Ithi
    nkr
    eli
    evedthatt
    hegir
    lsdon'
    tthr
    ow
    t
    hemsel
    vesatyourson.
    "
    "Yes.That
    .Mmewabat
    shababanyana?
    "(you'
    re
    scaredofgir
    ls?
    )
    "Ver
    y.Li
    vingwi
    thAl
    orai
    sjust
    ..
    "hechuckl
    edand
    shesmil
    ed.
    "Shei sli
    keasharkandi sn'
    tscar
    edtogoaftershe
    want s,Iadmir
    ethatqualit
    yinherandyetsheis
    closedof f
    .Ican'
    tunderstandmysist
    er.
    "
    "
    Noonedoes.
    "
    "AndIam gladnoonecr
    ossest
    hatl
    it
    tl
    ebal
    loff
    ir
    e."
    Susanlaughed.
    "
    Otl
    abonagonnapi
    nkabodul
    ogaaboar
    e'If
    indi
    t
    awasteofmypr eci
    oust i
    met oarguewit
    hpeople
    whosimplywon' tunderst
    andme. 'Andshewalks
    awaykapuf f
    'nyanaorwi t
    hherhai ri
    nherface.
    "
    Theylaughed.Yep.ThatwasAl oraandtheyloved
    heranywayandshel ovedthem t
    oo.Inherweird
    way.
    "Speakingofherhai
    r,Ihavet
    ohel
    pherundoi
    tin
    preparati
    onforhert
    ri
    p."
    "
    Mat
    hs&Sci
    encef
    air
    ?"
    "
    Yes.Weshoul
    dgowat
    chher
    ."
    "It
    hinkthatwillbeokay.Ihavenot
    hingt
    odosince
    schooli
    scl osed,j
    usthavetosortt
    hatswit
    chi
    ng
    Univer
    siti
    esthing."
    "Bat
    hongyou'r
    egoingabr
    oad?Youhavenoidea
    howproudIam ofyou.
    "Shehuggedhersonandhe
    huggedherback.
    "
    Thanks.Iwassur
    pri
    sedbyt
    heof
    feraswel
    l
    ."
    Susansmiled.Herl
    it
    tl
    enestwasnowgoingtobe
    empty.Rebantl
    ehadherIGCSEexamsi
    naf ew
    monthsandshewasgoi ngtogotoUni
    versi
    ty.Then
    shewouldbeleftwit
    ht wochi
    ldr
    en.I
    twasgoi
    ngto
    getl
    onel
    yoncet heyleaveaswell
    .Whydi
    dn'
    tshe
    remar
    ry?Oratleasthaveanot
    herbaby?I
    twastoo
    l
    atenow.
    "
    Byenow.You'
    reondi
    nnerdut
    y."
    "
    Sure.
    "Hesai
    dandt
    urnedt
    ohi
    slapt
    opasshe
    wal
    kedout
    .

    *
    **

    Inthecaronthewaytoicecr
    eam,Al
    oraquiet
    ly
    observedhersi
    sterwi
    thHades.Whywasheeven
    namedaf t
    eragreekgod?Sheunder
    stood,
    hewas
    evi
    l.
    "Rebant
    leyoursi
    sterhast
    akenhercl
    awsout.
    "He
    saidandRebachuckledasshel
    ookedathersi
    ster
    .
    "
    Hades,
    shei
    sachi
    l
    dandwhatcl
    aws?
    "
    "Fi
    gurat
    ivel
    yspeaki
    ng."Hesai
    dashepar kedhis
    carinRi
    verwal
    k.Alor
    acouldn'
    tunderst
    andhowt hat
    oneboywhent heymovedbacktherecouldhaveall
    ofhersi st
    er'
    sat tenti
    ont ot hepoi ntthatshecoukd
    forgetherorst opdoi ngt hoseact ivi
    tieswithher .
    Alorausedt ogof oricecream wi thhersi sterwi t
    h
    hermot herdr i
    vingthem ar oundandRebant letryi
    ng
    tobapt i
    seAlor aintoherst yleofcl othing.The
    skinnyjeansandhoodi eswi thsweat s.She
    breathedout .Hadesoust edheri nhersi st
    er'slif
    e.
    Thatmadehersadbutofcour seshewasnotgoi ng
    totellRebantle.Rebant lewassweetandshe
    thoughtshewasbal ancingi tallout.Hadesand
    Rebant l
    egotoutoft hecar .Sheundi dherseat belt
    andhel dherphonei nherhandasshegotoutoft he
    car.Hadesl ockedt hedoorandshef ollowedt hem
    behind.Shekeptqui et.Theygott othei cecr eam
    shopandRebant lesmi l
    edathi m ashechuckl ed.
    "Yourf
    avouri
    tevani
    ll
    aswi
    rldi
    ppedincar
    amel?
    "He
    askedandshenoddedbef
    orehelookedatt
    heshor
    t
    demonbehindthem.
    "
    Whi
    chi
    cecr
    eam Al
    ora?
    "Shesi
    ghed.
    "Vani
    l
    laisokay."Shesatont
    hechai r
    sandlooked
    athowHadespushedRebant l
    e'
    sbr ai
    dsbackand
    sheblushed.Rebant
    lemovedcloserandl
    ookedat
    Hades.
    "I-
    Ihavetotellyousomethi
    ng."ShesaidandHades
    nodded.Shewasser i
    ous.Hisbestf
    riend.Di
    dshe
    knowhel ovedher ?Ofcourseshedidbutitwasnot
    thewayhewant edbuthewasgoi ngtotakethat
    .
    Rebantlesteppedbackandgi ggl
    edbeforeshe
    l
    ookedatAl ora.
    "
    Areyouokaybabysi
    ster
    ?"
    Alor
    alookedgri
    m andgaveherat
    humbsupbef
    ore
    shemadet hem at
    humbsdown.
    "Al
    oracar
    eful
    ,youdon'
    twantt
    ocl
    awyourowneyes
    out
    ."
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    Notgoi
    ngt
    odi
    gni
    fyyouwi
    thar
    esponse.
    "
    "
    Youj
    ustdi
    d."Shecr
    ossedherl
    egs.

    *
    **

    Kat
    ali
    nal
    ookedatt
    hecei
    li
    ng.I
    twassol
    onel
    y.
    Wasn'tSusantheonewhowassupposedt obe
    for
    givi
    ng?Shef orgaveherdeadhusbandf or
    fat
    heri
    ngAl or
    asowhycoul dn'
    tshebef or
    given?
    Shetouchedherf l
    atstomach.Nochi l
    dinsight.
    Thisli
    fewassol onely.Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyesasshe
    tur
    nedt ohersi
    deandcur l
    edhersel
    fint
    oabal las
    shecried.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN

    21

    Al
    orawat
    chedassheli
    ckedheri
    cecream,
    Hades
    l
    aughi
    ngatsomet
    hingRebant
    lesai
    devent
    houghit
    wasn’tfunny.Shel ookedatheri cecr eam bat hing
    herlowerlipinfrustrati
    onbutnotsayi nganyt hing.
    Hadesl ookedatAl orat henbackatRebant le.Alora
    wasawf ul
    lyquiet,heknewhebi ckeredbackand
    fort
    hwi thAlora.Ithasal waysbeenl i
    ket hatf orover
    5year sofknowi ngthem andbei ngRebant le’
    sbest
    fri
    end.Twent ymi nutes, Hadesdeci dedt hatthey
    shouldleave.Aloraf ol
    lowedt hem tothedooras
    Rebant l
    epushedHadest othesidewi tht hewi dest
    gri
    nonherf aceandAl orar el
    easedasi ghasshe
    l
    ookeddown.Theygoti nsidet hecarandshe
    buckledupbef oreshest aredoutt hewi ndowwi tha
    quietresol
    ve.

    *
    **

    Susanhel
    dthephoneasshet
    alkedt
    ohermot
    her
    .
    “
    Mother,Idon’
    tcare.Iwil
    lneverfor
    giveKatal
    inaf
    or
    whatshehasbeendoi ng.Justbecauseshehad
    moneyshef el
    titokaytodowhatshedi d?
    ”
    “
    Linai
    syoung,
    shel
    ear
    nsf
    rom hermi
    stakes.
    ”
    Susanr
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “Nna?Neverkemoi
    tshwar
    elanna.
    ”MaSusan
    sighed.
    “
    It
    ’si
    nthepast
    .”Susanchuckl
    ed.
    “Al
    lthatembar rassmenti sinthepast ?Myf ami l
    y’s
    dir
    tylaundr yisknownbyever yone,hellAlorawas
    tooyoungbutshedi dn’tdeservetheshamej ust
    becausekegannekaene.Kat al
    inawasn’ ttheone
    mar r
    iedt oMor emisoshehasnor i
    ghtoverAl ora
    andsi nceAl or
    awasmyhusband’ schild,legallyI
    canbehercust odian.Nnat ot
    aKat ali
    nagakakea
    bolel
    lanewspaper smybusi nessandt hosest unts
    shepul ledtryi
    ngt okidnapAl ora?Iam di sgust ed
    andwi llneverforgiveherf orputti
    ngmyf ami l
    yi n
    j
    eopar dy,kesoneapal lwakegonnal engwana.O
    nnetsebol oi.
    ”(
    that’swhyshecan’ thaveachi ld,she
    i
    sawi tch)
    MaSusansi
    ghed.
    “
    That
    ’snotni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    oppedtryi
    ngtobeniceforever
    yonebecause
    t
    henpeopl
    estartdoi
    ngastheyplease,
    Iwil
    lnever
    for
    giveKatal
    inaandshebett
    ermoveonwi t
    hherli
    fe.
    Idon’twanttoassoci
    atewi
    thher
    .Atall
    .Mylif
    eis
    peacefulwi
    thoutherandmytoxi
    cin-
    laws.
    ”
    “
    Okay.EnoughaboutKat
    ali
    na.Howar
    etheki
    ds?
    ”
    Susansatont
    hebedwi
    thasmi
    le.
    “
    Doingsogood.IhopewhatIt
    ellyouwon’
    tbe
    r
    elayedt
    oKatal
    ina.
    ”
    “
    Aongwanaka…”
    “
    Ijustdon’
    twanthert
    oknowanyt
    hingaboutmy
    l
    if
    e.”
    “
    Iwoul
    dneverbet
    rayyourt
    rustli
    kethat
    ,I’
    m anol
    d
    womanandIhavenoti
    mef orgossi
    ps.”
    “Iguessyou’ reri
    ght.BKgotasponsor shi
    ptostudy
    abroadmma.Mychi l
    dwillbewi t
    htheAmer i
    cans
    kwa!Iam sohappy, Rebai sdoingwel lwi
    thher
    model l
    ingandIam gl adIr eal
    lyli
    stenedtoherwhen
    shewant edtomodelwhenshewasachi l
    d,sheis
    want edleftri
    ghtcentreandIhaven’ tt
    oldheryetbut
    thereisaf ashionshowbyt hi
    sdesignerinPari
    s,he
    l
    ikedherwal ksandallont henet,hewantedherto
    modelf orPari
    sf ashi
    onweek.I ’
    m sti
    llt
    ryi
    ngtosee
    i
    fitcanwor k.Aloraobviouslyisthehousegenius,
    hersibl
    ingscallherashar k.Howear l
    yisitt
    owant
    tobooksomeonei ntotherapy?Alorahasanger
    i
    ssues.Theyar esoevi dent,nochil
    dcanlookso
    readyforwarever ydayandr eal
    lyscarepeopl
    e
    away.”
    “Idon’tknowngwanaka, inourt
    imest her
    ewasno
    sucht hi
    ngast herapy.Maybesheisjustli
    kethat,
    wedi dn’tknowhermot hersomaybeshei nheri
    ted
    hermot her’st
    rai
    tsandyouar eworr
    yingover
    nothi
    ng. ”
    “
    Probabl
    yhey.Maybeshewi
    l
    lgetbet
    teri
    nti
    me.
    ”
    Susanwentont oupdatehermotheronherli
    fe
    whileoutsi
    de,Hade’
    scarparkedandAlorawasthe
    fi
    rsttogetoutofthecarl
    eavingRebant
    leand
    Hadesinside.
    Theybothwat chedherpresstheinter
    com andt he
    gatesl
    ightlyopen.Rebantl
    eleanedbackandl ooked
    atHades, shewasreall
    lynervousaboutwhatshe
    hadtotellhim buti
    fsheatleasttel
    lsoneperson
    whowon’
    tjudgeheri
    twi
    llbebet
    ter
    .
    “
    Yousai
    dyouhadsomet
    hingt
    otel
    lme.
    ”
    “
    Wel
    l,
    Iwasj
    ustt
    ryi
    ngi
    tout
    ,lastweek.
    ”
    Hadesgaveheral ook.Hewasayearandafew
    monthsoldert
    hanherbuthewasthebestfr
    iend
    anygir
    lcouldwishfor.
    “
    Tryi
    ngwhatout
    ?”
    Shel
    ookedatherbar
    enai
    lst
    hebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Iwasatapar
    ty,
    wi t
    ht heot
    hermodel
    slastweek.
    Therewa-
    “shebreathedout.
    “
    Ther
    ewasal
    otofst
    uffan-
    “hekepthi
    seyesonher
    .
    “I
    -Iwascuri
    ous.I’
    m notaddict
    edoranythi
    ngHades,
    Iswear.I
    twasj u-
    “sheli
    ckedherl
    ips,l
    icki
    ngher
    strawber
    ryfl
    avouredl
    ipglossaswellasshel
    ooked
    athim.Hewast heonepersonwhowasnevergoi ng
    tojudgeheratall
    .
    “Therewasher oi
    n,weedandcocai
    ne.Wellt
    hose
    arethedrugsIidenti
    fi
    ed,
    theot
    herswer eki
    ndof
    newt ome.”Hades’jawti
    ckedashelookedather
    andRebant l
    elookedathi
    ssquaresetj
    awand
    si
    ghed.
    “I
    twasaonceof
    fthi
    ng,Iswear,Itr
    iedheroin.I
    don’
    tknowwher
    etheygotitbutitwasthere.”
    “
    Yout
    akedr
    ugsnowReba?
    ”
    “Idon’
    ttakedr
    ugs.Iwasexper
    imenti
    ngandIdon’t
    wantyout oj
    udgeme.IfIwassomekindofdrug
    j
    unkieIwouldnothavetol
    dyouakere?”Shesai
    d
    andhiseyesweredeadsetonher.
    “I
    twasanexperiment.Sameaspeople
    experi
    menti
    ngwithal
    coholandnoonesays
    anythi
    ng.I
    ’
    m okay.I
    ’m al
    iveandnot
    hinghappened.
    ”
    “Doesyourmot herknow?”Heaskedandsheshook
    herhead.Her,otherwoul
    dconfi
    scateherst
    uff
    ,of
    courseshedidn’tknow.
    “It
    oldyouthisi
    nconf idenceasmybestf ri
    endand
    youhavetokeepi ttoyoursel
    f.You’
    ret heonly
    personwhowon’ tjudgemeoranyt hingandIwoul d
    nevertr
    ythatagain.”Shesaidandbr eathedout.
    Minutespassedandwi t
    haheavybr eathHades
    nodded.
    “
    Promi
    seme.
    ”
    “Ipr
    omi
    seHades, i
    twil
    lneverhappen.Iswearon
    mydad’
    sgr ave.
    ”Hegaveherhispinkyandshe
    smil
    edgi
    vinghim her
    s.
    “
    Pinkyswear
    .”
    Theygr
    innedandhemessedupherhai
    rbef
    orehe
    ki
    ssedherhai
    randfor
    ehead.
    “Idon’
    twantyout
    ori
    skwi
    thyourl
    if
    eli
    ket
    hat
    again.
    ”
    “Iwoul
    dneverdothatHades.
    ”Shesaidandhe
    smil
    ed.Sheopenedthedoorandgotoutoft
    hecar
    .

    Insi
    dethehouse, Aloracarefull
    ycli
    mbedt hechair
    toreacht hesuitcasethatwasl ockedandont opof
    herwar drobe.Hermot hersai dshedidn’tknow
    whatwasi nsideorthepasswor d.I
    tlookedsool d
    anddust y.Sher ecoil
    edatthedustt hatwasonher
    handsandbr eathedinandoutasi tstai
    nedher
    whiteshirtthatwascar eful
    lytuckedi nherblack
    skir
    t.Fora14yearol dshewashappywi thherstyle
    ofcl othing, hopef ull
    yitwoul dbeevol vet ob
    somet hingmor eser i
    ous.Shepi ckedhercl othesas
    i
    fi twasherar mourandi tmadeherf eelincont rol
    ofherl i
    fei naway.Shehel dt hesui tcaseagai nst
    herchestandshewant edt ogetcl eanf astbutshe
    alsowant edt oopent hesui tcase.Shecar efull
    ygot
    downf rom t hechai randshepl acedt hesui tcaseon
    thef loor.Shecl appedherhandst ogetr idoft he
    dustandsher ushedt othebat hroom t ogetcl ean.
    Shequi ckl ylockedt hedoorandst ri
    ppedofhershi rt
    andwashedherhandst hor oughl ywi ththesoap
    bef oreshel ookedatherr eflectioni nt hemi r
    ror.Her
    handspi nkf ormt hatexcessi vescr ubbing.She
    pickedt het owelont herackandshesi ghedl eaning
    agai nstthewal l
    .Deepbr eathst ocal m down.She
    wascl ean.I twasj ustalittl
    ebi tofdust ,shet ook
    herwor dsbackwhenshel ookedathershi rt
    ,okaya
    l
    otofdust .Whenshewasokay, shegotoutoft he
    bat hroom wi ththet owelwr appedoverherupper
    bodyandhol dinghershi rtaswel l.Shedi dn’tthink
    shewassevergoi ngt oweart hatshi rteveragai n.
    Sheusedi ttowi pet hesui t
    casesoshecant r
    yt o
    thinkoft hecode.Onceshewasassur edi twas
    cleanenought obet ouched, shewal kedt oherdesk
    tofindapi eceofpapert obeabl etotryandwr i
    te
    downpossi blecodecombi nations.Firstonet hat
    camet omi ndwasherbi rt
    hday, inallit
    ’snumber s.
    Maybei twasj umbledup.Shewr oteallthepossi ble
    waysherbi rt
    hdaycoul dbewr itt
    ent omaket het he
    code.Shecr ouchedi nfr
    ontoft hesui t
    caseandshe
    tr
    iedal lthecombi nati
    ons.Theydi dn’topenthe
    suitcase.Shel ookedatt helastonet hatwasn’ t
    j
    ot t
    edof f.Shet r
    iedthatoneandshehear dthecl ick
    andhereyeswi denedassheopenedt hesuitcase.
    Bingo!Ti met ofindoutwhat ’
    sasi nthisthingt hat
    hasbeeni nherr oom foryear s.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    35] :REBORN
    22

    Br eathingin,shel ookedatt hepaper sinside.Some


    onbr ownenvel opesandsomei ncolourful
    envel opes.Herdai ntyhandsr eachedoutt ot ouch
    thebi gbr ownenvel opethatstoodout .Shel ooked
    ati t
    ,itwaswr i
    t tenhernamebutnotwher eitwas
    from.Sheopenedi tandhereyesnear lypoppedout
    oft heirsocket s.AWi ll
    ,noratheracopyofaWi l
    l.
    Shequi cklyski mmedt hecont entsoftheWi l
    lwi tha
    poundi nghear t.Shewassuddenl yhalfami l
    lion
    ri
    cher .Hermot her?Shedi dal lt
    his?Forherandher
    stepmot herneveropenedt hissui t
    caseorhadi t
    dest r
    oyed?Okaygoodwomenexi stedevent hough
    shewasevi denceofherhusband' scheating.I twas
    commonknowl edgeandi tdidn'tmatterwhet her
    shewaswor kedupont hefactornot .Itwasaf act
    shecoul dn'tchange.Sheputt hecopyoft heWi ll
    i
    nsi det heenvel opeandpi ckedupanot hercol our f
    ul
    enevel ope.Sheopenedi tandherhandst racedt he
    handwr it
    ing.
    "
    DearAl
    oraMor
    emi

    HidearLor a,I
    'm sur ebyt hetimeyour eadt hisyou
    woul dbeyear sol der.Iwrotethiswhenyouwer e
    justaf ewmont hsol dandIst artedtogetsi ckoutof
    nowher e.Ijustwantyout oknowyourmot herl oves
    you.I '
    m yourmot herandr egardlessofyour
    concept i
    onyouwer ealwayst heonl yst ari nmysky,
    i
    fyou' resmar tlikemommyyouwoul dhavef igured
    outt hatyournamehast womeani ngs."Al ora
    shrugged.Sheknewandshepr eferredt he
    Setswanameani ngoft hename.Ofcour seshe
    knewGodexi stedandwast herebuti nawayi t
    soundedf i
    cti
    oussoshewoul dratherbel i
    evei nf ate
    ortheuni versewor kingt oheradvant agewhi chat
    thismomenti treal lywas.Shecont i
    nuedt or eadt he
    l
    et t
    erandwhenshewasdone, shepi ckedup
    picturesf rom thesui tcase.Damn!Shedi dn'tsay
    thatoutl oudr i
    ght ,shehopednot .
    Shelookedl
    ikeherbi
    ologi
    calmot
    herwel
    lexceptf
    or
    afewfeatur
    esthatSusanwasabl
    etosayshegot
    fr
    om herfat
    her.Oneshehasfewmemori
    esofbut
    couldr ememberhi m vaguely.Hewasneverr eall
    y
    i
    nvol vedandi nsteaddumpedheratauntTshol o'
    s
    place,MayHerPr eciousSoulRestI nPeace.She
    putdownever ything.Therewasever ythi
    ngshe
    needed, f
    rom t
    hel awyer '
    scont acts.Shedoubt ed
    thelawyerwasst i
    llali
    vebutshewasst i
    llaminor
    andshecoul dn'tgetat hi
    ngt il
    lshewas18.
    Basicallyshewasal mostami lli
    onaire,almost.She
    closedt hesuitcaseandst raightenedup.Toseei f
    thelawyerwasst i
    llali
    vesheneededt ohaveSusan
    fi
    ndout .Shewal kedoutoft her oom andbumped
    i
    nt oRebant l
    e.
    "Youwereawful
    lyqui
    et,what
    'swrong?
    "Al
    ora
    thought
    ful
    lyl
    ookedathersi
    ster
    .Rebawastoo
    sweetandwouldreal
    lyf
    eelbad.
    "Nothi
    ng."Shepassedhersi sterandRebaf el
    tbad
    thatAl
    oraclosedoffonher .Wasi tsomethingshe
    did?Orshef or
    gotani mportantdateinAlora'
    sli
    fe?
    Sheaskedher sel
    f.Shecouldn'tquit
    ef i
    gureout
    whatshedi dsoshej ustheadedt oherbedroom to
    tryandattemptherhomewor k.I
    fitfai
    ls,
    thenHades
    canhelp.Shesmi l
    ed.
    Al
    oraf
    oundSusani
    ntheki
    tchenwi
    thBKandshe
    wal
    kedst
    rai
    ghtt
    oher.
    "
    Therei
    ssomethi
    ngyoushouldknow.
    "Susan
    f
    rownedandBkstoppedst
    ir
    ri
    ngthepot
    s.
    "
    BkIdi
    dn'
    tsayyoushoul
    dst
    op.Pl
    easecont
    inue,
    I
    '
    mfamishedal
    ready.
    "
    "Youhaveatowel
    aroundyourshoul
    der
    sandyour
    armsarered.
    "
    "Oh."Sheputherar
    msbehi
    ndherbackandkepther
    stance.
    "Al
    oraletmesee."Susant
    ri
    edt
    otakeherhandbut
    shesteppedback.
    "
    It
    'snot
    hing.Wehavebi
    ggerpr
    obl
    ems.
    "
    "We?Countmeout
    ."Bksai
    dandshegl
    aredbef
    ore
    hechuckl
    edandmindedhi
    sownbusi
    ness.
    "Justmeandmot herBK.Iwon'
    tinvol
    veyouinmy
    elabor
    ateschemetodestroymenyouincl
    uded.
    "
    Susanchuckled.
    "
    Whati
    sit
    ?"
    "Iopenedthesui
    tcase.
    "Susanaudibl
    ugaspedand
    Alorafel
    tasenseofaccompl i
    shment
    .Shewas
    smar t
    ,sheknewthatherI
    Qwashi gherthanmost
    humansandshepr i
    dedhersel
    fwit
    hit.
    "
    How?
    "
    "
    Probabi
    li
    tywor
    kedi
    nmyf
    avour
    ."
    "
    Howaboutf
    ate?
    "
    "Okayandthat
    .Nowther
    eissomet
    hingt
    hatneeds
    anadultandyou'
    ret
    headul
    t.
    "
    "
    YouowemeRor
    a."
    "
    Iknow.
    "Sheal
    mostsmi
    ledasshel
    ookedatSusan.
    "Fol
    lowmeandyou'
    l
    lseewhatwehaveonour
    hands."
    "
    Sur
    eli
    tt
    lemi
    ssy.Leadt
    heway.
    "
    Susangotof
    fthehi
    ghchai
    randf
    oll
    owedAl
    ora.
    "
    Mot
    her
    ?"
    "
    Hmm?
    "
    "
    Mooket
    sineedsr
    eassur
    ance.
    "Susanf
    rowned.
    "Iam notthewor l
    d'sbestcomf ort
    erbuthethi
    nks
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    ustbecausehedoesn' thaveat al
    entorinhi
    sown
    wordsis'average'hefeelslef
    tout.Natur
    all
    yIwould
    havereall
    yassur edhim butfeeli
    ngsli
    kethatar
    e
    notmyst rongestpoint
    ."
    "Whyi
    sthat
    ?Whycan'
    tyousmi
    lel
    iket
    heot
    her
    ki
    ds?"
    "I
    '
    m meandtheyar
    emedi
    ocr
    e.Mot
    her
    ,noonet
    rul
    y
    deser
    vesme.
    "
    "
    Orat
    adi
    loAl
    ora.
    "(
    Youl
    iket
    hings)
    Shechuckl
    edandSusansmi
    l
    ed.
    "
    Youj
    ustchuckl
    ed.
    "
    "Iknow.
    "Theywalkedintoherroom andshel
    ooked
    attheopensui
    tcase.Alor
    acrouchedtopickt
    heWill
    .
    "Readthisandmaybecont actthelawyer.
    "Alora
    saidandSusanqui ckl
    yscannedt hedocument ,
    her
    j
    awdr oppingattheasset
    st hatwer ei
    nAlora'
    s
    nameandever yt
    hingthatwasher s.Alor
    awasa
    ri
    chgirlbasi
    cal
    lyandshewasact ingasifthi
    swas
    nothi
    ng.
    "
    You'
    rer
    ich.
    "Al
    orakeptacompl
    acentf
    ace.
    "I
    t'
    sbeenyearsandIdoubtthehouseisi
    ngood
    condit
    ionwit
    houtanymaint
    enance,t
    hwtrustfund
    obvi
    ouslyist
    herebutrhemoneymightbedepleted
    byfixi
    ngtheproper
    ti
    es.Meani
    ngI'
    m notthatr
    ich."
    "
    I'
    llhavealawyerl
    ookint
    othi
    sandgetbackt
    oyou.
    I
    '
    llinvol
    veyoueveryst
    epoftheway.
    "
    "
    Thanks.I
    t'
    sokaynow,
    youcanl
    eavemyr
    oom.
    "
    "
    Butar
    eyousur
    eyou'
    reokay?
    "
    "Per
    fectl
    yheal
    thyandinagoodcondi
    ti
    ont
    oanswer
    anytri
    viainmysleep.
    "
    "
    Wearat
    -shi
    rtandI
    '
    lldoyourhai
    r.
    "
    "Iam notr
    iski
    ngyouburni
    ngmewi t
    htherel
    axer
    again.
    "SusanlaughedandAl
    ora'
    sli
    psli
    ft
    edinwhat
    couldbeasmi l
    e.
    "
    I'
    llwashi
    tandblowdryi
    tbef
    orest
    rai
    ght
    eningit
    t
    hewayyoul i
    kesoyoucanst
    ylei
    tint
    hatbori
    ng
    wayyouli
    ke.
    "
    "I
    t'
    snotbori
    ng.I
    t'
    ssafe.I
    'l
    lbethere.
    "Susanst
    olea
    ki
    ssandkissedAlor
    a'scheekbeforeshewal
    kedout
    andAlor
    atouchedhercheek.Sherubbeditwit
    ha
    ghostsmil
    eonherli
    psandwal kedtothebathr
    oom
    towashherhands.

    Anhourl
    ater,
    AlorawasinbetweenSusan'
    slegsas
    sheundi
    dhercor nr
    owsandMooketsiwasmaking
    j
    okesasRebantl
    esnackedonsomet hi
    ngwhile
    ther
    ewaslaughterandchat
    teri
    nthehouse.
    "
    Alor
    abehavesasi
    fshei
    sShakespear
    e."Al
    ora
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    I'
    mint
    her
    oom.
    "
    "
    WeknowMsKnowI
    tAl
    l.
    "
    "
    Alor
    ausesbi
    gwor
    dst
    hatr
    equi
    readi
    cti
    onar
    yal
    l
    t
    heti
    me."
    "
    Iwasspel
    li
    ngbeechampi
    onf
    ort
    woyear
    sina
    r
    ow."
    "
    BathongwenaRorathemanwhomar r
    iedyouotl
    a
    t
    shwaraganalebot
    hata.
    "Alorapaused,tr
    yingt
    onot
    t
    hinkaboutt
    hepartherbi
    ologicalmot
    her
    menti
    onedmenorevenmar riage.
    "
    Men?Me?
    "
    "Doyouloveus?"Mooket
    siaskedandsheli
    ft
    edher
    eyestowardshi
    mi naboredmannerbef
    oreSusan
    madeherlookdown.
    "
    Ofcour
    se,
    Iloveal
    lofyou.
    "
    "
    Inaver
    ywei
    rdway.
    "
    "
    Yes.Buti
    t'
    slover
    egar
    dless.
    "
    Theyallsmi
    ledandshel ookedatherfeetasher
    hai
    rwasbeingpulledandst r
    etched.Shewasso
    vol
    ati
    lebutshedideverythi
    ngwi t
    hunbridl
    ed
    passi
    on.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    23

    Att heUni ver sityofBot swana, theMat hs&Science


    Faircompet i
    tor sfrom di ffer
    enti nsti
    tut
    ionsarri
    ved
    andAl orahel dherbagasBKpul ledtwoofher
    suitcases.Theyal lknewwhyshecar ri
    edal otof
    stuff.Thegi rltookhour st ogetr eadyandshewas
    onlyf our t
    eenf orcryingoutl oud.Theywer ewalki
    ng
    i
    nt othegi rls' dormswher eshewasgoi ngtobe
    stayingf ort heweekt heyar eher e.Shewas
    fortunat eenought obet heonl ygirli
    nt hei
    rschool
    team soshewasn' tshar ingwi t
    hanyonewhi ch
    cameasar elieftoher .Shedi dn'tli
    kesharingher
    personalspacewi thanyone.Themi nuteshegot
    i
    nsi det heroom, sher ushedt othewi ndowst oopen
    them andpul lthecur tainsback.
    "I
    '
    llcl
    eanthisroom af
    terseei
    ngyouguysaway.
    Thankyou."Shesaidtoherbrot
    herwholooked
    around.
    "
    Tomor
    rowyou'
    recompet
    ing?
    "
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "We'l
    lbethere.
    "Shegavehi
    m aqui
    ckhugt
    hen
    steppedback.
    "
    Thankyou.I
    '
    mfi
    nenow.
    "
    "
    Bye.
    "
    "Bye.
    "Bkwal kedawayandsheclosedthedoorthen
    l
    ookedar oundtheroom.Timetocleanbef
    oreshe
    couldevensetherstuf
    fthenshetakesashower
    beforesheexplor
    esaround.I
    twasnoteven
    l
    uncht i
    me.

    *
    **

    Susanwat
    chedthel
    awyerashereadtheWi
    ll
    .The
    l
    awyerl
    eanedbackandl
    ookedatSusan.
    "IdrewupthisWil
    l."Shenodded.Shehadtri
    edt
    o
    tracethel
    awf i
    rm andaskedaroundbefor
    eshewas
    direct
    edtothi
    sgent l
    eman.
    "Soyou'r
    esayingAloraisinyourcustody?
    "He
    askedagain.Abitscepti
    calaboutthi
    swoman
    bri
    ngingupaWi l
    lhedr ewupyear sago.
    "Yesandsheaskedmet ohel
    pher.Ihonestl
    ydo
    notwantanypartofherinher
    it
    anceifthat'
    swhat
    you'
    rescaredof
    ."Shesaidandhel ookedatherl
    ips
    asshespoke.Thatmanwassuchabast ar
    dfor
    cheati
    ngonher,hecouldn'
    tsayEmi l
    ywasn't
    beauti
    ful
    ,shewasbutthisonehere?Shewast he
    defi
    nit
    ionofanAfri
    cangoddess.
    "
    Areyouli
    steni
    ng?"Susansnappedherf
    inger
    sand
    t
    helawyersnappedoutofi
    t.
    "
    Ahyes.
    "
    "Youdon'tlookl
    ikeyouwere.Wil
    lyouhel
    pRor a
    accesshert r
    ustfundwhensheis18andallher
    propert
    ies?Sheisonly14ri
    ghtnowsowillt
    hatbe
    possibl
    e?"
    "
    Yes.Shesoundsl
    ikeasmar
    tgi
    rl
    ."Susansmi
    led.
    "Sheis.Thankyousomuchforyourhel
    pandIam
    gladwewer eablet
    ocont
    actyouevenifi
    t'
    saftera
    decade."HenoddedandSusanpushedherchair
    back.Herblackrel
    axedhairt
    iedi
    ntoaponytai
    l,
    makinghereyespopandt hatfor
    eheadshinel
    ike
    thebri
    ghtestdi
    amond, f
    acebareofanymakeupand
    l
    ipsmoi st
    uri
    sedbysomevasel i
    netokeepthem
    shinyandhydrat
    ed.Simpleyetsobeauti
    ful
    .
    "
    ThankyouMrKokol
    e..
    "
    "Youcancal
    lmeThabi
    so.
    "Hesmi
    ledandshe
    smil
    edback.
    "
    Wel
    lthankyouThabi
    so.
    "
    "
    I'
    llkeepi
    ntouch.
    "
    Shenoddedandwalkedout
    ,cl
    osingt
    hedooronher
    wayout.Twominut
    esdidnotpasswhent
    herewas
    adoorknock.
    "
    Comei
    n."Susanwal
    kedi
    nandl
    ookedathi
    m.
    "
    Ifor
    gotthecopyoftheWil
    l.
    "Shesaidandhe
    l
    ookedatiti
    nhishands.Hehandeditt
    oher,
    l
    ooki
    ngatherandsheavoidedhisgaze.
    "Youdidn'
    tgetmynumber."Hesaidandshe
    noddedslowly.Shet
    ookoutherphoneandwai
    ted
    forhi
    mt osayouthisnumber.
    "Letmegetyoursr
    ather.
    "Nowt heatmospher
    ewas
    awkward.Shegavehim hernumberandquickl
    ed
    walkedoutwhil
    eThabisorubbedhisjaw

    *
    **

    Alorawasf i
    nall
    ysat i
    sfiedwi t
    hherroom.She
    tuckedinherplaidshirtintoherblackpleatedskir
    t
    andshewor eherbl ackbal l
    erinapumps.Shemade
    sureherhairwaspar tedi nthemiddlejusttheway
    sheusuallydid.Shehel dher'Guidetolearning
    French'bookwhi chhadapenci li
    nbetweenont he
    pageshewason.Shewoul dbeabl etohavel unch
    withtheothersatthecaf eteri
    a.Shejustneededa
    benchandt ositoni nper f
    ectpeace.
    Shewalkedoutoftheroom t
    hent heblockshewas
    i
    n.Therewasal otofmovement, t
    heof f
    icial
    welcomingceremonywaslatertonightandt he
    competi
    torswerealr
    eadyexcit
    ed.Oneofher
    teammatesrantoherdir
    ecti
    onandshel ookedup
    athim.Hesteppedbackabit,t
    hiskid'slookscoul
    d
    ki
    ll
    .
    "
    Didyouset
    tl
    einwel
    l?
    "
    "Yes."Hel
    ookedatthebookshewasholding.He
    hadbeendoingmat hequat
    ionsandr
    eadingBiol
    ogy
    whileshewasstudyingFr
    ench?
    "Shoul
    dn'tyoubestudyi
    ngchemi calf
    ormulas?We
    areincompetit
    ionandtheFrenchwon'thelpwit
    h
    thequiz.
    "Alor
    awant edtor
    ollhereyes.Shedidsoa
    fewsecondslater.
    "Youneedt hestudyi
    ngmor et hanme."Shesai d
    simplybef oreshewal kedaway.Notevenmi ndi
    ng
    thatherteammat eswer eagr adeaboveher s.She
    walkedforover5mi nut esti
    llshefoundaqui etspot
    andsheopenedhert extbook, pi
    cki
    ngherpenci land
    putti
    ngitbehi ndherear .Twent yminut
    eslater,she
    hadbeenl ostinherselfstudyanddi dn'
    tnot i
    ce
    beingwat ched.Liter
    ally.Wast hist
    hemoment
    whenherl ifewoul di
    rrevocablychangeorwasf ate
    j
    ustgoodatmaki ngthingshappenatt herighttime?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    24

    IttookAlor
    ami nut
    estogetoutofherownl itt
    le
    wor l
    dandcomebackt oreali
    ty.Shecoul dsense
    anotherhumanbei ngnearbyandi tdidn’tmakeher
    happy.Sheliftedherheadandsawaboy, welltall
    er
    thanmostboyssheknew.Hi shairshortandhi s
    handsi nhi
    sbl ackslacks.Hedi dn’tl
    ookbot hered.
    Sheshi f
    tedinherseatandl i
    ftedherheadhi ghl i
    ke
    sheNor madi d.Hispresence, whoeverhewas
    shouldnotmakehercower .ShewasAl oraMor emi
    forcryi
    ngoutl oud,nothi
    ngf azedher .Theboy’s
    l
    ightbrowneyesmovedt othebookshewas
    readingandhi sli
    psnear l
    ylif
    tedintoasmi le.He
    removedhishandsf r
    om hi
    spocketashelookedat
    thegir
    l.Ther
    ehasn’tbeenanyf
    emal ef
    orthepast
    fewyearsatthesecompeti
    ti
    onssoitwasar ar
    it
    yto
    seeagi r
    lwit
    hbrains.Andl
    ookstoo.Hegaveher
    that
    .
    “Whoeveryouare,speaknoworf
    oreverhol
    dyour
    peace.
    ”Alorasai
    dannoyed.
    “
    Êtes-vousunexper
    tenl
    angagef
    rançai
    s?”(
    Areyou
    f
    luentinFrench?
    )
    Alorapausedashermi ndgraspedthatsentence,
    shelookedatthebookandshehat edtoadmi t
    fai
    lurethatshewasj ustabeginner
    .Shewentpi nk,
    becauseshewasangr ywit
    hhersel
    fforlacking.She
    vowedt omast erthelanguageinafewmont hs
    i
    nsteadoft heintendedyearshehadiniti
    all
    ysai d
    shewi l
    lmasterthatlanguage.
    “non”(
    no)sher epl
    iedbackwit
    hiceinhervoi
    ceand
    i
    nsteadoft heboywhowasget ti
    ngonherlast
    nervesleaving,
    hesmi l
    ed.Acockysmil
    e.
    “Isee.Ihopet
    oseeyouar
    oundsoon.
    ”Al
    orar
    oll
    ed
    hereyes.
    “I
    nyourdreams.”Hepausedandhi
    sgazewashed
    overherbef
    orehewaslooki
    ngathereyes.
    “
    Whywoul
    dI?
    ”
    Sheshr
    ugged.
    “Seeyou.”Hewal kedoutandshel ookedather
    book.Herconcent r
    ati
    ongone.Shecl osedherbook
    andchewedonherbot tom l
    ipbeforeshest opped
    andcheckedherpocket sthenremember edt hatshe
    wasn’twearingablazerandherlipglosswasi nthe
    room.Shebet t
    ereatbeforesheretreatsforherown
    sanit
    y.Thatboy’scalm unset
    tl
    edt hefir
    et hatwas
    herandshehat edbeingunsettl
    ed.Shecl osedthe
    bookandst oodup.

    Austinwalkedawayf rom thegirlandhesmi l


    ed,he
    hadmast eredtheartofhisownemot ions,never
    l
    etti
    ngpeopl eseeanythingexceptwhathewant ed
    them tosee.Heslidhishandsi nhispocket sashe
    walkedpeacefull
    ytowher ehewassupposedt oget
    food.Hewasher easi feveryt
    hingwasnor mal .He
    couldn’
    tbecont r
    oll
    edbyhi semot ions,heknew
    better.Hepausedt hinkingabouthi scondi ti
    onand
    whet herheshoul dt aket heAdder allbutheswor e
    offthedr ugsi ncehissessi onsat14, hewant edt o
    succeedonhi sownmer itandhedi dn’tfucki ng
    needi ttoboosthi m.Hewasbet tert hant hat.He
    arri
    vedatt hecaf eteriaandf oundhi sschoolmat es
    whower ehisteammat esbyt het abl eswi thachess
    boar dsetout .Hiscal culati
    vegazel andedont he
    piecesandheanal yzedt heout comeoft hegame.
    Theyl ookedathi m, hisqui etdomi nancef ill
    ingt he
    room.Hehadt ogr
    owupatat enderageandhi s
    mot herwasmor eofaguar dianthanamot her .One
    whot aughthim compl exmat handbusi nessatt he
    tenderageoff ucki
    ng10andwhi chpsychopat hdi d
    that?Wel lCelineMat hewsdi dandshehadal r eady
    bredageni us,onewhoknewhi sf utureal ready.I t
    waspl annedoutcl ear l
    yandhewasgoi ngwi tht he
    carefullyplannedfut ure,thebl uepr i
    ntclear .
    “
    Austi
    n,whatdoyouthi
    nk?”Asmilegracedhi
    spink
    l
    ipsashepull
    edbackachairandsatonit,
    heundid
    t
    woofhisshir
    tbutt
    ons.
    “
    What
    ’si
    nitf
    orme?
    ”Heasked.Heneverdi
    d
    anythingjustforthefun, everyacti
    onhadt ohavea
    pri
    ceorsomesor tofrewar dforhimt owastehis
    brai
    npower .Theguywi t
    ht heglasseslif
    tedhis
    headt olookathim andAust inbrazenlywinked
    beforehel ookedatthechesspi eces.Thequeen
    wasi nplainsightandt her ook?Utter
    lyuseless
    l
    ookingatt hepieces.
    “
    It
    ’snotfai
    rtoaskAusti
    n,obvi
    ousl
    yyou’
    regoi
    ngt
    o
    winbecausewellhei
    sAustin.
    ”
    “Noonehassurpassedhim.”Justt
    hatmoment
    Alor
    awalkedi
    nsidethecafet
    eri
    aandr ai
    sedawel l
    t
    rimmedeyebr
    ow, shehadhermot hertothankf
    or
    t
    hat.
    “
    Isheagod?”Theboyssni
    ckeredandAust
    in
    wat
    chedherwit
    hfel
    inecur
    iosi
    ty.
    “Lit
    tl
    egir
    lyou’
    l
    lswal
    lowyourwords.
    ”Theguywi
    th
    glassessai
    dandAusti
    nkepthi
    seyesonher.
    “Ichal
    lengeyout
    oagameofchess.
    ”Aust
    inpl
    aced
    hishandsonhischi
    n.
    “Thestakes?”Al
    orabreat
    hedout
    .Shemightaswell
    bebreathingoutf
    ir
    e.Shenevert
    oldhi
    m hername
    andshet
    rust
    edher
    sel
    f.
    “Myname.”Aust
    inknewthati
    twouldbeeasyt
    oget
    hernamebutshewasint
    erest
    ingandsoheagreed.
    “Yournamei ti
    s.”Thegroupofboyslookedateach
    otherandsomeofAl ora’
    st eammatesaswellas
    otherstudentsfrom ot
    herschoolsgather
    edaround.
    Theylookedatherwear i
    ly.Shewasplayi
    ngagainst
    AustinMat hews.Didsheknowt hat?
    Thechessboar
    dwassetandhet
    urnedhi
    schai
    rto
    si
    tproper
    ly.
    “Ladiesfi
    rst
    .”Hesaid.Al
    orahasn’
    tknownhimfora
    mer etwentyminut
    esandhi segowasinf
    uri
    ati
    ng.
    Shewant edtopopitwithaball
    oon.Aust
    inr
    eadher,
    wellherangerandhowi tt
    urnedherpi
    nk.
    “No,i
    t’
    sbestifyoustar
    t,af
    teral
    lit
    ’st
    hemost
    honourabl
    ethingtodoforsomeonewhoisaboutt
    o
    l
    ose.”
    Someone’
    sjawdr
    opped.
    “
    Shedi
    dn’
    t.
    ”Sheturnedherheadwi
    thagl
    areand
    t
    heper
    sonshutup.Hegaveacockygr
    int
    hatshe
    wantedtowipeoffhi
    sface.Oneofthereasonsshe
    hatedboysandwouldcastrat
    ethem gi
    venachance
    exceptherbr
    other
    sofcourse.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Iam behindschedul e.Solet
    ’sgett
    hismar at
    hon
    star
    ted.I
    ’llupdat
    eever ytwohoursgiventhatthe
    i
    nserthasover3kl ikesand20shar es.Solet
    ’sget
    star
    ted.Goodaf t
    ernoonf amil
    y.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    25

    Att
    hecaf
    eter
    iaever
    yone'
    seyeswer
    eont
    hem.
    Alor
    aletoutagutt
    uralmoan.Shewasfrust
    rat
    ed
    andhewaspr ol
    ongingthegame.Aust
    inswift
    ly
    movedhisqueen.
    "Checkmat e."Aloralookedatthechessboar d.Ther
    e
    werenopossi blemoves, shewoul dhavel ongwon
    i
    fhedi dn'tprolongt hegamewi t
    hsomer eal l
    t
    uselessmoves.Shehadsuspect edithadbeena
    tacti
    c.Shel i
    ftedhereyest ohim andshesawhi s
    composedf ace.Someonebaski ngi nthej oysof
    beatingherf airandsquareinchess.Sheneverl ost
    atchessandshel ikeddoingt
    hingsright.She
    swallowedherpr ideandnodded.Accept ingt he
    defeat.Shewasal r
    eadypinkandAust i
    nkepthi s
    cooleyesonher .
    "Al
    ora."Shesaidandhenodded.Aust
    inknewhe
    j
    ustwant edhernameandpr ol
    ongedthegamet o
    l
    ookather ,hermoveshadbeenpreci
    seand
    accurate.Hecouldt
    ellshewassmart
    , hel
    iked
    i
    ntell
    ect.Tobeabletohavesomeonewi t
    hthesame
    thi
    nkibgcapacit
    yashi m.
    "Al
    oraMoremi
    ."Shesai
    dunderherbr
    eat
    handhe
    nodded.
    "Pl
    easur
    etomeetyouAl
    ora.
    "Herpul
    sespedupbut
    i
    tdidn'
    tshowonherf
    eat
    uresasshecockedher
    headtothesi
    de
    "
    Ican'
    tsayt
    hesameaboutyou.
    ."
    "Austin."Hesai dhi snameandAl ora'sshoet apped
    thefloorl ight l
    y.Soi twastheeAust inever yone
    usedt ot al kabout ?Sheexpect edsomeonemuch
    mor ener dyi fshecansayt hat.Notgoodl ooki ng
    boywi thanegobi genought oinfl
    at eanai rbal l
    oon
    andcer tainlynotaboywi t
    hagr i
    nt hatmi ghtaswel l
    beaddi ctive.Shewasn' tgoingt otellhimt hisof
    course.Shepushedherchai rbackandst oodup
    withpr ideasshewal kedoutoft hecaf eteria.Aust i
    n
    kepthi seyesonher ,shewasi ntri
    gui ng.Hedi dn't
    knowt hiswast hestartofthem seei ngeachot her
    atcompet iti
    onsandhert urningoutt obehi sr i
    valin
    everysense.
    Everyonecl
    appedt
    hei
    rhandslooki
    ngatAust
    in.He
    noddedandtheyst
    opped.Hestoodupandwalked
    out.
    Meanwhi
    leAl
    oraqui
    ckenedherpacet
    ogett
    oher
    room.Thefactt
    hatshelostwasgnawi
    ngatt
    he
    corner
    sofherhear
    t.Shewasangryather
    sel
    f,she
    wasgoingtodobetter
    .Shehadto.

    *
    **

    AtSusan'
    shouse,
    thei
    nter
    com r
    angandshe
    fr
    owned.
    "
    Guysar
    eyouexpect
    inganyone?
    "
    Sheshout edandshehear dchorusedNo'sfrom the
    kids.Shepulledhercardiganandgotoutoft he
    housewi t
    ht heremote.Shepr esseditandthegate
    sli
    ghtlyopened.Shewal kedoutsideandshedi dn't
    hidehershockshenshesawLi na.Shedidn'tl
    ook
    l
    ikesomeonewhowasenj oyi
    nghermoneyandl ife
    afternear
    lydestroyi
    ngher s.
    Li
    nahel
    dbackt
    ear
    slooki
    ngatherol
    dersist
    er.Li
    fe
    wassol
    onel
    yonhersi
    de.Noki
    ds,not
    hing.
    "
    NkgonneIam sosor
    ryf
    orever
    ythi
    ngIhavedone.
    "
    Susanshookherhead.
    "Kat
    alinano, yougetawaywi thever ythi
    ngandIwi ll
    neverforgi
    veyou.I ttookmont hs,everyonebashi ng
    myki ds.Kidsareinnocentandshoul dneverbee
    punishedforadultsins.Iti
    snotevent heirfaul
    tthat
    youcan'tbirthachild.It
    'snot
    ."Linawi pedhert ears.
    Herinfert
    il
    itywasthr ownaroundcar el
    esslynow.
    "Wabonaithur
    ts?I'
    m notthedoci
    lesi
    sterwhol
    et
    yougetawaywitheveryt
    hingnow,someti
    mesone
    needstobur
    ytheirol
    dselvesandcomeoutasnew
    peopl
    e."
    Li
    nasni
    ff
    ed.
    "
    Iam sosor
    rySusan.Iwasangr
    y."
    "Youanger edyour selfLi
    na,Ichosepeace.Ididn't
    wantyouwhol ookeddownonmeandbet r
    ayedmy
    trust,
    myi n-l
    awswhoar ei
    rr
    elevantbecauseba
    tswakgakal ababuakannaandt heyevendoubted
    myki ds'legi
    ti
    macy.Anddon' tgetmest ar
    tedon
    them calli
    ngoutRor awhebshei sinnocent.
    "Lina
    bitherlowerlip.Maybeconf essingwillmakethings
    betterforher.
    "
    I-
    Idi
    dsomet
    hing.
    "Shesai
    dandSusanhel
    dher
    wai
    st.
    "
    Ihavenot
    hingt
    osayt
    oyout
    obehonest
    ."
    "
    Youf
    orgaveMor
    emi
    forcheat
    ing.
    ."
    "Yousaidyouwant edtosyasomet hi
    ng.Makeit
    fast
    ."Li
    nalookeddown.Itwasatt hatinst
    antt
    hat
    theoldwoman' swordsatthefuneralr
    unginherear
    .
    Thatherheartwasdark.Shewant edtocrysobad.
    Justcurlher
    selfi
    ntoaballandcryhereyesout.Her
    l
    ifewasnol ongerwort
    hlivi
    ng.
    "I
    -Iki
    l
    ledEmily.
    "Shesai
    d.I
    nmor
    eifawhi
    sper
    .
    Susansteppedback.
    "
    Youwhat
    ?"Shehal
    fshout
    edandLi
    naf
    li
    nched.
    "Iwasyoung,Iwant
    edAlroasobadanditwasaf
    ter
    heari
    ngthenewsthatIcan'
    thaveki
    ds.
    "Susan
    shookherhead.
    "Youaresosi ckinthehead.Iwonderifyoueven
    haveahear t.
    "Susanwal kedinsi
    deheryardand
    closedthegate.HowwasLi naevenhuman?She
    shookherhead.Shocked.Al oradidn'
    tneedt
    oknow
    this,
    itmighthurthertoknowshewasdeni edher
    biol
    ogicalmotherbecauseofsomeone'
    s
    self
    ishness.

    Meanwhilei
    nthebedr
    oom, Rebant
    letookherphone
    anddial
    edoneofhermodelfri
    ends.Thephone
    rangandshefakedahappyvoice.
    "
    Hi,l
    ongt
    ime.Uhm Iwant
    edt
    oaskaboutt
    hatst
    uff
    .
    Att
    hepar
    ty.
    "
    "UhuhReba,
    weonl
    ydot
    hatatpar
    ti
    es.
    "Rebant
    le
    sighed.
    "
    Alr
    ight
    ."
    "Justatpar
    ti
    estol
    etl
    oose,other
    wisei
    twil
    ltur
    n
    i
    ntoanaddicti
    onandi
    twillr
    uinyourmodel
    li
    ng
    career.
    "
    "
    Iunder
    standyou.I
    t'
    sfi
    ne.Thanks.
    "
    "
    Wehaveapar
    tynextweekend,
    youar
    eal
    lowedt
    o
    j
    oin.
    "
    "
    I'
    llhavet
    orunthatwi
    thmymanager
    ,ifsheagr
    ees
    t
    henwear eon.
    "
    "
    Alr
    ight
    .Igott
    ogo.ByeReba.
    "
    "
    Bye.
    "Shehungup.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    26

    Katal
    ina,
    dist
    raughtfrom hermeet ingwi t
    hhersist
    er
    satonhercouch.Shel ookedatt heweal thshehad
    acquir
    edovertheyear sanditdidn’tbringherany
    j
    oynorpleasure.Itdi
    dn’tmakehersl eepwarm at
    night
    ,shehasn’tsmil
    edi nyears.Noonewant edto
    bearoundherandever yonewasj ustsohappywi t
    h
    theli
    ttl
    et heyhad.Sosohappywhi leshewas
    miserableandr ich.Shel aughedbitterl
    yinthebi g
    spaciousl i
    vingr oom.Shewasn’ thappy.Woul dshe
    everbehappy?Wast hi
    sherpuni shmentf orkill
    ing
    Emily?Herpuni shmentf orl
    ookingdownonot hers?
    Shequi cklyr ubbedt hetearsthatrolleddownher
    cheeks.Evenhersweetsi st
    erdidn’twanttof orgive
    her,t
    hel ongershest ayed, t
    helongershef eltli
    ke
    shewasgoi ngtosuf fer.Wouldn’ti
    tbet t
    ertogo
    away?Theycanhaveherweal t
    hbecausei ntheend
    i
    tneverdi dmakeherhappyi nanyway.Shet ook
    herphoneanddi al
    ledhermot her.Thephoner ang
    andshef orcedasmi l
    eonherf aceassheanswer ed.
    “Hell
    omom.”MaSusanf
    rowned.Kat
    ali
    nanever
    cal
    ledhermom.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”
    “
    Eemma.I’
    m okay.Whatdi
    dyousayyouneedt
    he
    l
    astt
    imewetal
    ked?”
    “
    Ineedt
    opayt
    heher
    dboysngwanaka.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    lsendthemoneyforthat
    .Areyouokay?I
    sol d
    agetreat
    ingyouwel
    l?”Sheaskedtr
    yingtoi
    nject
    somehappi
    nessi
    nhert
    one.
    “
    Iam.Ican’
    twai
    tforyoutobehappy,
    haveyou
    f
    oundamanwhowi lll
    oveyou?
    ”
    “
    Mama,
    theydon’
    twantmeandI
    ’
    m okaywi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    “Youdon’ twantkids?”Katal
    inacl
    osedhereyes,
    somet hingpainf
    ullodginginhert
    hroatmaki
    ngit
    dif
    ficultforhert
    obr eat
    hbutsheforcedoutadeep
    breath.
    “Youknowhowthesagawentdown.I’
    l
    lbeokay.
    Somepeoplear
    enotmeantforki
    ds.
    ”
    “You’
    llhaveki
    dsoneday.Tr
    usti
    nGodngwanaka.
    ”
    Shenoddedandbitherl
    ipbli
    nki
    ngbackt
    ear
    sas
    sheforcedasmil
    e,
    “Eemma,
    Iloveyouaut
    wemama?I
    ’
    m sor
    ryIt
    urned
    outt
    obel
    ikethi
    s.”
    “Ever
    yonemakesmist
    akesandyoursi
    sterwon’
    tbe
    angryfor
    everLi
    na.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Iknow.ButIam sosorryandi
    fyou
    managetotal
    ktoSusantellhert
    hatIl
    oveheras
    wel
    landIam sorr
    yfort
    heunnecessaryhurtI
    causedheraswel
    last
    heembar r
    assment ,
    she
    didn’
    tdeser
    vet
    hat
    .Myentit
    lementforever
    ythi
    ng
    wastoomuchandIseethatnow.”
    “
    Shewi
    llf
    orgi
    veyou,
    givehert
    imeLi
    na.
    ”
    “Eemma.Ihavet ogo.ByeandIl oveyou, st
    ay
    happyal ways.”Shecutt hecal lbeforeherot her
    couldsayanyt hing.Shet r
    iedcal l
    ingSusan’ s
    numberandi tdidn’tgothr ough.Shepr obably
    blockedherot hernumber .Sheputherphonedown.
    Shewasnotgoi ngtocauseanycommot ion.She
    thoughtful
    lywal kedoutoft helivi
    ngar eaand
    walkedupt hest air
    st oherbedr oom.Leavi ngher
    cell
    phonebehi nd.Shewal kedi nsidet hebedr oom
    andheadedt othebat hroom wher esheopenedher
    medi ci
    necabi net.Shelookedatt heassor tedpil
    ls.
    Shehadpi l
    lsthathelpedhersl eepatni ghtand
    tackl
    eheri nsomni aandot herpi l
    lsforpai n.Justa
    l
    otofpi l
    ls.Shet ookthepi ll
    sandwal kedt oher
    bedroom wher eshepour edt hem ont hebed.She
    satdownandbi therlowerl ip.
    *
    **

    MaMor emil ookedatt hekidswhof i


    ll
    edherhouse
    i
    nMol epol ole.Thekidswer el i
    kechoi ceassor t
    ed
    biscuits,eachhavi ngdi ff
    erentfathersandsome
    beingt eenager s.Shewast oool dtobedeal i
    ngwi t
    h
    toddlersbutt hereshewas, wit
    ht oddlersf orm her
    twodaught ers.EversinceMor emi di
    ed, Tsholofelo
    hadbeent heonet ohel pherandSusanhadhel ped
    event houghshedespi sedher .Susanst i
    llhelped
    whenshewasbusyt elli
    ngAl orahowmuchofan
    outsidershewas, herdaught ershadl ikedAl ora
    becauseshewasl ighterandast hust ol
    dhershe
    wasbeaut ifulthanherot hersibli
    ngs.Susan
    stoppedhel pingoutf ouryear sagowhen
    Tshol ofelodi edinhersl eep.Shet hendi stanced
    herselfandt hekidsf ormt hem andnoamountof
    i
    nsul tscoul dmakeSusanf eelguiltyforcut ti
    ng
    them of f.Shewasaf rai dshewoul dmar ryanother
    manandr epl acehersonandt hem hadcutt hem off
    i
    nst ead.Herol destdaught erwal kedi nsidet he
    sitt
    ingr oom andshel ookedatt hedi rtysof a.
    “
    Whydi
    dn’
    ttheycl
    ean?
    ”
    “Banabalonababant
    si.
    ”(
    youhaveal
    otofchi
    ldr
    en.
    )
    sheshrugged.
    “
    Hee,di
    dItellyou?Rebantl
    eisamodel.”Theol
    d
    womanlookedathereldestdaught
    er.
    “Whatareyourchi
    ldr
    endoing?Baolel
    aboDl eboE
    koskol
    ongandI ’
    m gett
    ingol
    d.(
    theyar
    efai
    li
    ngat
    school
    )
    “Noteverychil
    dissmart.Susanismakingmoney
    offyourgrandchi
    ldandwear eherepoorwhil
    eshe
    mixeswiththehighpeoplemoBot swana?Lamo
    tl
    ogela.Wealsohaveasayi nhowourni ecei
    s
    rai
    sed,shecannotenri
    chher sel
    fkangwana.”The
    oldwomansi ghed.
    “
    Shedoesn’
    twantusi
    nvol
    vedi
    nthechi
    ld’
    sli
    fe.
    ”
    “Thosear eourbr other
    ’skidsmama, your
    grandchildren.Youshoul dhaveasayonhowt hey
    areraised.”Theol dwomanwat chedhereldestr
    ant
    abouthowSusanwasunf airt
    oeatallthatmoney
    alone.Thosewer eherniecesandnephews.Theol d
    womancoughedandsi ghed.
    *
    **

    AtSusan’shouse, shecomfor
    tabl
    ylai
    ddownonthe
    couchasBKwal kedinthel
    oungewithMooket
    sii
    n
    tow.Susanlookedatt hem.
    “
    Youar
    esur
    eyoursi
    sterwasokayBK?
    ”
    “Sheis.Shewasjustbei
    ngAlor
    a.Youknowhow
    sheis.”Mooket
    sichuckl
    ed.
    “Mooketsiyou’
    reoncookingdut
    y,shoul
    dwet
    ake
    herahomecookedmeal tomorr
    owwhenwego
    watchthem? ”Susanasked.
    “
    Ithi
    nkshewil
    lappr
    eciat
    ethat.Alot
    .”
    Bokamoso
    r
    epli
    edashesatontheothercouchandpickedt
    he
    r
    emote.
    “Theni
    t’
    ssett
    led.”SusanconcludedandMooketsi
    headedtot
    hekitchentogetstartedondi
    nner
    .
    Susan’
    sphoner angandshelookedattheunknown
    numberbef
    oresheanswer ed.
    “
    SusanMor
    emispeaki
    nghel
    lo.
    ”
    “Susanhi,i
    t’
    sThabisoher
    e.”Susanlookedat
    Bokamosoandshegotup, sli
    ppingherfeeti
    nher
    sli
    ppersandwalkedout.
    “
    Hi.HowmayIhel
    pyou?Youar
    eal
    readydone?
    ”
    SheaskedasshepassedRebantle’
    sroom.She
    pausedatt
    hedoorandknockedoncebef or
    eshe
    openedi
    t.Rebant
    lelookedupf
    rom herphoneand
    gri
    nnedathermotherwhosmil
    edbackandcl osed
    thedoor
    .
    “
    Mycal
    lisper
    sonal
    ”
    “Oh.
    ”Suwalkedinsi
    deherr
    oom andcl
    osedt
    he
    doorasshespokeovert
    hephone.

    *
    **

    AtUniversi
    tyofBotswana, Alor
    atuckedinhervest
    i
    nherj eansandwor eawhi tesweateroveri
    t,she
    ti
    edherhairintoatightponytai
    landapplied
    l
    ipgl
    oss.Shel ookedatthetime.Obviousl
    ythe
    openi
    ngcer emonyhadst artedbutshewasn’ tt
    he
    onetorushher sel
    findoi nganything.Whenitcame
    togett
    ingready,herclothesweremor eli
    keher
    armoureveni fherdaywasn’ tgoingasplanned.
    Shepickedherkeysandwal kedoutoft heroom,
    sati
    sfi
    edwi t
    hhowshel ooked.Shecl osedthedoor
    andcheckedi ti
    twaslocked.Nowshecangot ot
    he
    ceremony.

    Atthespor t
    sar ena, Austinlookedar oundandhe
    couldn’tspotAl or aanywher e.Hewasl i
    steningf or
    themostpar t,theboysar oundhi m keptt heirheads
    l
    owast heytalkedabouthowt heyt houghti t
    i
    mpossi bleforgi rl
    st obeatt hem, t
    heywer etooi nt
    o
    thei
    rlooksanddi dspendt imer eading.Aust i
    n
    wasn’ tsureifhewant edtopr ovet hatt heorywr ong,
    ther
    ewassomet hinginAl ora.Hecoul dn’tpinpoint
    buthecoul dseet hef i
    rewi t
    hinher ,shewasa
    ti
    ckingt imebomb.I nagoodwayorcr azywayt hat
    mightbei rr
    it
    abl etopeopl e.Mi nutesl ater,she
    fi
    nallywal kedinandever yone’seyesl andedonher .
    Shehadt hatsamegl arethatsheshott oever yone
    whol ookedather .Ifpossibleshecoul dbur nt hem
    butthathad99%chanceofnothappening.Shesat
    downatanempt yseatandfacedthespeaker.The
    speakerthenhadt
    omar keveryonepr
    esent.Names
    werecall
    edoutandhiswascal l
    edoutl
    ast.
    “
    Rober
    tAust
    inMat
    hews.
    ”
    “
    Present
    .”Her
    epl
    iedsmoot
    hly.

    Aloratil
    tedherhead.Rober thuh?Interesti
    ng.Why
    didhegobyt henameAust i
    n?Shehasonet heory.
    Hedi dn’
    tl i
    kehisfi
    rstname.Hernewf oundr ival
    hatedhisf ir
    stname.Shel i
    ftedhereyest ofindhim
    l
    ookingatherandsheshothi m alookt hat
    screamed‘ Stoplookingatme! !
    ”Hesmi l
    edather
    andsher oll
    edhereyesathi m.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    27

    AtLina'
    shouse, shesatont hebeddisor
    ient edfr
    om
    thepil
    lsshehadswal loweddownwi thwat er.She
    washopi ngtheywoul dwor k.Shehadnot hingto
    l
    iveforatthispointint i
    me,herli
    fewasawf ull
    y
    miserableandever yonehatedher.Shegot
    undercoversandcl osedhereyes,hopefull
    yt hepil
    ls
    wil
    lwor kinhersleep.

    *
    **

    AtSusan'shouse,Susansatonthebedandlooked
    atthecei
    li
    ng.Shehasnotbeenwi thamani n
    thi
    rteenf
    ullyear
    sandamanoft hatcali
    breasked
    herout?I
    twoul dbeli
    keatoddl
    erlear
    ningtowork,
    shehaddat edbr i
    eflybeforemeet ingMor emiand
    heturnedoutt obet heoneshet rulyl
    ovedeven
    thoughshedoubt edhel ovedhert owardst heendif
    hehadt hener vetocheatonher .Shesighedand
    staredatherphone.Shepr omisedThabi soshewi l
    l
    givehim aresponset omor row.Atherbi gagewhat
    doesoneweart odat es?Timeshavechangedand
    shewasn' tsurehewoul dappr eciateawal kf ora
    fi
    rstdate.Shesighed.Shegotupf rom bedand
    decidedtoheadt oRebant l
    e'sroom.Shef ound
    Rebast i
    llupwi t
    hacomi cbookonherf ace.She
    probablyfellasl
    eepwhi lereading.Sher emovedt he
    bookandReba' seyesf l
    utteredopen.Shet r
    iedtosit
    uprightassheyawnedandst r
    etchedherbody.
    "
    Mom.
    "
    "Youcansleep.
    "Sherubbedhereyesandl
    ookedat
    herbedsi
    declock.I
    twasalmostten.
    "I
    '
    m awake."Susanpl acedthecomicbookon
    Reba'sbedsi
    det abl
    enextt othecl
    ockandsmi l
    ed.
    Shewassopr oudofRebant l
    e.Soproudoftheli
    tt
    le
    gir
    lshewasr aisi
    ng.Allherki
    dswer eherpr
    ideand
    j
    oy.
    "Rebantl
    ehowdoyouf eel
    aboutbeingonan
    i
    nternati
    onalstage?"Susanasked.Rebant
    lepaused,
    hersleepyselftr
    yingtoputtoget
    herwhather
    motherwassayi ng.
    "
    Internati
    onal
    ?AsinBellaHadi
    dandKendal
    lJenner
    i
    nternati
    onal?
    "SheaskedandSusannodded.
    Rebantle'
    seyeswidened.
    "
    Thatwoul
    dbeadr
    eam comet
    rue.
    "
    "I
    fItoldyouthatadesi
    gnerwant
    edyoutomodel
    hisclot
    hes,howwouldyoufeel
    ?"Sheaskedand
    Rebantlegr
    inned.
    "Mama,bonaIwouldgiveupal
    lthemoneyIhavet
    o
    modelforani
    nter
    nati
    onaldesi
    gner.
    "Susan
    chuckl
    ed.
    "WellIguessImadet heri
    ghtdeci
    sion,we'
    re
    headingtoPari
    sf orPari
    sfashi
    onweekandyouar
    e
    goingtobewalkingtherunwaywithfreshnew
    designs.
    "
    Rebant
    lescreamedandSusancover edherears.
    Rebant
    lel
    ookedathermot herandshescreamed
    agai
    nindisbeli
    ef.Herscr
    eamshadherbr other
    s
    bur
    sti
    ngt
    hroughherbedr
    oom door
    .
    "Ar
    eyouokay?
    "Shenodded,answer
    ingMooket
    si
    andSusanl
    ookedatherboys.
    "
    Mom ar eyouseri
    ous?
    "Susannoddedand
    Rebantl
    escreamedagainandherbr
    other
    scover
    ed
    t
    heirear
    s.
    "
    What
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    "
    Rebant
    lecl
    ear
    edhert
    hroat
    .
    "
    Parisf
    ashi
    onweek.
    "Shesai
    dandherf
    acebeamed
    wit
    hpri
    de.
    "Shutt
    hefr
    ontdoor
    !"Mooket
    siexcl
    aimedandshe
    nodded.
    "WellReba,Iam proudofyou.Youar esurrounded
    byal otoft
    empt at
    ionsint hemodelli
    ngindustry,
    youhaven'tsuccumbedt odrugsoranythi
    ng
    sini
    sterandIam sopr oud."Rebantl
    e'ssmilealmost
    falt
    eredduetotheguilt.Shehadtri
    edbutnowshe
    madeuphermi nd.Shewasnotgoi ngtotrythem
    again.
    "
    ThankyouBK.
    "
    Her aisedhi stwof i
    nger
    sinsal ut
    eashewal kedout .
    Mooket siwalkedoutt ooandt hemi nutehewal ked
    out, hisownsmi leddropped.Whathadheever
    donet omakehi sownmot herproudofhi m?
    Not hing.Heswal lowedandwasunawar eof
    Bokamoso' sgazeonhi m ashewal kedt ohi sown
    room.Mooket siclosedthedoort ohisbedr oom and
    threwhi mselfont hebed.Washer eall
    yt hatuseless?
    Hismot herwasal wayscelebrati
    ngbecauseofhi s
    sibli
    ng' sachievement swhilehewasj ustt here.He
    closedhi seyes.Noonenot i
    cedhi mint hishouse,
    notr eally.I
    twasbet t
    ertofadebacki ntot he
    backgr ound.
    I
    nRebant
    le'
    sroom,
    SusanhuggedRebant
    le.
    "Thanksmom andIwon'
    tletyoudown.Ipr
    omi
    se.
    "
    ShesaidandSusannodded.
    "Goodnightpret
    tygir
    l."Rebantl
    egrinnedandSudan
    l
    etgoofherbef oreshewal kedout.Assoonast he
    doorclosed,Rebascreamedi ntoherpill
    ow.She
    pickeditandplaceditoverherchest.Sheshould
    tellHades.Hewasnotasl eep,hewaspr obabl
    y
    wat chi
    ngaMar velmovi eorsomething.Shepi
    cked
    upherphoneandcal
    ledhi
    m.Heanswer
    edi
    n
    seconds.
    "
    Heypr
    ett
    yone.
    "
    Sher
    oll
    edhereyesandsmi
    led.
    "
    Guesswhat
    …"
    "
    Iam notgoodatguessi
    ngReba.
    ."
    "Urg!Iam goi
    ngt
    oPar
    isf
    ashi
    onweek,
    isn'
    tthat
    excit
    ing?
    "
    Shesqueal edandhechuckl
    ed.Hecouldheart
    he
    excit
    ementi nhervoi
    ceandhecouldn'
    tst
    opthe
    fuzzyfeel
    ingbuil
    dingupinhi
    schest.
    "
    Veryexci
    ti
    ng.Weshoul
    dcelebr
    ate,
    don'
    tyou
    t
    hink?
    "Hesaidandshenodded.
    "Absol
    utel
    y!Iwant
    edt
    otel
    lyout
    his.Whatar
    eyou
    doingt
    omor r
    ow?"
    "
    Not
    hing.Why?
    "
    "
    Let
    'sgowatchRor
    acompet
    eint
    hei
    rNat
    ional
    Mat
    hs&ScienceFai
    r.
    "
    "
    Ofcour
    se.
    "
    "ByeandgoodnightHades.Iloveyouokay?
    "Hades
    breathedoutandnodded,knowingshewasn't
    seeinghim.
    "
    Iloveyout
    ooRebant
    le.Sweetdr
    eamsl
    ove.
    "
    Rebant
    lesmil
    ed.
    "
    Okayni
    ghtandhangupf
    ir
    st.
    "
    "No.
    "Hesaidsof
    tl
    yandshepl
    acedt
    hephoneon
    herchest
    .
    "
    Fine.Idon'
    twantt
    ohangup.
    "Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    y.
    Hel i
    ckedhi sl
    ips.Meanwhi leRebantlesmi ledas
    sheclosedhereyes.I fshewast ohaveaboyf riend,
    herstandar dswer ealreadyhighbecauseherbest
    fr
    iendtr eatedherl ikealiter
    alqueen.Mi nutesl ater
    ,
    Hadeswasst illont heotherendofthel ine.He
    heardhersof tbr eathi
    ngandhecal l
    edouthername
    softl
    y.Ther ewasnoanswer .Shewaspr obably
    asleep.Hef i
    nal l
    yhungupandhehel dt hephonei n
    hishandl ookingatherpi cturewhichwashi s
    l
    ockscr een.Shewassobeaut if
    ul.Sof ucking
    beautif
    ul .Het hrewt hephoneont hebedandhe
    walkedoutoft hebedr oom.HadesHudson, onl y
    heirtoHudsonCo.Butl ifewassof uckinglonely,
    hisfatherabsentandhehadonesecr et.Onet hat
    hehi dsowel lfrom thepubl i
    candhi sownbest
    fri
    end.Fuck, evenhi sfather .Heheadedt ohis
    father'
    si ndoorbarandhepi ckedupt hebottleof
    fi
    newhi skey.Pour i
    ngi tint heglassandswi r
    lingthe
    cognacl i
    quid.Hewasf ine,justl
    ikethewhi skey.If
    onlyRebant leknewt hegirlshehadt urneddownf or
    her.Ot herthant hef acthewasanhei rtoahuge
    corpor ati
    on, hewasj ustasf ineastheliquor.Shar p
    j
    awl ine,thosef ulll
    ipsandhi shaircutinawayt hat
    compl iment edhi swhol ef ace.Ohhehadashar p
    tonguebutRebant l
    ewasneveratt her ecei
    vingend
    ofit.Hel ickedhi sl
    ipsbef or ehedrankt hebitter
    l
    iquidandr efil
    ledthegl ass.

    *
    **

    Susangotundercover
    sandshei
    gnoredthatbad
    feel
    ingthatcr
    eptupandmadehershi
    ver.
    Everyt
    hingwasgoingwel
    lwit
    hherchil
    dren.What
    coul
    dgowr ongi
    nherf amil
    y?Sheaskedher
    sel
    fti
    ll
    sheconvincedhersel
    fitwasthener
    vesfr
    om
    Thabi
    so'simpromptudate.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN

    28

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning

    Susanwokefir
    stinthemor ni
    ngbutshecoul
    dn'
    t
    shakeof
    fthefeel
    ingthatbadwasgoingtohappen
    orwasshejustfi
    ll
    ingaperfect
    lygooddaywi
    thalot
    ofunnecessarydoom?Maybe.Anyways,sheputa
    smil
    eonherf ace,shewasgoingtowat
    chAlora
    competeandt hatwassomethingt
    obereal
    lyproud
    ofandbehappyabout .

    *
    **

    Attheuni versi
    ty, Alorat ookhert imetogetr eady.
    Shewasn' tsureifherf amilywascomi ngtowat ch
    butshewasgoi ngt obeokayei t
    herway.Ri ght?She
    stoppedappl yingherl otionmi dway.Itwasgoi ngto
    hurtiftheydon' tcome, theypr omisedandshewas
    aper sonwhokeptherpr omisesandshehoped
    everyonedi dkeept heir.Shel etoutasigh.She
    continuedappl yingherl oti
    on, makingsuretocover
    everynookandcr ook.Shet unedhermi ndtot hi
    nk
    ofthecompet i
    tion, thequest ionsshewasgoi ngto
    beaskedwasever ythingsheknewbyhead.She
    wasnotget ti
    nganyt hingwr ong, shesworet o
    herself.Nope.Unl esst hoset woi diot
    sshehadas
    teammat eshadt heaudaci tytoletherdown.She
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.Boys!Par
    ti
    cul
    arl
    yt hatt
    allone
    whoseegoannoyedhertothecore.

    Meanwhi l
    eint heboys' dorms, Aust i
    nwasi t
    chingto
    tal
    kt ohi sther api
    st.Hesmi ledashebut tonedup
    hisshi rtbeforehef ixedhist iethenwor ehi sblazer
    thatwasador nedbybadgesf rom al lthesubjects
    andmostoft heschoolcl ubshewasi n.Hebr ushed
    hissof thairbef or
    ehespr ayedhi scol ogne.
    Unf ortunatelyhedi dnothavear oommat eandt hat
    wasent irel
    yfinewi thhim.I tall
    owedhi m hisown
    privacyandhehadspentt heni ghtr eading
    Shakespear e'sHaml et,oneofhi scl assicfavourit
    es.
    Ther ewasadoorknockj ustashewasaboutt ogo.
    Hecheckedt het i
    me, hehadanext rahourt okill
    bef orebreakf astti
    me.Heopenedt hedoorandt he
    guywi thglassespushedt hem backasasmi le
    touchedhi slips.Heopenedt hedoorwi derandhe
    wal kedi nbefor eAustinclosedt hedoor .

    *
    **
    AtLina'shouse, thehousehel perwal kedi nsidethe
    housel i
    kesheusual l
    ydidonTuesdays.Thehouse
    waseer ilyquietandsheassumedherbosshad
    sleptinsincehercarwasi nt hegar ageandt her
    e
    wasnost rongscentofcof f
    eef il
    lingtheai r.Lina
    wast hecof feeinthemor ningt ype.Shebet terstart
    onbr eakfastbeforeshesl avedawayi nthehuge
    house, i
    thadal waysf asci
    nat edherhowabeaut iful
    andi ndependentwomanl ikeherbossdi dn'thave
    kidsnordat ebutt henagainsomeofherf ri
    ends
    hadal wayst oldherthatmenar escaredof
    i
    ndependentwomenwhocandoever ythingf or
    themsel ves.Shegotbusywi thbr eakfastf oralmost
    anhourbef oreshewal kedupt hest ai
    rstoher
    boss'sroom.Sheknockedf oraf ewsecondsand
    therewasnoanswer .
    "Ma'am?GoodMor ning.Ibroughtyourbreakf
    ast
    ."
    Shesaidatt heothersideofthedoor.Sti
    llno
    response.Sheopenedt hedoorwit
    honehandand
    walkedinside.Sheplacedthetraydownandmoved
    closert
    ot hebed.Shef rownedwhenshesawwhi t
    e
    foam onthepi
    ll
    owandal loverLi
    na'
    smouth.Her
    heartski
    ppedsever
    albeatsasshelookedather
    boss.
    "Ma'am? "Sheshookherbodyandt her
    ewasno
    response.Heranxi etyhei
    ghtenedassheshookher
    bossagai n.Nor esponse.Withshakyhandsshe
    touchedKat ali
    na'snecktofeelherpulse,
    somet hi
    ng
    shehadwat chedonTVshows.Shedi dn'
    tfeel
    anything.Shepi ckedherboss'shandandl eti
    tgo,i
    t
    wasl i
    mpasi tfellt
    othesoftcovers.Themai d
    swallowed.Herboss?
    "BossKat ali
    na?"Shecr oakedoutwi t
    hal owvoice.
    Herfeetmovedbackont heirownaccor dandher
    thi
    ghhi tthetable,makinghert ur
    nbackandr unt
    o
    thedoor .Sheranoutoft hehousewi t
    htears
    bli
    ndingher .Sheshouldn' tevenjumpt o
    conclusions.Sheliter
    all
    yr andownt hestair
    sand
    reachedt helandli
    ne.Outofbr eathandwi t
    hsweaty
    shakypal ms.Shecl osedhereyesf orafew
    secondsbef oresheopenedt hem andlookedatthe
    keypadt opunchdownt henumber sfort
    he
    emer gencyline.Shepressedt hekeysandpl aced
    therecei
    veronherear ,
    hershakybreat
    haudible
    andherbodytremblingsli
    ghtl
    yatthepossibi
    li
    tyof
    herbossnotbeingaliveandherbeingtheoneto
    fi
    ndherinthatstat
    e.
    "Hell
    o."Avoicesai
    datt
    heendoft
    hel
    ineandshe
    closedhereyes.
    "
    Hel
    lo,
    I-Ihaveanemer
    gency.
    "Shesai
    d.

    *
    **

    AttheUni versit
    y,everyonewhohadgat heredto
    wat chtheQui zsessionf orthef airwerewai ti
    ng.
    Onlyf i
    vemi nuteswer eleftfort hesessiont ostart
    andAl orawasnowher et obeseen.Hert eammat es
    l
    ookedatoneanot her,theyknewi thadbeenabad
    i
    deat ohaveagi rlonthet eam butshewassmar t.
    BkandMooket sichattedinlowvoi cesasSusan
    tappedherf ingersonhert hi
    ghs.ShehopedRor a
    wasokay.Maybet hatwaswhyshehadabad
    feelingtoday.Probably.Shebr eathedoutand
    closedhereyes.Sheopenedt hem ami nut elater
    andshesawAl or
    awalkinsi det helecturetheatre
    withherheadhel dhigh.Likeal wayshershoeswer e
    shiny,hairti
    edintoati
    ghtsl eekbun, bl
    azerador ned
    withbadges.Shesatdownononeoft hechai rsand
    shel ookedatthepeoplewat ching.Shespot tedher
    mot herandSusangavehert humbsupandAl ora
    nodded, notbreaki
    ngchar act er
    .Itwast i
    met obegin
    thefirstroundofthequizsessi on.Al ora'
    sgaze
    movedt oAustinwhosmi ledsl owlyandshej ust
    gavehi m aglarebefor
    eshet urnedherat t
    entionto
    theper sonwhowascoor dinat i
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    36] :REBORN
    29

    I
    nthecar
    ,Rebant
    lel
    ookedatHadesandsmi
    led.
    "
    Youdoknowwear
    elat
    e."
    "Iknow.Al
    oradoesn'
    thaveaboneoff
    orgi
    venessi
    n
    herbodydoesshe?"
    Rebagi
    ggl
    ed.
    "Al
    orai
    sjust
    -smar
    tandalwaysinherownwor l
    d."
    Shesai
    dsoftl
    yasshetouchedhisshoul
    derandhe
    smil
    edbefor
    ehefocusedontheroad.
    "
    HadesaboutPar
    is…"shest
    art
    edof
    fandbi
    ther
    l
    owerl
    ip.
    "Whatabouti
    t,l
    ove?
    "Heaskedandshegavean
    uneasysmil
    e.
    "ParisFashi
    onWeekisaboutt ohappensoonand
    you'reaboutt
    ogobackt oschoolsoon."Shebither
    l
    owerl ipbef
    oreshestaredoutthewindow.His
    otherhandquickl
    ymovedt otouchherthighand
    squeezeittoeasehertensi
    on.Shesmi l
    edand
    turnedtohim.
    "Tal
    ktomeRebant
    le.
    "Shel
    eanedbackont
    hecar
    seat
    .
    "It
    houghtaboutt hi
    s.Wellf
    ormont hsandIthought
    Ihadti
    me, Ireall
    ythoughtIhadti
    meandt henmom
    tol
    dmeI '
    m goi ngtoPari
    sandi ntwoweeksorso
    you'
    regoingbackt oAmer i
    caforschoolandI-
    "she
    pausedashi shandmovedupanddownhert hi
    gh
    andshepl acedherhandonhi s.
    "
    Willyoudomethi
    sonefavour?
    "Het
    ookar
    ight
    t
    urnandshest
    aredri
    ghtahead.
    "
    Anyt
    hingforyou.
    "Rebant
    lesmi
    led.Hadeswasone
    i
    namilli
    on.
    "I
    -Iwantt
    obreakmyvirgi
    nit
    y."Si
    lencebef
    ellt
    hecar
    andshewatchedhimtakeadeepbr eat
    hashekept
    onehandonthesteer
    ingwheel.
    "Yeah?"Heasked,
    tryi
    ngtokeeptheshakyvoi
    ceat
    bayandactcasualaboutit
    .Rebant
    lesawhim as
    herbestfr
    iendandthatwaswhathewast oher.
    Whathewasgoi ngtobetoher.
    "
    Yeah.Uhm but
    …"Rebantl
    elookedathim.She
    wat
    chedHadesdri
    veintotheUniver
    sit
    ywithhi
    s
    j
    awsl ockedinplaceandhi mf ul
    lyconcentrati
    ngon
    whathewasdoi ng.Hepar kedthecarmi nuteslat
    er
    andshel eanedbackast heengi nestoppedandhe
    facedher.Hiseyesst ar
    ingdeepi nt
    ohersoulasi f
    hecouldr eadherinnermostthoughts.Thatmade
    hersmile,howheknewheri nandout .
    "
    But
    ?"Heasked.
    "Iwantyout
    obr
    eaki
    t.
    "Thatear
    nedheraconf
    used
    star
    e.
    "Hadesyou'retheonlymal eItrustandmyvi r
    gini
    ty
    i
    sdeart ome, wearef r
    iendsandI 'm sureyouhave
    fuckedmor egirl
    sandyouar eexperiencedsoi t
    won'tbeapr oblem.
    "Shesai dandhesqui ntedhis
    eyesandmovedhi shandf rom herthightocover
    hisface.What?Hel ovedhermor ethanaf r
    iendand
    shewant edhimt obehervi r
    ginit
    ybr eaker
    .
    "Hades?
    "Helookedatherdef
    eat
    ed.Hel
    ovedher
    .
    Shecouldn'
    tseethat
    .
    "Thi
    nkabouti
    t.Please.
    "Andwhenshesaidpl ease
    coul
    dheeverrefuseher?Likei
    fshesai
    d'please
    Hades,t
    akemewi t
    hyou.'
    Hewoul ddef
    ini
    tel
    yask
    herwhenandhewouldbookaf l
    ightwithher
    .He
    swall
    owed.Hewasn'
    tevenexperienced.
    "Youdon'thaveagir
    lf
    riendcur
    rentl
    yri
    ght
    ?"She
    asked.Ofcoursehedidn't
    .Sheknewthat
    .
    Rebantlewassi l
    entlyprayingheagr eedt oher
    peculi
    arr equest.Thiswasahugef avourshewas
    aski
    ngofhi m andshedi dn'thaveanyot her
    candidates,shedi dn'twanthervi r
    ginityt
    obet aken
    bysomeonewhom shewoul dregretforther
    estof
    herli
    fe.Shet rustedHadeswi t
    hherl i
    fe.
    "
    Okay.
    "Hereyeswi
    dened.What
    ?
    "
    Youhavet
    obemor
    ecl
    eart
    hant
    hat
    ."Shesai
    d.
    "Okay.You'llt
    ellmewhen. "Shesqueal
    edandundid
    herseatbelttohughim, breat
    hingi
    nhiscologne.
    Hadesbr eathedagainstherneck.Hisvi
    rgi
    nself
    wasgoi ngtohavet owor khardtomakethe
    experi
    encegr eatforher
    .
    "Thankyousomuch.Thankyousosomuch.Il
    ove
    youHades."Shesai
    dandhelickedhi
    sli
    ps.
    "
    Iloveyout
    ooReba.
    "Shebr
    oket
    hehugandl
    ooked
    athi
    m.Shesqueezedhi
    scheek.
    "
    Whyt
    hesourl
    ook?
    "Hechuckl
    edandsmi
    led.
    "
    Bet
    ter
    ."Shepeckedhi
    scheekandmovedback.
    "Webet t
    ergetgoi
    ng,we'relateasiti
    s.Al
    orais
    goingtokil
    lme."Hadesundi dhisseat
    bel
    tandgot
    outofthecarwhileRebagotherbagandgotoutas
    well.Shehadhisphoneandher sinherbagalong
    wit
    hhi swall
    et.Helockedthecarandhewal ked
    overtoherside.
    "
    Leadt
    heway.
    "

    *
    **

    Inthelectur
    etheatre,t
    woot herschoolswer e
    compet i
    ngandAl orawaswat chingbyt hesideli
    nes.
    Shewasgoi ngt oseeherfami l
    ybyl unchti
    me.They
    seemedt obeenj oyi
    ngitaswel l
    ,shehadn' tseen
    Rebantlebutitwasokay.Sheconvi ncedher self
    .
    Sheturnedtohersi deandAust inwassi t
    ti
    ngnext
    toher.Shescowl edathim whilehewor eaneasy
    smile.Hereyesf l
    eetedtohisblazert
    hathadmor e
    badgest hanhersandt hatenragedher.Notthel
    ava
    boil
    ingangerbuti twasasubt leonethathadher
    respecti
    nghi m.Justabit.Shemai nt
    ainedaglar
    e
    andhewat chedher.Fascinat
    ed.
    "Rober
    tgett
    hehelloutofmyf ace.
    "Ther
    ewasno
    changeinhi
    sfaci
    alexpressi
    onasshecalledhi
    m
    Robert
    .
    "
    It
    'sAust
    in.
    "Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "Robertyou'
    rebei
    ngadest
    ructi
    onandIanni
    hil
    ate
    dist
    racti
    onsdoyouknowthat?
    "
    "I
    '
    m nottheoneglar
    ingam I
    ?"Hecount
    eredand
    shegroanedi
    nfrust
    rati
    on.
    "
    Die!
    "
    "Atyourhands?Gladl
    y."Hesaidandshewas
    perpl
    exed.Boyswouldhavel ef
    theralonebuthe
    washer eandwasn'tmovedbyherwor ds.She
    avert
    edhergazeandshesawRebawal ki
    nwi t
    h
    Hades.Sheblinkedandletoutasoftsigh,Austi
    n
    observedherandhelookedatthesamedi r
    ecti
    on
    shewasl ooki
    ngat.Therewashurtinhereyes, di
    d
    seeingt
    hoset
    wohurther
    ?Thetwopeoplewal
    ked
    towhereshewasseat
    edandheleanedbacki
    n
    sil
    ence.
    Rebasmi
    ledasshehuggedAl
    ora.
    "
    Ror
    a,sosor
    ryI
    '
    mlat
    e."
    "
    It
    'shisfaul
    t.
    "Shesaidvehementl
    y.Aust
    in
    watchedinsi
    lence.Rebawavedof
    fAlor
    a.
    "
    Howdi
    ditgo?
    "
    "Won.Obviously, eyesonthepr i
    zeRebant l
    e."Hades
    eyeslockedwithAust i
    nandt heguy'squiet
    observantnat
    ur eunset t
    ledHadesasheexcused
    himselfandwal kedawayt of
    indseatsf orhim and
    Reba.Austinwat chedhowAl oravisi
    blyrel
    axed
    whent heguylef tandAl or
    atalkedwithRebant l
    e.
    Minuteslat
    er,Rebahuggedast if
    fRorabef or
    eshe
    walkedaway.
    "
    Rober
    t,st
    opst
    ari
    ng.
    "
    "OrwhatLor
    a?"Sheturnedtolookathi
    m,sur
    pri
    sed
    befor
    esheshothim aheatedglar
    e.
    "
    Pleasedi
    e."
    "Thewor
    ldwoul
    dbel
    osingagenius,
    woul
    dn'
    twant
    suchatr
    agedyt
    obef
    allpl
    anetear
    th.
    "
    "
    Ohpl
    ease!Getof
    fyourhi
    ghhor
    seRober
    t.
    "
    "
    No.
    "Hesai
    dandshef
    ist
    edherhands.
    "
    Suchanegomani
    ac.
    "
    "Gl
    adyouknowthatLor
    a."Shewantedtocl
    awhi
    s
    eyebal
    lsout
    .Hewassuchanuisance.
    Thenextt
    wot eamstocompet
    ewerecal
    ledoutand
    hegri
    nned.Showinghi
    scol
    gatewhi
    tet
    eeth.
    "
    I'
    llshowyouhowi
    t'
    sdoneLor
    a,wat
    chandl
    ear
    n."
    "Ihopeyout
    ri
    ponyourwaydownt
    hest
    air
    sRober
    t
    andnoonesperf
    ormsCPRonyou.
    "
    "Exceptyou,youmean?"Shegroanedandpickeda
    pent othr
    owhi swaybutthepenci
    lleadwi
    llbreak
    andshedi dn'
    twanttocreat
    eamessonacl ean
    space.
    "
    Iwi
    llenj
    oyyoursl
    owdeat
    h."
    "
    J'ensuissûr
    ,Lor
    a."(
    I'
    m sureyouwil
    l,
    Lora)He
    walkedawayandsheletoutaheavysigh.Why
    wasn'tHadesspar r
    ingwithher?Whatwaswr ong
    withhim?Ofcour sehewashernemi s,hestol
    eher
    si
    ster'
    sattenti
    onfrom herbutshewasusedt o
    sparr
    ingwi t
    hhim andthem throwi
    ngjabsateach
    other
    .Hewassupposedt osaysomet hi
    ngsnortyor
    sharpedgedwhensheputt heblameonhimf or
    Rebantlebeinglat
    et owatchhercompete.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    30

    AtLi
    na'
    shouse,t
    hemaidwatchedasKatali
    na'
    s
    bodywasputi
    nablackbodybag.Goosebumps
    coveredherski nandshepl acedapr ot
    ectivehand
    overherhear t
    .SoKat al
    inacommi ttedsuicide?It
    wasj ustsur pr
    isi
    ngbecauseshehadever ythingone
    couldwi shforbutsheki l
    ledher selfaft
    erachi evi
    ng
    al
    loft his?Wasshedepr essed?Themai dasked
    herselfasshewat chedt hepol i
    ceappr oachhert o
    askquest ions.Shef ol
    dedherar msandt riedt oput
    onabr avefront,
    shewasnotcl osewi t
    hherboss
    butdeat h,anykindofdeat hrattl
    edhert ot hecor e.
    Shesuckedi nadeepbr eathandl ookedatt he
    poli
    ceof fi
    cerbefor eshest artedtoanswerhi s
    questions.

    *
    **

    AttheUni ver
    sit
    y,Alorasatdownaf t
    ert
    heywont he
    roundt heywerein.Tomorrowwast imeforthe
    semi -
    fi
    nals.Austi
    n'sschoolalsowonandi tirked
    her.Shebet t
    erbeatthem i
    ftheymeetatt hef i
    nals
    whichwassuchahi ghpossibil
    it
    y.Sheleanedback
    ont hechairasherfamilyfoundt hei
    rwaytoher .
    "
    Alor
    a,t
    hatwasawesome!
    "Mooket
    siexcl
    aimedand
    Al
    oranodded.
    "
    Thankyou.
    "
    "Sheissosmar
    t.
    "Bksaidqui
    etl
    yandAlor
    alooked
    athim wi
    thasmil
    etuggi
    ngatherl
    ips.
    "Thankyouguys.Thankyouforshowi
    ngup."She
    saidwit
    hgrat
    it
    udef i
    ll
    inghernor
    mall
    yangr
    yvoice.
    "Wewoul
    ddoanythingf
    oryou.Ili
    keyourponyt
    ail
    ."
    Shet
    ouchedherheadandfi
    nall
    ysmiled.
    "
    Thanks.
    "shesai
    dandshehear
    dthecamer
    acl
    ick.
    "
    Goti
    t!
    "Shegl
    aredatMooket
    si.
    "Look,yousmil
    ingisar ari
    ty.
    "Hedefendedhi
    msel
    f.
    Hel ookedatt
    hepictur
    e.Hi sli
    tt
    lesi
    sterwasso
    beautif
    ulandsmart.Brainsandbeauty.
    "Iwoul
    dbef or
    cingyout
    odel
    etethatbutI
    '
    llj
    ustl
    et
    yoube."HadesandRebamadetheirwaytot
    hem.
    "Youl
    itt
    legenius.
    "Rebasai
    dandAl
    orar
    oll
    edher
    eyes,
    resist
    ingtheur
    getosmil
    e.
    "
    Thankyousomuchf
    orcomi
    ngt
    owat
    ch.
    "
    "Si
    s,Iwouldn'tmissitf
    ortheworl
    d.Moremisi
    ster
    s
    forl
    if
    e,remember ?"Rebantl
    esai
    dandAlora'
    seyes
    l
    itup.Everyonetheresawthatbef
    oreRebant
    le
    huggedher .
    "Tomorrowwe'l
    lbeher
    efort
    hesemi-f
    inal
    s."She
    noddedasshehuggedRebantl
    eback.Rebantl
    e
    placedherbagonthet
    abl
    eandlookedatthem.
    "Excusemeguys.
    "Shesai
    dbef
    oreshewal
    ked
    down.
    "Ror
    awebroughtyouahomecookedmeal ,
    wil
    lyou
    comejoi
    nus?"Susanaskedandshenodded.
    "I
    naf ewminutes.
    "Hersibli
    ngsandmot herwal
    ked
    awayandshewasl ef
    twithHadeswhowasawf ull
    y
    quiet
    .HadesbreathedoutandlookedatAlor
    awho
    wascareful
    lyobservi
    nghim.
    "
    Nor
    emar
    kli
    tt
    ledemon?
    "Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    Iloat
    heyouwai
    tse.
    "Hechuckl
    edandl
    ooked
    f
    orward.
    "
    I'
    m sor
    ry.
    "Hesai
    dandAl
    orapaused.Hewassor
    ry?
    Hesl
    ippedhi
    shandsi
    nhi
    spocket
    s
    "Youhat emebecauseyout hinkIst ol
    eyoursist
    er
    awayf rom you,Itookal lherattenti
    onandyou
    hati
    ngmei sbetterthanyouhur ti
    ngoverthefact
    thatyouhavet lshareyoursi sterwi t
    hastranger
    l
    ikemewhohasspentmostofhi sdayswi t
    hyour
    familyandbeenpar tofyourf ami l
    yforsolongthat
    theytreatmel i
    kef amily."Al
    oral i
    ckedherli
    ps.She
    hadjustwant edhersi sterback.
    "
    I'
    m sor
    ryAl
    ora.
    "Hesai
    dandl
    ookedather
    .
    "Ifoundabestfri
    endinyoursi
    sterandIam sor
    ryi
    t
    fel
    tlikeIwasrepl
    acingyouinherli
    fe.
    "Al
    ora
    breathedoutandsighed.
    "Evenifyouapologi
    sed,
    Isti
    lll
    oatheyou.
    "Hades
    chuckl
    edandr ubbedherhead.Shemovedherhead
    andslappedhishand.
    "
    You'
    rest
    il
    ltheenemybutapol
    ogyaccept
    ed.
    "
    "Andyou'r
    eli
    kethel
    it
    tl
    esi
    sterIneverhadwho
    hatesever
    yone.
    "
    "
    Getbesi
    desmesat
    an.
    "
    Hel
    aughedandl
    ookedather
    .
    "
    Truce?
    "
    Shel
    ookedathi
    shand.
    "Iknowyoulovemysist
    ermoret
    hanabestfr
    iend
    would.Don'
    thurther
    .Tr
    uce.
    "Sheshookhi
    shand
    beforeshel
    etitgoandf
    akedagag.
    "Let
    'sneverspeakofthi
    sdayagain.Ihat
    emaki
    ng
    peacewithyoumor t
    alhumanbeing."
    Hadeschuckl
    ed.
    "
    Ifor
    gott
    hatyou'
    real
    it
    tl
    edemon.
    "
    "Alwaysher etotorment ."Shesai dandhenodded.
    Shest oodupandbr ushedherski rttomakesur eit
    wasokay.Shewal kedawayl eavi ngHadesst anding
    therewi t
    hRebant l
    e'sbag.Al or amadeherwayout
    ofthelecturetheatreandasshewal kedoutshe
    passedAust i
    nwhol ookedabi twei rdashewal ked
    outoft hetoil
    ets.Hewasf ixi
    nghi sshi rtcoll
    arsand
    histiewasn'tinplace, hewaswal kingbesi desthe
    boywhowasi nglasses.Whenhi seyesspot t
    edher,
    hef l
    ashedhert hathotashel lgrinnedandwal ked
    ri
    ghtal ong.Shecont inuedwal kingt illshewasout
    ofthebui l
    ding.Shenowhadt hehuget askof
    l
    ooki
    ngf
    orhermot
    her
    'scar
    .

    Meanwhi
    leinthel
    ecturetheat
    re,
    Rebantl
    emadeher
    waytoHades.Shetouchedhischeek.
    "What'
    sup?You'vebeengloomytoday."Hades
    breat
    hedout.Thi
    swashi sbestfr
    iend.Shet hought
    ofhimli
    keabr ot
    her,abrot
    hershewant edtobr eak
    hervi
    rgi
    nit
    y.Washecr azytothi
    nkthattheymi ght
    happen?Betogether
    ?Asmor ethanbeatf r
    iends?
    "
    Reba,
    Iloveyou.
    "Shesmi
    ledandki
    ssedhi
    scheek.
    "
    YouknowIloveyoutooHades.You'
    remybest
    f
    ri
    end.
    "Heshookhishead,
    hischestr
    isi
    ng.
    "Notli
    keabestf ri
    end.IloveyouRebantl
    e.More
    thanabestf ri
    endwoul d.
    "Rebantl
    epaused.Hebit
    hisli
    p,nervous.Hewasgoi ngtoneedmor e
    whiskeytodealwi t
    ht herej
    ect
    ionthatwouldcome
    outofthis.Hedidn'tknowwher ehegotthecour
    age,
    buthef el
    linloveandhedi dn'
    tknowwhenbuthe
    did.
    "
    Isi
    tbecauseofmyr
    equestear
    li
    er?
    "Heshookhi
    s
    head.
    "No.Iloveyou.If el
    linlovewithyou,yourbubbl y
    personali
    ty,yoursof tness.Everybitofyoursoul,
    thewayyouaccommodat edmei neverythi
    ng
    Rebant l
    e.Ifellinlovewi t
    hyouevenyourqui et
    ness
    whereyout hinkyou' redumbbutyouaskmet ohelo
    andyour ealiseyou' r
    easmar tgir
    l.RebaIfelli
    nlove
    withthegirlinyouwhowant edtomodelbef oreyou
    eventookt hel eapoff ait
    handst art
    e."Rebantl
    e
    movedbackabi t
    .Tooshockedbyhi sconfession.
    "Rebantl
    eIloveyouandIdon'tknowhowyou'r
    e
    goingtotakeit
    ,Iknowyouwantt obr
    eakyour
    vir
    gini
    ty,Iknowthatl
    ovebutyou'r
    enoteven18
    yet.
    "Hemovedf or
    wardandcuppedhercheek.
    "That
    '
    stooearl
    yandIknowyou'
    regoi
    ngtobe18i
    n
    twomonthsbutIwantyout
    owaitf
    orme.Canyou
    dothatReba?Wai
    tforme?"
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    31

    Rebalookedathim,t
    hesincer
    it
    yinhi
    seyes.She
    l
    ickedherli
    ps.Hadessi
    ghedandsmil
    ed.
    "Youdon'
    thavetoanswermenow.
    "Hesai
    dand
    sheshookherhead.
    "I
    'l
    lwait
    ."Shesaid.Shewasn'tsureshelovedhim
    l
    ikealoverandshewasnotsur eheevenknew
    whatlovewasbutshewasgoi ngtofindout.Takea
    chance.Heletoutasighofreli
    ef.
    "Thankyou.Let'
    sgo."Hesai
    dandshegotherbag
    beforeshetookhishandandtheymadet
    heirway
    out.
    *
    **

    Bythecar,Susanexcusedhersel
    fast
    heki
    ds
    chatt
    edbyt hebootandAlor
    amadeherwayto
    them.Herskinalr
    eadyabitredfr
    om t
    hewi
    ntersun.
    Shesmiled.Sheansweredthephone.
    "
    SusanMor
    emi
    speaki
    nghel
    lo?
    "
    "MrsMoremi,hel
    lo.I
    '
    m call
    ingf
    rom Pri
    ncessMari
    na
    hospi
    tal
    ."Susannodded.Herheartski
    pped.That
    badfeel
    ingshehadsi ncel
    astni
    ght.
    "
    Eemma.
    "
    "I
    '
    m call
    ingbecauseofMsKatal
    inaMoses.
    "Susan
    heldherbreat
    h.Whywouldt
    hehospit
    alcal
    lher
    ?
    "Wetri
    edtoreachMr sMosesbutIcoul
    dn'tand
    yournumberwasscr ibbl
    edonanotesi
    ncet henext
    ofki
    n'snumbert hatwegotfr
    om t
    hehealt
    hsystem
    wasunreachable."
    "
    Okay.I
    '
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    "
    "
    MsMosesi sl
    ate.
    "Theladyatt
    heotherendoft
    he
    l
    ine.Ashar
    ppai
    nhitSusan'
    schest
    .
    "
    Lat
    e?"sheasked.Tr
    yingt
    okeephereven.
    "Yes.Pi llover dose.Youcancomevi ewt hebody
    befor etheendoft hedaysoi tcanbemovedt othe
    mor tuary.Thankyou.HaveagooddayMr s
    Mor emi."Thecal ldiedandSusansl owl yplacedher
    phoneonherchest .Li nadied?Api l
    lover dose
    meantsheki l
    ledher sel f
    .Herchestheavedandshe
    bentdownt ot ouchherkneesbef oretheyf ai l
    edher.
    Whataboutt heirmot her ?Whati fthisraisesher
    bloodpr essur eandshedi esont hespot ?Why
    coul dn'tLinaownupt oherownmi stakesi nst eadof
    takingt heeasywayout ?Why?Whywassui ci
    det he
    answer ?Shel ickedherl ipsandf eltthewet nesson
    hercheeks.Shebr eat hedinandoutand
    straightenedupt or ubhercheek.Shewasn' tgoi ng
    tor uintodaywi t
    ht his.Thekidswer ehappyand
    thatwasal lshewant ed.Forthem t obehappy.Her
    phoner angagai nandshecl osedhereyesbef ore
    shel ookedatt hecal lerIDandanswer ed.
    "Goodafter
    noonSuzi
    e."Thabi
    sosai
    dandshe
    smiledsadl
    y.
    "
    Hi,
    ift
    hisksaboutt
    oday'
    sdat
    eIwon'
    tbeabl
    eto
    makei
    t.
    "Shesai
    dandshel
    ookedupt
    hesky.
    "Oh.Okay,t
    hankyouf
    orl
    ett
    ingmeknow."She
    couldheart
    hesadnotei
    nhisvoi
    ceandshe
    breat
    hedout.
    "
    It
    'snotyouoranyt
    hing,
    Ijustr
    ecei
    vedacal
    lthat
    mysist
    erisl
    ate.
    "
    "Mycondol
    ences,ar
    eyouokay?
    "Tearsfi
    ll
    edher
    eyes.Wassheokay?Whenwasthelastt
    imeshe
    wasaskedsuchaquesti
    on?
    Sheshookherhead.
    "Ihaven'
    tbeenokayforyears.
    "Sheblur
    tedandshe
    heardhissharpi
    ntakeofbreathbef
    orehe
    responded.
    Sherubbedhereyes.Shehast obeokay.Shehas
    fourki
    dsandherol dmot her
    .Shehast obeokay
    andstrongforthem.Shehast obet her
    ef orher
    mother.Andshehat edtoadmitthatasmuchasher
    l
    atesisterhadherfault
    s,shehadgoodt rait
    sand
    thepartofherthatrememberstheirchi
    ldhoodand
    thei
    rbondgr i
    evedLina.
    "I
    '
    m notokayThabiso.I
    '
    m not
    .Idon'
    tthi
    nkI
    '
    llbe
    goodcompany."Shesaid.
    "
    CanIcomecheckuponyou?
    "
    "
    Your
    eal
    lydon'
    thavet
    o.I
    '
    llbeokay.Ihavet
    obe.
    "
    "Givemeyouraddr essSusan."Sher ubbedhereyes
    asshespel toutheraddr essandhesai dgoodbye
    afterextendinghi scondolences.Susant ooka
    momentt obr eatheinandoutbef oreshet ookafew
    stepsbutst opped, herkneesweakandherhear t
    holdingonf ordearl if
    e.Shebreathedinandout
    again.Shehast obef ine,shehast obeokay.Alora
    hasj ustmovedont othesemi-fi
    nalsandshei s
    happyandexci ted.Shedoesn' tneedthis.Shereall
    y
    doesn't.Shekeptherheadhi ghandkeptonwal king.

    Bythecar,everyonechatt
    edandBKwasaski ng
    HadesquestionsaboutschoolsinAmer i
    cawhich
    hegladl
    yanswer ed.Mooketsiwasr i
    li
    ngAlor
    aup
    whichearnedhim somesar cast
    icanswerswhich
    helaughedoff,withamentalnotetolookupsome
    wordsinthedictionar
    y.Theirmotherwal
    kedback
    wit
    hafixedsmi
    leandSusan'
    sat
    tent
    ionwason
    Hades.
    "
    Hades,
    howi
    syourf
    atherdoi
    ng?
    "Sheasked.
    "
    Heisokay.Pr
    ett
    ybusywi
    thwor
    kandst
    uffl
    ike
    t
    hat
    ."
    "
    Yourmot
    her
    ?"Hadesswal
    lowed.
    "Ihaven'
    tseenherinoverayearbutIt
    hinkshei
    s
    okaywher eshei
    s."Hismotherwasasor et
    opi
    cand
    RebantlegaveHadesasympat het
    icl
    ookwhichhe
    acceptedandconti
    nuedtalki
    ngtoBokamoso.
    "Ror
    a,wedidn'
    ttel
    lyoudidwe?"Rebant
    lest
    art
    ed
    andAlor
    a'seyesquickl
    ymovedtoRebantl
    e.
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.Il
    ikebei
    ngkepti
    nthel
    oop.
    "
    "I
    '
    m goingtoPar
    isf
    ashi
    onweek.
    "Al
    ora'
    sli
    ps
    downturnedi
    npl
    easur
    e.
    "Beingani
    nternat
    ionalmodelhasal
    waysbeenyour
    dream.Congratul
    ati
    ons."Shesai
    dandRebant
    le
    gri
    nned.
    "
    Thankyou.
    "
    "Fat
    e."Al
    orasai
    dsoftl
    y.Fat
    ewasalwaysjustt
    her
    e
    tomakeone'sdreamswhichwerenotexact
    lyt
    hei
    rs
    butsomesortofapre-
    desti
    nycometrue.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    32

    Latert
    hatday,aft
    erSusandroppedof ft
    hekidsat
    homesheheadedt ot
    hehospitaltoreal
    lyconfi
    rmif
    i
    ti sLi
    na.Sheparkedhercarbythehospi t
    alparki
    ng
    l
    otandshecal medhersel
    fdown.Shewasseei ng
    yetanotherdeadbodyofsomeonewhohadbeen
    closetoherheart
    .Wasthisacur se?Sherubbedher
    eyesbeforeshegotoutofthecarandwalked
    towardstherecept
    ion.Shekeptontel
    li
    nghersel
    f
    shewasokay, deat
    hhappenedbutshewasn'tused
    toit
    .Sheburiedherhusband,herf
    avouri
    tesi
    ster
    -i
    n-
    l
    awnowheronl ybloodsi
    ster
    .Shegreet
    edoneof
    thenurses.
    "Hi,I
    'm Mr sMor emi.Camet oseeKat al
    inaMoses'
    body."Thenur sepushedbackhergl assesandt old
    Sut owai ttogoaskf urt
    her.Susanrubbedher
    handst ogetherandwai ted.Shetappedherf oot
    l
    ightlyont hecer amict
    il
    easshewai t
    ed.Anur se
    walkedt owardsherandgaveherasympat hetic
    l
    ook.Shehadseent hatlookbeforeandshehat ed
    thatsheknewt heending.Sheknewi tsolidif
    iedt hat
    hersisterwasgone.
    "MrsMor emifoll
    owme. "Shefol
    lowedt henurseto
    theroom andshewal kedinsi
    de.Thesamebed,
    bodycover edwit
    hawhi tesheet
    .Shewasgoi ngto
    fi
    ndhereyescl osed,l
    ikeali
    tt
    leangelbecause
    Katali
    nawasbeaut if
    ulbutshewasn'tevensur ei
    f
    Linawasi nheavenbutsheonlyhoped.Sher ubbed
    hercheek,wipi
    ngawayt hel
    onetearthatrol
    led
    downhercheek.
    "Wouldyoul
    ikemetoleaveyouher
    e?"Thenur
    se
    askedandSusannodded.
    Thiswasprobabl ythelastti
    meshewasgoi ngto
    tal
    ktohersisteralone.Thedoorclosedandshe
    walkedcl
    osert othebed.Shel i
    ft
    edthesheetand
    j
    ustasshepr edicted.Thereshewas.Tearsrol
    led
    downSusan'scheeks.
    "I
    -I
    fyouhadgivenmet i
    meIwouldhaveforgi
    ven
    you.I
    twaseasiertofor
    giveMor
    emibecausehe
    wasdead."Shesaidandsheusedbot
    hhandst o
    wipehercheeks.
    "Linayouaremysi ster
    ,Iwasn'tgoi
    ngtobeangry
    forever.Youwer
    eabadper sonbutfamil
    yisfami
    ly
    rightsis?Nooneisasai nt
    ."Susancri
    edint
    oher
    hands.Shewasgoi ngtoseeheragainsomeday
    right?
    Sheremovedherhandsandsni
    ffed,
    wipi
    ngher
    tear
    sasshepull
    edachairt
    ositdown.
    "
    Idi
    dn'tknowyouwant
    edt
    oki
    llyour
    sel
    f.
    "She
    r
    ubbedhereyes.
    "Thi
    sisthel
    astti
    meI '
    l
    lbenexttoyourbody
    physi
    cal
    ly.I
    '
    llbehappythough,
    Ihopesuici
    degave
    youpeacesis.
    "Susansaidandcoughedlooki
    ngup.
    "I'
    llmisst hegooddaysofoursi ster
    hood.You'rethe
    onl ysisterIhad,Li
    na.I
    'l
    lhol
    dever ymemor yclose
    andI '
    llbehappyokay?I '
    llmakesur emymot heris
    happy.Goodni ghtmyLina,mayyoursoulf i
    ndthe
    peacei thasbeenyearni
    ngfor."Susanki ssedher
    fingersandpl acedthem onLina'sforehead.Mor e
    tearsrol l
    eddownhercheeks.
    Sheplacedherheadont hebedandcr ied.Cr
    iedall
    herpainawaybyKat al
    ina'
    scorpse.Halfanhour
    l
    ater,wi t
    hr edeyesshel i
    ft
    edherheadandsmi l
    ed
    tear
    fully.Shegotupandcover edherbody.Nowt he
    dauntingt askoftel
    li
    nghermot herthatshelosther
    daught er.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyesagain.Sheopened
    thedoorj ustasthenursewasaboutt oknock.
    "I
    '
    llcont
    actamor t
    uarytocomegethert
    omor
    row.
    Thankyou."Thenursenodded.
    "
    Itgetsbet
    ter
    .Mycondolences.
    "Susannoddedand
    walkedaway.Shesear
    chedherbagforher
    cel l
    phoneandshet ookitout.Shecal l
    edhermot her
    j
    ustasshewal kedoutoft hehospitalandthecool
    wi nterairhitherface,gett
    ingcolderasi tdri
    edher
    tear s.Shebi therl
    ip,waiti
    ngf orhermot hert
    opick
    up.Hermot heranswer edafterafewat temptsof
    tryingt oreachher .
    "Hell
    ongwanaka,howareyou?"Sheaskedwi t
    ha
    happyvoiceandSusancouldn'
    tbri
    nghersel
    fto
    breakhermother
    'sspi
    ri
    tsandtrust
    .Shecouldn't
    .
    "
    Himama.
    "Hervoi
    ceshook.
    "
    Areyouokay?
    "Susanshookherhead.
    "Mama,isi
    tokayifyoutaket
    hebustoGaborone?"
    Sheaskedandwaitedforananswer
    .Shewasn't
    goi
    ngtobreaksuchnewst ohermot
    heroverthe
    phone.
    "
    What
    'swr
    ong?Youdon'
    tsoundgood.
    "
    "
    I'
    llt
    ellyouwhenyoucomeher
    e."Susansai
    d.
    "Okay.Katal
    inat
    oldmetot
    ellyout
    hatshei
    ssor
    ry.
    "
    Tearsrol
    leddownSusan'
    scheeks.
    "
    Eemma.If
    orgi
    veher
    ."
    "Gl
    adtoheart
    hat
    .WhenIgett
    her
    etomor
    rowyou
    gir
    lsshoul
    dmakepeace.
    "
    "Eemma.Tal klat
    ermama."Susansaidwithtear
    sin
    hereyes.Shecutthecal
    landwipedhereyes.She
    draggedherfeett
    othecar,sheneedstogethome
    tothekids.

    *
    **

    Thabisopar kedhiscarbyt hegate,Susanl ivedin


    suchani cesecurenei ghbourhood.Helikedt hat.
    Het ookhi sphoneinanat tempttodialherbutacar
    parkednextt ohis.Heputhi sphonedown.I twas
    Susani nsidethecar.Hegotoutoft hecarj ustas
    shepl acedherheadont hesteeri
    ngwheel .He
    walkedt othecarandknockedont hewi ndow.She
    l
    ift
    edherheadandt hest reaksthetear
    sl eftbehind
    onhercheekswer evi sibleaswellasherswol l
    en
    eyes.Sheunl ockedt hecarandheopenedt hedoor.
    Shesni ff
    edandf orcedasmi l
    e.
    "
    I'
    mtot
    all
    yfi
    neThabi
    so.Justf
    ine.
    "shesai
    dwi
    tha
    voicet
    hatwasont heurgeofbreaki
    ng.Shewas
    breaki
    ng.Hetookbothherhandsandhelpedherup
    onherfeet.Hepul
    ledhercl
    oseandshecr i
    edint
    o
    hisshi
    rt.
    "I
    '
    mt i
    red.Iam sosot
    ir
    ed.
    "Shesai
    dandher
    ubbed
    herback.
    "
    I-
    Iwantt
    otakeabr
    eakf
    rom t
    hesadst
    uff
    .I-
    "
    "
    It
    'sokaySu.
    "
    Shepul
    ledbackandr
    ubbedhert
    ear
    s.
    "I
    'm notgoodcompany."Shesaidandli
    ckedher
    l
    ipsasshel ookedup.Heheldherfaceandrubbed
    hercheeks.
    "I
    '
    m notlooki ngf orcompany,youneedsomeonei n
    yourcorner."Shel ookedathim.Thi
    swasnotaf ir
    st
    goodimpr ession.Shewasamessandnowhadt o
    dealwit
    hf uner alarrangement
    s.Shelickedherl
    ips
    againasher ubbedhercheeksi nalovingmanner.
    "Ican'
    tsayitwil
    lbeokaybecauseli
    feal
    ways
    throwsobstacl
    esourwaybutitdoesgetbett
    er
    evenifthepainneverf
    ull
    ygoesaway."Susan
    nodded.Freshtear
    sfil
    li
    nghereyeswhil
    etheysti
    ll
    l
    ockedeyes.Her ubbedhercheeksei
    thhisthumb
    befor
    eher ubbedherli
    psandloweredhishead.
    Susanclosedhereyesashisli
    pstouchedhersand
    theyki
    ssed.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    33

    Susanopenedhereyesandmovedback.
    "Tooear
    ly.
    "Shesai
    dsoft
    lyandThabi
    sonodded.He
    pull
    edherbacki
    ntohi
    sarmsandrubbedherback.
    "
    Youar
    enotal
    one.
    "
    Hesai dandshenodded.Shewasi nhisembr ace
    forovert enminut
    esashekeptsi l
    ent.Whenwas
    thelasttimeshehadeverbeeni naman' sarms?
    Mor ethanadecadeandi tfel
    tcomf ort
    ing.She
    closedhereyesandi nhal
    edhiscologne.Mor emi
    wor ecolognebecausesheaskedhi mt o,ot
    herwise
    hesaidi twastooexpensi
    ve.Shesi ghed.Hewas
    nothereandsheshoul dn’
    tfeelguil
    tyaboutbei ng
    withanot herman.Shedeservedtomoveon.I fit
    doesnotwor kout
    ,shewillt
    ryagain.
    Shebr
    oket
    hehugbuthekepthi
    sar
    msar
    oundher
    .
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.
    “You’
    rebeauti
    ful
    .”Hesaidandshelookeddown.
    Sheli
    ftedhereyessecondslat
    er.
    “If
    orgothowthi
    sworks.Honestl
    y.Howam I
    supposedtobehaveThabi
    so?”Sheasked.
    “
    Likeyour
    sel
    f,don’
    twor
    ryaboutt
    hat
    .Howar
    eyou
    f
    eeli
    ng?”
    “Beingsupermom i ssoexhaust ing.Ihavet hree
    mor ekidswhoar enotlegall
    yadul ts,notl
    ikeIwoul d
    abandonmyki dswhent heyarel egall
    yadults.I
    managemydaught erandsonandIl ivewithal i
    ter
    al
    prodigyinthehouseandmysonwhoi salwaysi n
    hisroom.Theirf atherdiedwhent heywereyoung
    andt heyhaven’thadaf at
    herfigureformor et hana
    decade.Especiallymyt woyoungerones, they
    barelyrememberhi m.”Sheblinkedbackt ear s.
    “Iwasn’tdat
    ingbecauseIdi dn’twantt
    ocomplicat
    e
    thei
    rli
    ves,Ialsowassof ocusedonwor ki
    ngaswel l
    tomaket hei
    rlivesreal
    lygood.Theydeserved
    everyt
    hingeveni fIhadnothing.”
    Thabi
    so’
    shandsmovedt
    ohershoul
    der
    s.
    “You’
    vebeenshoul
    der
    ingt
    hebur
    denal
    lal
    one
    Susan.
    ”
    “Ihadt
    o.Iwasallt
    heyhad.Myi
    n-l
    awsdi
    dn’
    tcar
    e
    aboutt
    hem.”Shesaid.
    “Mymotherdoesn’
    tli
    vehereandmyl at
    esister
    ,wel
    l
    shehadherownvendetta.
    ”Shesaid.Sheknew
    Thabi
    sohasbeenEmi l
    y’
    slawyer.Shewasn’tabout
    tor evealt
    hatLi
    naki
    ll
    edEmil
    y.Maybehewould
    thinkshehadahandi ni
    twhenshedidn’
    t.She
    didn’tknowunti
    lshecametoherpl
    aceaf ewdays
    ago.
    “Youhavesuchagoodhear t.
    ”Hesaidandki
    ssed
    hertearst
    reakedcheek.Shesmi
    led.
    “Shoul
    dIstayal it
    tl
    elonger
    ?”Shenoddedandhe
    huggedheragain.Shesighed.Howwasshegoi ng
    totel
    lhermothertomor r
    ow?Thel i
    ghtswentonin
    thehouse,
    herkidswer ewait
    ingforher.Shemoved
    backminuteslater,
    shelookedathim.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.Theki
    dsar
    ewai
    ti
    ngf
    orme.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    lcal
    lyoulater
    .”Hesaidandkissedhercheek
    befor
    ehewal kedtohercar.Shesmiledandr ubbed
    hereyesasshewat chedhim.Shewat chedhim get
    i
    nsidethecarthenheroll
    eddownt hewi ndow.
    “Getinsidetheyard,I
    ’l
    ldri
    veoffaft
    eryougeti
    n.”
    Shesmi l
    edandwal kedtohercarandstart
    edit
    .She
    pressedt hegat
    er e,
    oneonherkeybef or
    eshe
    reversed.Shecarefull
    ydroveint
    otheyardand
    closedthegatebutnotbef or
    eshesawhi scardri
    ve
    off.Sheparkedhercarandshesi ghed.Thekids
    wer egoingtoseebutshehadt otel
    lthem
    event ual
    lyt
    hatthei
    rauntwasnotaliveanymore,
    regardlessoftheanimosi
    tyshesharedwi t
    hLina.
    Alorawasgoi ngtobedonei nt
    woort hreedaysand
    therecanbeaqui etfuner
    alwit
    hherwor k
    colleaguesandtheirsmal
    lfamil
    y.Nothingtoobig
    andt oolong.Thesoonershegotthisoveranddone
    with,thebett
    er.

    *
    **

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngday

    Likecl
    ockwor k,t
    heMor emi familyheadedtoAl ora’
    s
    semi-f
    inalstowat chherwi nasusualandt heyhad
    towaitforhertocompet eont helastday,forthe
    fi
    nalandot heractivi
    ti
    esatt heMat hs&Sciencef ai
    r
    tookplace.Likeusual,Rebant lewaswi t
    hHades
    andshewat chedcarefull
    yasAl oraandHades
    sharedsomever ybrutalwor ds.Shewasusedt o
    thi
    s.Rebant
    lethought
    .HermindwasonPar i
    s.She
    hadstart
    edherresear
    chonParis.Ifshehadt o
    l
    earnFrenchoranythi
    ngoft
    hatsor t.Sheassumed
    shehadto,forbasi
    ccommunicationthere.She
    l
    ookedatAlora.
    “
    Ror
    a?”
    “
    Yes?”Shesaidassheblewherhairawayfr
    om her
    f
    ace,sheworeherhai
    rdownt hi
    sti
    meandshe
    l
    ookedbeaut
    iful
    ,wi
    thnocreaseonherclot
    hes.
    “TeachmeFr ench.”Shesaid.Alorahadr ecent
    ly
    star
    tedself
    -learningFrenchandRebant l
    eknew
    Alorawasaf astl
    earnerwhereasshedi dn’thave
    thededicat
    iont oschoolorforlear ni
    ngthatwaybut
    shehadt olearnei t
    herway.Ifshecoul dgetjustBs
    andaf ewCsf orherfi
    nalsshewi llbegoodbecause
    schoolwassuchahugechor ef orher.
    “Ofcour
    se.Ial
    readyknowthebasicssoitwon’
    tbe
    hardtot
    eachyou.NeedthatforPari
    s?”
    “
    Ithi
    nkso.I
    twil
    lbeni
    ceifIcancommuni
    catewit
    h
    t
    heothermodel
    sri
    ght
    ?”ShesaidandAl
    oranodded.
    “
    Aft
    ert
    his,
    we’
    l
    lgetst
    art
    ed.
    ”
    “Thankssis.
    ”AlorasawAustinwi t
    hthecornerof
    hereye.Theywer egoingtomeetatthefinal
    sand
    shehopedshewasgoi ngtowin.Okayshehat ed
    doubtingherskil
    lsbutshedoubtedthem now.He
    wasgoodandi twasnosecret.Shesighedand
    crackedherknucklesasRebantletal
    kedwithHades.

    *
    **

    Thatevening,theki
    dswelcomedtheirgrandmother
    withhappyhear t
    sandtheoldl
    adysmi led.Susan
    di
    damar vell
    ousjobwi
    ththekids.Shelovedallher
    grandchi
    ldren.
    “
    Wher
    eisAl
    ora?
    ”
    “Schoolcompeti
    ti
    ons.
    ”Mooket
    siansweredandt
    he
    oldladynoddedastheyt
    ookhersmallbag.
    Shel ookedatSusan.Shecoul
    dt el
    lsomethi
    ngwas
    botheringSusanandshehadf oundmissedcall
    s
    fr
    om l andl
    inenumbers.Shewasalwayswaryof
    cal
    lingbackst r
    angenumberssoshedi dcal
    lback.
    Susanhuggedhermot
    her
    .
    “
    Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ngher
    e.Iappr
    eci
    atei
    t.
    ”
    “Somet
    hingisbot
    heri
    ngyoursoul
    sngwanaka.
    ”
    Susandi
    dn’twantt
    ocryyet
    .Sheforcedasmil
    e.
    “
    Didyoueatmama?Rebant
    lei
    soncookdut
    y.”
    “Nkukudoyouwantmacandcheese?That
    ’st
    he
    onlymealIhaveper
    fect
    ed.
    ”Shesai
    dasshewalked
    totheki
    tchen.
    “
    Anyt
    hingi
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “Onit.Guyspr eparetobeamazed,ChefRebai
    s
    goingtomakeyouguysadi nnert
    odiefor
    .”
    Everyonechuckl ed.BKexcusedhimsel
    fas
    Mooket sichangedchannels.
    Susanl
    edhermot
    hert
    oherr
    oom.
    “Youcanfr
    eshenupmama.”Shesai
    d.Theoldl
    ady
    noddedandsatdownont
    hesoftmatt
    ress.
    “IhavetocallKat
    ali
    na.Herphonehasnotbeen
    goingthroughorweshoul dgot
    oherhouse.”Susan
    j
    ustnoddedandcl osedthedoor.Shecover
    edher
    mout htearf
    ull
    yasshebriskl
    ywalkedtoher
    bedroom.Sheclosedthedoorandsli
    ddownt he
    doorasshecried.Hermotherisgoi
    ngtobeso
    broken,whati
    fhermotherblamesher?Shecovered
    hermout hasshecri
    ed.Shehadt ot
    ellhermother
    today.

    Hour
    slat
    er,af
    tert
    hekidswereasleepSusan
    wal
    kedtohermother
    ’sroom andshesatonthebed.
    “MamaI ’
    m sor
    ryIcan’
    ttakeyout
    oKat
    ali
    na’
    s
    place.
    ”Susansai
    dandshepaused.
    “
    It
    ’sokay,
    tomor
    rowi
    sanot
    herday.
    ”
    Susanshookherhead.
    “Mamayou’llneverseeLinaagain.I
    ’m sosor
    ry.
    ”
    Shesai
    dast earsfil
    ledhereyes.Theoldwoman
    wasconfused.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”MaSusanaskedSusan.
    “Li
    naisnomor emama!Sheisnomore!”Shesaid
    andshelookedathermot
    herthr
    oughtearyeyes.
    Theol
    dwomanclutchedherhear
    t,hopi
    ngSusan
    di
    dn’
    tmeanwhatshewassaying.
    “MamaLinacommitt
    edsuici
    de,shei
    snomore.”Ma
    Susan’
    seyesfi
    ll
    edwitht
    earsandSusanmoved
    cl
    osert
    ohughermot her
    .
    “Shei snomoremama.”Shesai d.Forthefi
    rstin
    years,shehear
    dhermot hercry,herhear
    tbreaki
    ng
    witheverysobhermotherrel
    eased.Thiswasgoi ng
    toraisehermother
    ’sbl
    oodpr essure.
    “Iam sosorr
    y.”Shesai
    d.I
    twasnevergoi
    ngt
    obe
    okayforhermother.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AWEEKLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN
    34

    Theshor tceremonyendedasKat alinaMoseswas


    fi
    nallyburiedatherf inal ,
    restingpl ace.I thadbeena
    quietandshor tceremony.Onl yaf ewcol leagues
    andt heonl yfamilyshehadwer epr esent.Susan
    hidherpuf fyeyesbehi ndhergl assesandherki ds
    hadcomej ustbecauseKat alinahadbeenhersi ster
    notthatKat ali
    nahadbeenal ovingauntt owar ds
    them.MaSusanhadwant edherchi ldtobebur i
    ed
    i
    nheryar dandSusanwaspr eparingt odr iveback
    homebef or emi dday.Shehadmanagedt o
    convincehermot hert hatshewasgoi ngt oleave
    withthem.I twasnotwi set ol eaveamour ni
    ngold
    womanal laloneespeci al
    lywhenshehadhi gh
    blood.Rebant lecheckedherwat ch.Shehad
    convincedhermot hert ogot othepar tyand
    assuredhert hatshewasgoi ngt obesaf ewi t
    h
    Hadesasherescor t.Hermot herhadagr eedwhen
    shehadsai dHadeswasgoi ngt obet here.Alora
    watchedi nbor edom.Shewant edt ogohome.
    Katalinawasnotherf avour iteper sonandwhatshe
    hatedwashowthi
    shurtthei
    rmotherand
    grandmot
    herot
    herwi
    se,shedidn’
    tcar
    e.

    *
    **

    Att
    hether
    api
    s’soff
    ice,
    Aust
    inl
    ookedst
    rai
    ghti
    nto
    hi
    sther
    api
    st’
    seyes.
    “Austi
    n,younevert
    oldmehowyouf
    eltaboutt
    he
    divor
    ce.”
    “I
    ndif
    fer
    ent
    .Whethertheyweretogetherornot
    ,I
    wasonmyownJames.I tdi
    dn’tmakeany
    di
    ffer
    encewhet
    hertheyweretogether.”
    “
    Youdon’
    tlovet
    hem?
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Lovei
    sfakeJames.Igowi
    thf
    act
    s,l
    ogi
    calt
    hings.
    ”
    “
    Butyoust
    opt
    alki
    ngaboutAl
    ora.
    ”Aust
    insmi
    led.
    “YoushouldknowmebynowJames.Al ora
    fasci
    natedmeandcaughtmyattent
    ion.Sheis
    smart,l
    ooksli
    keavol
    canoreadytoexplode.
    ”
    “
    Youcar
    eforhert
    hen?
    ”
    “JamesyoudoknowIdon’ tcareaboutanyone
    othert
    hanmyself.”Hi
    sther
    apistnot
    edthatdown.
    Heknewhi scl
    ientwasanarcissi
    standhedidn’
    t
    hideit
    ,hehadhisowninter
    estsatheart
    .
    “
    Sol
    et’
    ssayyou’
    reat
    tr
    act
    edt
    oher
    .”Henodded.
    “
    Cor
    rect
    .Ia,
    notgoi
    ngt
    oactont
    hat
    .”
    “
    Ofcour
    senot
    ,you’
    rewi
    thanot
    herper
    son.
    ”
    “Yes.Ilovemysel fbutI’
    m nott hatmuchofan- “he
    paused.Thei rsessi
    onswer eunf il
    ter
    edandthis15
    yearoldboyt estedhispatiencemor ethanany
    cli
    enthaseverdoneandhewassuchachal lenge.
    Everydayther ewassomet hingnewabouthi m.He
    knewhehadapenI Qthatdoubl esmosthuman
    beings’int
    ell
    igenceandhi smemor y.How
    remember edal mosteverythingwasamazi ng.He
    hadaf law,oneheswor ehewasgoi ngtowor kon
    withoutassistance.
    “
    Schoolworki
    sokay?
    ”Aust
    inchuckl
    ed.Wast
    hata
    t
    ri
    ckquest
    ion?Whywoul
    dn’
    titbeokay?
    “
    Concent
    rat
    ion?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tneedAdder all
    .Imadeitcl
    ear,t
    hedayIwant
    anAdderallprescr
    ipti
    onjustsayno.Iam per
    fect
    ly
    capabl
    eoff uncti
    oningonmyown. ”
    “
    You’
    renoti
    nvi
    nci
    bleAust
    in,
    you’
    rehuman.
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “
    We’
    l
    lneverspeakoft
    hepr
    escr
    ipt
    iont
    hen.
    ”
    “
    Good.Aboutt
    hegi
    rlwhocaughtyourat
    tent
    ion.
    ”
    “Insteadoff reshair
    ,youcansayshei sani nfer
    no.”
    At t
    racti
    onwer ethi
    ngshecoul ddealwithona
    l
    ogi callevel.Thebodyhadi t
    ’sownbiologyandhow
    thechemi calsworkedhenceleadingtosex.Hehad
    neverhadt ocompet ebecausehewast hebestat
    what everhedi dandaf t
    ermeet i
    ngAlora,hereal
    ly
    wasi nt
    ocompet i
    ng.Justtobeatherandwat chher
    facet urnredl i
    keshedidwhenhi sschoolwonas
    usual .I
    twasneverevendoubt edbutshet r
    ied.At
    secondpl ace.
    “Doyouthi
    nkyou’
    ll
    loveanyoneot
    hert
    han
    your
    sel
    f?”Jamesasked.
    “
    No.
    ”Aust
    indeadpannedandhi
    sther
    api
    stnot
    ed
    thatdown.HesawthewayAusti
    nspokeofAl
    ora
    buthekepthi
    sobservat
    ionst
    ohi
    mself.
    Aust i
    nstraight
    enedup.Hi sweeklytherapy
    sessionswer eusuall
    yanout lett
    opickJames’ mind
    ont opicsandhisothertherapist
    shadnotl ast
    ed
    becausehewast oosmar tforthem tothepointof
    doingt hejobfort
    hem butJamesmat chedhis
    questionsandusuallylefthim wit
    hal ottothi
    nk
    about .

    *
    **

    Theeer i
    esil
    encet hatfill
    edthecarafterthefuneral
    wasdeaf eni
    ng.Susanhadcomewi t
    htheI psum
    thathadallofthem inside.Rebantleputonher
    headphonesasshel istenedtomusi cwhileAlora
    pagedher50pageFr enchnovella.I
    twasast artt
    o
    l
    earninghowt ounder standthelanguageandt he
    factthatAust
    in.Godshehat edthategomani ac,
    knewFr enchbetterthanherandheoust edher
    schoolteam i
    nt hefinalsirr
    it
    atedthehelloutofher .
    Shebr eathedi nandpi ckedherhi ghlighteroutof
    herpenci lcaset ohighli
    ghtaf ewwor ds.Mooket si
    ontheot herhandpl ayedvideogamesonhi sphone.
    Hest oleagl anceatever yoneint hecar .Everyone
    wasmi ndingt hei
    rownbusi nessandt heir
    grandmot herwasst il
    lgri
    efstricken.Shegl anced
    overatAl orawhowasr eall
    yint othatbook.
    Bokamosowasf astasleep.Howdi dhef allasleep
    sofast?Nextt ohim Rebant l
    eleanedbackwi thher
    headphoneonandcl osedhereyes.Hewentbackt o
    pl
    ayinghi svi deogame.Thesoonert heyar ri
    vet he
    bett
    erf orever yone.
    Whenhisfat
    herhaddied,
    hehadbeentooyoungto
    under
    standbutnow,hi
    sauntwasgoneandittook
    atol
    lonhismotherandgrandmot
    her
    .Hesighed.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    35

    MaMor emil ookedar oundherhomest ead.Susan


    didn’tevenbot herwiththem,shehat edt hatittook
    suchadver sepover tytomakeherr egrethowshe
    tr
    eat edSusanandherchi ldr
    en,i
    ncl udingAl ora.The
    chil
    dr enbar elyateanyt hi
    ngandal lherdaught ers
    knewwer emenandpoppi ngmor ebabi es.She
    woul dn’tknowwher et ofi
    ndSusannowandsur ely
    hersonmustbet urninginhisgrave.Sheshookher
    head.Funnyt hingwast hatshehadnevercar edfor
    Susanevenwhenhersonwasver ymuchal ive,she
    hadwi shedhersonwoul dmarryabeaut if
    ulwoman
    fr
    om t hevillage.Onewhowoul dr elatetohernota
    wor kingwomanwhoknewwhatshewant edand
    madehersonchange.Sheclosedhereyes.Ti
    red.
    Shewouldn’
    tknowthefi
    rstthi
    ngtodososhecan
    apol
    ogi
    setoSusan.Shefeltli
    keherdayswerenear,
    shewoul
    dfi
    nal
    lymeethersonandherdaught
    er.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’shouse,shemadesur ehermotherwasi
    n
    herroom.MaSusansi lent
    lygotundercover
    sand
    Susansighed.Sheclosedthedoorandtookher
    phoneasshedi al
    ledThabiso.
    “
    Hey.
    ”Shesai
    dthemi
    nut
    eheanswer
    edt
    hephone.
    “Areyougood?Howdidthefuneralgo?
    ”Heasked
    andsheopenedherbedroom door,t
    aki
    ngof
    fher
    highheel
    sasshewalkedtothedoor.
    “I
    twasbr
    ief.Idon’
    tthi
    nkmymot herwi
    llevermove
    onfr
    om t
    his.”Shesaidsi
    ghi
    ng.
    “
    It
    ’spai
    nfult
    ol oseachi
    ld,nomat t
    erwhatageyou
    l
    osethechil
    d.Thepainstayswithyou.”Hesaid
    wit
    hasadnot eandSusannodded.Shecoul dn’
    t
    i
    maginelosi
    nganyofherf ourchi
    ldren.
    “
    All
    Icanhopef
    ori
    sthati
    tget
    sbet
    terf
    orher
    .”
    “Wecanonl yhope.”Susanl eanedbackont hebed
    asshet oldThabisohert houghts.Itwasl i
    kea
    breathoffreshairtohavesomeonel i
    stentoher
    andnotf eeloverwhelmedwi t
    hherf eel
    ings.She
    l
    ovedherchi l
    dren,
    nodoubtbutshecoul dn’tt
    alkto
    them anyhow.Hermot herdidn’tneedaddi t
    ional
    stress.
    “
    Youdoknow,you’l
    lneedtohavesomeonelookat
    t
    hecont
    ract
    .Justsotheydon’
    texpl
    oitRebant
    le.
    ”
    “Iknow.Canyour ecommendsomeone?Maybe
    nextweekorso,wi l
    lyoumeetAloraandshowher
    thehouse.Expl
    aineveryt
    hingtoher,shei
    syoung
    butsheunderst
    andsal otofthi
    ngs.”
    “Soyoutol
    dme. ”Hesai
    dandshel aughedsoftl
    y.
    Theyhadn’tgonet
    othei
    rfi
    rstdat
    eyetbutt hey
    cli
    cked.Whyhadsheneverbeenoutafterher
    husbanddied.

    Meanwhil
    eintheotherbedroom, Rebant
    lesaton
    thebedandsentHadesat ext.Theywereleavi
    ngat
    6pm andhepromisedtobringherbackhome
    bef or
    emi dni
    ght.Shehopedheenj oyedthepart
    y
    andshehadpr omisedher
    self
    .Nodr ugs.Thathad
    beent helastandfir
    stt
    ime.Shehadherf utur
    eto
    thinkof.Shesmi l
    edasherespondedhert ext
    .They
    textedbackandf ort
    hasshegrinned.

    Thiswast hepeacef ulnesst hatreignedinSusan’ s


    househol d.Shehaddoneamar velousjobatr aisi
    ng
    herf ourkidsbutt heonl yquest i
    onwaswi llthekids
    ber esponsi bleadult
    si nfuture?Wi llt
    heydi sappoint
    herint heiradultli
    fe?Wi thalltheiruniquenessand
    ad,orabl etalentswouldt heypeopl ethatwer e
    l
    ookedi ntoinsocietyorwoul dtheydevel ophabi t
    s
    thatwoul ddest roythegoodwor ktheirmot herhad
    done?Wear eyettofi
    ndout .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    EI
    GHTYEARSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    37] :REBORN

    36

    EI
    GHTYEARSLATER

    Alor
    aqui ckl
    ywal kedoutofclassassoonast he
    l
    ecturewasdone.Shepul leddownherber etasher
    bootheelsclickedalongthepavement .Herbagthat
    hadmor eofherbookswasonhershoul der.Her
    phoner i
    ngingmadeherst ophalfwaytotakeoutthe
    phone.Shebet teransweritbeforeshegetsinsi
    de
    theli
    brary.Shelookedatthecal l
    erIdandsighed.
    “
    Hel
    loReba,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Breat
    hing.Ar
    eyoubusy?
    ”
    “
    Ihavet
    ogoi
    ntot
    hel
    ibr
    ary,
    isi
    tokayi
    fIcal
    llat
    er?
    ”
    “Alor
    ayouaregoi
    ngtoworkyoursel
    ftodeath.
    ”
    Alorasi
    ghedasshel
    ookedatherboots,
    tryi
    ngto
    seei
    fthel
    eat
    herwasokay.
    “IhaveassignmentsandIt ookonmor e
    programmesf orthisfinalsemester.
    ”Shesai dasa
    mat t
    eroffact,
    shehadt ogetabove90si nallher
    coursesorelsethiswoul dhavebeenf ornothing.
    Allt
    hoseawar dsshecol l
    ectedovertheyearswould
    havebeenf ornothing.Shegoti nt
    ooneoft hebest
    Universi
    ti
    eswor l
    dwi deandshedamnaswel l
    deservedtograduat ewiththehighestgrades.
    “
    Okay.
    ”Reba’svoi
    cewentsoft
    .Rebantl
    ewas
    r
    etr
    eat
    ing.Al
    orament
    all
    yslappedhersel
    f.
    “IpromiseI
    ’
    llcal
    l.Ineverbr
    eakmypromises.
    ”Al
    ora
    said.I
    navoicesofterthant
    heonesheusuall
    yuses.
    “
    Ist
    art
    edat
    tendi
    ngmyt
    utor
    ial
    stoday.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’sagr
    eatachi
    evement
    .I’
    m sopr
    oudofyou.
    ”
    “
    Yeah!Letmenotkeepyou.You’
    l
    lcal
    l?
    ”
    “Ineverbreakmypr omisesReba.Bye.”Shehung
    upandsheputherphonebacki nherbag.Alor
    a
    walkedtot heli
    brar
    y,sheshouldhavegottencoff
    ee
    forthatenergyboostbutshe’
    llsur
    vive.Shesai
    das
    shewal
    kedt
    othePr
    incet
    onUni
    ver
    sit
    yLi
    brar
    y.

    *
    **

    Rebant lebitherl ipasshel ookedatt hesmal l


    apar t
    mentt hatshest ayedatwi thHades.She
    pulledherover sizedsweat ert ohernowgangl y
    body.I thasbeent hr eeyear ssi nceshest opped
    model li
    ngbuti tst i
    llf eltli
    keyest erdaywhenshe
    hadt of ull
    yt akeont hedar ksi deofmodel l
    ingshe
    neverknewexi sted.Tear sf i
    lledhereyesandshe
    wipedt hem.Shewasmaki ngpr ogress.Sheand
    Hadeswer emaki ngpr ogress.Eveni ft heprogress
    wasmaybeaweekl ongbef or etheyr evertedto
    theiroldhabi tsorf uel ledeachot her’
    shabi t
    sthat
    theywer esecr etl
    yf ight i
    ngi nt heirshar ed
    apar t
    ment .Shesi ghedandgotupf rom thecouch
    andwal kedt ot heki tchent ogetabl ackpl asti
    cto
    clearthebot tl
    esandt hesyr ingesont hetable.She
    threwt hem i nside.I twasday2ofherbei ngclean,
    sheshoul dmai ntaint hat.Herphonest art
    edr i
    nging
    ont
    hesof
    aandshel
    etgooft
    hepl
    ast
    ict
    oanswer
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “HiReba,
    areyoufreetopickupEmor
    yfr
    om
    school
    ?”Hermotherasked.
    Rebabr
    eat
    hedi
    nandout
    .
    “
    Please.Herf
    atherandIwi
    llbehomel
    atef
    rom
    work.
    ”
    “
    Okay.I
    ’
    llt
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”
    “
    Eemma.Justhadt
    oat
    tendal
    esson.
    ”
    “I
    ’m pr
    oudofyouf
    orgi
    vingyoureducat
    iona
    chance.”
    Shenoddedasshebr
    oughtherhandt
    oherf
    ace.
    “
    It
    ’st
    urni
    ngoutt
    obeokay.
    ”
    “You’r
    enevertoool
    dtogot oschool
    .Youand
    Hadesshouldvisi
    tIam st
    il
    lnotcomf or
    tabl
    ethat
    youdecidedtomoveouttoco-habit
    .”Rebantl
    e
    sighed.
    “
    MamaI ’
    m anadul
    t.Youdon’thavet
    o
    micr
    omanagemeanymor e.
    ”Susanhuff
    ed.
    “Iwasn’
    tmicromanagi
    ngyouRebantl
    e.Iwasdoi
    ng
    what’
    sbestforyou.
    ”Hermothersai
    dandRebant
    le
    noddedslowl
    y.
    “
    Okay.I
    ’
    llpi
    ckEmor
    yup.
    ”
    “Thankyou.Willi
    tbeokaywithyoui
    fyoucanwait
    ti
    llIcomebackhomeorr raagweEmory.Youcan
    spendthenightanddri
    vebackhomei nthe
    mor ni
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.I
    ’
    llbebyherschooli
    nanhour
    .”
    “
    ThankyouandIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyout oomama. ”Thecallcutandshepl aced
    thephonedown.Shebr eathedintohersleevesand
    shecont i
    nuedt opickupeverythi
    ng.Nowshehad
    todealwi t
    hheryoungestsi bl
    ingwhowast oo
    i
    nqui sit
    ive.Shesighed.Thedooropenedandi n
    walkedHades.Shef ol
    dedherar msandl ookedat
    histallframe.Hewasst il
    lashandsomeast heday
    theymetwhent heywer enoteventeenagers.Her
    bestf r
    iendf oroveradecade,youcouldgetdr unk
    wi
    thoutt
    hewhi
    skey.Thatwashowi
    ntoxi
    cat
    inghe
    was.
    “H-howwasi t
    ?”Sheaskedasshemovedcl oser.
    Hisarmswr appedar
    oundhers.Hisal
    coholti
    nted
    breathhi
    therinthef
    aceandtearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Hades,youpromi
    sed.
    ”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    yandhe
    r
    ubbedhercheek.
    “
    I’
    m sosor
    ry.Iwassost
    ressed.
    ”
    “HadesI’
    mt wodayscl
    eanandyoupr
    omi
    sed.
    .”her
    voi
    cecrackedandheheldher
    .
    “
    I’
    m sor
    rymypr
    ett
    ygi
    rl
    .”
    “WeneedtodobetterHades.Please.
    ”Helookedup.
    Hehadsuchast r
    essfulday,hehadtohave
    somet
    hingabitstr
    ongt otakeawaythestr
    ess.
    “Eemma. ”Thef unnythingwast hattheyreached
    l
    owswer etheywer eenabli
    ngeachot herandt her
    e
    wer edayswheret heymadepl edgestobeeach
    other’
    skeepers.Theyhadkeptt heiraddict
    ions
    privat
    eandt hei
    rclosestdidnotknowanyt hingand
    theythoughttheycouldbeatthem allalone.Just
    t
    hebot
    hoft
    hem i
    nthei
    rsmal
    lapar
    tment
    .
    “IhavetopickupEmor yf r
    om school .I
    ’l
    lcalll
    ater
    ,
    we’resti
    llwatchi
    ngMar veltogether.I
    ’l
    lvi
    deocal l
    .”
    Shesaidsof t
    ly.Shewassopr ecious.Hekissedher
    l
    ipssoftl
    yandsheki ssedhim back, herarms
    wrappingaroundhisneck.
    “I
    ’
    llneverqui
    tyout
    hough.Ican’
    tqui
    tyou.
    ”She
    smiled.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    37
    Rebamovedback.Theymi ghtbefuckedupsobad,
    l
    etti
    ngthei
    raddciti
    onst akecontr
    olbutt heyloved
    eachother.Shewasn'tsurewhoneededt heother
    themostbutshecoul dn'ti
    magineher selfwit
    hout
    him.Sheslidherhandsi nhispocketstot akehis
    carkeys.
    "I
    '
    llcal
    l.Ipr
    omi
    se.
    "shewal
    kedoutandhepul
    led
    herback.
    "
    Yourphonei
    sont
    hesof
    a."
    "Oh!"Shewal
    kedtot
    hesofat
    opickherphone
    beforeshewal
    kedoutoft
    hedoor
    .
    "
    Reba,
    areyousur
    eyoushoul
    dbedr
    ivi
    ng?
    "
    Shenodded.
    "
    I'
    m cl
    eanHades.Icanst
    il
    ldr
    ive.
    "
    Hesi ghedandl eanedback.Henodded.She
    unlockedhi scarandgotintoit
    .Sheclosedhereyes.
    Ithadhur twhent hemodell
    ingindust
    ryspitherout
    anditwasn' tbecauseofthedrugs,nooneknew
    aboutt hatexceptHadesandshehaddoneagr eat
    j
    obofhi di
    ngit.
    "Youar enol ongerwhatwe' relookingf or."Theyhad
    said.Theyf oundt henextbi gthinganddi scarded
    herlikethat.Shet riedbr andmodel i
    ngbutshewas
    eit
    hert ooshor tfort hem ort ooski nny.Shehad
    cri
    edhereyesout .Ithadbeensobadbecauseshe
    couldr ememberherf irstweeki nPar i
    s, t
    heyhad
    saidshewasf atandneededt oshedt heki los.That
    birt
    hedamassi veeat ingdi sorder.Tear sf il
    ledher
    eyes, i
    twasRebat hemodel .Theonewhowast he
    centreofat t
    ent i
    on.Shehadt ravell
    edt hewor ldbut
    shewassur eshenowmanyoft hewashedup
    model sthatever yonef or got.Shesi ghed.She
    l
    ookedatt hedoorandHadeswasst il
    lst anding
    there.Hesmi l
    edatherandshesmi ledback.She
    l
    ovedhi m.Shest art edt hecarandr ever sedoutof
    thepar ki
    ngspot .

    *
    **

    Atthepr
    imar
    yschool
    ,Rebacal
    ledhermothert
    otel
    l
    hershewasbyt
    hegatetopi
    ckEmor yup.
    "
    ThankyousomuchReba.
    "
    "Eemma.Shei scoming."Rebasai
    dasshegotout
    ofthecarsohersist
    ercanseeher.Emor
    y'sf
    aceli
    t
    upasshesawherol dersist
    er.
    "Hi
    ii
    iReba!
    "Thesevenyearol
    dsqueal
    edasshe
    huggedherol
    dersi
    ster
    .Rebarubbedherback.
    "HeyEm.Howar
    eyoudoi
    ngmyl
    it
    tl
    epowerpuf
    f
    gir
    l?"
    Emor
    ygr
    inned.
    "
    Wearegoi
    ngt
    owat
    chi
    ttoget
    herr
    ight
    ?"Sheasked
    wit
    hagr
    in.
    "
    Yes."Rebal
    edEmoryt
    othecar.Itwascl
    eanand
    t
    herewasnothi
    ngi
    ncri
    minat
    inginsi
    dethecar
    .
    "
    Reba?
    "
    "
    Hhhmmm?
    "
    "
    Whydon'
    tyouvi
    sit
    ?"Rebasi
    ghed.
    "I
    '
    m alwaysbusymyli
    tt
    legi
    rl
    ."Emorynoddedand
    sati
    nthemiddlewher
    etheseatbel
    twaseasi
    erto
    puton.
    "
    Isi
    tbecauseI
    '
    m ababy?
    "
    Rebachuckl
    edasshest
    art
    edt
    hecar
    .
    "Notatall
    .Weareallsobusy, mybaby.Bki s
    alwaysworkingandhehasawi f
    enow, I
    'm busy
    withschoolandAlorai
    sbusywi thschoolt hat'
    s
    whyyouseehert wiceayear.Mooket siwor ksi
    n
    Franci
    stownandit'
    susuall
    ysodi ff
    icultforhimto
    getoffdays.Wealll
    oveyout hesame. "Shesai d
    andEmor ynodded.
    "
    Mommyanddaddywi llbel
    atet
    odaysosi
    ster
    Rebant
    lei
    sincharge.
    "Emorygri
    nned,
    shewast he
    l
    ight
    erver
    sionofSusan.
    "Youlovethatr
    ight
    ?Let'
    sgo."Shereversedoutof
    herparki
    ngspotandjoinedtheroad.Shekept
    tel
    li
    ngherselft
    okeephergriponthesteeri
    ngwheel,
    shewasst il
    lagooddri
    ver.

    *
    **

    Al
    oraf
    inal
    lycl
    osedherbooks.Nowshehadt
    ogo
    backtoherdorm andworkherbehi
    ndoffyetagai
    n.
    Itwasavici
    ouscycle.Shepi
    ckedherphoneand
    sheloggedi
    ntoherFacebookaccount
    .
    '
    AustinMatt
    hews.Taki ngtheCor porateWorl
    dby
    Stor
    m' t
    heli
    nkforanonl inearti
    cle.Shewas
    temptedtor
    eadi tbutsheputherphonedown.The
    l
    asttimeshehadcr ossedpathswi t
    hhim waswhen
    shewas18,afterherAl evel
    sandwasbusywi t
    h
    i
    ntervi
    ewsatdiff
    erentschools.Shecl osedhereyes
    ashermindtookherbackt otheflashbackyears
    ago.

    Shewalkedthr
    ought hehal
    lwayasshemadeher
    waytotheDean'soffi
    ce.Heri
    ntervi
    ewatStanf
    ord
    wastobegininfourhoursandshehadtimetotake
    atouroftheUni
    versit
    yandawaitheradmissi
    on.As
    fat
    ewouldhaveit,shemetAustin.
    "Wemeetagai n."Shehadobservedhim overt
    he
    years,hischangingcharact
    erandhowhebehaved
    arounddi f
    fer
    entpeople.Toherheseemedphony
    andf ake.
    "
    Alor
    a.I
    -"hewascutof
    fbyt
    heDean.
    "
    Alor
    awel
    come.Aust
    inwi
    llbeyourgui
    def
    ort
    oday
    t
    oshowyouar
    oundtheUniver
    sit
    y."
    "Ofcour
    se.Thankyou.
    "Themanwalkedawayand
    shewasleftwit
    hthi
    segomaniac.
    "
    Ibeatyourschooll
    astyear
    ."
    Heshr
    ugged.
    "That
    'sbecauseIwasnott hereAlora.
    "Hesaid
    smoothlyashef i
    xedhisblazer.Shehatedhow
    confi
    dencef i
    thimli
    keasecondski nandhowhe
    wasn'tf
    earfulofanyt
    hing.
    "
    Ist
    il
    lhat
    eyou.
    "
    "Arewest i
    llgoingt
    ober i
    val
    si nthesameschool
    Alora?"Heaskedashest art
    edwal king,allsixfoot
    fi
    veofhi m andshecoul dn'
    treachhi sheighteveni n
    herheelswhi chshewor easanar mour.Thatgi rl
    s
    candoanyt hingeveninheel s.Sheknewhewast he
    sonofawomanwhosewor kethicsheadmi red.
    Thatwomanwasal it
    eralpower houseandt urned
    Mat t
    hewsI ncorpor
    atedintoamul t
    i-
    mi l
    li
    onbusi ness.
    Justast heywal kedinsil
    ence,Al
    orar
    ecogni
    zed
    oneoft heMi nister
    'sdaught
    ermakeherwayto
    them holdingicedcof f
    eeinherhand.
    "Austi
    n,I'
    vebeenl
    ooki
    ngforyou.I
    '
    vebeen
    assignedtoyousoyoucanshowmear ound.
    "
    "Howisyourf
    atherbyt
    hewayChedu?"Heasked
    andAlor
    ahadtostophersel
    ffr
    om r
    oll
    inghereyes
    back.
    "I
    sthi
    s-Alora?Oh!"Chedusaiddi
    smissi
    velyasall
    herat
    tentionbefel
    lAusti
    n.Shesoft
    enedhervoice
    asshet ol
    dhim aboutherfat
    her'
    sgravehealt
    h.
    Austi
    n'seyesfleet
    edtoAloraasshefoldedher
    arms.
    "Ar
    ewegoingtoseetheschool
    ?"Shesai
    dand
    Chedur
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    Wegeti
    tyou'
    renotusedt
    othi
    ngsl
    iket
    hisAl
    ora.
    "
    Alor
    athoughtbettert
    hant ofi
    ghtwi t
    hthi
    sai r
    head
    whowasher eonlybecauseofherf ather
    's
    connect
    ionsandnotbecausesheear nedthespot.
    Chedumovedcl osertoAloraandshespi l
    tthe
    coff
    eeonAl or
    a'swhiteshir
    tsleeves.
    "Mymi stake,nowt hetourcancontinue.
    "Shesaid
    i
    naspi tefulmannerandAl orawastornbetween
    l
    osinghert emperorget t
    ingthecof
    feestainoff
    .
    Shechoset helatt
    erandqui ckl
    yrantofi
    nda
    bathr
    oom wher eshecant r
    yherdamndestt o
    removet hestain.Shef oundoneandgoti nsi
    de,her
    mindalreadyi nutterchaosatthestainonhershirt
    .
    Shehadani ntervi
    ewand-
    Sheusedapapert oweli nthebathroom andweti t
    befor
    esheputi toverthestain.Shouldsher emove
    hershir
    tandwasht hesleeveanddr yitwiththeair
    dryer
    ?Sheaskedher sel
    fasshest artedunbuttoni
    ng
    theshir
    t.Thedooropenedandshegl aredatthetal
    l
    fi
    gurethatwalkedin.Hewascal m andshe
    wonderedifanythi
    ngeverr attl
    edhisqui et
    demeanor .
    "
    It
    'snotgoi
    ngt
    ocomeof
    f.
    "Hesai
    d.
    "Ifucki
    ngknowRobert.
    "Sheblewof fsomeofher
    steam.Shehadchosent hi
    soutf
    itperfect
    lyand
    someai rheadr
    uinedi
    t.
    "
    Andwhatwast
    hat
    ?Howi
    syourf
    atherbyt
    he
    way?"sher
    epeat
    edi
    nthati
    rr
    it
    ati
    ngvoi
    ceof
    Chedu'
    s.
    "Iwasmakingconversat
    ion.
    "Shehadstopped
    unbutt
    oni
    nghershirtandshepickedanot
    herpaper
    towel
    .
    "Youbehavedif
    fer
    entl
    yarounddi
    ff
    erentpeople.
    Maybeyou'rebei
    ngfakewithmeRobert.
    "Hekept
    hisknowi
    ngeyesonherasher emovedhisblazer.
    "
    Idon'
    tneedyourhel
    pRober
    t.
    "
    "IknowAlor
    a,.
    "Hewalkedcl
    oserandshesi
    ghed.
    Shebutt
    onedhershi
    rtandtuckedi
    tti
    ght
    ly.
    "
    You'
    rest
    il
    lnar
    cissi
    sti
    c."
    "
    Iknow.
    "Hehel
    pedherwearhi
    sbl
    azerandshe
    t
    urnedt
    ohi
    m.
    "Pullbackt
    hesl eeves.
    "Hisblazerengulfedher
    frame.Hedidandshedi dn'
    tsayt hankyouasshe
    wal kedout
    .Alorahadt osayshedi dgetaplacein
    Stanf or
    dUniver
    sitybutshedeclineditandwentto
    Pr i
    ncetoni
    nstead.
    Sheshookherhead, pushi
    ngt hememor ybackas
    shest oodup.Shewalkedoutoft gel
    ibr
    aryandthe
    mi nuteshewasout,r
    egardlessoftheti
    me
    differ
    enceshecall
    edhersisterandshefoughtto
    hidehersmilewhenshehear dEmor yattheendof
    thel i
    ne.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    38

    Hadespickeduphisleatherj
    acketi
    mmedi atel
    y
    aft
    ert
    hephonecal lwit
    hReba.Itwashar dtoquit
    somethi
    ngt hatwasinyoursystem andheguessed
    thatasmuchashehadwar nedRebant leagai nst
    drugs, shest i
    lldi dt hem.Her ubbedhi sface, she
    didthedr ugsandshehi di tsowel lthathef ound
    outayearagoaboutt hedr ugswhenhehadasked
    hertomovei nwi thhi m.Hehadneededsomewhat
    asteadyi nghandsohecaneaseupont heal cohol.
    Rebahadbeenr eluct antt omovei nwi thhi m af ter
    shehadpr eachedi ndependencet ohermot hert he
    minut ethemodel l
    ingagenci eshaddr oppedherl i
    ke
    ahotpot atoyear spr i
    ort ot heircohabi tation.
    Want ingt henexthott hing, muchmor et hicker
    model sandRebant l
    enol ongerf ittheircr i
    ter ia.She
    hadbeenbr oken.Sobr okenandhedi dn’ tknowhow
    tocomf ortherbecausemodel li
    ngwasal lsheknew.
    Rebant l
    ebr eat hedandl i
    vedf ormodel li
    ng.He
    l
    ockedhi sl i
    ps, nowcont empl atinghi sdeci sion.
    Theirr omant i
    cr elationshi pwassocompl icat edand
    hedidn’ twantt odel veint ot hecompl exitiesoft hei
    r
    rel
    ationshi p.Heshoul dbehel pi
    ngherf ightt his,he
    real
    lyshoul d.Shewast wodayscl eanandhe
    shouldbecl eant oo.Wi thher .Hel eanedback
    againstt hewal l, phonei nhi spocket .Thevoi cesi n
    hishead, theonest hatcoul donl ybesi l
    encedby
    somest r
    ongal coholgotlouder.Theygotreall
    yloud
    andhegr oanedashet ouchedhishead.Hades
    str
    aightenedupandsi ghed.Thiswast helastti
    me.
    Thever ylasttimehei sdoingthis.Hegotoutoft he
    houseandl ockeditbeforehereachedf orhi
    sphone
    tocallforacabt otakehi mt oabar,anyopenbari n
    thecity.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse,SusanwatchedasRebant
    leput
    Emorytosl
    eep.Shefoldedherar
    ms.
    “Rebayou’r
    estil
    ltooyoungtosettl
    e.Idon’teven
    condoneyou’r
    ecohabitati
    onwithHades.Yeshei s
    agoodboybutIdon’ tcondoneit
    .Hemaybea
    dist
    ract
    iontoyoureducati
    on.”Rebasighed.Her
    motherwouldn’
    tunderstand.
    “I
    ’m okay.Letmegosl eep.”Shesaidassheheld
    hersleeveswit
    hherfinger sandfl
    ashedasmi l
    e
    headingtoherbedroom.Thei rst
    epf at
    herwasn’
    ta
    badmanoranyt hingbuti thadbeenwei r
    dtohave
    one,asol dast heywer e.Theyneverr eallygotused
    tohim buthet riedsohar d.Rebant l
    emused.She
    openedherbedr oom doorandgoti nbef oreshe
    l
    ockedi t.Sher emovedt heover sizedhoodi eand
    walkedt ot hemi rrorasshel ookedathersl ender
    armsi nthel ongsl eevevest .Shecl osedhereyes,
    model l
    inghadbeent urnedoutbeherwor st
    nightmar e.Thet hingsshenevergotoverandwoul d
    beembeddedi nhermemor yf orever.Shewal kedto
    thebedandsi ghed.Hadeswaspr obablysleeping
    nowandshebet ternotdisturbhi m.Dayt woand
    shealreadywant edaf i
    xtonumbt het houghtsand
    memor i
    es.Hermi ndtookhert oPar isfashionweek.
    Herf i
    rstinternat i
    onalmodel li
    nggi gandhowi tlef
    ta
    bitt
    ermemor y.Thef i
    rstofmany.

    EightyearsagoatParis,nownewlyofageReba
    hadbeensoexci t
    ed.Theci t
    yandthelight
    s
    consumedherandshehadbeensmi l
    ingallt
    heway
    toherhotelroom wit
    hhermot her
    .Hersizeswere
    tookandshecoul dn’
    tstoptel
    li
    ngHadesabouthow
    successfult
    heshowwasgoi ngtobe,theaft
    erpar
    ty
    thathadal lt hemodel sandhowshewasgoi ngt o
    mingl ewi tht hewho’ sandwho’ soft hemodel li
    ng
    i
    ndust r
    y.I twasal laf air
    ytaleforal ocal
    lybornand
    bredyoungAf ricanmodelwi ththeskincolourt hat
    fascinat edever yone.Evenont herunawayasshe
    strutt
    ed, t
    hecr owdhadbeenpl easedwi t
    hher .How
    shewasef fortl
    essandot herworldl
    y.ANubi an
    Queen, shehadbeencal l
    ed.Thathadhersmi li
    ng
    backst aget hroughoutt hechangesi nherwar drobe.
    Onet hing, t
    hatshoul dhavebeenar edf
    lagwas
    howoneoft hemanager satthebackkept
    compl i
    ment ingherf r
    ameandhowexqui sit
    eshe
    woul dlooki fshet r
    iedot hertypesofmodel li
    ng.Her
    youngmi ndhadnotcaughtont othesexual
    i
    nnuendost hatwer eassumedandshehadsmi l
    ed
    andl aughedwi t
    ht hem, shehadbr ushedofft he
    wayherbodywast ouchedal linthenameof
    praisingi tandherAf ricanf i
    gure.Shehadmi ssed
    thataswel lsmi ledpushi nghi m back.Shehad
    missedhowshehadbeenphot ographednudewhi le
    changi ngbecausesomehowt heywer etoosl i
    ckt o
    beseen.Bi gmi stake.
    Rebabediwi pedhertears.Thel astwaswhat
    haunt edherdayi nanddayout .Shehadhi dthe
    blackmai l,
    theracistsl
    ursthrownather ,t
    he
    mani pulati
    onf r
    om hermot her,thesexual assaul
    ts
    andal lthebadt hi
    ngsnoonecar edtowar nher
    about .Hermot herhadwor kedsohar dt omakeher
    theyoungl adyshewasandshewasn’ tgoingto
    ruinthat.Sher ubbedherar msandbr eathedout
    beforeshegotundercover s.Ifshesleepsnow, t
    he
    urgeswi llhopeful
    lyrestfortheday.Shecl osedher
    eyesi nanat tempttoallowsleept owhi skheraway.

    *
    **

    Susanworeherni
    ghtdr
    essbef
    oreshegoti
    nbed
    wit
    hherhusbandThabi
    so.Sheset
    tl
    edcomfor
    tabl
    y
    i
    nbedandhepul l
    edhercl
    oser
    .
    “
    Youl
    ookbot
    her
    ed.
    ”
    “
    I-
    I’
    m notj
    ustt
    hatI
    ’
    m st
    il
    lnotokaywi
    thRebal
    ivi
    ng
    wi
    thHades.
    ”
    “Sheshoul
    dn’
    tevenli
    vewit
    hhim,
    theyar
    enot
    marri
    ed.Suyouall
    owtheseki
    dst
    ogetawaywit
    h
    ever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    “Ican’
    tal
    waysmoni t
    orthem,theyareadul
    tsand
    all
    owedtomaket hei
    rowndeci si
    onseveni
    fthose
    decisi
    onshur
    tthem.”Thabisosighed.
    “You’
    retheirmother.Youknowbest.”Susan
    nodded.Theywer eaweekawayf rom Katal
    ina’
    s
    deathanniver
    sary.Hermotherhasn’tbeenthe
    samesinceandi twasbysomemi racl
    ethather
    motherwasst i
    llal
    ive.
    “Idon’
    tknowhowmamai sgoingtohandlethi
    s
    year’
    sdeathanni
    ver
    sar
    y.Ital
    waysleavesherso
    weak.”Thabi
    soki
    ssedherfor
    ehead.
    “Shehaslear
    nedt
    oli
    vewi
    tht
    hepai
    n.”Susan
    sighed.
    “Li
    nawasheryoungest,i
    thurt
    snomat
    terwhat
    age.”Thabi
    sonoddedyetagai
    n.
    “
    Butshewasnotagoodsi
    sterorsoyou’
    resai
    d.”
    Susanpaused.Sheneverreal
    lyt
    oldanyonet
    heful
    l
    ext
    entofhersist
    er’
    sevi
    lnesshasshe?Shesat
    upri
    ght
    .
    “
    Thi
    sisjustpi
    ll
    owt
    alkandi
    twon’
    tbeusedagai
    nst
    meaker
    e?”
    “
    Whywoul
    dIusei
    tagai
    nstyou?
    ”Sheshr
    ugged.
    “
    Letmet el
    lyoual
    laboutmysi
    ster
    .I’
    l
    lst
    artf
    rom t
    he
    t
    op.Iknowit’
    sbadtotal
    kI’
    l
    loft
    hedeadbutit’
    snot
    I
    ’
    lli
    fit
    ’sthetr
    uthi
    sit
    ?”
    “
    Noi
    t’
    snot
    .”
    Susanbroughtherhandstogetherandlookedather
    husbandbeforeshestart
    edspeaking.Sheknewhe
    wasEmi l
    y’
    slawyerandhehadhel pedAlor
    awi t
    h
    heri
    nheri
    tance.I
    nheri
    tancethatAlorakeptsayi
    ng
    shehadplansforbutshehasnevert ouchedadime.
    “LinaandIgr ewupf ineIguess.Iwastheolder
    sister,
    theoneshel ookedupt o.Iwasolderbythree
    year swhichisnothingreall
    ylooki
    ngatitnow.I
    studiedjournal
    ism andshest udi
    edsomet hi
    ngtodo
    withbusiness.Thingswer eokay,Iwasusedt othe
    factthatshegotabet t
    erjobandshelookeddown
    onpeoplebecauseoft hei
    rwealt
    hstatus.Li
    nawas
    ahardwor kerThabi
    sobutinallherhardworkshe
    neverl
    astedinrelat
    ionshi
    ps.
    ”
    “
    Successf
    ulwomendon’
    t.Iseethatwit
    hthe
    l
    awyersatmyfi
    rm.Thef
    emal eones.
    ”
    “Idon’tt
    hinkit
    ’sthat,theyhavethishyper
    i
    ndependencet hatt heydon’tneedanyoneandi t
    kil
    lsthem butokaymovi ngonwi t
    ht hest
    ory,she
    achievedeverythi
    ngsheeverwant edandmor e
    whileIchosetof alli
    nl ovewit
    hamanIputt hrough
    schoolwi t
    hmyownmoneyr egardlessoft
    hef act
    thathisfamil
    yhat edme. ”
    Thabi
    so’
    seyeswidened.Whenwomenl ove,
    they
    l
    ovehard.Sheputamant hr
    oughschoolandhe
    cheat
    edonher.Wow!
    “Iwasthati nl
    ove.Webuil
    tourfami
    lyandhegota
    goodjobandal l
    .Li
    nabaskedi
    nhersuccessand
    wouldn’tstopremindi
    ngmehowImar ri
    edpoorand
    thatIcoulddobet t
    er.
    ”
    Thabi
    sol
    ist
    enedasSusanwenton.
    “
    Fastf
    orwar
    d,myhusbanddi
    edandIf
    oundoutt
    hat
    thechi
    ldmysi st
    erinlawhadbeenst ayingwithhad
    beenhisfrom asidechick.Thegistofitwast hat
    sheimpregnatedherselffr
    om thespermi nthe
    condom butthefactthathesti
    llcheatedguttedme
    youknow.”
    Thabisoneverspokeofhiscli
    entsbutheknew
    Emilywasoneoft hesuccessfulonesthathad
    multi
    pleonenightstandsandheaskedhi mself
    whatledhertothedecisi
    onofchoosi ngMoremito
    beherchild’
    sfather
    .Wasitbecausehehadki ds
    andwasmar r
    iedandshedeemedhi m abett
    er
    candidat
    e?
    “Tur
    nsoutmysi sterknewandwheni tcametoli
    ght,
    Isawmysi ster
    ’sbrut
    alit
    y.Shewantedtofi
    ghtme
    toot
    handnai lf
    orAlora.Sheevengotmef i
    redf
    rom
    thej
    obshef oundformeonsomesheknewabet t
    er
    candidat
    e.”
    “
    Wow!
    ”
    “I
    tget
    sworse,
    itget
    sreall
    yworse.Sheapol
    ogised
    tomeandli
    keafoolIf
    orgaveher.Wewereokay
    andst
    upi
    dlyIt
    oldheralotofst
    uffandovert
    wo
    year
    sshegotcl osert
    omyki ds.Theyl
    ovedher.She
    wasauntyLinawhogott hem ever
    ythi
    ngthey
    wanted.
    ”Thabisorubbedherarm.
    “Guesswhatshedi d,sheusedthatinf
    ormation
    againstme, shewenttothemediaandIwast he
    l
    aughi ngstock.Shet
    oldthem ever
    ythi
    ng.”Thabiso
    remember edwhenEmi ly’
    snamehadbeeni nthe
    medi aaft
    erherdeathandhereadt hestor
    y.
    “Asifthatwasnotenough,shekidnappedAl ora
    andMooket sisi
    ncetheywentt oschooltogether
    andtheywer ecl
    oseinage.Sheki dnappedmy
    chi
    ldrenandshet hr
    eatenedtokil
    lmet ogetAl or
    a.”
    Susansai dandwipedhertears.
    “Shepoisonedmyki ds,shewantedtokillme.She
    saidwedi dn’thavetofightIj
    usthadtogi veher
    Aloraandshewoul dletMooketsigo.Whywoul dI
    l
    ovet hechildofasidechi ckandnottrytogetr i
    dof
    her?Shehadsomeoneal mostkil
    lmeandIpl eaded
    toher,Ihavel i
    ter
    all
    yscar sfr
    om theknif
    eIwas
    threat
    enedwi th.”
    “
    Theone’
    sonyourwr
    ist
    s?”Susannodded.
    “I
    twoul dseem li
    keIkil
    ledmyselfandIl at
    er
    i
    nvolvedthepoliceandmanagedt ogetmykids.I
    wouldhaveneverdonet hattoher,
    shewasmyonl y
    si
    ster.Evenifshewasi nfert
    il
    eshewasnotgoi ngto
    di
    ewi thoutachild.Sur
    rogacywoul dhavebeen
    okay.Iwouldhavebeenhersur r
    ogateifsheasked.
    ”
    Thabisoshookhi shead.
    “Letmegett
    hisst
    rai
    ght
    ,sheki
    dnappedt
    he
    chil
    dren.
    ”
    “
    Cor
    rect
    .”
    “
    Youdi
    dn’
    twantt
    ofi
    ghthersoyouj
    ustt
    ri
    edt
    otal
    k
    t
    oher
    ?”
    “Yes.Andshesentsomeonetot
    ryandki
    llmeeven
    aft
    erIbeggedhertolett
    heki
    dsgo.
    ”
    “
    Didn’
    tthepol
    iceputheri
    ncust
    ody?
    ”
    “Idroppedthechar
    gesandgotaprot
    ect
    ionor
    der
    .I
    didn’twanttobei
    nthemedi
    aagain.”
    “
    Butyoust
    il
    lhat
    eher
    .”
    “
    Notasmuchsinceshei
    sdead.Il
    ovedher
    .She
    wasmysi
    ster
    .”
    Thabisoshookhishead.Hewasconfusedathow
    goodt hi
    swomanwaswhensheal mostdi
    edand
    shelethersi
    sterr
    oam freel
    iket
    hat
    .
    “
    I’
    m sur
    pri
    sed.Youshoul
    dhavel
    ethergot
    ojai
    l.
    ”
    “MaybeIwantedhertogetredemptionandmaybeI
    wantedhertohaveherki
    dsadopt edorviaa
    surr
    ogateandfeelhowpainfuli
    tist
    ohaveyourlif
    e
    thr
    eatenedandsomeonecasual l
    ykidnapyourki
    ds
    eventhoughyoutr
    ustedthem. ”
    “
    Youwant
    edr
    evenge?
    ”
    “ApartofmedidbutIl
    etitgobecauseshewas
    i
    nfert
    il
    eandInf
    igur
    edherheartwastoodarkto
    evenloveani
    nfant
    .ButIdidfor
    givehert
    il
    lshewas
    dead.
    ”
    “
    Thatsoundsl
    ikeamovi
    e.”
    Susanchuckl
    ed.
    “I
    tsur
    edoesbutit
    ’sint
    hepast
    ,shei
    sgoneso…”
    Thabi
    sopul
    ledhertohi
    m.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryyouwentt
    hroughal
    loft
    hat
    .”
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryIal
    lowedmysel
    ftogot
    hroughal
    loft
    hat
    .”
    Susansi
    ghed.Shehadski
    ppedonedet
    ail
    .
    “
    Ther
    eissomet
    hingIski
    pped.
    ”
    “
    Oh?
    ”
    “Afewdaysbeforesheki
    ll
    edhersel
    f,Li
    na
    confessedsomet
    hingtomewiththehopethatI
    wouldforgi
    veher
    .”
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    ”
    “Sheconfessedtokil
    li
    ngEmilysoshecouldget
    Alor
    a.Idon’tknowhowsheki l
    ledEmil
    ybutshe
    confessedtoit
    .”Thabi
    soletgoofSusan.
    “
    Sheki
    ll
    edher
    ?”Susanswal
    l
    owed.
    “
    Yeah!
    ”
    “Wow!Ifshehadbeenal
    iveshecouldhavebeen
    convict
    ed.Murder
    eri
    sseri
    ous.Yoursi
    sterwasa
    psychopath.
    ”
    “Iseei
    tnow.Shewant
    edwhatshecoul
    dn’
    thave
    anddidever
    ythi
    ngi
    nherpowert
    ogetwhatshe
    wanted.
    ”
    Thabi
    sonoddedandshookhi
    shead.Susanyawned.
    Shewasget
    ti
    ngr
    athersl
    eepy.
    “
    Goodni
    ght
    .”
    “Night
    .”Hekissedhercheekandsheturnedonher
    sidetosleep.Thabi
    sosatther
    e,wi
    deawake.He
    waspr ocessingal
    lhehadbeentol
    dinthisshor
    t
    hour.

    *
    **

    Attheclub,Hadesorder
    edhisthi
    rdglassof
    whiskeywhensomeonesatnextt ohim.Heturned
    tolookatthepersonandeveninhisdrunkstat
    e,he
    couldvivi
    dlyrememberhim.Recogni
    tionhi
    tAustin
    andhel eanedback.Al
    orahadbeeninhisthoughts
    oflateandthisguymightj
    ustbethekey.He
    remember edhimfrom t
    heti
    mehesawAl or
    awi t
    h
    hersist
    erandhehadbeent here.
    Hadesdrankhi
    swhiskeyquietl
    yasAustinorder
    ed
    hi
    sdrink.Hewasj
    usthere,passingbybeforehe
    wenthomeeventhoughhepr ef
    er r
    edtodri
    nkinthe
    comf
    ortofhi
    sownhome.
    Hadescoul
    dfeelt
    hegazeonhi
    m andhet
    urnedt
    o
    f
    acehim.
    “
    Areyouj
    udgi
    ngme?
    ”Aust
    int
    urnedhi
    shead.
    “
    Mer
    elyobser
    ving…”
    “
    Hades.
    ”
    Heknewwhohewasaswel l
    .Whodidn’tknow
    HudsonInc’
    ssolehei
    r?Eventhoughhehadn’ t
    assumedposit
    ionofCEOlikehewascur rent
    ly
    occupyi
    ngatMathewsCo.Wel li
    nter
    im CEOthati
    s.
    “
    I’
    mjustobser
    vingHades.
    ”
    “Doesn’
    tlookl
    ikeit
    .”Hadesretor
    ted.Thi
    sguyhad
    anauraofsuperior
    ityandi
    tirkedhiminthewr
    ong
    way.
    “
    Wel
    lit
    ’scr
    eepy.
    ”
    “Dependsonhowyoudef ine‘
    creepy’
    ”Austi
    nsaid.
    Thewor d‘cr
    eepy’bei
    ngonehewoul dneverusein
    hisvastvocabul
    ary.
    “
    Condescendi
    ng.
    ”
    “Muchbett
    er.
    ”Aust
    inmused.Hi
    sfacenotgi
    ving
    anyt
    hingaway.
    Hadesshookhi
    sheadanddownedhisgl
    assbefor
    e
    heorder
    edanot
    her
    .Hadesusual
    lydr
    ankti
    llhe
    passedout
    .Thi
    swasthel
    astdayhewasdr i
    nki
    ng
    anyway.
    “
    Isn’
    tthatenough?
    ”
    “Andwhoar eyoutot el
    lmewhat ’
    senough? ”Austi
    n
    wasn’toffended.Goodpoi nt
    .Heusuall
    ydi dn’
    tcare
    buthehadaf eel
    ingthathecouldgetAlora’s
    number .Hedidthingsthatbenefi
    tt
    edhim andt he
    endresultherewasget ti
    ngAlora’
    snumber .He
    watchedHadesi nsilenceashisownwhi skey
    arr
    ived.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    39

    Attheclub,Hadespl acedhisheadont het abletop


    asthealcoholwentt ohi shead.I
    twasal lfuzzyand
    hefoundhimselfl aughi ngasAust i
    nobser ved.His
    hazelbr
    ownsf ullofcal m andwi sdom beyondhi s
    23years.From thel asthourhehasobser ved
    Hades,hehadaf ewpoi ntstonote.Hadesl ookedat
    Austi
    nandl aughed.
    “Haveyoueverhat edyourf ather
    ?”Hadesasks.Hi s
    wordssl ur
    ringbutAustincouldunderstand.He
    shookhi shead.Heneverhadt heti
    meofdayt o
    hatehisparents.Hismot hertaughthi
    m heonl yhad
    himselftorelyonandnotevenher .Hewaspr ett
    y
    muchonhi sownandhecar edaboutonlyhimself
    .
    Rightnowi fhewasn’ tl
    ookingforAlor
    a’scontacts
    hewoul dn’
    tbeher e,l
    ist
    eningandwat chingHades
    dri
    nkhi mselftodeath.
    “
    Wel
    liti
    sfucki
    nghel
    l.Doyouhat
    eyourmot
    heras
    well?”Hesl edagai nashet riedt ol i
    fthisheadbuti t
    wassoheavyf orhi mt oli
    ft.Hei gnoredt heblack
    dotsi nhisvisi
    onashewai tedf orAust int oanswer.
    Orhel ef
    t?Hel aughed.Obvi ousl yhel eft.Heclosed
    hiseyesashecur sedunderhi sbr eath.Heshoul d
    callthecabandgethomebef oreRebaar ri
    vesinthe
    mor ning.Het r
    iedt ostandbutheswayedandsat
    ri
    ghtbackont hechai r
    .Thispai nwasgoi ngtobe
    evermor e.Hadeshel dbackt earsandl aughedagai n,
    hisfatherwoul dcal lhim af uckingweakl i
    ngfor
    evensheddi ngat ear ,hewoul dt el
    lhi mt omanup
    andt rynottoactl ikeasi ssy.Hel aughedi npain
    andt ri
    edt oli
    fthishead.
    “Ilooksodes-r
    etardedri
    ghtnow.”Austi
    nchecked
    thetime.Hemi ghtpassoutinlessthantenmi nut
    es
    becausehewast oinebri
    atedtobeabletosurvive
    mor ethanthat
    .Hadesl aughedbeforehelett
    he
    tearsrol
    linapublicclub.
    “Rebaf
    ucki
    ngbel
    ievesIcanbesober
    .”Hesl
    urr
    ed
    ashefoughtt
    oli
    fthishead.
    “IprayIdi
    eofal coholoneoft
    hesedays.
    ”Hesai
    d
    beforeheblackedout.Thebarmanlookedat
    Hades.Theyar
    eusedt ohim drinki
    nghimsel ft
    o
    deat
    honceinawhile.Everyonemi ndedtheirown
    busi
    nessandeversaidanything.Heusuallywoke
    upinthemorni
    ng.
    Thebar
    tenderwal
    kedt
    owher
    eHadeswaspassed
    out
    .
    “Hewil
    lbefine.Hewi l
    lwakeupinthemor ni
    ng.”
    Aust
    infi
    nishedhissecondglassofwhiskey,hewas
    notaheavydrinkerandhewasmor ethancoherent
    .
    “I’
    l
    ltakehim home.
    ”Hesaidandthebart
    ender
    raisedaneyebrow,t
    hei
    rbi
    ggestcust
    omernever
    hadanyonet akehi
    m home.Hewasusuallyalone
    andhewokeupi nanemptybarwhenthecleaning
    staffcame.
    “
    Youknowhi
    m?”Aust
    inl
    ookedatHades.
    “Afri
    end’sfr
    iend.”Austinwasaf ewinchestall
    er
    thanHadesashest oodupt ohisful
    lheightandhis
    energyfi
    ll
    ingtheroom.Hel ookedatHadesbef ore
    hetookouthi swalletandpaidthebart
    ender.He
    sli
    ghtl
    ybenthi skneestopickHadesup, hewas
    heavysincehewasunconsci ousbuthewas
    det ermi nedt ot akehi mt ohiscar.Hehel dhi sheavy
    wei ghtashepl acedHadeshandbehi ndhi s
    shoul derandhewal kedoutoft heclubwi ththe
    conf idenceofamot her fuckinggod.Her eachedt he
    carl otint enmi nutesandhewi shedhehadcal led
    hisdr iveri nsteadofdr ivinghimsel f
    .Hemadehi s
    wayt ohi scarwi thapassedoutHades.He
    slumpedHadesagai nstt hebootasheunl ockedt he
    door .Heopenedt hedoorandheputhi mi nside
    bef orehecl osedt hedoorandwal kedtot hedr iver ’s
    seat .Hel eanedbackandl ookedatt hemanathi s
    backseat .Hehadl owr egar dforpeopl ewhowi lfully
    threwt heirlivesaway.Her emindedhi msel foft he
    endgoalandhepi ckedhi sbagont hepassenger
    seat .Het ookouthi slapt opandswi t
    chedi ton, he
    mi ghtaswel lmakesomef i
    naltouchesont he
    documentCel inewant edhi mt osubmi t.Heknew
    hismot herwast estinghi m andhecoul dleadt he
    companywi thhi seyescl osedbuthest il
    ldidn’ t
    havet hef inalsayasi nt eri
    m CEO.Hest artedt ypi ng
    awayi nt hecar .
    *
    **

    Rebantlehitherheadagai nstthecupboar
    dwi thher
    eyesclosed.Shesl owlymovedbackwar dsand
    tur
    nedt othekitchendoor .Susanwhowast yingher
    gown,wal kedoutofherr oom onherwayt othe
    kit
    chenf oraglassofwat er.Sheheardmovement
    assheswi t
    chedont heli
    ght s.ShesawRebant l
    eas
    shereachedt hekitchenandshef rowned.
    “Rebant
    le?
    ”Sheaskedandshel
    ookedather
    .She
    hadhereyescl
    osed.
    “Rebantl
    e?Odi r
    isi
    wakebaloi
    ?”(
    areyoubeingused
    bywitches?)sheaskedandRebantl
    edidn’
    trespond
    asshet r
    iedtokeeponwalki
    ng.Susanshook
    Rebantl
    e.
    “Wakeup!Wakeup! ”Sheshout edi
    nRebantl
    e’sear
    andittookmor ethantenmi nutesf
    orRebantl
    eto
    getoutofhersleepyst upor.Hereyeswidenedas
    shelookedaroundt hekitchenandhermot her
    holdi
    nghersot ight
    lyithurt.Shestoodther
    e,li
    kea
    shockedchicken,herskinnyf ramemoreevident
    wit
    hthehoodienowheretobeseen.Her
    sur
    roundi
    ngsconfusedher,
    shewassoconfused
    andhereyesborethesameconfusi
    on.Hermot
    her
    l
    ethergoandlookedatRebashocked.
    “Isitthewitches?”Hermot herasked.Rebant l
    eheld
    herchest .Shedidi tagain.Sheclosedhereyes
    holdingbackt ears.Shewassl eepwalkingagai n
    andshet ouchedherhead.Shecoul dfeelabr uise
    forming.Shehi tsomet hi
    ng.Onsoberdays, Hades
    woul dmakesur eshewassaf eandwasn’ thit
    ti
    ng
    anythinginhersl eep.Hersl eepwalki
    nghadscar ed
    him atfir
    stbuthel ear nedtodealwithitandwhen
    shewasnoti nbed, hewouldgof indher.Ofcour se
    shedi dn’
    trememberwhathappenedonher
    episodesbuthet oldherandshehadt ot akehis
    wor dforit.
    “
    Rebant
    lear
    eyouokay?
    ”Shenoddedherhead.
    “
    It
    ’snot
    hing.
    ”
    “Maybeweshoul
    dseeapast
    or.
    .”sheshookher
    head.
    “
    I’
    m okay.
    ”Shesai
    dqui
    ckl
    yandshehuggedher
    sel
    f.
    Nowfeel
    ingcol
    dandshetri
    edtofor
    ceasmil
    eas
    shemovedafewfeetawayfr
    om hermot
    her
    .
    “I-
    Ihavetogo.”Shewalkedaway,i
    gnori
    ngherweak
    l
    egsandSusanwat chedherwalkawayti
    llthedoor
    ofRebantle’
    sbedroom cl
    osed.Shewil
    lquizheron
    thi
    sissueinthemor ni
    ng.

    *
    **

    Alorasatcrossleggedi nherdor mr oom asshe


    wentoverherl i
    feplanf orthenextf i
    veyear s.She
    pausedassheci r
    cledtheonet hingshehad
    crossedout .Ki
    ds.Shecan’ tdot hat .Shesighed.
    Shehatedmenandshewoul drathert heyhat eher
    backandt hinkshewasj ustthiscr azysmar t
    ass
    bit
    chwhoal waysthreatenedt ocr usht hei
    rbal l
    s
    thananythingelse.Shepausedasshesunkdeeper
    i
    ntoherthought s.Noonel i
    kedherandt hedi st
    ance
    wasokay, shewasi mpossi ble.Shechuckl edal one.
    Hell,
    shewasademononear thandshedi dn’tknow
    howt obeanyt hi
    ngel sethanhott emper edand
    focusedonherowngoal s.Shesi ghedandmoved
    ont ot henextone.Lor aCosmet ics.Shegr inned
    alone.Thathadbeenherdr eam andshewas
    prepar edt ogobr oket omakeherdr eam comet rue.
    Womenneedmakeupt ofeelpower ful, toweari tas
    anar mour .Aver yincor ruptibleonef ort hatmat ter.
    Henceshechosecour sesthatveer edt owar dsthe
    beaut yi ndustryasherel ectivesbecausebei ngan
    honour sstudent ,
    shecoul dchoosemor ethant wo
    cour sest hathadnot hingt odowi thherdegr ee.
    Oncesheget shome, shewasdef initelygoi ngt o
    exhausthert r
    ustfundonherbusi nessi deaandget
    i
    tof fthegr ound.Afteryear sofst udyi ngt hebeaut y
    i
    ndust ry,wellnooneknewshewant edt ovent ure
    i
    nt othat .Theyneverasked.Shesi ghed.Shemade
    i
    thert askt oknowwhathersi bl
    ingswer eupt o
    becauseshel ovedt hem i nherownwaybutnoneof
    them everaskedher .Maybeshewasj ustan
    extensi ont oanal r
    eadyexi stingf ami ly.Shesi ghed
    andcl osedherbook.Shecoul dfeelt hef r
    ust r
    ation
    pendi ngupandshewal kedt ohercl osetandgot
    i
    nsi de.Shecl osedthedoorandsatdowni nsidei n
    thedar kcloset.Shebr eathedi nandoutwi thher
    headbet weenherknees.Shecoul ddot his.She
    wasAl oraMor emifourcryi
    ngoutl oud,shescar ed
    theshithelloutofpeoplewithehrwi t
    ,smar t
    sand
    confidence.Peoplewereinti
    midatedbyasmar tgi
    rl
    whoknewshehadnol i
    mitsandshewasone, she
    reassuredherself
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    40

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning
    Hadeswokeupwi t
    honehel lofaheadache.Hefelt
    l
    ikehehadbeenhi tbyat ruckashehel dtheback
    ofhishead.Hecl osedhiseyesqui cklyandputhis
    headbackont hesof tpil
    lowhewokeupf rom.He
    tr
    iedtoregainhi
    sbear ingsandl ikealways,he
    wasn’tdead.Hekepthi seyescl osedforaf ew
    minutesbeforehehear dthedooropeni ng.Heheld
    ontothesheetsandopenedhi seyes.Helookedup
    asamet icul
    ouslydressedAust i
    nlookedathim.
    Hehel
    dbackhisshar
    ptongueasAust
    inkepthi
    s
    knowi
    ngeyesonhim.
    “
    Getcl
    eanedup,
    Ihavet
    obeatt
    heof
    fi
    ceandI
    ’
    m
    r
    unni
    nglat
    e.”
    “Wh-
    whydidyoubri
    ngmeher
    e?”Hadesaskedand
    Aust
    inl
    ookedatHades.
    “Getcl
    eanedupf i
    rst
    .”Hesai
    dandhewal kedout
    .
    Hadeshel dhi
    shead.Heneededsomestrong
    painki
    ll
    erstogetr
    idofthi
    sheadacheandthe
    massivehangoverhehad.
    Hegotoutofbedandheheadedtothebathr
    oom,
    hehadquesti
    onsandhedi
    dn’tknowifAusti
    n’s
    kindnessshoul
    dshockhi
    m ormakehi
    m wear
    yof
    theguy.
    Meanwhil
    eintheki
    tchen,
    Aust
    inwasonhissecond
    cupofcof
    feeofthedayashetal
    kedt
    ohisther
    apist
    .
    “Howfarwit
    hyoursuddeni
    nter
    est?”Aust
    insi
    pped
    hisbl
    ackcoff
    eebef
    oreheanswered.
    “I’
    l
    lbeseei ngyoul aterafterlunch, I’
    llt
    el lyouhowi t
    wentbecauseasal waysever ythingwor ksoutl ikeI
    havepl anned. ”Jameswhohasbeenhi st herapist
    foryearsagr eed.Hi sclientwasaspeci alcase,
    someonewhochal lengedhi spr ofessionandAust i
    n
    couldbeat her apistifhewant edbuthewast oo
    self-
    servingt ohel ppeopl eunl essi tbenef it
    tedhi m
    i
    naway.Heal wayspl ayedhi scar dsr ightandhe
    hadbeenatt her eceivingendofAust i
    n’s
    descriptionsofAl ora.Someonewhohadbeen
    i
    nterestingt ohi m sincehewasf i
    fteeen.Hewoul d
    sayitwasacr ushbutAust inqui cklyshuthi m down
    andwat eredi tdown.Hesai dAlor awasan‘ enigma’
    shehadaf erventf ir
    ebur ningwi thinherandhe
    l
    ikedigni tingi twhenevert heymetatschool
    compet itionsandhebeatherever yt i
    me.
    “
    Ican’
    twai
    t.
    ”
    “Iknow.Myl
    if
    ehasal
    waysbeenofi
    nter
    estt
    oyou
    James.”
    “
    Youhavebeenmyclientf
    oral
    mostadecade,
    ther
    e
    i
    snot
    hingIdon’
    tknowaboutyouAust
    in.
    ”
    “Isee.Ihavetogo.
    ”Austi
    nsaidandhehungupas
    Hadesmadehi swaytohim.Helookedatt
    hecof
    fee
    makert henbackatHades.
    “Havesomecoffee,
    soberupbeforewel
    eave.
    ”
    HadeslookedatAusti
    ninquest
    ion.
    “Ar
    eyouper hapsinl
    ovewi
    thme?
    ”Heaskedand
    Austi
    n’sl
    ipsquir
    kedup.
    “
    Whyshoul
    dyouaskt
    hat
    ?”
    “Mendon’ tdothatforeachot her.
    ”Hadessaid.The
    onlyfamil
    yt hatmadehi mf eell
    ikefami
    lywas
    Rebantle’
    sfami l
    yandt heydidn’tevenmindhaving
    him att
    heirfami l
    yeventseversincehebecame
    bestfri
    endswi thRebantle.
    “Wel
    l,
    Idowantsomet
    hingi
    nret
    urn.
    ”Hadespaused.
    Heknewit
    .
    “
    Iknewi
    t.
    ”
    “IwantAl
    ora’
    snumber.”Hesai
    dandHadesscof
    fed.
    Alor
    a?Thatli
    tt
    ledemon?Hewantedt
    hatl
    it
    tl
    e
    demon’snumber?
    “Shei
    salit
    tl
    etyr
    ant
    ,yousur
    eyouwanther
    number?
    ”
    “
    Hundr
    edper
    centsur
    e.”
    Hadesl if
    tedhishands.Wel lhewasaboutt of i
    nd
    outt hatAl or
    awasn’ tthesparkl
    esandponi estype
    ofgi rlandshewasmor eof‘I
    ’m goingtofeedhis
    dckt ot hewol vesbecauseheanger edme’thatli
    tt
    le
    girlhadherowni ssues.Hellshehat edmenand
    event houghtheymadepeace, shewasst il
    lso
    ti
    ring.Shewasonl ynicetohersibli
    ngsandot her
    them shewasnot hingshortofbeingmean.Nott hat
    hewasanydi fferentbut …
    “I
    t’syourownfaultyou’l
    lbeatt
    herecei
    vingendof
    hertemper.”Aust
    inhidhissmil
    eashesi ppedhi
    s
    coffee.Al
    orahasalwaysbeeninter
    esti
    ng.Shehad
    beenhi sr
    ivalf
    oryears.Somanyyearsandhe
    didn’tr
    ememberadaywhent heywereinthesame
    r
    oom andshedi
    dn’
    tpassonar
    emar
    kthathad
    f
    asci
    natedhi
    m.
    “IguessIhavetofi
    ndoutt
    hen.”Hesai
    d.Hadessat
    downandl ookedathi
    m.Hereall
    ydi
    dthist
    oget
    Alora’
    snumber .
    “Ihavetoaskyou,ar
    eyousureaboutthi
    s?”Hades
    asked,makingi
    tsoundl
    ikei
    twasal i
    fesentencet
    o
    evenaskAloraout
    .
    “
    Youwantt
    oaskherout
    ?”Heasked.
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Al
    lthebest.”Hadessaidandt appedAust
    in’
    s
    shoulder.Hadesyawnedandher ubbedhi
    seyes
    beforeheslidhishandsinhispocketstof
    indhi
    s
    phone.Hef ounditandhesawmi ssedcal
    lsf
    rom
    Rebantle.He’l
    lcal
    lherback.Hewentt ohi
    s
    contactsli
    standAustinpickeduphisphone.
    Hadesspel
    toutAl
    ora’
    snumberandhedi
    dthatthe
    secondt
    imetobesurehedi
    dn’
    tmissanydi
    git
    s.
    “
    Ist
    hatr
    eal
    lyi
    t?”Heaskedagai
    n.
    “
    Yes.
    ”Hadenoddedbef
    orehel
    ookedar
    oundt
    he
    houseandt
    heguywhowasaf
    ewi
    nchest
    all
    ert
    han
    hi
    m.
    “Ihavet
    ogetgoi ng.I
    ’
    llcatchacab.”Hadessaid
    andhewal kedoutoft hekitchen,
    stoppi
    ngeveryten
    secondstobal ancehimself.Hecouldst
    il
    lfeelt
    he
    after
    mathoft healcohol.Hadeslookedatt
    he
    number.He’llseehowi tgoes.

    *
    **

    AtHadesandRebant l
    e’
    sshar edhouse, Hades
    arr
    ivedfi
    rstandhecont i
    nuedtocleanup.Hemade
    suretothrowtheblastplast
    icbaginthebi noutsi
    de
    beforehesatdownont hecouch.Het ookouthis
    phoneandt r
    iedcall
    ingRebant l
    ebutittookhimt o
    voi
    cemai l
    .Hesighedandl aiddownont hecouch.

    *
    **

    Rebant
    leat
    esl
    owl
    y,not
    ici
    nghowhermot
    her
    l
    ookedather
    .Herst
    epfat
    herlongwenttowork
    hour
    sago,heal
    sotookEmorytoschoolaswel
    l.
    “Rebantl
    ear
    eyouokay?
    ”SusanaskedandReba
    sighed.
    “
    I’
    mfi
    ne,
    it’
    sjustst
    ressandf
    ati
    gue.
    ”
    “Areyousure? ”Shenodded.Shedi dn’tneedto
    worryehr,ot
    heraboutheraddiction.Shecanf ightit
    ,
    shewillfi
    ghtitandshewi l
    lbeokaywi thout
    worryi
    nganyonei ncl
    udingAlora.Aloraneededt o
    focusonschoolandnot hingelse.Thatwasher
    fi
    nalsemesterandsheneededt ofocusonschool
    aswell.Gett
    ingadegr eewasimpor tantbutshef el
    t
    sodumbsomet i
    mesinclass.Shedi dn’twantt
    ocr y.
    Susanf r
    owned.
    “
    Reba?
    ”
    Rebaf
    orcedasmi
    le.
    “
    Am Idumb?
    ”Hermot
    hershookherhead.
    “No.You’r
    eallsmart
    .Al
    lofyouaregi
    ftedi
    nyour
    ownwaysReba. ”Rebanoddedandshelookedat
    herplat
    e.Shesti
    rr
    edherplat
    eofporr
    idge,she
    pr
    efer
    redsomethi
    ngeasi
    ert
    oswal
    low.Shebr
    ought
    aspoonf
    ultohermout
    h.
    “I
    -It
    hinkIhaveal
    essonl
    atert
    oday.
    ”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    y
    andSusannodded.
    “
    Youshouldseeadoctori
    fyoudon’
    tthi
    nkt
    hatwas
    wit
    chcr
    aft
    .”Shesai
    d.
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    41

    Al
    ora’
    sfor
    eheadcr
    easedasshel
    ookedatt
    he
    unknownnumbercal l
    inghercellphone.Not
    everyonehadhernumbersoshewonder edwhot he
    hellwascal l
    ing.Shesatdownonanear bybench.
    Asal waysshewascomposedwi t
    hherheel son
    andakneel engthski rtandshirtalongwi thascar f
    thatwasst yledtosui tthefashion.Shehad
    i
    mpeccabl etaste,shehadt oadmi tt
    oher selfand
    yes.Shedi djudgepeopl ebasedont hei
    rout fi
    t,
    tardi
    nesswasnotsomet hingtobet oler
    at ed.The
    phonest oppedr inging.Maybei twasawr ong
    number ,ifnotthecal l
    erwasgoi ngtocallagai n.As
    i
    ft heuniversewasl isteningherphoner angagai n
    andshef i
    nallyanswer ed.
    “Al
    oraMor
    emispeaki
    ng,
    hel
    lo.
    ”Shesai
    dwi
    thher
    host
    il
    evoi
    ce.
    “St
    il
    lali
    ttl
    espi t
    fi
    re?
    ”Thevoicedrawledattheot
    her
    endoftheline.Sherecogni
    sedthatvoi
    ce.Itwas
    muchmor edeeperbutsheknewi t.Shegroaned
    andsquintedhereyes.
    “
    Pleasedi
    eRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    Gladt
    oheart
    hatIwasmi
    ssed.
    ”
    “Di
    e!Di
    e!Youegomani
    ac.”Shesai
    dandsheswor e
    shecoul
    dseehim smi
    rk,
    theonethatheusual
    lydi
    d
    whenhewasabouttochuckl
    ebutsett
    ledona
    smir
    kinst
    ead.
    “I
    sn’tchantingal
    it
    tl
    eimmatureforyousomeoneof
    yourintel
    lect?
    ”HesaidandAlor
    acouldcountt
    he
    numberoft imeRoberthadi
    ndir
    ectl
    ycall
    edher
    stupid.
    “
    Idespi
    seyou.
    ”
    “
    Doyou?
    ”
    Heasked.
    “Wheredi
    dyougetmynumber
    ?”Sheaskedand
    avoi
    dedhisquest
    ion.
    “
    Youdi
    dn’
    tanswermeAl
    ora.
    ”
    “Ido.Idespi
    seyouwi
    thmybodyandsoul
    .”He
    chuckled.
    “Ist
    hatyourownrendi
    ti
    onofPrideandPr
    ejudi
    ce
    Alor
    a?”Sherol
    ledhereyes.Hewassmart
    .Hewas
    heracademicri
    valf
    oraslongasshecoul
    d
    remember.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    Aust
    indidn’
    twanttoaski
    fshewasfr
    eebuthehad
    t
    obeforeheclear
    edhisschedul
    e.
    “
    Areyouf
    reet
    hisweekend.
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”Shesai
    dsi
    mpl
    y.
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sitt
    oyou?
    ”Sheaskedsuspi
    ciousl
    y.
    Austi
    nhadneverbeentheonet
    obeataroundt
    he
    bush,hewasdi
    rectwit
    hwhathewantedandhe
    di
    dn’twaver
    .
    “Iwanttotakeyouout.”Hesaidsi mply.Al
    orawas
    toostunnedtospeak.Sheclosedhereyesand
    pusheddownhert eenagefantasies.Austi
    nwasher
    ri
    val
    .Hewant edtotakeherout ?
    “
    Asi
    n?”
    “AdateAl or
    a.”Hewasdi r
    ectandshelookeddown
    atherheels,asubtl
    eblushcoveri
    nghercheeks.Her
    ?
    Thegirleveryonehat
    ed.
    Aust
    inwai
    ted.Heknewshewasgoi
    ngt
    ogi
    vehi
    ma
    hardtime,t
    hatwastheirdynami
    c.Theybant
    eredon
    everyt
    hingandthatwaswhatmadeAl or
    afucki
    ng
    i
    nteresti
    ng.Hewantedsomeonetochall
    engehim
    andmakehi m usehisbrai
    nandshewasa
    smar t
    assaswell.
    “I’
    m doi
    ngyouthisonef avourRobert
    .Thi
    sisa
    favour.
    ”Hechuckled.Shewasagr eei
    ngandshe
    didn’
    twantt
    odirectlysayit.
    “
    OkayAl
    ora.
    ”
    “
    Remember
    ,thi
    sisaf
    avour
    …”Hesmi
    rked.
    “Ar
    eyousure?Idon’
    tusuall
    ygof orgi
    rl
    switha
    l
    owerIQt
    hanmi neandyou’reanexcepti
    on.”He
    sai
    dsmuglyandAlor
    af l
    aredattheendoftheli
    ne.
    “
    Ishoul
    dhavecutyourt
    hroatoutandsevent
    een.
    vatefair
    efoutr
    eRober t!
    ”(FuckyouRober t
    !)
    She
    sai
    dandhi seyesfil
    ledwi t
    hhumourasshecutt he
    cal
    l.Thatwasayes.Hehadadat ewi t
    hagi rl
    conti
    nentsaway.Hel eanedbackonhi sof fi
    cechair
    .
    Hehadt oseehistherapistinthirt
    ymi nutes.His
    worldhadbeenmundane, allblackandwhi t
    etil
    lhe
    sawatUB.Focusedonl earningFr ench.Then
    everythi
    ngstart
    edtohavecol our.Wel
    lmor et
    han
    colour,i
    twasintechni
    colour.Hasshewentt o
    Stanfordtheywouldhavebeent eammat esmore
    thanrival
    sbutattheti
    me, shehadel i
    cit
    edthi
    ngshe
    wasn’treadytofaceandhedr oppedit.

    *
    **

    Aloraclosedherbooksandsi ghed.Sheshoul d
    probablycal lhi
    m andcancel .Shet houghtt oherself
    minutesl aterwhenshewasi nt hel
    ibrary.Shewas
    i
    nherl astsemest erandshewassocl oset o
    graduatingwi ththehighesthonour s.Hecoul d
    serveasadi str
    action.Orsheshoul dletitbeandhe
    couldfindoutshewasn’ ttheki ndofgi rlhewanted.
    Shepushedherbackf or
    th.Sincewhenhasshe
    everbeenwor riedabouttheki ndofgi rlmenwant ed.
    Shedidn’ tneedaman.Shener vouslyopenedher
    bookagai nandt hencloseditbef oresheopenedi t
    againthencl osedi tagai
    n.
    “
    Breat
    hAl
    ora.Br
    eat
    h.”Shecl
    osedhereyes.Di
    dshe
    cal
    lRebat oday?OrMooket siorBokamoso.She
    cursedunderherbreath.Shewasner vous.Whydid
    sheagree?Shebr eat
    hedi nandoutagain.Thiswas
    AustinMathews.Sheknewhi mforalmostadecade
    andhehasbeenheracademi cri
    valeversi
    nce,what
    couldpossibl
    ygowr ong?
    Shewaspanicki
    ngovernot
    hing.Sheassur
    ed
    her
    sel
    f.Sheshouldpr
    obabl
    ycontinuest
    udying.

    *
    **

    AtRebant l
    eandHadesshar edapar tment,Rebant
    le
    fi
    nallyparkedthecarout si
    de.Hermot herhad
    want edhertostaylongersot hat’
    saswhyshewas
    here,fewhour sl
    ater.Shegotoutoft hecarandshe
    walkedtot hedoor.Sheknockedont hedoorand
    therewasnoanswer .Sheopenedi tandi twas
    l
    ocked.Sheusedt hekeyat t
    achedt othecarkeysto
    unlockthedoorandsheent ered.ShefoundHades
    sprawledont hecouchf astasleep.Therewereno
    bottl
    esandt hesyringeswer egone.Theywer e
    goingtobecl ean.Shesmi led.Shehadwi shedher
    wassober ,whenhehadbeenni neteenandshe
    wentwithhi mt otheparty.Hehadki ssedherbuthe
    wassodr unkandt hatwashowshef oundout
    abouthisaddi ct
    ion.Overtheyear si tgotwor seand
    somehowhemanagedt ohi dei tfrom hisf at
    herand
    theworldexceptf orher.Sheheadedt othe
    bedroom andshet hr
    ewher sel font hebed.She
    closedhereyes, shehadbar el
    ysl eptandal l
    sleepwal
    kingdi dwast omakehersl eepdepr ived.
    Shehatedt hat.Hatedthatsheevermodel led
    becauseshewoul dhavenott urnedt odrugst o
    cope.

    *
    **

    AtJames’
    off
    ice,
    Aust
    incl
    aspedhi
    shands.
    “Soyou’
    regoi
    ngallt
    hewaytoAmeri
    caf
    oryourfi
    rst
    datewit
    hAlor
    a?”Heasked.Hewant
    edt
    ogetthi
    s
    j
    ustri
    ght.
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Likemor
    ethant
    wof
    li
    ght
    sforadat
    ewi
    thher
    ?”
    “
    YesJames.
    ”Jamessmi
    led.
    “Youli
    keher …”Jamespoi ntedout.Austi
    nMat hews
    hadacr ushonAl or
    af oralmostawhol edecadeand
    hedeniedit.Disgui
    singitasint
    erest.Heknew
    bett
    er.
    “
    Shei
    sri
    vet
    ing.
    ”
    “Doesn’tchangethefactthatyouli
    keher.Noman
    cantraveltotheothersideofthegl
    obejustfora
    fi
    rstdate.”JamespointeditoutandAusti
    n
    shrugged.Jameshadapoi ntbuthehadan
    opportunitytoaskAlor
    aoutandhet ookit.Si
    mple
    asthat.
    “SoIassumeyourpl ansareunderway.”Hesaid
    andAust i
    nnodded.Hehadt oprepareforafi
    rst
    datewithher,Alorawasfashionabl
    eandwhati f
    shedisapprovesofhi scl
    otheswhent heymeet
    again.Asadultsthisti
    me?
    “Ineedt
    ogo.”Aust
    inst
    oodup.Hef
    ixedhi
    sjacket
    andwalkedt
    othedoor.
    “I’
    l
    ltalkt oyouonournextappoi ntment .”Hesai d
    andhewal kedout .Asmi l
    etouchedhi slips, he
    remember edbei ngstuckwi thheri nt heel evator
    whenshewassi xteenandt hewhol et i
    meshe
    want edt omur derhim whi l
    esheal so
    hyper vent i
    latingi nthere,shereluct antl
    yaccept ed
    hiswor dsofcal mnessandhi stouchbuti tended
    toosoonwhent heelevatorwasf ixedanhourl ater
    andshemovedawayf rom him.Thr eateni ngt okill
    him asal ways.Hewal kedoutoft heof ficeand
    madehi swayt ot hepar ki
    nglot.Hewasgoi ngt o
    pushwor kt ocl earhisschedul esohecoul dbeon
    thefirstf l
    ightoutofher ebyThur sdayi fnot
    Wednesday.Heshoul dcalll
    atertoni ghtr ight?He
    knewt hedi fferencei ntimezonesandhewoul dbe
    awakewor king.He’ l
    lcall.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    38] :REBORN

    42

    Alor
    ahel dt
    hephonei
    nherotherhandassheused
    herotheronet
    omovethehangerslooki
    ngather
    cl
    othes.
    “Wai
    tRora,l
    etmegett
    hisst
    rai
    ght
    ..
    you’
    regoi
    ngout
    onadate?”
    “
    YesReba!
    ”
    “
    Areyouner
    vous?
    ”
    Al
    orachuckl
    ednervously.Ner
    vous?Ofcour
    se.
    Aust
    inwasamanandshehat edmenyethereshe
    wasgivi
    nghim achance.
    “
    Lookatyoual
    lgr
    ownup.Iam sopr
    oudofyou.
    ”
    Rebasai
    dsof
    tl
    yandAl
    orapaused.
    “
    It
    ’snotl
    ikeI
    ’
    m goi
    ngt
    odat
    ehi
    m oranyt
    hing.
    ”
    “Evenifyoudon’
    tbutyouneverknowwi t
    hthese
    thi
    ngsAl or
    a.Aust
    inmightbeyourfi
    rstki
    ss.
    ”Alora
    scrunchedhernose.
    “
    No!No!Idon’
    tknowwhyhei
    sbei
    ngni
    ce,
    hei
    smy
    r
    ival
    .”
    “Ir
    eadsomewher
    ethatt
    her
    eist
    hinl
    inebet
    ween
    hateandl
    ove.
    ”
    Al
    orasi
    ghed.
    “
    I’
    llcope.
    ”
    “Your
    ememberyourpr
    omi
    set
    ome?
    ”Al
    orasi
    ghed
    andnodded.
    “IdobutyouknowI ’
    m notcomf or t
    ablewit
    hst uff
    l
    ikethat.”Alorasai d.Shecoul dn’tst
    omachal lowing
    amant ohavesexwi t
    hher, shewasusedt obeing
    perf
    ectatever ythi
    ngandshewassoscar edshe
    wouldf l
    opi nthebedr oom, shewoul dn’
    tbesexy
    anddomi nantlikesheseemedt otheoutsidewor l
    d.
    Sheshuther selfoffanyform ofi nti
    macy,itscared
    thehelloutofher .
    “Iknow.Somedayyou’
    llbecomfor
    tabl
    e.Itmightbe
    ayearfrom nowortwobutonedayitwil
    lhappen.
    Dot el
    lme.Iwantt
    oknow.”Alor
    achuckled.
    “
    Iwil
    l.Letmego.Ineedt
    opi
    ckanout
    fi
    tandat
    ake
    ashower.”
    “
    Byesi
    s.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “Met oo.Bye.”Al orahungupandsi ghed.She
    touchedherhai r.Sheshouldhavedonebr ai
    dsnow
    shehast ost r
    ai ghtenitnowbeforeherdate.He
    saidhewaspi cki ngherup.Shelookedaroundher
    room.Itwascl ean.Nomessycl othes.She
    conti
    nuedt or ummaget houghherclosettofindan
    outfi
    tthatwoul dgi veheranextraconfi
    dence
    boosterbecauseshewoul ddieifAusti
    nnoticed
    shewasner vous.

    *
    **

    Rebant
    leset
    tledbyHades’
    sideandyawned.He
    wasfastasl
    eepandshewasj ustawaket
    otal
    kto
    Aloraaboutherdat e.Shesmi led.Shewasst ronger
    thanwhatshet hought .Af ewdayscl eanandshe
    wasokay, mi nust hewi t
    hdr awalsympt omst hat
    Hadeshel pedwi th.Shel ookedathi m andki ssed
    hischeek, hewashel pinghergetoverheraddi ct
    ion
    anddi st
    ract edhermi ndwi thst uffl
    ikeschool ,
    movi es,helpingherf indnewhobbi esandsex.She
    kissedhischeekagai n.Shesi ghedandl eaned
    againsttheheadboar d.Shedi dn’
    treallyhelphi m
    withhisandt hatwi pedawayt hesmi leonherf ace,
    shewasbadatt his.Het oldhernott owor ryand
    shewashi sf ir
    stpr iorit
    ybutbesi dest el
    linghi mto
    getsobershedi dnot hing.Thatst ir
    redher
    conscience.Shecl osedhereyesandsi ghed.She
    willdosomet hing.Shemovedcl oserandspooned
    him event houghhewast allerthanher .Hades
    stir
    redinhi ssleepandt urned.NowRebant lewas
    nol ongerhol dinghi m.Hepul ledhertohi m and
    kissedherhai r
    .
    “
    Sleep.
    ”
    “
    Aren’
    tyouasl
    eep?
    ”
    “
    Iam.
    ”Sheki
    ssedhi
    sli
    pssof
    tl
    yandshef
    elthi
    m
    smi
    le.
    “
    Loveyouhaveschoolt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “Okay.Goodnight
    .Il
    oveyou.
    ”Shesai
    dandhe
    kissedherback.
    “Iloveyoutoomylove.
    ”Shesmi
    ledandf
    inal
    ly
    closedhereyes,
    dri
    ft
    ingof
    ftosl
    eep.

    *
    **

    Alor
    ahel
    dherphoneinherhandaf
    terhershower
    andshesentAust
    inatext
    .
    Al
    ora:
    Standmeup,
    Idon’
    twantt
    omeetyou.
    Shewait
    edforhi
    mt orespondandshepl
    acedher
    phonedown.I
    tbeepedandshequickl
    ypi
    ckeditup.
    Austi
    n:Thatwouldbemebeingacowar
    dandI
    nevert
    aket heeasywayout
    .Youknowthat
    .
    Hetextedbackandshebitherl
    owerli
    p.Str
    ange
    howtheykneweachotherbecauseofvar
    ious
    encounter
    s.
    Al
    ora:
    Don’
    tbef
    akewi
    thmet
    oni
    ghtt
    henAust
    in.
    Aust
    in:
    I’
    l
    lbemysel
    fthen.

    Sher eadt hel asttextandshenodded.Shel ooked


    atthecl othesshehadsetonherbed.Shewas
    satisfiedwi t
    ht heout fi
    t.Shegotdr essedandwhen
    shewasdone, shesatdownandst arted
    straighteni ngherhai rbeforeshedi dhermakeup.
    Li
    ghtandqui ck.Shesl i
    dherf eetintoherbl ack
    heelsandshest oodatherf ullheight,remember ing
    hewast allerthanhereveni nheel s.Shegr oaned.I f
    hedar esmakeanyegot i
    sticalcomment sshewas
    goingt oleavehi m aloneint her estaurant .She
    paused.Wher ewashet aki
    ngher ?Henevert oldher
    wher ehewast akingherf ort heirfirstdat e.First
    date..sher epeat edoverandoveragai ninhermi nd.
    Hermi ndwasst art
    ingtogoi ntoover driveandshe
    didn’twantt hat .Shebr eathedi nandout .Herphone
    startedr ingingandsheanswer ed.
    “
    Alor
    aspeaki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    ReadyAl
    ora?
    ”Herhear
    tpoundedandshewas
    di
    str
    act
    edbyadoorknock.Shewal
    kedt
    othedoor
    wi
    ththephoneagai
    nstherear
    .
    “I’
    m al
    waysr eadyRobert.
    ”Shesaidassheopened
    thedoor .Shedr oppedherphoneasshewasmet
    withallsixfeetfiveofhi
    m standi
    nginf
    rontofher
    doorwi t
    honehandi nhi
    spocketandhi
    sphonei n
    theother .Hecuthercallbef
    oreshecoul
    dseehow
    shewassaved.
    “GoodeveningLora,
    ”hesaidsmoothl
    y.Toosmoot
    h
    andAl or
    a’smindwasblank.Fort
    hefi
    rstt
    imein
    years.Whatwashappeningtoher?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN
    43

    Aust int houghtful


    lylookedather ,shewasmor e
    beaut ifulthanthel astti
    mehesawher .Hecoul d
    stil
    lseeshehadt hatf i
    eryatt
    itudethathadcapt ur
    ed
    hisat tentionthef i
    rstti
    mehesawher .Aloraglared
    athi m andhi sli
    psl i
    ft
    ed.Nowt hatwasAl ora.Ready
    toal wayski llhim,didsheknowt hatherst eelgaze
    turnedhi m onandhadt urnedever ymalei nher
    vicinit
    yonwi t
    houtherevent rying?
    “
    I’
    m doi
    ngyouaf
    avour
    .”Shesai
    dandhechuckl
    ed.
    “OkayLora.
    ”Inst
    eadofaski ngtobeleti
    ninsi
    dethe
    smalldor
    mr oom, hesteppedinsi
    deand
    unbutt
    onedhisjacketandAl or
    acrossedherar
    ms.
    “That’
    srudeofyouRobert
    .”Shesaid,keepingher
    heatedgazeonhim andheassumedshet hought
    shewasscar i
    nghim awaywitht
    hatlook.Hewal ked
    closerandshetookafewstepsbackandhe
    stopped.
    “
    Befor
    ewego,
    ser
    etour
    nerLor
    a.”
    (facet
    heot
    her
    way.
    )
    Sher
    oll
    edhereyesanddi
    dn’
    tmoveani
    nch.
    “I
    ’
    m notgoingtoturnar
    oundf
    oryoul
    ikeI
    ’
    m al
    it
    tl
    e
    dollRober
    t,f
    orgeti
    t.
    ”
    Hegri
    nnedandshewant
    edtowipet
    hegr
    inof
    fhi
    s
    f
    ace.Whythehel
    lwashegr
    inni
    ng?
    “s’i
    ltepl
    aît.
    ”(
    please)Hesai dandshehuffedbefor
    e
    shegavehi m herbackandhewal kedcloser
    .She
    heardhisfootstepsashewal kedcl
    oserandshe
    fol
    dedherar ms.Shedi dn’
    thavet
    heneedt opush
    him away,shedi dn’
    tli
    kehavingmenbei nclose
    proximi
    tytoher.
    Austi
    ninhal
    edherheadyper fumeandhe
    commi t
    tedi
    ttomemor y.Hismindt hatcoul
    d
    remembereverythi
    ng,hecommi tt
    edherscentt o
    memor yashelight
    lybrushedherhairtotheside
    andhesawhershi ver
    .Shedidn’tsayanything.
    “I
    fI’
    m maki
    ngyouuncomfor
    tabl
    epleaset
    ellme.
    ”
    Hesaid.Hi
    sbr
    eathhi
    tt
    ingherneckandAl
    or a
    swall
    owed.
    “Okay.
    ”Shesai
    d.Hesl
    idhi
    shandint
    otheinner
    pocketofhi
    sbl
    azer
    .Heremovedt
    heboxthathada
    necklace.Heboughtt hisforherfortheirfi
    rstdate.
    Her emovedt hestarshapeddi amondpendant .She
    fel
    tthecoldnessoft hechainashesnappedi tclose.
    Herf i
    ngersmovedt ot ouchthependantandshe
    l
    ookedati t.I
    twasbeaut i
    ful
    .Austincareful
    lyputher
    hairbackinplace.Sheneverr eceiveddiamonds
    beforeasagi ft
    .Shet urnedtofacehim andhe
    gri
    nned.
    “WecangonowLor
    a.”Hesai
    dandshel
    ookedupat
    him.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hesmi l
    edandnodded.Shet urnedtogetherbag
    fr
    om hert ablebeforeshewal kedtowherehewas
    standing.Hewal kedtot hedoorandshef ollowed
    him.Heopenedi tforherandshest eppedout side
    beforehedi d.Shewal kedtothedooragai nandher
    eyesscannedherr oom.Tomakesur eever ything
    Wasi nplaceandshedi dnotmi st
    akenlyleaveher
    hairstrai
    ghteneron.Whenshewassat i
    sfiedwi th
    herchecksheopenedherbagt ot
    akeoutherkeys
    andlockt hedoor .Sheturnedtofacehim.Washe
    goingt otakeherhand?Sheshookherhead.That
    wasstupi
    d.Verystupi
    dbutwashe?She
    repr
    imandedthepartofhert
    hatwantedhimtotake
    herhandifhewantedto.Hegaveherhisar
    m and
    shehookedherarm onhis.
    “
    Thi
    smeansnot
    hing.
    ”Shehi
    ssedandhel
    aughed.
    “
    Doesi
    tAl
    ora?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Arethosetheli
    esthatlul
    lyoutosleep?
    ”Sherol
    led
    hereyesast heywalkedfurt
    herandfurt
    heraway
    from herr
    oom.
    “
    It
    ’sthetr
    uthandi
    t’
    saonet
    imet
    hingRober
    t.I
    l
    oatheyou.”
    “Sureyoudodar li
    ng.”Herheartraced.Hecal l
    edher
    darli
    ngandi twassuchabasi cwor dbutitmade
    herskinflush.Aust i
    nnoticedherr eacti
    onandhe
    keptquiet,hewassur eshewoul dn’tappreci
    atehim
    pointi
    ngoutherr eact
    iontohim wheni twas
    somet hi
    ngshet houghtshefeltalone.Theywal ked
    downt hest air
    sandhel ickedhislips.Theywal ked
    i
    nsi l
    encet i
    lltheywalkedoutoft hedor ms.She
    l
    ookedar oundandt henathim.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyout
    aki
    ngme?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’ssupposedt
    obeasur
    pri
    se.
    ”
    “Ihatesur pri
    sesRober t
    .”Shehatedbei ng
    unprepar ed.Hadhet ol
    dher ,maybet hisoutf
    itwas
    thewr ongonef orthisdate.Herotherhandmoved
    totouchherneckandRober twalkedbesi desher
    withtheconf i
    denceofagod.Ofcour seshewasn’ t
    goingt otellhim.Shewasn’ tgoingtoi nfl
    atehisego
    mor e.Af t
    eraf ewmi nutesofwal ki
    ng, t
    heystopped
    byal imoandshel ookedathim.Sheknewhewas
    ri
    chandshedi dn’thavemoneyl yingar oundfor
    thi
    ngsl ikethat.Hel etgoofherar m andheopened
    thedoorf orher.
    “
    Aft
    eryouAl
    ora.
    ”Shegoti
    nsi
    deandhest
    oppedby
    t
    hedoor.
    “You’r
    ebewi t
    chingAl ora.
    ”Hesai dbefor
    eheclosed
    thedoor .Al
    oraleanedback.Tr ansl
    ati
    on;shewas
    beauti
    ful.Shecoul dacceptthat.Heopenedthe
    othersideandgoti nside.Therewassomespace
    betweent hem ashegoti nside.Thecardroveoff
    andther ewasonl yami nuteofsil
    encebeforethey
    start
    edbanteringandthrowingsubsatoneother.
    Alorafoundthatsheli
    kedt hatandhatedt
    hathe
    l
    ikedbeingrightoneverythi
    ngandGodi fshecould
    throwinapuncht ojustreducehisego.
    “
    Youwantt
    opunchme.
    ”Aust
    insai
    dasamat
    terof
    f
    act
    .
    “
    Ofcour
    seIwantt
    o.Idespi
    seyou.
    ”
    Hel
    aughed.
    “Yetyou’
    regoingonadat ewit
    hme. ”Hesaid.Sofar
    shehadn’tcommentedonhi sdressi
    ngsosof arso
    good.Shehadi mpeccablef
    ashionsenseand
    i
    magi neonyourfi
    rstdatebei
    ngt ol
    dyoulook
    horri
    ble.
    “Yourgoodlookssavedyou.
    ”Hegr
    innedandshe
    groaned.God!Shedidn’
    tmeant
    ocomplimenthi
    s
    smartass.Fuck!
    “
    I’
    m anAdonis?Wel
    liti
    saknownf
    actdar
    li
    ngbut
    t
    hankyoufornot
    ici
    ng.”
    “OhshutupRobert
    !”Helaughedandsheroll
    edher
    eyest
    ryi
    ngtostopherl
    ipsfrom cur
    vingi
    ntoasmil
    e.
    Suchanegomani ac.Sheplacedherhandsonher
    l
    apasshel ookedoutthedarktint
    edwindows
    beforeshef acedhi
    m.Hewasl ooki
    ngatherbutshe
    couldn’
    treadhi sf
    ace.
    “
    Wher
    edi
    dyougetmynumber
    ?”Sheasked.
    “
    Hades.
    ”

    Tr
    ustHadest
    ohandhernumbert
    oAust
    in.
    Pr
    obabl
    ywarnedhi
    m of
    fher.
    “I
    ’m al
    it
    tl
    edemonRobert
    .I’
    l
    lter
    ror
    iseyourl
    if
    e.”He
    chuckl
    edbef
    orehel
    ookedherdeadintheeye.
    “Ifyou’reali
    tt
    ledemont henI’mthedevi
    ldar
    li
    ng. ”
    Hesai dandthatknockedthebreat
    houtofAlora’s
    wi ndpipe.Whydidhehavet osoundsexysaying
    that ?Shewasal r
    eadyhavingconfl
    ict
    ingemotions
    wi ththismanandshedi dn’tknowwhatwas
    happeni ngtoher.
    “Whi
    chAust
    inMatt
    hewsam It
    alki
    ngt
    orightnow?”
    Shesai
    dandshedi
    dn’
    tmovehergazeawayfrom
    him.
    “
    Aust
    inMat
    hews,
    yourdat
    efort
    oni
    ght
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN

    44

    Thel i
    mostoppedandt hedrivergotoutofthecarto
    goopenAust in’
    ssi deofthedoor .Hesteppedout
    andhebr i
    sklywal kedtoAlora’ssideandopened
    thedoor.Alor
    agl aredathisarm andshef inall
    y
    placedhersmal lhandonhi sandhel i
    ght
    ly
    squeezeditasshegotoutoft hecar .Heclosedthe
    cardoorandt heyf acedt
    heent rance.Shelookedat
    himt henbackatt heentr
    ance.
    “
    Thisisourfir
    ststopoftheevening.”Hereeyes
    widened.Fi
    rst
    ?Hebr oughthertothefuckingart
    museum anditwast hei
    rfi
    rstst
    opf ortheevening?
    Whatandhepl annedout?Shelookedathercl othes.
    “Youshoul
    dhavetoldme, Iwouldhaveworn
    somethi
    ngappropr
    iatel
    ikejeans.
    ”Heraisedan
    eyebr
    ow.Hecouldn’tpi
    ctureheri
    njeans.
    “
    Idowearj
    eans.Somet
    imes.Rar
    ely.
    ”Sheended.
    “Let
    ’sgodar
    li
    ng.
    ”Hesmil
    edatherandshel
    ooked
    downsmili
    ngastheywal
    kedhandi
    nhandupthe
    stai
    rs.
    “Wouldyourat
    herwest ar
    twit
    hthepaint
    ings
    gal
    leryort
    hesculpt
    ures?”Heaskedandshe
    squint
    edhereyes.
    “Allthegal l
    eri
    esbutthepaint
    ingsfi
    rst
    .Dothey
    havet heVanGoghpai nti
    ngs?”Sheasked.Shewas
    i
    nt erestedbecausetheonlygall
    eryshehadbeeni n
    wast heonei nPr
    incetonandthisonewasout si
    de
    herschoolsoshebet termakeitcountandlookat
    allthear tpi
    eces.
    “
    Wear
    eaboutt
    ofi
    ndoutdar
    li
    ng.
    ”Hegr
    innedas
    theymadei tinsi deandherbr eat hwast akenaway.
    Itwasbeaut ifulandt heyhadn’ tgoneanyf urt
    her
    thant her ecept ionwher et heywer egr eet edandof
    cour setol dt hegr oundr ules.Ami nut elat erthey
    wer egui dedbyt hest ufft ot hedi fferentgal l
    eries.
    Alor ahadl etlooseandwassof ocusedt hatshe
    didn’tnot icehowt heirfinger si ntertwinedast hey
    wer etoldt hehi st oryoft hef i
    r stpai nting.I twas
    i
    nt eresti
    ng.Sheappr eciat edar tasaf orm of
    expr ession, shewasi nter esti nabeaut yl inesoar t
    washert hingsoi twasbr eat ht akingt ohaveanar t
    exper texpl aining.Aust i
    n’sgazemovedt ot heir
    handsasAl orawascaughtupi nwhatwasbei ng
    saidandhesmi ledbef or ehej oinedi nt he
    conver sat ionaswel l
    .Hewat chedherr ollhi seyes
    athi sshowof fbehavi ourofknowi ngever ything
    bef oretheymovedt oanot herpi eceofar t.Two
    hour slater ,thet wowal kedoutandAl orahad
    showni nter esti ncer t
    ainar tpi ecest houghshe
    knewshecoul dneverbuyt hem.Besi desi twasa
    museum andobvi ouslyt hear tpi eceswer ether efor
    showandnotf orsal e.Theywal keddownt hest ai
    rs
    tot helimoast hel ightwi ndbl ewherhai rbackand
    i
    tgotinhermouth,
    shehatedfal
    lint
    heStat
    es.
    Aust
    inpushedherhai
    rbackandshebli
    nked.
    “Uh-t
    hanks.”Shesaidandhenodded.Heopened
    thedoorforherandshegoti nsi
    debef
    orehewalked
    tohisside.Al
    orapickedherbagandplacedi
    ton
    herlap.Shetookoutherphonetocheckherphone
    beforesheputitbacktheminuteAust
    ingoti
    nside
    thecar.
    “Thankyou.
    ”Shesaid.Hertonel
    esshosti
    let
    hat
    usualandheleanedback.Hewaskeepinghi
    s
    dist
    anceunl
    esssheindicat
    edother
    wise.
    “Welcomedarl
    ing.”Shenoddedandl eanedbackas
    thecarst
    art
    edmovi ng.Thebackoft hel i
    mowas
    sil
    entbef
    oreshest art
    edt alki
    ngandt heyfelli
    nto
    easyconver
    sationaboutt heirfavouriteli
    terat
    ure
    books.Aust
    incommi tt
    edt omemor yherf avouri
    te
    booksandthelitt
    lethingsshement ioned.
    “
    Aft
    ergr
    aduat
    iont
    henwhat
    ?”Heaskedher
    .
    “Gobackhomeobviously.Howdidyoumeet
    Hades?”Shechangedthetopi
    c.
    “
    Atabar
    .”Hesai
    dandAl
    orapausedbef
    oreshe
    accept
    edthatasananswer
    .Ever
    yonedr
    ankher
    e
    andthere.
    “
    Soaf
    tergr
    aduat
    ion?
    ”Heaskedagai
    n.
    “I
    ’
    m nott
    ell
    ingyou,
    Imightmessbehexi
    ngmyown
    pl
    ans.
    ”Shesaidandshepher
    dchuckl
    ed.
    “Youbel ievei
    nthingsl
    iket hat?”Hewasaver y
    practicalmanandt hi
    ngsl ikereli
    gionorfat
    eor
    destinywer ethi
    ngshedi dn’tbeli
    evein.Everyone
    hast hepowert omaket hingsgot heirwayifthey
    wor ksmar tandgoabouti tther i
    ghtway.Noone’ s
    futureisinsomeunseenent it
    y’shands.Itsounded
    quitedumb.
    “Yes.Fateexist
    sandt herearealotof
    unexplainabl
    ethingsthatcanonlybeexpl
    ainedby
    fat
    eort heuniversebeinginyoursi
    de.
    ”Henodded.
    He’l
    lletherbe.
    “
    Youdon’
    t?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Typi
    calofyou.
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.Al
    oraopenedher
    mout
    htotryandaskaquesti
    onbutsheclosedher
    mout
    h.
    “Speak.
    ”Austi
    ndemandedandshefol
    dedherar
    ms.
    Shewasn’tgoi
    ngtobecont
    rol
    ledbyAust
    in.
    “
    DieRober
    t.
    ”Shesai
    dandhesmi
    led.
    “Okaydarli
    ng.”Shelookeddownt ohi dehersmile
    befor
    eshef ixedherhair
    .Shehasn’ tsmil
    edlikethi
    s
    i
    nawhi l
    eandi twassof or
    eign.Si
    lencethen
    envel
    opedt helimoandshecl osedhereyes.This
    wasjustadat e.Shesaidoverandoveragai n.The
    carstoppedandsheopenedhereyes.
    “
    Secondst
    op?
    ”
    “Yesdarli
    ng. ”Shecl osedhereyesandopenedt hem
    secondsl ater.Darli
    ngwassobasi cbutdamnhi m
    formakingi tsoundsomef ancywor d.Li
    kethe
    gentl
    emanhecl ai
    medt obet oday,hegotoutand
    walkedtot heot hersi deofthecartoopent hecar
    doorforher .Shet ookhi shandandhehel ditgently
    asshegotoutoft hecar .Heclosedt hedoorforher
    beforestandingbehi ndher.Her emovedhisbl azer
    andhepl acedi tonhershoul der
    s.Shehel dbacka
    ret
    ortbeforeshet urnedt ol
    ookathi m.Hekepthi s
    handst
    ohi
    msel
    f.
    “Thankyou. ”Shesaidagai nandhet ookherhand,
    placedalightkissont hebackofherhandbef ore
    hewal kedinsidetherestaurantwit
    hher .Hewas
    goingtomaket hi
    sweekendcountevent houghhe
    knewt heybumpedheadsal ot.I
    nal otoftopicsbut
    hewi l
    lmakei tcount.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN

    45

    Al
    oracont
    empl
    atedhuggi
    nghi
    m ashest
    oodbyher
    doorway.Hebr oughtherbackhomeaf tert
    heirdat
    e.
    Shepul l
    edhisblazercloseandittookherbackt o
    whenhebor r
    owedherhi sblazerbecauseoft he
    coff
    eest ai
    n.Hedidn’tknowshehadhi sblazeri
    n
    herclosetandsheevendr ycleanedit.
    “Igenuinel
    yenjoyedtoday’
    sdate.”Shesaidandhe
    smi l
    ed.Hedidn’tf
    orcehertotouchhim nordidhe
    forcecontactandthatwasrespectful
    .Shethought
    toherself.
    “Buti
    twasst
    il
    laf
    avourRober
    t.
    ”Shesai
    dandhe
    chuckl
    ed.
    “Eemma. ”Herlipspar
    tedandsheclosedthem
    quicklyashiseyesmovedtoherl
    ipsthenbackt o
    hereyes.Shewasal l
    uri
    ngandsheknewt hat.She
    didn’tsmil
    eandshenodded.Hesaidbyeand
    closedthedoorbutsheopenedit
    .
    “
    Yourbl
    azerRober
    t.
    ”
    “Keepitasasouveni
    rdarl
    ing.
    ”Shebli
    nkedandshe
    closedthedooronhi
    sface.Hechuckl
    ed.
    “Myl
    essonendat12middayt
    omorr
    ow.Dowhat
    youmustwi
    ththei
    nfor
    mati
    onRober
    t.
    ”Shesai
    d
    f
    rom t
    heot
    hersi
    deoft
    hedoor
    .
    Hesmi l
    ed.Shewast ellinghi m shewasgi vi
    nghi m
    asecondchance?Shewast heonl ypersonwho
    Call
    echi nRober tandhewoul dn’thavei tanyot her
    way.Hesl idhishandsi nhi spocketashewal ked
    downt hest airsandAl oral eanedagai nstthedoor .
    Shehal fscr eamedi ntot hebl azersleeves.She
    bett
    erst udyt ogethermi ndof fRobert,thiswasher
    fi
    nalsemest erandshewassocl oset oherdr eam.
    Shet houghtofr emovingt heblazerbutdeci ded
    againstitasshesl idof fherheel sandcar r
    iedt hem
    toherwar dr obe.Sheputt hem intheirplaceand
    tookouthersl eepers.Shebet terwashof fthemake
    upandgetoutoft hi
    sdr ess,hisblazersmel ledl i
    ke
    him.Sandal wood, aft
    er shaveandahi ntofmusk
    andhi sbigego.Sher olledhereyeswi thasmi le.
    Shepr omi sedRebat hatshewoul dtellherhowt he
    datewentandshewaspr obabl yasleep.

    *
    **
    Thefoll
    owingdayaf terHadesdr
    oppedRebaoffat
    school,
    hedr ovetohisfat
    her’
    soff
    icewherehe
    workedinasmal lcubicl
    e.Heshoweduponsome
    days,hi
    sfatheralwaysgotangryathi
    mf orany
    minorthi
    ngandi tstart
    edwhenhewasyounger .Hi
    s
    phonerangandhel ookedattheunknownnumber
    befor
    eheanswer ed.
    “
    Hadeshel
    lo.
    ”
    “Hell
    oHades.”Hismother’
    svil
    evoicedri
    ppedatthe
    otherendoftheli
    neandhedr oveofft
    heroadto
    tal
    ktoher.Heclosedhiseyes,di
    dhisparent
    sknow
    theemotionalt
    raumaanddamaget heycausedhim?
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “I
    sthathowyouspeakt
    othemot
    herwhobi
    rt
    hed
    you?”Hescof
    fed.
    “
    Youhaveneverbeenamot
    hert
    ome.
    .”
    “
    Wel
    l.
    .”sheshr
    ugged.
    “
    Hades,Ineedmoneyandyou’
    regoi
    ngt
    obei
    tfor
    me.
    ”Hismot hersai
    d.
    “
    I’
    m notgoi
    ngt
    obeusedbyyou.
    ”
    “
    Wellyouhavenochoi
    ce.Ihavei
    ncr
    imi
    nat
    ing
    i
    nfor
    mation.
    ”
    “Whatki
    ndofinf
    ormati
    on?”Hesai
    dashestar
    ed
    outt
    hewindow,watchi
    ngcarsmovi
    ngby.
    “Wellali
    ttl
    ebirdietoldmet hatyourgirl
    fri
    endi shis
    biggestcustomer .I
    magi net heworldknowi ngthat
    thei
    rmodel l
    ingsweet hear ti
    saj unki
    eandher
    boyfri
    endiswel lli
    kehisf ather,
    anal coholi
    c…”she
    saidandHades’ gri
    ptightenedar oundt hesteeri
    ng
    wheel.
    “Wellt hatwoul ddest royhercr edibi
    li
    tyandnowno
    brandwoul dwantt obeassoci atedwithher,and
    you?Yourbadpubl icit
    ywillruinyourf at
    her’
    s
    company, hehasbeenal laboutgoodpubl i
    city
    hasn’ the?Event houghhecheat edonmeaf t
    erI
    gavehi m everything.Imadehi m myt emple,my
    mur alandskyandhenevergavemeanyt hingin
    return.Hecheat edonmeandf atheredbastardsout
    thereanddi vorcedmeandl eftmewi t
    hnothingand
    you?Youar egoi ngt ogetmemoneyf rom your
    fathersi nceyou’ rehisheireveni fit
    ’sonlyinpaper.
    ”
    Shesai dandHadesswal lowed.
    “I
    ’m yourson,youcan’
    tdest
    royme. ”Hesai d.
    Weren’tparent
    ssupposedtolovethei
    rchildren?
    Rebantle’
    sparentsl
    ovedherwithnoulter
    ior
    motives.Theymightnotberi
    chbutshehadbeen
    happymi nusthemodell
    ingcareert
    hatdest royed
    her.
    “Ibi
    rt
    hedyout omakehi m happyandyouar egoing
    togetmewhatIwant .Youhaveamont htodot hat
    befor
    eIsel lt
    hisstorytothetabloi
    ds.Youknowt hat
    yourgir
    lf
    riendissuchabi gdealtothewor ld,she
    hadbeenamodel li
    ngsensat ionandevenwentas
    farasFranceandAmer i
    ca,youwoul dn’twantto
    pushherfur t
    herintothedarkendbyr eveali
    ngher
    bestkeptsecretwoul dyou?”Handlesl ookeddown.
    “
    No.”Hedraggedoutt
    hatwor
    dandhi
    smot
    her
    l
    aughed.
    “Iknewyouwoul dcooperate.I
    namont hIwantmy
    money. ”Theli
    newentdeadandhepunchedt he
    steeri
    ngwheelwi t
    hshar pjawandtear
    sinhiseyes.
    Hebl i
    nkedthem back,r
    emember i
    nghowhisf at
    her
    wouldn’tall
    owhimt ocrybecausehesaidt
    hat
    wasn’thowhi shei
    rwouldbehave.Hesaidhisheir
    woul
    dn’
    tbeasissyandwouldverball
    yinfl
    ictpai
    n
    onhi
    mtoseeifhewouldcry.Wasitsuchawonder
    hewassuchatwist
    edandjarr
    edindi
    vidual
    ?Fuck!

    *
    **

    Rebalookedatherphoneringjustasshewalked
    outofherlect
    ure.Sheansweredhersist
    er.
    “
    Hel
    loRor
    a,howwasyourdat
    e?”
    “
    Okay.
    ”
    “Justokay?
    ”Rebathequi
    ppedandAl
    orasi
    ghedas
    sheclosedherbooks.
    “Wellitwasmor et hanokay,i
    twasbeyondmy
    expectations. ”Aloraheldherdiamondneckl
    ace
    withherf reehandandshel aughedathowshe
    styl
    edhi sl argebl azeri
    ntoheroutf
    itoft
    heday
    whilstitstillsmeltofhim.Ifhecouldseeher
    wear i
    ngi tnowi twouldmakehi segomuchbigger
    .
    Thatnar cissist.
    “
    KanaRober
    tsai
    dhegotmynumberf
    rom Hades.
    ”
    “Who’
    sRobert
    ?”RebaaskedandAl
    orament
    all
    y
    sl
    appedher
    self
    .
    “Aust
    in.Austi
    n.Hegotmynumberf r
    om Hades.Ar
    e
    theyf
    riendsnow? ”Al
    oraasked.Sheshoul
    dhave
    askedAustinthough.
    “Idon’
    tknow.I’
    llaskHades.Di
    dyout
    wohugand
    kiss?
    ”Aloragagged.
    “What’
    sthat
    ?No!RememberReba,
    Ihatehi
    m andI
    wasdoinghim af
    avour
    .Hegotmeadiamond
    pendant
    .”
    Reba’
    seyeswi
    dened.
    “
    Hedef
    ini
    tel
    yli
    kesyou.
    ”
    “
    Ili
    kediamondsevent
    houghIcan’
    taf
    for
    dthem
    mysel
    fbutIli
    kedi
    amonds.
    ”
    “Iknowyoudo.It
    hinkheknowsyoumor
    ethanyou
    knowyoursel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Howcanmyacademi
    cri
    valknowme?
    ”
    “
    Athinl
    inebetweenloveandhat
    eRor
    a.Youknow
    t
    hat
    .”Al
    orabreathedout.
    “
    Idon’
    tknowi
    fIcandot
    hewhol
    eint
    imacyt
    hing.
    ”
    “Letl
    oose.I’
    m notsayinggiveupyourvirgini
    tyr
    ight
    awaybutbabyst epssis,al
    lyourli
    feyou’vebeen
    anti
    -menandi ntoyourteenyearsyou’ve
    progressedi
    ntowaysofmur der
    ingmenandcut ting
    thei
    rdicksoffbecausetheypissoff.
    ”
    “Theydopissmeof
    f.An-
    “shepausedandcl
    osed
    hereyes.
    “I
    ’m usedt obeingthissuperwoman, whocando
    anythingandIam scar edIwillfaili
    nthebedroom
    andmychar actermakeament hinkI’
    mt hisult
    ra
    domi natr
    ixinthebedroom whocandoal lsor
    tof
    stuf
    fwhenIcan’ tevenfathom ahug. ”Shesaidand
    Rebasi ghed.
    “Fornowdon’
    tthi
    nkaboutt hat
    ,Iswearwhenit
    happensi
    twil
    lhappen.Wi t
    htherightper
    son.
    ”All
    oa
    l
    ookedatthebl
    azersleeves.
    “RebaIcan’tevenentert
    ainthet
    houghtofl
    osing
    myvirgi
    nity.I
    t’
    snoteasyt ohavesomeonetake
    somethingprecioustomeandhavet heabi
    li
    tyto
    usethattotheiradvant
    age.Menaresuch
    disgust
    ingcreat
    uresandasmuchasIhat et
    hat
    hideousmanyoucal lyourboyf
    riend,heiski
    ndof
    youandmom andmom evenl i
    keshim.Imeanwho
    l
    ikesHadesHudsonf orcr
    yingoutloud?”Shesai
    d
    andRebal aughed.
    “Youtwobickerbackandforthandt hemerefact
    thatyoubothhavetempers.That’
    syourwayof
    getti
    ngal
    ongandIgeti t
    .”RebasaidandAl or
    a
    nodded.Shecouldn’
    timaginebeingnicetoHades
    Hudson.Shewoul dbemadt obeni cetohim.
    “
    Butmypoi ntisment r
    eatawoman’ svirgi
    nit
    yasif
    i
    t’
    ssomepr izetobewon, anaccoladeofsomesort
    t
    hattheyaddt othei
    rdi
    splaycabinetsandIdon’
    t
    wantthat
    .”
    “Cal
    m down.Notal
    lmenar
    eli
    ket
    hat
    .”Al
    orar
    oll
    ed
    hereyes.
    “Ror
    atakeitonest epatat i
    me,adatewasaf i
    rst
    andthefatthatyouagr eeddoesn’
    tmeanyouhat e
    Aust
    intothatextent.Ithi
    nkyouagreedbecausehe
    i
    ssmar tl
    ikeyou.”Alorachuckl
    ed.
    “
    Hemakesmef
    eel
    dumb.
    ”Shesai
    d.
    “
    Andyouar
    enot
    .Yout
    woar
    esuperner
    ds.It
    hink.
    ”
    “
    Rebast
    opi
    t.
    ”
    “Youare.I
    ’
    llcal
    lyout
    hesuperner
    dsf
    rom nowon.I
    t
    suit
    syouguys.”
    “
    Whosai
    dI’
    l
    ldat
    ehi
    m?”
    “I
    ’m sayi
    nghowl ongt
    il
    lyouguysdat
    e…Mysuper
    nerds.Yourshi
    pnameshouldbeuh”
    “
    What
    ’sshi
    pname?
    ”Al
    oraasked.
    “Aha!Ifeelsmart
    ert hanyou,i
    t’
    sfrom t
    heword
    rel
    ati
    onshipandshi pnamei sforthet
    wopeopl e
    whoar einaar el
    ationshipandyoucombinetheir
    namest ocomeupwi t
    hasinglename.I’
    mtryi
    ngt o
    thi
    nkofoneandIf eelli
    keyou’r
    ejudgi
    ngmef rom
    theendoft hel
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Iam.
    ”
    “Iloveyoutoo.Uhm Lost
    in?Lofr
    om Alor
    aandStin
    from Austi
    n?ortheA*nerdsbecauseyournames
    startwit
    hanA?I ’
    llcomeupwithsomethi
    ngcute.
    ”
    “
    ByeReba.
    ”
    “Byebye.Canyouhel
    pmewi
    theconomi
    cs?
    ”She
    asked.
    “
    Ofcour
    se.Vi
    deocal
    landI
    ’
    llhel
    pout
    .Bye.
    ”
    “
    Byyeee!
    ”RebahungupandAl
    orashookherhead
    wit
    halit
    tl
    esmil
    e.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN

    46

    Thataft
    ernoonatAl
    ora’
    sdormroom,adoorknock
    sounded.Shetur
    nedherneckt
    olookatt
    hedoor.
    “
    Whoi
    sit
    ?”
    Nor
    epl
    y.
    “
    I’
    m notopeni
    ngthef
    ucki
    ngdoorofyoudon’
    ttel
    l
    meyourname.”
    “
    Noneedt
    obevul
    gar
    .”
    “Rober
    tpleasedi
    e.Thewor
    ldwoul
    dbeabet
    ter
    placewi
    thoutyou.
    ”
    “
    Thewor
    ldneedssomeonewi
    thanI
    Qtol
    eadi
    t.
    ”
    Shegotoffherchai
    randwalkedt
    othedoort
    oopen
    i
    t.Hereyesmovedtohishandsandshefr
    owned.
    “
    Whatar
    ethose?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m gi
    vingyouashotatr
    edempt
    ion.
    ”
    “Thisi
    st empting.”Shesaidandhesmi led.She
    movedf rom thedoorsohecoul dstepin.Hegoti n
    withhisbackpackonhi sbackandplasticsi
    nhis
    hands.Whydi dshethinkhelookedli
    kesomesor t
    ofhandsomehi ghschoolboyinthosejeansandt -
    shir
    t?Shegl aredathim androl
    ledhereyeswhi l
    e
    i
    nternall
    ythinkinghewasgor geousandshewas
    furi
    ousthatshecoul dn’tsayi
    ttohisfacebecause
    sometimei nthefuturehewasgoi ngtousei t
    agai
    nsther
    .Shecl
    osedthedoorandl
    ockedi
    tand
    Aust
    inhear
    dthedoorcl
    ick.
    “
    Areyoupl
    anni
    ngt
    okeepmecapt
    iveherLor
    a?”
    “Ofcourse.Youwi l
    li
    nglywalkedintomyr oom.”His
    l
    ipsl i
    ft
    edandhebl ewheraki ss.Shegavehi mthe
    mi ddl
    efinger.Shewalkedtoherdeskandqui ckly
    closedherbooksbef oreshefacedhim.Hepl aced
    hisbackpackonherbedandhet ookouttwo
    glassesfrom hisbagandwi ne.Theplasti
    cswere
    ont hefl
    oorandshewasn’ twor r
    ying,t
    hefloorwas
    squeakycl ean.Shemadesur eofiteveryday.
    “Dri
    nki
    ngint
    heaf
    ter
    noon?
    ”Sheaskedandhe
    chuckl
    ed.
    “Afewgl asseswon’thurt
    .”Shehoppedshewon’t
    gettoodr unk.Shehel
    dherhipsasshewat ched
    himt akeoutachessboard,crosswor
    dpuzzlesand
    abook.Shemovedcl osertoseetheti
    tl
    ebuthe
    quicklyputitback.
    “
    What
    ’st
    hebookt
    it
    le?
    ”
    “We’
    llr
    eadi
    tlat
    er.
    ”We?Asi nbot
    hofthem?She
    si
    ghedandheextendedhi
    shand.Sherel
    uct
    ant
    ly
    tookit
    ,notwant
    inghi
    mtoknowshewassecr
    etl
    y
    enjoyi
    ngit
    .
    Theysatdownonherrugandshecouldseethathe
    di
    dn’tf
    iti
    n.Ther
    oom wastoosmallf
    orhisfr
    ame.
    “
    Let
    ’sst
    artwi
    thchess.
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    ethest
    akes?
    “sheasked.Hegr
    inned.
    “
    Iknewyouwoul
    dask.
    .”
    “Idon’
    tli
    kethatgr
    inofyour
    s,wipei
    toffyourf
    ace
    Robert
    !”Itwi
    denedandsheroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    IfIwin,
    Igettoaskyout
    obemygi
    rl
    fr
    iend.
    ”She
    r
    aisedaneyebrow.
    “
    That
    ’sal
    l.
    ”Henodded.
    “
    Wel li
    fyoulose,Iwon’
    ttal
    koyouf
    oradaywhi
    ch
    wil
    lbefair
    lyeasy.”
    “
    We’
    l
    lsee…”
    Theyeachst ar
    tedsett
    inguptheirchesspiecesand
    whent heyhadsetthegameupt heyl ookedateach
    other
    .Aloracrackedherknuckl
    es.
    “
    Icant
    ast
    ethevi
    ctor
    y,l
    et’
    sdot
    his.
    ”
    “
    Ismel
    lsomeone’
    sdef
    eat
    .”
    “
    Ohpl
    ease!
    ”
    “
    Star
    t.
    ”
    “Ladi
    esf i
    rst.
    ”Sher oll
    edhereyesandmovedher
    pawn.Shel ookedathi m wai ti
    ngtoseehi snext
    moveandt histookherbackt owhenhedef eat
    ed
    her.I
    nf r
    ontofever yonef orthatmatter.I
    twasso
    embar r
    assing.Hel ookedupatherwi thasmi leand
    shedidn’tknowhowhecoul dexudesuch
    confi
    dence.Shewasconf identinherownwaybut
    hispresencef i
    ll
    edther oom andi tst
    ayedt here
    evenafterleavi
    ng.Thei rgamewasoveri nt wenty
    minutesafterhedef eatedher .Shefoldedherarms
    ashesmi l
    ed.
    “
    Wel
    l…”
    “Gett
    othepointal
    ready.
    ”Shesai
    d.Sheknewher
    answeral
    ready.
    “
    Someonei
    sal
    it
    tl
    eimpat
    ient
    .Wel
    lmovi
    ngon-
    “
    “Whatmovi
    ngon?Ther
    ulesRober
    t,youwonand
    nowyouhavet
    odowhatyouhavetodo.”
    “Wedidn’
    tst
    atewhensother
    eisthatl
    oophol
    e.
    Eagertobemygir
    lf
    ri
    endAlor
    a?”
    “
    Iwoul
    drat
    herchokebef
    oreIagr
    ee.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hatso?
    ”
    “
    Whatdowedonext
    ?”
    “
    Whatdoyouwantt
    odo?
    ”
    “
    Thebook…”
    Shesai
    d.
    Hefi
    nall
    ytooki
    toutandheshowedittoher
    .Her
    f
    acedroppedandshelookedupathi
    m.
    “Y-youwereli
    steni
    ng?”Henoticedallthemi nor
    detail
    saboutherforaslongashehasknownher
    andhedr ankupeveryli
    ttl
    edetailshefedhiml ast
    nightandoverthei
    rphoneconver sat
    ionsthesepast
    fewdays.Hedi dn’
    tneedtorespondbecausei twas
    obviousheli
    stened.Sheclear
    edhert hroatandsat
    upr i
    ght.
    “Sowe’
    rereadi
    ngi
    t?”Shesai
    dtr
    yingt
    obeser
    ious
    andbl
    inki
    ng.
    “
    Changeofpl
    ans,
    justl
    ist
    enandI
    ’
    llr
    eadi
    ttoyou.
    ”
    Sheall
    owedher sel
    ftosmi
    leasshelookedathim.
    Teethandall
    .Austi
    nsuckedinabreat
    h,ser
    ious
    andbitchyAl
    orawasdangerousbuthersmil
    ingli
    ke
    thatwaslet
    hal.
    “
    Youwi l
    l?
    ”Sheasked,all
    owingexcitementt
    oseep
    i
    ntohervoice.Herf
    avour
    itenovelbeingr
    eadout
    l
    oudforher?
    “Imostdef
    ini
    tel
    ywillmydreamer.”Shepausedand
    bli
    nked.Whatdi
    dhesay?Sheopenedhermout hto
    speakbuthewasalreadyopeningthebook.
    Wutheri
    ngHeightsbyEmil
    yBr ontë.
    “Areyoucomf ortable?”Shenoddedandcr ossed
    herlegsbef oreshepl acedherhandsonhert highs.
    Hest retchedhislongl i
    mbsandshekepthereyes
    onhi m beforetheysl owlytravel
    edhi sbody.She
    noticedt hewayhewashol dingthebookandshe
    didn’tknowhi m holdingabookcoul dbesexy.To
    heranyway, i
    ntel
    ligencewassexyi nit’
    swayandas
    muchassheaver t
    edf rom romanti
    cl ove,every
    oncei nawhi leshehadal l
    owedher selftothinkof
    anint el
    li
    gentpartnerwhocoul dmat chheri nevery
    way.Funnyt hingwast hat
    -sheshookherhead.No.
    Thatwasherbestkeptsecret
    .Austinwasintentl
    y
    focusedonher,i
    nthefewsecondst hathadpassed,
    shehadal l
    owedherselft
    oovert
    hinkaboutthis
    smalltaskhehadassignedhi
    msel f
    .Hewant edto
    readher,herf
    avour
    itebookandshehadr etr
    eated
    i
    ntoherhead.
    “
    Lor
    a?”
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ng.Youcanbegi
    n.”
    “Ihavejustreturnedfrom avisittomylandlord–
    t
    hesol i
    taryneighbourt hatIshallbet
    roubl
    edwi th"
    Austin’
    ssmoot hvoicereadoutandAl oral
    istened
    with.Heartandsoulal solist
    eningtothewor ds
    Austinreadfrom herf avouri
    tebook.

    Inbet
    weenthebookr eading,
    theyhadagl assof
    wineandshegavehim allheratt
    enti
    onwi t
    hher
    sayi
    ngthesamelineswi t
    hhim asher eadthebook.
    Sheknewitbyheartbecauseshecoul dnoteven
    rememberhowmanyt i
    messher ereadthebookand
    i
    tseemedtogetgoodeachandever ytime.
    “
    He’
    smor
    emysel
    fthanIam.What
    everoursoul
    s
    aremadeof ,hi
    sandmi
    nearethesame.”Theyboth
    saidatthesameti
    meandshesmi l
    ed.Agenuine
    gratef
    ulsmil
    eandhepausedbef
    orehistur
    nedhis
    l
    ips.
    “Wil
    lyoubemygi
    rl
    fr
    iendAl
    ora?
    ”Heaskedandshe
    nodded.
    “Yes.”Shesai
    dandheplacedthebookdownbefore
    hegotuponhisfeet
    .Hetookherhandandhelped
    herup.Shewasmuchmor eshort
    erwi
    thoutt
    he
    heelsandhehadtheadvantageofhei
    ght.
    “
    I’
    m doi
    ngyoua-
    “
    “afavour.”Hecompl etedandshenoddedwi tha
    smal lsmile.Sheclosedhereyest ryi
    ngnott oget
    overwhelmed.Agi rl
    friend?Howdoesshebehave?
    Wi l
    lheexpecthert odost uffforhi
    m?Shel etgoof
    hishandasshet houghtaboutever ythi
    ng.She
    l
    ookedar oundt heroom andt hechesspi eceswer e
    alloverthef l
    oor.Shebentdownt ofixt
    hem sot hey
    canbei nor der.Austin’ssharpgazef ol
    lowedher .
    Howshest ar
    tedthinkingandal lofasuddenshe
    wast ryi
    ngt oputever ythinginorder.Al
    orawasi n
    herheadt r
    yingt opl
    anhowt hi
    swouldwor kwhile
    cl
    earingt her ug.Shefel
    thandsonherwai stand
    shest i
    ffened.Shehadneverbeent ouchedlikethat
    andt hatsentmor epani
    calonghersystem.Aust i
    n
    sl
    owl ymovedherf r
    om thet
    askshehadassi gned
    herselfandl ookedather.Hisal
    lknowinggazeon
    herhadhermovi ngback.
    “
    Alor
    a..
    ”
    “Maybe,
    maybeIshoul
    dn’
    thaveagr
    eed.
    ”Shesai
    d
    andpaused.
    “
    Whydoyousayt
    hat
    ?”
    “If
    eeloutofmyzoneanditf
    eel
    wr ong.These…”
    shepoint
    edoutt
    ohisstuf
    fandhim.
    “I
    snew, mybrai
    ndoesn’
    tknowhowt oreacttosuch
    becauseiti
    soutofmydepth.Datesar
    ethingsI’
    ve
    neverdone.
    ”Shesawhisli
    pslif
    t.
    “
    I’
    m yourf
    ir
    stdat
    eandboyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “Thi
    sroom i
    stoosmallf
    oryourego,shutup!
    ”He
    movedcloser
    .Shewasslowlycomingback,outof
    herhead.
    hemovedcloserandcl
    osertoher.
    “
    Iam honour
    edI
    ’
    m yourf
    ir
    st-
    “
    “
    Don’
    tgl
    oatRober
    t.Ist
    il
    lhat
    eyour
    emember
    ?”
    Heshookhi
    sheadandhishandsset
    tl
    edonher
    wai
    st,
    shefr
    ozeupagai
    nandhelookedather
    .
    “t
    un’asr
    ienàcraindr
    equandtuesavecmoi
    .”(
    You
    havenot
    hingt
    of earwhenyou’
    rewi
    thme)
    Shevisi
    blyr
    elaxedandhepl
    acedherheadonhi
    s
    chest
    .
    “
    Tupr
    omet
    s?”
    (Youpr
    omi
    se?
    )
    “Yes.
    ”Herarel
    ypromi
    sedbuti
    ninst
    anceshedi
    d,
    heneverbr
    okethem.
    “I
    ’
    m anobsessi
    vecompulsive.”Shehal
    fwhi
    sper
    ed
    asheplacedhi
    sotherhandonherhead.She
    st
    iff
    enedagai
    nbeforesherelaxed.
    “I
    ’
    m notusedtobei
    ngt
    ouched.”Hecoul
    dseet
    hat
    .
    Healsohear
    dwhatshewhisperedaswel
    l.
    “
    Iwon’
    tpushyou.
    ”
    “Thankyou.”Shemut t
    eredbef
    oreshemovedher
    headfrom hischest
    .
    “
    Okay,
    nowt
    hati
    sover
    .Whatnext
    ?”Sheasked.
    “
    Crosswor
    ds.
    ”
    “Thestakes.I’
    m notpl
    ayi
    ngforfr
    ee.
    ”Shesaidas
    shedetachedf r
    om him.I
    twasgoingtotaket
    imeto
    getusedtot heint
    imacyandshewasgladhe
    wasn’tpushinganythi
    ng.
    “Ofcourseyouwon’t
    .”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesathi
    m as
    hesmiledlooki
    ngather.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AMONTHLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN

    47
    AtPrincet
    onUni ver
    sit
    yLibrary,Alorawatched
    Austinmakehi swayt oherwi thbooksi nhandand
    coff
    ee.Sher oll
    edhereyes, shet oldhi
    m notto
    comet oAmer i
    cabecauseshewasbusyandhad
    assi
    gnment sandassessment stopreparefor.They
    l
    ockedeyesandhegr innedandshegavehi ma
    murderousgl arethathadhim gr i
    nningwider.Hesat
    nexttoherandshemovedherchai rmoret othelef
    t,
    putt
    ingdist
    ancebet weenthem.
    "You'r
    eimpossi
    ble.
    "Shesai
    d.Hehandedhert
    he
    coffeeandshetookit
    .
    "
    Don'
    tyouhavewor
    korsomet
    hing?
    "
    Hehandedheratextbookandsheopenedi t
    .His
    namewasetchedont hecornerofthefir
    stpage.It
    washisper
    sonalcopy.Herfinger
    slingeredonhis
    ful
    lnamebefor
    eshel ookedupathim.
    "
    Ineversai
    dIneededat
    utor
    ."Shepoi
    ntedout
    .
    "
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    tneedmeLor
    a."Her
    etor
    ted.
    "
    Letmeseeyournot
    es.
    "Heopenedhi
    snot
    ebook
    andt ookoutt hepenci
    ltoplaceitbehindhi searas
    shehandedhi m hernotebook.Hisfi
    ngersski mmed
    thepagesasher eadthenot es,f
    asterthanshe
    couldandshecr ossedherlegs.Shedidn'tknow
    himr eadinghernotes,hisfi
    ngersonher
    handwr i
    tingcoul dbesohotandhewasabl eto
    compr ehendherhandwr i
    ti
    ng.Shepagedhi s
    text
    book.Hej ustsavedhert ime,shedidn'thaveto
    golookf ortherecommendedt ext
    booki nthelibr
    ary.
    Shesawhi stabsandhi ghli
    ghtedwordsandsi de
    notes.Hel ookedupather .
    "Donet
    ryi
    ngtoseeifi
    t'
    stheone?"Sherol
    ledher
    eyesasheremovedhi
    spencilf
    rom behi
    ndhisear
    andful
    lyf
    acedher.
    "
    Let
    'sgetst
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    "
    "Am Igett
    ingtheboyfri
    endortutor?
    "Sheasked.
    Shecouldn'tbel
    ievehewashel pi
    ngher ,
    whata
    horr
    iblewayt ospendhisti
    mebecausehef lewal l
    thewayf r
    om Bot swanatoherewhenshet oldhi m
    notto.Sheknewshewasbusybecauseaf terthis
    shehadanessayt otypeatherroom becauset he
    prof
    essordecidedt omovethesubmi ssi
    ondat e
    cl
    oser
    .Ani
    nconveni
    ence.Shet
    houghtt
    oher
    sel
    f.
    "Thetut
    or.Coffeei
    sgood?"Shenoddedashe
    movedhischaircloserandshefoundthechapt
    er
    shewassupposedt obest udyi
    ngwhil
    ehehanded
    herhernotebook.
    "Thi
    sshouldn'
    tgiveyouanyideasRobert
    ,I'
    m
    equall
    ycapabl
    eofmat est
    eri
    nganytopiconmy
    own."Hechuckled.
    "Okay."Shemovedhereyest ohernot ebookasshe
    pickedherpencilfr
    om thepenci lcase.Thetext
    s
    shehadsentwer esoembar assingandt hefactthat
    shesentt hem i
    nsuccessionmadeherwantt oburn
    hersel
    falivebuthedidn'tmentionit.
    "
    We'
    l
    ltr
    ytocovert
    het
    opi
    cint
    wohour
    s."Hesai
    d
    Twohourslat
    er,
    shel
    ookedbackupathim asshe
    noteddownwhathej
    ustsai
    dandshelookedatthe
    text
    bookaswell
    .
    "Good?"Shenodded.Hereyesmovedt otheempty
    coffeecupandshelookedbackathi
    m.Shewon' t
    tel
    lhimt ohi
    sfacethathewassmarterthanher,
    he
    graduatedayearagoandhebreezedthroughthe
    topicasi fhelearnedt heinformationlastnight.
    Telli
    nghi m wouldmakeherchokeonhi segoand
    hehadsuchabi gone.Heexudedconf i
    denceati t'
    s
    mostpr imallevel andever yt
    hinghedi dwas
    calculatedandwel lthoughtthrough.Sheshookher
    headasshel ookedatt hebooksont hetable.She
    didn'texactl
    y'love' yearf
    oureconomi csbutshe
    alwaysdi dexcept ionall
    ywel l
    ,heexplaineditbetter
    thanherpr ofessorevercoul d.
    Hepul
    ledherchai
    rcl
    oserandshehadtostop
    her
    sel
    ffr
    om yelpi
    ngsoinst
    eadshegl
    aredathim.
    "
    We'
    rei
    nal
    ibr
    aryRober
    t.I
    '
    llki
    llyou!
    "Shesai
    d.
    "
    How?
    "
    Herheat
    edgazedi
    dn'
    tmovehi
    m asshef
    oldedher
    ar
    ms.
    "
    Obviousl
    yasharpkni
    fetocutoutyourc*ck.
    Maybethenyouwouldbehave.
    "Hegrinned.
    "Youwantmyc* ckbaby?
    "Shelif
    tedherhandtohi
    t
    hischest
    .Wasthatal
    lheheard?Hesmoothly
    caughtherwr
    istinasemihar
    dgrip.Shegl
    aredat
    him.
    "Thosesexuali
    nnuendoswon'twor
    konmeRober t.
    "
    Shesaidandhel aughed.Hi
    seyesshowinghumour
    whichwasmor eemot i
    onthanheusall
    yshowed.
    "IknowLor a.
    "Helookedatherwr istengulfedbyhis
    hand.Hel etherwri
    stgoandpi ckedherhandt o
    i
    nt er
    laceitwit
    hhis.Hebroughtherhandt ohisli
    ps
    andki ssedherhand.Sheremovedherhandf r
    om
    hisgrip.Sheknewhewasphysi call
    ystrongerthan
    hersosheknewhel etherhandgososhecoul d
    removeherhand.Shecl earedhert hr
    oat.
    "Thanksfort
    hecof
    fee.Idi
    dn'
    twantyourt
    utor
    ing
    butthankyou.
    "
    "
    Soungr
    atef
    ul,
    handmet
    het
    ext
    book.
    "
    "
    I'
    m st
    il
    lgoi
    ngt
    ousei
    t.
    "Hesmi
    rked.
    "
    I'
    llr
    etur
    niteventhoughi
    t'
    snotl
    egal
    lyand
    r
    ightf
    ull
    yyours.
    "
    "Ineveraskedyoutobringi
    tanyway.
    "Shesai
    das
    shepickeditupfrom t
    hedeskandheldi
    tagai
    nst
    herchest.Shebreat
    hedout.
    "
    Nowt
    hatwegott
    het
    ext
    booki
    ssueoutoft
    heway,
    canIst udyi npeace? "Shesaidandhehadt o
    suppressassmi le.Shewassost ubborn.Hepul l
    ed
    herchai revenmor ecl oserandthisti
    meshe
    actuall
    yyel pedandhehadahar dtimesuppr essi
    ng
    hislaughterasshet urnedpinkfrom embar assment
    .
    Peoplet urnedforaf ewsecondsbef oremi nding
    thei
    rownbusi ness.
    "Thel i
    braryisaplaceofsil
    enceandIam goi ngto
    fuckingwi peyourexist
    enceoffthef aceofthis
    damnedpl anetRoberti
    fyoudon'tst opwiththis
    nonsensi calbehavi
    our.
    "Sheseet hed.Hej ust
    placedahandonhercheekbef orehisfingersli
    ft
    ed
    herchi n.
    "Youliveforexagger
    ations.
    "Shepaused.Shewas
    butfigurati
    vel
    yspeaking,shewasalr
    eadyburyi
    ng
    him sixfeetunder
    .
    Hel oweredhisheadast heireyeslocked,herfi
    re
    fi
    lledonesandhi scalm gazesweepi ngoverher
    facialf
    eatures.Herl
    ipspartedasi ftoanswera
    sil
    entquestionandhet ookt hatchancetoallowhis
    l
    ipst otouchhersforthefir
    stt i
    me.Aloratensedand
    closedhermout h.Panicki
    ngatwhatshewasdoi ng,
    howwasshesupposedt ogoabouti t?Hereyes
    widenedatt hepossi
    bil
    it
    iesofwhatmi ghtgowr ong
    andshemovedherheadaway.Aust inhel dtheback
    ofherheadandpeckedherl i
    ps,easingt hetensi
    on
    andpressureshewast ryingtoputher selfunder.
    Theirf
    irstki
    ss,assimpleasitwas, wasshar edin
    theli
    brary.Herubbedherchinandl i
    ftedi t
    .
    "
    WhatdidIsayl
    astti
    me? "Heaskedgent
    lyandhe
    wat
    chedherrol
    lhereyesathi
    m.Hesmi l
    ed.
    "Youknowwhatyousai d."Sher epl i
    edandhehad
    tochuckle.Hepr essedhi sl i
    psont oher s,not
    forcinghertoopenhermout hf orhi m.Aloraclosed
    hereyes, shewassl oppyandshe' sucked'.She
    wasusi ngRebant le'svocabul arynow.Teenager s
    coul dki
    ssandshecoul dn'tbringher sel
    ftodot hat.
    Whati fshebithist ongueorpr oducedenough
    salivatofil
    lhi
    smout h?Thatwoul dbedi sgusti
    ng.
    Whati fhisotherlover swer ebet terthanher ?She
    fel
    tl i
    keacompl etef ail
    ureandshehat edfail
    ingso
    bad.Aust inhadremovedhi sli
    psf rom hersandhe
    pushedherhai rback.
    "
    Lor
    a,don'
    tthi
    nkabouti
    t.Getoutofyourhead.
    "He
    whi
    sper
    edandsheopenedhereyes.
    "
    Don'tputt
    oomucht
    houghti
    ntot
    hat.Am Iyour
    f
    ir
    st?
    "Heaskedandshemovedback.
    "
    Okay,that
    'senough.
    "Hechuckl
    ed.Hewasr
    ight
    .
    Hebroughtherri
    ghtbackcl
    oset
    ohim.
    "Asyourpersonaltut
    orandboyfri
    end,al
    lowmet o
    showyouhowi t
    'sdonemyf ier
    ydreamer."It
    soundedsocondescendi ngbuthewasact uall
    y
    seri
    ous.Hewant edtoteachherhowtokissi nthe
    l
    ibrar
    y.Shelookedaroundandhest oodupf rom hi
    s
    chair
    .Hetookherhand.
    "I
    '
    m not-"shedi
    dn'
    tevencompletehersent
    ence.
    Shewasonherf eeti
    nsecondsandhewasal ready
    draggi
    nghertoGodknowswher e.Sheshouldpoke
    hiseyesout.
    "
    Ineedt
    opokeyoureyesout
    ."
    "
    Yourhyper
    bol
    esdonot
    hingt
    omeAl
    ora.
    "
    "Youshoul
    dbescaredofme.I'
    l
    lkil
    lyoui
    nyour
    sleep.
    "Heact
    ual
    lystoppedwal
    kingandwinked.
    "
    Youwantmei
    nyourbed?Iwantyoui
    nmi
    net
    oo.
    "
    Shegr
    oaned.
    "
    Fuckyouf
    ormi
    sint
    erpr
    eti
    ngme.
    "
    "Fuckyou?Iwoul ddoi ti
    nahear tbeatbaby. "He
    sawherskinturni ntoaf everi
    shpi nk.Shewas
    easil
    yangered,seewhyhewasf uckingf ascinated
    withher?Shedidn' tevenneedt obesol ved.She
    wast hemostcompl exphsycicspr oblem hehas
    evercomeacr oss.Hegr i
    nned.Hesawanqui et
    aisl
    eandhewal kedal ongitbeforehest oppedand
    l
    etherhandgo.Shef oldedherarms.I fhereyes
    couldshootbull
    et stheywoul dhaveshotst raightto
    hisskull
    .Hemovedhi shandst oherwai stasshe
    kepthersel
    fri
    gid.
    "
    Sosteponeistopar
    tyourl
    ips.
    "Hesai
    dandshe
    l
    ookedtheot
    herway.
    "Loradon'
    tthi
    nkaboutit."Hesaid.Alor
    alickedher
    l
    ips.Whatifshepartedthem wrong?Thiswasso
    sil
    lyandchil
    dish.Aust
    inusedhisot herhandto
    makeherf acehim.
    "
    Don'
    tst
    art
    ."Shesai
    d.
    "
    Wit
    hwhat
    ?"Heaskedwi
    thasmi
    lepl
    ayi
    ngonhi
    s
    l
    ips.Al oralookedathi shei ghtandhi sfucking
    confidence.Amer eki sshadhershaki ngi nher
    heelsandhewasoozi ngwi thsexualt ensionand
    aurajustbymovi ng.Notf air
    .Shej utt
    edherchi n
    andwi thoutwar ninghepl acedhisl i
    psonher ,i
    t
    tookherbysur pri
    seandi namat terofsecondshi s
    tonguewasi nhermout handshef el
    thishandhol d
    hersteadyi nplace, notmovi ngf rom herwai st
    .Her
    armsdr oppedandshet entati
    velyplacedanunsur e
    handonhi schest, feeli
    nghi smuscl esbef oreshe
    sunki ntoherheadagai nandbr oketheki ss.She
    steppedbackandpushedherhai rback.Aust i
    n
    extendedhi sarmt ohersoshecoul dtakei t
    .
    "Ican'tdot
    his.
    "Shesai
    d.Shehatedf
    ail
    ureandshe
    cringedathowhervoi
    cehaddroppedanoctave.
    Hehadn'tdr
    oppedhishandandsherel
    uctantl
    ytook
    i
    t.Heusedthatasanopport
    unit
    ytopullhercl
    oser.
    Theyweresurr
    oundedbystacksandstacksof
    booksandthefr
    eshsmellofbooksasshesucked
    i
    nadeepbr eat
    h.
    "Chessl
    ater
    ?"Hewast
    aki
    nghermi
    ndof
    fwhatj
    ust
    happened.
    "
    Ihaveanessayt
    osubmi
    t.
    "Shesai
    d.
    "
    I'
    llbr
    ingyouf
    ood.
    "
    "Ihat
    eyou.
    "Shesaidsof
    tl
    y.Heki
    ssedt
    het
    opof
    herheadassher
    elaxedi
    nhisar
    ms.
    "
    Iknow.
    "
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    39] :REBORN

    48

    Alor
    abr oketheembraceandherubbedherchi
    n.
    Shesuckedi nadeepbreat
    hbeforeshel
    ookedat
    herfeetthenbackathim.
    “
    Let
    ’st
    ryagai
    n.”
    “Alora.
    ”Sheshookherhead.Aki sswasn’tgoingt
    o
    makeherf eelst
    upi
    d.Shewasn’ tgoingtobe
    defeatedbyasimplekiss.Sherefusedtoaccept
    that.Aust
    inshookhisheadandj ustrubbedher
    chin.Hesawhershouldersslumpandasi gh
    escapeherlips.
    “
    Wasi
    tthatbad?
    ”Sheasked.
    “I
    twasn’t
    .”Anditwasn’
    tthatgoodeit
    herbutshe
    tr
    ied.Hegaveherthat
    ,shetri
    edsomethingoutof
    hercomfortzone.Hepeckedherl
    ips.
    “Wer
    eyourpr
    eviousgir
    lfr
    iendsbet
    ter
    ?”Sheasked
    andhel
    ookedintohereyes.
    “
    Alor
    adon’
    tdot
    hat
    .”Hesai
    dandshest
    eppedback
    f
    rom hi
    m.
    “Ijustwanttoknow.
    ”Sheli
    kedcompetingandhe
    didn’twanthert
    ocompetewithpeopl
    einhispast.
    Theywer enotherandwouldneverbeher,
    notin
    thisli
    fet
    ime.Hemovedcloserasdrewherbackint
    o
    hisar ms.
    “Youdon’
    tneedtobeperfecti
    neveryt
    hing.Thi
    s
    wasyourfir
    stki
    ssandbecauseitwaswi t
    hyou, i
    t
    wasspecialt
    omeokay? ”Hebeli
    evedthathimsel
    f
    andwantedhertobel
    ievethat
    .Alor
    asighedand
    nodded.
    “Don’tt
    hinkaboutitLora,
    westi
    llhaveovera
    thousandkissestogo.”Shel
    aughedandheheard
    herlaughterf
    orthefir
    stti
    me.I
    twasbeaut i
    ful
    .
    “Whowoul
    dwantt
    oki
    ssyouat
    housandt
    imes
    over
    ?”
    “
    Youwoul
    d.”Shef
    akedagag.
    Hechuckl
    edandkissedherf
    oreheadthenhernose
    andcheekbef
    oret
    hecornerofherli
    psfoll
    owed.
    “Youst
    il
    lhavewor
    ktogett
    hrough.
    ”Hesai
    dand
    shenodded.
    “
    Yousai
    dyou’
    rebr
    ingi
    ngf
    ood.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Youar
    epul
    li
    nganal
    lni
    ght
    er?
    ”
    “No.
    ”Hekissedhernoseandshewr
    inkl
    edit
    .He
    smil
    ed.Shethi
    nkstoomuchandoveranal
    ysed
    ever
    ythi
    ng.Bel
    ievei
    tornothewast
    ryi
    nghisbest
    nottoletherobsessi vebehavi ourfl
    ar eupwhenhe
    wasar ound.Hel eftamont hagoknowi nghegot
    thegir
    landhewasher e,amont hlaterslowl ybut
    surel
    yheadi ngsomewher ewithher.Hewoul d
    neverforcehert odoanyt hingshewas
    uncomf ort
    ablewi t
    h.Al or
    al ookedatherhands
    befor
    eshepl acedthem onhi schest.Hej ust
    watchedherasshecl osedhereyest hendr opher
    handst henplacethem backonhi schestagai n.He
    heldherwr i
    sts.
    “
    Alor
    a.”
    “
    I’
    m okay.
    ”
    “
    You’
    renot
    .Br
    eat
    h.”
    “You’
    renotmyl
    ungs.
    ”Shesnappedt
    henst
    art
    ed
    breat
    hingi
    nandout
    .
    “That
    ’sagoodgirl.
    ”Heprai
    sedandsheclosedher
    eyes,herhear
    tpicki
    ngataweir
    drhyt
    hm atthe
    prai
    se.Hekissedherfor
    ehead.
    “Nowweshoul dgo,getyourbooksandyourel
    ax
    evenifi
    t’
    sforanhourbeforeyougetstar
    tedon
    yourassi
    gnment.”
    “
    You’
    renott
    hebossofme.
    ”
    “IknowLora.Iwantyout
    ober
    elaxedbef
    oreyou
    overexer
    tyoursel
    f.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m usedt
    othi
    s.”
    “Wellyoucoul
    dgetusedtomebei ngaroundt
    hen.
    ”
    Heletgoofherwaistandtookherhandasthey
    walkedbacktowheretheylef
    tthei
    rst
    uff.
    Hel
    ower
    edhi
    sheadt
    owhi
    speri
    nherear
    .
    “
    Wantt
    oknowasecr
    et?
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Youcoul
    dhavegott
    enmor
    epr
    act
    icei
    fyouhad
    gonetoStanf
    ord.
    ”
    “
    Whydoyousaythat?
    ”Sheasked.Theybothknew
    t
    heanswert
    othequesti
    onbutheansweredanyway.
    “BecauseIwasther eandIwouldteachyou
    everyt
    hingyouneededt oknow.”Theygottot hei
    r
    seatsandshestartedpackingherstuf
    finthesame
    ordersheknew,maki ngsureitwasinplaceinher
    bag.Austinhel
    dhisbooksandwhenshehad
    ensuredthatnot
    hingwasmi ssi
    ng,t
    heywal kedout
    ofthel ibrarysi debysi de.Het ookt hebagf r
    om her
    andshewant edt oprot estbef or eshet houghtbet t
    er
    ofit.Theyal lowedsi l
    enceandt hesof tmel odiesof
    theenvi rot heywer ei nsur roundt hem asAust in’
    s
    calm eyesobser vedhi sgi r
    lfri
    end.Hi sver ypeculiar
    girl
    fri
    end.Al or at
    ouchedherl ipsandpushedher
    hairbackbef oresher emember edt hatshewas
    messi ngwi tht hestyleandsheneededt ocombi t
    outt ost yleitagain.Shef acedAust inwhowas
    watchi ngherwi t
    hsuddeni nterest .Whywashest i
    ll
    here?Shet houghtt hatamont hwasenought o
    makehi m seeshewasnott heconvent ionalwoman,
    shepani ckedoveraki ss.Somet hingsosi mpl eand
    shenewhedi dn’
    tsayi tbuthehaspr obabl ybeen
    withbet tergi rlswhoknewwhatt heywer edoi ng.All
    shedi dwasdebat ewi thhim andchal lengehi m
    i
    nst eadofl i
    st eni
    ngt owhathesai dandi nthatot her
    depar t
    ment ?Shewascol danddi dn’tknowhowt o
    evenbehave.Aust i
    nr ealisedt hathedi dn’tli
    ke
    seeingAl oraquest ionherabi liti
    es.Shewas
    conf i
    dentoverever yt
    hi ngshedoesandshenever
    displayedweakness.Shewasnowquest ioning
    herselfoversomet hingl i
    keaki ssandi twas
    shaki
    ngherconf i
    dence.Hewal kedbesideshertil
    l
    theyreachedherdormr oom andsheopenedt he
    doortolethi
    mi nsi
    de.Shetookherbagf r
    om him so
    shecouldplaceitonherstudydeskalongwi t
    ht he
    bookshewashol ding.Sheexcusedherselffr
    om
    thebedroom andlefthi
    m standingt
    here.
    Aloramadeherwayt othebat hr
    oomswher eshe
    washedherhandsl i
    kealwaysbef or
    eshesplashed
    wateronherfaceandwashedherhandsonemor e
    t
    ime.Shedr i
    edherhandsandusedherhandst o
    fanherfacebefor
    eexiti
    ngthebat hr
    ooms.She
    foundhi
    m sitt
    ingatthecornerofherbedandshe
    fol
    dedherarms.Hisheightwoul dn’
    tfi
    tthel
    engthof
    t
    hebed, hewouldneedtocur vehisbodybuteven
    t
    hatwoul dbeenough.Sheshookherhead, why
    wasshei magini
    nghim onherbed?
    “
    Ior
    der
    edt
    akeout
    ,si
    tdownandr
    elax.
    ”
    “I
    ’mf i
    ne.Isaidthi
    sbeforewelefttheli
    brar
    y.”She
    saidasshesatdownnextt ohi
    m.Thi swasso
    awkwar d.Austi
    n,amanconf i
    dentineveryt
    hinghe
    didjustpull
    edhercloserandhiswholeframe
    engulfedher.Shehasbeensocl osetohimt han
    shehaseverbeenwi
    thpeopl
    einal
    ongt
    ime.
    “
    You’
    ret
    ense.
    ”
    “
    Gladyounot
    iced.
    ”
    “
    Iwoul
    drat
    heryout
    hreat
    ent
    oki
    llme.
    ”
    “
    Oh,
    Ireal
    lydo.
    ”
    “Aft
    eryou’r
    edonewi t
    hschoolt
    hissemest
    erwhat
    next?”Hewasinter
    estedi
    nknowing.Shewant
    ed
    herideatowork.
    “
    IfIt
    ellyouI
    ’
    llhexi
    t,It
    oldyout
    hat
    .”
    “
    Ther
    eisnosucht
    hingashexesorbadl
    uck.
    ”
    Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “
    Iwantt
    ost
    artmyownbeaut
    ybr
    and.
    ”Henodded.
    “Ihavebeenworki
    ngoni
    tforyear
    s,Ijusthavet
    o
    getthi
    sdegreet
    henimpl
    ementtheidea.”
    “Tel
    lmemore.”Hesai
    dasheki ckedhi
    sshoesof
    f
    andfor
    cedhertoremoveherheelsandsi
    tcr
    oss
    l
    eggednextt
    ohim onthebed.
    “
    Sot
    hat
    ’si
    t.Idon’
    tneedyourappr
    ovalf
    ir
    stofal
    l,
    secondofal
    lIwasj
    usttel
    li
    ngyouasmyboyfr
    iend
    andthi
    rdofal
    ldon’
    tst
    ealmyidea.
    ”Shesai
    dalli
    n
    onebreat
    h.
    “You’
    reaforcetobereckonedwi
    th.Can’
    twai
    tto
    seeyourbrandinstores.
    ”Hewhi
    speredagai
    nsther
    earandherbreathhit
    ched.
    “I
    tdoesn’
    tsoundst
    upi
    d?”Shecl
    osedhereyes.She
    sai
    dthatal
    oud?
    “Notatal l.
    ”Heki ssedhercheekandshet ouched
    hercheek.Thi swasgoi ngt otaketimet ogetused
    to.Het ouchedherheadandshel ethim, allowed
    himt opul lherheadt ohissohecoul dpl anthislips
    onher s,sof t
    lyandgent l
    yasshecl osedhereyes
    andpar t
    edherl i
    ps.Shemi mickedhisact ions
    withoutsecondt houghtandherhandsf oundhi s
    neckont heirownaccor d,pul l
    inghimint oheras
    theykissed.Deepl ywi t
    hal lthetimeint hewor ld,hi
    s
    handsst oppi ngrespectablyatherwai stashe
    pulledheri n,herbodycr ashingintohisandact uall
    y
    mel ti
    ngint ohisandAl oraonl ybroketheki ss
    hear i
    ngaf or
    eignsoundescapehert hroat.She
    retr
    eatedbacki ntoherhead.Wast hather ?She
    f
    lushedandAust
    inr
    ubbedherli
    psashesmi
    led.He
    i
    snotgoingt
    opushanythi
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    40] :REBORN

    49

    AtHadesandReba’ ssharedhouse, Hadescover


    ed
    Rebantlewithabl anketasshecl osedhereyeswell
    atl
    eastt r
    iedto.Shewassocol d,
    herteeth
    chat
    teredagai nsteachot her
    .AsmuchasHades
    hadhisownwi thdrawalsympt omst otendto,
    she
    camef i
    rstbecauseshemat t
    eredtohim.Amont h
    hadelapsedandhi smot herhadn’tcal
    led.
    Maybeshesawt hati
    twasusel
    essbecausehe
    wouldnotaskhi
    sf at
    herf
    ormoney.Ther
    ewereno
    t
    rendingnewssohewasokay.
    “
    RebaI
    ’
    m her
    eokay?
    ”
    “Col
    d…”shewhi
    spered.Thatwasaheavyblanket
    hecover
    edherwit
    h.Hekissedhercheek.
    “You’l
    lgetwar m. ”Hesaidandshecl osedhereyes.
    Shewasf reezingtothebone.Todayi twaswor se
    thanot herdayst obehonest .Hadesevenski pped
    wor kandsheski ppedschoolsot hathecanmake
    sureshewasokay, herneedscamef irstbeforehis.
    Hest i
    llhadt hatguil
    thesecr et
    lycarri
    ed, thathelet
    Rebant leusedr ugsjustbecausehecoul dn’tstop
    drinki
    ng.Hedeci dedtogetundert heheavybl anket
    withher .
    “I
    ’
    m here.I
    ’m her
    e.”Hehel
    dherinhi
    sarmsand
    di
    dn’
    tlethergo.Theyhadalongwaytogo.

    *
    **
    Aloraglar
    edatAust i
    nforagoodmi nut
    e.He
    shruggeditoffandsherol
    ledhereyesasshe
    cl
    osedherl aptop.
    “Okay,
    fir
    starchi
    tectt
    oeverexistandyouarenot
    all
    owedtotakelongerthant
    hreeseconds.
    ”she
    askedandheanswer edimmedi at
    ely.
    “
    Imhot
    ep.
    ”
    “
    Fat
    herofar
    chi
    tect
    s?”
    “
    Loui
    sSull
    ivan.
    ”Heanswer
    edsmoot
    hlyasshef
    ull
    y
    f
    acedhi
    m.
    “
    Crosswordthen?
    ”Sheasked.Shedi
    dn’
    twantt
    o
    t
    hinkaboutt
    oday’sevent
    s.
    “Today’stopiciseverythingbusiness.”She
    shrugged.Thatwast heirfort
    e,him beinghi s
    mot her’
    sinteri
    m CEOandshewasst il
    last udent.A
    studentwi thdreamsbi ggerthanhercur rentbank
    account .Shegotof fherchairandbentdownt ot
    he
    boxt hathadcr osswords.Thatseconddat eofhi s,
    theycameupwi ththei
    rownmet hodofplaying
    crosswor ds,t
    heysett heirownt hemeusi ngt he
    boxesont healreadyprintedcrosswordpuzzl e.
    Playedbyt heirownr ulesandr espectedthestakes
    theyputup.Shehat edcheat i
    ngandhel oved
    winningt ofeedhi sconceit
    edness.Shel ookedat
    therugt hensettleddownashegotof fhisphone.
    Shepl acedthecr osswordpagei nthemiddlewhile
    shehel dapenci landher ai
    sedaneyebr ow.
    “
    Sither
    e.”
    “No.Iam notgoi
    ngtobecont
    rol
    ledbyyouandI
    don’twantyounearme.
    ”
    “
    Itmakest
    hegameeasi
    er.
    ”
    “Robertpl
    easedotheworldafavouranddie.The
    worldwouldbeabetterpl
    acewithoutyou.
    ”She
    saidandhiscal
    m gazewasjustonher .
    “
    Youknowt
    hatwon’
    thappen.Yougof
    ir
    st.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedatt
    hesevenl
    ett
    erwor
    d.
    “Finance”shesaidasshel ower
    edherbodyt owrit
    e
    thatdown.Shest r
    aightenedupandl ookedupat
    him.Het ookthepenf r
    om herhandandext ended
    hishandt ofi
    lli
    ntheblanksthatfol
    lowed.She
    cautiousl
    ylookedathim asshereadt hewordsand
    tooherownbacktof i
    lli
    nthecr
    ossword.The
    sil
    encewasn’twei
    rdinanywayormanner ,i
    twas
    sil
    encetheyunder
    stoodandusedsothattheycan
    beabletothi
    nk.
    Byt
    heendoft
    hecr
    osswor
    d,Al
    orahadwon.
    “
    Iwon.
    ”Shesai
    dandhesmi
    led.
    “Il
    etyouwi
    n.”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesasshegotupon
    herfeet
    .
    “Noyoudi dn’
    t.
    ”Hisphoner angandhegotupas
    well
    .Shewat chedhisanswerhisphoneashe
    walkedclosertoher.Hi
    sfr
    eehandl andedonher
    shoulderandheusedhisthumbt or
    ubthesi
    deof
    herneck.Hewat chedherreacti
    onsandshewas
    fr
    ozeni nt
    oplace.
    “Okay.I
    ’
    m onmyway.
    ”Hecutt
    hecal
    landl
    ooked
    downather.
    “
    Don’
    tlookatmel
    iket
    hat
    .”
    “Li
    kewhat?
    ”Shemovedbackandshepl
    acedher
    handonthespothehadt
    ouched.
    “
    I’
    llbebacki
    nten.
    ”Hewal
    kedoutandshesi
    ghed.
    Whatwashappeni ngt oher ?Thiswasnother .She
    saidbutwhatwasher ?Shecl osedhereyesand
    l
    eanedback, onlyhersi sterlovedherspi t
    efulsel
    f,
    Rebawast heoneper sonwhot r
    ulylovedherwi t
    h
    allherfl
    awsandshest i
    llshoneherbr ightnessall
    around.Rebal ovedHadesf uckingHudsonandwho
    i
    nt heirri
    ghtmi ndwoul dloveHades?Rebawas
    precious.shedi dn’twantt obel i
    evethatAust i
    n
    couldstaylongenough.Maybet hi
    swasachase, an
    almostdecadel ongchasewher ehecoul dfinal
    ly
    sayIgott obedt hesmar tspit
    efulgir
    lwhowasmy
    academi crival.No.Shewasn’ tgivingupherpower
    l
    ikethat.Shewasn’ tsleepingwi thhim.Notnowor
    ever.Shemadeuphermi ndasshet urnedonher
    heelandst artedcleaningherr oom whilehewasout .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    40] :REBORN

    50

    Austi
    ncamebackt of i
    ndever
    ythi
    ngclearedupas
    heheldthet
    akeout.Hewasgoi ngtohavetoli
    ve
    wit
    hherobsessivenessandhealreadyhadwaysto
    notal
    lowitt
    oflareupwhenhewasar oundher.
    Alor
    alookedathi
    m asher
    aisedt
    hepaperbagsand
    sheglar
    ed.
    "Aft
    erthi
    syou'
    rel
    eavi
    ng?
    "Sheasked?Her
    aisedan
    eyebrow.
    "
    Dar
    li
    ng,
    youcan'
    tgetr
    idofmet
    hateasi
    ly.
    "
    "
    It
    'smyr
    oom,
    Idohavet
    her
    ightt
    oki
    ckyouout
    ."
    "Butdoyouwantt okickmeout ?That
    'sthe
    question.
    "Shekeptquietashesatontherugand
    sheappr eci
    atedt
    hat,
    thef oodcrumbswon'tlandon
    herbedandt hatwon'
    tsendheri nt
    oacleaning
    frenzy.
    "Ihaveather
    api
    st.
    "Hesaidashetookoutaboxof
    nuggets.Al
    oraf
    rowned.Hewasopeningupt
    oher?
    "Atherapi
    st?
    "Sheaskedagai
    n.Shefoundi
    thardto
    beli
    evethatthemanwhom shehasknowsinceher
    teenageyearsandwassuper
    ioronever
    ywaywas
    seeingsomeone.
    "
    Why?
    "Sheasked.
    Heleanedagai
    nstt
    hebedandt
    il
    tedhi
    sheadi
    na
    sexyway.
    "
    Tryt
    ofi
    gur
    eitout
    ."
    Sher
    oll
    edyoureyes.
    "
    Ihat
    eguessi
    ngRober
    t,spi
    ll
    itout
    ."
    "
    You'
    reahor
    ri
    bleconf
    idant
    eLor
    a."
    "
    What
    ever
    !Sayi
    t.
    "
    Shesaidasheopenedanot herbocandhandeditto
    her.Shehelditi
    nherhandsandhereyeswer e
    fi
    xatedonhim.Herwanderingeyestr
    avell
    edfrom
    hisfacetohischestt
    henbacktohisfaceagai
    nas
    shewai t
    edforhimtospeak.
    "Atfi
    r sti twasaboutmycondi t
    ionbutt henIpi ckhis
    mindaboutt opi csandt hi
    ngs, heist heonl y
    ther
    api stwhochal l
    engesmeandmakesmet hink
    event houghhedoesn' tnecessar i
    lyagr eewi t
    h
    what everIsay. "Austinwat chedAl orapr ocessi t,
    shedi dn' tevenknowt hatJamesknewmor eabout
    herthanhel eton.Hi stherapistknewal otofthings
    andhedi dsayal otoft hi
    ngst ohim.Jamesal ways
    tol
    dhi m hewashumanandhecan' talwayscont rol
    everythi ng.Aust inpreferr
    edt othinkot her wi
    se, he
    wasaf uckinggeni usandhemadepeopl edot hings
    forhim wi t
    houtnot ici
    ng.Amani pulatorwoul dbe
    themostsui tablewor dbecausehemani pulated
    peopl ef orhisownbenef i
    t.Therewasaboutof
    sil
    enceandAl oraopenedt heboxt ot akeoutt he
    burger .Shel ool edathim
    "
    Whatcondi
    ti
    on?
    "
    "
    Iwassupposedt obeonAdderal
    l.
    "Hesaidsimpl
    y.
    I
    ttookhersecondstof
    igur
    eitoutandhereyes
    widenedi
    nsurpri
    se.
    "I
    fyouf
    indoutt
    hatI
    'mtaki
    ngAdderal
    lyouhave
    ever
    yri
    ghtt
    oleaveme,
    Iwouldnevertaket
    hati
    n
    myl
    if
    e."Sheputt
    hati
    ntomemor
    y.
    "
    Butwhy?
    "
    "Idon'
    tneedhel
    ptofocus,Icanachieveever
    ythi
    ng
    onmyownwi t
    houtanysti
    mul antLor
    a."She
    shrugged.
    "
    Sti
    ll
    …"
    "Isurvi
    vedwithouti
    tandlookatmyachi
    evement
    s,
    allpuregeni
    usandme. "
    Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    Thi
    sisanegof
    reer
    oom Rober
    t.
    "
    "I
    t'
    sthetrut
    h,I
    '
    veneverneededhelpt
    oachi
    evethe
    goalsIsetf
    ormyself.Idi
    dital
    lonmyown.Looki
    ng
    atit
    ,Idi
    dyouaf avourLora.
    "
    Sheglar
    edathi
    m,hereyesf
    ier
    yandherst
    are
    hol
    ding.
    "I
    '
    m socloset
    oki
    ckingyououtofmyr
    oom Rober
    t.
    "
    Shesai
    dandhelaughed.
    "Youmanagedtodateaman'
    swhoseI
    Qdoubles
    yours.
    "Hergl
    aregr
    ewmoreheat
    edandifsheknew
    howhardhewasunder
    neatht
    hosej
    eansshewoul
    d
    st
    opglar
    ingathi
    mli
    kethat
    .
    "YourIQishighert
    hanmi
    nebyonl
    yonef
    ucki
    ng
    percentRobert!
    "
    "
    Soyouagreet
    hatI
    '
    m smartert
    hanyou?
    "Hesai
    d
    wit
    hasmir
    kandsherol
    ledhereyes.
    "Shutup!
    "Hemovedf rom hi
    sini
    ti
    alposi
    ti
    onandsat
    behindher.Shet
    riedt
    omovebutheputhi shand
    aroundhiswaist
    .
    "
    Rober
    t,l
    etmego.
    "
    "Why?"Shdbreat hedout.Hewasget ti
    ngcl ose.Too
    closet
    oherdef ences.Noonewoul dt raveltothe
    endsofthewor ldforaspitef
    ulbi
    tchlikeherwi thout
    agoal.Shedi
    dn' tbeli
    evethathewoul dspendso
    muchmoneyj ustt ogettoknowher ,shewasnot
    l
    osinghervi
    rginity.Shehadhermi ndmadeup.
    "Al
    oraI'
    m verypr
    acti
    calaboutalotofthi
    ngsdar
    li
    ng
    butIdon'tknowhowlongitwil
    ltakeforyout
    owill
    yoursel
    ftomebutI'
    llwait
    ."
    "
    Iwon'
    twi
    llmysel
    ftoanyman.
    "Hi
    sli
    psbr
    ushed
    herneckeversol
    ight
    ly.
    "Iknowyoudon't
    .Out
    sidet
    hebedr
    oom youdon'
    t.
    That'
    sagiven.
    "
    "Youdon'
    tknowmei nsi
    dethebedroom."He
    l
    aughedagainstherearandhef i
    nall
    ykissedher
    neck.Shemovedherheadf orward.Shewasnot
    suposedtoenjoyt
    his.
    "Youseebabe, i
    fyouwer easdomi nanti nthe
    bedr oom asyouar eout si
    deityouwoul dn'tbea
    virginat22woul dyouyoubabe?Youwoul dhave
    takenal lyouwant edf rom menandl eftthem
    becauseever ydayyout hr
    eatentheird* cks."She
    didn'twanthi sanalysisofher .Mainlybecausehe
    wasr i
    ghtandshedi dn'twantt ofuelhisegoby
    agr eeingt hathisobser vati
    onswer espoton.She
    coul dn'tseeher selfast hewomanwi t
    ht hehigh
    heel soni nthebedr oom, t
    akingthel ead.Itmade
    heranxi ousandf ever i
    sh.Shedi dn'
    tevenknow
    whatshewant edint herebecausei twassomet hi
    ng
    shewasn' tgoingtoexpl oreanytimesoon.
    "
    Butyou'
    rest
    il
    lavi
    rgi
    n,ar
    eyouscar
    edt
    hatyou
    won'
    tbeasdomi nantinthebedroom asyouar e
    out
    sideit
    ?"Hevoicedoutherfearandshekept
    qui
    et.Austi
    nchuckledl
    owlyandki ssedhercheek.
    "
    Getawayf
    rom me!
    "Hel
    aughed.
    "No."Shedi dn'
    tleanagainsthi
    m andinstead
    remai nedri
    gid.Hedidn'
    tseem t omindhernot
    beingt hesoftki
    ndheartedwomanmenwentf or
    andt hatcementedherbel i
    efthathewantedsex.
    Hiseightyearlongchasewoul dbedone.
    "
    Andyouwantt ol
    eaveaf t
    ert
    hesex?Yourdecade
    l
    ongchasedone.Havingbedyourri
    valand
    r
    eachi
    ngthefi
    nishli
    ne."Shesai
    dasamat terof
    f
    actandAusti
    njustki
    ssedherneck.
    "Youmi ghtnotbeli
    evemenowAl orabutyou'r
    e
    moret hanachaset ome,youandIar eendgame.
    Youar enotthefini
    shli
    ne,wearejustst
    arti
    ngour
    l
    ifetogether.
    "Hesaidandt i
    lt
    edherheadupwards
    toki
    ssher ,sherespondedbutnothowhewant ed.
    Hebr okethekissandsmi l
    ed.
    "Idon'
    twantyoutemporari
    lyLor
    a."Heki
    ssedher
    cheekandshejustnodded.
    "
    Let
    'seat
    ."Shesaidandhedi
    dn'tl
    etgoofherwai
    st,
    i
    nst
    eadhisgri
    ptight
    enedandshegroaned.
    "Idespi
    seyou."Sheglar
    edupathim.Helower
    ed
    hisheadinst
    eadtokissherpi
    nkli
    psandhe
    watchedherclosehereyesashedidso.

    *
    **

    Meanwhi leatBot swana,Mooket siwasinhishouse


    scroll
    ingthroughsoci al
    medi awhenhepausedon
    anonl i
    neart i
    clesharedbyTheVoi ceNewspaper.
    Thear ti
    clehadbeenshar edbymanyandhe
    decidedtor eaditbecausei tseemedlikei
    twas
    tr
    ending.
    Uponreadingthecontentsofthear t
    icl
    e, hi
    shear
    t
    dr
    oppedandhequi ckl
    ywenttohi scont act
    stocall
    hi
    smot her.Hehopedt heywerelyingbecause
    Rebant
    lewoul dneverdoanythingoft hatsort
    .They
    al
    lknewt hei
    rsist
    er,shewasn'tthattype.
    "
    Hel
    lo?
    "Susananswer
    edwi
    thasl
    eepyvoi
    ce.
    "
    Hel
    lo,
    didIwakeyouup?
    "
    Susanyawned.
    "
    Yes.I
    smydaught
    eri
    nlawokay?
    "Sheasked.
    "
    Yes.Shei
    sasl
    eep.I
    sRebant
    lewi
    thyou?
    "
    "No,shehasn'
    tvisi
    tedi
    namont hbutIt
    alktoher
    overthephone.Sheisokay.Whati
    sit
    ?"Susan
    murmur ed.
    "Nothing.Ihavetogo.Bye."Hehungup.Hedidn't
    wantt owor r
    yhismotherthist
    imeofthenight
    .He
    diall
    edhislit
    tl
    esist
    er'
    snumberandi twasn'
    tgoing
    through.
    "AnswerthephoneReba.
    "Hesaidfrust
    rated.I
    t
    wasn'ttr
    ue.I
    tallhadt
    obeabigli
    e.Hehear d
    foot
    stepsandassumedthatwashiswife.She
    pull
    edhersil
    kgownandyawned.
    "
    Comet
    obed,
    it'
    slat
    e."Hesmi
    led.
    "
    I'
    llbet
    her
    einami
    nut
    e."Sheshookherhead.
    "
    Yousai
    dthatanhourago.
    "Shewal
    kedcl
    oserand
    t
    ookhi
    sphoneawayfrom hi
    m.
    "
    Wor kwi
    llhavet
    owaittil
    lmorni
    ng.Comesl
    eep.
    "He
    f
    orcedasmi l
    easshetookhishandandl
    edhimto
    t
    hebedroom.Hewilldealwi
    ththi
    stomor
    row.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    40] :REBORN

    51

    Thefoll
    owingmor ning,Hadeswaswokenupbyhi s
    phoneringing.Het urnedt olookatRebant l
    ewho
    wassleepingpeacef ullyafterhoursofhimj ust
    hol
    dingherassheshi vered.Hekissedherf orehead
    befor
    ehegotupandf oll
    owedt heringtonetogett o
    hi
    sphone.Hepi ckedi tupandanswer edhisfather.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    "
    "Youarehellbentonembarr
    assi
    ngmeHadesar en'
    t
    you?Aftereveryt
    hingIdof
    oryou,youdeci
    det
    o
    embarassme? "
    Hadeswasper plexedbyhi sfather'ssuddenrage.
    HisfatherwentonandonabouthowHadeswas
    nothingbutadisappoint
    mentwi thnothingtoshow
    i
    nhi smidtwenties.Hadesswal lowedandbl inked,
    hewasneversaf ef r
    om hisfather'ssharptongue
    foraslongashecoul dremember .
    "NowIhaveaboar dmeet ingtotryandassur ethe
    sharehol
    ders.YoucreatedthismessandnowI
    havet of
    ixi
    tforyou."Hisfatherhungupabr uptl
    y
    andHadesl ookedatthephone, st
    il
    llostatwhathi s
    fat
    herwassayi ngandwher ehegott heinformat i
    on.
    Hisphonerangagainandhel ookedathisf ather
    callagai
    n.Heanswer edagain.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    "
    "
    Bebymyof f
    icebylunchti
    mesowecanf i
    ndaway
    f
    orwar
    dwi thyouraddict
    ion.
    "Hisfatherhungup.
    Hi
    saddict
    ion?Thatwaswel lcoveredupandthe
    onl
    ypersonwhoknewofhi
    saddi
    cti
    onwas
    Rebant
    lea-
    "Fuck!
    "Hisabsentmot
    her
    .Sheknewofbot
    hoft
    hei
    r
    addict
    ionsand-
    Wait!Wait!HewenttoFacebookandt hereitwas,
    hewast rendi
    ngalongwi thRebant le.Pi
    ctureswere
    l
    eakedandhewentt ot heinternetwherehef ound
    art
    icl
    esonReba, Rebant l
    ewasabi gdealbecause
    shehadbeenani nter nat
    ionalmodelandhewasa
    bigdealbeinghi
    sfat her'
    sonl yheir
    .Her anhishand
    overhisfaceasher eadthear ticl
    esthatwer espun
    andtwistedbydif
    ferentmedi ahouses.

    '
    INTERNATI
    ONALFORMERTEENMODEL
    REBANTLEMOREMIADRUGJUNKIEALONGWI
    TH
    THEHEIRTOHUDSONINC.
    '

    Itwasallboldedandhi sheartstoppedasi tshowed


    pict
    uresofhim staggeri
    ngoutofacl ubandsome
    ofhim passedout.Therewer ealsopi ct
    uresof
    Rebabuyingf rom hersuppl
    ier.Hetriedtobreath
    butitwassohar d,hewoul dratherhavehi simage
    tarni
    shedbutnotRebant l
    e'
    simage.Shewasso
    sweetandshedeser vednoneoft hehat ethatshe
    wasaboutt oreceive.Hewant edtoshieldherf r
    om
    thatbuthewasf urioushecoul dn'
    tevenshi el
    dher
    from hi
    smot her'
    sspi t
    etoexposet hem becausehe
    didn'
    tgetmoneyf rom hisfatherforher.Hewal ked
    tothebedroom andRebant l
    eyawnedasshe
    removedherheadf rom undertheblankets.
    "Hey."Shesai
    dsof t
    lyasshesmi l
    edathim, her
    slenderarmsstret
    chingbefor
    eshepushedt he
    blanketdownandshel ookedathim asifhewas
    someonebet t
    er.Asifhewasn'tanaddict.
    "Heypret
    tygir
    l.How'smyfavour
    it
    egir
    ldoing?"He
    askedandshegr i
    nnedbef
    oreshecoveredherface
    withherhand.
    "I
    '
    mf r
    eshasadai sy.
    "Shesaidsoftl
    y.Hewalked
    cl
    oserandhelpedheroutofbed.Hehuggedher.
    Shehuggedhim back.Hemovedhi sheadbackto
    l
    ookatherface.Hisl
    argehabdsframedhisface
    andsheleanedint
    ohistouch.
    "
    Iloveyou,
    Iwoul
    dneverqui
    tyouf
    oranyt
    hingokay
    Reba?"
    "Iknow.Il oveyouandt hankyou. "Shesai dsoftl
    y
    andshest oodonhert ipt oestoshyl ykisshis
    cheekbef oreshel ookedathi m.Hesawmor ethan
    adr ugaddi ctandlovedherr egardl ess.Shemight
    aswel lsayshewasaddi ctedtohi mt hendrugs
    cameaf ter,heraddicti
    onneveral teredhis
    perceptionofhetandhewashol dingherhand
    throught hei rsobr
    ietypledge.Shesmi l
    edand
    kissedhi sl i
    ps.Shewr appedherhandsar oundhi s
    wai standpl acedherheadonhi schest .
    Hadesbr
    eat
    hedoutandki
    ssedherhead.
    "
    Idon'
    tknowifI'
    l
    lli
    velongenoughbutIl
    oveyou.
    "
    Rebashookherhead.
    "Hades,wewi l
    lbeokay.Iswear .Wewi l
    lbeokay.It
    mightnotbenowbutsoon.Wewon' tletthe
    addicti
    onswinmyl ove.Wantt owatchaMar velf
    il
    m
    withmet henwewi l
    lwat chanotherone?cshe
    askedsweetly.Hewant edtoshieldherfr
    om t he
    medi aandeveryharshwor dthatwasgoi ngtobe
    sai
    dabouther
    .Heknewt heworl
    dwassexist
    ,ifi
    t
    wasamanwhowasadr ugaddictt
    heywouldsing
    adif
    fet
    entt
    unebutsi
    ncei twasawoman,theywere
    goi
    ngtothr
    owstonesherway.Hekissedherhead.
    "What
    everyouwant
    ."Rebal
    ookeduoathim wi
    tha
    cut
    esmileandhepushedherhai
    rback.
    "Youaremyloverandfri
    end.Ever
    ythi
    ngIneed.My
    numberone."Hesmiledsoft
    lyandshetookhis
    handleadi
    nghimtothebathroom sotheycoul
    d
    takeashower.

    *
    **

    AtSusan'shouse, Susanreadtheart
    icl
    esasher
    j
    awdr opped.Herdaught er?Ajunki
    e?Herphone
    hasbeenr ingingoffthehookasthefashi
    onhouse
    Rebahaswor kedwi t
    hbeforet
    riedt
    oget
    confi
    rmationi fi
    tistr
    ueornotbecaauseshe
    repr
    esentedt hei
    rbrandsatsomepoi nt
    .Shel
    ooked
    atherhusbandassheshookherhead.
    "Rebacan'
    tbedoingdrugs.That
    'si
    mpossi
    ble.My
    chil
    discomplet
    elyf
    ine.
    "
    "
    Theysayf
    rom aver
    ycl
    osesour
    ce.
    "
    "Idon'tcar
    e.Rebacan' tbedoingdrugs.Iwoul
    d
    haveknowni fshewasdoi ngdrugs.
    "Susansaidout
    ofbreath.Shedi al
    ledRebantl
    e'sphoneandtri
    edto
    call
    .Itwasn'tgoingthrough.Shelef
    tavoice
    message.
    "Rebant
    leanswert
    hephone!
    "Susansai
    d.She
    pushedherweaveback.
    "Iknowmydaught er,
    shehadagoodl i
    feandan
    excell
    entcar
    eer.Whywoul dshetakedrugs?"She
    asked.Hercareerhadbeenthehighli
    ghtofReba's
    l
    ifeandshegr ewupgr eatr
    egardl
    essofthei
    rfather
    beingdead.Shedidn'
    ttakedrugs.Shewashappy.
    "You'
    llaskher."Susanshookherhead.Shewas
    goingtowher eRebawasst ayi
    ng,shewasgoi ngto
    squasht heseall
    egati
    ons.Hadeswasanal cohol
    ic?
    Sheshookherhead.Thoseki dswer enor
    maland
    okay.Themedi awasl yi
    ng.
    "
    I'
    m goi
    ngt
    oReba'
    shouse.
    "Susansai
    dwi
    tha
    madeupmi
    nd.

    *
    **

    AtMooket si'
    shouse, hetriedcal li
    ngRebant lebut
    herphonewasn' tgoi ngt hrough.Hecal ledhisbig
    brotherBokamosot oseei fhewasget t
    ingthrough
    toRebant le.Hissist er ?Drugs?I mpossible.He
    didn'tevenwantt ocal lAlora, i
    twaspr obabl y4am
    i
    nAmer i
    caandhewoul dbedi srupti
    nghi syounger
    sist
    er '
    ssleepschedul e.Hel ookedathi swi f
    eand
    chuckled.Hi af amilywasi nf orabigsur pri
    se.He
    mar ri
    edawomanandhedi dn'ttel
    kthem, f
    orall
    theyknewhewasi nFr anci stownwor kingand
    probablyhadagi r
    lfriend.Heshookhi shead, t
    he
    mai nfocuswasRebant l
    e.Hi soldersister,
    tbe
    fashionmodel .Theonewhohadgot t
    ebf ameand
    recogniti
    onatayoungage.Hi sbigbrother
    Bokamosoanswer ed.
    "
    Yousawt
    hear
    ti
    cle?
    "
    "
    Rebai
    sn'
    tevenanswer
    ingherphone.
    "Bokamoso
    sai
    d.
    "
    We'r
    eallworr
    iedabouther
    ."Herepl
    ied.Wher
    edi
    d
    t
    heyfai
    lheri
    fsheistaki
    ngdrugs?
    "Whati
    fshewasinfl
    uencedbyHades?
    "Moksasked
    andBokamosekeptsil
    ent
    .Thi
    nki
    ngabouti
    t.
    "Rebawoul
    dn'
    ttakedrugsj
    ustonherown,Rebai
    s
    smartandt
    heproblem i
    sshewasspendi
    ngtoo
    muchtimewit
    hHades. "
    "Youmighthaveapointt
    here.Letmedriveupto
    mom'shouse."BokamososaidandMooket si
    noddedashehungup.Heshoul dprobablyfl
    yback
    home.Woulditbeanappropriat
    eti
    met oint
    roduce
    hiswif
    easwel l
    ?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    40] :REBORN

    52

    AtHadesandReba'ssharedhouse,
    theysati
    nfront
    oft
    het el
    evi
    sioneat
    ingpopcor
    nasRebalight
    ly
    gi
    ggled.
    "Il
    ovehowBl ackwidowhasevolvedovertheyear
    s
    i
    nMar vel
    ,theystoppedsexual
    izi
    nghersomuch
    andtheyarenowf ocusi
    ngonberstrengt
    hand
    capabi
    li
    ti
    es."Hekissedherfor
    ehead.
    "Lookatyou. "Shegri
    nnedassheki ssedhisl
    ips
    beforesnuggl i
    ngint
    ohischest.I
    twast hei
    rown
    l
    itt
    lewor l
    d,theyweresousedt obeingtheref
    or
    eachot herwithouti
    ncl
    udingotherpeopleandReba
    prefer
    reditthatway.Ami nut
    elater
    , t
    herewasa
    doorknockandRebant l
    elookedatHades.
    "Ar
    eyouexpect
    ingguest
    s?"Shewhisper
    edandhe
    shookhi
    shead.Hegotupfrom t
    hecouchand
    headedt
    othedoor.Sheusedthefl
    eecebl
    ankett
    o
    coverherfaceasHadesopenedt
    hedoor.Hades
    didn'
    thaveachancetosayawordwhenSusan
    stormedinsi
    dethehouseandshel
    ookedaround.
    "
    Whereismydaughter?"Sheasked, angerbrewi
    ng
    i
    nhereyesandhervoicetoohigh.Rebant l
    ewho
    wasunder
    neat
    hthebl anketkeotquuetasherheart
    r
    aced.Whatwasgoingon?Shedi dn'
    trespondwell
    t
    oangerandsheclosedhereyes.
    "
    Hadesngwanakeokae? "
    (whereismychild?
    )
    Reba'sst
    ep-fatherwal
    kedinsidethehouseand
    l
    ookedar ound.Hadesdidn'tsayanyt
    hingashe
    walkedtothecouchandr emovedt hefl
    eece.
    "
    Hey,
    yourpar
    ent
    sar
    elooki
    ngf
    oryou?
    "
    "Whyaretheyangry?"Sheaskedwithalowvoi
    ce
    asherbigeyeslookedatHadesforcomfort
    .What
    didshedo?Hadesbr eat
    hedoutandbeforehe
    couldsayanyt
    hing,Susanwasbyt hecouch
    holdi
    ngherwaistwithanger
    .
    "Rebant
    lei
    sitt
    rue?
    "Rebantl
    e'
    slookedl
    ikeadeer
    caughti
    nheadl
    ight
    s.Notknowi
    ngwhatt hehel
    lwas
    goingon.
    "Hee?I
    sittr
    uethatyou'r
    etakingdrugs?"Sheasked
    andReba'seyeswidenedbeforetheyfi
    ll
    edwith
    tear
    s.Howdidtheyknow?Besi desshestopped.
    "
    I'
    m sor
    ry.
    "Susanshookherhead.
    "Whatareyousorryf
    or?Ar eyoutaki
    ngdrugsor
    not?
    "Sheaskedassher aisedhervoiceandthat
    scaredReba.Hadesrubbedhisjaw.
    "
    Pleasedon'
    trai
    seyourvoi
    ceather.
    "Susangave
    Hadesthemosthatef
    ull
    ookever.
    "Don'
    ttelkmehowt otr
    eatmydaughter
    ,shei
    smy
    chil
    dandi t'
    sal
    lyourf
    aultt
    hatshei
    staki
    ngdrugs.
    "
    Hadesr ubbedReba'
    shand.
    "
    YouRebant
    le,
    you'
    rel
    eavi
    ngwi
    thme.
    "
    "
    What
    ?"
    "Iwil
    lnotall
    owyout obeinfl
    uencedbythisboy.
    Youar enotevenmarri
    edandyour ui
    nedyour
    reput
    ationbytaki
    ngdrugs."SusangrabbedReba's
    handtopullherfr
    om thecouchandRebant l
    e
    l
    ookedatHadesf orhelp.Hewast heonlyfr
    iendshe
    needed.Heunderstoodherandshecoul dn'
    tfat
    hom
    bei
    ngr
    ippedawayf
    rom hi
    m.
    "I
    -Idon'
    twanttogo."Shesai
    dwi
    thasof
    tvoi
    ceand
    Susanwasn'thavi
    ngi t
    .
    "Youhavenochoi
    ce.Okgagogil
    esetseotsayadi
    drugs,
    wenaReba?"(You'
    reamess,you'
    realr
    eady
    taki
    ngdrugs.
    )Wit
    hthatSusanpull
    edRebantl
    eout
    ofthehouse.
    "
    Youar
    etoneverseet
    hatboyagai
    n."
    "
    What
    ?"
    "Heisabadinfl
    uenceoveryourli
    fe,
    lookatyounow.
    25yearsol
    dandst i
    llavarsi
    tyst
    udent,yohr
    uined
    yourownli
    fe.Areye."(
    let
    'sgo)
    "
    Mycl
    o-"
    "
    You'l
    lbuynewones.
    "Thabisol
    ookedatHadesone
    moreti
    mebwforehewalkedouttoj
    oinhi
    swife.
    Hadescoveredhi
    sfacewithhishands.Theydi dn'
    t
    havetotr
    eatRebali
    kethatbuthewouldtaket he
    blameeverydayf
    orRebastart
    ingdrugseven
    thoughheknewhehadnot hi
    ngtodowi thit
    ,itall
    start
    edwit
    hhermodell
    ingcareerandeveryt
    hing
    thathappenedwhenshewenti nt
    ernat
    ional
    .He
    couldblamehi msel
    fforenabl
    ingher,wellt
    heywer
    e
    bothaddicts.Theothercr
    avedalcoholandthe
    otherdrugs.Hesighed.

    *
    **

    AtAl ora'sdor m, shef inall


    ywokeupandshepi cked
    upherphone.Shef oundamessagef rom her
    boyfriendandshssmi led.Shetextedhim backand
    putherphoneback.Ti met ogetstartedwi t
    hher
    mor ningr outinebef oresheevent ouchesherphone
    again.Anhourl ater,shepi ckedupherphoneand
    l
    ikeal ways, scrolledt hrought henewst okeepupt l
    datewi thwhatwashappeni ng.Hermor ningcal m
    wasdest royedbyt hecount l
    essofar ti
    clesshesaw
    onhersi sterandHades.Sher eadmostoft hem as
    shewal kedt oherdeskt ositdown.Al or
    aopened
    herlapt opasshedi aledRebant le'
    sphonewhi ch
    didn'tgot hrough.Sheopenedagoogl etabasshe
    searcheddr ugaddi ctionandwhatcanbedonet o
    help.Shesi
    ghedanddial
    edHades.Hisphoner
    ang
    foragoodmi nut
    ebef
    oreheanswered.
    "I
    fyouaregoingtoinsul
    tme,
    savei
    t.
    "Hesai
    dand
    sherol
    ledhereyes.
    "
    You'
    resuchanasshol
    e,wher
    eismysi
    ster
    ?"
    "
    Yourmot
    hert
    ookher
    ."Al
    oraxsshoul
    der
    ssl
    umped.
    "
    Isi
    ttr
    ue?
    "
    "
    Yeah!
    "Shel
    eanedback.
    "Whydidn'
    tyouguystel
    lme? "Shesai
    d.Sheloved
    hersi
    stert
    odeath,RebalovedHadestodeath.That
    meantshetoler
    atedHadestodeathandviceversa.
    "Wewereworkingoni
    t.I
    twasn'
    tsupposedt
    obei n
    themedi
    a."Hadessai
    d.Sur
    pri
    singl
    yAlor
    adidn'
    t
    evenbl
    amehimf orat
    hing.
    "You'vebeenbothf
    ight
    ingaddict
    ionsandIdon'
    t
    knowhowyout wothoughtyoucouldwint
    his
    alone."Al
    orasai
    d.
    "I
    'l
    lcal
    lback."Shehunguoanddi al
    ledherst
    ep-
    mother'
    snumber .I
    trangunanswer
    rdandAlora'
    s
    eyesquickl
    yr eadwhatwasont hel
    aptopscreen.
    Shedi
    all
    edSusanagai
    nandshef
    inal
    lyanswer
    ed.
    "
    Hel
    lo,
    canIspeakt
    oReba?
    "
    "
    Alor
    acanyoubel
    ievei
    tthatt
    hatboyi
    nfl
    u-"
    "Kekopagobual eRebantl
    e."
    (canIpl
    easespeakt
    o
    Rebantl
    e.)SusanhandedRebaherphone.Reba
    sni
    f f
    edasshesawAl ora'
    snamef l
    ashonthe
    screen.
    "
    HeyReba,
    areyouokay?
    "Rebashookherhead.
    "I
    '
    m sorry.I
    'm sosor
    ry…"Rebaapol
    ogi
    sedoverand
    overagain.
    "Ifyouapol
    ogi
    seonemor et
    ime,
    I'
    llpersonall
    y
    punchyou.Areyouokay?Di
    dtheyforceyout o
    comewi tht
    hem"Alr
    oaaskedandRebawi pedher
    tears.
    "Hadesdidnothi
    ngwrong."Alor
    alookedather
    computerscreenasherheartcl
    enched.
    "Reba,assoonasI '
    m donewithmylastpaperI'
    m
    fl
    yingbackhome.Iknowyoul oveHades, I
    'm
    heart
    brokenthatyoudidn'
    ttel
    lmeofyour
    str
    uggles.
    "RebachuckledandAlor
    asmi led.Less
    t
    ear
    s.Goodj
    obLor
    a!
    "
    You?Hear
    tbr
    oken?
    "Rebasni
    ff
    edandAl
    orasi
    ghed.
    "Yes.Butwhateveryouneedandwant
    ,cal
    lme.I'
    ll
    callever
    ydaydoesn'tmatt
    ert
    heti
    mezone.I'
    l
    lsend
    Austinther
    e."
    "
    Aust
    in?
    "Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    Don'
    tst
    art
    .Heistheonewhowil
    lbecl
    oserandhe
    i
    scal
    m.Toocalmtobet hr
    owi
    ngt
    antr
    umslikeyour
    mot
    herandot
    hersibl
    ings.
    "
    "
    Uhu!
    "
    "
    Iloveyouokay?Iwi l
    lbewi t
    hyoueverystepofthe
    wayandlist
    ent owhatever.YouknowIalways
    l
    ist
    entowhat everyoutel
    lme.Iloveyouforinf
    ini
    ty.
    "
    "
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    "
    "Restokay?Pl
    easedon'
    tlett
    hem f
    orcet
    hei
    rwi
    ll
    ontoyou."
    "
    Theywon'
    tunder
    stand.
    "Al
    orasi
    ghed.
    "
    I'
    llt
    alktothem.Wi
    lli
    tbehardtoopenuptothem
    r
    egardlessofwhet
    heryou'
    retaki
    ngdrugsornot
    ..
    "
    "Yes.
    "Alor
    asighedyetagai
    nasshegoogledways
    togetsomeonetoopenupt oyouaboutt
    heir
    probl
    ems.
    "Okay.IloveyouReba.Threemoremont hst henI'
    ll
    bedonewi t
    hschoolandI'
    l
    lbethere.Inthe
    meant i
    neAustinwil
    lbemymout hpi ecethatside.I
    l
    oveyouokay? "
    "Il
    oveyou.
    "Rebasaidsoft
    lyandAlor
    ablinkedtear
    s.
    Fuck!Shewascryi
    ng.Shehungupandbl inkeda
    coupleoft
    imessothatt
    hetearswouldnotfall
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    40] :REBORN

    53
    AtSusan'
    shouse,Rebaj
    ustqui
    etl
    ywalkedt
    oher
    bedr
    oom buti
    tseemedli
    kehermotherhadot
    her
    pl
    ans.
    "Wheredoyouthinkyou'
    regoi
    ng?Westi
    llhavet
    o
    getanswer
    s."Rebarubbedhereyes.
    "
    I'
    mti
    red.
    "Susanhel
    dherhi
    p.
    "Tired?Whenyouwer ewat chi
    ngt vwi t
    hHades?Ae,
    sitdownandanswerus.Wehadt ofindoutthrough
    themedi athatyout akedr ugs..drugsRebant l
    e.
    Drugsar edanger ousandyout aket hem?Ke
    tshogi le."Rebantledidn'tknowhowt odealwith
    peool ewhower eangr yandal lt hatcouldcomeout
    i
    fhermout hwer eapologies, l
    iket hetimeshe
    mi stakenl yripoedadr essshewassupposedt o
    model .Shehadsai dsor rysomanyt i
    mestot he
    pointofcr ying.Justli
    kei nt hi
    si nstanceshewas
    apol ogi si
    ngoverandoveragai nasshecr ied.Susan
    paused.
    "
    Youbroughtt
    hist
    oyour
    selfandnowwehavet
    o
    f
    indawayoutofit
    .Whenyoulist
    enedt
    obad
    advi
    ce.
    "Thabi
    sol
    ookedatSusan.Shewasgoing
    abouti
    tthewr
    ongwayandwasmaki ngmatt
    ers
    worse.
    "Su,
    calm downandletherrest
    .Shewaspr
    obably
    avoi
    dingsuchareacti
    on.Rebayoucangorest
    ."
    Rebasai
    dsorr
    yonemoretimebefor
    esher
    etr
    eat
    ed
    andSusant
    urnedt
    olookatThabi
    so.
    "Ihadthatundercontr
    ol,Rebantl
    eismydaught er,
    notours."Thabi
    sostaredatherwithablank
    expressi
    onandSusanr eal
    isedwhatshejustsaid.
    "
    Thabi
    soI
    -"
    "Fi
    ne.Sheisyourdaughter,
    Iwast ryi
    ngt obe
    hel
    pful.
    "Hewal kedawaywithoutwaitingforany
    fur
    therexplanat
    ionfr
    om herandSusan' sguil
    thad
    herwantingtogoafterhi
    mt oapologise.Itwasj
    ust
    asli
    poft hetongueandshedidn'tmeant hat.
    Inthebedroom, Rebantl
    ehel dherkneesasshe
    cri
    ed.Shedi dn'
    twanttor el
    ivethoseawful
    memor ies,
    itwasbadenoughshehadf ounda
    rat
    herinconvenientescaoef r
    om thememor i
    esbut
    nowt heyri
    ppedherawayf rom Hadesandshe
    didn'tknowhowshewasgoi ngt osurvive.Heknew
    whatt osayandifAlorawasher e, shewoul dbe
    withheri nherweir
    dway.Homedi dn'
    tof f
    erherthe
    comf ortshebadl
    ywant edandshedi dn'twantto
    relapseagainorbef or
    cedtotalk.Sher ockedback
    andf orthandhummedt hesongt heyusedt osing
    togetherintheki
    tchenwhenshewokeupf rom a
    nightmar eori
    nthemor ningaft
    erhersl eepwalking
    episodes.Sbestart
    edsi ngi
    ngthesongasshe
    closedhereyes.

    "
    Iwannabeal
    one,
    alonewi
    thyou.
    Doest
    hatmakesense?
    Iwantt
    ostealyoursoulandhi
    deyoui
    nmy
    tr
    easur
    echest
    Idon'
    tknowwhatt
    odo
    Todowi
    thyourki
    ssonmyneck
    Idon'
    tknowwhatf
    eel
    str
    uebutt
    hisf
    eel
    sri
    ghtso
    stayasec.
    Yeahyouf
    eelr
    ightsost
    ayasec.
    "Shesangsof
    lt
    y
    astear
    srol
    leddownhereyes,
    woul
    dtheyal
    lowher
    toseeHadesagai
    n.

    *
    **

    Aloralookedatt henot essheal readymade.Her


    heartracedasshet houghtthatshewasn' tdoing
    enoughasasi ster,whatifshef ailedherol dersister
    ?
    Shealreadyf eltlikeafail
    ure.Shel ookedar oundher
    room.Ever yt
    hi ngwasar r
    angedandshedi dn'tknow
    whattodowi thherpentupempt ionst hatwer eril
    ed
    byhersi st
    er'
    saddi cti
    on.Shewal kedt oher
    wardrobeandsati nsi
    deasshebr oughtherknees
    toherf ace.Shewant edtoscr eam sobad.She
    wantedt oscream andhopet hatherscr eamsmade
    Rebaf eelbet ter.Sher ubbedherchestandhereyes
    adjust
    edt othedar knessinthecl oset .Shesatt here
    i
    nt hecl oset,shedi dn'tknowf orhowl ong.Sheonl y
    gotoutwhenshehear dadoorknockandshet r
    ied
    toregainhercomposur e.Everythingshoul dbef i
    ne.
    Sheassur edher self.Sheopenedt hedoorandshe
    l
    ookedatRobertwhosepresencesuff
    ocatedher.
    Hischestl
    ookedl
    ikeagoodpl acet
    ocrybutshe
    wasn'tt
    hatper
    son.Sberel
    easedashakybr eat
    h
    andtri
    edtomaint
    ainherglar
    ebutfail
    ed.
    "Lor
    a."Cameouthisvoiceashel ungedtowardsher
    andheldher.Shedi
    dn'tfi
    ghthim offli
    keshe
    usuall
    ydidandshedidn'thavesomet hi
    ngtosay
    back.Shewassoof fandshewascont i
    nent
    saway.
    Somanymi lesawayfrom hersister
    .
    Austi
    nhel dheri
    nhisarmsashecl osedt
    hedoor
    andhepushedherhai rbackdown.Hecouldsense
    somethingwaswr ongthemomentsheopenedt he
    doorwithoutanysnidecommentorremark.Thei
    r
    usualbanterwasn'
    teventher
    e.
    Herubbedherbackandhewasn'tsur
    eifshewill
    openuptohim buteveni
    fshedoesn'
    t,
    hewasher e
    ei
    therway.Shemovedawayfrom hi
    m andlooked
    atherhands.
    "Ihavet
    owashmyhands, t
    heyhavedust."Shesai
    d
    withavoicehighert
    hanherusualvoi
    ce.I
    twaslike
    shewaspani cki
    ng.Alor
    aqui
    cklyopenedthedoor
    andwalkedoutasAust i
    nf oll
    owedherqui ckpaces
    tothebat
    hroom.I twast hegi r
    ls'bathroom buthe
    j
    ustwalkedinf ol
    lowingher .Hewat chedheropen
    thehotwaterfaucetandl ettheliquidsoapf i
    llher
    handasshel athereditfr
    ant i
    call
    yupt oherel bows
    andscruboffthedustt hathedi dn'tsee.Shef i
    ll
    ed
    herhandagainwi thsoap.
    "Clean,Ineedtogetclean!
    !"Shesaidwit
    ha
    breakingvoiceasherhandswentpi nkandwhen
    shewasaboutt ofi
    llherhandwithsoapagainhe
    heldherwr ist
    s.Shetriedt
    ofighthi
    m of
    f,tr
    yingt
    o
    pullawayf r
    om hisstronggri
    p.
    "
    I-
    Ijustwashedmyhandsandyo-
    "
    "
    Alor
    alookatme."Hef
    orcedhert
    ofacehi
    m and
    l
    ookint
    ohiseyes.
    "Babyyou'
    resafewithme.Ipromise."Hesaidsoftl
    y.
    HerOCDwasf l
    ari
    ngandsomet hi
    ngt ri
    ggeredi
    t,she
    wasusingittogethermindoffsomet hi
    ng.She
    weakenedinhisholdandheheldherhandsmuch
    gentl
    yashepul l
    edhertohim.Hepl acedherhead
    onhischest,
    ntocaringt
    hatherwethandswer e
    wet
    ti
    nghi
    sshi
    rt
    .
    "
    Doyouwantt
    otal
    k?"Heasked.Si
    lence.
    Hedi dn'tl
    etgoofherhandsi ncaseshescr ubbed
    herselftothepoi
    ntofbleedi
    ng.Al orabr eathed
    softlyasscenari
    osplayedinherhead.Shecl soed
    hereyesandf ist
    edherhands.Hedi dn'tletgoofher
    handsandshewashal fgratefulforthat,shewas
    probablygoingtoscrubherselfti
    llshebl ed.She
    tri
    edt ir
    elaxi
    nhisholdandhewal kedoutwi thher,
    notevenmovi ngherhead.Shebl inkedbackt he
    tears.Shewasnotthecr yi
    ngt ype.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    41] :REBORN
    54

    InAlor
    a'sr oom,Austinpushedherhai rbackasshe
    l
    aidherheadonhi slap.Shehadn' tsaidanything
    andhet houghthehear dasni fff
    rom her.The
    sil
    enceallowedAlorat ot hinkaboutReba's
    sit
    uati
    on.Wasshet hatignor antofhersisterthat
    shenevernot i
    cedanyt hingwr ongf oryears?Tears
    fi
    ll
    edhereyesandshef or cedl
    yblinkedthem away.
    Shewasokay.Shet riedt omoveherheadbuthi s
    l
    argehandkeptherheadonhi slap.Shecl earedher
    thr
    oat.
    "
    I'
    llcast
    rat
    eyou.
    "Shesai
    dandhechuckl
    ed.
    "I'
    m st
    arti
    ngtothi
    nkyou'r
    eobsessedwi t
    hmyd* ck
    Alora.
    "Sheroll
    edhereyes,t
    alki
    ngtohim off
    eri
    ng
    heramuchneededdi str
    acti
    onfrom herraci
    ng
    thoughts.
    "
    Getoveryour
    sel
    f.
    "
    "Never.
    "Hesai
    d.Hedi dn'
    tforcehert
    otalkabouti
    t
    andtheissueweighedheavil
    yintheair
    .Their
    bantercoul
    dn'
    tevenmaski tandshebreathedout
    ashishandmovedt ohercheekandt hi
    soneti
    me
    sheall
    owedher sel
    ftotouchhi
    shandandkeepi t
    ther
    e.Rightonhercheek.Aust
    inmovedhi sthumb
    andshej usthel
    dhishand.Hesti
    lldidn'
    taskher
    aboutwhatl edt
    ohertemporar
    ybr eakdown.
    "Ifeell
    ikeaf
    ail
    ure.
    "Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    ywi
    thoutmovi
    ng
    hishand.
    "I
    'm al
    waysthesmartestpersonintheroom andI
    fail
    edtonoti
    ce?Ishouldhavedonebet t
    er,If
    ail
    ed
    herbecauseh-"shepausedandcl osedhereyes.He
    didn'
    tsayanythi
    ngandshewasgr atef
    ulforhi
    s
    sil
    ence,sheknewhewasl i
    steningthough.
    "Ihopeshef orgi
    vesmef ornotpayingattent
    ion.I
    feell
    ikesuchaf ail
    ureandIam mi l
    esawayf rom
    homeAust in."Shesaid.Aust
    injustrubbedher
    cheekasshehel dhishandwithoutmovingher
    head.
    "Howdi di
    tfl
    yovermyheadt hatmysist
    eri
    staki
    ng
    drugs?Am Isoselfabsor
    bedthatIdi
    dn'
    tnot
    ice?
    "
    Sheclosedhereyesagainandmovedherhead
    closer
    .
    "Peoplehidethei
    rproblemswell
    .Yoursi
    sterhidher
    ownwel l.
    "Alorafi
    nall
    ymovedherheadfrom hislap
    andshel ookedathisface.Hewasawor kofartbut
    she'l
    lnevertel
    lhi
    mt ohi sf
    ace.Hi
    segodidn'tneed
    mor eencouragement.
    "Li
    keyouhideyourtrueemotions?
    "Shesai
    d
    point
    edl
    y,i
    fshehitthenailontheheadhedi
    dn'
    t
    showitandheraisedaneyebr ow.
    "
    We'
    renott
    alki
    ngaboutme.
    "
    "
    Wemi
    ghtaswel
    ltal
    kaboutyou.
    "
    "Areyougood?"Heaskedherandshepl acedher
    handsonherthighs.Austi
    n'seyesmovedfrom her
    thi
    ghstoherchestbeforehiseyesset
    tl
    edonher
    face.
    "I
    'm okay.
    "Shesaid.Shehasalwaysbeenokay.The
    onesibli
    ngnoonehadt oworr
    yaboutbecauseshe
    heldhersel
    fwithstandar
    dssohigh,t
    heycouldn'
    t
    evenmeett hosestandar
    ds.
    Aust
    inmovedcl
    oserandshemovedback.He
    l
    aughedandsheshoolherhead.
    "
    Ihat
    eyou.
    "
    "Iknow."Shesmi
    ledandhersmi
    lel
    efthi
    m
    breathl
    ess.
    "
    It
    'sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    "
    "
    Whati
    s?"
    "Yourr
    ealsmi
    leLor
    a."Shesmi
    ledmor
    eandhe
    gri
    nned.
    "
    You'
    resmi
    li
    ngf
    orme,
    myf
    ier
    ydr
    eamer
    ?"
    Sher
    oll
    edhereyesbef
    oreshegl
    aredathi
    m.
    "
    Youwi
    shRober
    t.
    "
    "
    Comecl
    oser
    ."Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    No.
    "
    "
    Alor
    a."
    "
    Rober
    t.
    "
    "Comecl oser
    ."Sher olledhereyesandmoved
    closerwithherarmsf olded.Helaughedandpull
    ed
    hercloser,ar
    msf oldedandal l
    .Hekissedthet
    opof
    herheadandsher olledhereyest ryi
    ngnottosmil
    e.
    "Robert,t
    hesamewayyougotmynumberf r om
    Hades, wil
    lyoucheckonhi m whenyougett o
    Botswana? "Sheaskedhi m.Hadespr obablydidn't
    haveanyonei nhi scornernowthatRebahad
    forci
    blybeent akenawaybyherst ep-
    parent
    s.As
    muchasshehaddet estedhimf orbeingepicentre
    i
    nhersi ster'
    slif
    e,hi
    spar ent
    sdidn'tgiveanyf l
    ying
    fucksabouthi m andthehumanpar tofher
    understoodwhyhewasal wayswi thRebaand
    didn'
    tmi ndblendingintoherfamily.
    "Idon'
    tknowhowyouguysknoweachot herbut
    tal
    ktohim."Hesl
    idhi
    sfi
    ngersinherhai
    randshe
    usedbothhandst
    oholdhishand.
    "Don'
    ttouchmyhai rl
    iket
    hat
    .Ket
    lagobet
    sa
    kana.
    "(
    i'l
    lbeatyou.
    )
    "I
    '
    dliketoseeyoutry.
    "Shecont
    emplatedpi
    cki
    ng
    herpil
    lowtohi
    thisheadbutshewouldhavetopi
    ck
    i
    tupi ncasei
    tfel
    l.
    "
    Chess?
    "Sheasked.
    "
    Lor
    a?"Shel
    if
    tedhereyest
    ohi
    m.
    "
    You'
    renotaf
    ail
    ureokay?
    "Shel
    etoutahar
    sh
    br
    eat
    handnodded.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    41] :REBORN

    55

    InsideReba’sbedr
    oom, shelaidinbed.Howwas
    shegoi ngtoexpl
    ainherself
    ?Woul dthemedi a
    houndhert hemomentshest eppedout si
    dethe
    house?Woul dthebrandshewor kedwithaskherto
    makeast at
    ement?Theonl yconfidenceshehad
    everhadwast owal kt
    her unawaybutnowshecan’ t
    evensummont hatconfi
    dence.Shet urnedonher
    side,howwasHades?Whowashel pinghim wi
    th
    hiswi t
    hdr awalsympt oms?Hewast r
    yingt oget
    clean,hewasr eall
    ytryingandwasn’ tshewho
    wishedhewassober .Shecl osedhereyesand
    remember edt hatpar tyat17whenshehadHades
    accompanyher ,
    themusi cwassol oudandhe
    kissedherhal fdr unki nt hebackseatofhi scar.Her
    fi
    rstkissandshehadwi shedhewassobert o
    experiencet hemomentwi thher .Shehugged
    herself,shewasn’ tevenhol dingherphonenort he
    housekeys.Howwasshegoi ngtoconvi nceher
    mot hertot akehert oHades’ housesoshecoul dget
    herphoneatl east .Alorasaidshewasgoi ngtocall
    andshewant edt ocal lHades.Shecl osedhereyes
    notimagi ni nghowal onehewas.Tear sfi
    ll
    edher
    eyes,hedi dn’tevendef endhi msel fwhenhewas
    toldhei nfluencedher .Sher ubbedhereyesandgot
    outofbed.Shet houghtabouti tandt henshesaton
    thebed.Whati fhermot herloseshert emperagain?

    Meanwhil
    eBokamosoknockedont hedoor.A
    f
    labber
    gastedSusanopenedthedoorandshe
    l
    ookedatherfi
    rstbor
    nwithrel
    iefi
    nhereyes.
    “HiBK.
    ”Shehuggedhi
    m andBokamosohuggedher
    back.
    “
    IsRebaokay?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sinherr
    oom.
    ”
    “Yougother?”SusannoddedandBokamoso
    breathedouti
    nreli
    ef.Nowtheycouldf
    indaway
    forwardtodealwit
    htheirsi
    ster
    ’sdr
    ugaddi
    cti
    on
    thathassuddenlycomet ol
    ight
    .
    “
    CanIspeakt
    oher
    ?”
    “
    Okay.
    ”Bokamosowal kedpashismotherandhe
    f
    oundtheroom Rebaoccasi
    onal
    lyusedwhenshe
    wasvi
    sit
    ingthei
    rpar
    ents.Heknockedonthedoor
    .
    "Whoi
    sit
    ?"Hervoicewasmuff
    ledbyt
    hebl
    anket
    s
    shewasunderandBokamososmil
    ed.
    "
    Bk.
    "
    "Coming.
    "Hehear dther ust
    leoftheblanket
    sandhe
    l
    eanedagainstthewal lwaiti
    ngforhertoopent he
    door.Thedoorknobt wistedanditswungopen.Her
    ganglyfi
    gurecameint oviewbutitwasswal lowed
    byheroversizedcl
    othes.Shesmi ledathim asshe
    pul
    ledt
    hehoodi
    eback.
    "HeyReba."Heusedhishandtomesswithherhai
    r
    andsheheldhishand.Hechuckl
    ed.Al
    orawouldbe
    spit
    ti
    ngprofani
    ti
    esatanyoneat
    tempti
    ngtodothat
    toher.
    "CanIcomei n?"Heaskedher .Hedi dn'twantt o
    suffocateherandhewat chedhert hinkabouti tfor
    ami nutebeforeshewal kedi nsideandt oldhimt o
    foll
    ow.Howdi dhi ssweet estsisterresor ttodrugs?
    Itwasdi f
    fi
    culttobel i
    evet hatthegi rlwhowasa
    forcetober eckonedwi thbehi ndt hecamer alens
    wast hisshyawayf rom itandwasnohookedon
    drugs.Rebasatdown.Shehadbeeni gnoringher
    compul si
    onsandshewasmaki ngpr ogressright?
    Shesai dtoher selfasshesatont hebedandher
    footstart
    edt appingont hecar pet edfloor.
    Bokamosot ookt hechairwhi chwasnextt othe
    studytableandhef acedhi ssi ster.
    "Ar
    eyouokay? "Heaskedherandhewatchedher
    purseherli
    psandnod.Hetookthatasananswer
    .
    Hedidn'twanttoover
    whel
    m her.
    "
    Youwer
    ecr
    ying.
    "
    "I
    '
    m sor
    ryifI
    'm maki
    ngyouworriedaboutme.I
    t
    wasnevermyintent
    ion.I
    '
    m sor
    ry."Shesai
    dandshe
    cl
    osedhereyes.
    "
    I'
    m sosor
    ry.
    "Hegotupf
    rom hi
    schai
    rtohugher
    .
    "I
    '
    msososorry.
    "herwor
    dscameoutasher
    ubbed
    herbackandsheheldbackt
    ear
    s.

    *
    **

    AtHudsonCo., Hadesmadehi swayt ohi sfather'


    s
    offi
    ce.Heavoi dedt hestar
    esoft hepeopl einthe
    offi
    cebuildi
    ngs.Thenewshadmadei t'
    sr ounds
    hereandhewassur ethemediaat t
    entionwas
    somet hi
    nghisfather '
    sCompanywasn' tl
    ooki ngfor.
    Hewassmar tnotthatsmar ttoAloraandAust in'
    s
    extentbuthegothi sdegreeregardlessoft he
    alcoholabuseright?Helickedhislips,wishinghe
    washol di
    ngabot tl
    eofbour bont ocombatt he
    wor dsfr
    om hsifather'smouth,theyalwayshur t
    mor ethanphysicalpunchesandki ckscould.They
    cutdeeperthant hewhiskeygl
    assbot t
    lecould.His
    fatherwasanal cohol
    ichimsel
    fandheneverhi dit
    from Hadesbuthedi dgetthejobdoneatt he
    companywhi chwasal egacyf
    r om hisgrandfather
    .
    HudsonCo. ,hasalwaysbeenaf amilycompany.
    Onehewi shedhedi dn'thavet
    ol eadoneday.He
    sighedasheknockedont hedoor .
    "Comein."Hisfat
    her'
    sroughvoi cesoundedandhe
    steppedi
    nsidetheoffi
    cet hathadoneofthebest
    viewsint
    heci t
    y.Hisfatherwasf aci
    ngthevi
    ewwith
    hishandsinhispockets.
    "Atleastyoucameandyouar en'tst
    upidenoughto
    stayaway. "Hesai
    d.HadessatdownandFr ed
    Hudsont urnedtofacehi
    sson.Ther esemblance
    wasuncannyandi twaswit
    hnodoubtt hatHades
    washi sson.Throughandthrough.
    "
    Themor
    nibghasbeenevent
    ful
    ."Hesai
    d.
    "
    Thankstoyourex-
    wif
    e."Hadessai
    dandFr
    ed
    f
    acedhim.
    "
    Shedi
    dthi
    s?"
    "Becauseshedidn'
    tgetmoney.Youknowhowt o
    pickthem don'
    tyoufather?"Thefat
    herwasbi
    tt
    er
    anditlef
    tanevenbittertasteknHades'
    mouth.
    "Car
    eful
    ,themoneyt hatreport
    sinyouraccount
    ever
    ymont hhasmyl astname."Andhehat edt
    hat
    butneverdi
    danyt hingabouti t
    .Hesi ghedand
    l
    ookedathisfather,hi ssharj
    awt icki
    ngashe
    wait
    edforFredHudsont ospewhi snonsensesohe
    cangot ohi
    sempt yhouse.Hef elthishearthol
    low.
    Rebawasgone.Hepushedhert ot hebackofhis
    mindfortheti
    mebei ng.
    "I
    '
    lldealwi
    thher
    ,fornowgetcleanorsomet
    hing.
    "
    Fredsaidandabit
    terl
    aughescapedHades'
    mout h.
    "
    Likeyouar
    e?"
    "
    Don'
    tpat
    roni
    seme.
    "
    "
    Iam not
    .Iam aski
    ngf
    ather
    ."
    "It
    'syourmessI'mtryi
    ngtosolveher e.Makesure
    thatRebaiscleantoo.Youdatingaf ormermodel
    boostedthesalesandnowt heyplummet ed
    becauseofthescandalthatjustsurroundedyou
    two.Wor kwi
    tht hecompanypubl i
    cistaswellandI
    'l
    l
    talktoSusansincesheisRebant
    le'
    smanager
    .Alli
    n
    allI'
    m deali
    ngwithyourmess.
    "Hebreat
    hedoutand
    Hadesl eanedback.
    "
    Arewedone?
    "
    "
    Justgo!
    "Fredsai
    dandHadesdi
    dn'
    tneedt
    ohear
    moretogetgoi
    ng.

    *
    **

    Hourslat
    eratSusan'shouseaf
    tershehadbeenon
    countl
    essphonecallst
    ryi
    ngtoremedythesi
    tuat
    ion
    andcomeupwi t
    hawayf orwar
    d,sheheadedtot
    he
    bedroom shesharedwit
    hherhusband.
    "ThabisoI'
    m sor
    ryaboutwhatIsai
    dearl
    ieron.I
    t
    wasi ntheheatoft
    hemoment .
    "Thabi
    soputhi s
    phonedownt of
    aceher.
    "Aren'
    tweat eam?Maybest i
    lli
    nthesameheatof
    themomentyoumi ghtevent
    ellAlor
    at hatshei
    s
    notyourbiol
    ogical
    childandhurtherfeeli
    ngs
    regardl
    essofhowof fi
    shsheseems."Susanshook
    herhead.
    "
    Iwoul
    dneverdot
    hat
    .Al
    orai
    smydaught
    er.
    "
    "AndIthoughtallf
    iveoft
    heseki
    dswer
    eour
    chil
    dren,
    Iwast ooforwar
    dIguess.
    "
    "
    Don'
    tbel
    iket
    hat
    ."
    Thabi
    sopi
    ckedhi
    sphoneandcheckedt
    het
    ime.
    "
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    "
    "
    Wher
    e?"
    "
    Out
    ."Hesai
    dandhegotoutofbed.Hesl
    idhi
    sfeet
    i
    nhi
    ssli
    desandpi
    ckedhi
    scarkeysofft
    hestand.
    "Thabi
    sowear esti
    llt
    alki
    ng."Shethr
    ewherhands
    i
    nt heair
    .Thabisowalkedpastherandcl
    osedthe
    door.Shesighedfr
    ustrat
    ed.

    ThabisoknockedonReba'sdoorandheheardthe
    rust
    li
    ngoftheblanket
    s.Sheopenedthedoorand
    shelookedathim.
    "
    Wecango."Shenoddedandwal
    kedbacki
    nsi
    de
    t
    her
    oom t
    owearhershoes.Shewal
    kedoutaf
    ew
    secondslat
    erastheywalkedsidebysi
    deinsi
    lence.
    Susanopenedthedoortoherbedroom andst
    epped
    out.Shesawherhusbandwi t
    hReba.
    "Whereareyougoing?Shei
    sinnostat
    etoleave
    thehouse."Susansai
    dandRebant
    leshri
    nkedback
    asThabisolookedathi
    swif
    e.Shewashandling
    thi
    sallwrong.
    "Sheisnotaporcelaindol
    lforcryi
    ngoutloud
    Susan.Rebantl
    eisol denoughtomakeherown
    deci
    sions.
    "Hesai d.Rebantl
    eopenedhermout hto
    apologi
    se.Shedidn'twantthem tofi
    ghrbecauseof
    her.
    "Andherbei
    ngol denoughledhert
    otakedrugs
    ri
    ght?Idon'
    tcareifshei
    sinhermid20s,sheisnot
    fi
    ttobeoutthere.
    "Rebantl
    ebreat
    hedinandout.
    Seewhyherdr ugaddict
    ionwasbett
    erwhenitwas
    j
    ustasecretandonlyHadesknew.Sherubbedher
    arm andcl
    osedhereyes.
    Thabi
    so'
    sgazel
    andedonRebaandhebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    Heputhi
    sarmsaroundher
    .
    "
    Reba,
    let
    'sgoandyou'
    l
    lbeback.
    "
    "I
    '
    m sosor
    ry.Sor
    ry.
    "Shesai
    dneartear
    sand
    Thabi
    sogl
    aredathi
    swifebef
    orehebreat
    hedout
    .
    "Ther
    eisnothingt obesor r
    yaboutokay?"He
    assuredherandl edheroutofthehouse.Reba
    wishedshedidn'thavet othi
    nkri
    ghtnow, i
    fther
    e
    weredrugsnearbyshewoul dbesohighand
    nothi
    ngwouldbur stherbubbl
    eofhappinessevenif
    i
    twast emporary.Thosehal l
    uci
    nati
    onswer ebett
    er
    thanfaci
    ngreali
    ty.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Nexti
    nser
    ttof
    oll
    owi
    nanhourort
    wo.Hi
    .
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    41] :REBORN

    56
    Thabi
    sopar
    kedhiscaroutsi
    det
    heyar
    dandReba
    gavehi
    m agrat
    efull
    ook.
    “Godowhatyoudobef oreweheadhome. ”She
    noddedandshegotoutoft hecar .Shealmost
    tri
    ppedasshehal frantot hegat eandThabi so
    chuckled.Thatwasyoungl ove,hecoul dseepast
    theiraddicti
    onsandhesawl ove.Event houghit
    didn’tseem li
    kei ttootherpeopl e.Hel ookedathi
    s
    phoneandheswi t
    chedi ton.Hewassur ehewas
    goingt ofindmi ssedcal l
    sf r
    om Susan.Hehat ed
    howshehandl edthewhol et hingandi twasso
    unli
    kehi slevelheadedwi fe.Didshef eeloutof
    dept horwasshet ryingtoactl ikesuperwoman
    andsaveever yone?
    Rebant
    leknockedont
    hedoor
    .
    “Hades!Hopenthedoor!”Shesai dandthatdr
    ew
    Hadesoutofhisthoughts.Wast hatReba?He
    breat
    hedoutandlookedar ound.Thankful
    lyhe
    hadn’
    topenedthebottl
    eofwhi skeyhehadbought.
    Wassheback?
    “Coming.”Hegotupandwal kedtot
    hedoortoopen
    upforher.Themi nutethedoorwasopenshe
    hurl
    edher sel
    finhisarms.Heheldher,hi
    sbody
    engulf
    ingherframe.Shel etgoofhi
    m andhe
    smiledather.Theyhadbeenapar tf
    ormor et
    han
    sevenhour sandshehat edthat
    .Shepl
    acedher
    headbackonhi schest.
    “
    Hi.
    ”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    y.
    “Hilove.”Hisvoicewasint
    oxicat
    ingonit’
    sown.Did
    heknowt hat?Rebaaskedhersel
    f.Hadeswast he
    kindofhandsomet hatwasharshandwasallin
    yourf ace,hedidn’
    tblendi
    nandsheknewgi rl
    s
    want edhim buthewasher sri
    ght?Right
    ?She
    askedher selfandshookherhead.Shedidn’
    thave
    mucht i
    me.
    “
    Whati
    sitl
    ove?
    ”
    “Icameher ef
    ormyphoneandcl othes.
    ”Hades
    swall
    owedandnodded.Hel if
    tedhisheadandsaw
    thecar.Thabi
    sorai
    sedhistwofingersi
    nsalut
    eand
    Hadesnoddedi nacknowl
    edgment .
    “
    I’
    llhel
    pyou.
    ”Heki
    ssedt
    het
    opofherhead.
    “
    HadesI
    ’
    m scar
    ed.
    ”Shesai
    d.
    “
    Tal
    ktome.
    ”
    “Iwantafi
    x.”Shesai
    dunderherbreathandhe
    closedhi
    seyes.Shedidn’tl
    etgoastheywal
    ked
    i
    nsidethehouse.Heclosedthedoorandhel
    dher
    hands.
    “
    Wher
    edot
    heur
    gescomef
    rom?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m upset
    tingever
    yoneandit’
    smyf aul
    t.Idon’
    t
    wantt
    othinkaboutitHades.
    ”Shesaid.
    “
    And?
    ”
    “Andt her
    eisnothi
    ngtotakemymi ndoffmyown
    thoughts.Idon’
    twanttothi
    nk.”Shesaidasshe
    removedherhandsf r
    om his.Sheheldherhoodie
    sleevesandHadeslookedather .Shewassocut e
    butthatwasbesidesthepoint.Heshouldn’
    tenabl
    e
    her,thatwaswhatgotthem here.
    “
    Love,
    youdon’
    th-
    “sheshookherhead.
    “
    EversinceIgott
    here,
    myt hought
    shavebeen
    r
    acingandthecompulsionswer esost
    rong.I-
    Ijust
    wantasmallfi
    x.Eveni
    fi t
    ’sweedthoughheroinwil
    l
    beeffi
    cientbutweedcandobecauseit’
    seasi
    ert
    o
    fi
    ndthanher oin.
    ”Shepacedupanddownasshe
    star
    tedthinki
    ngaboutwhereshecanfi
    nddrugs,
    shedidn’tdoweed.Itwasn’
    tst
    rongl
    ikethedr
    ugs
    shetookbuti twasbe-
    Hertr
    ainoft
    houghtwascutof
    fwhenHadeshel
    d
    her
    .
    “Rebawearenotgoi
    ngdownt hatr
    oadagain.
    ”He
    saidst
    ernl
    yandRebatouchedhischeek.
    “
    I-
    Iknowbut-
    “shebi
    therl
    owerl
    ipandr
    eleaseda
    t
    ir
    edsigh.
    “IknowyouH, you’r
    egoingt odri
    nk.Youneed
    somet hingstr
    ongertoprocessever yt
    hingandyou
    don’twantt ohavetoprocess.IknowyouHades. ”
    Shesai dsoftl
    yandhef acedt heotherway,knowing
    thatshewasr ight.Herebeforehim,stoodhisbest
    fri
    end,loverandgirl
    fri
    end.Sheknewhi mli
    kethe
    backofherhandandsheaccept edhim.Eveni fhe
    wassuchabi tt
    erbastardbutheaccept edhim and
    l
    ovedhi m.
    “
    No.I
    ’
    m notl
    ett
    ingyoudest
    royyour
    sel
    foncemor
    e
    l
    ove.Il
    oveyoutoomuchtolett
    hathappen.
    ”Reba
    si
    ghedandnodded.Hehel
    dherhand.
    “Let
    ’shelpyoupackyourcl ot
    hesokay?”She
    noddedandl ethimleadhert otheroom theyhad
    sharedforoverayear .Shehadsomef unmemor i
    es
    hereaswellasmemor i
    esshepr ef
    err
    ednott ot
    hink
    about.Whent heygott otheroom,shetookouther
    suit
    caseandpl aceditont hebed.
    “Idon’tknowwhenI ’
    llbeback.Idon’ twantt ogo.”
    Rebasai d.Hadest oodbyt hebedandhej ust
    nodded.Shedi dn’
    twantt ohavet oleavehi m all
    alone, Hadeshadonl yherf orsupportaswei r
    das
    thatmaysound.Hemayber ichbuthehadher ,he
    hasonl yhadherf r om thet i
    mesheagr eedt obehi s
    bestf ri
    endwhent heywer eteenagerst i
    llnow.He
    hadnocl utcht ohol dont oandshehadt his
    par al
    ysingf earthatt hemomentshel eaves,she
    mi ghtfindhi m deepi ntohi saddict
    ion.Deepi nto
    thatdar khol e,
    theybot hfoughtt ogethim outof .
    Theywer eaddi ctsandt heirdynamicwaswei rdto
    under standbutsheknewhehadher .Shehadher
    fami l
    ywhom shewasguessi ngatthispointwant ed
    nothi
    ngtodowi thHades.Sheclosedhereyes,her
    chestachi
    ngatthepossibil
    it
    yofHadesdyi ngf
    rom
    al
    coholpoisoni
    ng.Sheopenedhereyesandbl i
    nked
    backhertearsbuti
    twast oolat
    e.Theyrol
    leddown
    hercheeksandHadeswasbyhersi dei
    nseconds.
    Hehel
    dher
    .
    “
    Love,
    it’
    sokay.
    ”
    “Idon’
    twanttoloseyou.”Rebasai
    dandHadeskept
    quiet
    .Inhist
    eenyear shehadbeensurehewasn’
    t
    goingtoli
    vepast24buther ehewasanditwas
    becauseofher.Rightnow,hewasn’
    tsosure.
    “Hadessaysomet hi
    ng.
    ”Shebegged.Hesi
    ghedand
    kissedherf
    orehead.
    “IloveyouokayReba? ”Rebamovedherheadand
    sniffed.Hedidn’
    tevenr eassureher.Shejust
    noddedt hendi
    sentangledhersel
    ffrom him soshe
    coul dgopackherbag.I ntwentymi nutesshewas
    done, shedidn’
    tpackupever ythi
    ngbutonl ythe
    stuffshewasgoi ngtoneed.Thesui t
    casewasnow
    ont hef l
    oorandreadyt obetakenaway.Shewasn’ t
    sur eifhermotherwasgoi ngtoletheroutofher
    sight, shedi dn’twantt ooffendhermot herand
    disobeyher .Shehat edconf l
    ictentir
    elyandshe
    woul dagr eetoanyt hingthant oseepeopl efi
    ghtor
    quar reloverher .Shef oundherphoneandsl i
    dit
    i
    nt oherhoodi epocket ,
    shel ookedar oundt heroom
    andshewasconf l
    icted.Woul dsheseeHadesagai n,
    woul dhermot herunder st
    andt hatsheneedsHades?
    Shewal kedintohi sopenar msandshef itperf
    ectl
    y
    withhi m.Theydi dn’tletgof orawhi leandshewas
    theonet obreakt hest r
    onghol d.Shest oodonher
    ti
    pt oest okisshi sshar pjawl i
    net henlips.She
    openedhermout handhedi dthesame, hishands
    nowmovi ngdownt oherf l
    atbehi nd.She
    appr eciatedt hathenevercomment edonhowshe
    didn’thaveanyasst ogropeandl ovedheranyway.
    “I
    st hi
    sgoodbyesex?
    “Heaskedandshenodded
    beforeshebroket
    hekissandsmi
    led.
    “
    Youspoi
    ledt
    hemood.
    ”
    “Icansti
    llhaveyouagainstthewal
    l.
    ”Hekissedher
    nosethenhercheek.Shegr i
    nned.Shewasmaking
    Thabisowaitandshef el
    tbadaboutthatbutt
    hen
    Hades.Sheki ssedhi
    m againandthi
    stimehe
    pi
    ckedherup, shewr appedherlegsaroundhi
    s
    wai
    stashepl acedheront hebed,gent
    lyasi
    fshe
    wassomet hi
    ngbr eakable.Shelookedupathi
    m as
    helookedstr
    aightintohereyes.
    “Il
    oveyou. ”Hesai dandshenodded.Herhandson
    hisjacketandal readyunzi ppingi t.Het hrewi t
    acrosst her oom andshel ookedatanot herobst acl
    e,
    hist-shir
    t.Shesl idherhandsunder neathi ttofeel
    hisski nandhel owerhimsel fonhert oki ssher
    withoutevenr emovi nghercl othes, hewast orn
    betweenr emovi nghercl othest of eelherski norto
    removeherbot tomssoi tcouldbeeasi erf orherto
    getdr essedwhenshel ef t
    .Heshookhi shead.He
    woul dhavet othi nkaboutt hatl ater.Rebamade
    thi
    ngseasi erforhi m byl if
    tingher selfof fthebed
    andr emovi ngherhoodi e.Shepl acedi tont hefloor
    andhedi dt her est.Inmi nutest heywer ef ul
    lynaked
    andki ssingf ervent l
    y.Hades’ l
    ipssuckedonher
    neckashe#EXPLI CIT
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    41] :REBORN

    57

    Hadeswat chedRebagetdr essedasat earfell


    ,he
    quicklywipedi tawayandhegotupf r
    om bed,
    pi
    ckinguphi sboxershort
    sf r
    om thefloor.Rebant
    le
    breathedout .Shewashopingf orthebestandshe
    washopi ngt hathermotherwouldunder standher.
    Shehopedi twouldgetbett
    erandherst epf at
    her
    wouldallowhert oseeHades.
    Hadeshel
    dherinhi
    sarmsasshest oppedmi
    dway
    wit
    hsli
    ppi
    ngthehoodi
    eoverherhead.
    “I
    ’l
    lvisi
    t.Ipr
    omise.Wecanbeatt
    his.
    ”Shesaid
    soft
    ly.Shedidn’
    tknowhowbutshewasbetterthan
    her
    oinandanyotherdr
    ugshecoul
    dtake.Shetol
    d
    her
    self
    .Hadesnoddedandki
    ssedherfor
    ehead.
    “
    I’
    llmi
    ssyou.
    ”Hesai
    dandshesmi
    ledsadl
    y.
    “I
    ’l
    lcallever
    yday, Ipromi se.
    ”Shepl acedafingeron
    hi
    sl i
    psandr ubbedt he,beforeshemovedbackand
    woreherhoodi e.Shecheckedf orherphonei nthe
    pocketsN’sthankfullyitwasstillt
    here.Shelooked
    atthemessyr oom andt hebedwher etheyj
    ust
    madel ove.Sheswal lowedt ear
    full
    yandhuggedhi m.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Bestf
    ri
    ends?
    ”Hesaidwit
    hacr
    oakyvoi
    ceandshe
    gri
    nnedint
    ohisbar
    echest
    .
    “
    For
    everi
    nourwor
    ld.Bestf
    ri
    endandl
    over
    .”
    “Andeveryt
    hingi
    nbetween.”Hecomplet
    edina
    breat
    h.Shenoddedandkissedhisbar
    echest.
    “Idon’
    twantt
    oletyou.
    ”
    “Sodon’t.
    ”Hesaid.Rebashookherhead.Itwas
    i
    mpossi bl
    e,hermotherwassounpredi
    ctableatt
    his
    pointandmaybet hedist
    ancewoulddothem good
    ri
    ght?Butitcanalsodomor ehar
    m.
    “Ihaveto.
    ”Sheletgoandshel
    ickedherli
    ps.He
    kissedhercheekandhi
    sli
    psli
    ngeredther
    efor
    secondsbeforehemovedhisl
    ipsawayand
    steppedback.
    “I’
    llcall.
    ”Shesai dandshewal kedovert oherbag
    andshepi ckedi tup.Okayi twasheavy, she
    deci dedt opul li
    tashewat chedherwal koutoft he
    bedr oom.Her ubbedhi seyesandf oll
    owedherout
    asshepul l
    edt hebagt ot hedoor .Shesmi ledl i
    ke
    ever ythi
    ngwasokay.Hel ickedhi slipsagai n.
    Rebant l
    eopenedt hedoorandwal kedout ,leavi
    ng
    thebet t
    erhalfofherhear tinsidethehouse.Her
    handgr azedhercheek.Hi skiss,hercheek.He
    wat chedherl eave.Shewant edt oscr eam t hatthe
    uni versewasnotf ai
    r,i
    fshehadnotgonet hrough
    allthatwhi lemodel l
    ingshewoul dbeokay.She
    woul dn’tbesodependentondr ugsandher
    boyf ri
    end.Shewoul dbehappyandcheer fulandnot
    soscar edandcover edl i
    keal itt
    lemouse.
    Thabisogotoutofthecarandmetherhal
    fwayt
    o
    getthebags.Helookedatherandt
    hesadnessi
    n
    hereyeswasappar ent
    .Wasitsomet
    hingt
    hey
    al
    waysmissed?Hecoul
    dn’
    tevenr
    ememberthe
    ti
    meshegenuinel
    ysmil
    edi
    fhismemor
    yservedhi
    m
    well
    .
    “
    Thankyou.”Rebasai
    dsoftl
    yandhenodded.She
    washi
    sdaughter,r
    egar
    dlessofwhathi
    swif
    esaid
    i
    n‘t
    heheatsofthemoment ’
    .

    *
    **

    AtPr i
    ncet on,Aloralookedoverhernot esonhow
    shecoul dhel pRebant le.Shewasn’ tthemost
    affecti
    onat esisteri
    nt hewor ldbutshewoul dtry.
    ForRebashewoul dtryherbestsoherol dersister
    canbeokayagai n.Shedi dwantt oimagi nethe
    sti
    gmaRebawasgoi ngt of aceincl assort he
    stares.UBwasabi gschoolandever yonenow
    knew, theyknewRebant leMor emi,thebigmodel
    wasnowadr ugaddi ct.Af ulldrugaddi ctandt here
    wer epicturestosuppor tthat.Shepushedbackher
    hair,worriedalloveragai n.Shej ustwant edt oknow
    howandwhenbutshewasgoi ngt owai t
    .Forher
    si
    stert
    oopenuptoher
    .Shecheckedtheti
    me,it
    wasalmostni
    ghtt
    imether
    e.Sheshoul
    dcallt
    he
    bankonMondaymorni
    ng.Thedoorknockwas
    whatmadehertur
    nherhead.
    “I
    fit’
    sRobertatthedoor,pleasedie!Idon’twant
    menwi t
    hbigegosi nmyr oom!”Shesai dandshe
    heardhi
    slaugh.Shesmi l
    edandshookherhead.
    Sheschooledherfeaturestoform af r
    ownandt hat
    glar
    eshehadmast er
    edt oscarethemal especies
    awaywasal readyinplace.Shegotupandwal ked
    tothedoor
    .Sheopenedi tandfoldedherar ms.
    “
    Wer
    en’
    tyousupposedt
    ogoandneverr
    etur
    n?”
    “
    Youar
    edr
    amat
    ic!
    ”
    “Dramati
    cyousay?Idon’tt
    hinkyou’
    l
    lbesayingthat
    i
    fIcutyourhear
    tintotwowouldyou?”Heclutched
    hischesti
    nmockf r
    ight.
    “Nowyouwanttocomeformyhear
    t?Iassume
    yourhyper
    bol
    esshoul
    dscar
    eme?”
    “
    FuckyouRober
    t!
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dsayIwoul
    dfuckyoui
    nsecondsLor
    a.”Her
    faceheat edandhesmi r
    kedbeforehemovedcl oser
    andki ssedherf oreheadthenhislipsmovedt oher
    nosebef or ehekissedhercheek.Hi sli
    psli
    nger ed
    ont hecor nerofherl i
    psandshest oodthererigid,
    sil
    entlyhopi ngheki ssedherl
    ipsbuthebr eathedon
    herlips,hislipsnotmeet i
    nghers.Shepar t
    edher
    l
    ipsandhereyesl ookedathim wantinghimt oki ss
    her.Hest raightenedandherfistedhandhi thi
    s
    chest.
    “Idespi
    seyoutenti
    mesoverandwishyouwould
    burninhel
    l.
    ”Shesaidandheactual
    lyl
    aughed
    beforehel
    oweredhisheadt
    okissherl
    ipswhich
    partedi
    naninstant
    .
    “Youwant edmet odohi sbaby? ”Hesai dina
    breathyvoiceinhermout handshenoddedasshe
    adjustedherhei ghtbystandingonhert ipt
    oesand
    unsureofheract i
    ons,sheplacedherhandsonhi s
    chestthenherf ingersclut
    chedhi sshi r
    ttopullhi
    m
    tohim.Hishandsnakedt oherwai st,herbodyfull
    y
    fl
    ushagai nsthis.Shecoul dfeelhishar dpl
    anes
    andsheopenedhereyes.Shedi dn’tevenknow
    whenshecl osedt hem,sheletgoofhi sshi
    rtand
    movedback.Shebr eathedoutandshewat ched
    himr ubhi sthumboverhi sl i
    psandhowt hehell
    wast hater ot
    ic?Shehat edhowhewassur eof
    himsel fi
    never ythinghedi d,heknewj usthowt o
    touchher ,howt oki ssandhepr obabl yknewsex
    betterwhi l
    eshewasavi rgin.Nott hatshedi dn’
    t
    knowt hetechnicalit
    iesofsex, shewassmar ter
    thant hat.Sheevenwat chedpor natonet imet otry
    andseehowi twoul dgo.Mast urbation?Abi gflop.
    Toys?Theyi rr
    itatedherandshet hrewallthatshit
    away.Shehat edi tbeinggoodandsexwas
    somet hingshewassur eshewasnotgoodat .
    Aust i
    n’shandcuppedhercheek.
    “Getoutofyourf
    uckingheadAl
    ora.
    ”Hesai
    dand
    shedidn’
    tsayanythi
    ng.
    “Don’tf
    orgett
    ocheckonHadest
    omor
    row.
    ”She
    said.Changi
    ngthetopi
    c.
    “Al
    ora,
    don’
    tover
    thi
    nkever
    ythi
    ng,
    I’
    mtoosmar
    tfor
    youtotr
    yandchanget
    hetopicwi
    thme.
    ”
    “
    You’
    re1%mor
    esmar
    tert
    hanme.
    ”
    “
    Thatst
    il
    lmakesmesmar
    tert
    hanyoubaby.
    ”She
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    I’
    m notababy.
    ”Shesai
    dandhechuckl
    ed.
    “Oratagoitent
    sha.It
    ’scut
    e.”Alorapaused.Shehas
    neverbeendescri
    bedascut e.Abitch?Yes.A
    demon?Yes.Aggr essi
    ve?Mor etimesthanshecan
    rememberbutcutenevermadei ttothel
    ist
    .She
    rol
    ledhereyes.
    “I
    ’
    llcheckonhi
    m andupdat
    eyou.Anyt
    hingel
    se?
    ”
    Heasked.
    “That
    ’sall
    .”Shesai
    dandhet
    ouchedherhead.She
    heldhishand.
    “
    Handsof
    fmyhai
    rRober
    t!I
    ’
    llf
    ryyourd*
    ck,
    don’
    tdo
    t
    hat
    .”
    Heusedhi sotherhandt
    oholdherhandandkissi
    t
    ashisgazelockedonhersashekissedherhand.
    Al
    oraflushedandhehadt ot
    rynotgrinl
    ikea
    Cheshi
    reCat.
    Sheremovedherhandandshepl
    acedbot
    hhands
    atherback.
    “
    Imanagedt
    oGoogl
    eever
    ythi
    ngandI
    ’
    m compi
    li
    ng
    theinf
    or mationondr ugaddicti
    on,whatIcandot o
    becuddl yforherwhenIgett here.Ashouldertocry
    on.Ihavet opr acti
    ceonyou.”Shesaidandhe
    watchedheri nfasci
    nati
    onassher ambledonabout
    herresearch.Hest eppedinsideandclosedthedoor
    asshewal kedovert oherdesktogetherpapers.
    Heleftheral onefortwohour sandnowshewason
    ful
    lonr esearchmode.
    “
    Rober
    tar
    eyoul
    ist
    eni
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Yes.”Shetookhi
    shandandmadehi
    m st
    andi
    nthe
    middl
    eoftheroom.
    “Thi
    si soutofcharacterandwei
    rd.Dar
    euset his
    againstme,I’
    m sti
    ckingapeninyoureyeball
    .”She
    thr
    eatenedandasmi l
    et hr
    eat
    enedhisl
    ips.
    “
    Goti
    t?”
    “
    Iunder
    standAl
    ora.
    ”Shenoddedandwal
    kedcl
    oser
    .
    “Orshoul
    dIrol
    eplayhowI’m goi
    ngtoaskher?Let
    medot hi
    sfi
    rst
    .”Shebreat
    hedintoherhandsand
    shewrappedherarmsaroundhisheight
    .
    “
    Ist
    hissof
    tandcuddl
    y?Wel
    comi
    ng?
    ”Sheasked
    hi
    m andhelaughed.Shel
    etgoandbi
    therl
    ipi
    n
    fr
    ust
    rat
    ion.
    “
    Rober
    twor
    kwi
    thme.
    ”Aust
    inpul
    ledhert
    ohi
    m.
    “Yoursi
    sterknowsyourchar
    act
    er,
    justbet
    her
    efor
    her.
    ”
    “Sheneedssupport
    ,hugsandwarmth.”Shesai
    das
    heheldheri
    nhi sar
    msasshest oodther
    edoing
    nothi
    ng.Notevenhugginghi
    m back.
    “
    That’
    snotyouandsheknowsi t
    .”Al
    oraknewhe
    wasrightbutthi
    swasRebaandshewasgoing
    t
    hroughal ot
    .
    “
    Dar
    li
    ng,
    let
    ’sj
    ustgowi
    thyoubei
    ngyou.
    ”
    “Ar
    eyoualwaysbeingyouaroundot
    herpeopl
    e?”
    Shequest
    ionedandhekeptquiet
    .
    “Ifyouarepret
    endi
    ngwithmeRobert,
    Iwil
    lwalk
    away. ”Shesai
    d.Herf
    inal
    it
    ynotput
    ti
    ngtheissueup
    fordiscussi
    on.
    “
    Eemma.
    ”Her
    espondedandshebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    *
    **

    AtHadeshouse, heopenedt hef i


    rstbot tleof
    whi skey.Hecoul dr ememberwhenhet oldhi s
    fat hert hathet houghthehadapr oblem andhewas
    toldhewasanembar rassmentandshoul dst op
    tryingt oseekat tention.Heputt hebot tl
    et ohi sl i
    ps
    andt hebi tt
    erconcent ratedl i
    quidt ouchedhi sl ips.
    Hewel comedi ti
    nt ohi ssyst em asi fitwast he
    wat erheneededf orsur vival.Thatwasi t,drowni ng
    outt het houghts.Thef actt hathissecr etwasout ,i
    t
    putRebai nthespot lightandshewassosweetand
    didn’ tevenaskhowi thappenedt hatever yoneknew
    aboutt hi s.Hewoul dt aket hebl amef orher
    addi cti
    onanyot herdayt hanwat chherget
    slander edanddr agged.Theydi dn’tknowhal foft he
    thingsshewentt hroughandhegotangr yonher
    behal f,thinki
    ngofhowsomeofhermodel l
    ing
    friendsorpeopl eshehadt houghtwer eherf riends,
    touchedheranywayt heywant ed,violatingher .He
    closedhi seyes,forget tinghi schi l
    dhoodaswel l
    becausei twasneverni ce.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    41] :REBORN

    58

    Aust
    infacedJamesashebr
    oughthi
    shands
    t
    ogether
    .
    "Ir
    ealisedIwoulddoanyt
    hingf
    orAloraandnotf
    eel
    l
    ikeI'm wasti
    ngti
    mebecauseI'
    m notgett
    ing
    anythingfr
    om it
    ."
    "Youdoknowwhatt
    hatf
    eel
    ingi
    s."Aust
    inshookhi
    s
    head.
    "
    Thati
    saver yf
    ar-
    fet
    chednot
    ionJames.
    "Aust
    in
    r
    epl
    iedcool
    ly.
    "Isit
    ?IhavebeenhearingofAlor
    asinceyouwere
    15andnowat23yougotherandyoudon' tst
    op
    talki
    ngabouther.
    "Austinst
    oodupandsl i
    dhis
    handsinhisslackpocketsbef
    orehewalkedovert
    o
    theopenwindow.
    "Whatwehaveismutualunderstandingandr espect
    ,
    unl
    ikemosthumanbeings,herintel
    lectal
    lowsher
    tounder
    standmewithouti
    trubbingherof fthe
    wrongway."Hesai
    d.
    "Samegoesf oryoubutyouknowf art
    oomuch
    aboutmet hananyoneknows."Austi
    naddedandhe
    fi
    nall
    yfacedhisther
    apist
    .
    "Iassumesheaccept
    syournar
    cissi
    sti
    cbehavi
    our
    ."
    Jamesasked.
    Austi
    nshr ugged.Hehasal waysbeenfi
    rstandbeen
    ther
    ef orhimself.Di
    dn'
    thavetofull
    ydependon
    people,di
    dt hingsonl
    yift
    heybenefit
    edhim.
    Manipulator,ohhehadaf ewtrai
    tshewouldn'
    t
    change.Hi sphonebuzzedinhispocketandhesli
    d
    i
    tout
    .
    Lor
    a: CheckonHades.
    Hechuckled.Hedidn'
    tfor
    get
    .Heonl
    yar
    ri
    ved
    yest
    erdayforfuck'
    ssake.
    Aust
    in:
    Nogoodmor
    ning?
    Jameswatchedhiscl
    ient
    ,Aust
    inwasn'
    tat
    ext
    er.He
    wasrar
    elyonhisphone.
    Lor
    a:Youdon'
    tdeser
    veagoodmor
    ning
    Aust
    in:
    Okaybaby.

    Hesl
    idhi
    sphonebacki
    nhi
    spocketbef
    orehe
    f
    acedhi
    sther
    api
    st.
    "
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    "
    "
    Howi
    syourpl
    angoi
    ng?
    "
    "St
    art
    ingmyMBAnextyeari
    fthat
    'swhatyou'
    re
    aski
    ng."
    "
    Youknowyour
    eal
    lydon'
    tneedi
    t.
    "
    "
    Ido.Tobebet
    teratever
    yone.
    "hesai
    dandhe
    wal
    kedoutoft
    heof
    ficeasJamesstoodupfrom
    t
    hespothewasontoprepar
    eforhi
    snextcl
    ient
    .

    *
    **

    Alorastaredathisl
    astt extbeforeshet ookouther
    notes.Shehadt heurget of l
    ungt hem acrossthe
    room butthepageswi lltearandcr umpleandshe
    willpani
    c.Shetookadeepbr eathasshedi all
    edher
    sister
    'snumber.Shecoul dn'
    twaittofinishwith
    school.Shenowwant edt obet hereforhersister
    .
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    "Rebasai
    datt
    heendoft
    hel
    ine.
    "
    HiReba.Howar
    eyou?
    "Rebawentsi
    lent
    .
    "
    ImissHadesandatschooleveryt
    hingi
    ster
    ri
    ble,
    t
    heyjusttakephot
    osofmeandcal lmenames.
    "
    Rebasaidwithqui
    etsadness.
    "Ican'
    tevengot otheshopsalone,
    Ror
    a."Al
    ora
    closedhereyes.Shecouldn'
    timagi
    nehowReba
    mustbef eel
    ing.
    "
    I'
    m sosor
    ry.Sosor
    ryt
    hatpeopl
    ear
    epr
    yingi
    nto
    yourli
    vesnowallbecauseofme.I
    '
    m sosor
    ry.I
    didn'
    tmeanit
    ."
    "Don'
    tapologi
    se,Idon'tcar
    eaboutthemedia.Icar
    e
    aboutyoueventhoughIcanexecutemyr evengeby
    suingthem.Whoar ethepeopl
    etakingpi
    cturesof
    you?Isitmen?CanIhavemyboyf r
    ienddo
    somethingaboutit
    ?"
    Shehear
    dRebagi
    ggl
    ingandAl
    oraf
    rowned.
    "
    Yourboyf
    ri
    endhuh?
    "
    "
    Don'
    tst
    art
    ."
    "
    Didyouguyshavesex?
    "
    "
    Godno!
    "
    "
    Youst
    il
    lcan'
    tbr
    ingyour
    sel
    fto?
    "
    Al
    oraguessedthi
    schangeoftopi
    cswasokayt
    o
    t
    akeReba'smindoffoft
    hings.
    "
    No.I
    nti
    macyi
    s-i
    tthr
    owsmeof
    fmybal
    ance.
    "
    "Mytwonerds.Ican'
    twai
    ttoseehowyouguyslook
    toget
    her
    .Yourduomakesmef eeldumbbecause
    youandAustinaresosmart
    ."
    "
    Youar
    enotdumb.
    "
    "
    Iknow.I
    '
    mjustokay,
    so'
    yourboyf
    ri
    end'
    ?"
    "
    Pleaseshutup!Hedoesn'
    tevenknowIsayheis
    myboyfri
    end."Rebal
    augehdandAlor
    asmiled.
    "Iwoul
    dn'
    twanttoboosthi
    sego.RebaI
    '
    m dat
    ing
    anegomaniac,
    whatthehel
    liswrongwi
    thme?"
    "
    Youl
    ovehi
    m."Rebasai
    dandAl
    roapaused.
    "
    Idodon'
    tI?
    "
    "
    Ye-
    "
    "
    It
    'sar
    het
    ori
    calquest
    ionReba.
    "
    "
    Yay!Makingmef eel
    dumbernowusi
    ngwor
    dsl
    ike
    r
    hetor
    ical
    ."Al
    orachuckl
    ed.
    "Anyway,
    loveandhat
    e.Maybeyouhatedhim
    becauseheuppedyouinever
    ythi
    ng.Uppedi
    sthe
    ri
    ghtwordri
    ght?"
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "Yest
    hat.Andnowyounol ongerseehim as
    competi
    ti
    onsinceyouareatdiff
    erentphasesi
    nli
    fe.
    GoshIfeelsowise.
    "Al
    ora0lacedherphonedown
    andcl
    appedherhands.
    "Gi
    veitupforLadyReba.
    "Shesai
    dwi
    thhumouri
    n
    hereyes.
    "Ishoul
    dvent
    urei
    ntophi
    losophy.Givemethe
    namesofphil
    osopher
    sRora."Alor
    achuckl
    ed.
    "
    Socr
    ates,Pl
    ato,
    Immanuel
    Kant
    ,Ar
    ist
    otl
    e,Davi
    d
    Hume,Dani-
    "
    "
    Okaythose!IbetIcanupPlato.Hi
    snamessounds
    l
    ikePl
    utoinaway.It hi
    nk.
    "Alorasmil
    ed.
    "
    IbetyoucanReba.
    "
    "
    Yep.
    "
    "
    Howi
    sitathome?
    "
    "Mom i
    sbeingmom andMooket
    sii
    sonhisway,
    BokamosochecksonmeandEmoryisbei
    ngEm
    ever
    yday.
    "
    "
    You'
    recomf
    ort
    abl
    e?"
    "ImissHades.Imisshi
    m somuchithur
    ts.He
    doesn'tanswermycall
    sanymor
    e."
    "
    Iwi
    shIcanmakei
    tal
    lbet
    ter
    ."
    "I
    t'
    sbeyondyourcont
    rolRor
    a.Thankyouf
    orcal
    li
    ng.
    Bye."
    "Bye.
    "Rebacutt
    hecal
    landAlor
    aclosedhereyes.
    Whatwasshesupposedtodomilesawayfr
    om
    home?

    *
    **

    Rebatr
    iedcal
    li
    nghim again.Shebi
    therl
    owerl
    ipas
    i
    trangandsenthert
    ovoi cemail
    .
    "Heybaby.Answert hephone.Hadesyouknow
    you'renogoodalone.Pleaseanswer
    ,tel
    lmeyou
    didn'tki
    llyour
    sel
    f.
    "Herpanickedvoi
    cesaidasshe
    talked.
    "Whatkindofal
    coholar eyouon?Babyhol donf or
    me,inthisworl
    dit
    'sjusfus.Ustwoandi fpossible
    wewoul dn'
    tbeli
    vingont hist
    err
    ibl
    eearth.Hades
    answerthephone!!"Shehalfscr
    eamedwi t
    htears
    onthephone.Shebi therlowerl
    ipandwi pedher
    tear
    s.Sheputthephonedown.Sher ubbedher
    armsandcl osedhereyes.Sheshoul dn'
    tthinkhe
    woulddot hat,hermot herdidn'
    tknowwhatt odo
    withher.Thef unnyt hingwast hatmenwer e
    understood.Hades' addi ct
    ionwasunder stoodand
    themedi abr ushedi tof fbecauseitwasnor mal.I
    t
    wasr ar
    ef orwoment kbedr ugaddict
    sandt hey
    werehavi bgaf ielddaywi thher.Tear
    sf i
    ll
    edher
    eyes.Shewant edaf ix.Sheneededone, shewant ed
    toblockouther selfout .Butsheshoukdcheckon
    Hadesf ir
    st.Yes.Yes.That .Shewalkedoutoft he
    room andheadedt ot hesitti
    ngroom.Hermot her
    wasi nthereandshel ookedupf r
    om thelaptop.
    "
    Ifoundyouatherapi
    sttohel
    psi
    nceyoudon'
    twant
    t
    otalktous.
    "Susansaid.
    "
    IwanttocheckonHades!He'
    snotfi
    ne.Iknowhe
    i
    sn'
    t.
    "ShesaidandSusanshookherhead.
    "
    No!Youneedt
    ofocusonyouandonl
    yyour
    sel
    f.
    "
    Rebashookherheadwi
    tht
    ear
    sst
    reami
    ngdownher
    cheeks.
    "Mamaashardasi
    tistobel
    ieve,
    hei
    sapar
    tofme.
    Thegoodpar
    tofmythought
    s.Mamahehasno
    one.
    'Susani
    gnoredRebaasshef
    uri
    ousl
    ywi
    ped
    hert
    earsaway.
    "
    Please!Kagokopa!
    "
    "Rebaf ocusonyourownt herapy.Hisf ami l
    yhas
    money, hewi l
    lbef i
    ne."Rebashookherheadi n
    disbeli
    ef.Shewal kedbackt ot hebedr oom and
    checkedherphone.Shecal l
    edhi m agai nbut
    voicemail.Sbetookoutt hephonecoverandl ooked
    atthemoneyshehad.P100wasenoughf orat axi
    specialtoHades' place.Shebr eathedout .She
    walkedoutofherr oom.Sheal sowal kedpasther
    mot hertoheadt othedoorandshewassur pri
    sed
    thathermot herwat chedherwi t
    houtt r
    yi ngt ostop
    her.Shewal kedtot hegateandi twasl ockedwi t
    ha
    padlock.Eventhesmal lgate.Tear sfi
    lledhereyes
    asshehi tthegate.Hadeswasn' tokay, hewasn' t
    andshecoul dn'tdoanyt hing.Susanputherl aptop
    downandwal kedt othedoor .
    "Reba,Il
    oveyouandyouknowt hat.Iwantyouto
    focusonyoursel
    fwi
    thoutanydistr
    acti
    ons.You'l
    l
    thankmewhenyou'recl
    eanandmaybei nfutur
    e
    you'l
    lfi
    ndsomeonewhot r
    ukylovesyouandwon' t
    l
    etyouusedrugs.Someonewholovesyouwoul
    dn'
    t
    dothat
    ."Shewalkedcl
    osert
    ohugRebawhowas
    st
    if
    finherarms.
    "
    Ihat
    eyousomuch!
    "Rebacr
    iedout
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN

    59

    Itdidn'
    ttakel
    ongf orAustintogettoHades'house.
    Alorahadsentdirecti
    ons.Hel ookedatthequi
    et
    houseashepar kedhi scar.I
    twast ooquietf
    orhis
    l
    iking.Funnythi
    ngwast hathehadnot i
    ced
    somet hingwaswr ongwhenhemetHadesatt he
    clubandhedr ankasi fthewor l
    dwascomi ngt oan
    end.Hewal kedtot hedoorandknocked.Ther ewas
    not hing.Heknockedagai nbef or eher ubbedhi s
    mout h.Heknockedagai nbef orehet r
    iedtoopen
    thedoorandi twasl ocked.Hebentdownt ol ookat
    thekeyhol eandt hekeywasst i
    llint hedoor .He
    wal kedbackt othecart ocheckhi st oolboxi nt he
    boot .Inmi nut eshef oundt hecor r
    ectt ooltot ryand
    pickt hel ockt oopent hedoor .Inf ivemi nut eshe
    pushedopent hedoorandr hest enchofal cohol
    fi
    lledt heai rhest artedbr eathingashewal ked
    i
    nsi det hehouse.Hi seyesf li
    ttedar oundt i
    llthey
    l
    andedl nHadesandhewaspassedoutont hef loor
    withbot t
    leofal coholovert het able.Aust inwal ked
    overandhecr ouchedovert oHades.Hepl acedt wo
    fi
    nger sonhi sneckt ochecki fhi spul sewasst i
    ll
    ther e.Itwas.
    "Seemslikethealcoholwil
    lhavet
    obedr ai
    nedf r
    om
    yoursystem."Hepickedhim upandHadesdi dn'
    t
    evensti
    r.Itknockedhim offandi
    tseemedlikehe
    hadbeendr inki
    ngnon-stop.Hepl
    acedhim onthe
    couchandhemadeaqui ckdecisi
    ont
    ot akehi
    mto
    thehospi
    tali
    nst
    eadofcall
    inganambulance.
    He'
    l
    ljusthavet
    ocar
    ryhi
    mtohi
    scar
    .

    *
    **

    Rebal ayonherbed, exhaust edf r


    om thecryingand
    stil
    lnotwant i
    ngtosleep.Shedi dn'
    twantt o
    sleepwalkorwakeupf rom ani ghtmar eoranything.
    Shel ookedaroundherr oom.Not hing.Hades'
    phonewasn' tgoingthroughandshedi dn'
    twantt o
    botherAlora.Herbrotherswer ebusyandhadwor k.
    School ?Nothingwasget tingt hroughherheadand
    shewasaf r
    aidthatherintr usivethoughtswi l
    lget
    thebet t
    erofher.Shefor cedher sel
    ftostayst i
    lland
    closedhereyes, shehadt obel i
    eveHadeswasokay.

    *
    **

    Att
    hepr
    ivat
    ehospi
    tal
    ,Aust
    insatont
    hechai
    r
    si
    lentl
    yobser vi
    ng.Hi squietnaturedrewthe
    att
    entionofmostoft hehospitalstuf
    f,al
    lofthen
    noti
    ngwhohewasandwhohebr oughti
    n.Austin
    al
    thoughsi l
    ent,hisdomi nanceandsel fassurance
    wasf eltwithnowor ds.Adoct ormadehi swayt o
    hi
    m andcl earedhist hr
    oataswor dsjumbledoutof
    hi
    sl i
    ps.Aust inraisedaneyebr owashest oodup,
    hi
    shei ghtt oweri
    ngovert hedoct or'
    sand
    i
    ntimidatinghi m mor eandt hedoctorcoughedinto
    hi
    shand.
    "MrHudsonwillbeokay,
    hehasalotofal
    coholi
    n
    hissyst
    em."Austi
    nhadgather
    edt
    hathimself
    .
    "Hemi ghtwakeuplaterthi
    seveningandwear e
    tr
    yingtodrai
    nsomeoft healcoholfr
    om hi
    s
    system."Thedoctori
    nformedAsut i
    nsincehe
    broughthimin.Austi
    nwasst il
    lsil
    ent.
    "
    Anditseemsl
    ikehehasanuhal
    coholpr
    obl
    em.
    Wecan-"
    "
    All
    owmet odealwi
    ththat
    ."Hequi
    ckl
    ydismissed
    t
    hetopi
    candthedoct
    orexcusedhi
    mselfashe
    wal
    kedaway.
    Austi
    nsli
    dhishandi nhi
    spocketandcheckedt he
    ti
    me.Alor
    awasf r
    eeandheshookhi shead.Hehad
    evenmemor isedhert
    imetabl
    etoknowwhi chtimes
    tocal
    l.Hediall
    edhernunberanditdi
    dn'tevenri
    ng
    morethanthreeti
    mesbeforeitwasanswer ed.
    "
    Hel
    lodar
    li
    ng.
    "
    "Didyoureadmytext
    s?"Sheasked.Hervoi
    ceabi
    t
    highert
    hanusual
    .
    "
    Yes.Fi
    rstcal
    m down.Takeadrepbr
    eathand
    i
    nagi
    nemet ouchi
    ngyou."Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "Iwouldnever!Yourtouchr
    epulsesmeRober
    t!
    "Her
    voiceretur
    ningtothenormaloneheknew.Hehad
    preventedanepisodeonherside.
    "
    Whydi
    dyoucal
    l?
    "
    "
    IfoundHades.
    "
    "
    ThankGod.
    "
    "
    I'
    mtheonewhosavedhi
    m,notGodAl
    ora.
    "
    "
    Getof
    fyourhi
    ghhor
    se.
    "
    "Idodeser
    vesomet hi
    nghi gherandcredi
    tworthy
    andit'
    snotahorse."Alor
    agr oanedinfr
    ustr
    ati
    on.If
    hewasi nfr
    ontofher,shewoul dhavebeenglari
    ng
    athimthoughitnevermovedhi m.
    "
    Isheokay?
    "
    "No.I'
    m att
    hehospital
    .Henear
    lydr
    ankhi
    msel
    fto
    deathbuthe'
    lll
    ive.
    "
    Aloratouchedherchest .Hersist
    erlovedHadesand
    j
    ustl i
    keAlprafier
    celylovedhersist
    er,shedidwhat
    wasi nherpowert omakesur ewhathersisterloved
    wasokay.Whi chwasHades.Wi t
    htheaddedf act
    thathedidn'thaveanyone, apartofherunderstood
    hislonel
    iness.Havingf amil
    ybutthem notreally
    payingthatmuchat tentiontoyou.
    "Makesureheisal
    ri
    ght
    ."Al
    orasai
    d,hereyes
    wanderi
    ngaroundasshecr
    ossedherlegsonthe
    benchshesaton.
    "
    Okaybaby.AndLor
    a?"
    "
    Hmm.
    ."
    "
    Don'
    tpani
    c.I
    '
    llupdat
    eyou.
    "Hesai
    d.Al
    oranodded
    andshehungup.Sheknewheneverdi dthi
    ngsthat
    didn'
    tbenef ithim.Austi
    nwascompl exyet
    strai
    ght f
    orwar d.Shemusedandshookherhead,
    shedi dn'tknowwhet herhedidthist
    owinherover
    orjustbecausehet rul
    ycared.Ei
    therwayshewas
    sogr atefultohim.

    Shecheckedherphone.Shewant edtocal
    lReba
    butitwoul
    dbeli
    keshei ssuffocatingheri
    fshe
    cal
    ledoverandoveragain.Shef ol
    dedherarms.I
    t
    wil
    lbealri
    ght
    .Sheassuredher self
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN
    60

    Thatday,Austi
    nhadleftthehospit
    altogobackto
    hisoff
    iceandgetafewt hingsdone.Justashegot
    readytoleavehi
    soffi
    ce,thedooropenedandin
    walkedhismother.
    “Iwanttomeether.”ShesaidandAustinf
    ixedhis
    blazerashel
    ookedathi smother
    .Thepower house
    ofMat hewsI
    nc.,thewomanwhost ar
    tedthi
    s
    empi r
    eandwasr eadytoletgobutnotqui
    teyet
    sincehewassti
    llinter
    im CEOandshehadt hefinal
    say.
    “
    Shehasschool.
    ”Hesaidsimpl
    yandhi
    smot
    her
    r
    aisedaneyebr
    owinquesti
    on.
    “SheisthereasonyouflyouttoAmer i
    caasifyou
    l
    ivethere?”Austi
    nwasn’tgoi
    ngt oanswerthat.The
    onlyreasonhewouldtravelwouldbebecauseof
    businessbutAlorawaspersonalandhedidn’tfeel
    l
    ikediscussinghi
    sgir
    lf
    riendwithhismother.
    “Eveni
    fyoudon’tt
    ellme,
    Iwi
    llf
    indouthername.
    Sheworksther
    e?”
    “
    Pri
    ncet
    onf
    inalyearst
    udent
    .”Hert
    il
    tedherhead.
    “Smart?Cor
    por
    ategi
    rl
    ?”Hepi
    ckedhi
    sbr
    ief
    case
    befor
    ehecheckedhi
    swatch.
    “Yes.”Hismot herobservedherson.Theydi dhave
    thatmot herl
    ysonbondandt heyusuall
    ydiscussed
    businessandt heywer ecivilt
    oeachot her
    .There
    wasnopl ayofuselessemot i
    onsli
    kelove.She
    taughthimt odependonhi mselfonlyandbeingat
    schoolmadehi m muchwi ser
    ,heusedpeopl eorin
    asmar terterm,amast ermani pul
    atortogetwhathe
    wanted.Hewor kedsmar terandharder.
    “Ifi
    guredt hatyouwoul dgof orasubmi ssive
    womanwhodi dn’twantt ojoincorporat
    e.Someone
    l
    ikeChanda. ”Hismot hersaid.Hedi dn’
    twanta
    womanwhowoul dsayyest oeverythi
    nghesai d.
    Hewant edsomeonewhocoul dchall
    engehim and
    keephim onhi st oes,speakhermi ndandbe
    i
    ndependentwi thouthim andAl orawasallthat.He
    justpassedhi smot herashewal kedout.Hewas
    nothavingt hisdi scussionwithCel i
    ne.Nottoday.
    Het ookouthi sphoneashecheckedf ormessages.
    Nonef rom Al ora.
    *
    **

    Al
    oraf
    inal
    lydeci
    dedtocal
    lhersi
    sterwhoanswer
    ed
    al
    mostimmediat
    ely.
    “Ror
    a?Ihat
    either
    e!”Rebasai
    dthemi
    nut
    eshe
    answer
    edandAloraswall
    owed.
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    ”
    “Hadesisn’
    tansweri
    ng.Heisnogoodal
    one,Idon’
    t
    wanttolosehim Ror
    a!”Reba’
    slowwhi
    spercame
    overthephone.
    “
    Areyoucr
    ying?
    ”
    “
    N-I
    ’
    m sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tapol
    ogi
    se.
    ”
    “IknowHadesandIar esomessedupbuthei sa
    pieceofmeIwishIdi dn’tneedbutIneedhim so
    much, mom i
    sn’tl
    ist
    eningt ome.Sheisn’tand
    makesdecisi
    onsforme…”Al orabli
    nkedtears,
    she
    hasneverheardhersistersoscared.Rebawasn’t
    evenwor
    ri
    edabouther
    sel
    f.
    “Theymakei tseem l i
    keI ’
    m ani nvali
    dandasi f
    Hadesi ssomet hingIshoul dst ayawayf r
    om l i
    kea
    baddr ug, Idon’tknowhowt omakepeopl e
    underst andt hatourl ovemayl ooklikeat ragedybut
    heismyr emedy.Iwantt obreat hfi
    neknowi nghei s
    okay,Ican’ tletletmyownvoi ceshauntme.Ror a
    I’
    m soscar ed.”Rebasai dasshepl acedt hephone
    downandsatont hef l
    oorwi thherhandsonher
    knees, shakingasshecr ied.Alora’stearschoked
    herasshel istenedt ot hepainfulsobs, thecr yi
    ng
    movingsomet hingi nhert hatshedi dn’tevenwant
    tofeelbecauseshedi dn’twantt ocry.Shecover ed
    herfaceasshebr eathedout ,Reba’ssobsnoteven
    stoppingandget t
    ingevenwor se.
    “I-
    Idon’twanttouseagai nbutIneedt of or
    get
    everythi
    ng.EverythingRora,t
    hewor ds,theslur
    s
    thrownmyway, thesexualadvances,inappropriate
    touches,thealmostr apeIwanttoforgeteverything.
    Iwantt omakei tstopRora,howdoImakei tst
    op? ”
    Shebl ubberedandAl ora’
    sheartr
    aced.Al mostr ape?
    Slurs?Shecover edhermout hwit
    hherhandast he
    tearsroll
    eddownhercheeks.Rebaheldt
    hati
    n?All
    oft hat
    ?Foryearsandshewasescapingi
    tall
    .A
    chokedcr yescapedfr
    om Al
    ora’
    sli
    psasReba’sown
    riveroftear
    sflowed.
    “
    I-
    IhestayedwhenItol
    dhi
    mthat
    .Hedi
    dn’
    truna-
    whati
    fheisgone?”
    Alor
    a’ssni
    vel
    li
    nggott
    oRebaandsheshookher
    head.
    “RoraI
    ’m sosorry,
    Ididn’
    tmeant omakeyoucr y!
    I’
    m sosorry.
    ”Sheapologisedinbetweent hetears
    asAloraopenedhermout h,shedoesn’tcry
    gpddamit!Butshecouldn’
    tstopthetears.Hersister
    hadneverheardhercryeversinceshest artedtogo
    topri
    maryschoolandt hewaterworksstarted.She
    l
    ookedup.
    “Re-
    Fuck!Don’
    tapologi
    se,I
    ’m hereokay?AsfarasI
    am,Iam hereokay?I-
    “Alor
    awi pedhertear
    s.
    “
    Ror
    aI’
    m so-
    “
    “Don’tapologise.I
    ’mfi
    ne.I’
    mfi
    ne,
    I’
    m her
    efor
    everythingokay?Traumadumponmei fyouwant
    .
    I’
    m her eforyou.”Shesai
    dasshesni
    ff
    edandshe
    rubbedhereyes.Rebant l
    e’
    smi ndt ol
    dhershemade
    amessoft hings,shewast ir
    edoff eeli
    ngdelicat
    e
    butitwashardnott o,sheleteveryonedown.She
    usedtoletherselfdownwhent herewasnoone
    aroundandnowshewasn’ tsurehowever yonesaw
    hernow.Sheuseddr ugstoblockher sel
    foutnow
    therewerenodr ugsandHadeswasn’ tthere.
    “
    Rebayou’
    rest
    il
    lther
    e?”
    “
    Y-yes.
    ”
    Alorabreathedint
    oherhands.Sheneededt ogeta
    gri
    poverher sel
    f.Shefannedherfaceandshewas
    sureitwasr edandhereyeswerer ed.Shehatedi
    t
    butReba, hersweetsi
    sterwentthroughalot
    .She
    deservedthewor l
    dandnotwhatshewasgoi ng
    through.
    “
    Reba?
    ”
    “
    Hmm?
    ”
    “
    Hadesisokayokay?Austi
    niswit
    hhim.Austini
    s
    wit
    hHadesokay?”Rel
    iefwashedoverReba’
    s
    f
    eatur
    esasmoretearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “Heisr
    eall
    yokay?”Al
    oradi
    dn’twantt
    obreakReba
    morewiththet
    rut
    hthatHadesalmostdr
    ank
    himsel
    ftodeat
    h.
    “Yes.Austi
    niswit
    hhim.I’
    llcal
    lAusti
    ninthe
    mor ni
    ngtoconnecthi
    mt oyou.Ipromise.
    ”Alor
    a
    said.Rebanodded.Al
    orararel
    ybrokeherpromises.
    “
    Iloveyouokay?
    ”Al
    oraassur
    edher
    .
    “IloveyouandI
    ’
    m sor
    rry,
    Idi
    dn’
    tmeant
    omakeyou
    cry.”
    Alorat
    ri
    edtoschoolherf
    acebutt
    het
    ear
    sst
    il
    l
    rol
    leddownhercheeks.
    “Ihadsomet
    hingi
    nmyeyes,aspl
    int
    eror
    somethi
    ng.
    ”Rebagaveoutal
    owchuckle.
    “
    OkayRor
    a.”
    “Justaspli
    nter,nothi
    ngmuch. ”Alor
    adidn’
    twantto
    evenelaborateonReba’sconf essi
    onsbecause
    thoseweren’tconversat
    ionsthatwerehandledover
    thephone.Ifonlythemont hscouldmoveasswi ft
    ly
    asherlessonsdi d.Shewantedt ogohome.
    “
    Byeokay?
    ”
    “ByeR-Rora.”Hecal lendedandAl or
    acoul dn’
    tli
    ft
    offtheheavyf eel
    ingi nherchestandshewal kedto
    herdarkcloset.Shecl osedthedoorandhal f
    screamedintoherhandsatheri gnor anceofwhat
    hersist
    erhasbeengoi ngthr
    ough.Shef ai
    ledher
    oldersi
    ster.Shef ai
    ledhersomuch, herchest
    cavedandshecover edhermout hscr eamingint
    o
    them.Shedi dn’thearherphoner ingingont hebed
    andshemi ssedherboyf ri
    end’scall.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’ shouse,Susanknockedont hedoorand


    sheopenedi t
    .Shef oundRebai nbedandshe
    si
    ghed.Shesatont hecor neroft
    hebedandshe
    l
    ookedatherdaught er.Shewasal waysthe
    happiestamongal l
    herchi ldr
    en,howcoul dshe
    havemi ssedt hat
    ?Shehadbeensohappywi thher
    careertakingoffatayoungageandever ythi
    ng
    workinginherf avour .
    “
    Rebaar
    eyouokay?
    ”
    “Yes.”Shesai
    dwhateverhermotherwant edtohear
    butshehadbecomesuchal i
    ar,
    shehadbeenabl e
    tohideheraddi
    cti
    onandshecoul dfeelhersel
    f
    shiveri
    ngfr
    om notget
    ti
    ngaf i
    x.
    “Iwantwhat’
    sbestforyou,t
    heroadtorecover
    yis
    notaneasyonebutwear ehereforyou.Achange
    ofenvi
    ronmentwillbegoodforyou.Bei
    nghere
    mightactual
    lyhel
    p.
    “Okay.
    ”Rebarepl
    ied.Shewasgett
    ingworse.She
    didn’
    twanttowor
    r yhermot
    her,
    shecaredthough
    ri
    ght?Inherownway.
    Susanr
    ubbedReba’
    slegt
    hrought
    hebl
    anketand
    st
    oodup.
    “Anythingyouneed,youcantalktous.Wear ehere
    foryou.”RebanoddedandSusanwal kedout .Reba
    closedhereyes,tr
    yingt
    osleepbutsl eepeludedher.
    Shegotoutofbedandshepl acedther oom
    scratchingherar
    ms.Herbedr oom dooropenedand
    hereyeswi denedwhenshesawherst epfather.
    “
    Areyouokay?”Shenoddedf
    rant
    ical
    lyandhe
    wal
    kedcl
    oser.
    “Wanttogooutforadri
    vet
    hrough?
    ”Shenodded,
    anyt
    hingtogetoutoft
    hehouse.
    “Getr
    eadyandadr i
    vewoulddoyouawor l
    dof
    good.”Shef
    orcedananxioussmi l
    eashewalked
    outandshewalkedtoherclosetandpi
    ckedouther
    hoodi
    e.Shesli
    ditoverherheadandshewasr eady.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN

    61

    Sheli
    ft
    edherhandsandfacedthemirr
    or.Shewas
    donealr
    ight
    .Shebr
    eathedasshesteppedoutof
    herbedr
    oom andshewal kedtothesi t
    ti
    ngr oom.
    Shefoundherstepf
    atherwi t
    hEmor yandshe
    smil
    ed.Emorygotoffherfather’
    slapandr antohug
    Reba.Rebapushedhersister’
    sbraidsback.
    “
    Heyt
    her
    e,howwasschool
    ?”Rebaasked.
    “Daddysayswear
    egoi
    ngf
    orf
    oodandi
    cecr
    eam”
    Rebasmiled.
    “Yesweare.
    ”Hersist
    ergaveherhersmal
    lhands
    andRebagladl
    ytookitasThabi
    sostoodupand
    walkedt
    othedoor.
    Rebabreat
    hedout,
    shewi
    llbefi
    neandsheneeded
    t
    hefreshai
    r.Shedi
    dn’
    twanttobecoopedupi
    nside
    t
    hehouselikesomeki
    ndofpri
    soner
    .

    *
    **

    Alphafi
    nall
    ygotoutofthecl
    osetandsherubbed
    hereyes.Shecl
    osedhereyes,t
    ir
    edtodoanything.
    Shewalkedoutofherroom t
    ogowashherf ace
    withwaterandmaybeusehereyedropstomake
    hereyesl essred.Sheknewt heywoul dbeswol len
    i
    nt hemor ningandshedi dn’twantpeopl easking
    questi
    onsorl ookingatherst rangely.Minut esl
    at er
    shewasbacki nsidethebedr oom andopenedt he
    cl
    osett otakeouthercosmet i
    csbag.Shef oundt he
    eyedropsandshesatont hebed.Exhaust ed.She
    shookt hesmal lbott
    leandwi denedhereyesasshe
    openedt hesmal lbott
    le.Af ewdr opslandedonher
    eyeandhebl i
    nkedbef oreshedi dthesamet othe
    otherone.Shebl inkedaf ewt imesbef or
    eshe
    pickedherphone.ShesawAust i
    n’smi ssedcalls.
    Shebi therlowerlipandshecal ledhi m.Hopef ully
    heanswer sher.
    “
    Lor
    a.”
    “
    Rober
    t.
    ”Sher
    epl
    ied.Shecl
    ear
    edhert
    hroat
    .
    “
    Youwer
    en’
    tanswer
    ingyourphone.
    ”
    “
    You’
    renott
    hebossofmeRober
    tyoudoknow
    t
    hat
    .”
    “
    Younevermi
    ssmycal
    ls.
    ”
    “
    Thewor
    lddoesnotr
    evol
    vear
    oundyou.
    ”
    “
    ItdoesLor
    a.I
    fyouact
    ual
    lyr
    e-“
    “Shutup!”Shesaidasshesmiled.Sheloved
    banteri
    ngwi t
    hhim.Shepaused.Sheloved?Loved?
    Hereyeswi denedatther
    eali
    sati
    onandherhear t
    raced.Loved?Thattr
    ansl
    atedtoheractuall
    ylovi
    ng
    him an-
    Herwor ldst
    oodoni t’
    saxi
    s.Sher ecalledher
    conversati
    onwithRebaearliertoday,nottheone
    thatl
    edt ohercr
    ying.Thatrhetori
    calquestion.Fuck!
    Itwasn’tabadthing.Notatallbutwhendi dit
    happen?
    “Lora?
    ”Heaskedatt
    heendoft
    hel
    ine,
    hersudden
    sil
    enceal
    armi
    nghim.
    “
    I’
    m here.I
    ’m st
    il
    lher
    e.Uhm whatdi
    dyouwantt
    o
    t
    alkabout?
    ”
    “
    Iwaschecki
    nguponyou. ”Shedi
    dn’
    thavear
    etor
    t
    f
    ort
    hatsoshejustnodded.
    “
    That
    ’sani
    cegest
    ureRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    ehast
    obeamuchbet
    terr
    epl
    ythant
    hat
    .”
    “
    I’
    m noti
    nfl
    ati
    ngyouregoRober
    t,Icanst
    il
    lfeeli
    t
    andyouar
    emi
    lesaway.
    ”
    Hechuckl
    ed.
    “I
    ’
    llt
    ellyouwhenHadeswakesup.I
    ’
    m att
    he
    hospi
    talokay?
    ”
    “Thankyousomuch.I
    tmeansal
    ott
    ome.
    ”Shesai
    d
    andhenodded.
    “Lor
    a,yourvoi
    cegaveyouaway.What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    Heaskedandsheheardfoot
    steps.
    “
    I’
    llbei
    nmycari
    nmi
    nut
    est
    henI
    ’
    llFaceTi
    meyou.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    eisnoneedf
    ort
    hat
    .”
    “I
    ’l
    lbet hej udgeoft hat
    .”Hehungupandshest ared
    atthebl ankscr een.Shedi dn’thi
    mt ocomf orther
    .
    Shedi dn’tneedaman, shewasn’ttheover l
    y
    emot i
    onalt ypesoi twasnevergoi ngtohappen
    again.Sher ubbedhereyesagai n.Herphoner ang
    andsheanswer edhi mimmedi atel
    y.Thedi ml i
    ghtin
    hiscarillumi nat edhi sfeat
    uresandshel ookedat
    hisli
    ps.Thef i
    rstl i
    pst oevertouchher sandshe
    i
    gnor edt hatf eelingi nherchestthattoldher,his
    l
    ipswer et heonl ylipsthatwer egoingtoeverki ss
    her
    .Hereyesfl
    itt
    edt ohi
    sheadandshesmi l
    ed.
    Austi
    nsmil
    ed.Itwasr ar
    etoseehersmili
    ngandit
    wasalwaysref
    reshingtoenj
    oytherar
    it
    iesofl
    if
    e.
    Rari
    ti
    esofher,
    partsofhernooneknewbuthim.
    “
    Youwer
    ecr
    ying.
    ”
    “
    DustRober
    t.
    ”
    “Youhaddi r
    t,I
    ’mli
    steni
    ngbaby.”Hesawhersof
    ten
    asshef acedthescr
    een.Hereyesweregoi
    ngto
    swellsoonenough.
    “
    Rober
    t?”
    “
    Yes?
    ”
    “
    Youar
    epr
    act
    icalandal
    l,
    doyoubel
    ievei
    nlove?
    ”
    “No.Loveisanemot i
    onthatof
    tenl
    eadstobad
    deci
    sionssomet i
    mes.Somethi
    ngthati
    sn’
    tpract
    ical
    andlogical
    .”Lor
    abitherl
    ip.
    “
    Samegoesf orr
    eli
    gion,
    theyar
    eboththesamein
    t
    hecontextt
    hatyouwanttobel
    ievei
    nsomethi
    ng
    t
    hatdoesn’
    texi
    st.
    ”
    “Okay.Iunderst
    andyou.Asfl
    awedasthatsound.
    Soyoudon’ tbel
    ievei
    nfai
    ri
    es?”Hel
    aughed.
    “Lor
    a,thati
    sasill
    ynotionthatt
    hewor l
    dshouldbe
    ri
    dof.Noneedt ofi
    llki
    ds’headswit
    hf ant
    asiest
    hat
    donotexistandarenotevenpartoftherealwor
    ld.
    Reali
    sm oft
    ensurpassessuchill
    usi
    ons.”She
    nodded.
    “Butsomet
    imesi
    t’
    sbett
    erf
    oronetobel
    ievei
    n
    somethi
    ngtobehappy.
    ”Heshr
    ugged.
    “Thatmaybeyourst andLora, Ihavemine.
    ”She
    nodded.Sheknewwher ehest oodbuthehadsaid
    somethingalongtheli
    nesoft hem bei
    ngendgame
    butshesighed.Itwasokay.Itwasbet t
    erthan
    nothi
    ng.Honestly.
    “Nowtothecr
    uxoft
    hemat
    ter
    ,whywer
    eyou
    cryi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Rober
    tdon’
    tst
    art
    .”
    “Al
    ora,youdoknowIwillgetonthefir
    stfl
    ightout
    ofhereheadi
    ngther
    ejusttofindthatoutr
    ight?”
    Shepaused.Herhear
    tsoared.Okayhecar ed.
    “
    Noneedf
    orsuch.
    ”
    Her
    aisedaneyebr
    owandshet
    hankedhi
    spar
    ent
    s’
    genesformakinghi
    m goodlooki
    ng.Shedoesn’t
    wantkidsbuthewasalwaysimmacul at
    e,hi
    scurl
    y
    hairwasnicetot
    ouchandshewi shedhecould
    growitlonger
    .
    “
    Speak.
    ”
    “Don’
    tcommandme.I’m notaninsol
    entchi
    ldbut
    okayfi
    ne.I
    t’
    smysist
    er,sheisconcer
    nedabout
    Hadesandshetol
    dmest ufft
    hathappenedtoher
    .”
    Shesawhiseyessof
    tenaf r
    acti
    on.
    “
    Youcr
    ied?
    ”Heasked,hi
    svoi
    cel
    owerandshe
    f
    acedt
    heotherway.
    “
    I’
    llbeokay.
    ”Shewhi
    sper
    ed,
    notf
    aci
    ngt
    hescr
    een.
    “
    You’
    renotokay.
    ”Hesai
    dandshesi
    ghed.
    “
    AnywayI
    ’
    m okay.Idi
    dn’
    tbr
    eakabone.
    ”Shesai
    d.
    “I
    tbr
    okeyourhear
    tandyouhadnoonet
    ohol
    d
    you.
    ”
    “I
    ’m notadelicat
    edollRober
    t.
    ”Shesti
    lldi
    dn’tl
    ook
    atthescreen.Shehasalwaysbeenthereforhersel
    f,
    maybei twasbecauseshehadbeenconst antl
    ytold
    shewast hedaughterofasidechi
    ckbyherf at
    her’s
    famil
    yandshedidn’
    twanttodist
    ressanyonewi t
    h
    herli
    tt
    lewhi
    msandwast hereforhersel
    f.Tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyesandshebi
    therlowerli
    p.
    “Lor
    alookatthescr
    een.
    ”Shef
    acedt
    hescr
    eenand
    shebli
    nked.
    “
    I’
    m hangi
    ngup.
    ”
    “Don’t
    .”Hesai d.Hehat edthegeographi
    cal
    disadvantagehehad, lookingathercryi
    ngandhe
    decidedthenandt her
    et onevermakehercryor
    anythingelse.Itsethi
    m offwhenAl orawasunsur
    e
    ofherselfandnowhercr yingwashisundoing.
    “I’
    m notcryi
    ng,Iswear ,
    ”sherubbedhereyesand
    forcedasmi l
    e.Sher arel
    ysmiledtoo.Hewatched
    hertrytoglar
    eathi m buthereyesglazedoverwi
    th
    tearsandsher ubbedhereyes.
    “
    I’
    m okayAust
    in.
    ”
    “You’r
    enot.
    ”Hesai dashel
    eanedback.Hehat
    ed
    seeingherl
    ikethi
    sandhecoulddoanythi
    ngabout
    i
    t,notevenholdher.
    “
    Lor
    adoyouhat
    eme?
    ”Shel
    ookedathi
    m wi
    tht
    ear
    s
    i
    nhereyest
    ryi
    ngt
    ogl
    aret
    hrought
    hephonescr
    een.
    “
    Iwi
    llal
    waysdo.You’
    remynemesi
    sRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    Butyouaredat
    ingme.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesand
    r
    ubbedthem.
    “
    I’
    m doi
    ngyouaf
    avour
    .”
    “Thatlastki
    ssdi
    dn’
    tlookl
    ikeaf
    avour
    .”She
    chort
    led.
    “Getoveryour
    sel
    f.Jet
    ehai
    s,Rober
    t.
    ”(
    Ihat
    eyou,
    Robert)
    “fai
    s-toi?”
    (doyou?)shenoddedandhesmi l
    ed.A
    smilef ormedonherlips,thetear
    snol ongerinsi
    ght.
    Inmi nuteshehadt al
    kingaboutsomet hing
    compl etelydif
    fer
    entandt heygoti
    ntoadebat e
    aboutt heeconomyandhehadf uncrushingher
    pointswhi leshefumed,turni
    ngallr
    edandcussi ng
    him out .

    Meanwhilei
    nthehospi
    talr
    oom,Hadeshal
    f
    consci
    ousheardt
    hebli
    ppingmachi
    nes.He
    wonderedhowheendeduphere.Heopenedhi
    s
    eyesandt heli
    ghtalmostblindedhim.Hecl osedhi
    s
    eyesandwai t
    edast hemachinesbeepingsounded
    cl
    oserandnotasi fthesoundwasf ading.Whenhe
    openedhiseyest hesecondt i
    mewi thouttheli
    ght
    assaul
    tinghim,hiseyesscannedt heroom.I tt
    ook
    him minutest
    or ecognisehissurr
    oundings.A
    hospit
    al.Hewasal ive.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN

    62

    Hades’
    heartpounded,easi
    ngthehear
    tmonit
    orj
    ust
    asanursewalkedinsi
    detheroom.Thenur
    se
    smil
    edlookingatthegentl
    eman.Final
    lyhewas
    awakeandt heycouldseewhattodo.Hadeslooked
    ather
    ,hegaveheraquest i
    oninglookasshewalked
    cl
    osertohisbedsideandther
    ewasnowat er
    .
    “
    Hel
    loMrHudson,
    howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ing?
    ”
    “Li
    kehell
    .”Hisshar
    pandraspyvoicerepl
    ied.His
    thr
    oatfel
    tli
    kehehadbeenconsumi ngsandf orthe
    pastf
    ewdaysbecauseitwassor oughanddr y.
    “Letmegetyouwat er
    .”Thenur sesai dandquickl
    y
    exit
    edtheroom.Hadesdi dn’tmovehi sheavyhead
    from t
    hepil
    low.Hehadt hemot herofallhangovers.
    Hewassur ehewassupposedt odie.Howdi dhe
    keepdodgingdeath?Godmusthat ehi mtowantto
    keephim oneart
    heveryf uckingti
    me.Hecl osedhis
    eyes,hi
    sheadacheampl ifyi
    ngwi t
    hever ypassi
    ng
    secondnow.

    *
    **

    Aust
    insmi
    ledbef
    orehesai
    dbyet
    oher
    .Hehat
    ed
    thedist
    ancebetweent hem.Hepocket edhi sphone
    andgotoutofhi scar,l
    ocki
    ngi tashewal kedinside
    thehospit
    altoseeiftherewaspr ogress.Heheaded
    toHades’room.Heopenedt hedoorandhegot
    i
    nside.Assoonast hedoorcl osedHadesopened
    hiseyesandhef rowned.Seeingaf amili
    arfigur
    e
    befor
    eabl anketofreal
    isat
    ioncoveredhi m.
    “You’r
    eawake,youtookyourt
    imeforsure.
    ”Austin
    saidashesli
    dhishandsinhispocket
    sandl eaned
    againstt
    hewalll
    ookingatHades.Hi
    sfacecalm
    andnotgivi
    nganythingaway.
    “
    Whatar
    e-ah.
    ”
    “Iwouldbesavingmyenergyi
    fIwasyouHades.
    It
    ’snoteasyconsumingmoret
    han70%ofal cohol
    andstil
    lsur
    vivi
    ng.”Hesai
    dandHadescl
    osedhi s
    eyes,wanti
    ngfortheshar
    ppai
    ntosubsi
    dise.
    “
    Howdi
    dyouf
    indme?
    ”
    ‘
    Focusonget t
    ingthroughthenightHades.Your
    quest
    ionsareirr
    elevantatt
    hisgivenmoment .Point
    i
    syou’real
    iveandi twouldbeinter
    est
    ingtoknow
    whyyouwant edtoki l
    lyour
    selfwit
    halcoholbutthat
    i
    sanothert
    opicforanotherday.
    ”Hadeswasabout
    t
    orepl
    ywhent hedooropenedandt henur
    se
    wal
    kedinholdi
    ngagl assofwaterandsomepi
    ll
    s.
    “Wewi l
    lhavet ocheckyoui nthemor ning,f
    ornow
    havewat erandt hesepil
    ls.”Shesaidasshehel ped
    him si
    tupr i
    ght .Thenurset urnedtolookatAust in
    whodidn’ tseem t owantt omovef rom wher ehe
    wasstandi ngandt henurset urnedbackt oHades.
    Twopr omi nentmeni noner oom, wellonlyoneif
    shedidn’tincludeHadeswhowasj ustanal coholi
    c
    withafatt rustfund.Hadesl aidhisheadbackas
    thenursewal kedoutandhel ookedatAust in.
    “Is-I
    sRebaokay? ”Heasked.Aust innoddedand
    Hadesbr eathedout .Asl ongasshei sokay.I twas
    har dwit
    hhernotbei ngt here,nowt hatshewas
    gonet herewasapossi bili
    tythatshemi ghtnot
    needhi m agai n.Hecl osedhi seyes, pai
    nsqueezi ng
    hisheartast earsroll
    edonhi ssidesandAust in
    silent
    lywi t
    nessedt hat .Hadesl etthetearsroll
    silent
    ly,hisfatherwasn’ theretowi t
    nesst hatorto
    tellhi
    mt owi pet hoset ear sasqui ckashecoul d
    becausehewasembar rassinghi m.Heopenedhi s
    eyesexpecti
    ngAusti
    ntojudgehi
    m orsay
    somethingbutAust
    in’
    sfacewasimpassi
    veashe
    stoodther
    e.Hebroughthi
    shandsandrubbedhi
    s
    eyes.
    “I
    fyouwantt
    otalk,
    I’
    llbehere.
    ”Aust i
    nsaid.Hades,
    whohashadonlyRebat hesepastfewyearsdidn’
    t
    knowhowtocomprehendagest ureli
    kethat.

    *
    **

    Thabi
    sobr oughtbackthegir
    lshomeandEmor y
    whohadherownshar eofsugarfrom t
    heicecr
    eam
    wasallj
    oll
    y.Heroldersist
    ercouldn’
    tkeepupand
    Rebawasatl eastsmil
    ing.Helef
    tthegirl
    stot
    heir
    owndevicesashewal kedtothebedroom where
    Susanwasst ari
    ngattheceil
    ing.
    “Susan,youaresl
    owlygoi
    ngtoloseyourown
    daughter.
    ”Susanblewoutai
    r.Fr
    ustr
    ated.
    “Wheredi
    dIgowrong?Theyareal
    lhappy.Her
    brot
    herswor
    k,Al
    oragoti
    ntoherdr
    eam schooland
    Rebahadt heoppor tunitytopursueherpassi on
    whichwasmodel ling.Whatdi dIdowr ong?”She
    askedhim.Shedi dn’tknowhowt odealwi t
    hReba
    atthi
    spoint.Shedi dn’tknowhowshef ai
    ledher
    whenallherkidswer efineandexcell
    ing.Hereldest
    happil
    ymar ri
    edfort hatmat t
    er.
    “Kidsgr
    owup, t
    hingshappen.Kidslearntohi de
    thingsf
    rom thei
    rparents.Rebai
    sasweetchi ldand
    shedoesn’tneedt obetreat
    edli
    keapr i
    soner.She
    madeherowndeci si
    onsandyoudon’ thaveto
    blameHadesf orwhatRebadeci dedtodo. ”Thabiso
    said.
    “
    It
    ’shar
    dnott
    obecauseshespendsmostofher
    t
    imewit
    hhim.
    ”
    “Haveyouaskedyour
    selfwhy?Whyshecriedwhen
    yousuddenl
    ykeptherawayfrom hi
    m?”Susankept
    quiet
    .
    “Ofcourset
    heyhavet hei
    rownpr oblemsbut
    beyondtherumble,ther
    eislove.Evenifi
    tfl
    awed, i
    t
    i
    sthere.Shefeelssafearoundhim andmaybet hat
    whywedon’ tknowanythingorwhyshest ared
    t
    aki
    ngdr
    ugs.
    ”Susanbr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “
    I’
    llt
    ry.
    ”
    “Youdon’ thavetopushyourdaught eraway,treat
    herl i
    keagr ownadultanddon’ttakeheraut onomy
    from her .Soonerorlat
    ershewi l
    lresentyouf or
    that .
    ”Hershoul dersl
    umpedasThabi soheadedi nt
    o
    theirbat hroom andshewasl ef
    tther ewithherown
    thought s.Hehadapoi nt
    .Howdi dshedealwi ththi
    s?
    Shewasdi sappoint
    edinRebabecausehowcoul d
    sheconsci ousl
    ychooset otakedrugsasi ft
    her e
    wer enoot hermeanstodealwi t
    hpr oblems.She
    sighedandgotoutofbed.Shewal kedoutoft he
    bedr oom andsawRebacl oseherl it
    tlesi
    ster’
    sdoor
    bef oreshewal kedtoherownbedr oom.Shesi ghed
    andheadedt oReba’sbedroom.Sheopenedt he
    slightl
    yaj ardoorasRebar emovedhersweat er.
    Rebal ookedathermot herandSusanr ubbedher
    eyes.
    “I
    ’m sorr
    y.”Shesaid.Shehadrunoutofthingsshe
    couldsayandt hosewerethewordsthatwer eon
    hertongue.Wasshekeepi ngRebaherebecause
    herkidshadgrownanddi dn’twantheranylonger
    thatsheusedt hi
    ssituat
    iont
    ocontrolherchi
    ldand
    bethepar entagai
    n.Tearsfi
    l
    ledherowneyesand
    Rebaj ustnodded.Susanguesseditwasgoingto
    takemor ethansorrytogett
    hroughtoherdaughter
    butitwasast art
    .

    *
    **

    Mooket
    sishookhishead,i
    twast ooearl
    yto
    i
    ntr
    oducehiswif
    etohisfamily.TheRebaissuewas
    st
    il
    lnewandneededdigesti
    ngsohewi l
    lhavet
    o
    wait
    .Afewmonthsmaybe?Hopef ul
    ly.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    THREEMONTHLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN

    63

    AtAusti
    n'shouse,
    HadesfoundAusti
    nint
    he
    ki
    tchenshir
    tl
    esswhil
    esi
    ppingcof
    fee.
    "Alor
    aiscomingbackhomet oday.
    "Hadessai dand
    Austinnodded.Heknewt hat
    .Hewaspl anningon
    goingtotheair
    portbuthewassur eherfamilytook
    fi
    rstpri
    ori
    tysohewasn'tgoingtobethereforlong.
    "
    Iwantt
    osaygoodbye.
    "Hadessai
    dint
    hesi
    lence.
    "
    Iam pr
    oudoft
    hepr
    ogr
    essyouhavemade.
    "
    "I
    '
    m sur eyou'
    l
    lbegl
    adtohavemeoutofyourhai
    r
    darl
    inganddealwit
    hyourl
    it
    tl
    edemon.
    "Austin
    chuckled.
    "
    Scar
    edshewi
    llscr
    atchyou?
    "
    "Al
    orahasacrazyel
    ementabouther
    .Nooff
    ense.
    "
    Austi
    nrai
    sedhishandsupasanindi
    cat
    ionofi
    t
    bei
    ngnothi
    ng.
    "Ever yonet houghtso, Ialwayst houghtshewasa
    geni us."Hadesshookhi sheadashewal kedt othe
    fri
    dget otakeoutmi lk.Hel ookedar oundt he
    kitchen.Ther ewasnoal cohol ,notthathewoul d
    haveany.Hehasbeent r
    yingt obecl eanandi twas
    har dbuthewast r
    ying.Aust i
    nt urnedoutt obea
    fri
    end, oneheneversawcomi ng,him pr aisi
    ng
    Hadesf orhissmal laccompl ishment sandeven
    l
    ivingwi thhimi nhisspacesot hel oneliness
    doesn' tpr opelhimt owardsabot t
    le.SomeScot ch
    orJamesonbecauset hathadbeenal lheknew.Al l
    hecoul duset ofil
    lthevoidi nhi shear tandhehada
    deepervoi dnowt hatRebawasgoneevent hough
    theycal l
    edeachot her.Thecommuni cationwas
    l
    imi tedandt hecont actwascl oset ozer o.Itwas
    sil
    ent lykill
    inghi m.Piecebypi eceandhehad
    l
    ear nedt oshar esucht hought swi thAust in,over
    cof f
    eewhi chwasn' tagoodr epl acementf orthe
    alcohol .Hehadcomet ofiguret hatoutandeven
    thoughhef eltdumbunderAust i
    n'scal m stareand
    thesi lentconf i
    denceAust inhad, hewasanokay
    fri
    end.Hi sfir
    stf ri
    endeversi nceReba.
    "ButI
    'l
    lseewhatt
    odosoyoucansaygoodbye.It
    's
    j
    ustthreemoremont
    hsofrehabtosol
    idi
    fywhat
    hasbeenhappeni
    ng.
    "Hadesbreat
    hedoutand
    nodded.
    "Doyoul
    oveher
    ?"HeaskedandAusti
    nkeptqui
    et.
    Theybot
    hknewHadeswasaskingaboutAl
    ora.
    "Ourr
    elat
    ionshi
    panditscont
    exti
    sdi
    ff
    icul
    tfor
    peopl
    etounderstand.
    "
    Hadesshookhi
    shead.
    "
    Thatwasasi
    mplequesti
    onandyou'
    reavoi
    dingi
    t.
    "
    Hesai
    dandAust
    inshrugged.
    "
    Doesi
    tmat
    ter
    ?"Aust
    inasked.
    "I
    tdoes."Hadessaid.Notthathewasgoi ngt osay
    i
    tbutRebaj adtol
    dhi m aboutAlora'
    sfearof
    i
    ntimacyandhehopedt hatAustinwasn'tjustaf
    ter
    Aloratosl
    eepwi t
    hherandl eaveher.Thatmay
    explai
    nwhyhewassuppor t
    iveofHades, hewas
    tr
    yingtoscorepointswithAlora.Austi
    nwal kedout
    ofthekit
    chenandHadessi ghed.
    *
    **

    Atthehot elr
    oom, Mooketsilookedathiswife.He
    sti
    lldi
    dn'thaveenoughcour aget ot
    ellhisparent
    s
    abouthisi mpromptumar r
    iage.Hehaddeci dednot
    tosleepathomeandopt edforahot elroom.They
    wer eal
    lgoingt omeetAloraattheairportl
    ater
    today.Hiswifesmiledasshesatdownt opourjui
    ce.
    "Okaytel
    lmeaboutyourf
    ami
    lyandal
    lIneedt
    o
    know."Sheasked.
    "YouknowReba."Shenoddedasshepushedher
    sil
    kyhai
    rbackandMooketsismil
    ed.
    "Rebai
    stheonethemedi
    aalwayst
    alksabout.I
    s
    sheokay?Imeanshei
    scurr
    entl
    ygett
    ingbett
    er?"
    "
    Shei
    s,Zar
    adon'tworr
    y."Shenoddedandbr
    ought
    t
    hegl
    asstoherl
    ips.
    "
    WehaveBokamoso,
    youdoknowhi
    mri
    ght
    ?"
    "
    DoI
    ?Notsur
    e."Mooket
    sishr
    ugged.
    "Thenwehavemyyoungestsi
    ster
    .Alor
    a.Outof
    everyoneshei
    sthe-
    howdoIputit
    ?"Zaradi
    dn'
    t
    knowt
    heyhaddescr
    ipt
    ions.
    "
    Onceyoumeether ,you'llunder
    standme.Trustme.
    Mymot herandst
    ep-father.Thatisall
    .Theparent
    s
    wil
    lbeangrybutot
    her wisemysi bli
    ngsarecool.
    "
    "Goti
    t.Igoti
    t.
    "Mooket
    siki
    ssedherf
    oreheadt
    hen
    hercheek
    "Il
    oveyou."Shesmiled.Shedidn'
    twantt obei nthi
    s
    cit
    ybutshewasgoi ngtobearitalloutjustbecause
    shecamewi thherhusband.Shesi ghed.Crossing
    herfi
    ngersshedoesn'tmeetHadesorcr osspaths
    withhi
    m becausehercur i
    osi
    tywillbepeakedand
    hermothertol
    dhertoneveraskquest ions.
    Questi
    onsalwaysledtot r
    oubl
    eandhermot herhad
    beenthroughalotal
    ready,shedidn'twanttoopen
    oldwounds.
    "
    Zeewhat
    'sup?Youhavet
    hatgl
    oonyl
    ookonyour
    f
    ace.
    "
    "
    I-
    Ihaveaquest
    ionandIf
    ee-
    "
    "
    Askaway.
    "
    "
    Howi
    sHades?Li
    kehi
    schar
    act
    er?
    "Mooket
    si'
    sjaw
    ti
    ckedandZarafel
    tli
    kesheshouldhavekeptqui
    et.
    Mooketsibr
    eat
    hedout .Hi
    swifewasaski
    ngabout
    anothermananditt
    ickedhim of
    f.
    "I
    '
    m sor
    ry.Ishouldn'thaveasked.
    "Zar
    aqui
    ckl
    ysai
    d
    andMooketsibreathedout.
    "
    Hei
    stol
    erabl
    e."Hesai
    dandZar
    atookt
    hat
    .
    "I
    '
    m sorr
    y.Iknowhowyoufeel
    ,wi
    thyoursi
    ster
    's
    sagaandhim bei
    ngi
    nvol
    vedinal
    lofi
    t.Idi
    dn'
    t
    meannohar m."
    "
    I'
    m sur
    eyoudi
    dn'
    .
    "
    "
    Babe,
    Idi
    dn'
    t.Honestt
    oGod.
    "Mooket
    sinodded.
    "Enoughaboutpeool
    ewhodon'tmat
    ter
    ,whathave
    youplannedfort
    heweekend?
    "
    "Besi
    desmeet i
    ngyourfamil
    y?Uhm we'l
    lgofor
    quadbi kes.That'
    sal
    lIhaveinmind.Iam sur
    eour
    mar r
    iagewi l
    lcausedr
    ama."
    "
    Theyar
    eachi
    llbunch.
    "
    "Butwedi dn'
    tgothroughthenormalmagadipat
    lo
    process."Mooket
    sibreathedoutandki
    ssedZara'
    s
    forehead.Shebli
    nkedbeforeshesmil
    edandlooked
    upathim.Theywoul dn'tunder
    standthei
    rsit
    uation
    buthehopedt heywouldunder st
    andthei
    rlove.He
    wasst i
    llt
    ryingtotal
    kheri nt
    ohavinghischil
    dren
    andsher efusedont hebasisthathisf
    amilydidn't
    knowherexi stenceandi twoul
    dbewr ongtosome
    degreetohaveki dswithoutherbeingknown.
    "
    You'
    recut
    e."
    "
    Andyouneedt
    ogetr
    eadyt
    opi
    ckyoursi
    sterf
    rom
    t
    heai
    rpor
    t.
    "
    "
    Joi
    nme.
    "
    "
    Idon'
    twantt
    oimposean-
    "
    "
    You'r
    efamil
    yokay?You'
    reMr
    sZar
    aMooket
    si
    Moremi.
    "Shegr
    inned.
    "
    Okay.I
    '
    llst
    ayi
    nthecart
    hough.
    "
    "
    Zar
    a!"
    "
    I'
    llst
    ayi
    nthecar
    .It
    '
    sfi
    nal
    ."Hegr
    oanedandshe
    l
    aughed.

    *
    **
    AtSusan'
    shouse,
    shegotr
    eadyandshef
    acedher
    husbandwhowassit
    ti
    ngonthebed.
    "Ican'
    tbel
    ieveAl
    oraiscominghome.Forgood
    now."Susanstar
    tedoffandThabi
    sonodded.
    "I
    '
    llhaveallmyki dsinoner oofandIam sur eAl ora
    wil
    lf i
    ndaj ob.Shemi ghthaveal readybeenscout ed
    byabankorbyahugecompanyt oworkfor."Susan
    saiddreami ly.Theyhadf oundRebaat herapistto
    helpandal thought het
    her apisthadadvisedt hat
    Rebabesentt oament alrehabil
    it
    ationcentre.
    ThabisohadSusanhal tt hatandt houghti
    twas
    bettershewaswi thfamilythanbei ngsentof ft
    o
    str
    anger s.
    "I
    '
    m sureAl
    orawi
    llt
    ellyouherpl
    ansonceshe
    arr
    ives.
    "
    "
    Iguessso.LetmecheckonEmor
    y.Al
    ora'
    sfl
    ighti
    s
    l
    andi
    nginanhourorso."

    *
    **
    Austinreadhert extoverandoveragain.Hewasn' t
    partofherf amilyandshewant edhim attheairport
    .
    Thebetterpar tofhi m wantedtokeepwor ki
    ngand
    notdropever ythingtoseeherevent houghhel ast
    sawheramont hagobutt hepartofhi
    msel f
    , t
    he
    oneher efusedt oacknowl edge,wasalreadyatt he
    ai
    rportwaitingf orAlora.Hewoulddoanyt hingf or
    her.Rel
    uct antl
    yhedi al
    ledHadeswhoanswer ed
    i
    mmedi ately.
    "
    Missmeal
    ready?
    "Hadesbant
    ered.
    "You'
    reheadi
    ngt
    otheai
    rpor
    twi
    thme.
    "Ther
    ewas
    sil
    ence.
    "
    Idon'
    tthi
    nkt
    heMor
    emi
    '
    swoul
    dappr
    eci
    atet
    hat
    ."
    "
    Theywillhavet
    ogetovert
    hemsel
    vesr
    ight
    ?I'
    min
    myoff
    ice.Beherei
    nanhour."
    "
    Aust
    inyoudoknowI
    '
    m ol
    dert
    hanyou.
    "
    "
    AndhowcanIf orgett
    hatf
    actdar
    li
    ng?
    "Hesai
    das
    Hadeschuckl
    edthenhungup.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *

    Mysi ncer
    estapologies.Thi
    swor khasbeennot hing
    shortofbreakdowns, gr
    oupproject
    sbeingrejected
    thenredone,catchi
    ngupwi thschoolwork,gett
    ing
    readyfortest
    sandexamsandmor eassi
    gnment s.
    Let'
    scatchupt hissi
    denowdur ingthi
    sEast er
    holi
    day.Thankyouf orthepati
    ence
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    42] :REBORN

    64

    Alorastaredoutthesmal
    lwindowast heairpl
    ane'
    s
    veloci
    tytorethr
    oughthebaresky.Sheplacedher
    fi
    ngerti
    psont hewindowglassinthought.She
    closedhereyes.I twasoverandi twast imet ojoin
    ther ealworld.Shewasnotgoi ngtohidebehi ndt he
    wor l
    dofacademi aandyetagai nshef eltoutofher
    dept h.Herracingt hought smaki ngherwantt o
    scream butofcour seshecoul dn'tdot hat.She
    removedherhandf rom t hewi ndowandpl aced
    them onhert highs.Theonl yf earshehadwast he
    feart hatmaybeshewasgoi ngt ogonowher ewi th
    herpl ans.ThatLor aCosmet icswasnotgoi ngt o
    succeedorgett hef undingsheneededbecause
    alreadyshewasgoi ngtodepl etehertrustf und.She
    breat hedout.Anot herf actshehaddeci dedt o
    conf rontfl
    oodinghert hought s.Inherpl ansf orthe
    futuresheneversawAust inasbei ngapar toft hem
    nort hem beingt oget her.Shehaddeci dedt ot el
    l
    him shel ovedhi m eveni fsheknewhewoul dn't
    reciprocatethef eelingsbuthi m knowingwasokay
    becauseshel ivedhert r
    ut h.Shel ovedandshe
    didn'thidethatf act.Likesheef fort
    lesslylovedher
    fami lyevenifherexpr essionofwei rdandawkwar d
    shel ovedthem never theless.
    *
    **

    Attheair
    port
    ,Hadessati
    nthecarwi
    thAust
    inwho
    checkedthet
    ime.
    "Herplaneisprobablytheonelandingandit
    's
    almostthree."Hadesnodded.Hewasseei ngReba?
    Howwasshe?Hewant edtoholdherandneverlet
    hergobecauset omor rowhewasl eavi
    ngforrehab.
    Itwasgoingt obeal ongthreemonthsofno
    contactunlesstheycheckonhim.Fort heshort
    ti
    mehehasknownAust i
    n,heknewhewasgoi ngto
    passbyt ocheckuponhi m.
    Aust i
    ngotoutoft hecarandHadesf ol l
    owed.He
    l
    ockedt hecarasAust i
    nbreathedout .Hi sface
    revealednot hingbutcoolcomposur ebuthewas
    surehewasner vous.Hewasal sointerestedin
    seeingAust i
    nr elatetoAlora.Outofal lthepeople,
    Aloradat ingwasashockgi vent hefactt hatshe
    threatenedt oel i
    mi nat
    ethemal especi esever yt
    ime
    withoutf ail
    .Hadesf ol
    lowedAust i
    nast heywal ked
    tothef i
    eldwher etheai r
    crafthadlanded.I n
    mi
    nut
    est
    heyhadar
    ri
    vedandhesawAl
    ora'
    sfami
    ly.
    Rebat ur
    nedherheadandherj awdroppedasshe
    sawHades.Shesmi l
    edandl ookeddown.Her
    sibl
    ingstur nedtoseehi m andshesawt hedistaste
    onMooket si'sf
    aceandhowhermot herignoredthe
    twogent l
    emen.Rebasmi ledatthem andwaved
    withahugesmi l
    e.Aust i
    nnoddedandHades
    l
    ongi ngl
    yl ookedather .Shewasanadul t.Rebasaid
    assheexcusedher sel
    fandj umpedintoHades'
    arms.Susanopenedhermout hbutThabi sorai
    sed
    aneyebr owatherandshekeptqui et
    .Rebabur ied
    herfacei nt hecrookofhisneckashehel dherin
    place.
    "
    Hibaby.Imi
    ssedyou.
    "Shesai
    dandhel
    ickedhi
    s
    l
    ips.
    "Idi
    dn'
    tabandonyouokayHades?Il oveyouokay?I
    l
    oveyou!"Shekissedhisneckandshemovedher
    headtolookathim.Shegrinnedandburiedher
    faceonthecrookofhisneckonceagain.Hades
    hadhisbestgir
    linhisarmsandshewasi nhi
    s
    arms.Rebawonder edi
    fHadesknewt hathewas
    moreint
    oxicati
    ngthanthealcoholheconsumed
    andshewoul
    dnevert
    ir
    eofhi
    m.
    "Hil
    ove."HesaidsmoothlyandRebagrinned.
    Austi
    nwat chedthei
    rPDAandhet urnedhisheadto
    watchthem.Rebasl owl
    ysli
    ddownHades' body
    andshepl acedherheadonhischestbefor
    elooki
    ng
    upathim.
    "
    We'
    l
    lmakei
    tlove.
    "Hadessai
    d.
    "Wemightnotbei
    naMar velfi
    lm andwearestuck
    i
    nthishorr
    ibl
    eear
    thbutwe'l
    lmakei t
    ."Heki
    ssed
    herf
    oreheadandrubbedherchi
    n.
    "
    Ihavesomucht
    ofi
    llyoui
    non.
    "Hadeschuckl
    ed.
    "
    Wehavef
    oreverIguessl
    ove.
    "
    "Andthatmeanswe'l
    lgetourhappyending?"Reba
    askedandhenodded.Shewassat i
    sfi
    edwi t
    hthat
    answerandsheturnedtofaceAust
    in.Shealways
    fel
    tstupi
    daroundsmartpeople.
    "
    Uhm hi
    ."Shesai
    dandHadesl
    ookeddownatReba
    t
    henatAusti
    n.
    "
    Hel
    loRebant
    le.
    "Rebacr
    inged.
    "
    Wil
    lheal
    waysbeusi
    ngmyf
    ullname?
    "Sheasked
    Hadesi
    nwhatshet
    houghtwasawhi
    sper
    .
    "Icanst i
    llhearyou.
    "Shecl
    osedhereyesi n
    embar rassmentandHadeschuckled,ki
    ssingher
    hair.Austinsli
    dhisphoneoutasatextreport
    ed.He
    readthet ext.
    Lora:
    Iwil
    lmurderyouRoberti
    fyouaren'
    tatt
    he
    ai
    rportt
    heminuteIgetof
    fthisfl
    ight
    .
    Hedidn'tr
    espondandhesli
    dhisphonebacki
    nhi
    s
    pocketashewaitedf
    orhertoshowup.

    Bokamosoandhi
    swi f
    eglancedatRebawho
    seemedmoreani
    matedandshowedmor esi
    gnsof
    l
    ifet
    hanshehasevershownthepastthr
    eemonths.
    "Shelookshappy. "HiswifesaidandBokamosohad
    toagree.Mooket sishuffl
    edhisfeet,nervousabout
    today'sdi
    nnerandi ntroduci
    ngZar a.HeknewAl ora
    wasgoi ngtobet hecent r
    eofattenti
    onf orthenext
    fewweeks.Wi thherwai ti
    ngforherr esult
    sand
    graduati
    ngfrom Pr i
    ncetonUniversit
    y.Af ucki
    ngI vy
    Leagueschool .Shehasal wayshadbi g
    achievements.Somet imeshewasj ealousthatshe
    hadal lthatbrainandi twassur elysomet hingshe
    mighthavegot tenfrom herbiologicalmot her.He
    swallowedt hej eal
    ousydownasSusangaspedand
    everyone'seyeswer efacingforwar dasthey
    watchedherpushherhai rback.Asal wayst here
    wasnosmi l
    epl ast
    eredonherf ace.Shest opped
    andl ookedatherbagsandshedr aggedt hem
    acrossasshemadeherwayt ot hem, shewas
    muchl i
    ghter.Itmusthavebeent hecl i
    mat ebacki n
    Amer ica.Alorawasmuchcl oserandshel ookedat
    everyonewhocamet oseeher .Everyonewasher e.
    Herlittl
    esisterwast heonewhobr okethesi lence
    assher hshedt ohugher .AloratouchedEmor y'
    s
    hair.
    "
    Hit
    her
    eyou.
    "Shebr
    eat
    hedoutandEmor
    ygr
    inned.
    "
    Areyoubackf
    oreverRor
    a?"
    "Yesmyli
    tt
    legobli
    n."Shesai
    dandSusanr
    oll
    edher
    eyeswi
    thasmi l
    e.
    "
    Alor
    amychi
    ldi
    snotagobl
    in.
    "Al
    orashr
    ugged.
    "Sheis.
    "Emor
    yletgoofhersi
    ster'
    slegsandshe
    stoodbehi
    ndAlor
    a'sl
    argesui
    tcaseandAloragave
    Susanapoi
    ntedl
    ook.
    "Seewhyshei
    sagobl
    in?Whyi
    sshebehi
    ndmy
    suit
    case.
    "
    "Thewickedwi
    tchofthewesti
    sback."Hades
    banter
    edandAlorashothi
    m aglar
    e,noti
    cingReba
    i
    nhi sarms
    "ShutupHadesanddon' tstealmymoment .
    "Her
    eyeslandedonAust i
    n.Allpoli
    shedandgood
    l
    ookingwi t
    haf r
    eshcut.Shenevercaughtthatman
    sli
    pping.Agrinl
    ift
    edhisli
    psandshegl ar
    edathimn
    heonl ygri
    nnedwider.Heratt
    enti
    onwentbackto
    herfamily.
    "Thi
    sisal
    lsocuteguys.Iwoul
    dbecr
    yingbutyou
    know"shetr
    ail
    edoffandBokamosl
    aughed.
    "
    That
    '
    stheAl
    oraweknow.
    "
    Ever
    yonel
    aughedandhereyesl
    andedonherot
    her
    brot
    her
    .
    "
    Hel
    loMoks.
    "Shesai
    dandheshookhi
    shead.
    "
    You'
    rebei
    ngni
    ce?
    "
    "
    Foronce.
    "Shesai
    dandherst
    epf
    athersmi
    ledi
    n
    herdi
    rect
    ionandsheacknowl
    edgedthatwi
    tha
    si
    mplenod.Hewalkedtowhereshewastotakeher
    bagsandEmor yj
    ustt
    ookAlor
    a'shands.
    "Suyou'
    rel
    uckyIl
    ovethi
    sli
    ttl
    egobli
    nhere.
    "She
    sai
    dasshesqueezedEmory'shandandwalkedt
    o
    whereRebawaswithHades.Rebagotoutof
    Hades'embr
    aceandhuggedhersist
    er.
    "
    Heyt
    her
    esi
    s."
    "Yougood?"Al
    oraaskedwi
    thonehandawkwardl
    y
    placedonReba'
    sbackwhil
    eRebahuggedherwit
    h
    everyt
    hingi
    nher.
    "
    I'
    llbeokay.
    "Al
    orasi
    ghed.
    "That'
    snotananswerandIdemandaful
    l
    explanat
    ion.Ar
    eporti
    fyoumust
    ."Rebal
    aughed
    andAl or
    atri
    edsohardnott
    osmile.
    "Yourboyfr
    iendisscar
    y."RebasaidandAl
    orabr
    oke
    thehugandl ookedatAusti
    nacrossReba'
    s
    shoulder
    .
    "
    Hei
    snot
    ."
    "
    I'
    m scar
    edofsayi
    ngsomet
    hingwr
    ongandhe
    cor
    rectsmypronouncements.I
    sthatt
    hecor
    rect
    word?"Al
    orashookherhead.
    "We' l
    ltalkbutI '
    m happyIgett obeher enow.Wi th
    you. "Alorasaidqui etlybutRebahear dher .Aloralet
    goofEmor y'
    shandandshewal kedt oAust i
    n.The
    restoft hef amilywat chedcur i
    ousl y.Itwasn' tasif
    theydi dn'tknowwhowast hat
    .Aust inMat thews
    wasmaki ngwavesi nt hebusi nesssect orandt hey
    thoughtj ustbecauseHadeswasanhei rtoa
    mul timil
    lioncorporationhecameher ewi t
    hhi m
    sinceAust inhimselfwasheadi nghi smot her 'svery
    successf ulcompanywhi chwaswor thbi l
    li
    onsbut
    nextf ewsecondspr ovedt hem wr ongast hey
    wat chedhowhi shandwr appedar oundAl ora's
    waist .Mooket si'
    seyespoppedandBokamoso
    squi ntedhi stomakesur ehewasseei ngcor r
    ectly.
    Susanf rownedwhi l
    eThabi sowat chedt heshow.
    Amusedbyever yone'sr eact i
    ons.
    Rebagr i
    nnedasshesi l
    entlycheeredthem on.Look
    atthetwonerds.Hersisterwasn'tevenrepulsedby
    hi
    st ouchbutthenagainAlorahadmont hstoget
    usedtoit.RebalookedatHades.
    "Lookathowhei sl
    ookingather
    ."Hadesagr
    eed.
    Austi
    nhadl ower
    edhisheadtotalkt
    oher,hi
    shand
    onthesmallofAlor
    a'sbackandthem whi
    speri
    ng
    betweenthebothofthem.
    "Hei
    slooki
    ngatherasifshei
    nvent
    edthewhole
    uni
    ver
    seandshewast obeadored.
    "Rebasai
    d.
    "Andhesaidhedoesn'
    tloveher
    ."Hadesbr
    eat
    hed
    out.Rebaf
    rowned.
    "
    Helovesher.TheA*t
    eam.Hewi l
    ladmitthat.Ishi
    p
    t
    hem.Losti
    n?Cutehuh?Iknow.I'
    m smarttoo."
    Hadeschuckl
    edandkissedReba'
    shead.
    "
    You'
    ret
    oocut
    e."Hesai
    d.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN
    65

    Alor
    alookedupathi
    m andhi
    sli
    pst
    henhi
    seyes
    agai
    n.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Forwhatmachér
    ie?
    ”(mydar
    li
    ng)
    “ComingandhelpingHades.”Hewantedtokissher
    ri
    ghtther
    eandnowbutheknewhi sgirl
    fr
    iend.He
    optedtotakeherhandandkissit
    .Hewoul ddo
    anythi
    ngforher,sheshoul
    dknowt hatbynow.
    Herheartr
    aced,
    shenoti
    cedhowhewasl ookingat
    herandshehopedhewouldki
    ssher .Justapeck
    onherli
    psandthenheshoul
    dst epback.Inst
    eadhe
    l
    etgoofherwaistandshel
    ostthewar mthofhis
    handashemovedback.Sheglaredathim and
    fol
    dedherarms.
    “Tel
    lmewhatyouwantLora.”Sheroll
    edhereyesat
    himthengavehi
    m amurderousglare.Aust
    inknew
    hisgi
    rl
    fr
    iendj
    ustal
    ri
    ght
    .Shewasaboutt ot
    hreaten
    todohideoust hi
    ngstohisd*
    ckorpl
    anbodil
    yharm
    tohi
    m.I fnotthat
    ,shewasaboutt
    othreat
    enmurder
    ordecl
    ar eherhateforhi
    m.
    “Don’
    tyoudarefor
    gett
    hatIhateyouRobert
    .I
    despi
    seyouandyourexist
    ence.”Shesai
    dwith
    suchvenom andHadessti
    fl
    edachuckle.
    Shetur
    nedtoglareathi
    m, notmi
    ndi
    ngt
    hatshehad
    got
    tenever
    yone’satt
    ent
    ion.
    “Wenashutup!Don’ tyoust art
    !”Rebar ubbed
    Hades’ chest.Shehadgot tenusedt oHadesand
    Aloraexchangi ngthesef ormor et hanadecade.
    Hadesshookhi shead.Howwer etheysupposedt o
    keepup?Onemi nuteAl orawasl oveydoveywi t
    h
    Aust i
    nandt henextshewasgi vinghi m adeadl y
    glare.Shewasaf ir
    stclassl unaticforsur e.He
    l
    ookedatAust inwhowasn’ tmovedbuti nsteadhe
    l
    ookedamusedashekepthi seyesont hel i
    tt
    leshe
    devilshoot inghim glares.Aust i
    nchuckl edasAl ora
    clearedhert hr
    oat.Shef acedherf amily,the
    shockedl ooksont heirfaceswer epr icelessand
    Rebat ookoutherphone.Shesnappedaf ew
    picturesasshesmi l
    ed.Sheknewhersi sterhadi ti
    n
    her,
    toloveamanshet hought.Eveni
    fshehasn’
    t
    beeninti
    matewithherboyf
    riendshewasgi
    vingi
    t
    ti
    me.Alorahadinti
    macyissuesandshehadto
    workthrought
    hem.Rebamused.
    “Don’
    tbet
    oosur
    pri
    sed.Ever
    yonethat
    ’smy. .
    ”she
    t
    ookamomenttofakegagbefor
    eshel ookedat
    Austi
    n.
    “Myboyf ri
    end.”Shetouchedherchest .I
    tfel
    tso
    awf uladmitt
    ingitt
    ot hepubl
    ic.Wellherfamil
    ywas
    thepubl i
    cinthissenseandtheyaregoi ngtothi
    nk
    shei shavingsexwi t
    hhim andallt
    hosenast y
    thingspeopledowhenshei sonlycontentwit
    hhis
    kissesandhehasneverpushedherf urt
    heror
    demandedf orsex.
    Mooket
    sil
    aughed.
    “Youhaveaboyf riend?
    ”Shehadt orest
    rai
    nhersel
    f
    from t
    elli
    nghi
    mt hatshej ustsai
    dt hat
    .Ofcour
    se
    Austinwaslargerthanl i
    feandallbutshewasthe
    onedoi nghi
    m af avour.Shedidn’twantt
    hem t
    oget
    i
    tt wi
    sted.
    “
    Ijustsai
    dthatdumbass.
    ”Mooket
    sir
    aisedhi
    s
    handsi
    nmocksur
    renderandBokamosonodded.
    “We’l
    lacceptt
    hatyouhaveaboyfr
    iend.Asyoung
    asyouar e.
    ”Hesaid.Ofcour
    sehewasbeingsucha
    bigbrot
    her.
    “Hehurt
    syouhehast
    odealwi
    thus.
    ”Al
    orashother
    boyf
    ri
    endaglar
    e.
    “It
    hinkshewi
    lldealwi
    thhi
    mjustf
    ine.
    ”Hades
    chi
    ded.
    “
    RebaIam goi
    ngt
    oki
    llHadesHudsonaut
    we?
    “
    “Suchviolencemachér ie?”Austinsaidsmoothly.
    Everyonenot i
    cedthathewasn’ tmovedbyAl ora’s
    shortburstsofangerandhowhi spr
    esencewasf elt
    eventhoughhehadn’ tsai dawor dtothem.Alora
    openedhermout htospeakbutAust insurpassed
    herandf i
    nallygreet
    edherf ami
    lyandshedidn’t
    knowi fi
    twasanAust int hingbutinthenextten
    minutesherwhol efami lyf ucki
    ngli
    kedhim.
    Someoneki llherri
    ghtnow.Emor yevenlef
    therside
    tospeakt othesixfootf ivemanwhom shecal l
    ed
    herboyfri
    end.Suchat raitorousgobli
    n.Sheclapped
    herhands.
    “Peopl
    e,focus!Youcamehereforme.Includi
    ng
    him.Me.”Austinrai
    sedaneyebr
    ow.Hewast he
    narci
    ssi
    standher eshewaswantingeveryone’
    s
    att
    enti
    ont obeonher .
    “vousêtesjal
    ouse?”(Youarej
    eal
    ous?
    )Austi
    n
    asked.Rebagasped.Sheunderst
    oodthem f
    rom t
    he
    l
    itt
    leFrenchshelearntwhenshewasgoingt
    o
    France.Alor
    aroll
    edhereyes.
    “I
    ’m notgoingtodigni
    fyyouwitharesponse.”
    Mooket sif
    rowned.Hethoughtshewouldturnall
    softandmushybutshewast hesameol dAlora.
    Woul dkidsmakehersoft?
    Austi
    nplacedhishandonherbackandshepaused
    ashelookeddownather.Shewouldtel
    lhi
    m once
    theywerealone.
    “
    Joi
    nusf
    ordi
    nner
    .”Shewhi
    sper
    edupt
    ohi
    m.
    “Youwantmetocome? ”Shenoddedl
    ooki
    ngupat
    him.Rebaswooned.Theyweresocut
    e.
    “
    Lookatheri
    nlove.
    ”
    “
    Yoursi
    steri
    sfucki
    ngconf
    usi
    ng.
    ”Hadesmut
    ter
    ed
    andRebahi
    thi
    schest
    .
    “
    Shei
    scut
    e.”
    “
    Thatdoesn’
    tmakeheranyl
    essscar
    y.”
    “Oneoft hesedaysIwilll
    etherkil
    lyou.
    ”Rebasai d.
    Bokamososmi l
    edalone.Whowoul dhavet hought?
    Hehur r
    iedhiswifealongexcusingthem but
    promisi
    ngt oshowupatt hedi
    nner.Mooketsi
    fol
    lowedashesai dbyet oo.
    RebaandHadesspokef
    orafewminutesbef
    ore
    shel
    efthi
    ssi
    detospeakwi
    thhispar
    ents.
    “
    CanHadescomef
    ordi
    nner
    ?”Sheaskedher
    mot
    her
    .
    “
    Re-
    “
    “Ofcour
    se.
    ”Thabi
    sosai
    dandRebahuggedt
    he
    bothoft
    hem.
    “I
    ’
    llbewit
    hAlor
    a.Shei
    sreall
    yresponsi
    ble.
    Thanks.
    ”Shesai
    dandwalkedovertoHadesand
    Thabi
    sochuckl
    ed.
    “
    Didshej
    ust
    -“heshookhi
    shead.
    “WhywouldIwantHadestocome?”Susanasked
    andThabi
    soheldhi
    swife’
    sshoul
    ders.
    “Tr
    yforthekids.Lookathowhappyshei swi t
    hhim.
    Theyarekids,theyneedgui danceandnotus
    suff
    ocati
    ngthem.Shei sdoingbett
    erintermsof
    hertr
    yingtosoberupexcusi ngthatl
    itt
    lerel
    apse
    shehadbutshei sdoingbet ter
    .Shelookshappy
    wit
    hhim andf ullofli
    fe.”SusanwatchedasReba’ s
    mouthmovedasshet al
    kedt oHadesandhe
    l
    ist
    enedt oherasi fhislif
    edependedoni t.Herhear
    t
    soft
    enedal i
    tt
    le.
    “See?Justdi
    nnerandherspendi
    ngafewhours
    withhi
    m.Thatwasallsheaskedofyou.
    ”Thabi
    so
    emphasised.
    “
    Fine,
    Igeti
    t.
    ”
    “Good.Let’
    stakeAl
    ora’
    sthi
    ngst
    othecarandget
    goingwithEmory.
    ”

    Theparentssaidbyeandlef
    tthetwocoupl
    est her
    e.
    Alor
    afrowned.Herhandbag.Ithadmostofher
    thi
    ngs.Sanit
    iser
    s,wipes,
    herphone.Shestepped
    backf
    rom Aust
    in’
    sembr
    ace.
    “
    Wai t
    !”Sherant
    ot hem ast
    heystoppedi
    nthei
    r
    t
    racks.Shegotherhandbagwhichwasontopof
    t
    hesui t
    case.
    “We’l
    lbether
    ef ordinner
    .”Sheturnedherbackon
    them j
    ustasAust i
    n,RebaandHadeswer eheadi
    ng
    herway.Shewai tedfort
    hem til
    ltheycaughtup
    withherandinsteadofallowi
    ngAust i
    ntotouchher
    ,
    shetookReba’shandandwal kedforwardwit
    hher.
    “
    Whoa!Sl
    owdown.
    ”
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ngnow.
    ”
    “
    Icanhearyou.
    ”Aust
    insai
    d.
    “
    Ifyour
    eall
    ywanttobeali
    vebyt
    hetimewegetto
    t
    hecar,
    pleaseshutupordomeafavour
    .Di
    e!”
    “
    Howdoyout
    oler
    atet
    his?
    ”Hadesasked.
    “Monthsofpracti
    cedarl
    ing.
    ”Aust
    inr
    epl
    iedhi
    m and
    Alor
    ar ol
    ledhereyes.
    “Okayafterdinner
    .I’
    llt
    ellyoual
    laboutit
    .It’
    snot
    niceandpr et
    ty.Youdon’thavetoli
    stenreal
    ly.I
    ’
    m
    okay.”Rebaanswer edherquesti
    on.
    “
    Iwantt oli
    sten.Real
    lyl
    ist
    en.Afterdi
    nnert
    hen.I
    sit
    l
    ikeasleepover?”Rebasmiledandint
    ertwi
    nedher
    f
    inger
    swi thAlora’
    s.
    “Li
    kewhenwewer eki
    ds?Iwantthosenightsback.
    Yes!Asleepoverinmyroom andwehave
    marshmal l
    ows.
    ”RebawentonandAl orasmi l
    ed
    l
    ookingdownbef or
    esheli
    ft
    edherheadt olookat
    hersist
    er.Theguyswerewal
    kingbehindthem.
    “RebadoyouloveHades?”Alor
    aaskedandReba
    tur
    nedtolookathi
    m.Hewi nkedatherandshe
    gri
    nnedbefor
    eshelookedathersi
    ster.
    “Evendeepi nouraddi ct i
    ons,ourlovel
    ookedlikea
    tragedy,hewasandst i
    lli
    smyr emedy.Rora,
    hei s
    partofmeIcan’ tshakeof f.Wewentf r
    om being
    bestf r
    iendstoloversandIdon’ tknowaboutthe
    futurebutwe’llgetourhappyendi ng.I
    ’mtwo
    mont hssoberandt hatispr ogr
    ess.Alotof
    progress.”Rebabr eathedout .
    “EventhougheverywhereIgo,themedial
    abelsme
    asadr ugaddict
    .Ajunkie.I
    fitwasamanhe
    wouldn’tbegett
    ingbashed.NotthatI
    ’
    m hati
    ngonH
    buthei sn’tgett
    ingbashedandI ’m surepeopl
    e
    sympat hisewi t
    hhi m becauseheismal eandmen
    gothroughal ottoobutIgetharassedbypeopl e
    withtheirphonest ryi
    ngt otakeapictur
    eofmeand
    sayingshei sthej unkie.
    ”Rebabli
    nkedbackt he
    tears.
    “I
    t’shardbutIknowI ’
    l
    lalwaysbeadr ugaddi ctbut
    I’
    m mor ethanjustdrugsRor a. ”Reba’svoice
    crackedandHades’ handsnuckupt otouchher
    shoulder.Sheturnedandsi lent l
    ycri
    edi nhischest.
    AloragaveHadesagr atefullook.Shedi dn’tknow
    howshewasgoi ngt ocomf or thersister
    .Aust i
    n
    usedt hechancet oholdherwai standshesi ghed
    asshel eanedagainsthim.
    “
    Idon’
    tneedyou.Youdoknowt
    hat.Idon’
    tneeda
    man.Notatal
    l.
    ”Shesai
    dandherubbedherarm.
    “
    Iknow.ButyouneedmeLor
    a.”Sher
    eleasedasi
    gh.
    “I
    -“shepausedasshewat chedHadescomf or
    ther
    sist
    erandherheartcl
    enched.Shegavest i
    ffhugs
    andthismantoler
    atedthem.Shedidn’tknowhow
    toconsol
    epeoplebutshedidlovefi
    ercely.She
    l
    ookedupathi
    m.
    “I
    ’
    m alwayshonesttomyselfandpr
    incipl
    es.
    ”She
    st
    art
    edoutwithoutbreaki
    ngeyecontactwit
    hhim.
    “Iknowwhatyourr esponsei sandI’m okaywit
    hit
    okay?”Shesaidashej ustlookeddownather .Not
    l
    etti
    nghergo.Theywer est i
    llattheairpor
    tandshe
    didn’
    tknowwhyshecoul dn’twaitti
    llshewas
    settl
    edtot
    ellhi
    mt his.
    “I
    -You.
    .thi
    sisnotgoi
    ngthewayIexpected.
    ”She
    pushedherhairbackandmovedherhandsdownt o
    pushhisbackbuthedidn’
    tletgoandsherel
    eased
    afrust
    ratedsi
    gh.
    “
    Lor
    a?”
    “
    Hhmm?
    ”
    “
    Cal
    m down.
    ”Heki
    ssedt
    het
    opofherhead.
    “Breathandcalm down.Tryt
    ogetoutofyourhead
    forafewmi nutes?Canyoudothatbaby?
    ”Trust
    himt othr
    owi ntheendear
    mentandhaveher
    i
    nternall
    yscreaming.
    Shebr
    eat
    hedi
    nandout
    .
    “Goodgir
    l.That’
    sitbaby.”Heencouragedsmoot hl
    y
    andshewant edtoscream athersel
    f.Shedidn’
    t
    wanttobehisgoodgi rlbecausesheli
    keditand
    hatedi
    t.Didshelovebeingpr ai
    sed?
    “
    Bet
    ter
    ?”Heaskedandshenodded.
    “Good.Whatdi dyouwantt osay?”Shebr eathedout
    .
    Thenshebr eathedi nandoutagai n.She’l
    lwaiti
    f
    sheisthi
    sner voust otellhi
    m shel ovedhimto
    death.I
    rr
    evocabl y.Everywor dinthedict
    ionaryto
    descri
    bethatshel ovedhim.Event othemoonand
    back.Shefuckingl ovedRober tAustinMatthews
    andshewasget tinghott hi
    nkingaboutit.
    “For
    geti
    t.
    ”Shesaidandshesteppedawayf r
    om
    him.Hedidn’
    tmakeanatt
    emptt otouchherandhe
    j
    ustrai
    sedaneyebrowherway.
    “Di
    e!”Shemout
    hedandher eal
    isedshewastr
    ying
    toswitcht
    hemoodbecauseshewast ooaf
    rai
    dt o
    saywhatshewant
    edtosay.
    “Lona!Dil
    ovebir
    ds,
    cutitoutwehavet
    ogo.”She
    clappedherhandst
    ryi
    ngt obr
    eakRebaandHades
    up.
    “
    Nowt
    hatshei
    sangr
    yshet
    akesi
    toutonus.
    ”
    “
    Wedon’
    thavet
    ime.Let
    ’sgopl
    ease!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    66

    Alor
    asati nthef
    rontseatasAustincl
    osedthedoor
    .
    SheturnedherheadtoseeHadesandReba
    whisperi
    ngbackandf orth.GoodGod.Theywere
    annoyingandcuteatthesamet imebutmostly
    annoying.ThedoorclosedasAustinset
    tl
    eddown
    andlookedather.Het ookafewmoment sto
    observeherandshefacedtheotherway.Whywas
    helookingather
    ?Hechuckledandst ar
    tedt
    hecar
    .
    Atthebackseat,
    Rebastrai
    ghtenedupandshe
    whispered.
    "Il
    ovewat
    chi
    ngt
    hei
    rint
    eract
    ions.Theyar
    eso
    cute.
    "
    "Theirbant
    eri
    scut
    e?"Hadesaskedwi
    thal
    ower
    ed
    voiceandRebanodded.
    "LookatRoraturningawayt hi
    nkinghei sn'
    tlooking.
    Thenl ookathim smil
    inglooki
    ngather .Aren'tthey
    cute?"HadeschuckledasRebat ookhishandand
    placedherheadonhi sbicep,contentwithbeing
    AloraandAust i
    n'scheerl
    eader.Alor
    ashi f
    tedi nher
    seatandshet ookoutherphone.Shef oundt heaux
    cordandsheconnect edherphone.
    "
    Ihopei
    t'
    smusi
    cthatwon'
    tki
    llus.
    "
    "
    Isurehopeitdoeski
    llyouguys.Al
    lofyouexcept
    Reba.
    "Sherepli
    edandwentt hr
    oughthesongsshe
    l
    ist
    ensto.
    "I
    sitclassi
    calmusi
    c?Yousmartpeopl
    eli
    ke
    sophisti
    cat
    edmusicandst
    uff
    ."
    "
    NoReba.I
    t'
    snotclassi
    calmusic.Il
    ist
    ent
    othat
    whenI
    '
    m st
    udyi
    ng."Rebagrinned.
    "SeeHades, Iam asmar tper son…"Hadeski ssed
    hercheek.Hel ovedher .Shewasj ustabal lof
    sunshinehewant edtopr otectevenf rom hi msel f
    .
    Aust i
    nwassi lentandAl orapl ayedYoungt he
    Giant'
    sMi ndOverMat ter .Aust i
    nt urnedt of aceher
    andshel ookedbackathi m.Hi sot herhandsl i
    dinto
    hersandhebr oughtherhandt oherl ips.Itwast i
    me
    hewashonestwi thher, het houghtt ohi msel fashe
    heldherhand.Al orabreat hedout ,i
    gnor i
    ngt he
    fl
    utterinhert ummy.Shewasyett ot ellhi
    m about
    herpar entageandnott het rasht hemedi awr ote
    aboutherpar ents.

    Youknowyou'
    reonmymi
    nd
    Andi
    fthewor
    lddon'
    tbr
    eak
    I
    '
    llbeshaki
    ngi
    t
    BecauseI
    '
    m ayoungmanaf
    teral
    l
    Andwhent
    heseasonschange,
    wil
    lyoust
    andby
    me
    CauseI
    '
    m ayoungmanbui
    ltt
    ofal
    l

    Thesongpl ayedinthecarwi thnoonet al


    kingover
    i
    tandAl orawast hankfulforthesilence.Shel eaned
    backonherseatashedr ovethecar .Hewas
    al
    wayssoconf i
    dentinhimsel fandal lhecoul ddo.
    Shewi shedshecoul dalwaysbeconf identandnot
    breakdowni nherdar kclosetallalone.Shel etgoof
    hi
    shandt henpi
    ckedi tupt oi
    nterlacet hei
    rfingers.
    Shewat chedhim smi l
    eandsher olledhereyes
    i
    rrit
    ated.
    "Don'
    tyoudaresayanythi
    ngRobert.
    "Thesmile
    onlygotwiderandsheshookherhead.Reba
    watchedthem andsmil
    ed.
    "Theyareinl ove.
    "Shewhisperedt oHadesasshe
    yawned.Al oratur
    nedtofacet hem andshet r
    iedto
    notall
    owherl i
    pstoturnupwar dsinasmi le.They
    areinlove.Itwassoef f
    ort
    less, shecould
    understandnowwhyt heylosttheirmindsandl ost
    thei
    rwoes.Shecoul dheari ti
    nt hesil
    ence, t
    hey
    weret
    rul
    yinl
    ove.Shef
    acedfor
    wardandrel
    easeda
    si
    ghasherboyf
    ri
    enddrovet
    hem home.
    "
    I'
    llgi
    veyouthedir
    ect
    ions.
    "Shesai
    dandhedi dn'
    t
    r
    espond.Howwasheal waysthi
    scalm andnot
    wanti
    ngtosetthewholeworl
    donfi
    re?

    *
    **

    Zarast
    aredatt
    hemir
    rorasherhusbandplaceda
    handonhershoul
    der
    .Hekissedherneck.
    "Ner
    vous?
    "Heasked.Shenoddedasshel
    ooked
    downatherr
    ing.
    Mooketsihadlefthi
    sri
    ngint
    hecarwhenhewent
    togethi
    ssisterandnowtheyhavedi
    nnerwhi
    ch
    star
    tsatseven.
    "Weshoul
    dbuyr osesorsomethi
    ng.
    "Zar
    asaid.So
    ner
    vousabouteveryt
    hingandhowthi
    sisgoi
    ngt o
    comeoffas.
    "
    Zeer
    elaxokay?
    "Shesuckedi
    nadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    *
    **

    Austinpar kedthecarout sidetheyar dandHades


    gotoutwi t
    hReba.Rebaj ustheldont ighttohim
    andAl ora'seyesf l
    it
    tedtotheirint
    ertwinedhands.
    Shecoul df eelhi
    sgazeonher ,
    assessi ngherand
    al
    l.Hel etgoofherhandandshel ostthewar mt h
    fr
    om thei rcontact.Evenint hesil
    ence, shelooked
    upathi m andhedi dn'
    tusual l
    ybringdownt he
    barr
    ierbutshecoul dseehowhel ookedather .His
    l
    argehandsundi dherseatbeltandhepi ckedherup.
    Shedi dn'tknowwhyshewasn' tthrowingaf i
    tover
    hi
    m handl i
    ngherl i
    keapor celaindollbuthepl aced
    heronhi sl apandwr appedhi sarmsar oundher .
    "Imissedyou."Hewhi sper
    edinherearbef orehis
    l
    ipsdroppedt oherneckandherhear traced.Was
    hegoingtowantsexnowt hatshewasher e?Her
    thoughtscrashedintoeachotherandshepl aceda
    handonhi schesttopushhi m back.Hedidn'tf
    ight
    herbutinst
    eadl ookedather.
    "BabyI
    'm al
    waysgoi
    ngtosaythi
    s,youneedtoget
    outofyourhead.
    "Hesai
    dsoft
    lyandsherel
    easeda
    shakybreat
    h.
    "Tun’asr ienàcr ai
    ndrequandt uesavecmoi .
    "(You
    havenot hi ngtofearwhenyou’ rewi t
    hme)He
    repeatedt hewor dsandshenodded.Hel ower edhis
    headt oki ssherandshedi dn'tpushhi m
    back,insteadherhandscr umpl edhi sshir
    tast heir
    tonguesf oundsol acetoget her,hi
    sdar ti
    nginand
    outandherr ecei
    vinghiskissesandcat chi
    ngt he
    rhythm theki sswasgoi ngat .Hishandswer e
    respectfullyonherwai standdi dn'tmovef urther
    down.Sheappr eciat
    edthat.Rel ati
    onshipswer eout
    ofherdept handshedi dn'texudet hesame
    confidencel ikeshedidtoherst udiesorthingsshe
    wasgoodat .
    Hebrokeitandhisbreathhi
    therli
    psassheopened
    hereyestolookathi
    shazelbrowns.Hisli
    psturned
    upinasmi l
    eandshemovedherhandst oplace
    them onherlap.Hetookherhandsandplaced
    them backonhischest.
    "
    Keept
    hem t
    her
    e."Hesai
    dandshenodded.He
    wantedtokissallt
    hatworryaway, hedidn'texactl
    y
    l
    ikei
    twhenhi sgirl
    fri
    endwasn'tconfidentandt hat
    scar
    edhi m morethantheAlorawhoal wayshad
    gunsblazi
    ngandwasr eadytotrumpleever y
    obst
    acleinherway.Sher emovedt hem seconds
    l
    ater
    .
    "Icr
    umpledyourshi
    rt
    .Sorr
    yaboutt
    hat
    ."Shesai
    d
    asshesmoothedtheli
    neswit
    hherper
    fect
    ly
    manicur
    edhandsandhelaughed.
    "
    Robert,
    Icancl
    awyoureyesout
    .Don'tl
    augh.
    "She
    t
    hreat
    enedandheki
    ssedherfor
    ehead.
    "
    Youregoi
    sal
    readysuf
    focat
    ingme.
    "
    "Gl
    adtohearthat
    .Itshoul
    d.I
    t'
    snoteasytoki
    ss
    someonewithahigh-"shepl
    acedafi
    ngeronhis
    l
    ips.
    "Don'
    t!
    "Inst
    eadofremovi
    ngthefinger
    ,heopened
    hisl
    ipstosuckonitandshegaspedandremoved
    herfi
    nger.Hel
    aughedandshepunchedhischest.
    "
    Don'
    tdot
    hat
    ."
    "
    What
    ?"Heaskedwi
    thhumourcoat
    inghi
    svoi
    ce
    andshegl
    aredathi
    m.
    "
    Youknowwhat
    ."Heshookhi
    shead.
    "
    Youar
    est
    il
    lcomi
    ng?
    "
    "YouaskedandIdon' tthi
    nkIcansaynot oyou."
    Alorathoughtabouti t.Translati
    on:Hewoulddo
    anythingf oryou.Shecoul dli
    vewi thknowingthat
    hecar edf orherinhisnarcissisti
    cwayandnotf ul
    ly
    l
    oveherl i
    keshedi dhi m.Shej usthopedhe
    woul dn'tupandl eavebyt hetimeshegi vesupher
    virgi
    nity.Shebreathedout .Shegotof fhisl
    apand
    pickedupherbag.
    "Seeyouhereatseven.
    "Shegotoutoft
    hecarand
    heleanedback.
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyesspot
    ti
    ngHadesandReba.
    "
    Breaki
    tup!
    "Sheshout
    ed.
    "
    Hel
    lmustbef
    reezi
    ngwi
    thyouonear
    th.
    "
    "
    Sayst
    heonenamedaf
    teragod.
    "
    "
    Ist
    hatacompl
    imentAl
    ora?
    "
    "
    Iwoul
    drat
    herdi
    ethabcompl
    imentyouHudson.
    Rebaweneedt ogetready.
    "RebakissedHadesand
    walkedtot
    hegatewithAlora.Hadesheadedtothe
    carasthegatesl
    idopenandt hegir
    lsdi
    sappear
    ed
    i
    ntotheyard.
    "Wehaveapproximat
    elyt
    wohour stogetr
    eady."
    Hadesjustnoddedasheleanedback.Hewil
    lsay
    goodbyetoni
    ght.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    67

    Susanl
    ookedatt
    het
    abl
    eandshewashappyshe
    hadal lherchildr
    enunderoner oof
    .Shecount edt
    he
    chairthatwer ether
    e.Mooketsiwast heonlyone
    withoutapar tnerandshewasst art
    ingtohaveher
    ownsuspi ci
    onsbutanywayt hi
    swasaf amiky
    regardless.Thedinnertabl
    ewascompl ete.She
    hummedasshewal kedbacktotheki t
    chent o
    checkonherpot s.
    Meanwhi lei
    nthebedr oom, Alorapi ckedouther
    dressandsher eali
    sedshewasn' twear i
    ngi tto
    i
    mpr essherfami l
    y.Aust inwascomi ng.Tohave
    dinnerwithherfamily.Sheplacedt hedr essont he
    bedandt ookoutapai rofheel s.Heel sal waysmade
    herfeelpowerfulandi ncontrolofthings.Theywer e
    aconf i
    denceboosteri fshecoul dsayt hat .Heels
    wereherbestf r
    iend.Al ongwithmake- up.Anyt hi
    ng
    thatneededherexhilaratedconf i
    denceneeded
    heelsandmakeup.Shesatonherchai randt ook
    outhercosmet i
    csbagaswel l
    .Shewasbat hedand
    hairwasheldbacki nat i
    ghtsleekponyt ailt
    oput
    emphasi sonhereyesandherf ace.Whi chwasbar e
    ofmakeupcur rentl
    y.Coul dshebet hef aceofher
    owncosmet icscompany?Al oraMor emi ,CEOand
    FounderofLor aCosmet i
    cs.Ithadani ceri
    ngt oi t
    butshehadt owor khar dtomakei thappen.
    Star
    tingwi thherplanst orenovat ehermot her'
    s
    housewi t
    hhert r
    ustf und.Ther estofthemoneywi l
    l
    beaheavyi nvestmenti ntohercompany.She
    wasn'tgoi ngtowor kf oraman.Shewasn' tdoi ng
    that
    .Shehasbeenpl anni
    ngt hiseversinceshewas
    ateenagerwhoexper imentedwi t
    hmake- up.Wel l
    Reba'smake- upwhi chsher arel
    yusedandher
    deci
    si onhadsol i
    dified.Businessandmake- upwer e
    wher eherhear twas.SheknewAust inwas100%
    behindherandshewassur eRebawoul dsuppor t
    everythingshedi d.Shewasn' tsur eaboutther est
    ofherf ami l
    y.Carefull
    yshet ookouthereyel inerand
    conceal er
    .

    *
    **

    TwohourselapsedandAlorawalkedoutofher
    room i
    nherdressandheels.Herphonewasinhand
    asRebawalkedoutofhers.
    "
    Okay!Sl
    ayus!
    "
    "
    I'
    llt
    aket
    hatasacompl
    iment
    ."
    "I
    tis.
    "Alor
    at ookamomentt olookathersi
    sterwho
    wasinayel lowdress,yel
    lowwast heperf
    ectcol
    our
    todescri
    beherper sonali
    ty.Shewasar ayof
    sunshinethatneededtobepr otect
    edevenifi
    twas
    fr
    om herselfandheraddiction.
    "
    Rightcol
    our
    ."Rebat
    wir
    led.
    "I
    t'
    sthefi
    rstt
    imeinmont hssi
    nceI'
    vewor
    na
    dress.
    "Rebatouxhedhercol
    lar
    bone.
    "
    Idon'
    tlookt
    oof
    atr
    ight
    ?"Al
    orawal
    kedcl
    soer
    .
    "
    Youwerenevert
    hattobegi
    nwit
    h."Alorasaid.
    Model
    li
    nghaddestr
    oyedRebacompletely.
    "
    Okay.I'
    l
    ltakeyourwordf
    orit
    .Let
    'sgoandI
    '
    m sur
    e
    t
    heothersareonthei
    rway.
    "
    "
    Let
    's.
    "Al
    orar
    eluct
    ant
    lyt
    ookhersi
    ster
    'shand.
    "Your
    emindmeofMalefi
    cent
    ."Rebast
    atedasshe
    happi
    lyt
    ookAl
    ora'
    shand.
    "
    Nowwear
    ecompar
    ingmet
    omovi
    echar
    act
    ers?
    "
    "
    Justanobser
    vati
    on."Theywalkedtot
    hedi
    ning
    r
    oom andRebalookedattheseats.
    "Uhm ifwesi
    tint
    hemi ddleseats,
    Austi
    nwil
    lsit
    nexttoyouandIwil
    lsitnexttoHadesbutwe'l
    lst
    il
    l
    sitnextt
    oeachot
    her."Rebafloppedherhai
    r.
    "If
    eelsowi
    se.
    "Al
    orahadt
    osmi
    leandshakeher
    head.
    "I
    t'
    snoteasykeepi ngupwi ththeAst arteam but
    someonehast odoi t.IalsounderstandFrench
    dearsi
    ster,
    okaynotal lofi
    tbutIunder st
    andyou
    andAustinspeakinginFr ench.Isitli
    keasecret
    l
    anguage?That '
    scool .Waitseleratanasemovi e,
    youhaveal anguageyouspeakj usttoshutusout .
    That'
    scute.
    "
    "
    Letgoofmyhand.
    "Rebadi
    dn'
    t.
    "
    Ihaveaquest
    ion,
    areyouguysgoi
    ngt
    ogoal
    lthe
    way?"
    "
    Rebant
    le!
    "
    "Itakeityouri
    nti
    macyi
    ssuesar
    esti
    llt
    her
    e,no
    biggie.OkayIcanbeabi
    gsist
    ernow.We'
    llt
    alksex
    andever
    ythi
    ngl
    atert
    oni
    ght
    ."Al
    orascr
    unchedher
    face.
    "You'
    rebei
    ngwei r
    dandIdon'
    twanttotalkabout
    sex.Icanproudl
    ysaynomanwi l
    lhavethepower
    tosaytheyare-
    urghavi
    ngi
    nter
    coursewithme."
    Rebashr
    ugged.
    "NomanbutAustin.Thebuti ssi
    lent
    .We'l
    ltal
    k.You
    knowIlostmyvir
    gini
    tyat18andoki t
    -"t
    hei
    r
    conver
    sati
    onwasinterr
    uptedbySusanwal kingin
    andRebablushedinembar assment.
    "Oops!"Shedidnotmeanf orhermot
    hert
    o
    overhearthatconver
    sat
    ion.
    Al
    oragl
    aredatReba.
    "Letgoofmyhand. "Rebai
    gnoredher
    .Hermother
    overheardhert
    alki
    ngaboutsex?Awkward.So
    awkwar d.
    "RebaIl
    ovethatdr
    essonyou,itl
    ooksgor
    geous
    andyell
    owyandsunfl
    ower-
    ish.
    "
    "
    Thankyou.
    "
    "
    Sut
    hewor
    dyel
    lowydoesn'
    texi
    standI
    '
    llexcuse
    t
    hewordsunflower
    -i
    shbecauset
    hosear
    emyexact
    t
    hought
    s."Susansmil
    ed.
    "
    Wear
    enotatt
    heEngl
    ishf
    airRor
    a."
    "
    Fine!
    "
    "
    Youl
    ookst
    unni
    ngi
    nthatdr
    ess.
    "
    "Ial
    waysdo.Thankyou.
    "Al
    ora'
    sat
    tent
    ionwent
    backtohersi
    ster
    's.
    "
    It
    'sagoodt
    imef
    oryout
    oletgoofmyhand.
    "
    "
    SitdownAlor
    a."RebasaidandAlorawantedto
    t
    ouchherheadbutherponytai
    l.Goshherponyt
    ail
    wouldber
    uined.ShesatdownandRebadi dto.
    "Okay,Il
    oveyoureyemakeup.Iwasusel
    essatt
    his
    eventhoughIhadsetsandsetsofmakeup.
    "
    At opicAlor
    ali
    keandsheknewever ything.
    Skincarewasherelementshecandoi t.Shet ur
    ned
    tofaceRebaasshest art
    edexpl
    ainingt heprocess
    andhowshegott here.Li
    sti
    ngeverythingsheused
    andot heral
    ter
    nat
    ivesonemightusedependi ngon
    theirski
    n.
    "
    Areyousur
    eyoudi
    dn'
    tst
    udycosmet
    ology?
    "Reba
    sai
    dandshewasn'
    tsur
    eitexi
    sted.
    "Idi
    d.IwasanhonoursstudentsoIhadachoi ceto
    pickot
    hercour
    sesthatwerenotpar tofmydegree.
    Ichosemostcosmetol
    ogycour ses.Itmadesense.
    "
    "
    That'
    ssocool
    .Soyoucanappl
    yot
    herpeopl
    e'
    s
    makeup?"
    "Yes.Andit
    'smorethabmakeup.Skincareaswel
    l
    ,
    whattousef orwhat
    .Itwasnotasindepthas
    dermatol
    ogybutIreadupont hatonl
    ine.
    "
    "That'
    sawhol elotofstudying.
    "Emor ymadeher
    wayt othet ableandAlor awatchedherpushachai r
    backt hensitdown.Shedi dn'
    twantchi l
    dren.She
    hadf i
    gur edthatoutwhenshehi ttwentyand
    everythingsher eadupongaveherami l
    li
    on
    reasonsnott owantchi ldrenbuttheonet hatstood
    outwast hefactthatshewasn' tsureifshecould
    l
    oveachi ldproperl
    y.Ofcour seshelovedher
    sibl
    ingsbutl ovinhachildwasdi ff
    erent.
    "Whyareyoulooki
    ngatmel
    iket
    hat
    ?"Emor
    yasked
    andAlor
    ashrugged.
    "
    You'
    ref
    asci
    nat
    ingl
    i
    ttl
    egobl
    in.
    "
    "
    Fasci
    nat
    ing?Whatdoesi
    tmean?
    "
    "You'
    rei
    nterest
    ing.
    "Emor ynoddedherheadi n
    agreement.Asifsheknewshewasi nterest
    ing
    enoughtocapturehersist
    er'
    sattent
    ion.
    "
    Iwantt
    olookl
    ikeapr
    incess.Li
    keyou.
    "
    "I'
    m nopri
    ncess.Idon'
    tneedapr i
    ncetosaveme."
    Emor ypout
    edandt henplacedherhandsonthe
    table.
    "ButAust
    ini
    s-i
    syourpr
    ince.
    "Shesai
    dandReba
    nodded.
    "Bul
    lseyeEm.Youarecorr
    ect
    ."Rebasai
    datt
    het
    op
    ofhervoi
    ceandAlor
    aroll
    edhereyes.
    "Heisnotmyprince.Idon'tneedsaving,Emory
    l
    istent
    ome.Gi r
    lsdon'tneedpr i
    ncestosavethem,
    youareyourownher o.I
    nf actashark."Emory'
    s
    eyeswidened.
    "
    Shar
    ksar
    escar
    y."
    "Exact
    ly.Beashar kandgof orwhatyouwant.
    Relent
    lessl
    y."Alor
    aconcl udedknowingEmory
    didn'
    tunderstandthelastword.Thabisomadehi
    s
    waydownandhepi
    ckedhi
    ssevenyearol
    dupas
    shegi
    ggl
    ed.
    "Yougir
    lsl
    ookbeautif
    ultoday.
    "Rebasai
    dthankyou
    andAloranodded.Emor ysmil
    edasherdadputher
    down.Susanfinal
    lycamebackwi t
    hthepotst
    o
    placet
    hem inthemiddle.
    "Givemeaf ewmi nutes.
    "Theintercom r
    angand
    Thabisostoodup.Timet owelcomet heguests.He
    pressedthebutt
    ont oopenthegat e.Aminutelat
    er
    therewasaknockandheopenedt hedoortoletin
    AustinandHadeswhogr eet
    edhi m.Austinhanded
    himt hef
    lowers.
    "Fortheladyofthehouse."Hehadsai dand
    Thabisotookthem asSusanwal kedbacki nt he
    kit
    chen.Shesmi ledassherecei
    vedt hei
    rgr eeti
    ngs
    whilesheplacedmor efooddownont hetable.
    AustintookhisseatnexttoAlor
    aandheki ssedher
    l
    ips.Justapeck.Al or
    ausedherf i
    ngertowi pehis
    l
    ips.
    "You'
    l
    lgetl
    ipst
    ickonyourl
    ipsandi
    tdoesn'
    tlook
    goodonyou."
    "Youcare.
    "Hegri
    nnedandsheusedt
    het
    ipofher
    nailt
    otouchhi
    scheek.
    "Icandel
    iveronmypromi
    ses."Shesai
    dandhi
    s
    grinwi
    dened.Whatt
    hefuck?
    "
    Givei
    tyourbestshot
    ."
    "
    Ihat
    eyou.
    "
    "
    Idon'
    tbel
    ieveyou.
    "
    "
    Okaypopqui
    z..
    "shequi
    ckl
    ysai
    d.
    "
    Thest
    akes?
    "Heasked.
    "
    Youstopt
    alki
    ngt
    omet
    hroughoutdi
    nneri
    fyou
    l
    ose.
    "
    "
    Ifyoul
    osewhathappens?
    "
    "Ineverl
    ose.
    "Hesmi rkedashemovedhishead
    back,herperf
    umet hr
    eateni
    ngtoundohim.She
    wasn'tevendoingadamnt hingt
    hantoglar
    eathim
    withthosedarkeyesofhersandhewasfucking
    hardforher.
    "
    Iwantt
    oupt
    hest
    akes.
    "Hesai
    d.Shef
    rowned.
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    "
    "
    Ifyoul
    ose,wegett
    omovei nt
    oget
    herf
    ora
    month.
    "Sherai
    sedaneyebr
    ow.
    "Youhadt
    ojustaski
    fIwantt
    omoveinwit
    hyou.
    "
    Shemurmuredasshemovedherf
    acecl
    osert
    ohis.
    "
    Doyoubaby?
    "Shekeptqui
    et.
    "
    Lora,
    tal
    ktome.."Rebal
    ookedatthem wi
    thheart
    s
    i
    nhereyes.Shewasthei
    rbi
    ggestsupport
    er.She
    madeHadesnoti
    ce.
    "Soont
    hey'
    l
    lbeoneachot
    her
    'st
    hroat
    s."Hesai
    d
    andsheagr
    eed.
    Themomentwasint
    err
    uptedbyadoorknockand
    Rebadi
    dthehonour
    sofheadi
    ngtothelounget
    o
    opent
    hedoor
    "Higuys.Welcometothef amil
    ydinner,stepi
    n."She
    usheredherbrot
    herandhi swifei
    nside.They
    headedtothedini
    ngroom andshewai tedbythe
    door.Sheheardafewgr eeti
    ngspassi nthedini
    ng
    room.Shewaswai ti
    ngf orMooketsinowt hen
    dinnercoul
    dstart
    .Ami nutelat
    ertherewasadoor
    knockandsheopenedt hedoor .
    ShepausedasshesawMooket siwi
    thalady.He
    didn'
    tsaythathewillbebringi
    ngadatealongbut
    themorethemer r
    ierright
    .
    "Higuys.Wel comeandyoucabpr oceedt othe
    diningroom."Mooket sinoddedast heywal kedto
    thediningroom withZar aholdi
    nghi shand.Reba
    closedthedoor .Nowt i
    met oeat.Nott hatshewas
    goingtoeatever yt
    hingbutyeah.Shepr essedthe
    buttonthatfinall
    yclosedthegat eandheadedt o
    thediningroom.Ever yonewasseat edandt hei
    r
    mot hersatattheopposi t
    esideoft hetableand
    Thabisodidthesame.
    "Hel
    loever
    yoneandMooketsiyoubroughtadat
    e."
    Susansaidwit
    hexci
    tementinhervoice.
    Mooket
    sinoddedandheopenedhi
    smout
    h.
    "Zar
    athi
    sismyfamil
    y.That'
    smymot her
    ,fat
    her
    ,
    Bokamosoandhiswi
    feoverther
    e.RebaandHades,
    Alor
    aandAusti
    nandEmor y.
    "
    "Nicet
    omeetyouZara."Thabi
    sosaidandZar asaid
    thankyou.Shewasnervousandherheartraced.
    ShesqueezedMooketsi'
    shandunderneat
    ht he
    t
    abl
    e.
    "Ever
    yonemeetmywi feZara.
    "Alorawidenedher
    eyes,Rebagaspedandpl acedherpalm overher
    mout h.Bokamosoplacedhi sfor
    kdownandSusan
    bli
    nked.Thabisomovedhi sheadforwardwhile
    Emor ywasnonchalantt oallt
    hatwashappeni ng
    aroundher.Austi
    nbei ngthecalm beinghewas,
    watchedandwai t
    edf orsomeonet osaysomet hi
    ng.
    ZaralookedatMooket siwithpanicinhereyes.
    "W-wife?"Susanaskedagain.Maybeherhear
    ing
    waswr ong.Mooketsinoddedandsi
    lence
    envelopedt her
    oom.Ther estoft
    hem weret
    oo
    stunnedt ospeak.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    68

    Noonemovedforwhatseemedl
    ikeet
    erni
    tyt
    il
    l
    Emor
    yspoke.
    "Areweeating?"Sheaskedinhersmallvoiceand
    Alorawantedtoavoidaconf r
    ontati
    oneventhough
    thebett
    erpartofherwoulddelighti
    none.Wat ching
    chaosensuewasf unbutthatwasnotthepict
    ur e
    shewantedAust i
    nt ohaveofherfamil
    y.
    "Ibel
    ieveweshoul deatEmory.
    "Shesaidandher
    eyesmovedt oSusanwhocoul dn'tact
    uall
    ybeli
    eve
    whatwashappeni ngatherdinnertabl
    e.Reason
    100nott ohavelit
    rl
    egobli
    ns.Lookatthestunt
    Mooket sipul
    ledonthem.
    "Wemissedafewchapt
    ers.
    "Rebashookherhead
    aft
    ershesai
    dthat
    .
    "
    Iagr
    ee.
    "Bokamosoaddedon.
    "Iam waiti
    ngforcamer astocomeandsay' just
    j
    okesorj ustki
    dding.'"
    RebawentonandHadeshad
    totouchhershouldertomakehershutup.Zar a
    swallowed.Hereyesmovi ngt oHadeswhol ooked
    somuchl i
    kehisfather
    .Ther esemblancewas
    uncannyandyouwoul dn'tevendoubthisparentage.
    Shelookedatt herestofthefamilyassheshrank
    i
    nt oherseat.
    "
    It
    'snotaj
    oke.
    "Mooket
    sir
    epl
    ied.
    "
    Mo-
    "
    "Wear eallgat heredheret ohearal laboutAmer i
    ca
    from Alorawhoj ustarri
    vedt oday.Shehadaver y
    l
    ongt ri
    pandshewoul dn'tappreci
    at ethedrama.We
    haveguest saswel landwe' l
    lsol
    vet hisli
    tt
    lemishap
    afterdinner."Thef i
    nalit
    yknThabi so' svoucehad
    everyonel ookingatt hei
    rpl at
    esansMooket si
    regrett
    edshi fti
    ngat t
    entionf r
    om Alor aovertohim.
    Ofcour seitwasAl ora'
    sday.Shej ustarri
    vedback
    homef rom herf ouryeardegr ee.
    Susanbr
    eathedinandoutt
    ocalm herner
    ves.She
    wasn'
    tgoi
    ngt omakeascene.Di
    nnermustgoon.
    Sheplast
    eredasmi
    l
    eont
    oherf
    aceandshdl
    ooked
    atAl
    ora.
    "Okay,Roratel
    lushowyout wogott oget
    her.I
    t
    seemsl i
    keI'
    m severel
    youtoftouchwheni tcomes
    tomychi l
    dren'
    sli
    ves."Theyal
    lgotthedigandReba
    patt
    edherheadwhi leMooketsifoundtheplat
    eabit
    tooint
    eresti
    ng.ZarawaslookingatHadesbef or
    e
    shefacedAl or
    a.
    "Wel
    lyouknowdating.Ican'
    tbel
    ieveIsai
    dthat
    ."
    Ever
    yonechuckl
    ed.Alorawascrazy.Brai
    nsandall
    .
    Youhadtoadmitshewascr azy.
    "How?"Thabi
    soaskedandshel
    ookedatever
    yone
    atthet
    able.
    "DoIhavetotellyouguys? "Suequer
    ied.Aust
    in
    wasamusedandshebadl ywantedtowipethe
    amusementof fhisface.Herhandsmovedt oher
    neckthenshecaughthi sgazeonher.Herface
    heat
    edupandhechuckl edinamusement.
    "Okay!Fort her
    ecordI'
    m doinghi
    m afavour
    .Hei
    s
    veryprivi
    legedtohaveAloraMoremiashis
    gir
    lfr
    iend.
    "Shewi nced.
    "I'
    l
    lenj oythi
    s."Hadessaidandsheshothim agl
    are.
    Zara'seyeswi dened.Thatglar
    ewasscary.Was
    thatwhatMooket simeantwhenhesaidshe'
    ll
    under standwhenshemeet sher?Damnandthe
    factthatnooneexceptherl ookedscar
    edoutof
    theirseatswasasur pr
    ise.
    "ThedayIki
    llhim..
    "shegroanedbefor
    eshe
    composedherf eat
    uresandThabisoopenedthe
    potsastheotherspassedthei
    rpl
    atesaroundtoget
    dishedf
    or.
    "Hegotmynumberfr
    om Hades.
    "Shesai
    dand
    Susanwassur
    pri
    sed.
    "
    Inmydef
    ense,
    heconvi
    ncedme.
    "Hadeschi
    rpedi
    n.
    "No,youweredoingt
    heLord'sworkHades.Goon
    Alor
    a!"Alor
    ashookherhead.Hersist
    erwas
    somethingelse.
    "Thi
    sstoryisint
    erest
    ing,
    gobatl
    amot hoangat
    ha
    namaar eedit
    se."
    (Ishoul
    dbebit
    ingint
    omymeat
    whil
    eli
    stening)Bokamoso'swi
    fegiggl
    ed.
    "Myrelat
    ionshipshouldn'tbet
    hatamusing.OurI
    Qs
    combinedsur passesallofyouguys'
    IQs."She
    f
    oughtbackandAust
    inl
    aughed.
    "
    Agr
    ee!
    "Shef
    acedhi
    m andhesmi
    led.
    "I
    'm onhersi
    de.I
    '
    m underdur
    ess.
    "Al
    orar
    oll
    edher
    eyes.
    "Lookwecomplet
    elyunder
    standAust
    in.
    "Mooket
    si
    added.Al
    orawasAlora.
    "WellnnaAloraI
    '
    mlist
    ening.Hegotyournumber
    fr
    om Hadesandwhathappened?Howdi dyou
    agree?You'r
    easdif
    fi
    cultasamulesowewantt he
    j
    uicydetai
    ls."
    "
    Ican'tbel
    ieveyouguyswantt
    omakemy
    r
    elat
    ionshi
    pgossip.
    "
    "
    Isi
    tgossi
    pmachèr
    iei
    fit
    'ssai
    dinourpr
    esence?
    "
    "Idon'tneedyouropini
    on.
    "Hegri
    nnedashet ook
    hisplatefrom SusanandAlor
    ashookherhead.
    "
    Hecal
    ledandwest
    art
    edt
    alki
    ng.Thatbor
    ingst
    uff
    ."
    "Tal
    kingst
    agei
    sneverbor
    ing.
    "Zar
    asai
    dandAl
    ora
    gaveheradeadst
    are.
    "
    DoyouknowAust
    int
    ota?Iwasbor
    edgor
    e."She
    sai
    djustt
    ori
    lehi
    m upandher
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.

    Rebawhi
    sper
    edt
    oHades.
    "It
    oldyoutheyar
    einlove,
    lookathowhei
    slooki
    ng
    atmygeniussist
    er.
    "
    "
    Ican'
    tdef
    endAust
    inanymore,
    thewi
    ckedwi
    tchof
    t
    hewesthaswonhishear
    t.
    "
    "Socute.Nowtheyarethr
    owingbi
    gwordsand
    Frenchatthedi
    nnertabl
    e.Gosannabotl
    hal
    eeket
    e
    etlonnaprobl
    em."(
    Notbeingsmar
    tisgoi
    ngtobea
    problem)
    "
    Longstor
    yshor t
    ,heflewovert
    oPrincet
    ont
    oget
    meforourfi
    rstdate.
    "Susanswooned.
    "
    Hef
    lewover
    ?Foraf
    ir
    stdat
    e.Yoh!
    "
    "Yahneh!"Bokamoso'
    swifesai
    d.Peoplel
    ivet
    he
    movieli
    kelif
    e.Flewover
    ?Justl
    ikethat
    ?Flewover
    ?
    ToAmer i
    ca?
    "Didhekissyou?Likepri
    ncedotopri
    ncesses?
    "
    Alora'
    sfaceheated.Shewasnotansweri
    ngthat
    sevenyearold.No.
    "Wewentt oanar tgal
    ler
    yt hendinner
    .Hegotme
    thi
    sneckl ace."ShesaidtoEmor yasshelift
    edthe
    necklaceshewaswear i
    ng.Nowever yonegave
    thoselit
    tl
    esi ghsofsomet hingbeingromanti
    cand
    shewant edt odie.Shewhi sper
    edovertohim.
    "Keepyouregoincheck.
    "Theydi
    dn'
    tknowhewas
    anegomani acandli
    keshehadalwayssai
    d,he
    behaveddif
    fer
    entl
    yaroundpeopl
    eandtheydidn'
    t
    knowhiml i
    keshedid.
    "
    Why?
    "
    "Ihat
    eyou.Youshoul
    dchokeonaboneor
    somethi
    ng."
    "Lookatyou,al
    lfl
    ust
    eredbecauseachil
    dasked
    aboutakiss.
    "Hechangedtopicsandshepl
    aced
    herhandoverhismouth.
    "Shutup!"Hegr i
    nnedoverherpal m andSusan
    smiled.Alor
    awasal waysangrybutshewashappy
    shef oundamat ch.Aust i
    ndidn'
    tseem tomindher
    overlyint
    ell
    igentchi
    ldwhosewayoft hi
    nki
    ngwas
    peculiart
    osayt heleast.I
    nfacthelookedtakenby
    her.Noonesmi l
    edatAl ora'
    sthr
    eatsoranger
    bur
    stst
    hought
    heywer
    eindi
    ff
    erentt
    othem.
    Al
    orabr
    eat
    hedi
    n.
    "Nowherewear e.Enoughaboutmyr elat
    ionshi
    p.I
    wouldli
    ketokeepi tprivatej
    ustasiti
    s.Thatmeans
    Iwon'tbetel
    li
    ngt hepubl i
    caboutmyrelat
    ionship
    andinthiscontextyouguys..youguysarethe
    publ
    ic.Austi
    nandIar etoget
    herandthat'
    sallyou
    needtoknow."
    "
    WellAust
    in,shecan'
    tcook.
    "Bokamososai
    dand
    Al
    ora'
    spursedherli
    ps.
    "Iam sur
    emyveryri
    chboyfr
    iendwasn'
    tlooki
    ngfor
    acookwashe?"Therewere'
    ooohs'att
    hetableand
    Bokamosochuckl
    ed.
    "
    Alora1andBokamoso0. "Mooketsisai
    dandReba
    l
    aughed.Theyusedtodothisatdinnert
    ables.
    Keepi
    ngscoresforwhat
    everfool
    ishreason.
    "
    Ial
    wayswi
    nbr
    other
    ."Shesmi
    rked.
    "
    Okayokay!Soaf
    tergr
    aduat
    ion,
    what
    'st
    heway
    f
    orwar
    d?"
    "
    I'
    m nott
    alki
    ngabouti
    rtoday.Ot
    her
    wise,
    you
    shouldeatguys.
    "Shepickedherf
    orkandst
    art
    ed
    eati
    ngast hepeopl
    echattedamongstt
    hemsel
    ves.
    RebaandHadeswhi speredbackandf orthwi t
    h
    l
    itt
    lelaughsinbet weenasMooket sit
    ri
    edt ocalm
    hiswifedown.Susanl ookedar oundandsighed.
    Herkidshadt heirownl i
    ves.Livesshefeltseverel
    y
    excludedfrom.Sheshoul dhaveexpect edt hi
    s.
    Theuar eallgrownexceptf orEmor ybuttheywer e
    adultswit
    ht heirownmi nds.Somehowi thurtmore
    thattheykeepst ufffr
    om her.Whatdidthatsay
    aboutherasamot her?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN
    69

    Dinnerwentbyf armuchbet terthanAloraexpect ed


    andshewat chedhernar ci
    ssisticboyfri
    endbl endi n
    withherf amil
    yandheanswer edtheirquestionsas
    easilyashewoul daqui z.Shepl acedhergl assof
    j
    uicedownassheal sowat chedAust i
    ntalkwi th
    Hades.Hadeswasst il
    lthatbi t
    terpersonbutAust in
    handl edhim well.Shecoul dsayt heyaref r
    iends
    now.Hadeshasbeenont hesoberr oadwhi lehe
    wasl ivingwit
    hAust i
    nandshel ovedAust inalsof or
    that.ItwouldbreakRebat oloseHadest ohi s
    addict i
    on.Shewasscar editwoul dmakehersi ster
    spir
    aloutofcont rolandt heywoul dneverbeabl et o
    helpher .Shepickedhergl assasAust i
    n'shand
    rest
    edonhert high.Shel ookedati tandbackathi m
    ashecont i
    nuedconver sation.Shel i
    ckedherl ips
    anddr ankherj
    uiceasshel eanedback.Hergaze
    sweptonZar awhowasobser vi
    ngever yone.Their
    eyesl ockedforabr i
    efmomentandshehada
    feel
    ingshescar edherasshewat chedZar asqui r
    m
    i
    nherseat .I
    mmedi atelyherbr other'
    seyesl anded
    onherandsheshr uggedassher aisedhergl ass
    bef oreshewat chedAust intalk.Shewat chedt he
    wayhi sli
    psmovedwi t
    hever ysyllabl eutt
    eredand
    howhi sfacer emai nedvoi dofemot ionsexceptt he
    occasi onalsmi lehet hrewar ound.Shesawt hati t
    didn'tquitereachhi seyes.Hewasal wayscal m, so
    calm andshef el
    lintodeept houghtabouthowt heir
    relationshi
    pwi llprogress.Ofcour sehesai dt hey
    wer eendgame.Theyhadj uststarteddat i
    ngand
    howcoul dhebesur eoft hat?Shesi ghed.Ofcour se
    sheknew, shebel ievedi nfateandt heuniver se
    wor kingforthegr eatergood.Hewasherf ate,
    whet herhewoul dadmi titornot.Theyhadmet
    almostadecadeago, whenshewasbusypi cking
    upanewl anguagrandhewasal r
    eadyf l
    uenti nt he
    l
    anguage.Theywer ecompet i
    tor
    s.Eversi ncet hen
    andshehat edhi m butwast hathat eacoverupof
    thel oveshef eltforhim?
    Itwas,shemusedasshebr oughttheglasstoher
    l
    ipsonceagai n.Regardlessofti
    me, di
    stanceandall
    theotherci
    rcumst ancestheyalwaysmet .She
    drovedowndi ff
    erentroadsandt heyalll
    edbackto
    hi
    m.Thi
    shotmanwhohadhi
    shandonhert
    high.
    Tenmi nut
    eslater,Emorydeclaredt hatshewas
    ti
    redandwant edtosleep.Aver yevi denti
    ndicati
    on
    thatdi
    nnermi ghtaswel lbeover.Shedi dn'
    tknow
    whenshewasgoi ngtogethi m alone.Likereall
    y
    alonesothattheycant alkbutshewant edtotal
    k
    andlayallhercardsont hetable.
    "Ienjoyeddi nner .
    "Rebadecl aredwi thahappygl ow
    onherf ace.Al or aconcl udedi tmustbef rom seei ng
    Hadesaf t
    ersol ong.Rebal ookedatHadesand
    grinned.Shet ookhi mi nagai n,t
    hi smanwhol oved
    adr ugaddi ctedgi rlli
    keher ,t
    hegi rlwhocar riedso
    muchbaggagef r
    om herendedcar eer.Seeinghi m
    wasl ikeaf i
    x, shewant edtoseemor eofhim and
    beingar oundhi mf orsol ongwasl ikeherfirst
    breathoutofwat er.Heavenl y.Glorious.Hades
    l
    eanedi ntowhi spersomet hi
    ngi nherearandher
    smi l
    edf al
    teredasshenodded.Hades' heart
    poundedashecont empl at
    edt ell
    ingRebabuthe
    hadt o.Hehadt oletherknowandbesi dest he
    happybubbl et heyhadbeeni ntoday, hewant edto
    knowaboutherpr ogresssof arandever ything.
    Susancl ear
    edt hetabl
    eandZar adidn'
    tknowwhat
    todowi thherselfasherf
    at her
    -i
    n-l
    awlookedaround
    thetable.ShesawHadesst andingupandReba
    fol
    lowinghim ast heywal
    kedoutt hedoor.She
    watchedhowAl ora,t
    hegi
    r lwhogavehershivers
    l
    ookatAust i
    nlovingl
    ybeforeshescowledathim.
    Susanfini
    shedcl
    ear
    ingthetabl
    eandThabi
    sosaw
    thatasanopport
    uni
    tytotal
    ktoMooket
    si.
    "
    Mooket
    siandZar
    acanst
    ayatt
    het
    abl
    e."
    "That
    'smycuetoleave.
    "Bokamososaidstanding
    upholdi
    nghiswif
    e'shand.Theyheadedtothe
    kit
    chentosaybyetoSusanthensaidbyetoAlora.
    "It
    hinkI'
    l
    ltal
    ktoAusti
    ninmyroom.Yeah,
    my
    room."Shesaidst
    andi
    ngupandshetookhishand
    ashegr i
    nned.
    "
    Don'
    tgrin!GodIhat
    eyou!
    "Shesai
    dasshel
    edhi
    m
    t
    oherroom.
    "
    Butwear
    eheadi
    ngt
    oyoubedr
    oom.
    "
    "Yoursexualr
    efer
    enceswil
    lnotaf
    fectme."She
    openedthedoorandwaitedforhi
    mt ost
    epinsi
    de
    befor
    esheclosedit
    .Beforeshecoul
    deventur
    n,hi
    s
    wholebodycoveredherandsheleanedi
    ntohi
    m.
    Hishandsonherwaist.
    "
    Lor
    atal
    ktome.
    "
    "
    Yourmovi
    ngi
    nsuggest
    ion…"
    "Whatabouti
    t?"Hewasr
    eassur
    ingandever
    ythi
    ng.
    She
    "
    It
    'st
    oosoon.
    "Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    "
    Iunder
    stand.
    "Shenodded.
    "
    I-
    Ihat
    eshar
    ingspacesandI
    -"heki
    ssedherneck.
    "
    Cont
    inue.
    "
    "
    Usmovingintoget
    hermeanssexandIam not
    r
    eadyf
    orthat.
    "
    "St
    il
    ldon'
    twantt
    ogi
    veuppoweryet
    ?"Shecl
    osed
    hereyes.
    "
    No.
    "Hechuckl
    ed.
    "I
    tsti
    llbr
    ingsmebacktoyouscaredyouwon'
    tbe
    ablet
    odomi nat
    einthebedr
    oom."Hewasaccurat
    e.
    "
    Andbaby,
    I'
    llbeher
    ewhenyouchangeyourmi
    nd.
    "
    "
    Youwon'
    tleaveaf
    ter
    ?"
    "No.Ipromi se."Alor abr eathedout.Thismannever
    breakshispr omi ses.Shet urnedandherhands
    touchedhischeek, theheel sgivi
    ngherhei ghtan
    extraboost.Hesmi ledandshepar tedherlipsinan
    attempttoki sshimf i
    rst.Austi
    njustloweredhi s
    headsot hatshecanki sshi m pr
    operly.He
    appreciat
    edhert rying, sheneveriniti
    atedkisses
    andt hi
    swasaf i
    rst .Hel etherguidethekiss,itwas
    slowasf uckwi t
    hherdoi ngherownpr obi
    ngbef or
    e
    shebr okeitandsi ghed.
    "
    Lor
    a,i
    t'
    sokay.
    "
    "Ofcour
    seyou'l
    lsaythat."Heki
    ssedherthisti
    me,
    taki
    ngcontr
    olofthekissandshepl acedherhands
    onhischest
    .Hesmi l
    edi ntot
    hekiss.
    "
    Goodgir
    l.
    "Herf
    aceheat
    edandshebr
    oket
    heki
    ss
    t
    opunchhim.
    "
    Car
    efulRober
    t.
    "
    Outsi
    dei
    nthequi
    etoftheni
    ght
    ,Hadessatwit
    h
    Rebaasshepl
    acedherheadonhi
    sshoulder
    .
    "
    Howhasi
    tbeen?
    "Rebabr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    "Hor
    ribl
    e.Ihavemorecompulsi
    onsthannecessar
    y
    andthetherapi
    stmom foundi
    sn'
    thelpi
    ng.
    "
    "Tel
    lher
    ."Rebabr
    eat
    hedout
    .Heknewi
    twasn'
    t
    easy.
    "Sheist
    ryingeventhoughIsil
    entl
    yf eelherjudging
    me.Thatherchildturnedi
    ntoadrugaddi ctand
    nowshei sspendingmoneygetti
    ngherf i
    xed.Like
    I'
    m atoyandI'l
    lbeokay.Thetherapistdoesn'thelp
    withmysleepwal ki
    ng.Iti
    sworse."Rebabr eathed
    out.
    "It
    hinkaboutdr
    ugsmor
    ethanIt
    hinkaboutf
    oodor
    anythi
    ng.I
    -"
    "
    Tal
    ktomel
    ove.
    "
    "Iusual
    lygooglewayst
    ogethi
    gh.
    "Shecr
    ingedand
    closedhereyes.
    "
    I-
    Idon'
    tknow.
    "Sheconcl
    udesandbr
    eat
    hesout
    .
    "
    Butt
    hinki
    ngi
    sbet
    tert
    handoi
    ngr
    ight
    ?That
    's
    pr
    ogr
    ess.
    ."shewentonagai
    n.Sheopenedhereyes.
    "
    Iwi
    shIcanbecl
    oset
    oyouf
    orever
    ."
    "
    Iwi
    shsot
    oo…"
    "
    I'
    mleavi
    ngt
    omor
    row.
    "Rebast
    il
    led.
    "
    What
    ?Why?
    "
    "Forrehab.
    "Sheswal lowed.Hewasgoingtoget
    bett
    er.Wasn'tthatwhatshewi shedf
    orwhenshe
    was18whenheconf essedhislovef
    orherdr
    unkat
    apartyandtriedtoki
    ssher ?Hewasgoingtoget
    sober.
    "I
    '
    vebeentr
    ying.Aust
    inusuall
    ythi
    nkshei
    sr i
    ght
    andcanbeapr i
    ckatti
    mesbuthehashelpedtoo."
    Hadessai
    d.Theconceptsti
    llwei
    rdgi
    venthati
    thas
    al
    waysbeenRebai nhi
    sli
    fewhoknewever yt
    hing.
    "
    Forhowl
    ong?
    "
    "Thr
    eemonths.
    "Anotherl
    ongthr
    eemont
    hswi
    thout
    him.Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyesandhesni
    ff
    ed.
    "Okay.Okay.I
    'l
    lsur
    vive.
    "Shesai
    d.She'
    l
    lbest
    rong.
    She'l
    lbefine.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    ,
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    70

    Insidethehouse,SusanglancedatMooket
    siand
    hiswi f
    e.Thefactthathehasawifebei
    ngsucha
    foreignconceptt
    oher .
    "Mooketsiwhydidn'
    tyoutel
    lus?Mar ri
    ageissucha
    hugecommi tmentandtogointoi twi
    thoutatleast
    l
    ett
    ingthenormalprocessestakeplaceiscareless.
    "
    Thabi
    sost ar
    tedoutandMooket siswall
    owed.
    "
    It
    'scompl
    icat
    ed.
    "
    "
    Uncompli
    cat
    eitf
    orus.
    "Susansai
    dandMooket
    si
    l
    ookedatZar
    a.Hebr
    eathedout
    .
    "I
    twassupposedtobeamar ri
    ageofcont
    ract
    ."
    Susan'
    seyeswidened.Wasthi
    ssomesortofmovi
    e
    whereshewasn'tgi
    venthescr
    ipt
    ?
    Zaralookedatheri
    n-l
    aws.Itmighthavebeeneasi
    er
    tofoolhermothert
    hattheyhadbeeninloveatthe
    ti
    mebutt heywerei
    nlovenowr ight
    ?Itwas
    supposedtobesomet hi
    ngquickandeasy.
    "
    Cont
    ract
    ?Nnakehel
    etswe.
    "(
    I'
    m outofwor
    ds)
    Mooket
    sibr
    eat
    hedoutst
    il
    lhol
    dingZar
    a'shand.
    "I
    twashonestl
    ysupposedt
    obemarr
    iageonpaper
    andthenwefel
    linl
    oveandher
    eismywife.
    "He
    l
    ift
    edherhandtoki
    ssher.
    "
    WheredidIgowrong?
    "SusanaskedansThabi
    so
    r
    ubbedherback.
    "
    Youdidn'
    tgowr
    ong.Lett
    hem l
    iveandmaket
    hei
    r
    mist
    akes.
    "
    "I
    t'
    snottourfaul
    tmother.Wegrowandweare
    adult
    s,Iam sorr
    yIdi
    dn'tgoaboutt
    hist
    her
    ightway.
    Itwasaner r
    oronmypar tandIapologise.Il
    ove
    Zara,Iwashopi ngyouxdl oveherli
    keyourown
    daughterandaccepther .Wecanst il
    lgoaboutt he
    tradi
    ti
    onalprocessofmagadiandpat loaswel l
    ."
    Zarasmiledathi m andner vouskyf
    acedherin-laws.
    "Not
    hingIsaywil
    lchangeyourmi
    nd?
    "Mooket
    si
    shookhishead.
    "Okay.You'remykidsandIcan'tstayangryf
    orever
    .
    Iwasj ustshockedthatmaj
    ordecisionscomeinto
    beingwi t
    houtmeevenknowi ng.
    "
    "
    Mom it'
    snotyourf
    aul
    t.Al
    lofusareadult
    sand
    r
    egardl
    ess,
    we'l
    lsti
    l
    lfi
    ndourwaysbacktoyou.
    "
    Mooket
    sisai
    dandSusansmiled.
    "Zar
    awelcomet
    othef
    ami
    ly.
    "Shesmi
    ledandZar
    a
    smil
    ed.
    "CanIli
    kehugyou?"Zar
    aasked.Mooketsichuckled.
    Trusthi
    swife'
    sper
    sonali
    tytopeaki
    t'
    srearheadas
    soonassomeonelikesherorshowsherkindness.
    "Ofcour
    se.
    "Shegotof
    fherseatandSusanst
    ood
    upasZarawalkedr
    oundthetabl
    etohugher.
    "
    OkayIhear
    dsomuchaboutyou.
    "
    "
    Goodt
    hingsIhope.
    "
    "
    Allgoodt
    hings.Thankyou!Thankyou!
    "
    "
    Zee,youcanl
    etgonow."Mooket
    sichi
    dedandZar
    a
    l
    etgoasshepushedherhai
    rback.
    "
    Ohsor r
    y."Mooket
    sist
    oodupandwal
    kedt
    ohi
    s
    wif
    e'ssi
    de.
    "See?Alloft
    hisi
    sresolvednkweveryone'
    shappy.
    "
    SusangaveThabisoagr atef
    ull
    ook.Hehandles
    everyt
    hingsowellandshewassur eifhewasn'
    t
    here,t
    hingsweregoingtobeamess.Abi gmess.

    Thefr
    ontdooropenedandtheyt
    urned.Theysaw
    Rebapassthem.Shesmil
    ed.
    "
    Goodnighteveryone.
    "Shesai
    dheadi
    ngtoher
    room.Rebaonherwayt other
    oom,shepassed
    Alor
    aandAustin.Shesmil
    ed.
    "
    I'
    m wai
    ti
    ng."Shesai
    dandwal
    kedi
    ntoherr
    oom.
    Al
    oral
    ookefatAusti
    n.
    "I
    gnoreher
    ."Theywal
    kedpastthepeopl
    einr
    he
    dini
    ngroom whogavethem wei
    rdl
    ooks.
    "
    Heisleaving."Al
    oradef
    endedher
    sel
    fasshel
    ed
    Aust
    inoutside.
    "Iguessweshoul
    dleaveaswell
    ."Mooket
    sisai
    das
    hehuggedhismotherandgavehisst
    em fat
    herhal
    f
    ahug.
    "ByeandZar
    ashoul
    dpassbyt
    omor
    row.
    "Susan
    added.
    "
    Ofcour
    se.Bye.
    "

    Theywal
    kedoutandSusanl
    ookedatherhusband.
    "
    Sof
    arsogood?
    "
    "Sof
    arsogood.Theyhavetospr
    eadthei
    rwi
    ngs
    andfl
    yanyway.
    "Susanbreat
    hedout.
    "
    Am Iabadmot
    her
    ?"
    "Noyou'
    renot.Butyoucan'tcuttheumbil
    icalcord
    andIthi
    nktheyfeell
    ikeyou'recont
    rol
    li
    ngtheirl
    ives.
    Lett
    hem fai
    landwinont heirown.Kidsalways
    knowwher
    ehomei
    s."
    "
    Ist
    il
    lfeell
    ikeIf
    ail
    edReba.
    "
    "Rebaisaworki
    nprogress,
    shef el
    lbehi
    ndinalot
    ofthi
    ngsbutshei
    sslowlypicki
    ngthepiecesofher
    l
    ife.
    "
    "Idi
    dn'twanttoputheri
    ntorehabbecauseI
    thoughtitwoul
    dbelikeI
    'm sendingheraway
    becauseofherdrugaddict
    ion."
    "
    Wediddiscussthat,
    rehabwouldbegoodforher
    t
    hough.Sheisnottoofargone.
    "Susansi
    ghed.
    "
    I'
    llaskAl
    orat
    osuggesti
    t.Shei
    scl
    osert
    oAl
    ora
    t
    hansheiswit
    hme."
    "
    Sist
    ers.
    "Susanchuckl
    ed.
    "
    Ineverhadt
    hatwi
    thmysist
    er.I
    fonl
    yIhad
    f
    orgi
    venhershewoul
    dhavebeenher
    e."
    "I
    t'
    snotyourfault
    .Everyoneisthemast
    erofthei
    r
    ownl i
    vesandtheirdeci
    sions.Youdi
    dn'
    tfor
    cethe
    pil
    lsdownherthroat.
    "
    Shenodded.
    "Isupposenot.
    "Shesmi l
    edathim asshelower
    ed
    herheadtokisshim andtouchhi
    sgr eybear
    d.
    "Il
    oveyouandthankyou."Shesaidsincer
    elyashe
    smiledandki
    ssedherback.Shelaughed.
    "Ithi
    nkweneedt otakethistothebedroom."She
    gavehi m anaught ysmi l
    e.Hest oodupandpi cked
    herupasshesqueal ed.ThatmomentSusancame
    toar ealisation,maybeifshehadmetThabi so
    earli
    ershewoul dhavegivenhi m achanceinstead
    ofMor emi .Everydayshedi scoveredt
    hatMoer emi
    didn'tloveherl ikeshelovedhi m andhegaveher
    threechi ldrenandwentont ocheatonhert
    ogi ve
    herthef our th.Sheshookherhead.Shewasonl y
    gratefulfort hekidsatthispoint.

    Aust
    inhuggedAlor
    aandshehuggedhi
    m back.No
    sni
    deremarksoranyt
    hing.
    "
    I'
    llcal
    lwhenIgethome.
    "
    "
    Don'
    t
    .Iam havi
    ngasl
    eepoverwi
    thmysi
    ster
    ."
    "
    Okay.
    "Heki
    ssedherneckandt
    henherf
    orehead.
    "
    Youl
    ookedbeaut
    if
    ult
    oni
    ght
    ."
    "See?That
    'swhyI
    '
    m doi
    ngyouaf
    avour
    .Youdon'
    t
    deserveme."
    "
    Car
    efull
    it
    tl
    edr
    eamer
    ."
    "
    I'
    m notl
    it
    tl
    e."
    "
    Yourageandhei
    ghtsayot
    her
    wise.
    "
    "
    Rober
    tfuckyou!
    "
    "Youhavenoi deahowIwanttodojustt
    hattoyour
    body."Hi
    svoicedroppedanoctaveandi
    tsent
    shiver
    salloverherbody.
    "Fuckthepret
    tyl
    iesoutofyouandhaveyou
    screamingmynamef ortheworl
    dtohear.
    "Shewas
    heatingup.
    "
    Knowwhatel
    se?
    "Sheshookherhead.
    "Haveyouatmymer cy.
    "Withthathelethergoand
    walkedtohiscar.Hedidn'
    ttur
    nbackandshecoul d
    feelthegoosebumpstraci
    ngherskin.Fuck!She
    quicklyt
    urnedonherheelsandheadedt othe
    house.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    71

    IttookAloraawholehourt ogetreadyforher
    sleepover,
    sher anherhandsoverherpyjamas
    beforesheheadedt oReba’sroom withapil
    low.
    Thepi l
    lowsmel l
    edfreshsothei
    rmot herwashed
    theblankets.Shewast hankf
    ulforthat
    .She
    knockedont hedoor.
    “
    Tsena.
    ”(
    geti
    n)
    Sheopenedt
    hedoorandst
    eppedi
    nsi
    de.She
    l
    ookedaroundandRebahadt hechi
    psandsweets
    onthebed.Shebr
    eathedin.Theywon’
    tspi
    llont
    he
    bl
    anket
    s.Theywon’tspi
    ll
    .Shecalmeddownand
    smil
    ed.
    Rebapatt
    edont hecarpetandAl
    oracaref
    ully
    pl
    acedherpil
    lowont hebedandsatcrosslegged
    onthecar
    petwithhersilkpyj
    amas.Rebalookedat
    her
    sandgr i
    nned.
    “Wear emat chi
    ng.Sil
    kpyjamas.I’mtaki
    ng
    pictur
    es.”Shepickedherphoneandshet ook
    pictur
    esasAl oraobservedi
    nsilence.WasReba
    usinghersunshinepersonali
    tytohideherpr
    obl
    ems
    andal lt
    heturmoilsheexperi
    enced?Allt
    hose
    ragingthoughts?
    “Thepi
    ctur
    eslooksonice,
    ifIwasn’tt
    rol
    ledon
    soci
    almediaIwouldpostt
    hem.I’l
    lsendthem t
    o
    youandbesidesIdon’
    twanttodragyoui nt
    omy
    mess.”
    “It
    ’snotyourmess.Rebaweareherewi
    thyou.
    Behindyou.”Rebaplacedt
    hephoneandpi
    ckedup
    thepacketofchips.
    “Youguyshonest
    lydon’
    thavet
    ogeti
    nvol
    ved.
    ”
    Alor
    abreat
    hedout.
    “Howdi ditstar
    t?”Sheasked.Hervoi
    celosi
    ngthe
    usualhostil
    it
    yitcarr
    iedandthesoundofReba
    openingthepacketofchipsfil
    ledt
    heroom.Alor
    a
    wait
    ed.
    “Itr
    iedheroi
    nat17.Itwasnicegetti
    nghighandyou
    knowhowexper imenti
    ngstuffisl
    ike.Idi
    dthatonce.
    Nothinghadbeenwr ong.Mymodel li
    ngherewas
    real
    lygoodandIwasget ti
    ngokaygr adesat
    school.
    ”Shewentdeadsi l
    entforami nut
    ebefore
    shecontinued.
    “The.Pari
    shappened.Godi
    twasawful!
    ”She
    admi t
    tedandAl
    oramovedcloserasRebaat
    eher
    chips.
    “
    Theyel
    li
    ngatmef
    orbei
    ngsl
    ow.
    .”shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Theyl i
    ter
    all
    ytol
    dmeIwasf at
    .Iwasn’tbutIwas
    toldtoloseweight.
    ”Al
    orasawRebaf i
    ghtback
    tears.Rebahadalwaysbeenontheleansideso
    shecoul dguesshowbeingtol
    dshewasf athadher
    conf usedandalt
    eredher
    .
    “Istar
    vedfordays,atamer esaladandasliceof
    breadeveryday.Justtookeeptrackofmycal or
    ies
    tofiti
    ntothedresses.Iwasbeingpaidforthat,
    I
    couldn’
    tli
    ter
    allyfi
    ghtmanagementr i
    ght?”Reba
    suckedinabr eath.
    “I
    tbegantheuglycycleofmyconst
    antvomit
    ing
    andoverexerci
    singever
    ydayt
    olosecal
    ori
    esand
    bei
    ngconsciousofwhatIeat.
    ”
    “I-
    Ididn’
    teatjustanythi
    ngAlora.”AndAl or
    acould
    reali
    sehowi gnorantshehadbeen, Rebawas
    alwaysswallowedwhol ebyt heclothesshewore
    butthathadal waysbeenReba’ sstyleofcl
    othi
    ngso
    theyneversawanyt hingwrong.Rebadomi nat
    ed
    thecatwalksot heythoughtshewasokay.Reba
    placedthepacketofchi psdown.
    “
    AndAmer i
    ca?Godthatwasworse,
    ther
    aci
    alsl
    urs
    t
    heycal
    led!
    ”Shewipedhert
    ear
    s.
    “Iwascalledamonkey, anape.Howi sthathuman?
    Howi sthatokay?Iwasj ustanot
    herhumanbei ng
    andtheysexuallyassault
    edme.Somanyt imes
    thanIcancountbecauseI -“sheshookherhead.
    Howcoul
    dshefi
    ghtthem whentheyhadthepower
    t
    orui
    nhercar
    eerandmaket hi
    ngshardert
    hanher?
    “Expl
    ainsexualassaul
    t.
    ”Al
    ora’
    svoi
    ceroseasshe
    breat
    hedthroughhernoseandRebashookher
    head.
    “
    I’
    m okay,
    I’
    m al
    iveandt
    her
    eisnot
    hingt
    obedone.
    ”
    “
    Expl
    ainsexualassaul
    tReba.
    ”Rebashookherhead.
    “
    You’r
    egetti
    ngpink,i
    t’
    sinthepast
    .I’
    m okay.
    ”she
    r
    eassuredhersi
    sterasshewipedhertear
    s.
    “
    I’
    m overi
    t.
    ”Al
    orashookherhead.
    “
    You’
    renotbecausei
    tledyout
    odoi
    ngdr
    ugs.
    ”
    “Ineededtocopesomehow, whenyou’rehighyou
    don’tthi
    nkaboutyourproblemsandt heydon’ t
    consumeyouasmuchast heywoul dwhensober .
    Weeddi dn’
    thavethatki
    ckbutIwentwi thsomany
    drugs.Manynewonest ochoosef rom.Theyhel ped
    meescapeandIwant edtoescapeever ydaybuti t
    wasn’tpossi
    blesoItookthem whenIwasn’ t
    strut
    ti
    ngont her
    unaway, atrehear
    salorf i
    tt
    ings.
    Theywer emyescape.Myhappypl ace.”Rebasai d
    asshescratchedher selfandshelookedupatt he
    ceil
    inghuggi
    ngher self.Howcoul dshet el
    lher
    si
    sterwhowant shert ogetbetterthatshewant ed
    drugs?Shewant edaf ix,maybesomecokei fnot
    meth?Somet hingtogi veherkickandhel pher
    escapeherthought sofhel pl
    essnessatwhatshe
    experi
    encedandhowshecoul ddoadamnt hingto
    stopitf
    rom fuckingwi thhermi nd.Shef el
    tAlora’
    s
    armswr aparoundherandshedi dn’treali
    seshe
    hadmovedcl oser .
    “Icoul
    dn’
    tpi
    ctur
    eanyt
    hingpast30.
    ”Rebaadded
    andshebli
    nkedbackt
    ears.
    “Iwatr
    yingbuti
    twasn’tworki
    ng,Ifi
    gur
    edthat
    event
    uall
    yIwoulddi
    efrom anoverdoseeveni
    fI
    hadweeksofsobri
    etybecauseIalwayswentback.
    ”
    Alor
    adidn’
    tknowwhatt osay.
    “Ionl
    yt al
    kedtoHadeswhohashisowndemonsto
    fi
    ght.AndIthink,asmuchasweloveeachot
    heri
    f
    oneofuswast odie,
    theot
    herwoul
    dfoll
    ow
    shortl
    y.”Shesnif
    fedandAl
    orahel
    dher.
    “
    Idon’
    thaveanywor
    dsofsympat
    hybutIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    I-
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “I
    ’m here.Forevert
    ostay,I’
    llwalkthroughhellfi
    re
    wit
    hyou.I fyourwingsarebr oken,borrowmine
    okay?I’l
    lstandbyyou.Justl i
    keHadesi sget
    ting
    sober,Rebayouar etoo.Iknowi twonbeeasybut
    wewon’ tknowunl esswet r
    y.”Aloraassured.She
    wast r
    yingtokeephervoi ceeventr yi
    ngnottocr y.
    “Fateandtheuni verseworksinamyst eri
    ousway,
    everyt
    hingwillfalli
    nplace.Iwantyoutohavef ai
    th
    i
    nyour sel
    f.Justthisoncet hatwe’
    l
    lbeatthe
    addicti
    onandt alkthroughtheemotionaland
    psychologi
    caldamaget hatledtoi
    tandOknowwe
    can’twipetheactionsawaybutwe’ l
    llearntodeal
    withthem i
    naheal t
    hymanner .
    “
    Al-
    “
    “I
    ’
    llbether
    ef oryouever ystepoftheway.No
    matterhowtoughi tgets.Beli
    eveme, you’r
    emy
    si
    sterandIloveyour egardlessofyourflaws.
    ”Reba
    noddedandpl acedherheadonAl or
    a’sshoulder
    .
    “Evenwi
    thHadesgone,
    I’
    llbeher
    eforyou.You’
    ll
    bothbef
    ine.
    ”Shesai
    d.KnowingsheandAustin
    wer
    ether
    efort
    hem i
    never
    yaspect
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AWEEKLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    43] :REBORN

    72

    Aust
    inshookhi
    sheadathi
    sther
    api
    st.
    “
    That
    ’si
    naccur
    ate.
    ”
    “
    Aust
    in,
    youarehuman.Thesooneryoudealwi
    th
    t
    heemoti
    onyou’
    refi
    ght
    ingthebet
    ter.
    ”
    “
    Icar
    eforher
    ,mor
    ethanIhaveevercar
    edf
    or
    anyone.Inf
    actIdon’tcar
    eaboutanyonebuther
    ?I
    do.Let’
    snotconfusethat
    .”Jameschuckl
    ed.
    “Youaresmar t.Youdoknowhowyou’ r
    efeel
    ing,
    don’tsuppr
    esst heemotion.
    ”Austi
    n’sphone
    beepedinhispocket.Jameswat chedAusti
    nt ake
    hisphoneoutofhi spocketandhesmi l
    ed,a
    genuinesmile.Notthecondescendingoneshe
    gavepeoplealreadythosecockygrins.
    “
    Jameswast
    hatal
    lwehadt
    odi
    scusst
    oday?
    ”
    “
    Howi
    sitgoi
    ngwi
    thconvi
    nci
    ngher
    ?”
    “Aloraisindependent.Mostofherl ifeshescared
    menawayandt heyfled.Sheshott hem glaresthat
    wer emoret hanclearwar ni
    ngst ostayawaysoof
    courseshewant stobei ncont r
    olofeverythi
    ngand
    shei sscaredshecan’ tcontrolthi
    s.”Austi
    nsaidas
    hecheckedhi swatch.Hepi ckedhisshitjacket
    from thechair.
    “JamesIhavet ogo.OhandIhaveadat ewit
    hAlor
    a
    atmyhouset onight.
    ”Jameswatchedhim go.
    Austi
    nwasdoi ngt hi
    ngsheneverdid.Jameshad
    beensur
    prisedwhenAust inhadtol
    dhi m hewas
    l
    ivi
    ngwi t
    hHades.Austindidn’
    tli
    keshari
    nghis
    space.NowhehadAl orainhisspace.I
    twasjusta
    matterofti
    meti
    llhestoppeddeceivi
    nghimsel
    f.
    Aust
    inr
    eadAlora’
    smessageandashewasabout
    t
    otypeshecal
    led.Heanswer
    edimmedi
    atel
    y.
    “
    Dar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Howcasuali
    scasual
    ?”Sheasked.
    “
    Yourki
    ndofcasualwear
    .”
    “
    Whatwi
    llyoubewear
    ing?
    ”
    “
    Pant
    sandashi
    rt
    .”
    “
    That
    ’snotcausal
    .”
    “Lora,
    thedresscodedoesn’tevenmatt
    er.Ij
    ust
    wanttohaveyoucomf ort
    ableatmyhouseyeah?
    Anythingyou’
    recomfor
    tablein.”Hesof
    tenedhi
    s
    voiceforherandshewentquiet.
    “
    Okay.Seeyouatsi
    x.”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Shehungupandhechuckl
    edashebr
    iskl
    ywal
    ked
    tohi
    scar.
    *
    **

    Aloraputt het wodr essesont hebedassheasked


    hersel
    fquest i
    onsaswhatwoul dbedeemedas
    casual.WhatwashercasualwasnotReba’ scasual
    andothergi rl’
    scasual .Shouldshewearheel s?Of
    coursehowcanshel eavethose.Shepi ckedt he
    miniskirtthathadaseet hr
    oughl aceont opofi t.
    Thatwascasualenoughi fshepai reditwithashi rt
    andsandalheel s.Okayt hatwassor ted.Herhai r
    wasf i
    ne, shehasneverhadt owor ryaboutt hat.
    She’l
    ldohermakeupaswel ll
    ateron.Shecar ef
    ul l
    y
    putawayt hecl othesandsatont hebed.Toomany
    thi
    ngst odo, sol i
    tt
    letime.Shewashopi ngt hatby
    thesecondweekofJanuar yhermot her’shouse
    wouldber enovat ed.Shewant edt omoveassoon
    aspossibl e,herownspaceandt owor konher
    brandinpeace.St ayi
    ngwi t
    hherpar entswasf i
    ne
    butshedi dn’twantt ost aywit
    ht hem, t
    her estoft he
    moneyf rom t het rustfundwi l
    lbeheavi l
    yinvest ed
    i
    nhernewpr ojectt hatisgoingt oconsumet her est
    ofherlif
    e.Shehadsentemai lsaswellafewdays
    ago,forinvestment.Heavyinvest
    mentintoher
    brandregardlessofwhet heri
    twasstil
    lnon-
    exi
    stent
    atthemoment .Sheclosedhereyes.Sheandalot
    todealwi t
    h.
    Ther
    ewasaknockonherdoor
    .
    “Comein.
    ”Thedooropenedandherst
    epmot
    her
    stoodbyt
    hedoor.
    “Shoul
    dIful
    lycomei
    n?Iknowyoul
    ikeyourspace
    andall
    .”
    “
    Youcancomein.”Susanst
    eppedini
    nsidet
    he
    r
    oom t
    hatwasmuchmor eneatert
    hantheot
    her
    r
    oomsinthehouse.
    “
    Canwet
    alk?I
    t’
    saboutReba.
    ”Al
    oranodded.
    “Ofcour
    se.Takeaseat
    .”Susansatont
    hest
    udy
    deskchai
    randAlor
    afacedher.
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    ”
    “Iwasthi
    nkingshegoestorehab.Maybeamont h
    ortwo.Soshecanseehowi tgoes,Idi
    dn’
    twantit
    toseem l
    ikeweareshippi
    ngheroffawaythat
    ’s
    whyshehasbeenher
    e.”
    “Rehabmightbeagoodopt i
    on, butyoushoul
    d
    changether
    apistsaswel l
    .Findonewhoi sableto
    dealwit
    hadr ugaddictandisn’tjustt
    heret
    otellt
    he
    pati
    enthowtof eel
    .”Susanleanedback.
    “
    Shehat
    eshert
    her
    api
    st?
    ”Al
    orat
    il
    tedherhead.
    “
    Innotsomanywor
    ds,
    yes.
    ”
    “
    Whydi
    dn’
    tshet
    ellme?
    ”
    “Becausesheknowsyouar etr
    yingandnowyouare
    upset.Shedidn’
    twanttoupsetyou.Rebanever
    wantstoupsetanyoneatall
    .Shejustwantsto
    makeever yonehappy.
    ”
    “
    Sor
    ehab?
    ”
    “Itmi ghtwor kbutl et
    ’sst ar
    twit
    hanewt her
    apist
    fi
    r st,youmi ghtf i
    ndthatwi thanewoneshemi ght
    notevenneedr ehab.Ort henewonemi ght
    recommendr ehabbasedonhi sorherobservati
    ons
    anddi scussionswi thReba.Shest i
    llsl
    eepwalks.
    ”
    Susanbi therl owerlip.Alorawasri
    ght,Rebawas
    stillsleepwalkingandt heyhadgott
    enusedt oher
    epi
    sodest othepointofguidinghert
    oaseatwhen
    sheissleepwalki
    ngandwat chi
    nghersoshedoes
    hurther
    selforhitanyt
    hing.Thesleepwal
    kingwasa
    normaloccurrenceinthehousehold.
    “
    I’
    llt
    hinkabouti
    t.
    ”
    “Thankyou.”Shest
    oodupandl
    eftwhi
    leAl
    ora
    sighedasthedoorcl
    osed.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    73

    Aust
    in’
    sof
    fi
    cedoorandhegl
    ancedf
    orm hi
    sst
    ack
    ofpaper
    sashismot
    herr
    epl
    acedanot
    herdocument
    onhisdesk.
    “
    Iwantar evi
    ewofthatdocumentbymydesk
    t
    omor r
    owmor ningandIwantt
    omeether.
    ”He
    f
    inal
    lyrai
    sedhisdesk.
    “
    Meetwho?
    ”
    “
    Thegi
    rlwhohasyourat
    tent
    ion.Aust
    inyouusedt
    o
    f
    lyi
    nandoutofAmeri
    caforher.
    ”
    “
    Notyet
    .”
    “I
    twasn’tarequest.Iwanttoknowthegir
    lwhohas
    capt
    uredyourattenti
    on.I’
    m bei
    ngdecentbynot
    havi
    nganyonesear chforherbecauseI
    ’m sur
    e
    you’
    l
    lbedecentenought oallowmet omeetAlor
    a.”
    Heraisedaneyebrow.
    “
    Seemsl
    ikeyouknowheral
    ready.
    ”
    “Ican’
    tquesti
    onyourtastebecausesheisbeaut
    iful
    andsmar tbutl
    ikeIaskedthelastt
    ime,doyouwant
    asmar twoman?Awomanwhoi si
    ntothecor
    porate
    worldthatshefor
    getseveryoneandli
    vesforher
    j
    ob? ”
    “Arewet alki
    ngaboutAl oraoryouher e?”Hi s
    mot herwi ncedandher eal
    izedhenotaner ve.Of
    coursei twast rue.Hismot hergotmar r
    ied, divorced,
    l
    osthi sbr otherinast i
    llbir
    thbutevenwhi leshe
    waspr egnantshewasi ntheof fi
    cewor kingand
    showi nghersuper i
    orit
    y.Thi shasbeenacompany
    shebui ltfrom scratchandhehadbeent aughtt o
    rel
    yonhi msel ffr
    om ayoungage.Hi smot herdi dn’t
    l
    ovehi m andt hat’
    sasaf acttheybot hknew, she
    neverhi ditandhowcoul dhebel ieveinanemot ion
    hewasnevershownandhasl earnedtodeci pheras
    fakeandst upid?
    “
    Alora.Corpor
    atewomenputthei
    rjobsaheadof
    t
    heirfamil
    iesandusual
    lydi
    dn’
    twantchil
    dren.
    ”
    “Youdidn’
    twantme?
    ”Heaskedandl
    ookedher
    deadintheeye.
    “Iam t
    alki
    ngaboutAl
    orahere.It
    houghtyouwould
    l
    ikeasubmi ssi
    vewoman,onewhoisn’tconsumed
    aboutwork.”
    “Wel
    lifIwant
    edoneIwouldhavewentaf t
    erone.
    ”
    Heli
    kedachallengeandAl
    orachal
    lengedhiminso
    manywaysandhewasneverbor edi
    nhercompany.
    Herfat
    smi ndandint
    ell
    ectdr
    ewhimi
    nevenbefor
    e
    herbodycameintotheequat
    ion.
    “
    Ift
    hati
    sal
    l.
    .”
    “
    Thedocumentonmydeski
    nthemor
    ning.
    ”
    “
    Gotit
    .”Shewal
    kedoutandhet
    ookouthi
    sphone
    t
    otexther
    .
    Aust
    in:t
    hinkyougotdi
    sti
    nct
    ionsi
    nyourf
    inal
    s?
    Hewai
    tedf
    orhert
    otextback.
    Lora:Iam 200%sur
    eIgr
    aduat
    edwi
    tht
    hehi
    ghest
    honours.
    Austi
    n:we’
    llj
    usthavetoseeoncePr
    incet
    on
    rel
    easestheresul
    tsdon’
    twe?
    Lor
    a:Ar
    eyoucal
    li
    ngmest
    upi
    d?Rober
    tfuckyou!

    Hechuckledandhepl
    acedhi
    sphonedownashe
    cont
    inuedtowork.
    *
    **

    Rebawal
    kedi
    nsi
    deAlora’
    sroom uni
    nvi
    tedandshe
    thr
    ewher
    sel
    fonthebedasAlor
    at ur
    nedfrom her
    desk.
    “
    RebaIj
    ustmadet
    hatbed.
    ”
    “Andit
    ’ssupposedt
    obecrumpl
    edsomet
    imes.
    ”
    Alor
    asuckedinadeepbr
    eathandhel
    dherpen
    t
    ightl
    y.
    “
    Whatbr
    ingsyouher
    e?”
    “
    Okay,
    areyouspendi
    ngt
    heni
    ghtwi
    thAust
    in?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Whynot
    ?Iti
    sagoodwayt
    obondwabona?
    ”
    “Wedon’tbondthatway.
    ”ShesaidandRebasli
    d
    hershoesoffasshesatcrossl
    eggedonthebed.
    “
    Howdoyouguysbond?
    ”
    “Wer eadtogether,weplaychesswit
    hstakes.We
    neverplayagamewi thoutanendpri
    zeorsome
    sortofgrati
    fi
    cationfr
    om playi
    ngthegame.”
    “
    NnaLantenanow.Whycan’
    tyouki
    ssandcuddl
    e
    l
    iket
    heot
    hercoupl
    es?
    ”
    “
    Wear
    en’
    tli
    keot
    hercoupl
    es.
    ”
    “True.Youtwoaretooner
    dyanyway.Butspendt
    he
    night.Seehowitgoes.
    ”
    Al
    orashookherhead.
    “
    No.Thatst
    epi
    s-“
    “Alor
    ayouarenotmovi
    nginoranyt
    hing.Justt
    he
    night
    .You’
    reanadul
    tandletmamaknowgor eI’
    m
    notcominghometoni
    ght.
    ”
    “
    Shewi
    llt
    hinkt
    ha-
    “
    “Doesi
    tevenmatter
    ?Alora,getoutofyourhead
    someti
    mes.”Al
    orabli
    nked.Austinsai
    dthatallt
    he
    ti
    me.
    “Experi
    encestuffwithoutovert
    hinkingit.Sowhatif
    heleavesafterthesexwhi chIdoubthewi l
    l.Hei
    sa
    goodguy.Abovemostpeopl e’
    sleaguebecauseof
    histaxbracketandlooks.Wai t
    sei tseemsIdo
    understandeconomi csanyway, youwoul dhave
    enjoyedthesex.”Alorasighed.
    “
    Whati
    fIdon’
    tenj
    oyt
    hesex?
    ”Rebachuckl
    ed.
    “
    Youar
    enotconf
    identofyourski
    ll
    sar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Ir
    eadabouti
    tandnovel
    sdepi
    ctsexbutIcan’
    t-
    “herf
    aceheated.
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkIf
    il
    lthesexypar
    tofsex.Li
    keat
    tr
    act
    ive
    andall
    .”
    “Alor
    ayouar eeveryt
    hingbutconfi
    dentinyour
    sexualski
    ll
    s?Tellhim.”Al
    orasighedagain.She
    didn’
    twanttoadmi ttofai
    lur
    eofevenweakness.
    “
    Let
    ’sdr
    opt
    hisi
    ssue.
    ”
    “Iam playingmybi gsisterrol
    ehereandnothi
    ng
    willstopme.Tr ystuf
    foutwi thhim.Maybenotthe
    actualactofsexbutf oreplaytomakeyou
    comf ort
    ablewi t
    htheideat hatyou’
    l
    lhavedi
    ck
    stuffedinsideofyou.
    ”Al oragaspedandReba
    pickedapi ll
    owt hr
    owingi therway.
    “
    Nowyouar
    emessi
    ngmyar
    rangement
    .”
    “Lor
    a,youcansti
    llt
    akeovert
    hewor
    ldaf
    tersex.
    Haveyoutri
    edtotou-“
    “
    Nowl
    et’
    sdr
    opt
    hisconver
    sat
    ion.
    ”Rebasi
    ghed.
    “
    Okay.Butthi
    nkaboutwhatIsai
    d.Youarehelpi
    ng
    f
    ightmydemons, Icanal
    sohel
    pyoufightyour
    i
    nti
    macyissues.
    ”
    “
    Thoset
    woar
    enott
    hesame.
    ”Rebashr
    ugged.
    “
    Butsof
    arhowi
    sit
    ?”
    “Imi
    sshim butI
    ’
    m counti
    ngweeks,he’
    llbehere
    soonIhavetobepati
    entandhewil
    lbebackr i
    ght?
    Besi
    desyouareherenow.”Al
    oranodded.
    “
    Youcanexi
    tmyr
    oom nowandl
    eavemei
    npeace.
    ”
    “Youlovehim?”Alor
    asuckedinabreat
    hand
    nodded.Sheneverfoundtheperf
    ectt
    imet
    otel
    lhi
    m
    thatshelovedhi
    m butshedid.
    “
    That
    ’scut
    e.Hel
    ovesyout
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Howdoyouknow.
    ”Rebapaused.
    “Youj ustknow, Al
    orayouhat emenwi t
    hyourenti
    re
    beingandhei stheonlymanwhohaseverbeen
    closet oyou.Asmuchasyout hi
    nkwear enot
    wat chingwedowat ch.Therearegli
    mpsesofyou
    thatyou’llnevershowusbutheknows.Al li
    nthe
    spaceoft hr
    eemont hs.Ididsayloveandhateare
    toosimil
    arandyouhaveknownhimf oroverhal
    fa
    decadeandyouwereprobablyl
    ikehehasseenme
    foryear
    sandhowIwor kletmegivehim achance.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tbeOpr
    ahonme.
    ”
    “
    LecuteandIam r
    oot
    ingf
    oryou.Youevenbl
    ush
    f
    orhi
    m.”
    “Shutthef
    uckupplease!
    ”RebalaughedasAlor
    a
    crackedasmil
    e.Speci
    all
    yforher
    .Rebalaughed
    mor e.
    “Yousmi
    ledf orme.Maki ngpeoplehappyismy
    newsuperpower .Ihavetotryandstudyfort
    his
    economi
    cst est.Whydi dIdeci
    detomaj ori
    n
    economi
    csandst ati
    sti
    cs?”Rebaasked.
    “
    Becauseyoul
    oveschool
    ?”
    “IhateschoolbutIhavet ostudy,spendthenight
    andt el
    lmehowi twas.Seeyoul ater.
    ”Rebahopped
    offthebedandAl or
    ar oll
    edhereyeswi t
    hamuch
    widersmileathersist
    erwhol ef
    tthebedcreased
    andt hepi
    ll
    owwasst i
    llonthef l
    oor.Herphone
    beepedwi t
    hamessageandshel ookedatt
    he
    YouTubel i
    nkhesentandt hemessageunderi t.She
    al
    wayscri
    ngedatt
    henamesherecentl
    ysavedhim
    wi
    thhencehewasnotal
    lowednearherphone.
    MrAlora:
    Useheadphones(
    remindedmeof
    you)andseeyoul at
    er.Haveaproducti
    ve
    brainst
    ormingsessi
    on.Andalsocanyoubr i
    ng
    alongyourproposalsoIcanhaveal ookati
    t?

    Sher epli
    edwithanokandshepi ckedher
    headphonest olistentowhat evert helinkentail
    ed.
    Shecl i
    ckedoni tandshewai tedassheputonher
    headphones.Shewat chedt hesongl oadandshe
    usedherpapert ohi deherf aceevent houghshe
    wasal one.Thiswascor nyandcheesyasf uckand
    shegr i
    nnedbuthesentherasong?Becausei t
    remindedhi m ofher?Nott hespi tefulandalways
    angryher ?Shewashi sf avourit
    egi rl?Shegrinned
    mor ebeforesher egai
    nedhercomposur eand
    l
    istenedtothesong.Shecoul dn’thelpbutlaugh
    softl
    ylist
    eningtoJust i
    nBi eber’sFavor it
    eGirl.
    Heist
    hinki
    ngofher?Okayhehadt
    hefactr
    ightt
    hat
    shewasalwaysnumber1butshewashisf
    avouri
    te
    gi
    rl
    ?Shegr
    innedmor
    e.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    74

    Aloescheckedthet i
    meassher anherhandsdown
    herskir
    t.Theli
    tt
    lebreezeoutsi
    dewasn’ tgoingto
    makeherchangeherat t
    ir
    e.Shehear dacarengi ne
    outsi
    deandsawt hatasheropportunit
    yt oexi
    tthe
    room withherf
    il
    eandhandbag.Shewal kedtothe
    l
    oungewher eeveryonewaschi l
    li
    ngandReba
    gri
    nned.
    “
    Alor
    ait
    ’sadat
    enotaPower
    Poi
    ntpr
    esent
    ati
    on.
    ”
    “Thi
    sismycasualwear.Iwoul
    dneverwearami
    ni
    skir
    ttoapr
    esent
    ati
    on.”
    Rebashr
    ugged.
    “
    Youl
    ookbr
    eat
    htaki
    ng.
    ”Thabi
    soadded.
    “
    True.Isitadat
    e?Whyt hef
    il
    e”Aloral
    ookedather
    f
    amily.Theywouldn’
    tunder
    stand.
    “I
    t’
    sadat
    e.Uhm I
    ’
    llbebackl
    ate.
    ”Susanwavedher
    off
    .
    “Evenifyoudon’
    tcomehomet
    odaywe
    understand.
    ”
    “Whywoul dshenotcomehometoday?
    ”Emor
    y
    asked.Susanshookherhead.
    “Youar
    etooyoungtounder
    stand.
    ”Emor
    yjust
    shookherheadandl
    ookedatherbi
    gsi
    ster
    .
    Theintercom r
    angandThabi sowal kedtot
    hedoor.
    Hepressedt hebuttonfort
    hegat etoopenand
    Rebacoul dseeAlorawasner vous.Shecouldn’
    t
    i
    magi nelivi
    nginAlora’
    shead.Shewassur eshe
    wasal waysthi
    nkingaboutsomet hingandher
    memor ywasshar p.Shepi ckedthemugt hathad
    thestrongcoffee.Caf f
    einehopefullywasgi vi
    ngher
    anener gyboostmi nusthehighfeel i
    ngthatdr ugs
    couldgiveher.Shepausedandshookherhead.
    Sheshoul dn’
    tbet hinkingofdrugs, sheshoul dn’
    tbe
    thi
    nkingofsuch.Notnow.Shewi l
    ledher selfto
    focusonhersi sterandshesmi l
    edast hedoor
    knocksounded.Al orakeptherassdownas
    Thabisoopenedt hedoor .Aust
    ingr eetedhim ashe
    wasl etin.
    Hegreet
    edeveryoneandhiseyeslandedonAlor
    a
    whostoodup.Shewill
    ingl
    ywalkedtohim andhe
    t
    ookherhand.
    “
    ThankyouandIwi
    llbr
    ingherbacki
    nonepi
    ece.
    ”
    “
    Iam notanobj
    ect
    .”Sher
    etor
    tedandSusansmi
    led.
    “
    Okay.Havefunki
    ds.”Aust
    inwal
    kedoutt
    hedoor
    wit
    hherandsheglar
    edathim.
    “
    We’
    rewor
    kingonmypr
    oposalf
    ir
    st?
    ”
    “No.Wear erel
    axi
    ngbutIwil
    lgot
    hroughitLora.”
    Shenoddedashel edhertohi
    scar.Heopenedt he
    doorforher.Shegoti
    nsi
    deandhecloseditbefore
    j
    oggingt
    ohissi
    de.Alorapl
    acedherbagandf
    il
    eon
    herl
    apasthedooropenedonhissi
    de.

    Meanwhil
    einsi
    dethehouse, Rebaexcusedhersel
    f
    andheadedtothebedroom.Susanwai t
    edafew
    minutesi
    nthel
    ounge,passingtimewithher
    husbandandyoungestbeforesheexcusedhersel
    f
    andheadedtoReba’sroom.Sheknockedont he
    door.
    “
    Comei
    n.”Shest
    eppedi
    nsi
    deandRebasmi
    led.
    “
    HowcanIhelp?Ist
    udi
    edtodayandIhavea
    t
    her
    apysessi
    ontomorr
    ow.Youalr
    eadyknowthat
    .”
    Susannodded.
    “
    Howi
    sther
    apygoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Youmett
    het
    her
    api
    st.I
    t’
    sokay.
    ”
    “
    Isi
    t?”
    “
    Yeah!
    ”
    “Whatdidshesayaboutt
    hesl
    eepwalki
    ng?”Reba
    paused.Shecoul
    dn’
    trememberbutt
    hetherapi
    st
    haddismissedandwastr
    yingsohardtoconvince
    Rebathatshehaddepr
    essionandthatsheshould
    tal
    k.Ther
    apywashellf
    orherbutshetri
    edto
    tol
    erat
    ethewoman.Shewasget t
    ingpaidtohelp
    her.
    “
    Shesai
    dI’
    l
    lbeokay.
    ”
    “
    Wouldyoubeint
    erest
    edi
    nseeinganot
    her
    t
    her
    apist
    ?”Rebapl
    acedafi
    ngeronherl
    ip.
    “
    I-
    ifi
    t’
    sokaywi
    thyou.
    ”
    “
    Sowecancompar eandyouchoosetheoneyou
    l
    ike.
    ”Rebasmi
    led,
    shelovedt
    hatidea.
    “Ok.I
    tisagoodidea.”Shewastr
    yingnottosound
    exci
    tedthatshemightbeswit
    chi
    ngtherapi
    sts.
    “
    I’
    lll
    etyouknowbynextweek.
    ”
    “
    Thankyouandmom?
    ”
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “Il
    oveyou.
    ”Susansmi
    ledandwal
    kedovert
    ohug
    her.
    “
    Iloveyout
    ooandIam pr
    oudoft
    hepr
    ogr
    essyou
    havemade.”Rebanodded.Hermot
    herbr
    oket
    he
    hugandtheysmiled.

    *
    **

    Al
    orakepthereyesonAust
    inandshewat
    chedhi
    m
    gr
    in.
    “
    IfIdi
    dn’
    tknowanybet
    ter
    …”
    “
    Shutup!
    ”
    “Anywayyoucancomeovert
    omyhouseanyt
    ime
    youplease.
    ”
    “
    Anyt
    ime?
    ”Henodded.
    “I
    ‘
    llgiveyoumyspar
    ekeys.
    ”Shel
    eanedbackand
    smiled.
    “
    You’
    resmi
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “Iknow.”Hesmiled.Amuchmor egentl
    eandand
    genuinesmil
    e.Hel ov-hepausedandshockhis
    head.Wheredidthatwor dcomefrom?Hel i
    ked
    seeinghersmil
    e,itwassuchar ari
    tyandhewas
    wi
    ll
    ingt
    oenj
    oyt
    her
    ari
    ti
    esofl
    if
    ewi
    thher
    .
    Heopenedt hecompartmentandt ookouthi
    shouse
    keys.Hepr essedthebuttonf orthegat et
    oopen
    andshewat chedasitreveal
    edhi shouse.Nowit
    wasr eal
    lysinkingint
    hatshewasdat i
    ngsomeone
    who’snetwor t
    hisami l
    li
    ontimesher sbecauseat
    thismomentshehadanetwor thofzer obutshe
    washopi ngt omakeitami ll
    ionint hreeyear
    sorso
    from hercosmet i
    csli
    ne.
    “
    Youl
    iveal
    one?
    ”Sheasked.
    “
    Excl
    udi
    ngHadesyes,
    Ili
    kemyownspace.
    ”
    Shenoddedasthegar
    agedooropenedaswel
    land
    hepar
    kedhiscar.
    “Di
    dpusht
    oomuchwhenIsai
    dyoushoul
    dhel
    p
    Hades?
    ”Hepaused.
    “Heisanalcohol
    icandcheckinguponhim athis
    housewasnotgoi ngtohelp.Hewasgoingto
    rel
    apseandIdon’tthinki
    twouldhavebeenniceto
    seethathediedofalcoholpoi
    soni
    ng.”
    “
    Youl
    ikehi
    m?”Al
    oraasked.
    “
    Whati
    sthatquest
    ionsupposedt
    omean?
    ”
    “Imeanyoul ikehim enought ohavehim st
    aywi th
    youf orthr
    eemont hs? ”Aust
    inpausedand
    consideredthequest i
    on.Hehasneverhadaf r i
    end
    recentlyandsincehisassociati
    onwithAloraturns
    outhehadone.Hadesi fhecouldsaythatandReba
    minust hefactthatshewasscar edofsaying
    anythinglessintel
    li
    giblei
    nhispresence.
    “Ican’
    tsaythatbecausetheonl yper sonI’
    veever
    l
    ikedenoughwasmeandst i
    llis.”Aloranodded.Of
    courseshewasdat i
    ngaselfl ovingper sonwho
    couldn’
    tevenfathom l
    ovi
    nganot herhumanbei ng
    plat
    onical
    lyorevenromanti
    cal ly.
    “Isee.
    ”Hegotoutfr
    om hissideshortl
    yaft
    ert
    he
    enginest
    oppedandwalkedovert ohersi
    detoopen
    thedoorforher
    .Hetookherhandwhi l
    esheheld
    herfil
    eandhandbagwit
    ht heother.
    “
    Youcooked?
    ”
    Sheaskedandhechuckl
    ed.
    “Ofcourse.Unl
    ikesomepeopl
    eIpi
    ckedupt
    hat
    ski
    ll
    .”Sheroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Iam notgoi
    ngt
    obesomeman’
    scookRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    Iam notsomemanAl
    ora.
    ”
    “
    Icanmakeomel et
    tesift
    hatisanyconsol
    ati
    on.
    Wil
    lIeverl
    ivedownthefactt
    hatIcan’
    tcook?”
    “Msperfect
    ioni
    st?Idon’
    tthi
    nkso.
    ”Alor
    agl
    aredat
    him andhelaughedashesli
    dhishandont
    hesmall
    ofherback.
    “Omantl
    e.”Hesai
    dcl
    oset
    oherearandshe
    shi
    ver
    ed.
    “Thankyou.
    ”Hepl
    acedaki
    ssonhercheekandshe
    usedherhandt
    owipehi
    sli
    ps.
    “
    Powder.Don’
    tki
    ssmycheek,you’l
    lhavethe
    makeuponyourl
    ipsandIwon’
    tkissyou.”
    “Youwantt okissme? ”Shebreathedoutand
    nodded.Hel oweredhisheadtocapt ureherl i
    psand
    sheopenedhermout hmor et
    ol ethim domi natet
    he
    kiss.Thetasteofhi
    slipswasheri deaofl uxury.A
    rewardaft
    eral ongday.Sheplacedaf r
    eehandon
    hischestast heyki
    ssed.Hebr okeitandshe
    openedhereyes.Hehadl i
    pst
    ickonhi slips.She
    usedhert
    humbt
    owi
    pet
    hel
    ipst
    ick.
    “Bet
    ter
    .”Hebi
    thi
    slowerl
    ipandpeckedherl
    ips
    agai
    n.
    “
    You’
    l
    ldoamazi
    ng!
    ”Shewasl
    ostt
    il
    litcl
    icked.
    “Thesear
    et hebi
    gfishandwhatiftheyseemakeup
    assomethingtoochil
    dish.
    ”Shegnawedonherlip
    andthist
    imeheusedhi sthumbtorubherli
    ps.
    “Alor
    aMor emicandoanyt
    hingandyouare
    graduat
    ingwit
    hhonoursfr
    om atopschool
    .”
    “Okayf
    atemakesever
    ythi
    ngwor
    k.Got
    hroughi
    t
    andgetbackt
    ome.”
    “
    Lor
    a?”Shel
    ookedupathi
    m.
    “Il
    ikebeingyourt
    eammat ethanbei
    ngyourr
    ival
    .”
    Shegrinned.Anactualgr
    inandhefel
    thi
    sgrowing.
    “Metoodarl
    ing.”Sheusedhi
    sendearmentonhi
    m
    andshechuckled.Ofcour
    sehispr
    idewasgrowing.
    Shedidn’
    tusehisfir
    stnameandoptedforapet
    name.
    “
    Aret
    hawi
    ngsweet
    hear
    t?”
    “
    Ihat
    eyou.
    ”Hel
    ower
    edhi
    sheadt
    oki
    ssheragai
    n.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    75

    AtAust in’shouse, Alor


    asatnt hehi ghstoolwith
    herhai rtiedupasshebi tt
    hepent hechastised
    herselfagai nstt
    hatasshewat chedhi mr eadher
    proposal .Hewast hebusinessmanher eandshe
    wasj ustst art
    ingandasmuchasshedi dn’tli
    ke
    beinghel ped, hi
    swasappr eciated.Shewat chedthe
    wayhi seyessqui ntedandformedcr easesatthe
    cornerofhi seyesandhowhi spinkl i
    pswer eina
    gri
    mline.Shepi ckedthewineglassanddownedi t.
    Whatifitwasn’tupt opar?Shegotupnervously
    andshewal kedcl osert
    ohissidetoseewhichpage
    hewason.Hi shandeasi lysl
    idaroundherwaist.
    “
    Rel
    ax.
    ”
    “
    You’
    resi
    lent
    .”
    “
    I’
    m sti
    llr
    eadi
    ngit
    .”Shesi
    ghedandpi
    ckedhi
    sgl
    ass
    t
    ofini
    shhiswineforhi
    m.
    “Sl
    owdownsweet
    heart
    .”Hepeckedherl
    ipsasshe
    hel
    dthegl
    asswi
    ththeotherhand.
    “
    Wel
    lit
    ’smaki
    ngmener
    vous.
    ”
    “Ithoughtnot
    hingscaredyou.
    ”Shest
    eppedoutof
    hisgraspandreleasedasigh.
    “You’realr
    eadyestabl
    ishedandrightnowI’mjust
    AloraMor emiwhoi sgoingtobeahighesthonour
    graduatefrom Pri
    ncetonUniver
    sit
    yinaf ewmonths.
    Regar dl
    essofmyper fectG.P.
    Aandi nt
    ense
    projectsI
    ’veworkedon, howcanyout r
    ustmewi t
    h
    halfami l
    li
    on?”
    “
    Alor
    ayouhaveasol
    idbusi
    nesspr
    oposal
    ,you’
    re
    f
    ret
    ti
    ngovernot
    hing.
    ”
    Shewavedherhandi
    ntheai
    rinawayt
    hatwasnew
    toAust
    in.
    “
    Areyousayi
    ngt
    hatbecauseyou’
    remyboyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “Actuall
    yno.Al orathisissol i
    dandifIwasan
    i
    nvest orIwoul drunwi t
    hi t
    ,knowingi twil
    lalso
    fatt
    enmypocket sinthelongr un.Asyouj ustnoted,
    make- upist henewi nthingf orwomen.Ther eare
    alwaysdi f
    fer entbrandst ochoosef rom andyour s
    catersforwomenofcol ourwhousual l
    yreactt o
    othermake- upbr andsmadebycount ri
    esout side
    Afri
    ca.Samegoesf oryourl ongterm planof
    expandingi nt otheskincar eindustr
    ybyusi ng
    i
    ndigenousf ruitsli
    keMor ula.Alorathisisbr i
    ll
    iant
    andyouar ener vousbecauseyou’ l
    lbepi tchingtoa
    panel.”
    “
    Ihat
    epat
    ri
    archy.
    ”Her
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.
    “Thentakeont heworl
    dsweet
    heart
    .”Sheshookher
    headandsmi l
    ed.Shewal
    kedovert
    othecountert
    o
    ref
    il
    ltheglass.
    “
    You’
    redr
    inki
    ngat
    adt
    oomucht
    odayLor
    a.Whatdo
    youneedl
    iqui
    dcour
    agef
    or?
    ”Shepaused.
    “
    Whosai
    dIneedcour
    age?
    ”
    “
    Whydoyouwantt
    odul
    lyoursenseswi
    thal
    cohol
    ?”
    “
    Answermyquest
    ion.
    ”
    Shet ookasipandswi rledtheberryredliqui
    dinthe
    glass.Wassher eall
    ytryingthisout?Itseemedlike
    abadi deabuti fshedoesn’ tfaceherfearsthen
    when?Shehat edt oadmi tthathersist
    erwasr i
    ght.
    Theydi dn’
    thavet ohavesex.Hewasnoteven
    forci
    ngher.Shewal kedt owher ehewas, his
    shrewdeyesonher .
    “Al-
    “sheshuthi
    m wit
    hakiss.I
    twasunsur
    eatfi
    rst
    butshedidn’
    tst
    op,shepl
    acedthegl
    assdownon
    thecount
    er.
    Hetookcontr
    oloftheki
    ssandpull
    edheront
    ohis
    l
    ap.Hishandsett
    ledonhert
    highassheopenedher
    mouthwiderandhemovedhisfacebacktol
    ookat
    her
    .
    “
    Isthi
    swhyyouneedt
    hel
    iqui
    dcour
    age?
    ”Heasked
    wit
    hagri
    n.
    “Whatawayt oruinamomentRober t.
    ”Austi
    n
    rubbedherchinandkissedhernosethenhercheek
    beforehel
    ickedherli
    psandshedi dn’
    tcomplai
    n.
    “Iseewhatyou’
    redoi
    ngAlor
    a.”Shegotcomf
    ort
    abl
    e
    onhislap,
    herheartr
    aci
    ngabit.
    “Whatam Idoi
    ng?
    ”Hepl acedhi st
    humbonherl i
    ps
    andheusedittor
    ubheri nnerli
    pbefor
    eheputher
    thumbinhermouth.Shewasconf usedatwhatshe
    wassupposedtodowi t
    hhi sthumbinhermouth.
    “Suckit,sweetheart
    .”Austi
    nsawt hegoosebumps
    onherski nandherconf usedeyesf ollowedbyt he
    glar
    et hatwasmeantt oscar ehim butasusualhe
    gothar d.Pat
    ience.Hecanst il
    ljer
    khi msel fof
    f.It
    tookherawhol eminutebeforesheact uall
    ystart
    ed
    suckinghi st
    humbandhesmi ledkissingt hetopof
    herhead.Theyhadn’ teventakent hingst hatf
    arand
    heknewwhatgi rlhi
    sgirlwas.
    “Suchagoodgi
    rl
    .”Hesaidandherfacewentpink.
    Heslowl
    ytookouthi
    sthumbandr ubbedherl
    ips.
    “
    I’
    m pat
    ientdarl
    ing.Don’
    tdoanyt
    hingyou’
    renot
    f
    ull
    ycomf or
    tabl
    ewi t
    hokay?”Heki
    ssedher
    f
    oreheadandshepushedhi
    m back.
    “
    Howdi
    dIdo?
    ”
    “
    Alor
    ababynotever
    ythi
    ngi
    sacompet
    it
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Youdi
    dn’
    tseem st
    imul
    atedby-
    Fuck!
    ”
    “
    BabyI ’
    m overst
    imulat
    edi
    fyouwantt
    oknowandI
    l
    ikewhateveryoudookay?Don’
    tworr
    yyourpr
    ett
    y
    l
    itt
    leheadaboutit.
    ”
    “Yourfacegivesnot
    hingaway.
    ”Het
    ookherhand
    andplaceditontopofhispant
    s.
    “That’
    showhar dIam f oryou.Thecockyoual ways
    thr
    eatentocutof fisalwayshardforyou. ”He
    whisperedi
    nherear .Alor
    awentmor epi nk.Okay
    shewasn’tstupid,itwaseventuall
    ygoi ngtofi
    t,
    okayshewasn’ tseeinghiscockatal lbutshecould
    tel
    lhewaswel l,big.Butwouldithurtwheni twent
    i
    n?Wasshegoi ngt oaccommodat ehi m?
    “Loragetoutofyourheadf
    ormi
    nut
    e.Pl
    ease.
    ”She
    bli
    nkedandmovedherhandback.
    “Whenyouareready,
    thi
    scockwil
    lbeallyour
    sokay?
    Foryourmaxi
    mum pleasur
    e.”Heki
    ssedhercheek
    asshesl
    owlynodded.Shewant
    edt
    ocl
    oset
    his
    topi
    cnow.

    *
    **

    Att her ehabcent re,Hadessatdownont hecorner


    ofhi sbed.Hi swhol elif
    ehehadbeenmadet ofeel
    l
    ikehewaswor t
    hlessandhet ur
    nedt odr inki
    ngfor
    comf or t.Whowoul dn’twi t
    hamot herlikehisanda
    fatherl ikehi swhoal wayst ol
    dhimt obehaveand
    notembar rasshimi nf rontofhi
    sbusi ness
    associ ates?Hewonder edhowRebawasdoi ng.He
    wasget tingbet t
    erbecauseshewoul dgetbet t
    ertoo
    andt heycanbet oget herwithnoaddi cti
    onseven
    thought heywi l
    lhavet orethi
    nktheirli
    fechoices
    andever yt
    hinginbet ween.Forthef ir
    sttime,hewas
    gettingexci tedforthef uture.Afuturehehadnever
    envi sionedbef ore.

    *
    **
    AustinwatchedAloramoveherchesspi ece.He
    wantedtotellher
    ,somet hi
    nghedidn’twantthe
    worldtoknowbecauseheknewt hattheywouldn’t
    underst
    andbuthewant edhertoknowwhohewas.
    Noonecl earl
    yunderstoodhispri
    ncipl
    es.Heclosed
    hiseyesandopenedt hem thenhelookedatthe
    chessboard.Hemovedhi scast
    leandAloragasped.
    Howcoul dshenotseet hatmove?
    “
    Checkmat
    e.”
    “
    Ther
    eisnowayI’
    m cal
    li
    ngyoueveryhour.You
    r
    epul
    semeRobert
    .”Hechuckl
    ed.Infiveminut
    es,
    t
    hegamewasoverbecauseheletherwin.
    “Thisvictor
    yi sn’tsweet ,youletmewi n.
    ”Al orasai
    d
    asshepackedt hechesspi eces.Shewasst i
    ll
    navigatingherwayt hr oughthisinti
    macyt hingbut
    aftershemadesur et hechessboar dwaspl aced
    away, shesatnextt ohi m onhiscarpetandhe
    kissedhercheekbef orehebr eathedout.Alorawas
    themostpr acti
    cal personheknew, hehasknown
    herf oroveradecadeandher emember edt hatshe
    oncesawhim wit
    hhim andshedi
    dn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.
    Hereshewas,dat
    inghi
    m.
    “
    Aust
    in?
    ”Shel
    ookedupathi
    m andhesmi
    led.
    “Ihavesomet
    hingt
    otel
    lyou.
    ”Shepl
    acedherhead
    onhischestt
    hem r
    emovedit
    .
    “
    Mymake-
    upi
    sgoi
    ngt
    ost
    ainyourt
    -shi
    rt
    .”
    “Idon’
    tcareaboutthet
    -shi
    rt.”Hepl
    acedherhead
    backonhischestandhebr eathedoutheavi
    ly,hi
    s
    fi
    ngersli
    ghtl
    yrubbedherthighassil
    encefil
    ledthe
    room.
    “Ij
    ustwantyoutoknowwhoIam.”Hestar
    ted.She
    wastheclosestt
    hingt
    ohappi
    nesshehasever
    known.
    “
    Okay.
    ”Al
    orawai
    tedf
    orhi
    mtosaymor
    e.
    “I
    ’v-
    “Hedidn’tt
    hinkhewasgoingtobeabletotake
    i
    tifAlor
    ajudgeshi m.Hecl
    osedhiseyesandki
    ssed
    herhead,holdi
    nghersmallbodyi
    nhisarms.She
    di
    dn’tsayanythingandhi
    sheartr
    aced.Hesucked
    i
    nadeepbr eat
    h.
    “
    You’
    rest
    il
    lther
    e?”HeaskedAl
    ora.
    “Yes.Full
    yawake.”Hegavealowchuckl
    eand
    kissedherheadonelastt
    imebefor
    eheopenedhi
    s
    mout htotel
    lher
    .
    “
    I’
    vebeenwi
    thmenbef
    ore.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Al
    lIcansayi
    sSCHOOL!hel
    lomyoxygent
    anks.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    76

    Alorapart
    edherl
    ipsashewiatedwi
    thbatedbr
    eat
    h
    forhertosaysomethi
    ng.Herf
    acedi
    dn'tr
    eveal
    anythi
    ng.
    "Alor
    a."Al
    orasuckedinabreathandplacedher
    handonhi scheek.Hetookherhandtoplacei
    t
    higher.
    "Ihadsuspici
    ons.Rememberthefir
    stweekwemet
    athighschool?"Hegaveanervoussmil
    eandshe
    appreci
    atedthathetr
    ustedherwit
    hhist
    ruth.
    "HowcanIf orget?
    "Hesai dhuski
    ly.Hiswor l
    dhad
    beenbl ackandwhi twbeforehemetherandever
    sincehismeet ingwithher,i
    thasbeenspl ashedi
    n
    colour.Shehadnoi deashewasdi scussedinhis
    therapysessions.
    "Youarenotgoi
    ngt
    oaskmet
    oexpl
    ain?
    "Sheshook
    herhead.
    "
    Ihaveagutfeeli
    ngthatyouaregoingtotel
    lme
    more.
    "Hebreathedoutandkissedherhand.
    "Wel
    lIhavehadrel
    ati
    onswit
    hbothmenand
    women."Shenodded.Hewasexper
    iencedast
    hey
    come.
    "Doyouindenti
    fyyour
    selfundert
    herai
    nbow
    spect
    rum perhaps?
    "Sheasked.Hervoi
    ceabit
    unsur
    ebecauseshedi dn'
    twanttocomeoffas
    j
    udgi
    nghi
    m.
    "Idon'thaveal abel f
    orwhoIam.Reasonbei ngis
    I'
    m attractedtopeopl e,theirminds,t
    heirsoul
    sand
    everythingthatmakest hem.Thei rheart
    beatsand
    thei
    roddchar actertrait
    s.Idon'tseegender.I
    haven'tbeenusi ngal abelandt hi
    sismyt r
    uth.I
    don'tneedal abelt ounder standwhoIam.Ican' t
    i
    dent i
    fymysel fwi t
    hone. "Al or
    asmi l
    ed.Okayshe
    underst oodbutshewasn' tdone.
    "Am Iall
    owedtoaskquesti
    ons?
    "Henodded.Hest
    il
    l
    didn'
    tletgoofherhand.
    "Uhm howmanymenhaveyoubeenwi
    thi
    nthe
    past
    ?"
    "
    Two.
    "Shenodded.Shewasn'
    tjeal
    ousoranyt
    hing.
    "
    Havey-
    "shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    "Lookedatot
    herpeoplesi
    nceIhavebeenwith
    you?"Hecompletedthesent
    enceforherandshe
    nodded.Hercheeksheati
    ngup.
    "No.I'
    m monogamousandAl
    ora,
    I'
    m at
    tr
    act
    edt
    o
    you."
    "
    Looksorbr
    ain?
    "
    "Both.Equal
    ly.You'r
    emyper f
    ectmatch.
    "She
    nodded.Thatmeanthel ovedher.I
    nhisweir
    dway
    sincehewon' tt
    ellherhel
    ovesher.
    "So,
    IhopeIxm notpryi
    ngt oomuchbutwer eyoua
    uhm.."hel
    aughed.Shedi dn'
    thavetotr
    eadaround
    himli
    kehewasf ragi
    leglassthatcanbebroken.
    "Al
    orayoucanaskanythi
    ngyouwantwithoutbei
    ng
    scar
    edtohurtmyfeel
    ings.
    "Shebr
    eathedout.
    "
    Uhm t
    opo-
    orbott
    om?"Hegr
    innedandr
    ubbedher
    l
    owerl
    ipwi
    thhi
    sthumb.
    "It
    hinkthat
    'sforyoutofi
    ndoutf
    oryour
    sel
    f
    sweetheart
    ."Sheshuddered.
    "
    Whatdoyoumean?
    "Her
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.
    "
    You'r
    enotdumbsweet
    heart
    .Youknowexact
    ly
    whatImean.
    "Hemovedhist
    humbandherpink
    t
    onguedart
    edoutt
    owetherli
    ps.
    "
    Howmanypeopl
    eknow?
    "
    "
    You,myther
    api
    standtheguysIhavebeenwit
    h."
    Hesai
    dandshelookedathi
    m wit
    hquesti
    on.
    "Alorayou'r etheonl ypersonot herthanJames, my
    therapistwhowoul dunder stand.Iknowt hatthe
    wor ldwoul dneverunder standmyt r
    uthandwoul d
    trytoputl abel sonmet othatIt ruelyhavenever
    definedmysel fwith.Iam at tractedt opeopleand
    notgender .Thati smyt ruth."Shepl acedherhead
    onhi sshoul ders.Heknewshewoul dunder st
    and,
    heknowsher .Het rustsherenought orevealparts
    ofhi mselft hataren' tpubli
    cknowl edgeevent hough
    thespot li
    ghti sst arti
    ngt oshi neonhi mforhis
    smar tmovesathi smot her'scompany.Hi smother
    doesn'tevenknowandhet oldher ?Shewasn' t
    cryingwasshe?Shebl inkedt het earsback.She
    wasgoi ngt or ui
    nhermakeupandgi rl
    slikeher
    don'tcry.Gi rlsli
    keherar enotover lyemot i
    onal.
    "Thankyoufort
    rust
    ingmewi
    tht
    his.
    "Henodded
    andlookeddownather.
    "Iwoulddoitagai
    ninahear t
    beat.
    "Aloracameto
    theconclusi
    onthathelovedherhejustdidn'
    twant
    toadmi ti
    ttohi
    mselfortoher.Hewillsoon.
    Eventuall
    y.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherand
    theybaskedinthesil
    enceasthei
    rper sonal
    t
    hought
    stookover
    .

    *
    **

    Rebasatatherdeskf rustrated.Okayshedi dn't


    needaf i
    x.Shewasget tingcl eanandshemadeso
    muchpr ogress.Shegotupf r om thechairandsat
    ont hebedasshepushedherbr aidsback.She
    shoul dsleep.Thatwil
    ltaket heedgeof fbutifshe
    sl
    eeps, shei sgoingt
    oendupsl eepwalki
    ngandshe
    wasgoi ngt owakeupt ired.Shebr eat
    hedout.She
    didn'thaveachoi ceatall.Shegotunder coveres.I
    t
    wasbet ternottoswitchof fthelightsanyway.

    *
    **

    AtFrancist
    own,Zarasatont heedgeofthebedas
    shefixedherhairbonnetwit
    hherfreehandwhil
    e
    herotherhandheldthecell
    phone.Hermother'
    s
    phonewasr ingi
    ng.Sheclosedhereyesandhoped
    shewasn'
    tgoi
    ngt
    ohur
    thermot
    her
    .
    "
    Hel
    loZar
    a.Ar
    eyouokay?
    "
    "
    Himom.Yes.I
    -"shest
    oppedmi
    dway.
    "Whati
    sit?
    "Shehadcont
    empl
    atedt
    ell
    ingherbut
    shewantedto.
    "
    Isawhi
    m."Si
    lence.
    "
    Who?
    "
    "Mybrot
    her.
    "Shesai
    dwit
    halowvoiceeventhough
    shewasalonei
    nthebedr
    oom andMooketsiwas
    worki
    nglat
    e.
    "
    Zar
    ayouhavenobusi
    nes-
    "
    "Heismybr other.Theyar
    esoal i
    ke.I
    -Ij
    ustwantt o
    gettoknowhi m.Hedoesn' tevenknowIexi st.
    "Zara
    l
    ongknewabouthi m.Shef oundoutwhenshewas
    tenandhadal wayshopedherf at
    herwould
    i
    ntroducethem butheneverdi dandhermot herhad
    saidshedidn'twanttohurtZara.Zaradidn'
    thavet o
    knowhi m.Shedidn'tusehislastnamet hatwas
    whyitwaseasyf ornoonet oevenhaveani nkling
    aboutherfather.
    "
    Zar
    aletsl
    eepi
    ngdogsl
    ie.
    "
    "Iwil
    lhavet
    oseehi m.FormorethanIdecadeIkept
    thi
    stomyself.Myownbr ot
    herdoesn'
    tevenknowI
    exist
    .Hedoesn't
    ."
    "
    Hewillbl
    ameyouf
    orhi
    spar
    ent
    sdi
    vor
    cedoyou
    wantt
    hat?"
    "I
    t'
    snotmyfaul
    t.MamaIwasn'
    tbor
    n,i
    t'
    snotmy
    faul
    tmyfat
    herdeci
    dedt
    ocheatonhi
    swife.I
    t'
    s
    not.
    "
    "Hewil
    lblameyousti
    llandyou'
    l
    lbecrushed.Zar
    a
    don'
    tdot hat
    .Ther
    ehasbeenpeaceandIwoul dl
    ike
    tokeepthepeace.
    "
    "
    Buthe'
    smybr
    other
    ."
    "AndI'
    m yourmot
    her
    .Irai
    sedyouwhi
    lehegrewup
    withmoneyandever
    ythi
    nghecanwantandneed.
    "
    Zarabreat
    hedout
    .
    "
    Okay.Iunder
    stand.Bye.
    "
    "
    ByeandIhopeweneverhavet
    hist
    alkagai
    n."
    "
    Eemma. "Shehungup.Shewasgoingtot
    ellhi
    m
    t
    hough.Whateverhedoeswi
    tht
    heinfor
    mati
    onwas
    goingtobeuptohim.Shepeeledtheblanket
    soff
    andgotundercovers.Sheswi
    tchedoffthel
    ampbut
    kepthereyeswideawakeasshet houghtoft
    he
    perfectt
    imetotel
    lhim.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    77

    Al
    orarol
    ledhereyesathi
    m asher
    efi
    ll
    edherwi
    ne
    gl
    ass.
    “
    Ifyoucont
    inue,
    thi
    sist
    hel
    astt
    imeI
    ’
    m her
    e.”
    “
    Iknowyoudon’
    tmeani
    t.
    ”Shehaddeci
    dedt
    opl
    ay
    musi cinthebackgr oundast heypl ayedscrabblei
    n
    thelounge.Shewasn’ tevenawar eoft hetime.She
    l
    ovedhi m andalthoughitwasat ruthshewasgoi ng
    toadmi tsoonenought ohim, shel ovedhi
    s
    companyandhowheal l
    owedhert osethim onfir
    e
    becauseofcour seshewasaf i
    reandshehadnever
    sawt heneedt obemor equietort oputaleashon
    herper sonali
    tytoaccommodat eaman.Het ookin
    astride.Hewashersoul mate.Shededucedasshe
    pursuedherl ipsandputhergl asst oherl
    ips.
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    hinki
    ngof
    ?”
    “
    Howt
    obeatyourass.
    ”
    Hearchedhi
    seyebrowasasmilebrokeoutonhi
    s
    l
    ipsandshepickedt
    hedeckofcar
    dst ot
    hrowinhi
    s
    f
    ace.
    “St
    opsmil
    ing.
    ”Hepi
    ckedt
    hecar
    dandpl
    acedt
    hem
    backonhedeck.
    “
    Youar
    esovi
    olentLor
    a.”
    “
    Am I
    ?”
    “
    AndIwoul
    dn’
    thaveyouanyot
    herway.Come
    here.”Sheplacedhercar dsf acedownont hetable
    andf oldedherar ms.Hehadnor i
    ghtt ocommand
    herlikethat
    .Aust inwatchedherf i
    ghthert houghts
    beforeshegl aredathim assher el
    uct ant
    lymoved
    closer.Heknewhi sgir
    l.Hewasal waysspoton.
    Wasshegoi ngt oadmitittohersel fthatsheloves
    beingdomi natedinsidethebedr oom orwasi tupto
    himt oshowher ?Hepickedherupandpl acedher
    onherl apasshegavehert hatcatl i
    keglare.His
    eyesmovedt oherl i
    psandhemovedt ohereyes,
    hewat chedhereyesdi lateandhert onguedar tout
    towett hosepinkl i
    psofher s.
    “You’r
    espendingtheni
    ght?”Hi svoicecaressedher
    andsheshivered.Theheelswer elongdiscarded
    buthermakeupwasst il
    linplace.Hislargehand
    tracedhert
    highsandshepl acedherhandont opof
    his.
    “
    Asl
    ongaswe’
    renotdoi
    nganyt
    hing.
    ”Hegr
    inned.
    “I
    t’
    sayes?
    ”Shelookedaroundhi
    shouse.I
    twas
    cl
    eanandbigandtheydon’
    thavet
    oshareabed.
    “
    Wear
    enotshar
    ingabedr
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Wear
    e.”Shet
    il
    tedherhead.
    “
    Asl
    ongasyoudon’
    ttouchme.
    ”
    “Yourdemandsar eexhaust
    ing,getoutofyourhead
    baby.Wewon’ tdoanythi
    ngunlessyoudeci deto
    seducemeandt hechancesofthathappeningare
    absolut
    elyzer
    o.”Herli
    pssettl
    edintoagriml i
    ne.
    “
    You’rebasi
    call
    yIsayi
    ngcan’
    tseduceyouandwi
    ll
    f
    ailatsuchmini
    atur
    etask?
    ”
    “Al
    ora,youkeepf
    orget
    ti
    ngthatIknowyou.
    ”She
    shif
    tedontopofhi
    m andshepausedashereyes
    widened.
    “
    Whatthehel
    lRober
    t?”Helaughed,
    hishands
    wrappi
    ngar
    oundherwaist
    .
    “
    Youdosol
    it
    tl
    etoseducemeandt
    hathappens.
    ”
    “Theminut
    eIglareatyou,
    yourcocki
    ssupposedt
    o
    shri
    velupanddie.
    ”
    “
    Youhavenoi
    deahowt
    hosegl
    arest
    urnmeon.No
    i
    dea.
    ”
    “
    You’
    resi
    cki
    nthehead.
    ”
    “
    Am I
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”Sheyawnedandl
    ookedathi
    m.
    “St
    ayonyoursi
    deoft
    hebedandIwi
    llst
    ayonmi
    ne.
    Gotit
    ?”
    “
    DoIl
    ookl
    ikeIf
    oll
    owyourr
    ules?
    ”
    “
    Rober
    tIwi
    llf
    ucki
    ngki
    llyou.
    ”
    “
    Ili
    keyourhyper
    bol
    es.
    ”
    Shegr oanedandhel aughedasheki ssedherneck.
    Soft
    ly.Gently.Sherel
    axedintohisbodyandhe
    usedhi shandstofixhershir
    tcollar.Alorat
    hought
    aboutit.Shedidn’
    tbringextr
    aclothes.She’llhave
    tochangei nthebathroom.Nomanhasseenher
    nakedandshewasgoi ngtokeepi tthatway.She
    wasn’tthatdrunktoo.Justali
    ttl
    ebuzzedbutshe
    canwor kitout.
    “
    Letmet
    akeyout
    obed.
    ”
    “Letmefi
    nishmyglassofwi
    ne.
    ”Sheext
    endedher
    handtogetthegl
    assandshedownedi
    tinonego.
    “
    That
    ’senoughf
    ort
    heni
    ght
    .”
    “
    Wil
    lyoual
    waysdot
    hat
    ?”
    “
    Dowhat
    ?”
    “
    Takemet
    obed?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Al
    ways?”Sheyawnedasshel
    ookedathi
    m get
    ti
    ng
    onhisf
    eetwithheri
    nhisar
    ms.
    “Ofcoursesweethear
    t.
    ”Shesmil
    edandset
    tl
    edi
    nto
    hischestashereyesflut
    ter
    edcl
    ose.
    Austinsawt hatl
    it
    tl
    esmil
    eandittuggedathishear
    t
    st
    rings.Thealcoholfi
    nal
    lygott
    oherandshewas
    outli
    keal i
    ghtbulb.Heki
    ssedherforehead.
    “You’r
    esooutofitsweetheart
    .Iknowyou’l
    l
    threat
    enmeinthemor ni
    ngbecauseIgotyououtof
    youruncomfor
    tablecl
    othes.”Sherel
    easedasof
    t
    sigh.Shewasout.
    “Andyourmakeup.Idon’tt
    hinkIhavetheri
    ght
    productsfort
    hosebutI
    ’l
    ltr
    y.”Hekissedher
    foreheadandhewalkedupthestair
    stohis
    bedroom.
    *
    **

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning

    Zarasatathervani
    tytabl
    easshegotr eadyf
    orthe
    dayasherhusbandf i
    xedhist
    ie.Sheplacedher
    makeupbrushont hetabl
    eandf acedMooketsi
    .
    “
    Iwantt
    ogobackt
    oGabor
    one.Fort
    heweekend.
    ”
    “
    Why?
    ”Shef
    acedt
    hemi
    rr
    orandt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    “Ihavetoseemyfather.
    ”Mooketsipaused.What
    father
    ?HeknewZarawasr ai
    sedbyasi nglemother
    andhemethermot her.Therewasnof atheri
    nthe
    pictur
    eandZarahadsaidso.
    “
    Whatf
    ather
    ?”
    “
    Ili
    edMooketsi.Ihaveafat
    her,
    hewasn’tar
    ound
    muchbuthepai dmaint
    enanceandpassed
    wheneverhecould.
    ”
    “
    Wai
    t!Wai
    t!Youl
    ied?
    ”
    “
    Ihadt
    o.Mymot
    herdoesn’
    twantanyonet
    oknow
    andevent houghIwanttogoseehim,Ifeell
    ikeI
    ’
    m
    betr
    ayingmymot herbutIhavedonealmost
    everyt
    hingforher
    ,Ihavetodothi
    sforme. ”
    “
    Whoi
    syourf
    ather
    ?”Zar
    abr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Fred.FredHudson.”Mooketsicursedunderhis
    breath.Thatexplai
    nswhyhi swif
    ewasl ooki
    ngat
    Hadesatt hedinnerandhehadt opr et
    endhedidn’
    t
    seet hatbecausehedidn’twantt
    ocomeoutas
    j
    eal ous.Hadeswasherf ucki
    ngbrother.
    “
    Thatmeanst
    hatHadesi
    s-“
    “
    Yes.
    ”Zar
    aconcl
    uded.
    “
    Canyougotwit
    hme,
    youdon’
    tnecessar
    il
    yhavet
    o
    meetmyf
    atherI
    -“
    “Ihavemetyourf
    athermyl
    oveandhei
    snotani
    ce
    guy.”
    “
    Iknow.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    lgowithyou.
    ”Hewalkedovertothevani
    tytabl
    e
    andplacedahandonhershoulder.Shepl
    acedhers
    ontop.Grat
    eful
    .
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Henuzzl
    edherneckandshegi
    ggl
    ed.
    “
    Wehavet
    ogot
    owor
    k.St
    op!
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”

    *
    **

    Alor
    awokeup.Herbodyf eeli
    ngabi tcold.Hereyes
    scannedther oom andt heunf ami li
    arbedshewas
    i
    n.Everythingwasst i
    llabi tgroggyandi ttookher
    minutesforherbr ai
    ntobef ull
    yf unctional.Shesat
    upstrai
    ghtandl ookedatt hebl anket sshewasi n
    andhowt her oom smel l
    edsomal e.Event hesheets
    andthecomf ortersshewasunder .Shel ooked
    downather sel fandsawt hecr umpl edupshi rtshe
    waswear ing.Shepaused, herfingeronherl ipsas
    shetri
    edt or etraceherst epsonhowshegother e
    andwaswear ingt hi
    spar ti
    cularpi eceofcl othing.
    Thedooropenedandi nwal kedt hesixf ootfive
    mani nhissui tandcuf fli
    nksshi ni
    ng.Hesmi led.
    “Mor ningmyf i
    erydreamer.”Shegl aredathim
    withoutsayi
    ngawor d.Okay,shemi ghtnotbea
    mor ningper
    son. ”Sherubbedhereyesandt hen
    touchedherf acebeforeshelookedatherf inger
    s.
    Shel ookedatthewhi t
    epill
    owcases, nomakeup
    stainsonthem.Shel ickedherlips.Nol i
    psti
    ckon
    them.Shegl aredataputt ogetherAust i
    n.
    “Idon’
    trememberchangingclot
    hes.”Shefoldedher
    arms,pushi
    ngherbreastsupastheypeakedoutof
    thehalfbut
    tonedshi
    rtshewaswear ing.Austi
    n’s
    eyesmovedt oherbr
    eastsandshef oll
    owedhi s
    eyes.Shegroanedasshefull
    ybuttonedtheshirt
    andplacedherhandsoneithersi
    deofher .
    “
    Myf
    acei
    supher
    e.Rober
    tlookatme!
    ”
    “
    HoneyIam.
    ”Heundi
    dhi
    sti
    eabi
    ttobr
    eat
    he.Fuck!
    “
    Youdi
    dthi
    s?”Sheshr
    iekedandherf
    acebl
    anched.
    “Iam sogoi
    ngtoki llyou!
    ”Andt hatwasherlungi ng
    outofthebedtotryandat tackhim butshest opped
    midwayast heshirtrodeupherbody, reveal
    ingher
    j
    uicyassandherl acepant i
    es.Shegroanedand
    pull
    editdownfrustrated.
    “
    IhateyouRober
    t!
    ”Hewal
    kedcl
    oserandhel
    dher
    wri
    sts.
    “You’
    rebeaut
    if
    ulwhenyouwakeup.
    ”Hiscol
    ogne
    i
    nvadedhersensesbuteveni
    fhewasgood
    smell
    ingshewasn’
    trel
    enti
    ng.
    “
    Youshoul
    dhavewokemet
    ogetdr
    essedmysel
    f.
    ”
    “Youwereoutlikealightbulb.Forwhatit’
    swor t
    h,
    I’
    m notr
    eal
    lysor r
    y.”Hewat chedherrollhereyes
    andhechuckled.Heki ssedherlipsbutshedidn’t
    openhermout hforhim.
    “
    Kissme.
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “Al
    ora.
    ”Hesawthegoosebumpsonherski
    nand
    howshesoft
    lypar
    tedherl
    ipsf
    orhi
    m.
    “You’
    rebei ngsuchagoodgi r
    lforme. ”He
    whisperedonherl i
    psbeforehekissedherandhe
    usedonehandt oholdherwrist
    supoverherhead.
    Hisotherhandsettledonthesmal lofherwai
    st,i
    t
    wasitchingtogolowerbutshemi ghtdogoodon
    herpromi sesandcuthiseyesoutwi t
    hhernail
    s.
    Shekissedhi
    m backandhet ri
    edhisluckandhis
    handlandedonherass.Hesqueezedi tandshe
    moanedi nhi
    smout h.Shebrokethekissand
    l
    ookedupathi m.Shewasgoi ngint
    oherheadand
    over
    thinki
    ngthi
    ngsagain.Heletgoofherwrist
    s
    andrubbedherbott
    om lip.
    “Therei
    sbreakf
    astdownstai
    rs.Icanl
    eavethecar
    foryouandlett
    hedri
    vercomepi ckmeup.Mor ni
    ng
    sweethear
    t.
    ”Hepeckedherli
    psandshej ustl
    ooked
    athim.
    “
    Mycl
    othes?
    ”
    “
    Inmywar dr
    obe.
    ”Hepul
    ledhercl
    osert
    il
    lshewas
    f
    lushagai
    nsthi
    m.
    “Yourshi
    rti
    sgoingt
    obewr i
    nkl
    ed.
    ”Shesaidsoft
    ly
    assheplacedahandinhi
    schesti
    nanat t
    emptto
    pushhim of
    fbutshest
    oppedandleti
    tli
    ngert
    here.
    “Getr
    eadyandhavebreakf
    astwi
    thme.Youcan
    changeint
    oanot
    heroneofmyshirt
    s.”Heki
    ssed
    hernoseandshebl
    inked.
    “Il
    iket
    hem bet
    terwhenthey’
    reonyourbody.
    ”Hel
    et
    hergoandwinkedatherbefor
    ehewalkedout.
    Alorapushedbackherhair
    .Didhehavecombs?A
    hairst
    rai
    ghtener?Shest
    rai
    ghtenedherhairal
    lthe
    ti
    meshedi dn’thavei
    tpl
    ait
    edbecauset hecur
    ls
    wereunrulyandshedidn’
    tli
    kestruggl
    ing.She
    huggedherselfasshesmil
    ed.Sheshoul dmakethe
    bedandgetr eady.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    78

    Alor
    atri
    edtouseherhandstostr
    aightenherhai
    r.
    Shelookedatherr
    efl
    ect
    ioni
    nthemi rr
    or.Herhai
    r
    wasamessandshehat edthat
    .Shebut tonedup
    theshi rtshewaswear ingmaki ngsureherbr east s
    weren’ texposedt ohisgr eedyeyesandshel ooked
    athissl ides.Shehat ednotwear ingheelsthatgave
    herconf i
    denceandherbar ef ace?Nowondershe
    wasn’ tsuchamor ningper son.Shesl idhersi ze
    fourf eetinhissi zetensl idesandcover edherf ace.
    Thiswasembar rassingher .Shedi dn’
    twantt oeven
    pickupherphonebecausei twasal r
    eady
    embar rassi
    ngt hattheyt houghtshedi dstuffwi th
    him, stuffshedi dn’tevendoandwoul dnevert hink
    shewoul ddowi thhim.Shef i
    nallywalkedoutoft he
    bedroom andpassedaf ewr oomsasshewal ked
    downt hest ai
    rs.Sheheadedt ot hekit
    chenwher e
    shef oundhi m onhi slaptopandamugofbl ack
    coffeebesi deshi m.
    “
    Final
    ly.
    ”
    “
    You’
    rewor
    king.
    ”
    “
    HaveaseatLor
    a.”Hecl
    osedhi
    slapt
    opandshe
    f
    oldedherar
    ms.
    “
    Youcooked?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m nott
    hatusel
    ess.Unl
    essyou’
    rer
    efer
    ri
    ngt
    oyour
    -
    “
    “Don’
    tRobert
    !Iam st
    il
    langryatyouf
    orget
    ti
    ngme
    nakedwhil
    eIwasasleep.”
    “Wel lyou’
    regoi ngt obever yangryforal ongti
    me
    honey. ”Hegotupandwal kedovert otheisl
    and
    wher ehepi ckedupt heplateandpl aceditinfr
    ont
    ofher .Hewal kedovert ot hecoffeemachi neas
    wel landpl acedamugunder neathit.Thesmellof
    thecof feef i
    lledt heki t
    chenandshel ookedather
    plate.Shepi ckedt heforkandkni feasshecut
    throughhi sver sionofaheal t
    hybur ger.Shebrought
    thef orktoherl ipsj ustashepl acedhercof f
    eenext
    toherpl ate.Heki ssedherf orehead.
    “
    Yourcof
    feej
    ustt
    hewayyoul
    ikei
    t.
    ”
    “See.Youdon’tneedawomanwhocan’tcook.
    Cookingisnotagenderr
    olebutabasi
    cli
    keski
    ll
    .”
    “Oneyoudon’
    tpossesssweet
    hear
    tbutI
    ’
    llt
    ake5e
    compli
    ment.
    ”
    “
    FuckyouRober
    t!
    ”
    “
    Suchaf
    oulmout
    hint
    hemor
    ning?
    ”Hechuckl
    edas
    het
    ookhisseatandwat
    chedhereat
    .Wit
    hher
    messyhai
    rwhil
    eshewaswearinghi
    sshi
    rt.
    “Doyouwantki
    ds?
    ”Heaskedandsheshookher
    head.
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Iwantf
    ive.
    ”Hereyeswi
    dened.
    “You’
    resuchanar
    cissi
    standhowwoul
    dyoube
    ablet
    oloveki
    ds?”
    “Fi
    veisachal
    lenge,
    Ili
    kechal
    lengesandmaybe.A
    bigmaybeImightbel
    ievei
    nthatfakenot
    ionofl
    ove
    yes?”
    Sheshr
    ugged.
    “
    Idon’
    twantany.
    ”
    “Why?
    ”Shepickedhercof
    feeandwentsi
    lentas
    shesi
    ppedonit.
    “Idon’tthi
    nkI ’
    l
    lgivethem ther
    ightenvi
    ronment
    .
    Mot hersareusuallysoftwomenandIdon’ t
    possesst hatsoftquali
    tyinme.IcallEmorya
    fuckinggoblin.”Hechuckled.
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    scut
    e.”
    “Mystepmothert
    houghti twasweirdatfir
    standI
    ref
    usedtoholdEmorywhenshewasababy
    becausebabi
    essenseener gyandIthinkshewas
    goingtoknowIdi
    dn’tconnectwithher.It
    hinkI
    l
    ovedherwhenshewast henabletofull
    ytalkand
    underst
    andwhatI’
    m saying.”Hesmiled.
    “
    Whyar
    eyousmi
    li
    ng?
    ”
    “Youl
    oveyoursi
    ster
    sandyout
    hinkyouwon’
    tbe
    ablet
    oloveachi
    ld?”
    “Ican’
    tevenst
    omachhavi
    ngsexso…”her
    aisedan
    eyebrow.
    “
    Yout
    hinkwear
    egoi
    ngt
    ohavesex?Justsex?
    ”
    “WhosaidI’
    m goi
    ngt
    ohavesexwi
    thyou?Cal
    m
    yourego.
    ”
    “We’l
    lseebaby.”Shef
    akedagagandhel aughedas
    shesmi l
    edint
    ohercoffeemugbeforeshef i
    xedher
    faceint
    owhatshedeemedhernor mallook.Hewas
    supposedtorunnow,runthatshedoesn’
    twant
    kidsorevenpossesshalft
    hequali
    ti
    esgoodwomen
    have.Buthedi dn’t
    .Hesmi l
    edatherandt heyeven
    discussedtheday’ sbusinessaffair
    swi thher
    pointi
    ngt hebreadknifeinhisdirectionandhim
    shruggingherof fasifshedidn’tthreatenviol
    ence.
    Beforesheknewi t
    ,shewasdoneeat ingandhewas
    onhi sfeetreadytogot owor k.
    “Ical
    ledmydri
    ver,I
    ’
    lll
    eavethecarkeyswithyou
    andthehousekeys.
    ”Hekissedherforeheadwith
    hishandsonhershoul
    ders.Hol
    dingherthere.
    “Wil
    lIseeyoul
    atert
    oday?
    ”Heaskedandsheshook
    herhead.
    “
    No.
    ”
    “Hmm!I’
    l
    lconvinceyouotherwi
    seduri
    ngthecourse
    oft
    heday.”Sherol
    ledhereyesathi
    sconfi
    dence
    andhesmiled.Hehear
    dtheinter
    com andlookedat
    her
    .
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.Don’
    tmi
    ssmet
    oomuch.
    ”
    “
    Getoveryour
    sel
    f.
    ”
    Hel
    aughedandki
    ssedheronelastt
    imebefor
    ehe
    wal
    kedoutoft
    heki
    tchenandshespunaroundin
    herchai
    r.Shebreat
    hedout
    .Shehadtogohome
    andconti
    nuewor ki
    ngonherpr
    oposalt
    hencheck
    onthebuil
    dersathermot
    her’
    shouse.

    Shet ookthepl atest ot hesi nkandshewashed


    them, dri
    edt hem bef oreshef oundt hecabi netsthe
    plateswer esupposedt obei n.Shewascl eanand
    allshehadt odowasgetdr essedi nherown
    clothes,getherst uf fandgetgoi ng.Whatwasshe
    goingt odoathome?Sneaki n?Sheshookherhead.
    Shei snotadamnt eenagerandt hentherewas
    Reba.Shewasgoi ngt oaskquest i
    ons.God!She
    walkedupt hestairst ohisbedr oom andshe
    unbut t
    onedt heshi rt.Shel ookedatherr eflect
    ionin
    themi rr
    or.Hal fnakedwi thonl yherpant ieson.Por n
    starswer edefinit
    elysexy, knowi ngwhatt odoand
    howt omoveandt hent herewasher e.Sexualskill
    s
    closetozer o.Shef acepal med.

    *
    **
    Att
    heof f
    ice,
    Aust
    inpl
    acedtherepor
    tonhis
    mother
    ’sdeskandshelookedupathim.
    “Di
    dyouthoroughl
    ygothroughit
    ?”Sheasked.Of
    cour
    sehedid.Hewokeupatf ourfuckinga.mto
    makecof
    feeandwor konthereportti
    llsevenand
    nowhewasatt heoff
    iceatni
    ne.
    “
    Ofcour
    se.
    ”Shel
    ookedati
    tandl
    eanedonherchai
    r.
    “
    WhendoIseeher
    ?Setupadi
    nnerdat
    e.”
    “
    Shei
    sbusy.
    ”
    “
    Isshe?
    ”
    “
    Iwoul
    dappr
    eci
    atei
    fyoudon’
    tpush.
    ”
    “ButIwanttoseet hewomanwhohasyout his
    besott
    ed.Setupadi nnerdatet
    hisFri
    dayat8pm.
    HaveagooddayAust i
    n.”Ther
    eitwas.Ther
    ewas
    noroom fordiscussion.
    Hewal kedoutandtookouthisphonet osendhera
    quoteher emember
    edf rom herfavour
    itebook.She
    text
    edbackandsentmor equotesbeforesheoutof
    theblueaskedaquestionwhichheanswer ed
    i
    mmedi at
    elyashewalkedintohisoffi
    ce.
    *
    **

    Alorapushedt heseatf or
    war dandshemadesur e
    herfoot i
    ngwasr ight.Shehadgot t
    enridoft he
    heelsasshest ar
    tedt hecarandt hegar agedoor
    opened.Sheshoul dn’tdenthiscar,shedi dn’teven
    havet hemoneyt ofi
    xi twitheveryt
    hinggoi ngon.
    Shesl owlyreversedandonceshewasout ,thedoor
    closed.Shepr essedt hebut t
    ontoopent hegat eas
    wellandshesl owl yreversed.Nowt hatwasdone,
    sheconnect edherphonet ot hecarBluet oothas
    thegat eclosedshut.Sheswer vedoffintot heroad.

    Twent yminuteslater
    , shewasmi dtraffi
    cwhenan
    offi
    cerstoppedher.Sher ol
    ledhereyes,shewas
    dri
    vingatthespeedl imi t
    ,shedidn’
    tovertakesome
    oftheseshitt
    y,al
    edr iverswhot houghttheroad
    wast hei
    rs.Shelower edt hevol
    umeasshedr ove
    offtheroadandst opped.Sher oll
    eddownher
    windowsast heof f
    icert ookouthisnotebook.
    “CanIseeyourdr iver’
    slicense?Wai t
    segor eo
    tl
    hodiabat homot raff
    icwithyourvolume? ”(
    doyou
    knowyou’ revolumei stooloud?)Alor
    ahal frol
    led
    hereyesasshepi ckedherhandbagandt ookout
    herwallettotakeoutherl i
    cense.Het ookitandhe
    smil
    edl ookingather.Evenherl i
    censephot owas
    beauti
    ful,hereadouthername.
    “Al
    ora.Beaut
    if
    ulname.
    ”Shedi
    dn’
    trepl
    yasshet
    ook
    herl
    icenceback.
    “I
    sthatal
    lof
    fi
    cer
    ?”Hepaused.Hervoi
    cewasi
    cy
    andheexpect
    edsomet
    hingsweet.
    “
    Imightchargeyouforloudmusi
    c.Apr
    ett
    ylady
    l
    ikeyoudoesn’
    tdeserveachar
    ge.”
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyesboredandglar
    edathi
    m ashe
    t
    ri
    ednott
    olookscared.Heswal
    lowed.
    “
    CanIhaveyournumber
    ?”
    “I
    s.That
    .All
    .Off
    icer?”Hertonemor
    eicyand
    unwaver
    ing.Hequicklynodded.
    Sherol
    ledupthewindowsandj
    oinedt
    heroad.
    He
    r
    ubbedhishead,wat
    chingt
    hecarwort
    hsi
    xyearsof
    hisannualsalaryuntaxedj ointher oad.Helicked
    hisli
    ps.Nowonderpeopl edidn’tdateindependent
    women.Theyact edlikemenandwant edthe
    respectmengot .Hedi dn’tseear i
    nginherf i
    nger.
    Shepr obabl
    ychasesmenawaywi t
    hherat t
    it
    ude
    andt heyusuall
    yendupmi serableandal onethen
    resorttoBen10s.Peopl ewant edhumbl ewomen
    whosmi l
    edandhadr espectandwer esweet .He
    assuredhimselfwi t
    ht hatashef acedthetraffi
    c
    andcont i
    nuedwi thwor k.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    79
    Bythet i
    meAl oraarri
    vedhome, shewast i
    red.As
    someonewhohasadr i
    ver’
    sli
    censeandneverr eal
    ly
    putittogooduse, dri
    vinghomewast i
    ring.Austin
    shouldcomegethi scar.Shepressedt hei nt
    ercom
    andt hegatesl i
    dopen.Shewal kedbackt othecar
    anddr oveinsidetheyar dasthegat eclosed.She
    l
    eanedbackont hedr i
    ver’
    sseatandgr oaned.Her
    hai
    rwasmessy, herclotheswer en’tfresh.She
    cal
    medher selfdownandgotoutoft hecar ,taki
    ng
    herbagandt hef i
    lethathadcor recti
    onssheneeded
    towor konASAP.Shecl osedthedoorandwal ked
    tothemai ndoor .Rebaopenedi mmedi ately.
    “Ah!Youtookmyadviceandspentt
    heni
    ght
    .Wi
    se.
    ”
    Alor
    aroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Iwastoodr
    unkandIdi
    dn’
    ttakeyouradvi
    ce.
    ”Reba
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Yousmel
    lli
    kemen’
    sshowergelandbodyl
    oti
    on.
    ”
    “Rebant
    lenotnow.
    ”Alor
    ahadtoadmitt
    hathis
    showergelandbodyl
    oti
    onwasmuchmor e
    expensi
    vethanher
    s,t
    hatsai
    dalot
    .Evenhis
    aft
    ershavet
    hatshefoundinthecabi
    net
    sandhi
    s
    col
    ogne.Hehadt ast
    e.Shehadtoadmit
    .
    “Seehowni
    ceiti
    stocomehomesmel
    li
    nghi
    s
    product
    saf
    teraver
    ygoodni
    ght
    .”
    “
    Iwasdr
    unk!
    ”
    “
    Didyouvomi
    t?”
    Al
    oraf
    akegagged.
    “
    No.”Hercheeksheat
    ed.Maybeshedi d.She
    woul
    dn’tr
    ememberbutshedi dn’
    t.Hewouldhave
    menti
    onedthati
    nconversat
    ion.
    “
    Letmegot
    akeashowerandgetbackt
    owor
    k.”
    “Ineedal
    lthedet
    ail
    saf
    tert
    hatshower
    .Toodl
    es
    sis.
    ”
    “
    Ihat
    eal
    lofyou.
    ”
    “Hmm.Li esbutbye.
    ”Alor
    adr aggedherselft
    oher
    bedroom andsheleanedagainstthedoorthe
    minutesheclosedit
    .Everyt
    hingwasst i
    lli
    nplace.
    Noonet ouchedanythi
    ng.Good.Shel i
    kesthatand
    wantedthat.
    Rebasmi ledbuthersmi lesoont ur nedi ntoasad
    one.Shewant edt oaskAust i
    naboutHades.How
    hewasdoi ngandi fhewasal lowedvi si torsbacki n
    rehab.Shedoubt edt heydi dthoughbecauset he
    purposei st otakehi m outofhi sol dli
    fesohecan
    rehabili
    tat einanewenvi r
    onment .Sher ubbedher
    eyessot het earswon’ tfall
    .Goodt hingwast hather
    mot heraskedheri fitwasokayt oseet henew
    therapistonFr i
    day.Af ewdaysf r
    om now.Shewas
    nervousandal lbutshehopedi twasgoi ngt obe
    okay.Shewal kedbackt oherbedr oom andt ookout
    herlapt opt osear chhernewt herapi st.Shet ypedin
    DrVi ol
    etCar son.Shesmi ledthatshehadt he
    choicet oappr oveordi sapprovehernextt her apist
    .
    Sher eadupont het hesisDrVi ol
    etdi df orher
    Mast er’
    s.I twasheavi l
    yonaboutdepr essi onand
    howi tint erconnect edwi thPTSD.Thatwassome
    heavyr esear ch.Sheal sohadadi sser tationf orher
    PhDaboutt hebr ainandhowi tusesdr ugs, stil
    l
    heavilyr elatedt ot r
    aumaandever ythi
    ng.Rebar ead
    upont hat .Shesmi l
    ed,feeli
    ngasi fDrVi olethad
    beenwr it
    ingaboutherinherdissertat
    ion.Okay.
    Shecant r
    yheronFr i
    dayandseehowi tgoes.She
    didn’treadaboutwhathert opicforherdoct or
    ate
    degreewasbutshewasaver ylearnedwomanwho
    hadmadest r
    idesinthepsychologyf i
    eld.She
    closedherl aptop.Maybebyt hetimeHadescomes
    back, shewi l
    lbeabet t
    erwoman.Onewhoi sintent
    onl i
    vingandnotl ett
    ingherpasthol dherbacki n
    thewor stofways.Therewashopef orthefuture.

    *
    **

    Alorapushedherf r
    eshlyf l
    atironedhairbackas
    shewentt hr
    oughherpr oposal ,addi
    ngt hefew
    detai
    lsAustinnoted.Herf i
    nger sski
    mmeddonhi s
    handwr i
    ti
    ngandshesmi led.Shewasoddl ytur
    ned
    onbyhi shandwriti
    ng,howhi slet
    ter
    sflowedont he
    page, t
    hoseweresomeofhi sideasandhehadno
    problem hel
    pingher.ThinkingofAust i
    n, shepi
    cked
    upherphonej ustastherewasadoorknock.
    “
    Comei
    n.”
    Rebawal
    kedi
    nwi
    thbi
    scui
    tsandj
    uice.
    “I
    ’m her
    eforthetea.Techni
    call
    yIhavejuicebut
    youhavetotellmewhathappened. ”Shesatonthe
    matandAl or
    apushedherhai rbackagain.
    “Weplayed.Car
    dsandchess.
    ”Rebascr
    unchedher
    nose.
    “
    Chess?Onadat
    e?Youguysar
    esof
    ucki
    ngwei
    rd.
    ”
    “
    Shutup!
    ”
    “Justsaying.
    ”Al
    oralookedatherphone.She
    placeditdownsecondslater
    .
    “Wehaddri
    nks,
    Icoul
    dn’
    tdoitokay?I-
    Ican’
    tbr
    ing
    myselft
    odosomestuf
    f.
    ”Shefinal
    lysai
    dandReba
    nodded.
    “
    Youri
    nti
    macyi
    ssuesar
    edeep.
    ”
    “
    Doyoubl
    ameme?
    ”Rebapaused.
    “Youneverreal
    lyt
    alkaboutyour
    sel
    fandyourneeds,
    evengrowingup.”
    “
    I’
    m okay.I
    ’
    mfi
    ne.
    ”Rebashookherhead.
    “
    Alor
    a,youar
    eal
    wayst
    her
    eforme.Evenmi
    kes
    awayyouwer
    ether
    e.Youli
    stenwithoutj
    udgi
    ngme,
    Icanst
    il
    ldot
    hesame.”Al
    orasighed.
    “I
    ’m okayReba.Justokay.IloveyouandIdothat
    becauseIloveyou.Everypieceofyou.
    ”Reba
    smiled.
    “
    Soyouguysdi
    dn’
    tevent
    ryf
    orepl
    ay?
    ”
    Al
    ora’
    sfaceheat
    ed.
    “No.”Buthewasbi g.Shesai dinherhead.Hehad
    placedherhandonhi sdi ckandhewasbi g.Reba
    sippedherj uicewat chingAl orazoneoutandbe
    mor epink.Somet hi
    ngdi dhappenbutshedi dn’
    t
    wanttospi ll
    .Shegotabi scuitandbi tint
    oi t
    .Her
    l
    ittl
    esisterdidn’tknowi tbutt oher ,i
    twasn’ taman
    whosavedher .ItwasAl ora.Shesavedherwi thout
    knowingi tandshehadsomuchl ovetogi ve
    beyondt hatext eri
    orofher st hatherbr ot
    her sdidn’
    t
    quiteunderstandbutl ovednever theless.
    “Wedidn’tdoanythi
    ng.”Al
    orasai
    dsuddenly.Okay
    hekissedherandplacedhishandonher,hesaw
    herhalfnakedwhenshewasout .Whatcouldbe
    moreembar rassi
    ngthanthat
    .
    “You’
    llbefine.Event
    uall
    yyou’l
    lbefi
    ne,
    youlovehi
    m
    soitmightt akemonthsbutyou’l
    lgi
    vei
    ntohim
    sexuall
    y.”Alorashookherhead.
    “
    Howdoyougi
    veyourbodyawayj
    ustl
    iket
    hat
    ?”
    “Rora,sexi
    saf i
    ft
    yfif
    tythi
    ng.Youbothexper
    ience
    pleasurewabona?It’
    sagiveandtakeanditdoesn’
    t
    i
    nvolveoneparty.Onceyoudohavesex,you’l
    lsee.
    Trustme.”Alor
    ashruggeditout
    .
    “
    Okayt
    opi
    ccl
    osed.
    ”
    “
    Thatwasf
    ast
    .”
    “I
    t’
    saveryuncomfor
    tabl
    etopict
    otal
    kabout.
    ”Her
    phonebeepedandshereadthemessage.
    MrAlora:Mymothermadedi
    nnerpl
    ansf
    or
    Fr
    iday.8pm.I’
    l
    lpi
    ckyouupLora.

    Shepl
    acedherphonedown.
    “Motherhasf
    oundmeanewt
    her
    api
    st.
    ”Al
    ora’
    sear
    s
    per
    kedup.
    “
    Real
    ly?What
    ’shi
    sorhername?I
    sthet
    her
    api
    stt
    he
    ri
    ghtpersont
    odealwit
    hdr
    ugaddi
    cti
    on?Wi
    llyoube
    okay?”Rebasmi
    led.
    “
    Igoogl
    edher
    .Shesoundsokay.
    ”
    “Gi
    vemet henamesoIcanmakemyownr esear
    ch.
    Yourcurr
    entt
    herapistwast
    hepi
    tsr
    ight
    ?”Reba
    rel
    easedaheavysigh.
    “Shemadei tal
    labouthowI’
    m notbeingfair
    .ThatI
    hadeverythi
    ngachildcoul
    dwi shforandIsti
    llt
    ook
    drugs.Thatspoi
    ledki
    dsdidthatforatt
    ent
    ion.”Reba
    rubbedhereyes.
    “HowcanIopenupaboutwhyI ’
    mt aki
    ngdr ugs
    whenIheart hati
    neverysessionandshet hentri
    es
    totellmetostop.Howwassheevenal icensed
    therapi
    st?”Al
    oragotupfrom herdeskandsatdown
    onthef l
    oornexttohersi
    ster
    .
    “Youdon’ thavetogot hroughthatwithatherapi
    st
    anymor e.We’llkeeponlookingfortherapi
    ststi
    ll
    youf i
    ndtheonef oryou.Ift
    henextonei sn’
    tokay,
    I’
    llaskAust i
    ntor ecommendhi s.
    ”Rebanoddedand
    frowned.
    “
    Aust
    inhasat
    her
    api
    st?
    ”
    “Yes.Iwouldn’
    tsayat herapi
    stnowsincetheman
    hasbeenwi thhi
    m sincehewasat eenagert
    il
    lnow,
    Iassumet hatt
    heyareki ndoffr
    iendsnow.Probabl
    y
    theonlyonewhoknowshowt ocutoffAusti
    n’sbi
    g
    ego.”Rebachuckled.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Iloveyou.Don’
    tfor
    gett
    hat
    .”RebahuggedAl
    ora.I
    t
    allseemedlikei
    twasgoi
    ngtobeokay.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    44] :REBORN

    80
    AtDrCar son’soff
    ice,Rebaint
    ert
    winedherf i
    ngers
    togetherandlookedathernewt her
    apist.Shehad
    thatkindlookoherf ace.I
    twasprontogoingtobe
    hardorwasshegoodonpaperbutst i
    llgoingto
    j
    udgeher ?
    “I
    ’
    m Rebant l
    eMor emi
    .Uhm asyouknow,fr
    om t
    he
    t
    abloids.Thewashedupdrugaddictmodel
    .”
    Viol
    et’
    seyessoftenedasherf
    oreheadcr
    eased.
    “Rebantl
    eyou’r
    ebeaut i
    ful
    .”Thatwasof ftopicand
    Rebaflushed,
    event houghherskindidn’tgive
    anythi
    ngaway.I twassuchal ongti
    mesi ncea
    str
    angercomplimentedherbeautyandshej ust
    gavethedragr atef
    ulsmil
    e.
    “Andhi,I
    ’
    m DrCar sonbutyoucancallmeVi ol
    eti
    f
    youwant.Ifyou’
    recomf ort
    abl
    ewithi
    t.”Reba
    nodded.Anotheri
    nstancewhereshewasgi vena
    choi
    ceandshedeci dedt ouseherdr
    ’sfi
    rstname.
    “Iwon’
    tli
    eandsayIneverkeepupwiththetabl
    oids.
    IdoandRebantl
    eyou’renotl
    iabl
    etousesucha
    l
    abelonyoursel
    f.You’
    renotadrugaddi
    ct,Iwoul
    d
    prefert
    osayyouusedrugstocopewit
    hsomethi
    ng
    thatyoudon’
    twanttot
    alkorthi
    nkabout
    .Am I
    ri
    ght?”Shenodded.
    “Youdon’ ttal
    kmuchdoyou? ”Violetaskedsof t
    ly
    andRebawant edtoscream t hatshehadn’ thadto
    usehervoi ceagai nstpeople.Shehadt olistento
    peopl ewhower esupervi
    sor sorol derthanher ,
    peopl ewhohadpowerandhersi lencehadbeen
    golden.Onl yitki
    ll
    edhemor eandmor etil
    lshe
    want edtobef reeofhert houghts.Onl yAlor acoul
    d
    l
    istenandl aughorgi veherf rownt hathadher
    smi l
    ing.Alorahadsomeni cef acialexpressions
    eveni f90%oft hem speltmur derandmenace.
    “I
    t’sokay, youdon’thavet otalkbutI’l
    lbewi ll
    ingto
    l
    istenandf oryourpeaceofmi nd,Iwon’ ttel
    lyour
    mot heraboutwhatwedi scuss.”Rebar eleaseda
    sighofbr eathshedi dn’tknowshewaseven
    holdingin.Thatf i
    rstt herapi
    streportedever ythi
    ng
    andyetagai n,herrightshadbeent r
    ampl edonand
    sheal wayskeptsi lentast hefor merther api
    st
    prattl
    edon.
    “
    Youar
    eanadul
    tandnextyearyou’
    l
    lbe26?
    ”Reba
    nodded.
    “Howl onghaveyoubeenusi ng?“Reba’swideeyes
    thatweremor eli
    keherf at
    her’si
    nthatinstantwere
    gluedont hedoctor.Shewasgent l
    eandhervoi ce
    wasn’texactl
    ysof tbutheracti
    onswer eandshe
    gaveagr atef
    ulsmi l
    e.
    “Af ewmont hsafter18.”Shesai dqui etlyandVi olet
    strainedherear stoheart hat.Shenot editdown.
    Almost8year sofusi ng.Fuck!Ther ewasal ott
    obe
    uncover edhereandshehadal lthet imei nthe
    wor ldtohel pher .From whatsheal readyhad, Reba
    wasaf ewmont hsclean,behavi ouraltherapywas
    under wayandshef i
    guredt herewasmor etojust
    takingdr ugs.Peopledon’tt aket hatf orfun.Same
    goesf oralcohol.It’
    sneverf orf un,it’
    sal wayst o
    escapesomesor toff i
    ghtyouhavei nyourhead.
    Mor el i
    keyoudon’ twantt ol i
    stent ot hevoicesin
    yourheadandyoudr ownt hem outonl ytouset hat
    drowni ngoutmet hodoverandoveragai nast hey
    getl oudereacht i
    me.
    “Goti
    t.Tel
    lmeaboutyou.Anyt
    hing.
    ”Reba
    hesi
    tatedandVi
    oletnot
    edthat
    .
    “
    Ihavet
    wosi
    ster
    s.”Vi
    oletsmi
    led.
    “
    Ihavet
    hreesi
    ster
    s.”Rebal
    oosenedupabi
    t.
    “Theyareyoungert
    hanme,oneissevenandt
    he
    otheri
    s23goingonto24nextyear
    .”
    “
    That’ssoni
    ce.Doyouhaveacloserel
    ati
    onship
    wit
    hthem?”Rebanodded.Abi
    tmor econfi
    denton
    t
    histopi
    c.I
    twasasafetopi
    c.Acommonone.
    “I
    t’
    sEmory,t
    heyoungestandAlora.Theoldest
    .”
    Viol
    etwant
    edRebat ot
    rusther
    ,itstar
    tedsmalland
    youdon’
    tgettr
    ustover
    night
    .
    “Il
    ovesi st
    erbonds.Ihavecl oserel
    ati
    onshi
    pswit
    h
    minet oo.Ihaveanol dersi
    sterandtwoyounger
    ones.”Rebasmi led.Shewasn’ tt
    heonlyone
    exposingherselfhere.
    “Alorahasbeenther
    eforme.”Shesaidsoftl
    y.
    Violetsmi
    led.I
    twassosweet,itgaveherDaisy
    vibeswhohasbeent her
    eforal
    lthreeofthem.
    “
    Alorai
    sthesmar
    testandshehasbeent
    her
    efor
    me.”
    “
    Ili
    keAl
    orat
    oo.
    ”ThathadRebal
    aughi
    ngand
    Vi
    olet
    ’seyesl
    itup.Shewasl
    aughi
    ng.
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkal otofpeopl
    eli
    keher,youwouldn’
    tif
    youmether .Il
    oveherandunderstandherbuteven
    mybr ot
    her’
    swif ei
    sscaredofher
    .”Viol
    etfr
    owned.
    “Youwoul donl
    yunderst
    andifyoumeether .Sheis
    j
    ust,herandIthinkshei
    ssti
    llsurpri
    sedthatIam
    abletoloveherandherboyf
    riendisabletolove
    her.
    ”
    “Noyou’rebei
    ngt
    hether
    api
    st.
    ”Vi
    oletr
    asped
    playf
    ull
    yandReba’
    seyeswi
    dened.
    “I
    ’
    m sosorr
    y.Idi
    dn’
    tmeani
    t.I
    ’
    m sor
    ry.
    ”Vi
    olett
    ook
    noteoft
    hat
    .
    “Don’tbe.I
    ’m notof
    fended,
    Iwassayingi
    tplayf
    ull
    y.
    Thisisaf r
    eespaceokay?Whateveryouwantto
    say,sayit.
    ”Rebanoddedslowl
    y.
    “
    I’
    m mor
    ethandr
    ugs.
    ”Rebasai
    dqui
    etl
    y.
    “Thatyouare.Nooneisdefi
    nedbythei
    rweakness
    andtheyshouldn’
    tevenbe.
    ”Viol
    etr
    eassur
    ed.Reba
    nodded.Itwasgoingtobeokay,
    shetol
    dhersel
    fas
    sheplacedherhandsonherlap.
    *
    **

    Alorasatatherdeskasshegoogl edAust i
    n’s
    mot herf ort hef i
    ftht imesi ncehesai dt heyhada
    dinnergoi ngon.Shecl osedhereyesr emember i
    ng
    allthef actsandAust i
    n,someoneki l
    lhi st r
    aitorous
    soul ,r
    ef usedt ot ellherabouthi smot her.Mi nor
    detailsandal l.Shehat edhim.Theor eticall
    yanyway.
    Inact ualf actshel ovedt hatnarcissistandi twas
    j
    ustassur pr i
    singt ohearhi m sayhewant s5ki ds
    whenhegr ewupbei ngt heonlychi ldandshegr ew
    upbei ngt hedaught erofasi dechi ck.Shel i
    ckedher
    l
    ips.Event houghi thappenedyear sago, secoul d
    rememberherf at her ’
    sf amilycall
    inghermot hera
    whor ef orsl eepingwi t
    hamar r
    iedmanandher
    beingl abel l
    edt ot urnoutt heexactsameway.Of
    cour sesher eadt hel ettershermot herhadl ef tand
    sheki ndofunder stoodi nawaybutshevowedt o
    neverhaveki ds.Havet hem i nthehandsof
    stranger si ncaseshedi ed.Shewasl uckySuwasa
    goodwomanot herwi seherl ifewoul dhavebeena
    l
    ivinghel landshewoul dhavet urnedoutwel l
    .She
    wor kedt illherfinger sbledbecauseshewant edt o
    besecur e, shewant edtomakei tandnothavi ng
    kidswasabonusi nthesenset hatshedi dn’twant
    tobehel ddownorevenhaveherki dshavea
    spitefulmot herlikeher .Shel eanedback.WasReba
    ri
    ght ?Di dAust i
    nl oveher ?Rebawast heonl yone
    whof ullylovedherasshewas.Spi t
    ef ul
    , mean, a
    bitchasmanymenhavecal l
    edheroutatschool .
    Someoneasshal lowasherwhost r
    ivedf or
    per f
    ect i
    onandi fshedi dn’tgetitshewant edtodi e
    ever ytime.Coul dAust in, amanwhowas
    vehement lyopposedt ot hemer eideaofl ovehave
    fall
    enf orherwhenhecoul dhaveawomanwho
    woul df allatherkneesandwor shiphi ml i
    ket hegod
    hewas.Shewoul dn’ tt
    ellhim ofcour se.Hehad
    suchabi gego.I nst eadofawomanwhoopposed
    andchal lengedhi mi never ythi
    nganddi dn’teven
    wantt osl eepwi thhi m becauseshewasscar edof
    l
    osi ngcont rolinthebedr oom andshehat edhavi ng
    cont rolslipoutofherf inger sbutt hesamegi rl
    coul dn’thel pitthatshel ovedi twhenhecont rol
    led
    heri nti
    mat elyandf iguredshewant edhi mt o
    domi nateherthere?Shef acepal med.Shewasso
    compl i
    catedandwonder edhowhedi dn’
    tgettired.
    Maybehewoul dgett i
    redevent ually.Maybehe
    woul dleaveaf
    t ershef i
    nallydeci dedt ohavesex
    withhim andshewoul dbel ef
    tpi ckingupt he
    piecesaf t
    erhegott hefi
    nalprizef rom hislong
    decadechase.Adecadeofchasi ngt heicepr i
    ncess
    whosewor dscutl ikeknivesandwhoi nt
    imidated
    men.Shewast hinkingtoomuch.Sheopenedher
    eyes.Shehadt of ocusont hedi nner .Justthat.
    Apar tofherwi shedhi smot herwoul dlikehi m.She
    didbutevent hatwasf arf etchedconsi der i
    ngt hat
    shedi dn’
    thavemi l
    li
    onsat tachedt ohername.She
    hadamessychi l
    dhood.Thechi ldofasi dechi ck,
    whosemot herdiedmyst er i
    ouslyandf at herdied.A
    fatherwhobar elyacknowl edgedherbecauseshe
    coulddestroyhi smar r
    iaget oal ovingwi fe.She
    hatedherselfsobadi nthisi nstance.Sof ucking
    bad.Shet ouchedhercheekandbl i
    nkedbackt he
    tearsthatwantedt ofallbutshecoul dn’tstopt hem
    andshegotupf rom herdesk.Shej ustwal kedt o
    thedoorandl ockedi tbef or eshegoti nsidet hedark
    wardrobet
    ocr yi
    npeace,wherenoonecoul dsee
    herweaknessanduseitagai
    nsther.Shepickedher
    coatandscreamedi
    ntoitasthetearsf
    ell
    .Violent
    ly
    atthat.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    81

    Latert
    hatday, Alor
    ast oodbyherbedasshel ooked
    atthedressesont hebed.Whatshoul dshewear?
    Thatwast hebigquest ion.Herbedroom door
    openedandshet urnedt olookatRebawhowas
    suddenlyenjoyinggoingi nandoutofherr oom.
    “
    Dat
    ewi
    tht
    hemot
    heri
    nlaw?
    ”Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Howwast
    her
    apy?
    ”
    “
    Ili
    kemynewt
    her
    api
    st.
    ”
    “That
    ’sgoodt
    ohear ,i
    fyoul
    ikehert
    her
    ewill
    progr
    essandprogressmeansyouareget
    ti
    ngbet
    ter
    .
    I’
    m pr
    oudofyou.”
    Rebasmi
    led.
    “
    Thankyou.Pi
    ckther
    edone,
    itshowsyourcur
    ves
    mor
    e.”Rebasai
    d.
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nki
    t’
    sappr
    opr
    iat
    e.”Rebaf
    oldedherar
    ms.
    “IhaveafewdressesIhaven’
    tworn.From my
    modelli
    ngdays.Idon’
    tthi
    nkthey’
    l
    lfityouthough,
    you’r
    ealit
    tl
    etoocurvyfort
    hem.”Alorashruggedit
    outandpickedoutthemidni
    ghtbluedress.
    “Ithi
    nkI’
    l
    lgowiththi
    sone.Ihavetheheelstogo
    alongwit
    hthis.
    ”Sheheldi
    ttoinspecti
    t.Shehas
    wor ni
    tonceandneversawitappropri
    atetoweari
    t
    again.
    “
    You’
    ret
    hef
    ashi
    ongur
    uandal
    lher
    e.”
    “
    Iwi
    llgetr
    eadyatf
    our
    .”
    “Yesma’am.
    ”Rebal
    aughedandAl
    oral
    ight
    ly
    nodded.

    *
    **

    FredHudson’ sbui l
    dingwassoi nti
    mi dati
    ngasZar a
    wal kedin.Shelookedatt herecept i
    onistwhowas
    socl eanandwel lorganisedwhi l
    eZar aher selfwas
    herhusband’ sPA.Regar dlessoft hemoneyher
    fatherthrewatthem, sheal wayswant edtomake
    somet hingoutofher selfeveni fitwasaj obt hat
    madeherear nwayl esst hant hemont hl
    ycheques
    thatwer edepositedinherbankaccountj ustf or
    havi ngthesameDNAast hemanwhor anal lofthi
    s.
    “Goodafter
    noon.Iwoul
    dli
    ketospeaktoMr
    Hudson.”Shesaidandt
    hePAr aisedawell
    tri
    mmed
    andfil
    ledeyebr
    ow,herf
    akelashesmovingupas
    well
    .
    “
    Didyoumakeanappoi
    ntment
    ?”
    “
    Unf
    ort
    unat
    elynot
    .”
    “Ther
    eisnowayIcanhelpyou.
    ”Theladylooked
    downatZarawhodonnedasimpledressandsome
    sandal
    s,herbr
    aidst
    iedi
    ntoaponyt
    ailandherface
    bareofanymakeup.
    “I
    t’
    sreal
    lyi
    mportantIspeakt
    ohi
    m.”Thewoman
    shookherhead.
    “I
    twouldbeadvi sableforyoutol eavet hebuilding
    beforeIasksecur i
    tytoescortyouout .”Zarabi ther
    nail
    .Shedidn’
    twantt oexposeheri dentit
    y.No.No.
    Thatwouldbebadbutshehadt otalktoherf ather.
    Herhusbanddr ovet hem her
    eandt heywi l
    lbe
    stayi
    ngatherin-lawshouse.Thatwoul dalsoal l
    ow
    hertoaskRebaaf ewquest i
    onsaboutherbr other.
    Generalquest
    ionsr eall
    y.Therecept i
    onistpickedup
    herphone.
    “
    Secur
    it
    y,t
    her
    eist
    h-“
    “Tel
    lMrHudsont hatZar ahastoseehim.It
    ’s
    i
    mpor tant
    .”Thereceptioni
    stpausedasshelooked
    atZara.Obviousl
    yherbossdi dn’
    tknowherdidhe?
    Shehungupanddi al
    ledherboss’sPA.
    “Hell
    o?TellMrHudsont hatacertai
    nZar awantst
    o
    seehim.”Shehungupandwai t
    ed.Zar alookedat
    hertoesandthenbreathedinandout .I
    nandout .
    Shewasgoi ngtobeokay.Thephoner ang,
    draggingheroutofherthought
    sast herecepti
    oni
    st
    l
    ookedatherasshespokeovert hephone.
    “
    Gotit
    .”Ther
    ecept
    ioni
    stmovedf
    rom herdeskand
    l
    ookedatZar
    a.
    “MrHudsonhasonl ytenmi nut estoseeyou.I ’
    ll
    escortyouup.”Theywal kedt owar dstheelevat or
    andwi t
    heveryst ep, Zar
    a’sner vescoi l
    edandshe
    claspedherhandst ogethertost opt heanxiety.
    Theysteppedi nsideandi tclosed, it
    ’smovement
    nowmaki ngherqueasy.Theyr eachedt othet op
    fl
    ooraftergodknewhowmanyf l
    oor sandt hedoor s
    sli
    dopen.Shewasshownt otheboss’ sdoorand
    therecepti
    onistturnedonherheel .LeavingZar ato
    fendforherself.Zaraknockedont hedoor .
    “Comeon. ”Hisgruffvoicesoundedandshe
    swallowedohsosl ightl
    yasshepushedthedoor
    open.Shecamef acetof acewit
    hthemanwhowas
    herfather
    ,eventhoughshewashi si
    ll
    egi
    ti
    mate
    chi
    ld.
    “
    Hif
    ather
    .”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    yandFr
    edj
    usthuf
    fed.
    “Whatdoyouwant ?Mor emoney?Thatcanbe
    arr
    angedi ftheal
    lowanceisnotenough.”She
    wincedasi fhehadslappedher.Shedidn’
    twanthis
    goddamnmoney.I fi
    thadbeenupt oher,hewould
    keepitandbeaf athertoher
    .Butthatwasa
    fai
    ryt
    aleandshewasol denoughtounderstandt
    hat
    onlyDisneyandchi l
    dren’
    sbooksdealwith
    fai
    ryt
    ales.
    Shewalkedovermeeklytoachai
    randsatdown,hi
    s
    eyesonher.Observi
    ngher.Asi
    fhewasaf er
    alcat
    wait
    ingtopranceonher.
    “I
    -Iwantt
    omeetHades. ”Sheknewshedi dn’t
    exact
    lyneedhispermissionbutshehadstayed
    awayforsolongandhewast hereasonsheand
    Hadeswerehalfsibl
    ings.Helaughed.Acynical
    ki
    ndoflaughtert
    hatgaveherchi l
    lsandnotthe
    goodkindofchil
    ls.
    “Zar
    aar
    eyoust i
    llaki
    dagai
    nwhowant edasi
    bli
    ng?
    Doyoureal
    lyt
    hinkhewouldacceptyou?”Hi
    seyes
    fi
    xateonher.Hewasat wist
    edmant hat
    ’sforsure
    andnowonderHadeswasanal coholic,
    hewas
    rai
    sedbythemanwhi leshegotglimpsesofhi m
    showingupwhenhepl easedwhichwasoncei na
    whil
    e.Maybeshewoul dhaveturnedoutf uckedin
    theheadhadher aisedherbutapar tofherwas
    grat
    efulhedidn’
    t.
    “Zaradowhat everyouwant ,aslongasyoudon’ t
    att
    ractmediaat tent
    ionbecausedar egot othe
    mediawi thanyst or
    iesthatmighttarni
    shmy
    company, gi
    rlconsideryourall
    owancedonef orand
    yourmot her’
    streatmentcut.
    ”Thet inyhairsonher
    skinrai
    sedandgoosef l
    eshwasal loverherski
    nas
    shenodded.
    “I
    ’m gladwehaveanunder standi
    ng.Nowdi sappear
    andr emai
    nthere.”Hedismi ssedher.Shegotupon
    herfeetandsaidbye, i
    naf akecheerytone.She
    walkedoutandr ubbedherar ms.Shedi dn’
    teven
    askaboutHades’ whereabout sbutshewassur e
    Rebawoul dt
    ellherright?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    82

    Agorawalkedoutofherbedr oom,l
    ookingel
    egant
    andregali
    nherbluedr essandmatchingheel
    swith
    thecl
    utchbagsaf el
    ytuckedunderherarm.
    Mooketsiwhist
    ledandshescowl edathim.
    “
    What
    ?Mysi
    steri
    sast
    unner
    .”
    Sheshruggeditoff.Shedidn’
    tevenhavet henerve
    toaskwhyhewashomebecauseshef iguredoutit
    wast ovisi
    taf
    terthatever
    yeventfuldi
    nner.Inthe
    l
    ounge, Zar
    awast alki
    ngtoSuandbot hst opped
    tal
    kingastheytookinthesightofher.
    Zarabreathedout,herbodygoingveryst i
    ll
    .She
    wasbeaut i
    fulbutshedidn’
    tunderstandwhyshe
    seemedl i
    keshebel ongedi
    nanot heruniverseand
    hadthiscondescendingauraaroundher .Sheknew
    hersi
    sterinlawwasnott henicestpersononear t
    h.
    Shedidn’tsaymuchbutever ytimesheopenedher
    mouth,shegotchi l
    ls.
    “
    Ror
    ayoul
    ookmagni
    fi
    cent
    .”
    “Thankyou.Ihaveadi
    nnerdatewit
    hAust i
    n.”Her
    mothersmiledandZar
    asmiled.Al
    ora’
    svoicewas
    devoidofanyemoti
    onanditwasinter
    esti
    ngt hat
    shelivedwi
    thpeopl
    ewhower esoexpressiveand
    openyetshewasclosedoff
    .
    “Youar ebeauti
    f ul
    .”Alor
    anoddedatZar a’
    sremar k.
    Zarafigureditwasgoi ngt otaket i
    mef orAlorato
    getusedt oher.Alorawal kedt othecouchandsat
    down.Theheel sandt hemakeupador ni
    ngher
    beautif
    ulfeaturesgavehert heconf i
    denceshe
    fi
    guredshewasgoi ngtoneedf ortoday.Shewas
    anxiousandshehat edbei ngoutofherdept h.She
    hateditsosomuch.Shesi ghedandt ookouther
    phonef rom herbag.Rebawal kedi nami nutelater
    andshef
    oldedherar
    ms.
    “
    Ont
    semont
    legor
    e.”
    (youar
    esobeaut
    if
    ul)
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    “Ar
    eyouspendi
    ngthenight
    ?”Rebaaskedcheekil
    y
    andAl
    oragl
    oweredatherasRebalaughedoutloud.
    “I
    t’
    sasimpl equesti
    onsis.”RebatauntedandAlor
    a
    hadtostopherselff
    rom retal
    iat
    ing.Noweveryone
    waslookingatherexpecti
    ngananswer .
    “I
    ’m anadul
    tguys.”Wasallshemanagedtosay
    andSusanchuckledwhileZarapushedherbr
    aids
    backandcontinuedherconver
    sati
    onwithSusan.
    Theinter
    com soundedandAlora’
    snervesspi
    ked.
    Hewasher e.

    Rebadi dthehonorsofpressingthebutt
    ontoopen
    thegate.ShegaveAl or
    aal ookandhersist
    er
    evadedhereyesasshef acedtheblackt
    vscreen.
    Therewasadoorknockami nutelat
    erandReba
    openedt hedoor.Austi
    nheldabouquetofflowers
    ashelookedatReba.
    “
    Hel
    loReba.
    ”
    “HiAustin,comei n.Yourpri
    ckl
    ygir
    lf
    riendi si
    nsi
    de.”
    Austinhadt otryandhidehissmil
    e.Atl easthi
    s
    fr
    iend’sgir
    lfr
    iendandgi r
    lf
    ri
    end’
    ssisterwasn’t
    scaredofhi m anymore.Sheopeneditwi derashe
    walkedin.Hespot t
    edSusan.
    “Ah,
    justthewomanIwant edtosee.Thesearefor
    you.
    ”Shel ookedatt
    heflowersandsmil
    edagain.
    Shecouldgetusedtoreceivi
    ngfl
    owersli
    kethese.
    “ThankyouAust in.Letmegoputt hem inavase.”
    Shest oodupandAust i
    nnoddedatZar awho
    noddedback.Hi swhol ebodyshi f
    tedtoAlora’s
    dir
    ectionandshenear lyknockedt hebreat
    houtof
    hislungs.Hisfacedidn’tgiveanythi
    ngawaybuthi s
    pulsepickedupandhel ickedhisli
    psashe
    saunteredinherdirect
    ion.Shehel dherheadhi gh
    l
    ikethequeenshewas.I nhi sbooksandsoont obe
    i
    never yone’
    sbooks.Het ookherhandandbr ought
    i
    ttohi sli
    ps.
    “Goodeveni
    ngLor a.
    ”Hewhisperedashel
    ooked
    downatherfrom hoodedeyel
    ids.Hi
    .Shewant
    edto
    sayandbr ushhim offbutsomet hingtwistedinher
    gut.Wasi tf
    ear?Anxietyorherlovef ort
    hisman?
    Hehelpedherupherf eetandhishandeasi l
    yslid
    aroundherwaist.Hemovedcl oserandcoul dsmel l
    thevanil
    lascentsonher ,f
    uck!Iftheywer ealready
    i
    ntimatehewoul dfuckheronhi scarseat
    i
    mmedi atelyaf
    terthedinnerbecausehewassur e,
    shewoul dneveral
    lowhi mt otouchherbef ore
    somethingasimpor t
    antast hi
    s.
    “You’ref uckingbr eat htakingLora.”Heheardher
    gaspsof tlyandsmi led.Susanwal kedbackinwhi l
    e
    RebaandZar akeptt hei reyesont hecouple.Reba
    wishedshecoul dtellHadesaboutt he
    development s.Nowhewasl ookingatherasi fshe
    washi swhol euni ver se.St ar
    s,t
    hemoonand
    galaxiescombi ned.Shesmi l
    edasZar afrowned.
    Aloral ookedr igidinhi sar msandi twaswei rd.She
    hadn’ tbeenpayi ngat tentionatthef ami
    lydinner
    becauset heywer en’tineachot her ’
    sarms.It
    seemedt ooclinical.Shel ookedatRebawhowas
    smi l
    ingl i
    keagoon.
    “
    Thankyou.Canwegonow?
    ”Andwi
    tht
    hatshe
    f
    acedherst
    epmot
    her
    .
    “I’
    l
    lbesuretobr i
    ngherback.Thankyou.”Hebid
    them goodbyeandwalkednexttoAlora.Helowered
    hisheadast heywal
    kedtothedoor.
    “Ican’
    twaitf
    oryouyoconquertheworl
    dmyf i
    ery
    dreamer.
    ”Hekissedherf
    oreheadaf
    terhecl
    osed
    thedoor.

    *
    **

    Att herestaurant,Celi
    nesatdownandcheckedt he
    ti
    me.Fi vemi nutest oeightandt heyst i
    llweren’t
    here.Awai t
    ermadehi swayt ohert ableandshe
    turnedhim back.Notyet .Shewaswai t
    ingforher
    sonandhi sgirl
    fri
    end.Shel i
    ft
    edhereyesandshe
    sawAust i
    nmakehi swayi nsideholdingsomeone’ s
    hand.Cel i
    nepaused, t
    akingi nAlora’svoluptuous
    framei nthatmi dnightbluedr essandheel st hat
    madehert all
    erbutst i
    llshortcompar edt oAust i
    n.
    Shel ookedlikesomeki ndofper fectqueen.Asi f
    nothingcoul dshockherandt hateveryonear ound
    herdeservedtobowdown.I twasast onishi
    nghow
    shecouldseethatfr
    om justonefulllookatAlorai
    n
    personandnotfrom t
    hef i
    leshehadont hegir
    l.
    Austinpull
    edoutachairforhertositbeforehe
    pul
    ledouthis.Al
    oralookedather,herf acevoi
    dof
    anyemot i
    onandhereyesf ulloff
    ir
    e.
    “Goodeveni
    ngMsMat hews.”Sheextendedher
    hand.Hervoi
    cewasn’
    tevensoft.Austi
    n’smother
    l
    ookedatthehandandextendedhersast heyshook
    hands.
    “Ni
    cet
    omeetyouAl ora.
    ”Alor
    aquickl
    yremovedher
    handf
    rom Cel
    ine’
    sgraspandnodded.
    “
    Likewi
    se.
    ”
    “Mot
    hermygi r
    lf
    riendAloraandLora,t
    hat
    ’sCeline.
    Mymot her
    .”Al
    oranoddedandpl acedherhandon
    herl
    ap.Sheresi
    stedtheur get
    otapherheel.This
    womanwasi nti
    mi dat
    ingasfuck.
    Aust
    inhel
    dherhandfr
    om undert
    het
    ableandshe
    l
    ookedathi
    m bef
    oreshef
    acedhismother
    .
    “
    Let
    ’sor
    derandt
    henwecantal
    k.”Al
    oradi
    dn’
    tknow
    i
    twasgoi
    ngtobetheni
    ghtt
    hatt
    estsherl
    imi
    tsasa
    wai
    termadehi
    swayt othei
    rtabl
    eandtheypl
    aced
    t
    hei
    rorder
    s,gl
    assesofwinetobedel
    iver
    edfi
    rst
    .

    Minut
    eslat
    er,
    eachwithaglassi
    nhandCel
    ine
    cameforAl
    ora.Gunsblazi
    ng.
    “Sowhendi
    dyouguysmeet?”Sheasked.
    Somethi
    ngsheknewsi
    nceshereadthefi
    le.
    “
    Highschool.
    ”Al
    orarepli
    edasshetookasi
    p.Thi
    s
    f
    eltmuchmor el
    ikeanint
    ervi
    ew.Oneshedi
    dn’
    t
    wantt
    ofail
    .
    “Inter
    est
    ingandreconnect
    edwhileyouwer ein
    school?”Al
    oranoddedandt ookanothersi
    pofher
    wi neasAusti
    n’shandsqueezedhersunderthe
    table.Hewasherewithher.
    “
    Yes.Wehadmetpr
    iordur
    ingmySt
    andf
    ord
    i
    nter
    view.
    ”
    “
    Youaresmar
    t.Igi
    veyouthatbutar
    eyouwi
    fe
    mat
    eri
    al?
    ”Al
    oranearl
    ychockedonherwi
    ne.
    “
    Idon’
    tst
    rivef
    orthat
    .I’
    m myownwomanMs
    Mat
    hews.”Cel
    inerai
    sedaneyebr
    ow.
    “
    Mendon’
    tli
    keambi
    ti
    ouswomen.
    ”
    Al
    orat
    il
    tedherhead.
    “Li
    keyouper haps?
    ”Aust
    in’
    sfacedi
    dn’tgi
    ve
    anythingawaybuthewassil
    entl
    ycheeri
    nghis
    gir
    lf
    riendon.
    “Andyourmot herofcour
    se.I
    thadtot
    akehert
    o
    sleepwit
    hamar r
    iedmantoconcei
    veyouso….
    ”
    Alorast
    il
    ledandCel i
    nesmil
    ed.
    “Now,nowit’
    sinthepast
    .Weallhaveapasteven
    thoughyour
    staint
    syouevenbeforeyouj
    ointhe
    corpor
    ateworl
    d.”
    “Mot
    herthat
    ’senough!
    ”Aust
    in’
    sst
    ernvoi
    cesai
    d
    andCel
    ineshrugged.
    “
    Iwasj
    ustget
    ti
    ngt
    oknowyourgi
    rl
    fr
    iendAust
    in.
    ”
    Aloraplacedt hewi nedownasshel i
    ckedherl i
    ps,
    herearsr i
    nging.Shewasal readybei
    ngjudgedf or
    hermot her’
    ssi ns.Itwouldn’
    tendwoul dit
    ?Her
    vi
    sionbl urr
    ed.Sheshoul dn’
    tbreakdown.Shei s
    str
    ongert hant hat.Sheisstrongert
    hanthat .She
    doesn’tcry.Robot ical
    ly,
    shegotuponherf eetand
    excusedher selffrom thetable.Ittookeverythingin
    hertowalknor mal lytof i
    ndther estrooms.The
    minuteshewasi nside, shewal kedovert othe
    faucetasshel atheredherhandswi t
    hsoapand
    scrubbedherpal mswi thhernai l
    s.Get ti
    ngridofthe
    dir
    tshehast ouched.Shescr ubbedsohar dtot he
    pointofherpal msbur ningandbei ngr edbutshe
    sti
    llscr
    ubbed, willsheeverlear n?Shehasbeen
    herebefore.Shehasal waysbeent auntedabouther
    mot her
    ’st
    r ansgressionsandhowshecamet othi
    s
    wor l
    d.

    Meanwhil
    eint
    her
    est
    aur
    antAust
    inl
    ookedathi
    s
    mother
    .
    “Ihopeyou’ r
    ehappywithyoursel
    f.”Hesaid
    somber lyashestooduponhi sfeetandheld
    Alora’sclut
    chbagandheadedi nthedi r
    ect
    ionshe
    hadbeenheadi ngto.Hismotherbr eat
    hedinand
    massagedherbr eastbefor
    eshedownedhergl ass
    ofwi ne.
    Austi
    nopenedt hedoorandfoundAlorascrubbi
    ng
    herpal
    msasi fherli
    fedependedonit,
    ami nute
    l
    onger,shewasgoingtomakeher sel
    fbleed.He
    pl
    acedt hecl
    utchdownandhel dherar
    ms.
    “
    Lor
    a!Lor
    a!”
    “I
    -I
    ’mfi
    ne.
    Don’tf
    uckingtouchme,l
    esweAusti
    n!”He
    hel
    dherhandsti
    ghterandpull
    edherbackf
    rom the
    si
    nk.
    “Don’
    ttouchme!Don’
    t!
    ”Hervoicebr
    okeandhe
    pull
    edherin,
    hol
    dinghert
    ight
    erasshebreat
    hedout
    .
    “I
    ’m here.I
    ’
    m her e.I
    ’
    m sorrymiecheri
    e.”He
    whisperedagainstherhairasshebreathedout
    beforeshetriedtowriggl
    edoutofhisgraspbuthe
    keptherthere.Ir
    onclad.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    ttel
    lhertosleepwi
    thamarr
    iedman.Iswear
    t
    oGod!
    ”Shest ar
    tedbefor
    eshebr
    eathedoutheavi
    ly.
    “
    Ssshh…Iknowyoudi
    dn’
    t.I
    ’
    m her
    e.”
    “I
    fshewasal i
    veshewouldexplainher
    sel
    ft o
    people.I
    -“hesoot
    hedher.Whisperi
    ngagainsther
    hairassheheldbackhertear
    s.Tearsweregoingto
    r
    uinhermakeup.
    “Ever
    ythi
    nghappensf orar
    easonbutitmakesme
    somadt hatsheisn’
    theret
    oatoneforhersi
    ns.I
    ’
    m
    unwantedeverywhereIgo.
    ”
    “IwantyouLora.BabyIwantyouokay?I’m her
    e.”
    Shenoddedandl eanedagainsthi
    sback.She
    swallowed.Herhear
    tbeati
    ngsol oudandherli
    ps
    quivered.
    “
    Iwonderhowi
    twoul
    dbei
    fshewasher
    e.”
    “
    I’
    m sureyouwereherwor
    ld.
    ”Al
    oranodded.She
    was.Herl
    ett
    erssai
    dso.
    “Maybei fshewasher e,shewouldwantyout ol
    ive
    l
    ikethewor ld’
    sont hefi
    re.Toneverlookdown
    whenyouwal kthewire.”Aust
    inassuredher.He
    hel
    dheranddi dsayanyt hi
    ngmore, wai
    ti
    ngf orher
    tocalm down.Tor egainhermarbles.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ry.Fort
    hepani
    c.I
    -“
    “You’r
    ehumanAl or
    a.I
    t’
    sokay,
    I’
    m here.
    ”He
    reassuredandki
    ssedt
    hetopofherhead.Her
    handswentl i
    mpthemomentheletgoofherthen
    t
    urnedt
    opul
    lhert
    ohi
    schest
    .
    “Al
    lbet
    ter
    ?”Shenodded.Hepeckedherli
    psand
    gaveheragentl
    esmil
    e.Shedidn’
    tret
    urni
    tand
    l
    ookedathischest
    ,br
    eaki
    ngtheeyecontact
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    We’l
    luseSatur
    dayandSundayt
    omakeupf
    ort
    he
    i
    nsert
    sIsti
    llowe.Goodni
    ght
    .
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    83

    Alor
    awithAusti
    n.Yherside,
    walkedoutoft
    he
    rest
    room.Shedidn’
    twanttol
    eanintohi
    m butshe
    coul
    dn’thel
    pitashegaveheroneoft
    hose
    concei
    tedsmilesofhi
    s.
    “
    Don’
    t.
    ”
    Hechuckled.Sheneverst oppeddidshe?Hedi dn’
    t
    wanttospendt herestoftheeveningwi t
    hherhere
    i
    nhismot her’
    scompany.Cel i
    ne’scompanyupset
    Alor
    aandhehadt oadmi t,hehatedseeinghi
    sgirl
    upsetandhercompul sionsflar
    ing.Itwasnota
    pret
    tysightandittooktimetogethert ocal
    m down
    andbeokay.Asr igidandcoldassheusual l
    ywas.
    Theyar r
    ivedatthetableasCel
    inadrankherthi
    rd
    glassforthenight
    .Shehadf i
    guredshehadmadea
    shitt
    ymovebutst il
    l,nooneusuall
    ychall
    engedher.
    “We’l
    lbeleavi
    ng.
    ”Aust
    inannounced.Theydi
    dnot
    eventakeaseat.
    “
    Soear
    ly?
    ”
    “Wel l,
    seemslikeyou’
    llcallwhenyou’r
    ereadytobe
    nice.Yes?Haveagoodni ghtmother
    .”Celi
    ne
    wat chedheroneandonl yson.Thehei rt
    oher
    mi l
    li
    onswal kawaywitht hegirli
    ntow.Funnythi
    ng
    i
    sAl oraseemedoffbalanceandsheknewshehad
    shookherbutshedi dn’tsayawor dasshedowned
    ther emainderoft hegl ass, i
    gnoringt hepainasher
    eyelidswentheavy.Shedi dn’twanthersont ogo
    forawomanwhowassi milartoheri nmor eways
    thanone.Hermar riagehadf ail
    eddi smal l
    yandshe
    hadl osthersecondbor natst il
    lbirt
    hbutshenever
    stoppedwor king.Shehadneverst oppedwant i
    ngto
    goupt hecor porateladder .Shedr ownedi nmor e
    wor kandt aughthersont odependmor eonhi mself
    andnotanyot herper son.Notevenher .Shecal l
    ed
    thewai tertoor derherf ourthglassofwi ne,her
    driverwi l
    lpickherupandshewi llobser veAlora
    from adi stance.MaybeAl orawoul dn’ttur
    noutt o
    bel i
    keher .MaybeAust i
    nmadet her ightchoice.

    Meanwhi
    leasthecoupl
    ewal
    kedt
    othepar
    kingl
    ot,
    Al
    oral
    ookedathim.
    “
    Wedi
    dhavedi
    nner
    ,nowwhat
    ?”
    “Haveyoueverbeent
    oacl
    ubbef
    ore?
    ”Heasked.
    Shepaused.
    “
    Yesandno.Usual
    lyf
    ort
    hir
    tymi
    nut
    esandl
    eft
    bef
    orei
    tgott
    ool
    oud.
    ”
    “
    Well
    ,l
    et’
    sseei
    fwecangr
    abaquickmealandhead
    t
    othecl
    ubyes?
    ”Herj
    awdropped.
    “That’
    simpul
    siveashellRober
    t.
    ”Shehal
    f
    screamedandhel aughed.
    “
    Iwantt
    obei
    mpul
    sivewi
    thyoubaby.
    ”
    “I
    ’
    m notwear
    ingcl
    othest
    hataresui
    tedf
    oradamn
    cl
    ub.
    ”Shesaidandhechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Wecansol
    vet
    hat
    .”
    “
    How?
    ”
    “Let
    ’sheadt oovertomypl aceforaqui
    ckmealand
    dri
    vet othenearestclub.”Shedidn’
    thavethe
    opportunit
    ytober at
    ehim ashehel dherhandand
    l
    edhert othecar .Rushingherandcompl i
    cat
    ingher
    wellthoughtschedule.Itdidn’
    tsoundsobad.The
    mor eshethoughtabouti tanyway.Maybeitwould
    beagoodi deaornot.

    *
    **
    AtSusan’
    shouse,
    Zar
    aknockedonReba’
    sdoor
    .
    “Comei
    n.”Shepushedthedooropenandf ound
    Rebawi
    thabooki nherhands.Afi
    cti
    onalbooks.
    Rebawavediti
    ntheair
    .
    “I
    t’
    sallRora’
    sfault
    .Shegotmet hislastyearf
    or
    Chri
    stmasandIf eelsoguilt
    yfornotr eadi
    ngit
    especi
    all
    ywiththeholidaysnear.”Zaranoddedwit
    h
    asmi l
    e.
    “CanIseetheti
    tl
    e?”Shewal
    kedcl
    oserasReba
    handedherthenovel
    .
    “APer
    fectLi
    febyDani
    ell
    eSt
    eel
    .”Zar
    areadoutl
    oud
    andRebanodded.
    “Itsoundf un,I
    ’m onl
    yonpaget went y.I
    t’
    s
    embar rassingbutI’
    mt ryi
    ngforher, Ihavethetime
    now…”shel etthesentencehangi nt heair
    .Shehad
    thet i
    mewasal mostdonewi thherexams, she
    didn’thavedrugsandHadeswasn’ there.Itwas
    tryi
    ngt oreadandi fshedidn’tr
    ead, shegotlostin
    theMar velUniversethoughshewi shedshecoul d
    wat chupcomi ngmovi eswithHades.Shemi ssed
    hi
    m.Theyweretwopeasi
    napod,shemused.Her
    ot
    herhal
    f,asbr
    okenandmessedupl
    ikeher
    .
    “
    CanIsi
    tdown?
    ”
    “Yeah.Sure.
    ”Rebatri
    edtokeepupherwarm smil
    e
    ashersist
    erinlawsatonthecorneroft
    hebed.
    Awkwar dsil
    encefi
    ll
    edthespaceandshelookedat
    Zarawhopl acedt
    hebookdown.
    “Uhm IhopeI
    ’
    m notbei
    ngt
    oomuchbutIhavea
    quest
    ion.”
    “
    Askaway.Iguess.
    ”
    “HowisHadesli
    ke?”Outofal
    lthequest
    ions,
    Reba
    hadn’
    tbeenexpect
    ingt
    hatone.HowwasHadesl i
    ke?
    “Hadesi
    slikeashotofwhi
    skey,
    bit
    terandper
    fect
    .”
    Shestar
    tedoff
    .
    “It
    ’seasytogetdrunkonhi m,he’
    llifpossible
    alcoholcoul
    ddrunkonhi m.Hewasper f
    ect i
    on,
    strongandputtogetherinthatst
    rongj awofhi sand
    thoseeyesofhisthatarehardenedbyl i
    fe.”She
    said.Nowherhear tached.Shemi ssedhi m.
    “
    Isee.
    ”Zar
    acoul
    dtel
    lthatRebawassayi
    ngi
    tfr
    om
    aplaceofloveandi tf
    asci
    natedher,
    howshewasa
    str
    uggli
    ngaddi ctandhewasast r
    uggli
    ngalcohol
    ic
    butyettheylovedeachother
    .Weirdbutki
    ndof
    beauti
    ful.
    “He’
    sinr ehabnow.He’ l
    lbeher ebyMi dMarchor
    thefi
    rstweekofMar chnextyear.”Theyearni
    ngin
    hervoicewascl earandZar adidn’
    tthinki
    twas
    appropri
    atetotellheraboutherrelat
    iontoHades.
    Sheshoul dtel
    lHadesher self
    .Whenhecomesback.
    “
    Youmi
    sshi
    m?”
    “Alot
    .Ihavetobepat
    ientt
    hough,i
    tget
    slonel
    ybutI
    havemysistert
    obehereforme.”
    “
    YouandAl
    oraar
    ecl
    ose?
    ”
    Rebachuckl
    ed.
    “
    Ver y.Shei
    sthesweetestper
    sonever
    .”Zar
    a’seyes
    widenedandRebalaughed.
    “Okaysheisnotsweetbutsheisadarli
    ng,shehas
    alwaysbeenli
    kethi
    s.Hadesusuall
    ytoldhertokeep
    hertal
    onstohersel
    forel
    seshemi ghtcl
    aw
    someone.Theygotalongpret
    tywellf
    orpeoplewho
    wentoffoneachot herf
    oroveradecadewi t
    hout
    real
    lykil
    li
    ngeachother.
    ”AndAl or
    acaredf orHades
    forhersake.BecauseRebalovedHades, Alorahad
    Austinstepintohel
    dHadeswi thhisaddicti
    on.Just
    forReba’ssake.Al
    orawasacombi nat
    ionofamean
    Angelandasweetdevi l
    .
    “
    IguessI
    ’
    llgetusedt
    oher
    .”Zar
    aconcl
    uded.
    “Yes.Youwi
    ll
    .Sheisn’tal
    lthatbadaspeopl
    etend
    tothi
    nk,t
    heyj
    ustdon’tunderstandher
    .”Zar
    a
    nodded.
    “
    Goodni
    ghtandt
    hankyou.
    ”
    “
    Nightandwel
    come.
    ”Zar
    agotuponherfeetand
    wal
    kedoutoft
    hebedr
    oom l
    eavi
    ngRebawithher
    t
    houghts.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    84

    AtAustin’
    shouse, Al orahadpi ckedoneofhi s
    l
    ongestshi r
    tsandi tstoppedj ustoverherknees.
    Shewant edtocur set hi
    sideat ot hewindforthe
    mill
    iont
    ht i
    mebutherboyf r
    iendwasnothavi ngit.
    Sheusedhi sbeltandbel t
    edar oundherwai st.She
    stoodinfrontofthemi rr
    orandshesmoot hedher
    handsobert heshirt.Itsmelledlikehim andshe
    l
    ookedf i
    ne.
    “
    Canwel
    eavenowdar
    li
    ng?
    ”
    “Weshouldbebackhomeear ly.
    ”Shecounter
    ed
    andher ai
    sedaneyebrow.Sheroll
    edhereyesat
    him asshepickedhercl
    utchandhithi
    schestwi
    th
    i
    t.
    “
    I’
    m pl
    anni
    ngonmaki
    ngt
    hisni
    ghtanenj
    oyabl
    eone
    f
    oryou.
    ”
    “We’llseeaboutthat .
    ”Het ookherhandandt hey
    walkedoutoft hebedr oom anddownt hestairs
    headingt otheShewant edtohavet heconfidence
    hehad, cl
    ubshadneverbeenhersceneandi t
    wasn’ tsurpr
    isi
    ngt hatherhusbandcoul dgot oa
    club.Hecoul dfaket hi
    ngsoutt ofiti
    nandshewas
    gratefulshehadt heversionofhi m,therealhim
    thatnoonehadt ooppor tunit
    ytosee.Heopened
    thecardoorf orherandshesatdown.Hewal kedto
    hissideandshel ookedatherf eetinherheels.
    “Aren’tyouscaredoft hemedi a?”Sheaskedhim
    andheshr ugged.Thatwast hem goingouttoa
    publicspaceandt hatwouldevidentl
    ymaketheir
    rel
    ationshippublic,nott
    hatitwasasecr et
    .The
    peoplewhomat teredknew.Thi swasnewt er
    ri
    tory
    butshebr eathedout .Hi
    shandset tl
    edonherknee
    andshecasthi m ascathinglook.
    “Calm yourner
    vesdar
    li
    ngandhavefun.
    ”Thei
    rlevel
    offunwasspar i
    ngandint
    ell
    ect
    ual
    lyatt
    hat
    .This
    kindoffunwasweird.
    “
    Sowe’
    reser
    iousl
    ygoi
    ngt
    oacl
    ub?
    ”
    “I
    nGabor one?Yesbaby.Justfocusonme.Youdo
    havetofearanythi
    ngwhenyou’ r
    ewithme.
    ”He
    squeezedherkneeandshepl acedahandoverhi
    s
    ashesmi led.Hest
    art
    edthecar .

    *
    **

    Alor
    acoul
    dhearthenoiseblar
    ingashepar
    kedhi
    s
    cari
    nthepar
    kinglot
    .Shelookedathi
    m onemore
    ti
    me.
    “We’r
    eher enowdar l
    ing.”Shebreat
    hedoutashe
    gotoutofthecar.Sheopenedherowncardoorand
    l
    eftherclutchi
    nt hepassengerseat.Wasi t
    necessaryforherevent akeit
    ?Notreall
    ynecessary.
    Thismanwasgoi ngtoi nsi
    stonpayingforthe
    dri
    nksandshewoul dn’thaveasayoverit.Hesli
    d
    hishandonherwai stashecl osedherdoorand
    l
    ockedt hecar.
    Hepushedherf
    orwar
    dandshegl
    aredathi
    m ashe
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Let
    ’sgetgoi
    ngbaby.
    ”
    “
    Ihat
    eyousomuchRober
    t.
    ”
    “Youaresexy.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesbutherhear
    soaredatt
    hatcompl
    iment
    .
    “
    Flat
    ter
    ywi
    llgetyounowher
    eRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    You’
    renof
    un.
    ”
    “Itwon’ tbefunwi t
    hyourearcutof f
    .”Hegr inned.
    Hi sgirlwassomet hingelseal t
    ogetherandhel o-
    he
    shookhi shead.Hepassedt heentranceast he
    bouncernoddedseei nghi m.Hespot t
    edGr eybyt he
    topashel ookeddown.Thi swashi scl ubandwel l
    ver yfewpeopleknewt hatmi nordetailandwhat
    thisclubent ai
    ls.Current
    lytheywer eher efort he
    par tyi
    ngandhavi ngf unpartofit.Her aisedtwo
    fi
    nger supasGr eyacknowl edgedhim aswel l.Alora
    wasn’ tfocusedonwhathedi dashereyesscanned
    thear ea.
    “
    Howdoesi
    tfeel
    ?”
    “
    Ful
    l.
    ”Shesai
    dandshesawaf
    reechai
    rbyt
    hebar
    .
    “
    I’
    m goi
    ngt
    osi
    tdown.
    ”
    “
    Tel
    lthebar
    tendert
    oputi
    tonmyt
    ab.
    ”
    Sher emovedhi shandsf r
    om herwaistandhe
    watchedherwal kaway.Shet urnedtof acehim and
    gavehimt hemi ddl
    efinger.Al
    wayssuchan
    aggressiveli
    tt
    lethi
    ng.Heshookhi sheadwi t
    ha
    smileashemadehi swayt othest ai
    rs.Justfora
    fewmi nutesthenhecangodownt ocat chupwith
    hiswomanwhowasst i
    llabal
    lfullofangryenergy.

    Alorasatdownandshecr ossedherlegs,hershir
    t
    rodeupexposingherthi
    ghsandherl egsont hose
    highheelsofher
    s.Hershrewdeyesscannedt he
    areaandshewat chedaspeopleweref r
    eeast hey
    danced.Herlogi
    caskedherhowpeopl edidit?Be
    sofreeandthethrowcautiontothewind.Her
    observat
    ionwasinter
    rupt
    edbyt hebartender.
    “HowcanIbeofser vi
    cetodaypr et
    tyl
    ady.”His
    voi
    cesai dandi ti
    rr
    itat
    edher .Shefoundthatas
    muchast hemal especiesannoyedhertoherver y
    core,herboyfri
    end’svoicewast heonlyvoiceshe
    couldtolerat
    e,i
    thadt herighthuski
    ness,gruff
    ness
    andhowdeepitwas.Hecouldmakeitmor
    edeeper
    andshewoul
    dgetshiver
    sfrom t
    hat
    .Thesi
    mple
    cal
    mnessinhi
    seyesalwaysmadehersmil
    e
    i
    nter
    nal
    ly.
    “I
    ’llhaveamoj i
    to.
    ”Shedi dn’ttur
    nherseatandshe
    wat ched.Asi fi
    twasanexper iment.Atthetop,
    Aust i
    nhel dhistumblerthathadwhi skeyasGr ey
    spoke, hiseyeswer eonAl oraashewat chedher
    mur derousgazescr uti
    nisethepeopl edanci
    ng.She
    wasn’ tevenlist
    eningtot hesongs.Hewat chedher
    pickherdr inkandobser veitforafewseconds
    bef oresheusedt hestrawt osipit.
    “
    Austi
    n,areyouli
    steni
    ng?”Hewas.Hewasgoodat
    mul
    ti
    taski
    ng.Hehasal waysbeengoodatdoi
    ng
    mor
    et hanonethi
    ngatt hesameti
    me.
    Greyf ol
    lowedhi sgaze.Ah.Newlove.Hecoul d
    remembert hatver
    ywel l
    ,hehadhiswifetryi
    ngto
    juggl
    ebei ngamot hertothreeandherrecentl
    y
    start
    edmedschoolcour ses.Shewaspr obably
    readingthisexactmoment ,aft
    erput
    ti
    ngt hei
    r
    youngestt obed.
    Aust
    in’
    sgazesnappedt
    ohi
    m.
    “IfIdi
    dn’tneedyourcompany’ sser
    vices.
    .”Grey
    saidandAust inchuckled.Gr
    eyhadtoadmi tthat
    theboywasageni us.Andhehaddeci dedtokill
    twobi r
    dswi t
    honest one,bri
    ngawomanher ewhile
    discussingbusiness.
    “Mondaymorning.Eight
    ?”Aust
    inf
    inishedthe
    whiskeyandhelookedatGrey,
    waiti
    ngf or
    confi
    rmati
    on.
    “
    Monday.Ei
    ghta.
    m.”
    “
    Seeyouthen.
    ”Hewalkedawayandpassedoneof
    t
    hewait
    ersasheputhisgl
    assonthet
    ray.

    Downbel ow, Al
    orafel
    teyesonher .Sheknewt hat
    burningfeeli
    ng.Herheartthumpedasshet urned
    herheadt ofaceAustin.Hedidn’
    taverthergaze
    andhewat chedherfr
    om theothersideoftheclub,
    sherolledhereyesandgavehi m herbackasshe
    orderedherseconddr i
    nk.Sult
    rymusi cst
    arted
    playi
    ngandshewat chedaspeoplecoupledeach
    otheranddanced.Shet urnedherheadandhewas
    sti
    lll
    ookingather.Makingnoattemptt ocomeher
    way.Herdr i
    nkcameandshedr anki ttofi
    zzledher
    nerves.Shewasi naclubandherboyf ri
    endwas
    j
    ustwat chi
    ngherl i
    keahawk.Whent heglasswas
    empt yshestoodupt oherf
    ullheightandsmoot hed
    downt heshirt
    .Shewasr i
    gidasf uck!Whatt hehell
    wasshedoi ng?Shesatdownont hechair.Minutes
    l
    ater,Austi
    nsatont hechai
    rnextt oher sandpulled
    herscloser.
    “
    Iwouldhavelovedt
    oseeyoudance.”He
    whi
    speredandsheplacedherhandsonhi
    schest
    .
    “
    Idon’
    tknowhow.
    ”
    Hemovedhi
    sheadcl
    oserandni
    ppedherear
    .
    “IwanttogrindonyouAlor
    a.”Herbr
    eat
    hhit
    ched
    andherf acefl
    ushedandherbl
    oodrannoti
    nher
    veins.Herwholebodywasburni
    ng.
    “G-gr
    ind?”Sheasked.Hel
    ickedherearandnodded,
    hisli
    ghtstubbl
    egrazi
    nghercheek.Hewasso
    assuredinhismovesandtheygottheri
    ght
    responsefrom her
    .
    “
    Iwantt
    ogi
    veyoual
    apdanceaswel
    l
    .”Hemoved
    backandhewatchedhergohotanduseherhands
    tofanherf
    ace.Hesmir
    ked.Shewashotand
    bother
    ed.
    “A-fuck!”Shefannedmor eandhelaughed,movi ng
    closertoki ssherli
    ps.Thrusti
    nghistongueinher
    mout handheropeni nghermout hforhi
    m.She
    couldt astehim.Whi skeyandman.Everythingthat
    madeAust i
    nMat hewst hemanhewas, herchest
    movedupanddownasshewr appedherhands
    aroundhi sneckwhi l
    ehishandswer epl
    acedf i
    rmly
    onhert hi
    ghs,li
    ghtlysqueezi
    ng.Shedidn’tstophim
    ashi shandshi tchedup.
    “What’
    syouranswer?”Heaskedandsheletouta
    headybreath.Shel
    ookedint
    ohiscal
    m eyes,t
    he
    cal
    mt hatcalmedthevol
    canothatwasher.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    85

    Al
    orashookherhead.No.Wel
    lnoti
    nthecl
    ub.
    “Let
    ’sdancerat
    her
    .”Shesuggest
    edandt
    hatear
    ned
    herasmi l
    e.
    “
    Canyoudance?
    ”Thatwasanot
    herquest
    ion,
    one
    t
    hatpr
    ovedoneofhermanyf
    ail
    ings.
    “I’
    m sureit’
    snotthathar d.
    ”Thatraisedaneyebrow
    assheor deredanot herdri
    nk.Hewat chedherand
    howf astthebartenderwaswi thherdrinks.Shehad
    herdrinkwithinfi
    vemi nutesandshewaschuggi ng
    i
    tdownhert hroat.Shewasgoi ngtogetmadt i
    psy.
    Hecoul dalreadyseehersqui nt
    inghereyesand
    thenblinki
    ngacoupl eofti
    mesbef oreshespoke.
    “
    Let’
    sdance.
    ”Shegotuponherfeetandshe
    i
    gnoredt
    hatfl
    utt
    eryf
    eel
    ingshehadinthepi
    tofher
    stomach.Theal cohol.Itwast healcoholal ri
    ghtas
    Austinhel
    dherwai standt heywal kedt othedance
    fl
    oor.Anothersongst artedpl ayingashet urnedher
    tolookather,herlegsswayedashi smoved.He
    smiledandmovedcl osert i
    llherchestcr ushedi nto
    hisandhishandset tl
    edonherass.Hi seyesf ul
    lof
    alustsheandseenaf li
    ckerofbef orehedi sguised
    i
    t.Thisti
    mehedi dn’thideitashel oweredhi sdown
    tohersandhiswhi skyt int
    edbr eat
    hhi thernost ri
    ls
    andshesuckedi nabr eath,hereyesf ixatedonhi m.
    “Idon’
    tknowwhatyoudot omeAl or
    a.”She
    chuckl
    edandgotal it
    tl
    eaheadofherselfasshe
    peckedhisl
    ips.Hesmi l
    edandkissedherback.Her
    handsmovedt ohischestandshegrippedt he
    whitemater
    ialoftheshir
    thewaswear ing.He
    l
    ookedatherf i
    ngerscrumpli
    nghisshirt
    .
    “Wellyou’
    vebewitchedmeAust in.Body, mindand
    soul.
    ”Shecouldhearher sel
    fbutfrom adi st
    ance.
    Thealcoholwasst ar
    tingtomesswi thherbut
    maybeshedi dneedt hecouragetosaywhatshe
    neededtosay.Shepausedandgi ggled.Austineyes
    widenedinsurpr
    ise.Al or
    anevergiggled.Ever.He
    savouredthesoundofhergiggl
    esasshet hr
    ewher
    headback, helovedt
    herar
    it
    iesofl
    if
    eandher
    giggli
    ngwasasoundhewasgoi ngtokeepinhi
    s
    memor yf
    orever.Heknewshemightnevergi
    ggl
    e
    again.
    “I-
    Ithi
    nkI’
    mr eady.
    ”Shesai
    dandhepausedagai
    n.
    Shestrai
    ghtenedherpal
    m agai
    nsthi
    sshi
    rtt
    o
    removethecreases.
    “Yes.I
    ’
    mready.
    ”Shegi
    ggl
    edagai
    nandpl
    acedher
    headonhi
    schest.
    “
    Areyouahundr
    edper
    centsur
    e?”
    “Yes.Ial
    waysthi
    nkthi
    ngst
    hrough.”Agi
    ggl
    e
    escapedherl
    ipsagai
    nandhesmi l
    edashelooked
    ather.
    “Ioncehadafantasy.Doyouhavef
    ant
    asi
    es
    Austin?
    ”Sheasked.
    “Nosweet
    hear
    t.Idealwi
    thpr
    act
    ical
    it
    ies.
    ”She
    shr
    ugged.
    “I
    fyoudar
    eusethisagai
    nstme,
    I’
    llcutyourcock
    off
    .”Hel
    aughedandshemovedherheadt olookat
    hi
    m,col
    ourseepi
    ngontohercheeksandr
    isi
    ng
    l
    owerdownherneck.
    “
    Itdepends.
    ”
    “
    You’
    rehor
    ri
    ble.
    ”Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “At18,Iusedtofantasi
    seyouf uckingme.It’
    sso
    oddandyouwer emyr i
    val.Iwasn’tsupposedto
    seeyoulikethat
    .”Thegrinthatcoveredhisface
    annoyedher.
    “
    Real
    lynow?
    ”Shenoddedandhegr
    innedmor
    e.
    “Icanmaket hosefant
    asiescomet olif
    e.”Hepul l
    ed
    herfacetohisandtheirdif
    ferentshadesofbr own
    swirl
    edwithacommonheatandhesawhert r
    ying
    toretr
    eattohermindbuthedi dn’tl
    ether.I
    nstead
    hekissedher,hewasgoi ngtot akeitsl
    owt hough.
    Andwhoknows, shemi ghtnotr ememberwhat ever
    shesaidwhiledrunk.
    “Youwanttofuckmenow?”Hereyeswidened
    befor
    eshelaughedandpl
    acedherheadonhis
    chest
    .Helaughed.
    “
    You’
    resocut
    eri
    ghtnow.
    ”Shepur
    sedherl
    ips.
    “I
    ’
    veneverbeencall
    edcute.Cut
    eisf
    luf
    fyandI
    ’
    m
    notf
    luf
    fy.
    ”Hekissedhernose.
    “
    Let
    ’sdance.
    ”
    “Wear edanci ng,”Theywer ebar elydancingast hey
    talkedandshel aughed.Mor ef r
    eelyandt hose
    gigglesofher sundidhi sheartashet ri
    edt odeny
    whathadbeent hetruthfrom thever ybegi nning.
    TheDjchangedsongsandpl ayedUsher ’sLoveI n
    Thi sClub.Het urnedherashehel dherf rom behi nd.
    Shesmi ledandhel dhishandsashemovedwi th
    her .Hekeptwhi speri
    ngFr enchi nherear , thesong
    wasn’ tevenmaki ngitbetter.Hehear dhergaspas
    shef elthishar d-ononherass.Shedi dn’tmove
    awayt houghassher epli
    edhi m,ignoringt he
    shiverst hatrandownherspi neandhowherhear d
    want edt obur stwiththeloveshehadf ort hisman.
    Shef acedhi m andkissedhi m, t
    ouchi nghi sjawand
    rubbingi tashepul l
    edheri nclosertohi m.She
    broket hekiss, boththeirli
    pspar tedandbr eathing
    i
    nt oeachot her.
    “It
    hinkweshouldgo.”Shewhi
    sper
    ed.Aust
    in
    swallowedandnodded.Shedi
    dn’
    tknowhowsul
    tr
    y
    shesoundedr
    ightnow.
    Shetookhishandandledhi
    m outoftheclub,he
    fol
    lowedherknowingt
    hatshewassti
    lldrunk.He
    knewAlorabuthewasgoingtokeepthese
    memor i
    estuckedsomewheresaf
    e.Shestopped
    andlookedaround.
    “Wheredidwepar
    kthecar
    ?”Sheasked.Shel
    ight
    ly
    hitherhead.
    “Ifeeldumbr ightnow.”Shestart
    edinamonol ogue.
    Hel edhert owherethecarwasandopenedt he
    doorf orher.Hehelpedherinsideandwalkedover
    tohisside.Shel eanedbackwithasmileand
    touchedhi sjawli
    ne.
    “Il
    oveyouAust i
    n.”Sheblurt
    edoutandhesti
    ll
    ed.
    Shetil
    tedherhead.Itwasabi tbl
    urr
    ybuther
    senseswerefine.Shethought.
    “Iknowyoudon’ tbelieveinloveandf ateAusti
    nbut
    IloveyouandIbel ievei t
    ’sf
    atethatwear esti
    ll
    together
    .”Sheletgoofhi scheek.Sheleanedback
    andsmi l
    ed.Ofcour sei twasfate,shehaddr i
    ven
    downdi f
    ferentroads.Wentt oanot herschool
    ,he
    graduatedayearbef oreherandst i
    llher
    etheywer e.
    Allthoser oadsledherbackt ohim, evenmi l
    es
    aparttheyf oundtheirwaybackt oeachot her.Aft
    er
    yearsofnocommuni cat i
    on.I
    fthatwasn’tthe
    universe’sfateonthem shedi dn’
    tknowwhatwas.
    Shewat chedhim startthecarandhet ookherhand
    tokissit.Beforeheletitgo.Shef i
    xedherseat bel
    t
    andt ookhi shandagai n.Hegaveherasmi leand
    offtheywent .

    *
    **

    Bythet i
    meAust i
    nreachedhi shouse,Al orawas
    snoringsoft
    ly.Herconfessionhi thi
    mr ighttherein
    thegut.Shelovedhi m.Hebr eathedoutast he
    enginestoppedandhegotoutoft hecar .Hewal ked
    overtohersidet opickherandhercl utch.She
    snuggledintohim andheki ssedherhead.Hewas
    sureshewon’ trememberhal fofwhathappened
    toni
    ght.Apar tofhim wishedshewoul dt hough.In
    thedark,hewal kedupthest air
    st ohi
    sr oom andhe
    pl
    acedheronthebedbef oreswit
    chingonthelamp.
    Shewasbeautif
    ul.Allbrainsandwoman, hi
    s
    woman.Hekissedherheadandpeckedherl ips
    bef
    orehegotbusyr emovi nghermakeupand
    get
    ti
    ngridofherheelsandt hebeltaroundher
    wai
    st.Shewasn’twear i
    ngabr asothatwouldbeit
    .

    Byt het imehewasdone, shewasi nhisar msand


    snor i
    ngsof tl
    y.Ahugecont rasttothewomanwho
    peopl eseeonadai ly.Hepushedherhai rbackas
    hel ookedatherf eat ur es, woul dthei
    rki
    dshaveher
    eyesorhershar pmi nd?Orevenhi s?Heshr uggedit
    off.Shedi dn’
    twantki dsandher espectedt hat.Any
    decisionshet ook, hewasf ullyokaywithit.Eveni f
    theydi dn’thaveki ds, aslongashehadherandwas
    holdingherhandatt heendoft heday.Hi schest
    const r
    ictedwi tht heemot ionhehadbeenavoi di
    ng
    l
    iket hepl aguef orsol ong.Hel i
    ckedhislipsbef ore
    heswi tchedof fthebedsi del ampandwas
    i
    mmer sedi nt
    ot otaldar kness.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    86

    Inthemor ning,Alorawokeupwi ththemot herofal


    l
    headaches.Thosef uckingmoj i
    tos.Shecur sedand
    cursedl ikeasailorinhermi ndbef oreshe
    registeredthatshewasnextt ohardmuscl e.She
    turnedandhereyeswi denedasshet ookinher
    boyf r
    iend’shalfnakedf r
    ame.Okay, sheal ways
    deducedt hathewasmuscul areveryt i
    meshehel d
    hischestbutt oseei t
    .Shet ouchedt hesideofher
    mout h,hopi ngshedi dn’tdroolonhi m.Nodr ool.
    Sher ubbedherf ace.Itwascl earofmakeup.She
    star
    edathimforawholeminutebef
    oresheplaced
    herheadbackonhischestandcl
    osedhereyes,
    pret
    endi
    ngtosleep.
    “Iknowyou’r
    eawake.”Hisvoicerumbl edandj ust
    l
    ikethat
    ,shehadtofacehim afterthecringethings
    shedidandsaidwhil
    eundert heinfluence.There
    wasaneer i
    esil
    encebeforeshebr okeit.
    “
    Goodmor
    ningRober
    t.
    ”
    “Wi
    llyoueverlett
    hatnamego?
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyes
    andhechuckled.
    “
    Never
    !Iwi
    lluset
    hatnamet
    il
    lthedayIdi
    e.”
    “Andyouarenotdyi
    ngsoon.”Hesmoothedout
    .He
    didn’
    twantt
    othinkofherdyi
    ngeven.
    “
    Yest
    erday…”
    “
    ImeantwhatIsai
    d.I
    ’
    mreadyandIl
    oveyou.
    ”She
    t
    urnedt
    ofacehim.
    Hedi
    dn’
    tsayi
    tbackbutsheki
    ssedhi
    schest
    .
    “
    Youwor
    kout
    ?”Shewaschangi
    ngt
    hesubj
    ect
    .
    “
    Akeyt
    oaheal
    thymi
    ndi
    saheal
    thybody.Idogo
    togym atleastt
    hreeti
    mesaweek.”Andmonths
    agohehadhadaf ri
    end.Hades.Whowentt
    othe
    gym withhim.Hehadr ecei
    vedanupdat
    eonHades’
    i
    mpr ovementyester
    day.Hewasdoingfi
    ne.
    “
    Icoul
    dnever
    .”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “It
    ’sal
    lgrossandyuckyandever yoneshares
    everyt
    hing.”OkaythatwasAlor
    at heobsessi
    ve.He
    satupst r
    aightandpickedheupsot hatshewason
    topofhim.
    “Whatwe’
    reyout
    hinki
    ngwedof
    ort
    her
    estoft
    he
    day?”
    “You’
    renott
    akingmehome? ”Heshookhishead.
    Shefigur
    edthatwasfineaswell
    .Sheli
    kedher
    spaceandallbutshealsol
    ikedhi
    m beinginher
    space.
    “I
    ’
    llt
    hinkofsomething.”Hepull
    edherheadlowerto
    ki
    ssher ,hi
    shandsmovi ngupanddownherwai st
    .
    Nowt hatshegavehimt hegoahead,shethought
    hewoul djumpattheopportuni
    tyt
    ofi
    nallyhavesex
    wit
    hherbuthewasn’ t.Shebroket
    hekiss.Wasshe
    t
    hatunappeal
    ing?Aust
    int
    ouchedherf
    ace,
    shewas
    i
    nherheadagain.
    “
    Shareyourthought
    s.”Shebl
    inkedacoupl
    eof
    t
    imesbefor
    eshegotof fhi
    m.
    “I’
    m goingtotakeashower .
    ”Shegotof fthebed
    andhewat chedherleave.Notsof ast.Hethought
    .
    Hewai t
    edforami nutetil
    lheheardtheshower
    running.Thatwashi schance.Hegotoutofhi s
    pyjamapant sandboxer sbeforehewal kedoverto
    thebat hr
    oom.Heopenedt hedoorandhecoul dsee
    herf i
    gureinsi
    dethest eamyshowergl ass.Shewas
    facingtheotherwayandhet ooknot etobuya
    showercap.
    Alorabroughttheloofahtoherarmsashermi nd
    l
    ikeal ways,wanderedoff.Theopeni
    ngofthe
    showerdoorhadhert urni
    ngandscreamingbefore
    sher eal
    isedshewasnakedandherhandsshotup
    tocoverherupast heloofahfel
    lont
    heti
    le.Her
    heartwentt humpthumpi nherchestasherthroat
    clogged.
    I
    mmedi
    atel
    yhi
    shandsgent
    lyhel
    dhershoul
    der
    s.
    “
    Sorryf
    orscar
    ingyou.
    ”Hecl
    osedof
    fthewat
    erand
    l
    ookedatherf
    ace.
    “Ther
    eissomet
    hingcal
    ledpr
    ivacy.
    ”Her
    aisedan
    eyebr
    ow.
    “
    Isi
    t?”Shegl
    aredathi
    m.
    Shewassti
    llt
    ryi
    ngt
    ocoverher
    sel
    fwi
    thherhands
    andhehel
    dherhands.
    “Wearen’
    tdoi
    nganyt
    hing.
    ”Hecoerced.Al
    oradidn’
    t
    dar
    elookdown.Shekepthereyesf
    ull
    yonhisface.
    “Apartofinti
    macyinvol
    vesget
    tingusedtoeach
    other
    ’sbodiesal
    thoughIdon’
    tthinkI
    ’l
    leverget
    usedto-“
    “
    Don’tsayi
    t!
    ”Hisl
    aughf
    il
    ledt
    heshowerandshe
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “You’
    rebeauti
    fulAlor
    a.Yourmindandbody.You’
    re
    beaut
    iful
    .”Hekissedherfor
    ehead.
    “Let
    ’sshower
    .”Heletgoofherhandsslowlyand
    Alor
    afacedforwar
    d.Shedidn’
    tfacehim.Itwas
    awkwardenoughthathesawhercompl etel
    ynaked
    andhewasgoi ngt
    owat chherscrubhersel
    f.Aust
    in
    pi
    ckedupt heloofahandhet urnedont hewater.He
    pul
    ledhernakedf rametohisbody, bei
    ngcareful
    nottoletherf
    eelhiseject
    ion.Fuck!Shehadsuch
    aneffectonhim andhewasst ar
    ti
    ngt obel
    ievethat
    hetoowasbewi tchedbodyandsoul .
    “GetoutofyourheadLora,wearejustt
    aki
    nga
    showertogether
    .”Heki
    ssedherneckandplaced
    hischi
    nont hecrookofherneck.
    “Iknowyousayyou’rereadybutyou’r
    enotfull
    y
    therebaby.Let
    ’sgi
    veitti
    me.RightnowIwantyou
    toturnandfaceme.”Heswi t
    chedoffthewater
    again.
    “
    No!
    ”
    “Alor
    a, i
    twasn’ tarequestbaby.Tur nar ound.”She
    fol
    dedherar msoverherbr east
    sandt urned.She
    wasn’tpr eparedforthel ustt
    hatwasi nhi sgaze
    andhi ssmi l
    eather .Hewasgoi ngtosaygoodgi rl
    andherhear tleapedinherchestasshewai tedfor
    him,insteadhesmi rkedandheldherhandst o
    removet hem.Shewat chedhispenet r
    ativeand
    att
    entivegazesweepoverherf eaturesandi t
    sett
    ledonthevbetweenherthi
    ghsShehadtofi
    ght
    theurget
    osqueezehert hi
    ghst
    ogether
    .Shekept
    hereyessolel
    yonhisfaceasherakedherbody
    oncemorebef or
    eheheldhergaze.
    “Fuck!You’ resobeaut if
    ul.
    ”Herski nheat edand
    shewassur ehesawi twhenhesmi rked.Sher olled
    hereyesj ustashecuppedherbr eastandshef roze,
    l
    ikingt hewar mthofhi shandandhowi tfitperfect
    i
    nhi s.Hemur mur edsomet hingshedi dn’ tquite
    catch.Sl owlyhi sthumbci rcl
    edandr ubbedt he
    pucker edni pplethatwasj ustbeggi ngt obesucked
    andherl ipspartedsof tl
    yasshewat chedhi m.She
    bitdownherl owerlipashepl ayedwi thbot hofher
    boobs.Thewat erwasof fandsheknewt heliquid
    thatwaspool i
    ngbet weenherl egswast her i
    pple
    effectf r
    om t hesmal lboutsofpl easur ehewas
    givingher .Shewat chedhi ml owerhi sheadt oki ss
    herboobsandshel etoutt hemoansshehadbeen
    holdi ngin.Hel i
    ftedhi sheadf orasecondt osmi le
    atherbef orehisat t
    ent i
    onwentt oherbr easts.Her
    breat hcaughti nhert hroatashi steet hgr azedt he
    tautt it
    sandget t
    ingmor ehardathear inghermoan
    forhim.Fuck!Hesuckedt het opofherbr easts
    l
    eavinghi ckeyst here,knowi ngshemi ghtchophis
    headof flaterbutnotcar i
    ngaboutt hatnow.He
    stoppedandl ookedather .Closedeyesandt hose
    pinkpartedl ipst hatreleasednoi sesthattur
    nedhim
    on.Hesl i
    dhi st onguei nhermout h,t
    akingcontr
    ol
    ofhersenseandnotgi vi
    nghert imet osli
    pbackin
    hermi nd.Herhandsset t
    ledonhi schestandhe
    smi l
    edintot heki ss.Hehadal readydeducedt hat
    hewasgoi ngt oenj oytheirsexl ifeevenifheknew
    shehaddoubt saboutt hat.Hebr okethekissand
    placedhist humbonherl owerl ip.Alora’
    seyes
    l
    ookedatt het humbt henhi m bef oreshepar t
    edher
    l
    ipst osuckl eoni tashehel dhercheek.
    “Suchagoodgi r
    laren’tyou?
    ”Hewatchedherblush
    andwast emptedtoseehowmuchofasl utshe
    wasforpraisebytouchingherp*
    ssy.Sometime.He
    gentl
    yremovedhist humbandkissedherli
    ps.
    “Youli
    kedthat?”Shenodded.Sl
    owl
    y.Asi
    fhehad
    askedatri
    ckquestionandshewasn’
    tsur
    eofher
    answer.Hekissedherfor
    ehead.
    “
    Okaybaby.
    ”Hepi
    ckedt
    hel
    oof
    ahandsqueezedhi
    s
    bodywashoni tbef
    orehetur
    nedonthewat
    er.He
    tookherhandandscrubbedi
    tbef
    oreshegl
    aredat
    him.
    “I’
    m notani nvali
    dRober t.
    ”Hechuckled.Therewas
    theformidablewomanwhocanbar el
    ysubmi tt
    o
    him outsideinti
    macy.Hel ikedthat
    .Awhol el
    ot.She
    gottheloof ahandtur nedherbackonhim asshe
    start
    edt oscrubher selfcl
    ean.Heshookhishead
    withasmi l
    e,knowingdamnwel lshebarel
    ylooked
    atthecocksheal wayst hr
    eatened.

    *
    **

    Hour slat
    er,Al
    orawasbackatSusan’ shouseand
    shepackedt hesmallbag, i
    twasembar rassi
    ngthat
    everyonewasgoi ngtothinkshedoesnast ythi
    ngs
    withthatmanwhenshecanbar el
    yt ol
    eratehisego.
    Okayshewasover -
    exagger ati
    ngshel ikedwhat
    happenedi ntheshower .Shef el
    tli
    keshewassl ow
    butshel i
    kedhavinghismout honhert eeth.Her
    nipplesti
    ghtenedasar eflexandshet ouchedt he
    nippl
    esthatwerevi
    sibl
    eonhertop.Shewasn’t
    evenwear i
    ngabra.Sheshookherhead.Her
    bedroom doorswungopenandRebaf ol
    dedher
    arms.
    “
    Wel
    lnowyou’
    repacki
    nganover
    nightbag.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’snotwhatyou’
    ret
    hinki
    ng.
    ”
    “Youhavesuchadi rtymindAlora.I
    ’
    m notthi
    nki
    ng
    ofthatbutyetyouare.”Al
    oragloweredathersi
    ster
    beforeRebachuckled.
    “
    Howdi
    dthedat
    ewi
    thhi
    smot
    hergo?
    ”
    “
    Shehat
    esme.Li
    keever
    yoneel
    se.
    ”
    “Thatbad?
    ”Al
    orashruggedi
    tof
    f.Shepi
    ckedt
    he
    bagandherphone.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”Rebawentont
    ohugher
    .
    “
    You’
    regr
    owi
    ngupi
    nmyeyes,
    lookatyou.
    ”
    “
    Rebadon’
    tst
    art
    .”
    “If
    eelli
    keaproudsi
    ster
    .”Rebadramatical
    ly
    dabbedhereyesasi
    fshewascr yingandAlora
    shruggedherof
    f.
    “
    Evenasgrouchyasyouare,youar
    eopeningupt
    o
    i
    nti
    macy.
    ”AloratouchedReba’
    sshoul
    der
    .
    “
    I’
    llcal
    ltoni
    ght
    .”
    “Youhaveti
    met
    ocal
    lint
    hemi
    ddl
    eofsex?
    ”Al
    ora
    groaned.
    “
    Rebaf
    uckyout
    lhemma!
    ”
    “ButI’
    m sureAustincanfuckyousi s.Toodl
    es!
    ”And
    Rebawal kedoutleavi
    ngAl orahuffingasshe
    fol
    lowedsui t
    .Lucki
    lyhersteppar entsweren’
    thome.
    Shewi l
    lexplai
    nherselfbetterwhenshecomes
    backonMonday.Shewal kedoutt hedoorand
    headedtot hecarwherehewaswai ti
    ngforher
    .She
    tookhimi nandsighed.
    “I
    tmeansnot
    hingRober
    t.
    ”Shest
    art
    edandhehel
    d
    herchi
    ntoki
    ssher
    .
    “Wil
    lbefuckingtheli
    esoutofyoursystem pret
    ty
    soonbeautif
    ul.Icanpromi
    seyout hat
    .”She
    squeezedherthighsassheclosedhermout hinthe
    middleofthekiss.
    “
    Openyourmout
    hforme.
    ”Thatsi
    ngl
    ecommand
    hadherli
    pspart
    ingf
    orhi
    m agai
    nandhet ookas
    shetookfr
    om hi
    m.Hisl
    argehandset
    tl
    edonher
    thi
    ghandsheopenedhermouthmoreforhim.
    “Youli
    stensowel l
    .”Hemurmur edagai
    nstherli
    ps,
    feel
    ingthel
    ightquiveronherl
    ipsandtheshiverhe
    couldhavemissedi fhehadnothadahandonher
    thi
    ghs.Hemovedhi sheadbackandleanedagainst
    thecarseat
    .Her ubbedherthi
    ghassheopenedher
    eyes.
    “Wheredidyousaywear
    eheadi
    ngt
    onext
    ?”She
    bli
    nked.
    “
    Uhm mymot
    her
    ’shouse.
    ”Hervoi
    cewasl
    ow.
    “Okaydar
    li
    ng.Buckl
    eupsweetheart
    .”Shedidso
    andhestart
    edthecarasshefacedthewindow.He
    rubbedsl
    owcircl
    esonherthi
    ghashedr ovewit
    h
    onehand.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    45] :REBORN

    87

    Alor
    aandAusti
    nmadet heirwaypastthedebri
    s.
    Thehousewasbeingrenovatedandshecouldn'
    t
    waitt
    omovein.Twotot hr
    eemont hsf
    rom now
    whenitwascomplet
    e.
    "Icheckont hem regularl
    yt omakesur etheyare
    doingagoodj ob.Idon'treall
    yrememberbei ng
    here."Shelookedar ound.Itwassodi rt
    yanddust y
    butsheknewf ixi
    ngitwasagoosi nvestmentandit
    wasgoi ngtogi veherprivacy.Shecouldn'timagi
    ne
    being24andl ivingwithherst epparents.Sheli
    ked
    herindependence.
    Theymovedt othebedr
    ooms.Thef actt
    hatshewas
    usi
    ngallofthemoneyinhertrustf
    undandshewill
    belef
    twithcloset
    onothinghurtabit
    .Shecoul
    d
    onl
    yhopehermeet i
    nginJanuarywi
    ththeinvest
    ors
    goeswellorelseshe'
    llbef
    orcedtof
    indajoband
    shedoesn'twantadamnj ob.Shewasherown
    woman.
    "Ialr
    eadyaskedt hem totakeoutt heoldfurni
    ture.
    Therewasnot hinggoodl efttosalvage,Ionly
    discoveredthehousewhenIwas14andmymot her
    hadl ongdied.
    "Aust i
    nobser vedthewayhereyes
    glazedwhenshement i
    onhermot herbutAlora
    bli
    nkedandt hoset ear
    sf or
    mi nginhereyeswer e
    gonewhenshel ookedathi m.
    "
    Isee.Doyouneedanyhelpmovingin?"She
    l
    aughed.Sheactual
    lydi
    dandhereyescri
    nkl
    edat
    t
    hecornersassheplacedahandonhischest.
    "Youar egoi
    ngtobeMrMuscl e,whenitcomest o
    carr
    yingheavystuffIcan'
    tnecessaril
    ysayfuckthe
    patr
    iarchy!
    "Sheleanedagainsthim andhesmiled.
    Shewassl owlybutsurel
    ylett
    ingherguarddown.
    "Myfamil
    yhi
    storyi
    sfuckedup.Ihopei
    tdoesn'
    t
    embarr
    assyou."Hewrappedhi
    sarmsaroundher.
    "
    It
    'snotyourf
    aul
    t.Thepeopl
    esur
    roundi
    ngyou
    wer
    eadul
    ts.Gr
    ownadul
    ts.
    "
    "DidItel
    lyouthatmyfat
    her'
    sf amil
    yremindedme
    everydaythatIwasabastar
    dchi l
    dandthatImi ght
    growupt obel i
    kemymother."Hesmootheddown
    herhairwhichwasabitunrul
    y.Notinthesleeked
    wayi tal
    wayswas.
    "
    Youwer
    eachi
    ld.
    "Sheshr
    ugged.
    "Anill
    egit
    imatechi
    ld.IbetthatIr
    emindSusanof
    herlatehusband'
    sinfi
    deli
    tybutshskeptme
    around."Alor
    arel
    easedasi gh.
    "Fr
    om mymot her'
    slet
    ter
    ssheseemedlikeani
    ce
    personandshejustdi
    edliket
    hat
    .Leavi
    ngmein
    thi
    sworld.Al
    one."
    "
    Youar
    enotal
    one.
    "Shecl
    osedhereyes.
    "Iknowbutthentheydon'
    tunderst
    andme.Except
    foryou.
    "Sheaddedsoftl
    ybef or
    esheeject
    ed
    hersel
    ffr
    om hisarmsandwr appedherownarms
    aroundhersel
    f.
    "
    Thishousewil
    lbecompl
    ete.
    "Shesaidfi
    nal
    ly.She
    wasn'
    ttel
    li
    nghi
    m shewil
    lbebrokeaf
    teri
    t'
    sdone
    andshehasboughtthefur
    nit
    ureneeded.Shewi
    l
    l
    sur
    vive.Herhandsdr
    opped.
    "
    Wecangonow.
    "
    "I
    sitwhyyouhat
    emen?
    "Heaskedandshe
    chuckl
    ed.
    "Il
    ongdespisedmen.Theythinktheworl
    distheir
    s
    andeveryonehast
    okisstheirass.Despi
    cable
    creat
    ures.
    "Hechort
    ledandsher olel
    dhereyes.
    "You'reoneofthepeopleIhatetoo.Fucki
    ng
    narcissi
    st!
    "Hetookast epcloserandshemoved
    backbef or
    esher anoutoftheroom pastthedebr
    is
    onthef l
    oor.Heranaf t
    erherandwhenhecaugh
    herbyherwai sthelif
    tedherupasshel aughed
    whilehurli
    nginsult
    shisway.
    "Putmedown! "Helaughedashet
    hrewheroverhi
    s
    shoulderandshelaughedwhil
    ehi
    tt
    inghi
    m wit
    hher
    fi
    sts.
    "You'
    reannoyi
    ngandpr
    ovi
    ngmypoi nt.St
    opact
    ing
    l
    ikeaneandert
    hal
    ."Hewal
    kedoutofthehousewit
    h
    herli
    kethat
    .
    "
    Okayf
    ine,
    Iloveyou.Putmedown!
    "
    "
    No!
    "Shehi
    thi
    m agai
    n.
    "
    Itwi
    l
    lbemynai
    lscr
    atchi
    ngyoureyesoutnext
    t
    ime.
    ."
    "I
    'dpreferyournai
    lsscr atchingmybackasyoubeg
    formoreandnotyourhyper bolescomingt o
    exist
    ence."Hedidn'tmisst heshudderofherbody
    asheputherdownonherf eet.Alorastoppedashis
    handslidintoherbackpocketandhesqueezedher
    assal i
    ttl
    ebeforeretr
    ievingthekeyt olockthe
    house.Shef ol
    dedherar mst oglareathim andhe
    gaveherasmi l
    ethenal i
    ghtkissont hecheek.
    "
    Let
    'sheadhome.
    "
    "
    You'
    recooki
    ng?"Shequi
    tel
    ikedt
    hewayhet
    hrew
    i
    nthethet
    erm'home'.
    "Whatdoyouwanttoeat
    ?"Heaskedashet
    ookher
    handinhi
    s,knowi
    ngshewasn'
    tgoingt
    odoitather
    ownfreewil
    l.
    "Anyt
    hingisf
    ine.Youcanhol
    dyourowni
    nthe
    kit
    chen."
    "
    Unl
    ikesomeoneIknow.JustsayI
    '
    mthebest
    ."
    "
    DieRober
    t!
    "
    "Neverdar
    li
    ng."Heopenedthecardoorforherand
    shegotinbeforehejoggedovert
    ohisside.She
    buckledupandhersharpmemor ytookherbackto
    thi
    smor ni
    ng'
    sevents.
    "Thi
    nkingaboutyourf
    ant
    asy?
    "Shej
    umpedabi
    tas
    heclosedthedoor.
    "
    Whatf
    ant
    asy?
    "
    "Mef uckingyou.Welli
    thasbeenyourf
    antasysi
    nce
    youwer e18andwewoul dhavedonealotof
    fuckingifyoudidn'
    tchoosetoat
    tendari
    val
    universi
    ty."Shefl
    ushedandfol
    dedherarms.
    "
    Idon'twanttohearanyt
    hingthatcomesf
    rom your
    mouth."Helaughedandkissedher.
    "Eemma."Hestar
    tedt
    hecarandshef
    urr
    owedher
    eyebr
    owsbefor
    eshelookedathi
    m.
    "Whatdoyoumeanbyyourl
    astst
    atement
    ?"He
    cockedaneyebr
    ow.
    "
    Nowyouwantt
    ohearanyt
    hingt
    hatcomesoutmy
    mout
    h?"
    "
    Answert
    hequest
    ion.
    "
    "Exactl
    ythatAl
    ora.
    "Shehadnoideahow
    consumedhewaswi t
    hher,hi
    stherapi
    stknew
    abouthertheminuteheatt
    endedhistherapy
    sessionspostmeeti
    ngAlor
    aMor emi.Hewoul d
    havemadeamovei fshehadbeenatSt anfor
    d
    Universi
    ty.
    "
    Youl
    ikeme?
    "
    "Moreli
    keconsumedbyyourexi stence.
    "Sheleaned
    back.She'l
    ltr
    ansl
    atethatt
    ohiml ovingherbutnot
    wantingtoadmiti
    t.Shesmiledbeforeshestopped
    smili
    ng.
    "Howsur ewer eyout hatIwoul dhaveagr eedt o
    dateyou? "Thingwashewasn' tsurehowshe
    agreedtodat ehi m nowbutshewasandt hat'sall
    thatmat t
    ers.Hedi dn'tli
    kebeingsur eand
    throughoutthosedat eatPr incetonhehadbeen
    terri
    fi
    edofst art
    ingof fatthewr ongfooti
    ngorAl ora
    decidingtodamnhi mt henbr eakthingsoff
    .She
    wast hefirethatkepthi m guessing.Wondering
    whatwascooki
    ngi
    nthatr
    awmi
    ndofher
    s.
    "Notsure."Headmit
    tedandherbr owsfurrowed
    mor e.Hedoubtedhi
    msel f
    ?Wheni tcamet oher?
    Aust i
    nhaddoubts?Hewasn' tlookingatherashe
    saidthisandshedecidedtonotquest i
    onhi m any
    fur
    ther.Thedri
    vewassi l
    entti
    llthespit
    fir
    ebr oket
    he
    sil
    ence.Austi
    nchuckled.Shewassuchamenance.
    "
    Trut
    hordar
    e.Wi
    thshot
    s."Shesai
    d.
    "
    Tequi
    la?
    "Heasked.Shenodded.
    "GuessIhavetopassbyt heli
    quorstorethen.What
    doyouneedt heal
    coholforthi
    stime?"Henever
    knewwhatshewast hinki
    ngabout .Alwaysthinki
    ng.
    Theflamesinhereyesstaredri
    ghtbackathi m.
    "You'
    l
    lsee."TheybrokeeyecontactandAlorafaced
    theotherway.Shehopeditworked.Orshecoul d
    havewentwi t
    hsomet hi
    ngsafe.Likeagameof
    chessorcrosswordsorevenraidi
    nghisbookshelf.
    Sheshouldprobablyrai
    dhisbookshelft
    houghand
    headhomewi thhisbooks.Thatwasapl an.A
    beaut
    ifulone.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    87

    AtAust i
    n’shouse,
    Ne-Yo’sMissIndependentplayed
    ashef orcedheruponherf eetasshehel dthe
    glasssippingonwinewhi l
    eshehadbeenwat ching
    him cook.Shegloweredathim whileheheldher
    waist.Shechuckledint
    ohi sneckashewhi speri
    ng
    thesongl yri
    csinherearinFrench.Shesmiledas
    hehel dherwaistandsheheldhi swaistwit
    hone
    hand.
    “Sl
    ick!
    ”Shesaidandhepeckedherli
    ps.Hel
    etgoof
    herwaistashewentbacktothest
    ove.Sheknewhe
    wasshowi ngof fhisphysi queashecookedwi than
    apr onandnot -
    shi r
    ton.Theyhaddebat edandshe
    saidshewasnoteat ingf oodcookedbyahal f
    nakedman.Hepoi nt editoutt hathewasherman
    andshecoul dn’tevencookt osaveherl i
    fesoshe
    wasgoi ngt oeat .Shehadr olledhereyesathi m as
    hel aughedandt hepansi zzl ed.Sher efi
    ll
    edher
    glass.Thi swassodomest ic, shecangetusedt o
    this.Hegr innedwat chingherunwi ndasshenur sed
    hergl ass.Thei reyesl ockedandhewi nkedatheras
    shegavehi mt hemi ddlef inger .Hebur stout
    l
    aughi ngasshesmi led.Hel ikedseei nghersmi l
    e.
    Hersmi l
    el i
    thi swor l
    d, awor ldt hathadbeenbl ack
    andwhi tetil
    lhemether .Wat chi ngherr eadher
    Frenchbook.Ther ewast hi spi tt
    erpat t
    erinishear t
    ,
    howher espondedar oundher .Howsheknewt he
    par tsofhimt hatwer enotknownbyt hewor ldand
    shekeptt hem saf e.I fheeverl osthimsel f
    somehow, allhehadt olookf orwasAl oratof i
    nd
    him.Shewast hef i
    r ethati gni tedhi ssoul .Setiton
    fi
    reanddi dn’tst op.Thet ruthhehasbeenr unning
    from set t
    ledi ntohischest , caughtf i
    reandbur ned
    him aliveashewat chedher .Thesonghededi cated
    toherweeksagost artedplayi
    ngandhewat ched
    herblushalonethenlookintohergl
    ass.Shelif
    ted
    thoseblazi
    ngeyesathi m andhesangthesongt o
    herasshel aughedandplacedherchinonher
    handslookingather.
    You’
    rewhoI
    ’
    mthi
    nki
    ngof
    .
    Gi
    rlyouai
    n’tmyr
    unnerupandnomat
    terwhat
    ,
    You’
    real
    waysnumberone.
    Mypr
    izedpossessi
    ononeandonl
    y.
    Ador
    eyou?Gi
    rlIwantyou.
    TheoneIcan’
    tli
    vewi
    thout
    That
    ’syou,
    that
    ’syou.

    Sheblushedashel ookedatthest eakbef or


    ehegot
    heroffherseattokissher.Hetastedt hewineon
    herl
    ips,hecouldgetdrunkonherf orsure.His
    handsmovedt oherass,squeezingitbeforesl
    idi
    ng
    underneaththeplai
    nwhiteshirtshewor e.She
    moanedi ntohismouthandhehoi stedherupon
    thecount erashi sf ingerunbut tonedt heshi rtto
    revealherbouncyt its.Hebr oket heki ssandki ssed
    herchi ngoi ngdownt oherneckasshemoaned
    softl
    yinhi sear .Hel ookedatt hehikeyshehadl eft
    earli
    erint hemor ning.Shehadn’ tscr eamedhi sear
    offforthatandhesuckedt hetopofherbr east sas
    shebr eathedheavi ly.Hemur mur edsomet hingin
    betweenherchest .Hi segosoar edashet houghtof
    hertit
    sgr owingi nsi zeifsheeverconsi dered
    carryi
    nghi sfivef utur echi l
    dren.Fuckhewant ed
    everythingwi thher .Theki ds,aweddi ngand
    everything.Hi st onguel ickedani ppleandshe
    shudder edbef oresher eali
    sedacur sei npleasur e.
    Thatwasi tbabygi rl.Hewant edhercr azyandwi ld
    forhim, hiscockandhi mi nsideofher .He
    strai
    ght enedupashel ookedatherdazedf ace.He
    kissedherl i
    psandhi shandsset tledonhert highs.
    Sheopenedhereyes, loveshi ningt hrought hem
    alongwi t
    ht hatf i
    r ehewasat t
    ractedt o.Herl i
    ps
    closedast heyst aredateachot her .
    “We’
    ref
    orfei
    ti
    ngourt
    ruthordar
    etoday.
    ”Hesai
    d.
    Li
    cki
    nghisli
    psandherspart
    edinquest
    ion.
    “Ther
    earerul
    esweadher
    etowhenwepl
    ayour
    games.”Shesai
    d.
    “Iwanttopl
    aywithyourbodytoni
    ght.
    ”Hesaid
    soft
    lyandhereyeswidenedbefor
    etheyshr
    unk.
    “Play? ”Henoddedbef orehest eppedbackt ogo
    backt ot hepot s.Thatsentheranxi etyupt he
    rooftop.Shedownedherwi neandgotof fthe
    count er.Shesatont hechairtorefil
    lhergl ass.Thi
    s
    wasi t?Shewasner vousnow.Aust inwat chedher
    witht hecor nerofhiseye.Shewasgoi ngt obe
    surprisedwi thhowmuchshei sgoingt olovewhat
    hedoest oher .Luckil
    yhehadt hefor esi
    ghtaweek
    agot obuywhatheneededandcust om designit
    himsel fundert henewcompanysubsi di
    ar yhehad
    beenwor kingon.Hehadapr oposalwr i
    tt
    enf or
    Mat hewsI nc.sohecani mpl antitbuthehadt orun
    i
    twi thhi smot her.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse,
    Zar
    atal
    kedt
    oRebaandshehad
    therealisati
    ont hatRebawasar ayofsunshi ne.
    Thatmadehersoi nt
    erestedinknowi ngwhat
    happenedf orhertospi r
    aloffthet rack.Alongwi t
    h
    herbrother ,shefoundoutt hatshel i
    kedhear i
    ng
    Thetisbi t
    saboutHades.Shef i
    gur edt hatsheknew
    herfatherwasashi f
    typersonandhavi ngHades
    growupunderhi scaref ul
    lti
    mewasj ustasshi t
    ty.
    Hermot herhadmadei tseem likeHadesgot
    everythi
    ngbutHadesf rom Reba’ seyeswasbr oken
    butRebadi dn’tcareaboutthat.Shel ovedherbest
    fri
    endt odeat h.Rebast oppedtalking.
    “
    I’
    mtal
    kingt
    oomuchar
    en’
    tI?
    ”
    “
    You’
    renot
    .”Rebasmi
    ledandt
    wist
    edherhands.
    “I
    ’mf asci
    nated.
    ”Zarar
    epl
    ied.Rebanodded.Her
    si
    sterinlawwasnotbadandshewi shedAlora
    wouldopenher sel
    ftomorepeople.Sheloved
    fi
    ercelybutshewasaclosedbook.
    “HowyouandHadesmanagedt oloveeachot
    her
    despi
    teyouraddi
    cti
    ons.
    ”Rebachuckl
    ed.
    “Ial
    wayssayheisthepi
    eceofmeIwishIdi
    dn’t
    needbutcan’
    tli
    vewit
    hout
    .Ifhebyf
    orsomereason
    decidedtonotwantt hisli
    feanymor e,Iwoul dalso
    fi
    ndawaynott oexi stwithouthi m bymysi de.I
    guesst hat’
    swhywear efi
    ght i
    ng.”Shenever
    thoughttheywoul dlivelongenought oseepast
    thi
    rty.Theiraddicti
    onswoul dhavebeent heirsecr
    et
    i
    fnotf oritbeingont hemedi a,theypr obablywoul d
    havedi edfrom them.Theyl ivedint henowand
    nevermadef uturepl ansbecauset heirf ut
    urewas
    j
    ustmuddywat er,theycoul dn’tseepastt heir
    addicti
    ons.Shewr appedherhandsar oundher sel
    f.
    “Youguysar esost rong.Iadmi rethat.”Reba
    noddedwi t
    hasmal lthanksathersi st
    erinlaw.Zara
    saidGoodnightasshehuggedRebaandwal kedout.
    SheleftRebaal onewi t
    hherthought s.Shedi dn’
    t
    knowhowshewasgoi ngtofightheraddi ct
    ionbut
    shewasgoi ngt of i
    ghtwi theveryt
    hingi nher.Dr
    Carsonwassuchagoodt her
    apistandshecoul dn’
    t
    waittogolistent othewomant alktoheron
    Mondaydur ingt hei
    rt wohoursessi on.Shehoped
    Hadeswasmaki ngt hesamepr ogressshewas
    makingthissi de.Shest i
    llshi
    edawayf rom the
    mediaandpeopl ebecauseshewasst i
    llj
    udged
    harshl
    y.Peopl
    eunderstoodmenmorethanwomen
    andifitwasamanwhowasaddi ctedtodrugs,t
    hey
    wouldfeelsor
    ryf
    orthemanandyetshewas
    shunned.Shenowunder st
    oodwhyAloraalways
    sai
    d‘ f
    uckthepat
    ri
    archy’
    SpeakofAl
    orashegotonthebedanddi
    all
    edher
    l
    it
    tl
    esist
    er,
    herphonerangforal
    mostaminut
    e
    bef
    oresheansweredi
    t.
    “
    Areyouokay?Doyouneedme?
    ”
    “Slowdown!Don’
    tplayhero.I
    ’
    m okay.
    ”Shehear
    d
    Alorar
    eleasear
    eli
    evedsigh.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “Howareyou?
    ”Rebaaskedandsheswor
    eshe
    coul
    dseeAlor
    arol
    lhereyes.
    “Si
    s,l
    et’
    sagreet
    hatyougett
    ocal
    lmeonMonday
    orTuesday.
    ”
    “
    Tuesday?Lebusyt
    lheng!
    ”
    “Bat
    hongRebant
    le!
    ”Shesoundedner
    vousand
    annoyed.
    “
    Sor
    rymma.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.Gof
    it
    lhel
    ammuonkwel
    a.”
    (ti
    llIdi
    e.)
    “Lorayou’
    renotdyinganyt imesoon”Rebahear d
    Austinsayinthebackgr ound.Shechuckled.These
    twower emadef oreachot her.Sosmartandintune
    witheachother’
    semot ions.Guesstheyconnected
    onani nt
    ell
    ectuall
    evel.Smar t
    asses.
    “
    Don’
    tmi
    ndhi
    m.Ihavet
    ogo.Ar
    eyouokay?Sur
    e?”
    “
    I’
    mfi
    ne.
    ”
    “ByebyeReba.Tuesday. ”Al orahungupandReba
    smi led.Ithadnotbeenamanwhosavedherf rom
    hersel f
    .Ithadbeenhersi ster.Shepulledthe
    blanket supandshehopedshewasn’ tgoingto
    sleepwal klat
    erint
    otheni ght.Sheswi tchedoffthe
    l
    ampandcl osedhereyes, herdr eamst aki
    ngherto
    apl acesheusual l
    ytriedtoescapedever ydayand
    nowwi thnodr ugstofightthedemonst hat
    torment edhersleep,shehadt ofighti
    toutinher
    sleep.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    88

    Al
    orafocusedonherpl
    ateasifitwasthemost
    i
    nter
    esti
    ngeverassheheardhisli
    ghtchuckl
    e.
    “Baby,whateverthathappensyouhavenot hi
    ngt o
    fearwhenyou’ r
    ewi thme.”Thosewor dsof
    reassurancecalmedherdown.Heal wayssaidt hat
    toreassureher.Alltheti
    me.Shefinall
    ylif
    tedher
    eyestomeethi sgaze.Hi swerecalcul
    ati
    vebut
    warm.Shecoul df eelever
    ynerveinherbodyspr i
    ng
    toli
    feashi scal
    m gazer akedher,
    hi sl
    ipsopening
    onlyafracti
    onsohecant akeabiteoffthesteak.
    “
    Goodf
    ood.
    ”Shesai
    dcasual
    lybef
    oreshedowneda
    glassofwine.Aust
    inquiet
    lystoodupandshedi
    dn’
    t
    averthergaze.Hewalkedovertohersi
    deand
    massagedhershoulders.
    “
    Lor
    a?”
    “Ineedyoutocalm downamour .
    ”Hewhispered
    andinsteadherbodydidthetotalopposi
    te.Ever
    y
    nerveinherbodycamet oli
    feandshet ri
    edtokeep
    herbreathi
    ngincheck.Heplacedhisarm around
    herneckandsmi l
    edagainsthercheek.
    “
    Idon’
    twantyoudrunkoutofyourmind.
    ”That
    ’s
    whenhetookawayhergl
    assofwi neandshet
    ri
    ed
    t
    ocalm down.
    “
    Whati
    fIf
    ail
    ?”Shebl
    urt
    edandbi
    tdownherl
    ip.
    “
    Youcanneverf
    ail
    .Youhaveme,
    wear
    eat
    eam.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m al
    waysnumber1i
    never
    ythi
    ngandwh-
    “
    “Sssh…”shel
    eanedagai nsthisarm andhe
    whisper
    edinFrenchi nherear,cal
    mingherdown.I
    t
    washowsmoot hi tcameout .Li
    kedarkcof
    fee,wel
    l
    brewedanddeli
    cious.Shef l
    ushed.
    “
    I’
    m her
    eever
    yst
    epoft
    hewayokay?
    ”Heassur
    ed
    heragai
    nandshenodded.Shedi
    dn’
    tevenf
    ini
    sh
    hermealwhenhehel
    pedhergetuponherf
    eet.
    “Nowbeagoodgi
    rlandl
    et’
    sgetyouwat
    ert
    osober
    up.”
    “
    I’
    m notevendr
    unk.
    ”
    “Youhavehadonedri
    nktoomanyandanychance
    youget,youdr
    inkt
    oavoi
    dstuf
    f.
    ”
    “
    Areyoucal
    li
    ngmeadr
    unkRober
    t?”
    “
    Ift
    heshoef
    it
    s…”
    “
    Fuckyou!
    ”
    “Imightbaby.”Sheshiveredandhepushedher
    forwardtowardsthekitchen.Heleanedagainstt
    he
    counterandwat chedher.Shemumbl edsomethi
    ng
    asshepi ckedaglassandf il
    ledi
    twithwater.She
    drankitt
    henf acedhim.
    “
    See?I
    ’
    m per
    fect
    lyokay.
    ”Hegr
    inned.
    “
    You’
    ret
    est
    y.”
    “Whowoul dn’
    t?I
    ’
    m abouttol
    osemyvi
    rgi
    nit
    y.”He
    j
    ustnodded.Shedidn’
    tknowdi
    dshe?Hegaveher
    hi
    shandandshet
    ooki
    tashel
    edhert
    othe
    bedr
    oom.
    “
    Ilasttest
    edmonthsago.I
    ’
    m negat
    ive.
    ”She
    mentionedcasual
    ly.
    “
    Aweekago.Cl
    ean.
    ”
    “I
    ’m onthepi
    ll
    .”Shesai
    d.Her
    aisedaneyebr
    owand
    sheroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Tor
    egul
    atemycycl
    e.”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Ifeell
    ikeyouar
    ejudgi
    ngme.
    ”
    “Iam.”Shegroanedastheywal
    kedintohis
    bedroom andshestar
    edatthei
    ntr
    icat
    edesignson
    theceil
    ingasift
    heywerethemostint
    erest
    ingt
    hing.
    “
    Baby?
    ”Shel
    ookedathi
    m.
    “Getoutofyourheadokay?Canyout rythat?”She
    bitherlowerli
    pandnoddedwi thapoundi ngheart.
    Heki ssedherli
    psandsher espondedtot hekiss,
    hishandsdi dn’
    ttouchherbodyalloverandshehad
    questionsinhereyesasshebr okethekiss.
    “Getoutofyourhead.
    ”Hesaidonel
    astt
    imeashe
    l
    edhert othebed.Shesatdownbyt
    heedgeand
    herhandsmovedt othebutt
    onsont
    heshir
    tbuthe
    heldherhand.
    “
    All
    owmet
    odot
    hat
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkI
    -“heki
    ssedherl
    ips.
    “It
    ’sthener vestal
    king.”Shewant edthatbottleof
    tequil
    at heylefti
    nt hekitchen.Howmanydr inks
    hasshehad.Shest art
    edcount i
    ngf r
    om t heti
    mehe
    start
    edcooki ngti
    llnow.Fi ve?Sheblinkedand
    rubbedherhead.Shewasawake.Shewasawake.
    Austinwat chedher .Shewasst i
    llhalfdrunk.He
    wasn’ tgoingt ot
    akeherdr unk.Heneededhersober
    tofeelever yt
    hing.Hecr ouchedbef oreherandshe
    smi l
    ed.
    “Sowear eaboutt
    o-sex?
    ”Heshookherheadand
    shereal
    isedshewassadaboutthat
    .Shewassad?
    “
    You’
    redr
    unkbaby.Iwantyousober
    .”
    “
    I’
    m notdr
    unk…”shequi
    pped.
    “
    We’
    l
    llet
    ’sseeHmm?
    ”Heunbut
    tonedhershi
    rtand
    hecamei nt oviewwi ththosegor geoust itsofhers.
    Whenhehel pedheroutoft heshi rt,
    shewasl efti
    n
    herblacklacepant i
    esandhel aidherdownont he
    bedbef or
    ehegotont opofher .Al oralookedupat
    him,shedidn’ tknowhi sweightont opofherwoul d
    feelsonice.Herhandst ouchedhi schestandhe
    all
    owedhert hat.Theymovedoverhi schestasshe
    movedabi tunder neathhim.Heki ssedherl i
    ps
    beforehekneel edwi thherthighsbet weenhi s.He
    pull
    eddownherkni ckersandhesawhert hroatbob.
    Shewasscar edandhewasst i
    lltesti
    nghowf arshe
    cangowi thhi m.Hepl acedt hepant iesbyt he
    bedsideandshet ookdeepbr eathes.
    “
    You’
    rest
    il
    lcoher
    ent
    ?”Shenodded.
    “Good.”Hel i
    ftedherlegsandpl acedt hem around
    historso.Shewaswat chinghimi nt entl
    yashi s
    handsset tl
    edonherbar e*ss.Hisl argehand
    start
    edkneadi ngherassandshecl osedhereyes
    enjoyi
    ngt hat.Hisfi
    ngersl i
    ghtl
    ybr ushedoverher
    openingandsher el
    easedamoan.Sheopenedher
    eyes,confusedathert rainofthought s.Hel ooked
    ather.Her arelysawherconf used.
    “
    Speakyourmi
    nd.
    ”
    “
    I-
    “itwasn’
    thert
    odot
    hat
    .Shel
    ookedathi
    m.
    “I
    sitweir
    dthatIwantyout
    okeepont
    ouchi
    ngme?
    ”
    Helaughedandloweredhi
    sheadt
    oki
    ssher.
    “Touchyouwhere?”Heaskedandshegl ar
    edathim.
    Evendrunk,shewasn’tf
    ullysubmissi
    ve.Heloved
    thechal
    lengeshepresentedtohim.
    “
    Youknowwher
    e..
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesandclosedher
    eyes.Sheopenedhereyessecondsl
    ater
    .
    “Here.”Shetookhishandandshepl acedi tontop
    ofthevbet weenherl egs.Shenevert houghtshe
    woul dwantt obetouchedbyaman.Buthewas
    diff
    erentandshel ovedhim.Shel ovedhi m andhi s
    handcuppi nghersentadi ff
    erentkindofwhi zto
    herreceptors.Shewat chedhim smile,slowly.He
    kissedhermout h,keepinghishandt here.Just
    mont hsago, shedidn’
    tevenwanthi mt ot ouchhim
    butnow?Hi seyeswer efi
    ll
    edwi t
    hadi f
    ferentki
    ndof
    happinessashel ookedather .
    “I
    ttookyoulongenough.
    ”Shegaveasmil
    easher
    eyesthr
    eatenedt
    oclosebutshekeptt
    hem open.
    “
    Howl
    ongdowehavet
    oget
    her
    ?”Sheaskedhi
    m.
    “I
    nfini
    ty.
    ”Hesaidashekissedherandshesmiled
    beforesheyawnedandclosedhereyes.Thewine
    defi
    nitel
    yknockedherout
    .Heshift
    edtothesi
    de
    andhepul l
    edhernakedfr
    amet ohisbody.He
    ki
    ssedherneckasshemovedcl oser.Hesmil
    ed.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    89
    Thef oll
    owingmorning,
    Alorawokeupal oneinbed.
    Sher ubbedherheadasshet ri
    edtosituprightt
    hen
    pullthesheetsuptoherchest.Shesleptnaked?
    Shecl osedhereyesasthedooropened.Her
    boyfruendwalkedinhalfnakedwithpil
    lsanda
    glassofwat er
    .Shesmiledathim andhekissedher
    forehead.
    "
    Mor
    ningdar
    li
    ng.
    "
    "
    Iwasaloneinbed.
    "Herai
    sedaneyebr
    owandshe
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.Whywasshebei
    ngneedy?
    "
    Taket
    heaspr
    inandwat
    er.Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ing?
    "
    "
    LikeIhaven'
    tsl
    epti
    nweeksbecauseofpr
    epar
    ing
    f
    orfinal
    s."
    "Nott
    hatbadt hen."Sherol
    ledhereyesasshetook
    thewateranddownedt wopil
    ls.Shehandedhi
    m
    backtheglassaftertaki
    ngafewsi ps.
    "
    Thanks.
    "
    "
    Getyourassupandl
    et'
    sgohavebr
    eakf
    ast
    ."
    Heplacedt
    heglassbytheni
    ghtstandandhe
    pi
    ckedherpant
    iesbef
    orehechuckled.Shebl
    ushed
    andhel
    oweredhi
    sheadtoki
    ssher.Sheopenedher
    mouthmor
    et ohi
    m andhesmi
    led.
    "Yourememberyest
    erday?
    "Shenodded.He
    gri
    nned.
    "Good."ItwasawonderfulSundaymor ni
    ngandhe
    helpedhergetoutofbed,ful
    lynaked.Hiseyesfull
    oflust
    , r
    akedherbodyonceagain.Shebi therl
    ower
    l
    ipashepul ledhercl
    oserandsqueezedt hatass.
    Fuck!Hecoul dn'
    twai
    t.Henippedatherneckbef or
    e
    hesmi l
    ed.
    "
    Getdr
    essed.We'
    remaki
    ngbr
    eakf
    astt
    oget
    her
    ."
    "
    Idon'
    twantt
    ocook.
    "
    "
    You'
    respoi
    lt
    ."Shepunchedhi
    schest
    .
    "Youdon'tneedagirl
    fr
    iendwhocancook. "He
    shrugged.Hedidn'
    tneedone, hel
    o-l
    ikedherjust
    thewayshewas.Al lstubbor
    nandcompet it
    ive.
    "
    Unl
    essyouhaveot
    herpl
    ansf
    ort
    heday.
    ."
    "
    Doyou?
    "Sheasked.Abi
    tmor
    econf
    ident
    .
    "
    Imight
    ."Hebi
    thisli
    pandlaughedint
    ohermouth.
    Hesmackedherassandsheyelped.Hel
    aughedas
    hewal
    kedout
    .
    "Bedowni nf ivebabygi rl
    .I '
    llbecount ing. "He
    closedt hedoorandsher ubbedherbehi nd.I tmust
    ber edandshef r ownedasr eal isationdawnedon
    her.Wasshe?Fuck!Shel ikedt hat?Shei nternall
    y
    screamedather self
    .Shequi cklywal kedt ohis
    war dr
    obet opi ckoutacl eanshi rtbeforeshe
    headedt othebat hroom tobr ushhert eeth.Hesai d
    fi
    vemi nut esr ight?Shewashedherf aceandwhen
    shewasdoneshemadet hebed.Shecoul dn'tbe
    okaywi tht hemessybedandt hepi ll
    owsscat t
    ered
    allover.Shepushedherhai rbackwar ds.Sheneeds
    todoherhai rtomor row.Shewal keddownt hestair
    s
    andst oppedmi dway.Whatwashegoi ngt odoi f
    shewasn' tdowni nfi
    ve?Shef ol dedherar msand
    l
    eanedagai nstthewal l.

    Meanwhil
    edownstair
    s,Austint
    ookoutthe
    i
    ngredi
    ent
    sforthei
    rbreakf
    astashesmi led.He
    coul
    ddefi
    nit
    elygetusedtomorningsli
    ket hi
    s.Just
    aSundaymorningofthem goofi
    ngaround.He
    shookhi
    shead.Thewor d'goof
    y'wasn'
    teveni nhis
    vocabularyandlookathi mtossingthewordaround.
    Hel ookedaround.Ther ewasnosi gnofher.She
    wasst ubborn.Hewal kedoutoft hekit
    chen
    barefootandhedi dn'tgetfarwhenhesawher
    l
    eani ngagainstt
    hewal li
    nhisblacksil
    kshirt
    .She
    sawhi m andsher oll
    edhereyesandwal kedback
    upthest air
    sashehal franthensheuppedherpace.
    Her anafterher,
    takingt wostair
    satat i
    me.He
    caughtherbyherwai standshel aughedashe
    thr
    ewheroverhershoul der
    .
    "St
    op!
    "Shehi thi
    sbackl
    aughingashewal keddown
    thest
    air
    swi t
    hher.Hi
    shandcuppedherbot tom,
    shewasn'tweari
    ngpant
    iesunderneat
    hthatshir
    t.
    "
    We'
    recooki
    ng?
    "
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "
    I'
    m bur
    ningyoual
    ivei
    nyourki
    tchen.
    "
    "
    I'
    dli
    ket
    oseeyout
    ry.
    "
    "
    Ihat
    eyou.
    "
    "
    Youl
    oveme.
    "
    "
    Andyouhaven'
    tsai
    ditback.
    "Hesi
    ghed.
    "
    Alor
    ayouknowhowIf
    eel
    aboutl
    ove.
    "
    "Iknow. "Sheaccept
    edhisanti
    -l
    oveways.Notthat
    sher eall
    ybeli
    evedthathedi
    dn'tl
    oveher.Maybehe
    didn'
    twantt obeli
    eveithi
    mself
    .She'
    llwaitf
    orhim
    tosayi tback.

    *
    **

    Att her ehabil


    it
    at i
    oncentre,Hadeswor kedupa
    sweatatt hegym asher emember edAust in
    draggi nghim outofbedi nthemor ningf orgym.
    Nowt hatheknewt heguyandhowcal m hewas, i
    f
    hehadn' tbeendat i
    ngAlorahewoul dhavet hought
    Aust i
    nwasasexual .Hehadnevershownany
    attractiontowar dsanyoneandhel aughedashe
    remember edt heirbanter.I
    twassor tofabr omance
    brewi ngandher eali
    sedthatheneverhadabr other
    andf riend.Aust indidn'
    tjudgehim har shlyli
    kehis
    fatherandsomet imesher il
    edhim upj ustsohecan
    getangr yathim andki ckhim out
    .Tel lhim he
    wasn' twor t
    hanyt hi
    ngbecausehef elthewasn' t
    worthanythingbutAusti
    nwal kedaway.Hegotup
    from t
    hebenchpr essasheheadedt ot hesquat
    rack.HellAust
    ingothimt ogym toreleaseal lt
    he
    pentupangerhehadbeenhol dingin.Hewant edto
    tryandbeabet termantoReba.Hewason
    antabusedrugsandhet ookthepill
    sr eligi
    ously
    whileli
    steni
    ngtoat her
    apistwhowoul dn't
    understandhishomesi t
    uati
    onbutnever thel
    ess,he
    wast r
    ying.

    *
    **

    AtSusan' shouse,t
    hef amil
    ysaidbyet oZaraand
    Mooket siwhower eheadingbackt oFranci
    stown.I
    t
    wasni cehavingthem aroundthisweekend.Susan
    mused.Al orawaswi t
    hherboyf ri
    endandshe
    couldn'tevengetangry.Noonehadt houghtAlora
    woulddat e,asmuchasshewasat oughcookieto
    crackSual wayssuspectedthatitmightbebecause
    ofherconcept i
    onandhowever yonethrewthat
    around.Zar awavedbackonel astti
    measshegot
    i
    nsi
    dethecarandt
    her
    estoft
    hef
    ami
    lywal
    kedback
    i
    nsi
    de.
    "
    Now,
    howaboutwegetst
    art
    edonSundayl
    unch.
    "
    "I
    '
    llmakethesalads."Rebavolunt
    eeredandEmory
    optedtoservet
    hef ood.Thabi
    sojustsai
    dhewi l
    l
    braait
    hemeatandt henSusanhadtomaket hepap
    andchakalaka.
    "
    It
    'sset
    tl
    ed.
    "Thabi
    sochuckl
    ed.
    "
    IfRor
    awasher
    e,shewoul
    dn'
    tbel
    if
    ti
    ngaf
    inger
    ."
    "Shewoul dbetel
    li
    ngust okeepthecountercl
    ean
    andt onotleti
    rgetdi
    rty.Theni
    nvestigat
    ethe
    cleanli
    nessoftheenvir
    onment."Theyalll
    aughed.
    Theyhopedshewoul fbehomet oday.

    *
    **

    "
    Alor
    a!"
    "Don'
    tyoudarerai
    seyourvoiceatme.Iwi l
    lclaw
    youreyesout
    ."Shelookedatthepancake.Itwas
    ugl
    yandhert
    hir
    doneyetshedi
    dn'
    tgett
    hef
    li
    pri
    ght
    .
    "
    Baby,
    thepancakei
    snotyourenemy.
    "
    "
    Iti
    s.I
    tisnotcomi
    ngoutt
    hewayIwanti
    tto.
    "
    Hehel
    dhershoul
    der
    sandsheshr
    uggedhi
    m of
    f.
    "
    I'
    llneverbedefeat
    edbyamer epancake.Never
    !!
    "
    Helaughedintohishandsandsheglar
    edathim.
    "I
    t'
    snotfunny."Shet ookitoutt
    henplacedt hepan
    backont heheat.Shehadt omaket hisoner i
    ght
    .
    Shepouredthemi xtureinthepanandwai t
    ed.
    Hopefull
    ythi
    sonet ur nsoutri
    ght.Shepickedthe
    spatul
    aandshet urnedi t
    .Itact
    uall
    yturnedandwas
    good.Shegrinned.
    "
    Final
    ly!Ineverfail
    !Ever!
    "Shet
    henremovedi
    tand
    l
    ookedatt helastpancakeshemade.
    "
    Wel
    ldone.
    "
    "
    Idi
    dn'
    tneedyou.
    "Hej
    ustki
    ssedher
    .
    "Let
    'sgoeatt
    hengetreadyf
    oramovi
    eand
    snacks.
    "Shelookedupathi
    m.
    "
    Iloveyouaut
    we?
    "Sheki
    ssedhi
    mthi
    sti
    me.I
    twas
    apeckonthel
    ipsatf
    ir
    stfoll
    owedbyanot
    hert
    hena
    f
    renchki
    sswhichshebroke.
    "
    Thanks.
    "Shebr
    eat
    hedagainsthi
    sli
    psandshe
    movedbackt
    ogett
    heplat
    es.
    "
    Dini
    ngr
    oom?
    "
    "
    Yes.
    "Shetookthei
    rpl
    atest
    othedi
    ningashe
    r
    ubbedhi
    slips.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    90

    Hades'
    mot
    hersawt
    hebanknot
    if
    icat
    ion,
    repor
    ti
    ng
    hermont hlyall
    owancef rom herex-husband.She
    fi
    guredthatHadeshadt ol
    dhim shel eakedt he
    i
    nformat i
    onaboutt heiraddicti
    onstot hemedi abut
    herexhusbandneverconf r
    ontedher .Sheknewhi m.
    Hewasasnakei nt hegr assandwaspr obabl y
    waiti
    ngf ortherightt i
    met ostri
    ke.Shehasn' teven
    seenHadesi nthemedi aforthepastt hreemont hs
    andRebawasst illbashedforbei ngadr ugaddi ct.
    Sheshookherhead, Hadeshadonej ob.Hewas
    uselessandhi sf atherknewi tevent houghhekept
    Hadeswi t
    hhim, shehadneededt hemoneyt obai l
    heroutoft hetroubl eshegother selfint
    o.Wasshe
    workkng?Shewasnevergoi ngt oli
    ftaf inger
    becauseherex- husbandamul ti
    mi l
    li
    onai rewas
    payingalimonyt oherandshedeser vedt hatas
    compensat ionforcar ryi
    nghi sheirandkeepi ngup
    withhischeat i
    ngways.Shesoot hedher
    consciencewi t
    ht hat .

    *
    **
    Thatl
    ateaf
    ter
    noon,Zar
    aarri
    vedwi t
    hherhusband
    att
    hei
    rsmallhouseandsheglancedathi
    m.
    "
    Idi
    dtel
    lyouhowmyt
    alkwi
    thf
    atherwent
    ."
    "
    Thatmani
    sabast
    ard.
    "
    "
    IknowandIdon'tblameHadesforturni
    ngoutthe
    wayhedid.MaybeifIl
    ivedwi
    thhim Iwouldhave
    t
    urnedoutthesame."Mooket
    siki
    ssedhercheek.
    "
    I'
    m gl
    adyoudi
    dn'
    t.
    "
    "ButIwanttofor
    m arelat
    ionshipwit
    hmybr ot
    her.
    Whenheget soutofrehab,Iwanttobuil
    dour
    sibl
    ingbond.Obvi
    ouslyhemi ghtnott
    rustmefrom
    everyt
    hingIhavegat
    heredfrom Reba."
    Mooket
    sinoddedashi
    sjawt
    icked.
    "
    What
    'swr
    ong?
    "
    "IknowHadesisyourbr
    otherbutIdon'
    tli
    kehimf or
    Reba.LookRebawasanaddi ctandhealsokepti
    t
    ont hel
    owastheyli
    vedtoget
    her.Noonewhol oves
    youwi l
    ldot
    hat.
    "
    Zar
    ashookherhead.
    "I
    tseemsl i
    ket hatbutyouknowwhatRebasai d?
    Shesaidifshewasgi venachoicetosur vi
    veonher
    owninthisear thwit
    houtHades, shewoul dfi
    nda
    waytoleavet heearthbecausehei sn'
    twi t
    hher.As
    muchast heyar eaddicts,t
    hei
    rloveistrue."
    Mooketsisti
    llshookhi shead.
    "
    Iti
    sn'
    tnor
    mal
    ."
    "Notal
    llovestori
    esarenor
    malandpret
    ty.Some
    star
    toutroughandt hepr
    essur
    emakesthem
    diamonds.Allsparkl
    yandthej
    it
    z."
    "That
    'sbul
    l.Youcan'tj
    usti
    fythat
    .MaybeonceReba
    i
    sf i
    nall
    ysober,shewil
    lseethatshewasdependi
    ng
    onHadesf orhersanit
    yandshedoesn'tneedhi
    m."
    "Haveyoueverl i
    stenedtoyoursistertal
    k?Talked
    tohercalml yinsteadofbashingherdeci si
    ons?
    Theirloveisbeaut i
    ful
    .It
    'st
    he' Il
    oveyout hrough
    yourwor stmoment sandyoudon' tdisgustme'kind
    oflove.Idon'tevenwantt ofi
    ghtwi thyou."Zara
    concludedasshegotoutoft hecarandMooket si
    watchedherwal ktothehouse.Buti thadbeen
    wrong.Theirlovehadbeensomet hingthatwas
    goingtoendoncetheybot
    hgotsober
    .Hewoul
    d
    bethislastmoneyonit
    .

    *
    **

    Rebasati nfr
    ontofherl apt opasshebr oughtt he
    yoghurttoherlipsasshescr ol ledt hrought hei
    r
    goofypictur
    es.Whent heyhadbeensoberf orafew
    hoursanddi dthingscouplesdo.Wal ksinthepar k,
    i
    cecream andhewoul dcallherhi slittl
    erayof
    sunshine.Shesmi led.Shewi llgetbet t
    er,being
    soberwasgoi ngt obehernewsuper powerandshe
    wil
    lgetherdegr eeeveni fi
    tmeansaski ngAl or
    at o
    tut
    orher.Tomor rowshewasgoi ngt ot r
    yandopen
    uptoDrCar son.Shewentbl ur ryeyedasshe
    remember edthosepar ti
    est heywentt oandt hey
    woulddanceont hedsncef looral lhigh.Soul mates
    exi
    stedandHadeswasher s, shehasbeenan
    addictsi
    nceshewas18andshewasi nhermi d
    twenti
    es.Shehadt otry.Shef inishedt heyoghur t
    andshesmi ledagai n.Shewasabi taloneandshe
    missedhim agai n.Shewast heloveofhi sli
    fe.They
    pl
    edgedsobr i
    etybef or
    eheleftandshewasn' t
    goingtorelapse.Shewassur ehewasn' trel
    apsing
    attherehabili
    tat
    ioncent r
    easwel l
    .Comi ngtot hi
    nk
    ofit,
    hersisterkindofsavedt hem both.Making
    Austinapar toftheirli
    vesandhehel pedHades.
    Aloradidthat.Shepi ckedherphoneandsentat ext
    .
    '
    IloveyouAloraandyou'
    rethecasualmagi
    cinmy
    l
    ife 'sheplacedherphonedownandsmi l
    ed
    conti
    nuingwit
    hherremini
    scing.

    *
    **

    AtAust in'shouse, Al
    oracuddleduptohim ont he
    sof aast heywat chedamovi eshechoose.Thiswas
    whatl ovef el
    tlike?Likehome?Shebl i
    nkedbackher
    tear sasheshi ftedandhishandidlyrubbedher
    thigh.Theydi dn'tevenhavet ol
    eavethehouse, she
    hadmethi m attheri
    ghttime.Sheadmi t
    teditt
    o
    her sel
    fthatsheneededhi m someti
    mesandshe
    mi ssedhi m someni ghtbutthey'
    l
    lbealri
    ght.She
    ful
    lyadmitt
    edthatshewoulddowhat everhe
    wanted.Thi
    swaswhati tfel
    tli
    ke?Thefeeli
    ngmade
    hertearupandherheartbursti
    nherchest.She
    snuffl
    edandhepushedherhai rback.
    "Isi tthemovi e?"Sheshookherhead.Shewasn' t
    over l
    yemot ional.Shewasn' tanover l
    yemot i
    onal
    per sonbuthedi dn' tshunhervul nerableside.He
    justt ooki tandcal medherf laringcompul si ons
    wi thoutmaki ngherf eelweakf orbreakingdown.He
    figur edshedi dn'twantt ot alkabouti tandhej ust
    rubbedherback.Shel ookedupathi m andki ssed
    him, Aust i
    nwasn' tcompl ainingaboutt hat.He
    kissedherbackandshi ftedheront ohi slap.He
    coul dt astehert ear sonherl ipsandsheki ssedhi m
    back, hertear sst i
    llrol li
    ngdownhercheeks.He
    br oket heki ssandheusedhi sthumbt owi pet he
    tear saway.Shel ickedherl i
    psandpeckedhi sagai n
    bef or etheireyesl ocked.Hi shazelbr ownsagai nst
    her s.Hi scal m soulcal l
    ingoutt other apidf ir
    ei n
    her s.Shepar t
    edherl ipsf orhi m andhi stongue
    slippedi nt
    ohermout h,herbl oodcour sedt hrough
    hervei n,af i
    rest artingi nt hepi tofherst omachas
    shemovedcl osertot ouchhischestandhi shands
    sli
    dundert het -shi
    rtshewaswear i
    ng.Shegasped
    i
    nsur priseashegotuponhi sfeetwi thherandt he
    l
    oveshehadf orhim shoneinhereyes.Aust in
    l
    ookedatt hegi rlwhohadconsumedhi sthoughtsa
    decadeagoandshewasst i
    llconsumi nghisvery
    soul,acompl i
    cat edequationheal wayst oldhimself
    didn'
    tneedanysol ving.Anint ell
    ectwhomadel ove
    tohismi ndi nsomanyways, thegi r
    lwhowasn' t
    afrai
    dt ost at
    ehermi ndandwasn' taversetolove
    butembr acedi tanddi deverythingf ortheonesshe
    l
    oved.Shegl ar edathim andhi sli
    pscur ved
    upwar ds.Hegotmor ehar dashewal kedupt he
    stair
    swi thheri nhisar ms.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    92

    Austinchuckl
    edashekissedherl ipsbef orehesli
    d
    outofher.Shewassot i
    ght.Hel ookedather
    angeli
    cface.Shel
    ookednot hingangel icwhenshe
    wasawakebutshej ustblackedoutf rom an
    orgasm.Hepushedherhai rback, let
    ’sseei fhe
    won’tbeabletobr
    ingherback.Hi sdi ckpar t
    edher
    netherli
    psandwassheathedbyt heirjuicesashe
    sl
    idrightbacki
    ntothehil
    t.
    “Ohf uck!
    ”Shewassogood.Hewassur pr
    isedhe
    didn’tcomei nl
    esst hanthreemi nut
    es.Hisstr
    okes
    werer oughandf astashef eltherwallcl
    ench
    aroundhi m andhegr oaned.Hewat chedhereyeli
    ds
    fl
    utteropen,shewast r
    yingtodiscernher
    environmentasherl ipspartedtorel
    easeamoan.
    “Welcomebackbaby.”Thenhewentonf ast
    eras
    hercli
    maxhitherfasterandhemurmuredinherear
    ,
    forhertoatl
    eaststaywithhi
    mthroughoutt
    his
    secondone.Hi snamewasl i
    keasongonherl i
    ps
    asshescr eamedi toutandhegr oanedast hey
    reachedt hepeakt ogethert hist i
    me.Hest opped
    movi ngandwat chedhereyescl oseandheki ssed
    herlips.Sheweakl ykissedhi m back, herbodyst il
    l
    shakingsl i
    ghtly.Her olledof fherandf ocusedon
    her,notici
    ngt her edspot sonherski n,thosebi te
    mar ksoverherbodyandt hehi ckeys.Herchest
    ri
    singandf all
    ingwi thherl egsopen.Washedone?
    Notbyal ongshot .Hepul l
    edhert ohim andr ubbed
    herbackasshemovedcl oseri ntohim.Heki ssed
    thetopofherheadashel aughed.I twasn’ tthe
    conceitedki ndofl augh.I tsoundedl i
    kehappi ness
    andal lgoodt hings,Alor at hought .Shewasst i
    lla
    bitti
    red.Herhandsst i
    llrest rained.Hi slargehands
    undidt heconst r
    aint
    sonherwr istsandherar ms
    werenowf r
    eet omove.Shepl acedt hem onhi s
    chestashepushedherhai rback.Sheneededat
    l
    eastt enmi nut estobeabl et of or m acoher ent
    sentence.Shecl osedhereyes.
    “
    Babyyouonl
    yhavel esst
    hanfi
    veminut
    esbefor
    eI
    t
    akeyouagai
    n.”Theyopenedasshel
    ookedather
    wrists.Thewel t
    swer esor edandwerepr obably
    goingt oswellupbyt omor rowmorni
    ng.Shecl osed
    hereyesandhi sfingertr
    acedtheoutl
    ineofher
    behindbef orehishandsl i
    dbetweenherlegsand
    hi
    sf ingersfoundhernubandshemewl ed.Shewas
    sti
    llsensiti
    veafterhercli
    maxandhewast ouchi
    ng
    heragai n.Herbackar chedashekissedherl i
    ps.
    “You’
    rebeaut i
    fulwhenyoucomef orme.”She
    whimper edasshel ostthecont actofhishand
    betweenherl egsandhesmi led.Herwi deeyes
    wereonhi m andshepar tedherlipsthenclosed
    them again.Hecouldt ellshewant edtosay
    somet hi
    ng.Alorafeltsodumb.Thewor dswer e
    ri
    ghtonhert ongueandshecoul dn’tsaythem.She
    achedi nbetweenherl egsandshedeci dedtokiss
    hissweat ychestbeforeshel ookedupathi m agai
    n.
    “Youhavesomethingtosay.Sayit
    .”Sheopened
    hermouthandallshemanagedt osaywashis
    name.Hedidfuckt hewor
    dsoutofherright
    ?
    “I’
    mlisteni
    ng.
    ”Hislar
    gehandstar
    tedkneadi
    ngher
    breastandshemoanedagain.Shecouldn’
    teven
    thi
    nkf ormorethanaminut
    e.Hegrabbedherbythe
    hairt
    obringherf
    acetohim andsheli
    kedit
    .The
    for
    ceheusedonher .Wasshesick?Austi
    njust
    kepthishandsonherhai
    r,hi
    sotherhandonher
    waist
    .
    “Ti
    meisup.Readyf
    oranot
    herr
    ound?
    ”Shenodded
    ashe#EXPLICI
    T

    *
    **

    Inthemor ning,Al
    orashi f
    tedherbodyandwi ncedin
    pain.Thatforcedhert oopenhereyes.Ever ypartof
    herbodyhur tbuthewasn’ tinbedwi t
    hher .Shegot
    pushedt heblanketsbackandshef rownedast ear
    s
    welledinhereyes.Shet ri
    edtogetupandhewasn’ t
    eveninbedwi t
    hher .Shemoanedi npain.Thedoor
    openedbef oreshecoul devenstandonherf eet
    .He
    hadat rayofbreakfastwithhim.Fullbreakfastand
    hesmi l
    edashepl acedthetraydownandcr ouched
    besidesher.
    “
    Mor
    ning.Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ing?
    ”
    “Li
    keIwasfi
    ght
    ingformyli
    feandl
    ikedi
    t.
    ”He
    chuckl
    edandki
    ssedhercheek.
    “Come.Let’sdealwit
    ht hesebrui
    sesandthenyou
    caneat.”Shedidn’
    tknowt heextentofhowbruised
    shewasandshewasj ustabouttofi
    ndout.Austi
    n
    pickedhernakedframei ntohi
    sarmsandnuzzl ed
    herneck.
    “Abat hi
    sinor dert henthebrui
    ses.”Shejust
    nodded.Alorapl acedherheadagai nsthi
    schestas
    shesmi l
    ed.Thei rinti
    macywasn’ ttheonet hatmade
    herfeell
    essi ncont rol
    .Shelovedhowhe
    domi nat
    edheri nthebedr oom andf oundoutt hat
    shewoul djustlethi mtossherabouti nanywayhe
    pleasedandhandl eherhowhesawf it
    .They
    passedbyt hemi r
    rorandshepl acedahandonhi s
    chest.
    “Letmedown. ”Hedi dsoandst oodbehindher
    nakedfr
    ame.Herneck.Shef lushedthi
    nkingabout
    howshelikedhim chokingher ,
    cutti
    ngoffher
    oxygenwhilebringi
    nghercloset oacli
    max.She
    l
    ookedatherbr eastsandhowal mosteverypar
    tof
    herbodywasbr uisedincl
    udingthesocal l
    edneck.
    Hebr
    eat
    heddownherneck.
    “
    Youhavet
    orestt
    oday.
    ”
    “
    Youhavewor
    k.”Shecount
    ered.
    “It
    ookadayoff
    .”Hereyesgl
    ossedover
    ,het
    ooka
    dayofwor
    kforher?
    “Sowe’
    rei
    nthist
    il
    ltheend?”Sheasked.Hervoi
    ce
    notqui
    tet
    her
    eyetafterl
    astni
    ght’
    sacti
    vit
    ies.
    “We’
    reendgameandwest il
    lhavealongwayt ogo.
    ”
    Sheli
    kedthat
    .Shedidn’tthi
    nkshewasgoi ngtogo
    hometoday.Shecouldn’twaitt
    obepamper edand
    babi
    edbyAustinMathewsf ortherestoft
    heday.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Mor
    ning.Ni
    bbl
    eont
    hismor
    ningi
    nser
    twhi
    leI
    pr
    epar
    eanot
    heronef
    orl
    unch.
    [
    06/
    03,
    03:
    35] :REBORN

    #EXPLI
    CIT

    92

    herfacetohim andsheli
    kedit.Thefor
    ceheused
    onher.Wasshesi ck?Austi
    njustkepthi
    shandson
    herhair
    ,hisot
    herhandonherwai st
    .
    “Timeisup.Readyf oranot
    herround?”Shenodded
    ashepi ckedherupandshecoul dfeelherpussy
    throbbing.GoodGod!Thi smanshoul dbet aki
    ngi
    t
    easyonhersi nceit’
    sherfi
    rstti
    mebutno, hewas
    roughandshel ikedit
    .Sheplacedhersweat y
    foreheadonhi schestasheki ssedherfor
    ehead.
    “You’
    redoingsogood.
    ”Hesawt hecol
    ouronher
    cheeks.Suchasl
    utforpr
    aise.Shefrownedwhen
    heplacedheronthematandhi sbodyheatwas
    awayf rom hers.Shel ookedathim ashewal ked
    nudet othewar drobe.Sheswal l
    owed.Whatwashe
    goingt odonow?Hecamebackwi thhi sl eat
    herbelt
    andherhear tstartedskippi
    ngbeat s.Hewasn’ t
    goingt owhipherwashe?Hej ustkneel edbehind
    herandshecoul df eelhi
    sful
    lerectionpoki ngher
    behind.GoodGod!Herbodywasst illhummi ng
    fr
    om t hoseorgasmsandshehadmeekl yagreedto
    bef uckedagain?Het ookherhandandt i
    edthem to
    herback.
    “Youl
    ookbeaut i
    fuli
    nthatposit
    ion,arcyourback
    forme.”Shetr
    iedtoturnherheadtof acehim but
    heheldherhead.Shecompl i
    edt ohisdemandsand
    fel
    thi
    sl i
    psonherback.
    “Beautif
    ul.
    ”Herhear tfl
    utt
    ered.Shel ovedhim
    prai
    singherf ordoingthat,i
    tmadeherf eell
    oved.
    Herhandswer estil
    luncomf ort
    ablytiedbehindher
    backasheki ssedherbackbef orehislipstr
    aveled
    backtoherneckandhebi therthere.Itmadeher
    moan.Whowast hiswomanandwhathadshe
    donet oAloraMor emi?Shedi dn’tknowhowt oeven
    answerher selfasshefelthim positi
    onhimself
    behindher,kneesonei thersideofher.Her ubbed
    hislengthonhersensi ti
    vebundl eofnervesanda
    crychokedher .Hishandswr appedaroundhersl i
    m
    waistandhepl ungedin.Sodeepandhar dthatshe
    cri
    edouti npainandpl easure.Shewassof ullof
    him andhewasi nmuchdeeper .Hegr oanedand
    shef el
    thishotbreathonherbackashet hrustin
    andoutofherwi t
    haf orcethatleftherbreathl
    ess
    andact ual
    lywantingmor e.
    “
    Aauuust
    ii
    -moooo-
    aaah!
    ”
    “Youwantmor e?”Shenoddedandshegotmor e
    alri
    ght,shegotsomuchmor eashepul ledherby
    herhai r
    ,herhairfol
    li
    cleswer egoingt ofalloff
    becausewhatt hefuck!Andshewaskneel i
    ngi n
    frontofhim andoneofhi shandst ightl
    ywr apped
    aroundherwai stashesl ammedsodeepi nsideof
    herandshecr i
    edouthi sname.Hi sotherhand
    foundherneckandshedi dn’texpecthimt ochoke
    herofff r
    om theoxygenashet hr
    usti nandouti n
    quicksuccessionandshedi dn’twantt olovet he
    sensationoffighti
    ngf orairandacl imaxbui l
    ding
    upi nthepitofherstomach.Hi slargehandsl ightl
    y
    l
    etl ooseofherneckandshesuckedi nairwith
    tearsi nhereyesasshescr eamedhi sname, feeli
    ng
    theor gasm t hreat
    ent omakeherbl ackoutagain.
    Shedi dn’tknowshecoul dfeelsomuchandwhen
    her oar edasheappr oachedhi sowncl i
    maxhe
    compl etelycutherof fheroxygen, hishandt i
    ght
    aroundherneckandshest ruggledt obreat
    hasher
    bodyt rembl edandshecoul dalr
    eadyseest arsas
    shel ookedupt ryi
    ngt obreathbutnotbei ngableto,
    her eleasedherandshemoanedasshespasmed
    alloverhi sdickandher eleasedhi scomei nsideof
    her.Hepul ledherbyt hehai rtokisshersweat y
    cheekashebr eathedoutheavi l
    y.Hesl idoutofher
    andhesawt heirmixedcomedr ipoutofher .She
    wasever ythinghehaddr eamedofandmor e.He
    untiedherhandsandhewat chedherbodycol lapse.
    Hechuckl edget ti
    ngont opofherj ustasshewas
    aboutt ocl osehereyes.
    “
    Sweethear
    t,we’
    renotdone.”Hetur
    nedhert
    il
    lshe
    wasf
    acinghim andhekissedherchest
    .
    “
    I-
    “
    “
    Mmhm.I
    ’
    mli
    steni
    ngsweet
    hear
    t.
    ”Shebl
    inkedand
    couldn’
    tqui
    tegethermouthtocooperat
    eandher
    thoughtswer
    ealloverasshefel
    thisweightontop
    ofher.Sheusedherhandstotouchhischestand
    hekissedherhand.Shewastouchinghi
    m.Atl ong
    l
    ast.
    “I
    ’l
    lletyoutouchmej ustt
    hisonce.”Shenodded.
    Shej ustbaskedintheopport
    uni
    tyoftouchi
    nghim
    andhavi ngaf uzzyf
    eel
    ingthatt
    hiswasgoingtobe
    alongni ght.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    93
    Alor
    aleanedbackonhim ashehel
    dherdown.The
    sti
    ngbetweenherl
    egsfadingi
    ntoj
    ustsor
    eness
    andthewarnwatersoot
    hedherski
    n.
    "Bett
    er?"Shenodded.Heki ssedhercheekashe
    splashedwat eronherback.Hegottheloofahand
    pouredhi sbodywashoni t
    .Hel at
    heredherupand
    shet ensedfeeli
    nghi
    shard-ononherback.
    "I
    gnoreit
    ."Hemur muredinherear.Hecan'
    t
    necessar
    ilycont
    rolhi
    serect
    ionaroundhercanhe?
    "
    Butwej
    -"
    "Iknow.I
    '
    m notdoi
    nganyt
    hingt
    oday.
    "Heki
    ssed
    herneck.
    "
    Myhai
    risamess.
    "Shesai
    doutoft
    hebl
    ue.
    "
    Icanseet
    hat
    .Doyouwantt
    odoyourhai
    r?"
    "
    Iwasthi
    nki
    ngabouti
    tbutIneverr
    eal
    lyheadedt
    o
    t
    hesal
    ontodoit
    ."
    "Okay."Henippedherearandshesmiled.He
    smiledbackashescr ubbedhimsel
    fcleanandher
    onelastti
    mebef or
    ehehel pedher
    .Hepi ckedherup
    anddepositedherinfrontoft
    hemirr
    orandpi cked
    outacleantoweltogetherdry.Hewrappedat owel
    aroundhiswaistbefor
    ehelookedather.All
    vulner
    ableandwideeyedlookingathi
    m.Hehad
    neverthoughthewouldseethatsi
    detoher.He
    openedhiscabinetandtookoutatubefrom a
    sealedbox.
    Al
    orapi
    ckedt
    heboxt
    ofi
    ndoutwhatt
    hatwas.
    "Thenicepar
    taboutputti
    ngthesebrui
    sesonyoui s
    thatIgett
    otendtothem."Thenhestart
    edapplying
    oint
    menttoallherbr
    uiseswhil
    egentlymassaging
    them.Whenhewasdone, hecappedthetubeand
    l
    ookedather.
    "Nopant i
    esforthedayoryourbr
    a."Heemphasi
    zed
    hispointbybrushinghi
    sti
    psonhernippl
    esandshe
    winced.
    "Come."Andshewasi nhisar
    msagai n,t
    uckedinto
    hishardchestlikeababyastheywalkedintothe
    bedroom.Hepl acedheronthebedandwal kedto
    hiswadrobet otakeouthi
    sgown.Itlookedsoftand
    plushandi twaswhite.Hehel
    pedherweari tand
    ti
    editlooselybefor
    ehekissedherl
    ips.
    "
    I'
    llwarm upbreakf
    astandserveyou.Allyouhave
    t
    odoi sstayput.Dothatformeokay?"Shenodded.
    Hewasf ull
    ygoingtotakecareofherandsheloved
    t
    hissideofhim.

    *
    **

    Thatearlyafter
    noon,theysatont hecouchwi t
    hher
    headonhi schestandaf leececoveri
    ngthem whi l
    e
    sheswi t
    chedbet weenchannelsbeforesett
    li
    ngf or
    amur derdocument ar
    y.Hehadt r
    iedtoti
    eherhai r
    upintoapuf fbutherhairfol
    li
    cleshurtf
    rom last
    night
    .Heknewwhathedi dwi t
    hherhairandshe
    j
    ustfingercombedi tandletitbe.Shetouchedhis
    j
    aw.
    "
    Didanyonecal
    lmyphone?
    "
    "
    Yoursi
    sterandmot
    her
    ."Shef
    rowned.
    "
    Whatdi
    dtheysay?
    "
    "
    Enqui
    redaboutyouandi
    fyouwer
    ewel
    l.
    ."
    "
    Whatdi
    dyousay?
    "
    "Ican'texactl
    ytel
    lthem you'
    rethoroughl
    yfucked
    canI?Isai dyoucaughtacol dfrom alat
    enight
    walk."Sher ol
    ledhereyesathim.
    "Theybel
    ievedyou?
    "
    "Yourmotherwant edtotendtoyouandmakeyou
    soupsandteasf oryourcold.Rebajustsni
    cker
    ed
    andsaidshe'l
    lcalllat
    er.
    "Alorashookherhead.
    Rebabathong.
    Herubbedherar
    mthr
    ought
    hegownandki
    ssedher
    l
    ips.
    "
    You'
    recut
    e."
    "Stopit
    !"Shewasn'tt
    hef uzzyki
    ndofgirlbutshe
    l
    ovedhi m.Verymuchso.Shewasi nhisarms, i
    n
    hisgownandhouseaf t
    erawi l
    dnightofroughsex
    thatsheenjoyed.
    "Youwanttowat
    chmur
    derdocument
    ari
    esal
    l
    aft
    ernoon?
    "
    "I
    twouldbei nyourbesti
    nter
    estt
    hatIhateyouand
    Iam sti
    lldevi
    singwaystoendyourl
    if
    e."Heshook
    hisheadandshel aughedwhenhealmostroll
    edhi
    s
    eyes.Hewasadopt
    inghermanner
    ismsandi
    twas
    sofunnyt
    osee.
    "Il
    oveyourl
    augh.I
    t'
    sli
    kethefi
    rstsi
    pofwat
    eraf
    ter
    one'
    sbeenthi
    rst
    yforyear
    s."
    "Youlovemyl aughbutnotme? "Hedidn'tanswer
    herandj ustki
    ssedhercheekbefor
    ef aci
    ngt hetv
    screen.Aloraf
    acedthescreenandmi ssedthe
    adorati
    oni nhi
    seyesashel ookedather.Austin'
    s
    phoner angandtheybothlookedatthephone.
    "Ar
    eyougoi
    ngt oanswerit?
    "Austi
    npickedi
    tup.
    Jameswasprobablyl
    ookingforasol
    idexpl
    anat
    ion
    ofwhyhemissedhisappointment
    .
    "
    I'
    llt
    aket
    hisout
    side.
    "
    "Why?"Al
    oranear
    lygaggedathowcl
    ingyshe
    sounded.
    "Myther
    api
    standI
    'l
    ljustbegl
    oat
    ingont
    hephone
    cal
    l.
    "Sheshr
    unkhereyesathim.
    "
    Gloat
    ?"Shedi
    dn'
    tknowdi
    dshe?
    "
    I'
    vebeent
    ell
    ingmytherapistaboutyoueversi
    nce
    wemetatt
    heSciencefair
    ."That'
    sallhesaidashe
    gotuponhi sfeettoanswert hephone.Shedi dn'
    t
    knowwhet hert othinkt hatthi
    smanwas
    obsessi vel
    yi nlovewi thherorwei rdbutshewent
    withthef ormer .Whodi scussedhi shighschool
    ri
    val?Ofcour sethemanwhowasal waysincontrol
    .
    Wasi tthatmaybehewasn' tincont r
    olofhis
    feel
    ingsar oundhert hathef elttheneedtoventout
    abouther ?Thatboost edheregoabi tasshepull
    ed
    thefleeceupandwat chedt vti
    llhecam backfive
    minut eslater.
    "
    I'
    m hungr
    y."
    "
    Whatdoyouwantt
    oeatMsMor
    emi
    ?"Shel
    ist
    ed
    t
    hef
    oodandhechuckl
    ed.
    "Youhaveapr
    ett
    ylongl
    istf
    orsomeonewhocan'
    t
    cook.
    "
    "SeewhyIwatchmurderdocs?Toki
    llyouf
    or
    sayi
    ngshi
    tli
    kethat
    ."
    "
    Givei
    tyourbestshot
    ."Hel
    aughedashest
    oodup.
    "
    Soyou'
    remaki
    ngt
    hef
    ood?
    "
    "
    Oneofushasanessent
    iall
    i
    feski
    ll
    andI
    '
    dli
    ket
    o
    thi
    nkthatI'
    m savi
    ngyouf
    rom hunger
    .Tl
    agaoswa
    kana.
    "(youmightdi
    e.)
    "Robert
    !Fr
    om t
    hedeepdept
    hsofmyhear
    t,got
    o
    hell
    ."
    "Whyl
    iveinhel
    lwhendemonsli
    keyouroam the
    ear
    thandsil
    entdevi
    lsl
    ikemecancor
    ruptyou?"See
    whyshelovedhi
    m?Manwassupersmar t.
    "
    Newsf
    lash!Demonsar
    eal
    readycor
    rupt
    ed.
    "
    "Notyoudarl
    ing.
    "Shewantedtothrowapi l
    lowbut
    shedidn'
    twantitt
    olandonthefloorandgetdir
    ty
    eventhoughhishousewassparkli
    ngclean.
    "
    I'
    m st
    il
    ldoi
    ngyouf
    avour
    ."
    Hestal
    kedcloserandcl
    osert
    il
    lhi
    sfor
    ehead
    t
    ouchedhers.
    "
    Aren'
    tweovert
    hat
    ?"
    "
    Notbyal
    ongshot
    ."
    Hel
    aughedagai
    nstherl
    ipsbef
    oremovi
    ngback.
    "I
    '
    llseeyouinanhour.
    "Heheadedtotheki
    tchen
    andsherelaxedwat
    chinghershow.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    94

    Thedaywentqui tewellwithAlorabei ngpampered


    byherboyf ri
    endandhi m bathingwi thheragain
    beforeapplyingointmentforthesecondt imeonher
    bruises.Thiswasasi deofhim shel ovedand
    cherished.Sheknewi t.Nomat terhowmuchhe
    didn’twanttoadmi tit
    ,helovedherandshewas
    goingt owaitforhimtoadmi tittohimselfthenher.
    Shesmi l
    edintohischestashet uckedherintohim,
    hisbodywar mthwar mingherhear tandbody.
    “
    Comf
    ort
    abl
    e?”
    “Yes.Thankyou. ”Heki ssedherf oreheadasshe
    closedhereyes, allowi ngsl eeptot akeover .Aust i
    n
    smi l
    edasheki ssedherf orehead.Shewasf ast
    asleepaf teraveryr elaxi ngday.Hesmi l
    ed.He’ ll
    havehi sdr i
    verpickhi m upi nthemor ningandl eave
    herwi t
    ht hecar.Shewi llbeabletodr i
    ver ight?If
    not,hisdr i
    vercanpi ckherupanyt imeshewant sto
    l
    eave.Hehadt oadmi titt ohimselfthathel iked
    cookingf orherandt akingcar eofherneeds.
    Everythingsheneeds, hewoul dgiveher .Hecl osed
    hiseyes, contentwi thhi slifeandever yt
    hingsof ar.

    *
    **

    Thef ol
    lowi
    ngmor ning,
    Alorawokeupi nhisarms.A
    yawnescapedherl i
    psandshesmi l
    edagainsthi
    s
    chest.Hewasn’tawakeyet,washegoi ngtowork
    today?Shepickedherphonef r
    om thebedstand
    anditwasonlyaf ewmi nut
    esafterfi
    ve.Whywas
    sheawakesoear ly?Shekissedhischestandthen
    hislipsbef or eshemovedawayf r
    om hi m.Shewas
    carefulnott omakeanynoi seasshet ightlyknot ted
    thegownshewaswear ingwhi chsmel l
    edofhi m.
    Thef actt hatt hisman’ sbodywashandl otionwas
    expensi vet hanher si r
    kedhersobadbuti nst eadof
    dwel l
    ingont hatuglyfact ,shewal kedt ot he
    war drobet opi ckacl eanpai rofsocks.Ofcour se
    thesockswer ehis,hercl otheswer el i
    mi t
    ed.She
    wor ethesockswhi leshegl ancedovert ot heki ng
    bedbuthewasst il
    lasleep.Shewant edt oki sshim
    againbutshemi ghtwakehi m up.I fhei sst i
    ll
    asleepbyhal fsixthenshe’ l
    l wakehi m up.She
    walkedoutoft hebedr oom asqui et l
    yasshecoul d.
    Alorawal keddownt hest air
    sandheadedt ot he
    kit
    chent omakecof fee.Ittookaf ewmi nutest o
    refi
    llthecapsul esandt henshehadt owai tforthe
    coffeetobr ew.Shedi dn’ twantt oseei fshehadt he
    bruisesonherbody, shewassur et heywer est i
    ll
    thereandt heywer eugl yatt hispoi nt.Shet ouched
    herneckandsmi l
    ed.Shewaswei rd.Whot hehell
    l
    ovesbei ngchoked?Andhowdi dheknowshe
    woul dlovet hat?Mi nutesl ater,shewasf il
    lingher
    coffeecupwi t
    hcoffeet henwal kedoutoft he
    kit
    chenheadi ngt ohisst udyt hathadhi slibrary.
    Sheneverhadt het i
    met or aidhi slibrarysot hi s
    wast heper f ectt imet opi ckabookandr ead.When
    thewor l
    dwasst il
    lsil
    entandhert hought swer e
    sil
    entaswel l
    .Shewal kedi nsideandever ything
    waswel larranged.Hi sl aptopcl osedandt herewas
    anot herdeskatt heendwi t
    hamoni torand
    keyboar d.Al waysapl anBf orever ything.She
    smi l
    edasshepl acedhercof feeont hedesk, his
    chairl ookingqui tecomf or t
    ableandpl ush.She
    walkedovert ot heai sleofbooksandherf ingerti
    ps
    grazedt hespi nes, sendi ngat hril
    lonl ybookl overs
    knew.Thesmel lofthepaper backsgi vinghera
    senseofj oyt hatshecoul dn’tcompar et oanyt hing.
    Hehadawi desel ectionofbooks, from cl assic
    l
    iteraturet omoder nfictionbutnomoder nr omance
    bookwasi nsi ght .Suchapr ick!Shet houghtasshe
    pickedoutLi ttl
    eWomenbyLoui saMayAl cott.She
    l
    astr eadt hisbookwhenshewas18andshe
    surpr i
    sedher selfwi tht het ears.Onsecondt hought
    shebet terouti tback.Shewoul dn’twantt ocry
    againwoul dshe?Shepi ckedoutaSt ephenKi ng
    novelbef oresheset tledonhi schai randt ookasi p
    ofhercof
    feet
    ost
    artr
    eadi
    ng.

    Anhourl ater,
    Aust i
    nwokeupal oneinbed.He
    rubbedhiseyesbef or escanningt hebedroom.I t
    tookhim af ewmi nutestofinall
    ygetoutofbed.He
    checkedt heti
    meandi twasaf ewmi nutesaftersix.
    Hehadt ogetr eadyf orwork.Hi sgir
    lf
    ri
    endwasst il
    l
    here,herphonewasont hestandandshewoul d
    l
    eavet hehousewi t
    houtit.Heyawnedashepadded
    overtothebat hr
    oom f orashowerandt of ul
    ly
    groom himselfbeforeheheadedt owork.

    Alor
    awasconsumedbyt hebookasshepagedand
    shegasped, notexpectingwhathappened.She
    couldn’tputthebookdownaswast empt edt
    o
    annotatethedamnbookbuti twasn’tevenher
    s.
    Shepi ckedherempt ycof feecupandgotuponher
    feet
    ,herot herhandst i
    llholdi
    ngontoherbook.

    Thei
    rmor
    ninghadt ur
    nedoutt
    obeapl easantone.
    Shemadehim cof
    feeasshedi
    scussedtheplotof
    thebookshewasr eading.Shepi
    ckedouthisshirt
    fort
    hedayevent houghsheknewhecameouthal f
    nakedtothekit
    chent ofl
    exhismuscles.Egomaniac.
    Shealsolovedthat
    ,shecouldbethewomanwho
    chosehisclot
    hesforwor kandhewoul dchoose
    whichposit
    iontheytookinbedatnight.Byei
    ghthe
    wasdoneandshewasst i
    lli
    nhi
    sgown.
    “Doyouwanttotakethecarorshouldmydri
    ver
    dropyouoff
    ?”Sheclosedthebook.Alor
    ast
    oodup
    tofi
    xhist
    ieforhi
    mt henfol
    dedherarms.
    “
    Ithi
    nkI
    ’
    llbedr
    oppedof
    f.
    .”
    “Goodchoi
    ce,I
    ’
    llcal
    lhi
    m. ”Aust
    inpeckedhercheek
    thenhi
    shandsli
    dintothegownt ohol
    dawar m
    b00b.Shesl
    appedhishandaway.
    “
    Idon’
    tletboyst
    ouchme.
    ”Hesmi
    rked.
    “I
    ’
    m notaboydarl
    ing.”Sheroll
    edhereyesathi
    m as
    hesl
    ippedhi
    shandi nagain,squeezedandsmi
    led.
    Heki
    ssedherjawandsmi led.
    “Ihavetogot
    owork,I
    ’
    llcal
    landseeyoui
    nthe
    evening.
    ”Her
    ubbedherjawnowandshenodded.
    “
    Aft
    erwor
    k?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Areyout
    aki
    ngt
    imeof
    ffort
    hehol
    idays?
    ”
    Heneverdi
    dthatbutifshewant
    edhi
    mtodot
    hat
    ,
    hewould.I
    naheartbeat.
    “
    Doyouwantmet
    o?”
    “
    Yes.Thehol
    idaysarestar
    ti
    ngnextweekand
    maybewecanspendt i
    met oget
    her
    .Havedinner
    wit
    hmyf ami
    lyifi
    t’
    snottoomuch.”
    “You’
    vegotyour
    sel
    fadeal
    .”Shewast
    heonet
    o
    kisshi
    scheekandsmi
    le.
    “Okay.Letmenotkeepyou.Don’
    tfor
    gett
    ocallor
    elseI’
    m muti
    lat
    ingyout
    henfeedi
    ngyoutothe
    dogs.”
    “I’
    dli
    ketoseeyout ry.
    ”Theykissedfort
    henext
    minutebeforetheybrokeapartandhewalkedout
    thedoor,l
    eavinghisgir
    lfri
    endinhi
    shouseand
    Alorasawitfitt
    opackhi sgowninheroverni
    ght
    bagalongwithhisshirts.Hehadsomanyanhe
    won’tmissthem.Timet ogetr
    eadytogohomeand
    answerReba’
    smi
    ll
    ionquest
    ions.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    46] :REBORN

    95

    AtSusan’shouse,Aloraploppedher sel
    font hebed.
    Herbruiseswerevisi
    ble,shehadqui ckl
    ymadeher
    waytothebedr oom toatleastwearat urtl
    eneck
    i
    gnoringalmosteveryonet here.Sheunzi ppedhis
    j
    acketandwal kedtoherwar drobetopickouta
    tur
    tl
    eneck.Itwashotashel loutsi
    debutshehadt o
    dowhatshehadt odo.Per ksofl i
    vingwithher
    famil
    y.Shewor etheturt
    leneckandshebr eathed
    out.Muchbett
    er.Shewasgoingtoweart
    hisf
    ort
    he
    nexttwodaysshepresumed.Ther
    ewasadoor
    knockandsheknewi nst
    ant
    lywhoitwas.
    “Comei
    n.”Thedooropenedandshetur
    nedt
    osee
    Rebal
    ookingatherwi
    thaknowingsmil
    e.
    “Hell
    o.Howi syour‘col
    d’?”Rebaset
    tl
    edonthe
    cornerofthebedasAl orahangedAusti
    n’sj
    acket
    beforesheclosedthewar dr
    obe.
    “
    I’
    m muchbet
    ter
    .”
    “
    You’r
    esti
    llf
    eel
    ingcol
    d?Whyt
    het
    urt
    leneck?
    ”Al
    ora
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    I’
    llsayi
    tbef
    oreyougetonmyner
    ves.
    ”Reba
    t
    ouchedherchest
    .
    “
    I’
    m of
    fendedbutspi
    ll
    …”
    “
    Wedi
    dit
    .”
    “Youhavet obemorecl
    eart
    hanthat.I’
    m not
    fol
    lowing.
    ”Reba’
    ssingt
    unevoicesaid.Ofcourse
    sheknew, shej
    ustwant
    edtotort
    ureAloraint
    o
    sayingit
    .
    “
    Rebadon’
    tactdumb.
    ”
    “
    AllIknowisyouhadacoldandnowyou’ r
    ecol
    d.
    Whatdidyoudo?NnammaI ’m dumb,expl
    aini
    tto
    me.”Alor
    agroanedasshewalkedcl
    oser.
    “Wehadsexokay!Wedidit!
    ”Rebascr
    eamedand
    Alor
    aroll
    edhereyeswit
    hasmi l
    e.I
    twasenoughf
    or
    Rebatobeupi nherf
    eetandnowinspecther
    youngersi
    ster
    .
    “
    Howwasi
    t?”
    “
    Okay.
    ”
    “Okayisboring!Givemesomet hi
    ngmore.Didyou
    come? ”Alor
    anodded.Ther ewasnowayi nhel
    lshe
    wast el
    li
    nghersi st
    erthatshebl
    ackedoutaf
    teran
    orgasm andt hatshehadweirdki
    nks.
    “
    Didyoul
    ikei
    t?”
    “
    Ilovedi
    t!
    ”
    “Aaaah!Bathongnowyou’r
    esogr
    ownupandgot
    overthatf
    earofint
    imacy,
    howwasitt
    onothave
    contr
    ol?”
    “
    Itwasal
    ri
    ght
    .”
    “
    Nowmyl
    it
    tl
    esi
    steri
    shavi
    ngsex.Anor
    malbi
    g
    si
    stershoul
    dn’
    tbeproudoft hatbutIam because
    I’
    m notnormal
    .Nowwhatdi dyousayt hatother
    ti
    me..t
    hatagir
    l’
    svir
    gini
    tyisli
    keanaccoladeboys
    addorsomethingal
    ongt hoseli
    nes.”
    “Ist
    il
    lst
    andbythat
    .Inmostcasesi
    tist
    hatway,
    not
    ever
    yoneisl
    ikeAust
    in.
    ”
    “
    Youl
    ovehi
    m…”
    “
    Ver
    ymuchso.We’
    ref
    atedf
    oreachot
    her
    .”
    “
    Thi
    siscute.Nowthatwegotyourfi
    rstti
    meoutof
    t
    heway,enjoyi
    tandthankyouf
    ortel
    lingme.
    ”
    “
    Ipr
    omi
    sedt
    otel
    lyouaf
    termyf
    ir
    stt
    imesoo…”
    “AndIam gl
    ad.Ouitherei
    ssomuchIwantt osay
    tl
    hemmabutwe’ llt
    alkabouti
    taf
    termonthswhen
    you’
    reusedtoit
    .”RebahuggedAloraandAlor
    a
    huggedherbackbeforeshest
    eppedaway.
    “
    NowIwoul
    dli
    ket
    ocl
    eanmyr
    oom.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’scl
    ean!
    ”
    “Noit
    ’snot
    .”Rebar
    oll
    edhereyesasshewal
    ked
    overt
    othedoor.
    “Seeyouatthedinnert
    abl
    e.AndIassumeyou’
    re
    hidi
    nghickeys.Wel
    cometotheclub….
    ”Al
    oraundi
    d
    thebedsoshecanmakei tagai
    n.
    “
    I-
    Ihaveaf
    avourt
    oask.
    ”
    “
    Askaway.
    ”
    “Uhm sinceyouwillbemovi ngout,i
    sitokayIlive
    withyou?Bomamawon’ tall
    owmet ol i
    vealone,the
    addict
    ionandallbuttheytrustyou.Please.
    ”Alora
    olderherarms.
    “
    Iwantmyhouset
    obecl
    eanandIwi
    llbehavi
    nga
    r
    egul
    arguest
    .”
    “IwillexcuseyouguysandIcanclean.”Sherar
    ely
    cleanedwhenshewasst onedandhigh.Reba
    thought .Herhousewasalwaysamessandshe
    hadusual l
    yspentmoret
    hanhourlookingfor
    somet hing.
    “
    Ist
    hatayes?
    ”
    “IfSuwil
    lagr
    eethenyes.Youcanl
    ivewit
    hme, Iwi
    ll
    behomemostoft heti
    meandIwoul ddoanyt
    hing
    foryou.You’
    remysist
    er.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Timeforyoutogonow!
    ”Rebal
    aughedasAl
    ora
    wal
    kedtothedoor
    .
    “Il
    oveyout ooRebaandI’
    m pr oudofthepr
    ogress
    youmade, onceI’
    m donecleaningyoucantel
    lme
    aboutyournewtherapi
    st.
    ”
    “
    Ofcour
    se.Bye!
    ”Rebawal
    kedoutandAl
    oracl
    osed
    t
    hedoor
    .

    *
    **

    AtAustin’
    sof f
    ice,hel eanedbackt ostr
    etchhi s
    fi
    ngersbeforeget t
    ingbackt owor k.Heopenedhi s
    deskdrawerandhepi ckedupt hesethedesi gned
    forher,
    hesawt hedi amondsandi mmedi atel
    yknew
    shewoul dloveitwitht hedesignhehadhadi n
    mind.Sheloveddi amonds, hehadmor edi amonds
    forher,
    wellanot hersetandt hiswaspar tofhis
    proposalandshedi dn’tevenknowi t
    .Evenhi s
    mother.Heopenedt heboxandsmi l
    ed.Hecl osedit
    andputt
    heboxbacki
    nthedr
    awer
    .Hi
    sphoner
    ang
    andhepi
    ckedi
    tup.
    “
    MrMat
    hewsspeaki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Goodaf
    ter
    noonsi
    r,i
    t’
    sther
    ehabi
    li
    tat
    ioncent
    re.
    ”
    “I
    ’
    ml i
    steni
    ng.
    ”Thewomanwentont
    oexpl
    aint
    o
    hi
    m andhenodded.
    “
    Sohewi
    llbeal
    lowedonl
    yonevi
    sit
    ori
    namont
    h’s
    t
    ime?
    ”
    “Yes.Heisdoi
    ngprogr
    essi
    vel
    ywel
    landhei
    staki
    ng
    hispil
    lswel
    lonti
    me.”
    “
    Thankyouf
    ort
    heupdat
    e.”
    “Ofcourse.Haveagoodday.”Thecallcutandhe
    tappedthedesk.Onevisi
    tor
    .Onepersonwoul dbe
    ecstati
    ctovisi
    tHadesandheknewwhot hatperson
    was.Hedi al
    ledAl
    oraandsheanswer edaftert
    wo
    rings.
    “
    Rober
    twhatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “I
    sthatthewayyou’
    resupposedt
    ospeakt
    oyour
    boyf
    riend?”
    “
    Ihat
    eyou.You’
    rewast
    ingmyt
    imewhatdoyou
    want
    ?”
    “
    Howar
    edoi
    ng?Ar
    eyouokay?
    ”
    “I
    ’minthemi ddl
    eofcleani
    ngmyr oom andI’m ali
    ve.
    Hotinthisdamnedturtl
    eneckbutIhavenochoi ce
    becausemynecki snotapr et
    tysi
    ghtandmybody
    l
    ookslikeafucki
    ngcanvassoI ’m spect
    acul
    ar.
    ”He
    gaveal owdeepchuckleandhehear dhersharp
    i
    ntakeofbreath.
    “Don’
    tactl
    ikeyoudi
    dn’
    tli
    kei
    tbaby,
    Iknowyou
    did.
    ”
    “Shutup!
    ”Helaughedandhesworehecoul
    dsee
    herrol
    li
    nghereyesathi
    m andgl
    ari
    ngthephoneto
    deathbecausehewasspeaki
    ngattheendofi
    t.
    “
    CanIhaveRebant
    le’
    snumber
    ?”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’si
    nregardtoHadesandI
    ’
    m sur
    eshewoul
    dlove
    t
    ohearthi
    s.”
    “
    Okay.I
    ’
    llsendi
    taf
    teryouhangup.
    ”
    “
    Seeyoul
    aterokay?
    ”
    “Okay.Il
    oveyou.Bye.
    ”Shehunguponhi m andhe
    shookhisheadwithasmile.Hi
    sphonebeepeda
    secondlat
    er.Shehadsentthenumber
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    We’
    rerunni
    nglat
    erbutt
    henexti
    nser
    twi
    llbeupi
    n
    anhour.Myapol
    ogi
    es.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    96

    Rebapi
    ckedupt hephone,notrecognisi
    ngt
    he
    numberthatwascall
    ingher.Whatifitwast
    hose
    mediat
    roll
    sthatcal
    ledtotauntherandsometoget
    hersideofthestoryeventhoughheraddict
    ion
    cameoutmont hsago.Shewasevenaf rai
    dtoshow
    faceoverseasbecauseshehadbeenan
    i
    nternati
    onalmodelnowt hewholeworldwas
    j
    udging.Shet ookt
    hel eapoffai
    thandansweredthe
    phonecall.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    After
    noon.Aust
    inher
    e..
    ”shepaused.Aust
    in?Why
    washecall
    ingher
    ?
    “Hell
    oagain.OhGod!Iprobabl
    ysounddumb. .
    ”he
    chuckledandli
    keAl
    ora,shefel
    thewasj udgingher
    butsheshruggedi
    toffbecauseshedidn’thavethe
    highestI
    Q.
    “Ihavenewst
    hatmi
    ghtmakeyourdaymuch
    bri
    ghter
    .”
    “
    News?
    ”
    “SoHadeswi l
    lbeallowedvisi
    tor
    sinamonth’
    sti
    me
    andonl yonevi
    sit
    or.Howaboutyougo?”She
    squealed.Hewasst i
    llaski
    ng?Shewoul
    dgoina
    heart
    beat.
    “
    Yes.Yes.I
    ’
    llbet
    her
    e.Thankyou!Thankyou!
    ”
    “
    Wel
    come.Ihavet
    ogonow.
    ”
    “
    Okay.Okay.Bye.
    ”
    “Bye.”Hehungupandshepickedherpill
    owto
    scream i
    ntoit
    .She’
    l
    lupdat
    eVioletabouti
    tandhear
    herinputbutshewassoexci
    ted.Shecouldn’
    twai
    t.

    *
    **

    Thateveni
    ng,
    Alorawalkedt
    othediningroom and
    ever
    yonewasjustmindingt
    hei
    rbusinesstil
    lSusan
    spokeup.
    “
    Sohowi
    sthecol
    d?”
    “Muchbetter
    .Af
    ewdaysandI’
    llbeokay.
    ”Susan
    pickedatt
    hemeatont
    heplat
    e.
    “
    That
    ’sgood.Howdi
    dthedi
    nnergo?
    ”
    “
    Shehat
    esme.
    ”Thabi
    sopaused.
    “
    Whywoul
    dyousayt
    hat
    ?”Al
    orashr
    ugged.Her
    boyfri
    end’smotherdidn’
    tli
    keherbecauseshewas
    goingtobeacor porategi
    rl
    ,shedidn’
    tknowhowto
    feelaboutthat
    .
    “Sheshowedi ti
    nnotsomanyways.Anywayl et’
    s
    dropthetopi
    c.”Al orast art
    edcutt
    ingherbur gerint
    o
    piecesshecanf ullydigestasherst epparentsand
    sister
    sspokeatt het able.Shewassohappyabout
    Reba’sprogr
    ess.Apar tofherhatedherselffornot
    notici
    ngsoonerandf indingherhelpsoonerbutt he
    nowwasal lthatmat ter edri
    ght
    ?

    Thei
    ntercom r
    angandAl
    orapi
    ckedherphone.
    Aust
    in.
    “Excuseme. ”Shegotupf rom herchai
    randwalked
    overt othedoortopressthebuttonfort
    hegateto
    open.Susanl ookedatAlora.Shewasn’tst
    upidto
    believeshehadacol dbutshedi dn’
    twantto
    embar rassherdaughterwithquesti
    ons.Whowears
    at urt
    leneckinthi
    shotweat her?Alor
    aopenedthe
    doorandwal kedoutoft hehouse.Herchil
    drenwere
    allgrownupandshewasl ef
    twithEmory.
    Al
    orarol
    ledhereyesasshewal kedoutsi
    detheyar
    d
    t
    ohiscar.Heopenedt hedoorforherandshegot
    i
    nsi
    de.Hisgreet
    ing?Aki sst
    hathadherholdi
    ngthe
    l
    apel
    sofhissuitjacket
    .
    “
    Hey.
    ”Hebr
    eat
    hedoutagai
    nstherl
    ips.
    “Hi.
    ”Shel etgoandst rai
    ghteneditbeforeshe
    l
    ookedathi m.Heobser vedherclothesandhebur st
    outintolaught er
    .Sheshovedhim backi nt
    ohisseat,
    sheknewshedi dn’
    tpossesssuchst rengt
    handhe
    all
    owedherj usttopushhim down.Hewasmuch
    str
    ongert hanhel etonandt hesuit
    swhi chwere
    tai
    loredforhi m di
    dn’
    texactl
    yshowhowhewas
    str
    ongi never yway.Ofcourseshewoul dnevert
    ell
    hernarcissisti
    cboyfri
    endthat.
    “
    Notat
    urt
    leneck.You’
    resmar
    tert
    hant
    hat
    .”
    “I
    fthat
    ’syourwayofcal
    li
    ngmedumb, Iwillf
    eed
    youtothedogs.
    ”Hechuckledandheplacedahand
    onherthi
    gh.
    “
    Tellmeaboutyourday.
    ”Sheglaredbef
    oreshe
    f
    oldedherar
    mst otel
    lhi
    m abouthowherdaywent
    .
    “
    Isee.Mygowni
    smi
    ssi
    ng.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    It
    ’snotasi
    fyouweari
    tandyou’
    l
    lbuyanewone.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hatyourwayoft
    ell
    ingmet
    hatyout
    ooki
    t?”
    “Yes.It
    ookitandit
    ’snotasecr
    et.
    ”Hel
    aughedand
    kissedherser
    iousf
    ace.
    “
    Okaybaby.Myj
    acket
    .”
    “GoodGod!Ar eyoukeepingani nvent
    oryof
    everything?YesIhavei twi t
    hmeaswel l
    .It’
    snotas
    i
    fIwi llburnittothegroundal thoughImi ghtdot hat
    tospiteyoubutIcan’ tburndesi gnerjackets
    becauset heyar etoopreciousandexpensi ve.
    .”his
    gir
    lfri
    endwascr azy.I
    nageni uski ndofwayandi t
    wasf ascinatingashell.Heslidhi shandintoher
    hairandpul ledhertohim wi t
    ht hehairtogetaki ss.
    Pit
    yhecoul dn’tki
    ssherneckbecauseoft he
    tur
    tleneckshewaswear i
    ngandhehadt oset t
    lefor
    herface.
    “
    IfIwasn’
    tasambi
    ti
    ous,
    woul
    dyourmot
    herl
    ike
    me?”
    “
    Yesshewoul
    dbutIwoul
    dn’
    t.
    ”Shekeptqui
    et.
    “Idon’twantyoutogi veupanyofyourdr eams.
    Theyar eyoursandoneoft hereasonsIl
    ikeyouis
    becauseyouchal l
    engeme.Youkeepmeonmy
    toesmostoft hetime.Thef ir
    etomyst or
    m. .
    ”she
    grinned.Sheactuall
    ygr i
    nnedandi twasfucki
    ng
    beautiful
    .
    “
    Youli
    keme?Okay.”Shepeckedhisl
    ipsbef
    oreshe
    t
    ookhi
    shandtoremoveitfr
    om herhair
    .
    “Il
    oveyoutoRobert
    .”Hechuckl
    edasshepushed
    backherhai
    randheslidhi
    shandinthesi
    de
    compart
    mentonhisdoor.Hetookoutt
    hebox.He
    sawasmi l
    ecurveonherli
    ps.
    “Igotyouthi
    s.”Li
    ar!Li
    ar!Youdesi
    gnedi
    tforher
    .A
    voicesai
    dinhishead.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “FacetheotherwayAl ora.
    ”Shedidassheheadt he
    boxopenandant i
    cipat
    ionswir
    ledinhervei
    ns.She
    fel
    thishandsonherneckandsheconcl uded.
    Anothernecklace.
    “Myhandsmakeabetterneckl
    acebutt
    hiswi
    lldo.
    ”
    Hecl
    aspeditandki
    ssedhercheek.
    Shelookeddownandl ookedatthedesi
    gn.Shehas
    neverseenanyt
    hingli
    kethisandhewasspoili
    ng
    herwithdi
    amonds.Actualdiamondsandnot
    l
    ookali
    kes.Shetoucheditandfacedhi
    m.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Theyhaveear
    ri
    ngsi
    nthesetaswel
    l
    .”
    “Thankyou.”Shepattedhisshoulderandhe
    chuckled.Nowwasagr eatt
    imef orhi
    m gahaulher
    overherlapandwat chhertalkwhilehet ri
    edtoget
    i
    ntoherpant s.Hecouldn’
    tresisti
    tokay?I twasn’
    t
    hisfaultt
    hathisusuall
    ycontroll
    edandi ndependent
    gir
    lf
    riendwassuchasubmi ssivetohimi nti
    matel
    y
    andhel ovedit.Hewasalwayst hatdomi nantbut
    havingAlorasubmittohim wasadi ff
    erentkindof
    excit
    ement .
    Hehauledheroverhislapandhewatchedher
    scowlathim asshewentonaboutsomet hi
    ng.He
    wasn’tr
    eall
    yfocusing.Thewayherchestmovedup
    anddownasshespokeandherl i
    pswell,hecoul
    d
    ki
    ssthosef or
    everbuthewantedtoki
    ssherother
    l
    ips.Hekissedhermi dsent
    enceandshekissed
    hi
    m backbef
    oreshepushedhi
    m back.
    “
    List
    ent
    ome.Don’
    tthi
    nkwi
    thyourd*
    ck.
    ”
    “It
    hinkwi
    thi
    tmostoft
    het
    imewhenI
    ’
    m ar
    ound
    you.”
    “
    NowonderIhaveahi
    gherI
    Q.”
    “Don’tki
    dyour sel
    fli
    kethatdarl
    ing.
    ”Hesmil
    ed.He
    wascont entwithherbuttherewasasmallvoice
    thattol
    dhimt hatbeingcontentmeantt
    hatthere
    couldbeapoi ntwher ehelosti
    tall
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    ONEMONTHLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    97
    Rebapushedherbr aidsbackj ustasVioletpoured
    heraglassofjuice.Ther ewerecooki esaswel l
    and
    thepastmonthi nther apywiththiswomanwas
    upli
    ft
    ing.Shedidn'tfeel j
    udgedandsheopenedup
    more.Mor et
    hanshehadt ohersist
    erbecauset his
    woman' saur
    aandenvi r
    onmentwer eamazi ng.
    Az"Haveabi
    teandt
    ellmehowyouexpectt
    odayt
    o
    go.
    "
    Rebapi ckedt
    heglassandt ookasipbef oreshe
    placeditdown.Shelif
    tedherwr i
    stthathadthe
    rubberband.I
    twassomesor tofcopingmechani sm
    theyhadcomeupwi th,f
    orhertopul latever
    yti
    me
    shehadt heurgetotakedrugs.
    Vi
    oletobser
    vedhowRebahadabi
    teofthebiscui
    t
    t
    henputitdownasifi
    twassomebadthing.
    "Haveyout houghtaboutwhatIsaid?"Rebalooked
    atthecookie.Whenshewasmodel li
    ng,sherarel
    y
    atethingswithalotofcar
    bsandt hat'
    swhyshe
    can'teatmorethanberdail
    yli
    mitorifshewas
    pushingit?Shedidn'
    teatanddrankwat er.
    "
    Seei
    ngadoct
    or?
    "
    "Yes.Togett
    est
    edonst
    uff
    ,RebaIwi
    llbef
    rankwi
    th
    you."
    "I
    t'
    swhatyoudobest
    ."Vi
    oletchuckl
    edandf
    olded
    herhandsonherl
    ap.
    "Youranoerexiaisworryi
    ngandi taf
    fectsmor ethan
    j
    ustyout ryi
    ngt okeeptoacer t
    ainweight."Reba
    sighed.Shehadal otoftermsthrownherwayt otry
    andhel pher.Sheappreciat
    editbutitwasso
    overwhelmingtohavet olabelt
    hem andi tgett
    ing
    tooreal.
    "I
    'l
    lbookanappoi
    ntmentf
    oryouokay?Iknowt his
    gooddoctort
    ohelpandyou'
    lltal
    ktome.Thereisa
    l
    otandasmuchasyout rytoignorei
    t,youhaveto
    facethedemons.
    "
    "
    WhatifIdon'
    twanttofacet
    hem si
    nceI
    '
    vebeen
    wit
    hthem f
    orsolong?"
    "Soyoucanbef ree.Thereisnotsuchthingastrul
    y
    beinghealed.Iwon' tdecei
    veyouandsayyouwi l
    l
    bet otal
    lyf
    reefrom yourment alwoes,t
    hetrauma
    andt hosesleeplessnightswhereithur
    tsbutIcan
    assureyouthatyouwil
    lfi
    ndawayt ofindthe
    sunshinei
    nthedarkestofdays,
    youwi l
    lbeablet
    o
    l
    iveandaccepteveryt
    hingforwhati
    tis."Reba
    l
    ickedherli
    ps.
    "HowdoIacceptt hesexualassualt
    ?"Violetl
    eaned
    back.Hersi
    sterhadgonet hr
    oughsomet hing
    simil
    arandi
    twasn' tsomethi
    ngt hatyouaccepted.
    "That
    'sademonyoul earntoli
    vewit
    h.Thati
    twasn'
    t
    yourfaul
    tanditwillneverbe.Thatt
    henumerous
    sexualassual
    tsthatoccuredweren'
    tevenyour
    faul
    t.
    "Rebablinkedbackt ear
    s.
    "
    Ist
    il
    lwakeupkicki
    ngfrom t
    heni
    ght
    mar
    esandi
    fit
    i
    sn'
    tthat
    ,Isl
    eepwalk.
    "
    "IknowReba.Tr aumadoest hattous,that
    's
    anot herlevelofPTSDandaf teryourtestswiththe
    doct or,we'l
    lprescri
    beanti
    -depressantsanddiscuss
    medi cationwithyou.Ihavebeenwar yinter
    msof
    medi catingyoubecauseyouar estil
    lfi
    ghti
    ngan
    addictionandI 'l
    lbegivi
    ngyoudr ugswhi chyou
    mi gh-"
    Rebanodded.Sheunder
    stoodherpoi
    nt.Whati
    f
    shewasdependentont
    hemedi
    cal
    lyappr
    oved
    drugs?
    "
    Thatiswhyweareherei
    nther
    apy.Behavi
    our
    al
    t
    herapyhasi
    t'
    sper
    ks."
    "
    True.
    "
    "I'
    l
    lletyouknowoncet heappoi ntmenthasbeenset
    andt henyou'
    llmeetthedoct ort hentakeitf
    rom
    there.Youcan'ttakemedicationwhenyoual so
    don'thaveaheal thyr
    elati
    onshipwi thfood.Noone
    willatt
    ackyouf oreat
    ingright,youneedt heright
    foodt oli
    veReba. "
    Shenoddedonceagai
    n.
    "Good.Thankyouf
    oropeni
    ngupt
    omeandseeyou
    onWednesday."
    "Eemma. "Shegotonherf eetandshepickedher
    bag.Shewasst i
    llnotusingpubl i
    ctr
    ansport.She
    tookoutherphonet ocallAlora.Al
    orasaidshewill
    pickherupsincetheirparentswereatwor kand
    Emorywasatschool .
    "
    Hel
    lo?
    "
    "
    Hi.I
    '
    m done.Canyoupi
    ckmeup?
    "
    "I
    '
    llbet
    herei
    ntwent
    y.I
    '
    m ar
    oundt
    ownsoI
    '
    llpi
    ck
    youup.Bye.
    "
    "
    Bye!
    "
    Thenat2pm shewasgoi ngtoseeHades.Sheaas
    exci
    tedaboutthat
    .Oneoft hegoodthingsinherlife,
    shecouldn'
    twaittotel
    lhi
    m aboutthenewMar vel
    movie.Hadhewat chedit
    ?Shehasn'twat chedityet
    butt
    herewerealreadyalotofspoi
    lers.Shewant ed
    towatchitwit
    hhim.Twomont hsl
    eftandhewoul d
    beout.

    *
    **

    AtSusan'
    sworkpl
    aceshehel
    dthephoneagai
    nst
    herearasshesi
    ghed.
    "
    Isti
    llfeell
    eftout.Thegirl
    snevershar eanyt
    hing
    wit
    hmeexceptt hebasics."Shetoldherhusbandat
    t
    heendoft hel i
    ne,shehadbeeni nconsol
    abl
    et hat
    morningabouthowshewasn' teventhatcl
    osewi t
    h
    hergir
    ls.Rebal
    ovedhernewt her
    apistyesand
    Alorahadbeenbusywi threnovatinghermot her'
    s
    houseandwhat everproj
    ectshewasdeal ingwith.
    Shehadhi nt
    edatAl or
    amaybel ooki
    ngf orjobs
    becausesheknewshequal if
    iedevent houghher
    resul
    tsforherf
    inalsemesterwer enotyetout .Alor
    a
    hadbrushedherof fbysayingshewasi nnor ush.
    "
    Tal
    ktot
    hem.
    "
    "Theyarecl
    osertoeachotherthant
    omeandi t
    hurts.I
    th-
    hurt
    s...
    "shesnif
    fedandbli
    nkedbackher
    tear
    s.Shealsowant edt
    obekeptintheloop.Itwas
    l
    ikeshewasi ntheouterci
    rcl
    eanditdidn'
    tfeelokay.
    "
    Su,theyaregrownups.Maybetheyfeelli
    kesome
    t
    hingstheyshouldn'
    tshar
    ewit
    htheirparent
    s."
    "
    Sti
    ll
    ..
    "thetearsrol
    leddownandshsusedherhand
    t
    owipet hem away.
    "ButI
    '
    llbef
    ine.I'
    llbeokay.Ihavetogo.
    "Shequi
    ckl
    y
    hungupandpl acedherheadont hedeskt
    ocry.

    *
    **
    Alor
    aparkedAustin'
    dcaroutsidethebui
    ldi
    ngand
    shetext
    edRebat hatshewasher e.Shel
    ookedat
    thebagatthebackandshel eanedback.Thi
    sweek
    bett
    erbegood.Shecouldn'
    taf f
    ordtonotwowthe
    i
    nvestor
    swhower ewil
    li
    ngtohearaboutLora
    Cosmeti
    cs.ShesawRebamakeherwayt othecar
    andshdopenedthedoorbef oregetti
    ngi
    n.
    "
    Hiandt
    hanks.
    "
    "
    Wel
    come.You'
    regoi
    nghome?
    "
    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    "
    "
    Tot
    hesal
    on.Gat
    weIneedt
    ogetmyhai
    rdone.
    "
    "
    Gat
    we?
    "
    "
    Aust
    in.
    "
    "Noonecommandsyout
    odoanyt
    hing.
    "Al
    ora
    huff
    ed.
    "Exactl
    ybuthethreat
    enedtotakeawayt
    he
    necklace.
    "Herhandsinst
    antl
    ytouchedt
    he
    necklace.
    "
    Butyouwer
    est
    il
    lgoi
    ngt
    ogetyourhai
    rdone.
    "
    "Yesbutnotwi
    thhi
    smoney.
    "Rebar
    aisedan
    eyebr
    ow.
    "
    Hegavemehi
    sblackcar
    dandi
    thasbeenwi
    thme
    f
    orawhol
    eweek.
    "
    "
    Whatdi
    dyoubuy?
    "
    "Nothi
    ng.Idon'
    twanttospendhi smoneyandnow
    heisforci
    ngme.Mi ghtaswellbuythosewhi
    te
    plushcouchesIthoughtwer
    et ooexpensi
    veal
    ong
    withthepotsett
    hatwaswayoutofmybudget .
    "
    "
    Youcan'
    tcook.
    "
    "
    Hecant
    hough.You'
    reheadi
    ngt
    othesal
    onwi
    th
    me?
    "
    "
    Ihavenot
    hingbet
    tert
    odoathomesowhynotki
    ll
    t
    ime."
    "Al
    ri
    ght."Al
    oratookoutt
    heshadeshehadgotf
    or
    herforChri
    stmasandsheworethem.
    "
    You'
    regoi
    ngt
    obemyki
    ds'
    richaunt
    ."
    "
    I'
    llbespoi
    li
    ngyourl
    it
    tl
    emonst
    ers.
    "
    "
    Kids.Notmonst
    ersAl
    ora.
    "
    "Monst
    ers,gobl
    ins,
    greml
    ins.Thosear
    ewhatt
    hey
    arecal
    led.
    "
    "
    You'
    l
    lhavet
    hem someday.
    "
    "NoIwon't
    ."Al
    orashudderedthi
    nkingaboutthose
    l
    itt
    lemonsterl
    ikehumanbeingswi t
    hthei
    r
    screami
    nganddi r
    tyhands.Shedidn'
    twantthat.No!
    No!
    Shest ar
    tedthecarasshethoughtabouthis
    bi
    rthday.Itwasnextweekandshehadexhaust ed
    herideas.Theydidn'
    tcl
    ickandfeelri
    ght.Forthe
    narcissi
    sthewas, hewasn'
    texactl
    ytalki
    ngaboithis
    bi
    rthdayandshet houghti
    tstr
    ange.Sheshr uggedit
    offassher ever
    sedoutoftheparki
    ngspotand
    Rebabuckl edup.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    98

    RebapressedherphoneasAl
    orasatont
    hesal
    on
    chai
    r.
    “I’
    lltakeawhi le.”AlorasaidtoRebaandReba
    noddedasshesl ouchedintothechair.Shewas
    gladhersi sterdidn’tcallouthernameoutl oud.She
    didn’twanttheat tent
    ionfrom thepeopleandt hey
    mi ghtsaybadt hingsaboutheri ft
    heyr eall
    y
    recogni seher.Al oral
    ookedatt hehairdresser.What
    didshewantt obedonet oherhair?Shewasa
    brandevenbef oresheevenr egist
    eredthe
    trademar kandcompany.Shewasaboutt obet he
    facet oherowncompanyandofRebawoul dagree,
    shewoul dbeherf acemodelaswel lbecauseher
    sisterwasst unni ng!Sheshoul dal
    sost i
    ckt owhat
    makesheraswel l.
    “I’
    l
    lgetwaistl
    engthblondebrai
    ds.”Shetol
    dt he
    hairdr
    esserwhonodded.Rebapl ayedgamesonher
    phone.Shewasgoi ngtowaitawhi l
    e.HesawAl or
    a
    taki
    ngoutherwipestowi pet
    het opofthetable
    beforesheputherhandsont op.Sheshookher
    head.

    *
    **

    Twohourslat
    er,Al
    orawasst
    il
    lont
    hesal
    onchai
    r
    andRebalookedather
    .
    “
    Lesst
    hanhal
    fofyourheadi
    slef
    t.
    ”
    “Hmmm.Af
    tert
    hiswe’
    l
    lgetf
    oodandt
    hengo
    home.
    ”
    “
    SoIcangetr
    eady?
    ”
    “Yes.It
    hinkAusti
    nwi l
    ldr
    opyouoff
    .Imightgeta
    headachefrom t
    his.
    ”Sheindi
    cat
    edtoherheadand
    Rebachuckled.
    “
    Iam soexci
    ted.
    ”
    “Iam happyf oryou.Iam sur ehei sdoingwell,
    Aust i
    nsaidhegotagoodr eviewf r
    om thestaff
    theresothereisal otofhopei ntermsoft hat.
    ”Reba
    noddedandshesmi l
    ed.Shewasr eall
    yhopefuland
    i
    tmadeAl orahappy.Thehai r
    dressercontinued
    workingonAl ora’
    shai rwhileRebal oweredher
    headt oplaygamesonherphonet opasst i
    me.One
    andahal fhour sl
    ater,Al
    or awasdoneandshe
    askedt oswipe.Hopef ul
    lythisreportstohisphone
    andheget soffhercase.Rebast oodupandwal ked
    tothedoorwhi leAlorapaid.Loraj oi
    nedher
    minuteslaterandRebat ookapi ctureofher.She
    wasf rowningandnotl ookinghappybutshehad
    gottenusedt ohersister
    ’ssourf aces.
    “
    Don’
    tdot
    hat
    .”
    “
    You’
    rebeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “ThanksbutIf
    eell
    ikemyheadisonf
    ir
    eri
    ghtnow.
    Let’
    sgobuysomethingt
    oeat.
    ”
    “
    I’
    mtouchi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “Euw!No!Atl
    eastsani
    ti
    se,
    youdi dn’
    twi
    pethatseat
    befor
    eyousatonit.
    ”Rebalaughedandtookher
    si
    ster
    ’shandlaughi
    ngasshet r
    iedt
    opul
    lof
    faway
    butgaveup.Alor
    aroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyou’
    reol
    dert
    hanme.
    ”
    “
    Let’
    sgomma.”Andtheywalkedtothenear
    estfast
    f
    oodshopwi
    thRebaholdingherarm andAl
    ora
    want
    ingt
    obi
    tehersi
    ster
    ’sheadoff.
    “
    Don’
    theel
    sti
    reyouout
    ?”
    “
    Theyareli
    kemyar
    mourandI
    ’
    m notnat
    ural
    lyt
    all
    l
    ikeyou.
    ”
    “St
    il
    l.Iusedt
    otakeoffthoset
    hingsof
    fimmedi
    atel
    y
    aft
    ershootsorofft
    herunawaybutyouweart
    hem
    everyti
    meyou’r
    eout.”
    “Il
    iket
    hem.Pl
    usifaguyt
    ri
    esme,Icantakei
    toff
    andpokehi
    seyeswit
    htheheel
    .Easysel
    fdef
    ence.”
    “
    Wenawant
    shosa!
    ”(
    you’
    rescar
    ingme)
    Alor
    achuckl
    ed.IfRebawasar oundHades,Hades
    wouldhavebeencall
    inghersomedar kt
    err
    orora
    demonandt heywouldfi
    ghtwithharshwor
    dsback
    andfor
    th.I
    talwaysamazedAl orahowRebaloved
    Hadeswhowasj adedbutthatmanmadehersi st
    er
    happysoshewashappyaswel
    l.

    *
    **

    Bythetimetheygothome, Rebawasabal lof


    ener
    gy.Herhappi nesshadbeenr adiat
    inginthecar
    andshecouldn’twaitfortheclocktostri
    ke2soshe
    canseeherlove.Shehadsomucht otellhim and
    shejustcoul
    dn’tholditinanymore.AfterRebagot
    outofthecar,
    Alor acall
    edRober t
    .
    “
    Hel
    lodar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tfor
    gett
    ocomeher
    ebyl
    uncht
    ime.
    ”
    “
    Ineverf
    orget
    .Al
    orawee?
    ”Sheshi
    ver
    ed.
    “
    Rra?”Shei
    nter
    nal
    lyr
    oll
    edhereyesathersel
    f.
    Whenhassheaddr
    essedhimli
    kethat?Screwhim
    f
    ormakingherf
    eelat
    housandli
    tt
    lethi
    ngs.
    “WhenIsayspendmymoney,
    Idon’
    tmeanspendi
    t
    onaP400hairst
    yle.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantyourmoney!
    ”
    “That
    ’sabitt
    oughbabygir
    l,t
    hatcar
    dwi
    llbei
    nyour
    possessi
    onforal
    ongtime.”
    “
    Pleasedon’
    ttaket
    hedi
    amonds.
    ”
    Hechuckl
    ed.
    “Babe,l
    eavethebeggi ngforthebedroom.Seeyou
    atlunchtime.Ireal
    lydon’tcarei
    fyoupur chasea
    newcarwi ththecardorbuyaHer mesbagbut
    spendthemoney. ”Herjawdr opped.Hermesi s
    expensiveashellandbrandnewcar swhicharen’
    t
    secondhandar eexpensiveandher eall
    ydoesn’t
    care?
    “Unl
    essyouwantmet
    ophysi
    cal
    lydragyououtt
    o
    goshoppi
    ngwit
    hmechoosi
    ngeveryt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tyoudar
    e!”
    “
    Thoughtso.Beagoodgi
    rlf
    ormeokay?
    ”
    “Iwi
    llki
    llyouoneoft
    hesedays.
    ”Hegaveouta
    chokedlaughandshesmil
    ed.
    “
    Isl
    eepnexttoyoumostni
    ght
    s,i
    t’
    samyst
    eryhow
    I
    ’
    m notdeadyet.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    fI’
    m st
    il
    lpl
    ott
    ingt
    heper
    fectmur
    der
    ?”
    “
    Thenyou’
    ret
    aki
    ngyourgoddamnt
    ime…”
    “
    Nnawantenatl
    her
    ra!That
    alegone.
    ”(
    youannoy
    mesomuch.)
    “Ihavet
    ogobaby,
    I’
    llbet
    her
    e.Di
    dyouhaveagood
    day?”
    “Yeah.Uhm bye. ”Shehungupandst ar
    edather
    phonet henopenedherbagt otakeoutt heblack
    card.Shet appedi tonthedashboar d.Whati fshe
    usest hemoneyt obuyapl otoflandf orheroffices?
    Wel lshewi llmeettheinvest
    orsaswel lbutwitha
    plotoflandal readysecuredeverythingwi l
    lbe
    easier.Okaysheshoul dgetmovi ngandshecan’ t
    exact l
    yswi pethelandsoshewi l
    lneedhi mt odo
    thet r
    ansferandi fit
    kssomet hi
    ngshecanbuyLor a
    Cosmet i
    csacompanycar ?Andspendt herestof
    thisweekr egisteri
    ngitbeforehermeet ingwitht he
    i
    nvest ors.Thatsoundsgood.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    99

    Rebasprayedherf avour i
    tescentonherski nbef or
    e
    shelookedatt hemi rror.Herdar kskinglowingfrom
    eminenthappi nessandal lshehadonhermi ndwas
    Hades.Shet urnedar oundasshemadesur eher
    mommyj eansandt heai r
    f orceshoesl ookedgood.
    Sewor east r
    ingt opandt henzi ppeduphi sjumper.
    Itst
    il
    lsmelledofHadesandsher ar
    elyworei tsoas
    tokeephisscentoni t.Shesmi l
    edandt i
    edher
    brai
    dsintoahi ghpuf f.Per fect.Shedidn’tneed
    makeupatal l.Shepi ckedherphoneandwal kedout
    oftheroom.Shedi all
    edhermot herandt houghtof
    tel
    li
    nghershewasmeet ingHadesbutwhati fshe
    saysitwil
    lonl ymakeherbacksl i
    dewheni tcomes
    toherheal
    ing.Sheendedthecal
    lbeforehermother
    couldpi
    ckup.Shef oundAlor
    ainthesit
    ti
    ngroom,
    shehadchangedcl ot
    hesandshelookedsodeepi n
    thought
    ,herfi
    ngersontheneckl
    acearoundher
    neck.
    “
    Alor
    a!”
    “
    Hmm…”
    evenhervoi
    cewasabi
    tdi
    stant
    .
    “
    I’
    mready.What
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Ohokay.Not
    hingIcan’
    tfi
    x.”
    “
    Youdoknowyounevert
    ellpeopl
    eyourt
    hought
    s.”
    “
    Yetyoust
    il
    lloveme.Reba?
    ”
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “
    Howdoyoumanaget
    oloveme?
    ”
    “You’
    relovabl
    e.”Al
    orashookherheadasshekept
    herhandsont heneckl
    aceshewaswearing.
    “Youknowt
    hat’
    snottr
    ueatal
    l.Youdon’
    thavet
    o
    humourme.Real
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Butyouknowt
    het
    rut
    h.”
    “I
    ’m noteasytolove.RebaIam spi
    tef
    ulandIcan’
    t
    soft
    enmysel fuptobel i
    keotherwomenevenif
    someoneaskedmet o,
    ”
    “Andyourboyf ri
    endlovesyouli
    kethat.AloraIfi
    nd
    i
    tapplaudablethatyoudon’tconfor
    m your sel
    fto
    thestandar
    dst heysetforwomen.Youdoyou
    unapologet
    icall
    yandsomedaysomel it
    tl
    egi r
    lout
    ther
    ewi l
    lbelike,Idon’
    tneedtobeliked.Iam
    comfortabl
    ymeandi t’
    sokay.”
    Lor
    asmi
    ledbef
    orei
    tdr
    opped.
    “
    Ijusthadani
    dea.That
    ’si
    t!
    ”
    “
    What
    ’si
    t?”
    “Thesl
    oganforLoraCosmeti
    cs.Ihavebeenst
    uck
    onitf
    orsolong.‘
    Iam comfor
    tabl
    ymeandt hat
    ’s
    okay.
    ’You’
    reagenius.
    ”Rebasmiled.
    “
    Itol
    dyouguysI
    ’
    m smar
    t.
    ”
    “Thankyouandt hankyou.I’
    llbeback.”Shequickl
    y
    stoodupandheadedt othebedroom forherf
    il
    eand
    pencil
    .She’l
    lbeworkingallweeklongandwi l
    lshe
    seeAustin?Probablyhavehim workthroughher
    proposalwit
    hheraswel
    lsi
    nceheisMr -
    Know-
    It
    -Al
    l.
    Shewal kedbackt
    othel
    oungeandfoundRebaon
    herphone.
    “Reba,eveni
    ftheinvest
    orsdon’
    tinvestwhichI
    doubttheywon’t
    .Ihaveahugefavourt oask.
    ”Reba
    focusedonhersister
    .
    “
    Yes.
    .”
    “Willyoubeoneoft hef acesf orLor aCosmet i
    cs?
    Onceever yt
    hingisfi
    nal i
    sedwhi chmi ghttakesix
    mont hst oalmostayear ,wil
    lyoube? ”Aloraheld
    herbr eath.Shewasaski ngf ortoomuch.Sheknew
    that.Rebadi dn’
    twantt hespot l
    ightandshedi dn’t
    wantt otriggerherpastexper i
    enceswi thmodel l
    ing
    butshewasper f
    ect,notmanygi r
    lshadmakeup
    thataccommodat edt heirskintoneandReba’ swas
    aper fectexample.Shecoul dalreadyseeheront he
    bil
    lboards.Plusthiscanbeawonder f
    ulopportunit
    y
    forhert ocurbthebadmedi a.Thatshei snotdr ugs,
    shei sstil
    lReba.Thesunshi negi rlwhohasher
    oldersister.
    “
    I’
    llt
    hinkabouti
    t.
    ”Al
    oranodded.She’
    l
    lli
    vewi
    tht
    hat
    .
    Thatwil
    lbeokay.
    Thatmeanstherewashope.The
    i
    ntercom r
    angandAlor
    awalkedtothedoort
    opr ess
    thebutt
    onwhil
    eReba’sphonerang.

    Rebawasst i
    llsurpri
    sedthathersisterwoul dwant
    hertobethef aceofherbrand.Rebant l
    e’
    si mageas
    alr
    eadytar
    nishedandshedi dn’twanttotarnishand
    rui
    nAlora’
    scompanybef oreiteventookof fbutthe
    hopethatwasi nAlora’
    seyeshadhersayi ngshe’ll
    thi
    nkaboutit.Shelookedatt hecall
    erIDand
    answered.
    “
    Hel
    lomama.
    ”
    “
    Hi.Isawyourmi
    ssedcal
    l.I
    sever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”
    “Eemma.Ij ustwantedtosayI ’l
    lbebackabi tlat
    e.
    I’
    llbeoutwit
    hAlora.”Susankeptqui et.Sheli
    cked
    herdryli
    psbeforetaki
    ngoutt helipglossinherbag.
    Thiswaswhathascomet obei nregardstoher
    olderchi
    ld?Thatshehadt otellhershewon’ tbein?
    “
    Okay.I
    t’
    sokay.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Bye.
    ”RebahungupandSusanst
    il
    lfel
    t
    l
    eftout
    .Shesi
    ghedandbl
    inkedbackt
    ear
    syet
    agai
    n.
    RebasawAlor
    awalkoutt
    hedoorandsheassumed
    herboyf
    ri
    endwasher
    e.
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyesasshehuggedAust
    in.
    “Thanks.
    ”Helookedathershi
    nyfor
    eheadthat
    poppedoutmorebecauseofthenewhair
    styleand
    hepushedthebraidsback.
    “Don’tt
    ouchmyhai r
    .It
    ’spai
    nful
    .Whyareyout
    his
    person?”Sheaskedandhechuckled.
    “
    Youlookbeaut
    if
    ul.Gapebonaskopo.
    ”(
    lookatyour
    f
    orehead.
    )
    “
    Don’
    tyout
    rytobul
    lymeMr
    ,I’
    l
    lcutyourbal
    lsand
    f
    eedt
    hem t
    othedogs.
    ”
    “I
    ’m scar
    ed!
    ”Helaughedandshepunchedhi
    schest
    beforeheki
    ssedherfor
    ehead.
    “
    Ihat
    easki
    ngf
    orhel
    pbutIneedyourhel
    p.”
    “
    Anyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Hel
    pmel
    ookf
    orcommer
    cial
    plot
    sar
    ound
    Gabor
    one.
    ”
    “
    Icandot
    hat
    .Pr
    ices?
    ”
    “
    Justhel
    pmef
    indt
    hepl
    otsandI
    ’
    llt
    akei
    tfr
    om
    t
    here.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”
    “Yes.Weneedt ogo.Rebaissoexci t
    ed.Il
    ove
    seeingherhappy.”Shesai
    dagai nsthi
    schest
    .He
    smel l
    edgoodandhi ssui
    tlookedsogoodinhim.
    Shewon’ tt
    ellhi
    mt hat
    .That’
    soneofhermanyr ant
    s
    i
    nherownheadabouthi m.
    “
    Cal
    lherandbr
    ingt
    hekeys.
    ”
    “
    Didyoucomewi
    that
    axi
    ?”
    “
    Ofcour
    senot
    .”
    “Mxm!”Shegotoutofhisarmsandwalkedtot
    he
    house.Hismothercal
    ledhi
    m andhequickl
    y
    answeredthephone.
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    Aust
    inhi
    ,ar
    eyouf
    reet
    hiseveni
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Iam notsur
    eaboutt
    hat
    .”
    “
    Iwon’
    ttakemuchofyourt
    ime,
    Ijustneedanhour
    .”
    “Okay.We’l
    lmeet .”I
    twasstil
    lawkwar dbecausehis
    motherhadknockedathi sdooraf ewni ght
    sago
    whenhewasf ucki
    nghisgir
    linthelounge.She
    probablyheardherscreamsandal lthat.Al
    orahad
    i
    mmedi atel
    yt ensedupandhehear dhismotherat
    theendoft hedoorannouncet hatitwasherand
    she’l
    lcomesomeot herti
    me.Al or
    awal kedi
    nside
    thehouse.
    “
    Timetogo.Letmegetmybagandcarkeysand
    we’
    llbegone.
    ”
    “
    Final
    ly!
    ”
    Rebabreat
    hedout.Justanhourorsobefor
    eshe
    seesherboyf
    ri
    end,bestfr
    iendandsoul
    mate.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    100

    Thedr i
    vet other ehabcent rewasamusi ng.Reba
    watchedt hecoupl ebi ckerbackandf ort
    hbef ore
    theykissedandst artedspeakingi nhusht onesto
    eachot her.Theirdynami cwasoddl yfun.She
    bouncedherl egont hecarseatasshest aredout
    thewindow.Shecoul dseethem drivi
    ngt oa
    buil
    dingandshecoul dtel
    ltheywer ecl
    ose.Woul d
    hehappyt oseeher ?Heast obe.Hadesl ovedher
    somucht hathewoul dbeecstatictoseeher .
    AustinlookedatAl orawhohadt urnedherheadt o
    l
    ookathersi ster
    .Shehopedal lwentwel l
    .She
    real
    lyhopedso.
    “Ar
    ewecl ose? ”Al
    oraaskedAust i
    nwhonodded
    andAlorareleasedadeepbreath.What evert
    hat
    happens,shewasher eforhersisterbutshe
    doubtedthatanythi
    ngbadcanhappen.Hadesand
    Rebal ovedeachotheranditwasthekindoflove
    t
    hatwasagai nstal
    lodds.Austi
    ndroveint
    othe
    rehabcent r
    eandhepar kedhiscari
    ntheparkinglot
    .
    Hest oppedtheengineandlookedatthetwoladies
    i
    nt hecar .
    “
    I’
    llbeback,
    givemeaf ewminutes.
    ”Hegotoutof
    t
    hecarandRebal ookedatAl
    ora.
    “I’
    mj ustsoexcited.
    ”Loranoddedandshedi dn’tt
    ry
    toforceasmi le.Hersister’
    shappinesswasenough
    forthebothoft hem.Aust inwalkedthr
    oughthe
    corri
    dorsonhi swayt otheof fi
    cehehadlastvi
    sit
    ed
    whenhedr oppedHadesof fatthi
    splace,
    the
    revi
    ewswer eokayandhehasn’ tseenHades
    himselfbuthewant edt oaf f
    ordRebathechanceto
    seehi m.Heknockedont hedoorbefor
    ehewas
    askedt ocomei n.
    “
    Aft
    ernoon,
    HadesHudsonhast
    oseeavi
    sit
    or
    t
    odayri
    ght?
    ”
    “Goodafter
    noonMrMathews.Yesofcour
    se.Only
    onevisi
    torfor30mi
    nut
    esandthatwil
    lbeit
    .”Aust
    in
    nodded.
    “
    Ibr
    oughthi
    svi
    sit
    or.I
    ’
    llbr
    ingherandyou’
    l
    ltakeher
    t
    ohi
    mr i
    ght?
    ”
    “
    Ofcour
    se.
    ”Het
    ookouthi
    sphonet
    odi
    alAl
    ora.
    “Canyoucomet otheof fi
    ces,I’
    lldirectyou.Bring
    Rebawi t
    h.”Theladyint heofficelookedatAust i
    n
    ashi ssmoot htonegaveoutdi rections,shelooked
    atthecuf fli
    nksonhi ssuitjacketandt heylooked
    expensive.Soexpensi ve.Shecoul dseet heveins
    onhi shands, shewoul dn’
    tmi ndbei ngchokedby
    suchhandsandt heywer esocl ean.Ever yoneknew
    whohewasandsi ncehewasn’ tint hemedi at
    hat
    much, itwasamyst erytothem whohewasdat i
    ng.
    Orwasheasexual ?Sawt hathedi dn’tneeda
    signifi
    cantother?Shel etoutadr eamysi ghandshe
    noticedandcl osedhermout hashespokeovert he
    phone.Shehopedhedi dn’theart hat .
    “
    Knockont
    hedoor
    .”Aust
    insai
    dtoAl
    ora.
    “I
    ’m notst
    upidRober
    t!
    ”Shechidedashehear da
    doorknockandthedooropened.Theladyfrowned
    asshesawRebant l
    efir
    st.Thedr
    ugaddictex-model
    andaf aceshehasn’
    tseenbefor
    e.Thegirli
    nblonde
    brai
    dsjustglaredatMrMathewsandgavehera
    coldhel
    lo.Austinst
    oodonhisfeetashesmi l
    ed
    l
    ookingatherwhi l
    esherol
    ledhereyes.Thelady
    wassurprised.Anywomanwoul dswoonovert hi
    s
    manandshewasbehavi ngasifshewasn’tina
    room wit
    hamanwho’ snetwort
    hisoverfivemill
    ion?
    Wow!
    Aust
    inf
    acedher
    .
    “YoucanleadhertowhereHadesis.We’
    l
    lwai t
    .”
    TheladynoddedandshelookedatRebaasthey
    walkedout.Shebreat
    hedout
    .DidRebagethelpor
    themediawasl yi
    ng?Shesi
    ghedasRebaf ol
    lowed
    hersil
    ent
    ly.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    ”Rebar
    epl
    iedandt
    henmor
    esi
    lence.
    “
    Soyou’
    reHades’
    gir
    lf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “Yes.”Shewasr espondingi
    nonewor dsyl
    lables
    andt heladykeptquiet
    .Hadeswasalsoacat ch,
    alsohadmoneyandgr ewupi nit
    .Nowonderhegot
    onwi thamodel ,shehadbeenabigthingand
    everyoneusedt oseeheronbill
    boar
    dsandat
    fashi
    onweeks,
    redcarpet
    sandexclusi
    veparti
    es.
    Shegottot
    heothersi
    deofthefaci
    li
    tywhere
    usual
    lyt
    hepati
    entsandthei
    rvi
    sit
    orsrel
    ated.
    “Hei
    sinther
    e,youhavet
    hir
    tyminut
    es.
    ”Sheleft
    Rebaatt
    hedoorandRebasuckedinadeepbreath.

    Meanwhi l
    eAust i
    nanswer edAlora’
    squestionson
    hisgener alknowl edgeandt hosetri
    viaquesti
    ons
    shelikedt hrowingathim expectinghimt osli
    p.He
    wassi tt
    ingont hechairandshehadr ef
    usedt osi
    t
    onhisl ap.Somet i
    messhewasr eallyawfulatthi
    s
    submi ssivethingandhewoul dn’thaveherany
    otherway.Shekepthi m onhi stoesandagood
    chall
    engeal waysgothi sbloodracing.
    “
    Don’
    tfor
    getIhaveahi
    gherI
    Q.”
    “FuckyouandyourI Q.Pl
    easedogot othenearest
    hell
    .”Justt
    hatmomentt hedooropenedandt he
    l
    adywal kedinsi
    de.Thewomanwi ththeblonde
    brai
    dswaswei r
    d.Howcouldshejustsaythat?
    “Uhm herei
    saprogressrepor
    tonHades,
    thephone
    callwasn’
    tcl
    earenough.
    ”
    Theladypushedt hef
    ilet
    owardsAustinandAlora
    i
    nherheel sj
    ustloweredherheadtoseewhat
    Austinwasseeing.Austi
    njustski
    mmedt hrough
    therepor
    tandgotwhatheneededt oseebeforehe
    gaveitback.
    “Thankyou.”Hesai dandtheladygavehim ahuge
    smile.Theblondiebyhissidewasn’
    tsmili
    ngand
    thatladycouldscarechi
    ldrenaway,shedi
    dn’teven
    havet otr
    y.
    Alorabr eat
    hedout.She’
    llwaiti
    nthecar,
    shecould
    feelaheadachecomi ng.Thisbrai
    dshurtli
    kehell
    .
    Sher ubbedhertemplesbeforeshewalkedoutof
    theofficeandstar
    tedhercatwalktothecar.Aust
    in
    watchedherwal kout.
    “I
    sthereanyt
    hingel
    seIneedt
    oknow?
    ”Aust
    in
    asked.
    “NoMrMat hews.Thankyouf orentrusti
    nguswith
    MrHudsonandIassur eyouwer ear edoingour
    bestt
    ohelphim getoverhisaddict
    ion.”Aust
    in
    noddedandgotuponhi sfeet.Heleftandthe
    womancoul dst
    il
    lsmellhiscologneinheroffi
    ce.
    Meanwhi l
    eRebaf i
    nall
    yopenedt hedoor .She
    suckedinadeepbr eat
    hasshewai t
    edf orHadest o
    tur
    nandl ookather.Whenhef inall
    ydi d,i
    tfeltli
    ke
    ti
    mest oppedmovingandt heywer einanal ternate
    univer
    se.Shebreathedoutsoftlyashest raightened
    up,hisful
    lhei
    ghtmakingther oom seem smal land
    sheheldherbreath.Hewalkedcl oserandt heback
    ofhishandcaressedhercheeksof t
    ly.Shelooked
    i
    ntohiseyes.
    “Hil
    ove.”Shefinallyhuggedhim andhehugged
    herback,i
    tdidn’ttakeami nut
    eforhertobef
    ull
    y
    engul
    fedbyhi mi noneofhi sbearhugs.
    “GodImissedyou.
    ”Hischestvi
    brat
    edathi
    swor
    ds
    andsheheldbacktear
    s.
    “Imi
    ssedyou.”Hehadnoi deahowmanyt earsshe
    hadcri
    ed.Overthei
    rfut
    ure,overt
    hei
    rseparat
    ion
    andshemissedhim somuch.
    Hedidn’
    tlethergoandshecommitt
    edthismoment
    t
    omemor y, shedi
    dn’
    tknowwhenshefelli
    nlove
    wit
    hhim becauseshehasal
    wayslovedHadeseven
    whent heywer echildr
    en, hehadt hepur estpar t
    sof
    her,t
    heoneswhi chwer et aint
    edbyheraddi t
    ionand
    thenumer oust hingsthathappeneddur i
    nghe
    modellingcar eer.Hadeski ssedherhai r.Forhi s
    fi
    rstvi
    si t
    or, hi
    sgirlcame.Godhel ovedherand
    missedher .Wordswer enotenought odescr i
    be
    howhef eltholdi
    ngheri nhi sar ms.Shemovedher
    headandwr appedherar msar oundhiswai stwi tha
    l
    itt
    lecut esmi l
    eonherf ace.Shewast hef ucking
    sunshinehesomet i
    mesf eltli
    kehef ai
    ledtopr otect
    .
    “
    Nowyoucant
    ellmeaboutever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iseeaf
    utur
    e.Us.Toget
    her
    .”Shegr
    inned.
    “Ienvi
    sionedonet
    oo.Fort
    hef i
    rstt
    ime,
    Idon’
    tknow
    howwear egoi
    ngtodothi
    s.”
    “We’
    lllearn?
    ”Hechuckledandheremovedthehai
    r
    ti
    etoletherbrai
    dsfal
    landhesli
    ppedhisfi
    nger
    sin
    herbraids.
    “
    Ofcour
    se.Howi
    srehab?
    ”
    “I
    ’mrehabil
    it
    ating.
    ”Hesaidandshenodded.He
    sawaf ut
    ure,thatmeanshewant edtoli
    ve.They
    bothwantedtol i
    ve.Foreachot
    her.Together
    .
    “Ther
    eisanewMar velf
    il
    m outandIcan’
    twaitt
    o
    watchitwi
    thyou.
    ”Shesaidandhesmi l
    edather.
    Shewassopur e,
    hepushedherbrai
    dsback.
    “
    Ican’
    twai
    t.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m count
    ingweeks.
    ”Shesai
    dandhesmi
    led.
    “
    Reba?
    ”
    “
    Hmmm…”
    “
    Nomat terwhat,
    I’
    lll
    oveyou.I
    neveryuni
    ver
    sewe
    mightfi
    ndoursel
    vesin,I
    ’
    lll
    oveyouokay?We’
    llbe
    t
    ogether.
    ”
    “
    Butnowwe’
    reonear
    th.
    ”
    “Ear
    th-616l
    oveandwe’ l
    lhavet omakedowi t
    h
    that
    .”Shegrinned.Yes.They’l
    lmakedowi ththat
    .
    Sheunderstoodhisreferencesbecausetheywere
    bothobsessedoverMar velfil
    msandcomi csand
    nowshewassoexci tedtowat chtheot
    herfil
    m with
    him.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    101

    Aust
    inhel
    dAl
    ora'
    sheadasshel
    aidi
    tonhi
    schest
    .
    "Youwantedt
    hishai
    rst
    yle.
    "Alor
    arol
    ledhereyesas
    heplacedahandonherlap.
    "
    Shutup!Iknowyou'
    reenj
    oyi
    ngt
    his.
    "
    "
    Thi
    smeansIcan'
    tpul
    lyourhai
    rlat
    ert
    oni
    ght
    ?"
    "Geez!I
    '
    m notyoursubmi
    ssi
    veandnoyoucan'
    t.I
    haveahaeadache."
    Hechuckl
    edandki
    ssedhercheek.
    "Ishoul
    dtipyourhai
    rdr
    esser
    ,lookatyoual
    lcuddl
    y
    andshit.
    "Shefist
    edherhandtohithi
    schest
    .
    "Rober
    tIhateyou!Letsogolamosadiyol
    ele
    botl
    hoko.
    "(
    herbraidi
    nghurts)
    "Ishouldn'
    tbemaki
    ngf
    unofyour
    ightnowbutI
    can'thelpi
    t.
    "
    "You'
    l
    lbescreami
    ngmur
    derwhenIst
    abyourbal
    ls.
    Becaref
    ul.
    "
    "
    Yourhyper
    bol
    esdar
    li
    ng.
    "
    "Wil
    lbear eal
    it
    ysoon.Ki
    ssmyhead.
    "Hi
    sjaw
    dropped.What?
    "Rober
    tki
    ssmyhead."Heki
    ssedherf
    oreheadas
    sherel
    easedasi
    gh.
    "Seewhyweshouldn'
    thaveoneofthosel
    itt
    le
    monster
    s?Peaceandnowor r
    ies.
    "Hesmiled.She
    said‘
    we”not‘
    I
    ’.Hewassureshewasn’tevenaware
    ofthepr
    onounsheused.
    "Aloratheyar
    echil
    dren.Iwantf
    iveormor
    ebut
    preferabl
    yfi
    ve."
    "
    Iwantnoneoft
    hose.Zer
    o.Zi
    lch.Nada.
    "
    "
    We'
    l
    lsee.
    "
    "
    I'
    m nothavi
    ngt
    hem.
    "
    "
    Eemma.
    "
    "
    Idon'
    tli
    kehowyouar
    ecasual
    lyagr
    eei
    ngwi
    thme.
    "
    "
    Alor
    ait
    'syourchoi
    ce.
    "
    "Chi
    ldr
    enarenotadealbr
    eaker
    ?"Shemovedher
    headtolookathi
    m andheshookhi
    shead.
    "No.Iwon'tl
    eavebecauseyoudon'twantchi
    ldr
    en.
    "
    Shetil
    tedherhead.Whydiditseem l
    ikeheknew
    somethingshedidn'
    tknow.
    "
    Youshoul
    drunf
    ort
    hehi
    ll
    s."
    "
    Butyou'rethehil
    lI'
    m wi
    ll
    ingtodi
    eon."Hereyes
    widenedbeforeshesmil
    ed.Helovedher,
    heneeds
    t
    imet oacceptthathi
    mself.
    "That'
    soddl yromanti
    c."Shepokedhi schestbefore
    placi
    ngherheadbackont hewar m muscledchest
    hiddenbyt hecrispwhiteshirt
    .Whitelookedgood
    onhi m butAusti
    ni nablacksilkshi
    rtandt hose
    dresspant s?Shewouldwi ll
    ingl
    ygivehim headf or
    thefir
    sttimeandt rywomanont op.Thismanwas
    sculptedbyt hegodsandheknewi t.Nowonderhe
    hadsuchanego.Sheclosedhereyesandopened
    them asi
    tcl
    icked.Shewassoslow.
    "
    Aust
    in?
    "Hel
    ookeddownather
    .
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    "
    "
    Thosepastrel
    ati
    onshi
    psyouhad,
    youwer
    ethet
    op
    r
    ight
    ?"Shesawhisslowsmil
    e.
    "Bi
    ngo!Idi
    dn'
    tknowyouwer
    ethatsl
    ow.
    "She
    punchedhi
    schestagai
    n.
    "
    Don'
    tcal
    lmest
    upi
    d.Iam notst
    upi
    d."
    "
    Ithoughtaf
    tert
    hef
    ir
    stni
    ghti
    twasgoi
    ngt
    ocl
    ick.
    "
    "Shutup!
    "Hislaughvibr
    atedhischestandshe
    sighedagai
    n.Painki
    ll
    ersandsleepwil
    ldohera
    wor l
    dofgoodwhensheget shomeorbetteryetshe
    shouldgotoherboyfri
    end'shouse.
    “WhenRebacomesbackwe’lldr
    opheroffathome
    ri
    ght
    ?”Heraisedaneyebr
    ow.Wasthatherwayof
    sayi
    ngsheisspendi
    ngtheni
    ght?
    “
    Asl
    ongasmyhoodi
    esdon’
    tgomi
    ssi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’snotasi
    fyouweart
    hem.
    ”
    “
    Andyoudo?
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tbean*ss.
    ”Hechuckledandki
    ssedherhead
    t
    hent
    ouchedherfor
    ehead.
    “
    Yourt
    emper
    atur
    e.”
    “
    Itol
    dyouIhaveaheadache.
    ”
    “
    You’
    l
    lgetbet
    terhmm…”

    Insidethef acil
    it
    y,Rebawentonabouthernew
    therapistandwhatt heyhavedonesof arwhile
    Hadesl ist
    ened.Lovi ngt hesoundofhervoi ce,i
    t
    brightenedal lt
    hedar kpartsofhi m andmadet hi
    s
    whol esobr i
    etyjourneywor t
    hwhi le.Hewant edmor e
    moment swi thher.Mor eMar veldiscussions,more
    goof i
    ngar oundandt hosecuddl es.Thesex?He
    want edthataswel l
    .
    “Andthat
    ’sabouti
    t.
    ”Shef i
    nall
    ybreathed.She
    smiledasshecaughthisgaze,sheador edhim.
    ThiswasHades,fi
    nall
    ybeingsoberaf t
    ermor ethan
    adecadeofhim dr
    inki
    ng.Hegr aduatedwi t
    hthe
    l
    owestGPAbecausehi sfatherneverreall
    ycaredof
    Hadeshadapr obl
    em.Hehadj ustbrushedi
    toffby
    sayi
    ngever yonedrankthefirsttimeHadeshad
    tr
    iedtalki
    ngtohim.Rebaki ssedhi scheek.Herti
    me
    wasal mostupandshe’ l
    lbel eftwit
    haf ewmor e
    weekst il
    lsheseeshim again.
    “We’ref
    ight
    ingt
    heseaddi
    cti
    onsr
    ight
    ?”Sheasked
    him andhenodded.
    “Nowwecandr eam ofafut
    ure.Toget
    her,myti
    me
    i
    sup.Il oveyou.
    ”Shekissedherbestfr
    iendandhe
    kissedherback.
    “
    I’
    llbecounti
    ngdays.Bye.Fornow.”Shegotupand
    walkedoutashesmiledandtouchedhisl
    ips.She
    madei tal
    lwort
    hit
    .

    Rebasmi ledandshehadt ocontai


    nherselfasshe
    walkedalongthecorri
    dorsont hewaytotheoffi
    ce
    totell
    theladyshewasdone.Sheknockedont he
    doorandopenedi t
    .Shest uckherheadinsi
    deand
    theladylookedupfrom herpil
    eofpapers.
    “
    I’
    m doneandthankyousomuch.”Wit
    hthatReba
    l
    eft
    .Aust
    inandAlorawerei
    nthecarpr
    obably.Now
    shewasgoi ngt ofeell
    ikeat hirdwheel butshewas
    alsotheirbiggestcheer l
    eader.Theymadean
    adorablecoupl e.Shewal kedt othecarandherj aw
    droppedwhenshesawAl oraonAust in’
    slap.Itwas
    aswoonwor t
    hysi ghtbutt henthiswasAl orawho
    alwayshadherguar dupandshewasnevert hat
    vulnerable.Sheopenedt hebackdoorandAust i
    n
    turnedhisheadwhi lerubbingAl ora’
    sarm.
    “
    You’
    redone?
    ”
    “
    Yesandt
    hankyou.
    ”
    “You’r
    ewel come.”Shenoddedandsatdownas
    Austinstareddownathersister
    .Herhandswer e
    i
    tchingtogr abherphoneandsnapapi ctur
    e
    becauset hemomentwaspr icel
    essandmaybe
    Alorawoul dlovet
    hepict
    ure.Sheputherhands
    underherchi nandshewatchedthem.Aust i
    nspoke
    i
    nFr encht oherandshecouldmakeoutaf ew
    wordsf r
    om whathewassayi ng.Thesetwodi dt
    hat
    j
    ustsonoonehear sthei
    rconversat
    ions.Cuuuut
    e!

    Al
    oraopenedhereyesandherhandst
    ouchedhi
    s
    cheek.Shedidn’
    tknowifshel
    ikedhimful
    lyshaved,
    wit
    ht hattr
    immedbeardorunshaven.Hel
    ooked
    goodeitherway.
    “
    We’
    rel
    eavi
    ng?
    ”
    “Yes.You’
    l
    lsleepathome.”Sheyawnedand
    nodded.Athome.Yeah!Shestret
    chedbeforeshe
    removedherbodyfrom hi
    sandcrossedovertoher
    seat.Shet
    urnedherheadtolookathersi
    ster.
    “Di
    daaal
    lgowel
    l?
    ”Al
    orayawnedandr
    ubbedher
    eyes.
    “Bet
    terthanexpected.
    ”Rebagr i
    nnedandAl ora
    gaveherasmi l
    ebef or
    ehef acewentallseri
    ousand
    shefacedthefront,sl
    owlybuckl
    ingupbef or
    eher
    eyesflut
    ter
    edclose.ThecarstartedandReba
    star
    edoutthewi ndow,herheadbuzzingfrom the
    happinessbubbleshewasi n.

    *
    **

    Anhourl
    ater
    ,Rebagotoutoft
    hecarandsai
    dbye
    befor
    eshewalkedint
    otheyard.Seemedli
    keher
    si
    sterwasspendi
    ngthenightwit
    hherboyfr
    iend.
    Luckyher
    .Thecardroveoutandshehummedon
    herwaytothedoor.

    *
    **

    AtAusti
    n’shouse,hegotoutofthecarandpicked
    hi
    sgirl
    fr
    iendfrom herseatshewrappedherarms
    ar
    oundhi sneck.
    “Ihaveaf eel
    ingyouwantedt
    ospendthenight
    becauseIwasgoi ngtobabyyouoveraheadache.
    ”
    Hewhi speredandshenodded.
    “
    Youdon’
    twantmear
    ound?
    ”
    “
    Ido.Al
    lthet
    ime.
    ”Al
    orasi
    ghed.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “Nothi
    ng.”Hedidn’
    tknowhowhewasgoi ngto
    unlockthedoorwit
    hherinhisarmsandhedi dn’
    t
    wanttoputherdown.Hej ustl
    ookedather.
    “
    SpeakAl
    ora!
    ”
    “Don’
    tcommandme, I
    ’
    m notababy.”Sherol
    ledher
    eyesathim.Hef i
    nall
    ydecidedt
    oletherdownsohe
    canunlockthedoor.Hewasgoingtoseehi s
    motherintheevening,f
    ornowhehadt i
    mewi thhi
    s
    woman.

    Het
    ookherhandast
    heywal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    ”
    “Itol
    dyoui t
    ’snothi
    ng.I’
    m goingtosleep.”Shelet
    goofhi shandandsl owl
    ytrudgedtowar dsthe
    stair
    case.Shelookedatthem forafewseconds
    beforerubbi
    nghereyesandshet ookthef i
    rstst
    air
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    47] :REBORN

    102

    AtSusan'shouse,Rebainherbubbleofhappiness
    haddecidedtocookandwhent hedooropened, her
    motherandlit
    tl
    esisterwer
    earrest
    edbyt hescents
    hersavourydel
    ightshadmade.
    "
    Itsmel
    lsgoodi
    nher
    e."
    "I
    '
    m sti
    llcooki
    ng.
    "Shehalfshout
    edfrom t
    heki
    tchen.
    Susanplacedherbagdownont hecouchand
    headedtothekit
    chenwhereRebawashummi ng
    andcooking.
    "
    What
    'st
    heoccasi
    on?
    "
    "Justhappy.Howwasyourday?"Susanpaused.
    Herday?Rebaneveraskedaboutherday.Noneof
    herkidsdid.
    "
    Itwasbear
    abl
    e."Rebanodded.
    "
    Ihopet
    hismealmakesi
    tbet
    ter
    ."
    "Yousaidyouweregoingtobel at
    e."Herdaught
    er
    shruggedassomethingsizzledi
    nthepanandshe
    steppedbackabitbefor
    egr abbi
    ngthewooden
    spoontostartmi
    xing.
    "
    Ithoughti
    twasgoi
    ngt
    otakel
    ongbuti
    tdi
    dn'
    t.
    Al
    oraisn'
    ther
    e."
    "
    Oh.
    ."
    "
    Yes.
    ..
    "
    "Sheonlycamebackyester
    day.Hasyoursi
    ster
    mentionedanyt
    hingaboutl
    ooki
    ngforajob?
    "Susan
    asked.
    "
    Ajob?Roradoesn'twantajobshe-
    "Rebapaused.
    Al
    oradi
    dn'tmentiont
    ell
    ingt
    heirpar
    ent
    sherplans.
    Onl
    yher.Yikes!
    "Shewhat
    ? "Rebat
    urnedandr
    ubbedherhands
    downherjeans.
    "She'
    l
    ltel
    lyou.I
    t'
    snotmypl
    ace.
    "Susanr
    eleaseda
    sadsigh.
    "
    Am Isobadthatyouguysdon'
    fshareanyt
    hing
    wit
    hme?Ialwaysfeel
    li
    keastrangerl
    ooki
    ng
    thr
    oughagl asshouse,knowingIcan'
    tenterand
    knowonlywhatyouguysshow. "Reba'sfacefell
    .
    Shecoul
    dheart hesadtoneinhermot her
    'svoice
    andhereyes.Shelookedreadytocryandthat'
    s
    whenshenot i
    cedthathereyeswerekindof
    swoll
    en.
    "
    It
    'snott
    hat
    .We-
    uh.
    ."
    "
    Ifeell
    eftoutandIdon'
    tknow.
    "
    "Weareadultsandobvi ouslywemi ghtnotshare
    everyt
    hingwithyoubutwest il
    lloveyou."Rebatri
    ed
    tomakehermot herseer eason.Truthistheywere
    scaredshemi ghtoverreactandi twasbet t
    ernott
    o
    tel
    lherthantohermaki ngabi gdealoutof
    everyt
    hingandnotl i
    steningtoreason.
    Susanshookherhead.Shecoul
    dtel
    lthati
    twasn'
    t
    thet
    rut
    h.
    "
    It
    'sokay.I
    'l
    llear
    ntolivewi
    tht
    hat.
    "Wit
    hthat
    ,Susan
    walkedoutoftheki
    tchenandRebabi
    therl
    owerli
    p.

    *
    **
    Alora'
    sli
    pspartedi
    npleasurebefor
    ehereyes
    opened.Ohfuck!Shecouldfeelt
    heor gasm so
    cl
    oseashepumpedi nandoutifher,herback
    archedwithherhandspinnedaboveberhead.
    "Comeal loverme.Now! "Herbodyl istenedandshe
    came, thetoecur l
    ingandal lt
    hatherbodydi d
    everyt
    imesher espondedt ohis.Hegr oanedashs
    camei nsideofher .Hishotbreathhi therski nas
    shdbr eathedheavi l
    y.Hejustwokeherf r
    om hernap.
    Theirbodiespar t
    edandshemi ssedt heheatofhi s
    body.Hepul ledheri ntohi
    m andi ttookmi nutes
    beforeshewasabl et ospeak.
    "Yo-youful
    fi
    ll
    edoneofmyf antasies."Heki ssedher
    forehead.Al
    or awel
    comedthatsof tkiss,shecan
    nowsayherf ant
    asywaaspoton.Bei ngwokenup
    withyourpersondeepinsi
    deofyouwast henicest
    feeli
    ngever.Lookatherusi
    ngwor dssuchas
    '
    nicest'wbenshehadbettervocabular y.
    "Igetal
    otoutofdr
    unkyou."Shefl
    ushedashi
    s
    handmassagedherbreastandshepushedhi
    s
    handback.
    "
    Thathur
    ts.Myper
    iod.
    "
    "
    Iswhat
    ?"
    "I
    snear,youdi
    dbi
    ologyandyouknowwhat
    happens."
    "
    Ever
    yonei
    sdi
    ff
    erent
    .Tel
    lmeaboutyour
    s."
    Shet
    racedt
    heout
    li
    nei
    fhi
    schestwi
    thherf
    inger
    .
    "Igetreall
    ysor eboobs,don'ttoucht hem.They
    usuallyfeelacupbi ggerthant heyact ual
    lyarefor
    thatti
    me.Cr ampi ngfortwodays.Fi vedaysof
    conti
    nuousbl oodfl
    owandut erinelineshedding.
    Cravingswhi chIeitheravoidorgi veinto,
    dependingonwhet hertheyturni ntoobsessionsfor
    theti
    mebei ng."
    "Youusetamponsorpads?
    "Shef
    lushedoncemor
    e
    andpull
    edherhandaway.
    "It
    riedinser
    ti
    ngatamponbefor
    eandithur
    t,t
    he
    i
    ntrusionwasn'tapar
    ti
    cul
    arl
    ypl
    easi
    ngexperi
    ence
    sopads. "
    "
    Wasi
    tmaybebecauseyouwer
    eavi
    rgi
    n?"Shehad
    thoughtaboutthatandi
    tmightbethat
    ,hi
    sdickwas
    biggerandlongerthanatampon.Shel
    aughed.Why
    wasshecompar i
    nghim wit
    hatampon?
    "Maybe.I
    'l
    lsti
    cktopads,Iam notst
    icki
    nganyt
    hing
    i
    ntomyvagi na.Thankyouverymuch."He
    sni
    ckeredandshei nst
    ant
    lyknewwhathewas
    thi
    nki
    ng.
    "
    How'
    syourheadache?
    "
    "I
    '
    lll
    ive.
    "Hej
    ustcuppedherbr
    east
    sandshegl
    ared
    athi
    m.
    "
    Don'tsqueeze,
    wenaout
    lwanal
    egont
    eka.
    "(
    you
    l
    iket
    estingme)
    "
    Yourper
    iodsusedt
    obei
    rr
    egul
    ar?
    "
    "Yes.Hor
    monesandIgotont
    hepi
    llandnowt
    hey
    areli
    kecl
    okwor
    k."
    "
    Hmm.
    ."
    "
    Iam st
    il
    ltaki
    ngt
    hepi
    lli
    fyouwant
    edt
    oknow.
    "
    "
    Eemma.Idi
    dn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.
    "
    "
    You'
    resuspi
    cious.
    "
    "
    Feell
    ikeImi
    ghtmakeyoupr
    egnant
    ?"
    "Yes.
    "Shsbreat
    hedoutandwait
    ed.Forhi
    mtosay
    heisbecausehedoeswantki
    ds.
    "Iwon'
    t.I
    '
    llstar
    twear i
    ngacondom f oryourpeace
    ofmind.Youdon' twantchil
    drenandasmuchasI
    wantchil
    dren,Irespectyourstanceonthematter
    okay?Wear eequalsineveryaspectexcepthere.
    "
    "
    You'
    ddot
    hat
    ?"
    "
    Yes.
    "hel
    etgoofherboobsandki
    ssedherl
    ips.
    "
    Cat
    chuponsomesl
    eep,
    Ihavet
    ogosomewher
    e."
    "Wher
    e?"Wasn'
    thegoingt
    ocuddl
    eher?Hepul
    led
    hercl
    osert
    ohim andr
    ubbedhedbar
    earm.
    "
    SleepLor
    a."Shecl
    osedhereyes
    "
    Iloveyou.
    "Shemut
    ter
    edandheki
    ssedherhead.

    Hal
    fanhourl at
    er,hesteppedoutoft heshowerand
    hewatchedhersleepforaf ewsecondsbef or
    e
    pr
    oceedingtohiswardrobet opickoutcl
    ean
    cl
    othes.Heshouldbuyt akeoutonhiswayback
    from hi
    smot her'
    shouse.Allhehadtodowashear
    whatshehadt osay.Thatwasit
    .AfterAust
    inwas
    full
    ydressed,hewalkedovertothebedandkisssd
    herforeheadandwal kedout.

    *
    **

    Celinehear dtheintercom halfanhourl at


    erasshe
    l
    ookedatt hefil
    e.Shehadbeenhol dingbackont hi
    s
    forsol ongandwi tht heli
    tt
    let i
    mel eft,shewas
    doingt herightthi
    ng.Shepr essedt hebuttonast he
    gateopenedandhi scardr ovei nsidet heyard.She
    hadwor kedherbehi ndofffordecadesnowandi t
    wast i
    me.Wel lsheneverbel i
    evedinf atebutit
    forcedhert ogettot hisverypoint.Ami nutelat
    er
    therewasadoorknockandhersonopenedt he
    doorashest eppedi nsidethehouse.Hel ooked
    aroundt il
    lhiseyeszer oedonherandhewal ked
    over .Hesatdownandhi smot herkepthergazdon
    heronl yson.
    "
    I'
    llcutst
    rai
    ghtt
    othechase.
    "Fastandef
    fi
    cient
    .No
    beat
    ingr
    oundt
    hebush.Hel
    ikedt
    hat
    .
    "
    I'
    m pr
    oudofyou.
    "Hewasconf
    used.What
    ?
    "Ofthemanyouar etodayandt hewomanyou
    chose.I-Ididn'
    treali
    seitbeforebutitcl
    ickedafew
    daysagot hatyouandAl oraareinaheal t
    hyhappy
    rel
    ationshipbecauseyouguyswer euhm- "Aust
    in
    wasconf used.Thiswomanhear dthem fucki
    ngand
    shewaspr oud?Whatt hehel l
    ?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN

    103
    Austinstr
    etchedhislegsandlookedathismother
    again.Hiseyessearchingherstoseeifshewas
    kiddi
    ng.Shewaspr oudofhi m?Celinecoul
    dsee
    thathersondidn'
    tbelieveherbutsheconti
    nued
    withwhatshehadt osay.
    "
    Ashar
    dasi
    tist
    obel
    ieve,
    yesIam pr
    oud.
    "
    "
    Ist
    il
    lfi
    ndi
    thar
    dtobel
    ieve.
    "
    "Iknow.Uhm Af ewdaysagowhenuhm yeaht hat,
    i
    tsoundedl i
    keitwasahappyr el
    ati
    onship.Theonl y
    ti
    meyourf at
    herandIhadsexwast oprocreate."
    EvenCelinecouldheari
    tsoundedcoldbutt hatwas
    thestat
    eofhermar ri
    agewit
    hherdivorcedhusband.
    "YoursandAl or a'
    ssoundl
    ikeithasli
    fe.Iwantthat
    foryou.Itgivesmepeacet hatyouhavet hat.I
    taughtyout oneverdependonanyoneandyouar e
    doingexactlyt hat
    .Youdon'tevendependonme. "
    Austinwassi lentasshewenton.Sher eleaseda
    sighandbr oughtherhandst oget
    her.
    "
    Andsof arasint
    eri
    m CEOyouhavebeendoingso
    well
    ,Idon'
    thavetoworryaboutt
    hest
    ateandthe
    f
    utureofMathewsInc.Iam sopr
    oudofyou,al
    l
    yourachievementsandIknowl at
    erthisyearyou
    aregoingtoexcelwithyourMastersprogrammeas
    well
    ."Sil
    encefi
    ll
    edt heroom.Austi
    n'smi ndcaught
    onfast.Sheissayingalloft
    heseasi fsheisdying.
    Wasshe?
    "Eversi
    nceyougraduat
    edt i
    llnow,
    youhavebeen
    doingexcepti
    onal
    lywel
    lfortheCEOposi
    ti
    onandI
    cannowr eti
    reinamonthorsoknowingever
    ythi
    ng
    i
    sokay."
    "
    Ret
    ir
    e?I
    sthi
    soneofyourt
    est
    s?"
    "No.I
    'mreti
    ri
    ngbecause.
    ..
    "shepausedandcl
    osed
    hereyes.
    "Ij
    ustwantyout obehappy.Dowhatmakesyou
    happy,AloramakesyouhappyandI '
    veseent hat
    eveninthewayyoudef endedheragai nstme.I
    havealotofr egret
    sonhowI 'velivedmyl i
    feforthe
    pastfi
    veandahal fdecades."andi fshecouldturn
    backthetime, wouldsheevenr ecognisehersel
    f?
    Howsheusedt obesoopt i
    mi sticaboutli
    febefore
    theCorporatelif
    eandherdedi cati
    onintobuildi
    ng
    herownempi resolehandil
    yandst ri
    vingtomakei t
    big.Shebr eat
    hedout.Austinwassil
    ent.Hiseyes
    andext er
    iorcalm.Hewasal waysthatcalm andhe
    neverletemot i
    onsoverri
    dehim.Forthef i
    rstt
    ime,
    shewasusi ngherheartandshehadt hatachethat
    hasbeensovoi dforsolong,hedi
    dn'twanthimt o
    endupwi thawi fewhomi rr
    oredherqualit
    ies.
    "Al
    lIgotsofaristhatyou'
    reproudandapproveof
    myr el
    ati
    onshipwithmygirl
    fr
    iend.Iam agoodCEO,
    you'
    rereti
    ri
    ng.ThereissomethingelseandI
    'm
    wait
    ingtohearwhatel set
    hereis.
    ..
    "hewasalways
    soquicktoreadtheroom.
    "Iam ret
    ir
    ingbecauseIhavel essthant
    hreemonths.
    Ihavebeenf ighti
    ngt hi
    scancerforthepastyear
    andithaspr ogressed."Aust
    in'seyeswideneda
    fract
    ionbeforehel eanedback.
    "
    Andyoudi
    dn'
    ttel
    lme.
    "
    "Austi
    n,youcanlivewit
    houtme.Youhavebeen
    doingsof ort
    hepasttwodecadesofyourl if
    e.What
    dif
    ferencewoulditmakeifI
    'm nothere?"Austi
    n's
    heartalmostri
    ppedoutofhisribcage.Heneverhad
    ti
    mewi t
    hhismother.Memorieshecoul dcheri
    sh.
    "Youshouldhavetol
    dme."Cel
    ine'
    sshoul
    ders
    dropped.Sheknewbutshehadtoleavet
    he
    company.Inherson'
    shands.Hehadeveryt
    hing.
    "Austi
    nyouneverneededmeandyouwon'tneed
    mei nfut
    ureaswell
    ."Shebr
    eat
    hedoutasherbody
    shooksli
    ghtl
    y.
    Austinclosedhi seyesforafewmi nutesnot
    all
    owingemot ionstoshowonhi sface.Helookedat
    hismot her.Allthi
    swhilehethoughthewaa
    l
    earningt heropesandwasgoi ngtot akeoverinfi
    ve
    yearsorsowhi lesheknewhewast akingoveri
    na
    matterofmont hs.Hischestr
    oseandhewi l
    led
    himselftocalm down.
    "I
    t'
    scanceralongwit
    hot herweaknessesitcaused.
    Ihavebeentryi
    ngandlivedeachdayasi tcame.I
    wanttodieinpeacenow. "Aust
    inchidedhimselffor
    beingsobli
    nd.Itwasli
    keshehi thi
    m withanUno
    rever
    secard.
    "
    That'
    sallIwantedt
    osay.Makethemostofyour
    l
    if
    ewhileiti
    srif
    e,whi
    lei
    tisf
    ine.
    "Cel
    inesaidand
    wait
    ed.Austi
    nslowl
    ynodded.Hi
    smot herwas
    dyinginlesst
    hanthr
    eemonths.Li
    fewasthat
    fuckedupbutheknewthat
    .Therewasalotof
    turmoili
    nhismindandheneededtocal
    m his
    thoughts.
    "Ihavetogo."HegotupandCel i
    nenodded.She
    watchedhi m wal ktot hedoorandassoonast he
    doorclosedshel eanedback.Thepai nkil
    lerswer e
    doingagr eatjobofnumbi ngever yt
    hingsoshecan
    wor kandpretendherl if
    ewasnor mal .Althoughi t
    wasaver yhighdosageofmor phine,ithelpedso
    muchsi ncethecancerhadadvancdedandChemo
    couldnolongerhel p.Shedidn'tevenbot hergoi ng
    thatrout
    ebecausei twasgoingt obemor et hant wo
    yearsoftreatementwhensheknewshewasgoi ng
    todieeventually.Hercol dheartached, forherboy
    whohadnevergotenoughl ovef r
    om herbuthewas
    happynow.Thatwi lldoforher.

    Austinwalkedtothecarandclosedthedoorashi
    s
    headf el
    lontothest
    eeri
    ngwheel.Lif
    ewast hat
    unpredict
    able.Whati
    finfut
    ureitwashim,wouldhe
    beokaywi thdyingwit
    houtt
    ell
    ingthewomanhe
    l
    ovedt hathelovedherandnotcher i
    shingthei
    r
    preci
    ousmoment s?Tearsf
    ill
    edhiseyesandhe
    rarel
    ycried.Henevercri
    edashehi tthesteeri
    ng
    wheelhischestrisi
    ngandfalli
    ng.Heneedst ogeta
    gri
    ponhi semoti
    onsanddrivebackhome.

    *
    **

    AtAust in'
    shouse, Alorasl
    ippedoutofbedand
    wal kedovertohi swardrobet opickouthisshirtt
    o
    wearorshoul dsheshowerf i
    rst?Sheshoul d
    shower .Shewal kedovertot hebedt omakei t
    bef oreshewal kedtothebat hroom t
    oshower .Ten
    mi nuteslater
    ,shepaddedi ntot hebedroom and
    fi
    nal l
    ywor ehisshirtandwal kedout.Hewasst i
    ll
    notbackandshedi dn'
    tknowwhenhel eft
    .She
    wal keddownt hestairswher eherhandbagwas.
    Shej usttookoutherphoneandgotcomf ort
    ableon
    thecouchasshewentt oMot orDealerpagesto
    l
    ookatt hecars.Hewashel pingwithlookingfora
    plot,nowi fshecanbuyacart omorrowwhi l
    eshe
    getsthedocument ati
    onneededt oregisterher
    company.Sher eleasedasi gh.Almostanhourl at
    er,
    sheheardt hegat eslideopen.Hewasbackandher
    stomachst artedrumbl ingatt hatexactmoment .
    Shechuckledasshepl acedherphonedownand
    rubbedherst omach.Washegoi ngt ocookordi d
    hebringtakeout ?Hiscardr oveinast hegar age
    openedandshepi ckedherphoneagai nt ocontinue
    withwhatshewasdoi ng.Hewal kedinfrom the
    garageandhereyesmethi s.Shei nsti
    nct i
    velyknew
    thatsomethingwaswr ongorwassheabl etor ead
    hisemotionsorwasi tbecausehel ethiaguar d
    down.Shequi ckl
    ygotonherf eetandf loated
    towardshim ashel ookedather .Hiseyesf ullof
    confusi
    on,hur tandanemot i
    onshegaspedseei ng
    onhisface.
    "Whatisit
    ?"Aust
    in'
    shandgrazedhercheek.He
    droppedhisguar
    ddownandhewashopi ngshe
    couldseetheemoti
    onhehasbeenf i
    ghti
    nghimsel
    f
    mont hsonendaboutaccept
    ing.
    "Al
    oraal
    lofmyli
    fe,
    allI
    '
    vehadi
    smyself.Noone
    haseverl
    ovedme.Notmymotherorf
    ather
    .Noone
    hasevershownmel ove.Onl
    yyou."Hewhippedhi
    s
    headtothesi
    deandshest oodonhertipt
    oesto
    for
    cehimtofaceherasherheartstar
    tedaslow
    beati
    nginherchest
    .
    "I
    'vebeenf ighti
    ngt hi
    sf ormonths,t
    odayj ustproved
    howeasyi tisforever ythingtobedeadandbur ied
    andallIhavewi llber egretsaboutwhatIshould
    havesai dordone. "Hepaused.Hi sli
    psmovi ngover
    herstodr opaki sswhi chsheopenedupt obut
    brokeinseconds.Shet ouchedhisneatl
    yshaved
    j
    aw, hisfacel ookingsot ort
    uredasheheldherhand
    onhisj aw.Hewashopi ngshewaspayi ngat t
    ent i
    on,
    forhereyesonl yhewasbei ngunguardedand
    defenceless.Forhereyesonl y.
    "Whathappenedtoday?"Hiseyesbeggedhernott
    o
    all
    owhimt oanswerthatbutshsheldhisgaze,
    her
    s
    soft
    eni
    ngandt ear
    spr i
    cki
    nginhis.Shemovedher
    thumboverhischeek.
    "
    I'
    m her
    eal
    ways.Aust
    in,
    always.
    "
    "
    Mymot
    her
    .Shei
    sdyi
    ng.
    "Shenodded.
    "
    I-
    "wor
    dsf
    ail
    edhi
    m.
    "Itcameoutofnowher eandIwasher ethinki
    ngI'l
    l
    takeoveraf t
    eryearsbutinamont hIhavet otake
    ther ei
    gns.ShenevertoldmeandI -"herheartsank
    seeingheralwaysi ncontr
    olboyfri
    endstruggli
    ng
    wi t
    hhisownt hought
    sandwor ds.Howi tmusthave
    hithim atthebackofthehead.Shej ustrubbedhis
    cheek, l
    ist
    eningtoeveryt
    hinghehast osay.
    "Youneverexpect
    ed.
    "Sher
    epl
    iedsof
    tl
    yandhe
    nodded.
    "I
    tmademer eali
    sehowI '
    vebeenhol di
    ngbackfor
    solong.Notallowingmyselft
    oadmi ttowhat'
    s
    beenstari
    ngatmef rom t
    heveryf
    irstmomentIlai
    d
    myeyesonyou. "Herli
    pspart
    edashehel dher
    gaze,hisf
    ulloftheemot i
    onshedidn'twantt
    ojump
    i
    ntoconclusionsandnamebuti twast her
    e.I
    nhis
    gaze.Inhi
    st ouch.
    "Idon'tknowwhen, howorfrom when.AllIlnowis
    thatI'
    mi rr
    evocablyinlovewithyouLor a.
    "The
    confessi onshehasbeenwai ti
    ngf orhi
    therfull
    forcetot hepoi ntoftearswell
    inginherowneyes
    aswel l.Hel ovedher ?Austi
    nMat hewswasa
    narcissistandhehadt rampledont henoti
    onoflove
    somanyt i
    mesandhewassayi nghelovedher.
    Aust
    inwasanyt hi
    ngbutali
    arandherheartsoar
    ed.
    Hisl
    ipsbrushedhersasshepart
    edhersbuthe
    di
    dn'
    tkissher.
    "Iam enamour edbyyourmer eexist
    enceamour ."
    Andherhear tcoul dn'
    tstopraci
    ng.Hecal l
    edher
    l
    ovef orthefir
    sttimeaswel l.Thetearsrol
    leddown
    hercheeksandbot hhi
    shandst ouchedhercheek.
    Helovedher .Hel ovedher.Shewant edtotell
    everyonethathel ovedher.Shewast hefi
    rstper
    son
    hehaseverl ovedandshewast hefi
    rstpersonto
    l
    ovehi m.Shel ovedhi m aomuch.
    "Jet'
    aimedet out emonâme. "(
    Ilovewithallofmy
    soul)sher epl
    iedinthebarestofwhispers.Shewas
    barelybreathi
    ngasheki ssedheragain.Aust i
    nfelt
    theconstraint
    sar oundhishearbreakasheki ssed
    theonlywomanwhohasmeantsomet hingtohim.
    Hebr okeitandr ubbedhercheek.Helickedhislips
    ashislipsparted.
    "Moncoeur.
    "(
    myheart
    )Hewhi
    sper
    edbackandher
    hear
    tbursti
    nthatmoment
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Samet
    imeagai
    ntomor
    rowguys Jevousai
    me.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN

    104

    Austinrubbedhertear
    sandshechuckl edstil
    lnot
    sayinganythi
    ng.Shekissedhi
    m anddr ewback
    beforeherfor
    eheadcrinkl
    edabitandhi seyes
    searchedhersforanysignofdi
    stress.
    "Yourmot her.
    ..
    "shest
    art
    edoutandhedi
    dn'
    tlether
    go,justl
    istened.
    "
    Youment
    ionedt
    hatshei
    sdyi
    ng?
    "Hel
    ickedhi
    sli
    ps
    andnodded.
    "Cancer
    ."Al
    oradigest
    edthatasshewatchedhi
    m
    star
    ttoshutheroutandshsshookherhead.
    "
    Don'
    tdot
    hat
    ."
    "
    Dowhat
    ?"
    "Youknowwhatyou'
    redoingAust
    in.
    "Hefinal
    lyl
    et
    hergoandshemissedthecont
    actal
    ready.
    "Letmegoshower , youcanor derin. "Thenhe
    walkedupt hestairs.Hewasshut tingherout .Now
    shewasi nherheadaboutwhatwasi nhi shead.He
    didn'
    tgettodot hatt ohernow.Shewasn' tlet
    tinf
    him.Shefoldedherar msasshest ewedoverwhat
    sheshoulddonext .Af ewmi nutesl atershewas
    makingherwayupt hestair
    s.Shewal kedi nsidethe
    bedroom andhi sclot heswereinthel aundr ybasket
    .
    Thismancl eanedupaf t
    erhimself.Aqual i
    tyshe
    l
    ovedaswel l
    .Sheunbut t
    onedtheshi rtandanot her
    showerwon' thurt,
    shel ovedbeingt hatcl ean.She
    openedthebat hroom doorandshecoul dseet he
    steam f
    oggingt heshowergl ass.Shef oundher
    showercapt henputi toverherpainf ulbr aids.Buck
    naked,shepushedopent
    heshowergl
    assdoorand
    heturnedtofaceher
    .
    "
    Don'tmindme.Okaymi ndme."Heturnedt
    oface
    t
    heotherdir
    ect
    ion.Shegroanedfr
    ustr
    atedasshe
    wal
    kedtowherehewasf aci
    ng.
    "
    Aust
    int
    alkt
    ome.
    "
    "Al
    oraitdoesn'
    tchangeanyt
    hing.Letmeshower .
    "
    Sheraisedaneyebrowasshsf oldedherarms,
    the
    warm watershoweri
    ngovertheirheads.She
    watchedhim pi
    ckhisloof
    ahandpourhi sbody
    wash.
    "AeAusti
    n.You'
    rebot
    her
    edanddon'
    twantt
    otal
    k,
    otisgoi
    ngtomakeitwor
    se.
    "
    "Sheisst
    il
    ldyingdammi tLor
    a!"Shedi
    dn'
    tmovean
    i
    nchevent houghhekindofscaredher
    .Shewasno
    quit
    ter
    .Susandidn'
    traiseaquitt
    er.
    "Austi
    nwear enotcomingoutofthi
    sshowertil
    lwe
    fi
    ndcommongr ound.
    "Heignoredherandshe
    wantedhimtotalk.Andevendist
    racthim.She
    hateditwhenheshutheroutandnowhewas
    acti
    ngasifit
    'shisshi
    ttofi
    gureoutallal
    onewhen
    t
    heyareequal
    s.Sheisnotl
    ett
    ingthi
    ssl
    ide.She
    want
    edtotakeofft
    heweightoverhi
    sshoulder
    s.
    "Keore-
    "shechuckl
    edandsuckedi
    nadeepbr
    eat
    h
    placi
    ngherhandsoverhi
    stonedchest
    .
    Hedidn'
    tevent
    ouchherback.Sheclosedhereyes
    befor
    esheopenedthem thenwentonherkneesin
    fr
    ontofhi
    m.Hel ookeddownatherasshe
    swall
    owed.
    "Al
    orayoudon'thavet
    odot hat.Getup.
    "Sheshook
    herhead.Heknewshewasn' tconfi
    dentinher
    bedroom ski
    ll
    sandhedidn'
    twanthert r
    yingtobe
    perf
    ect.
    "
    Al-
    "
    "You'
    renotspeaki
    ngtomeAusti
    n."sher
    oll
    edher
    eyesathim andhechuckl
    ed.
    "
    Wil
    lyougui
    deme?
    "
    "Everystepoftheway."Hebreat
    hedoutandhe
    watchedherhandswr apar
    oundhisd*
    ck.Heclosed
    offthewat erasagroanescapedhi
    smouth.She
    washol dingitasi
    twassomet hi
    ngdel
    icat
    ebutshs
    al
    wayst
    hreat
    enst
    ocuti
    tof
    f.

    Al
    orasuckedi
    nabr
    eat
    handshe#EXPLI
    CIT

    *
    **

    Whentheygotoutoftheshower ,shewaswrapped
    i
    nacleantowelwhil
    ehishungl owonhi swai
    st.
    Shel
    ookedathim,hewasst i
    llblocki
    ngherout.
    "
    Aust
    in.
    .j
    ustl
    etmei
    n!"Hebr
    eat
    hedoutasshssai
    d
    t
    hat
    .
    "I
    t'
    sokayt obesadovert hefactyourmot herwil
    lbe
    gone.It'
    sokayt ofeel t
    hoseemot ions.Don'tshut
    meout ,Idon'twanttobeaspect atorwhenI 'm
    l
    ivingwi t
    hyou.Justl etmei n,we'reequal s.You
    don'thavetointer
    nal i
    zet hi
    s.Iwoul dl i
    stentoyou
    forhours.Austint
    hat 'swhatl ovedoes, youcalm
    medownandal waysf indwayst ost opmy
    compul si
    onsf r
    om flaring.Weest ablishedthatyou
    l
    ovemebutl etmei n."
    "
    It
    'snoteasy.Ishoul
    dn'
    tevenbehavi
    ngsuch
    f
    eeli
    ngsbecauseshewasneveramot her
    ."
    "Austi
    nyou'rehuman.Youar eal
    sohumanandnot
    someunf eelingr obot
    .Asmuchassheneverl oved
    you,youcar edf orhertosomeextent
    .It
    'sokayt o
    acknowledget hat.
    "Hepaused.Shehadr epeatedl
    y
    usedhissecondnamei nsteadofhi
    sfir
    stname
    whichshel ovedusi ngandhehadhat editexcept
    whenshecal ledhim withi
    t.
    Al
    oraf
    ixedhert
    owelandsi
    ghed.
    "
    We'
    reateam.I'l
    ltaket
    heworl
    dof
    fyourshoul
    der
    s
    t
    ooAust
    in.Justknowthat
    ."
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN
    105

    Alora’
    sshoul
    dersdropped.Shewillhavet
    obeokay
    withwhathegaveher.After
    all
    ,hewaspatientwi
    th
    herandheneverquestionedherbeyondwhatshe
    waswi l
    li
    ngtosharewithhim.
    “I
    ’l
    lordert
    akeout.
    ”Shesai dandhenodded.He
    watchedhersli
    pintooneofhi sshir
    tsbefor
    eshe
    sl
    idherfeeti
    nhisslidesandwal kedoutofther
    oom.
    Hesighedandsatont hebed,holdi
    nghishead
    tr
    yingtoreadhisownf eel
    ings.
    Alorawal kedint hel oungeandshedi al
    ledthe
    numberoft her estaur antt
    heyusual l
    yorderfr
    om
    andshepl acedanor derbeforeshesatont he
    couch.He’ llt
    alkwhenhei sreadybutallsheknew
    wast hathedi dn’ thaveenought i
    mewi t
    hhis
    mot her.Shesi ghed.Asmuchasshel ovedSusan
    withherf l
    awsandal l,shewi shedshehadgot t
    en
    enought imewi thherownmot her.Howwoul dhave
    i
    tfeltforhert ober aisedbyEmi l
    y?Thosewer e
    quest
    ionsshewoul
    dneverhaveanswer
    sto.

    *
    **

    Rebaclosedherbedroom doorandt houghtabout


    whathermot hersai
    d.Sher eal
    lyf
    eltlef
    toutandto
    thi
    nkwhent heyweregr owingup, t
    heywer eaclose
    kni
    tfamil
    yoff i
    ve.Shesi ghed.Sheshoul dcal
    lAlor
    a
    orwasshebusy?Shecal l
    edhersisterwho
    answeredimmedi at
    ely.
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    Ijustt
    alkedt
    omom.
    .”
    “
    O-Kay.I
    sthatwr
    ong?
    ”
    “Shesai
    dshefel
    tlef
    toutandwedon’
    tshar
    eour
    stuf
    fwit
    hher.
    ”
    Al
    orabi
    therl
    owerl
    ip.
    “Themainprobl
    em isusual
    lyherreact
    ion.Some
    dayssheisaccepti
    ngofstuffandsomeshebl ows
    thi
    ngsoutofproport
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Shewasaski
    ngaboutyoul
    ooki
    ngf
    oraj
    ob.
    ”
    “Idon’
    twanttoworkf
    orsomeoneandIguessIwas
    waiti
    ngforLor
    aCosmeti
    cstomater
    ial
    isebef
    ore
    shari
    nganythi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Igetyourpoi
    nt.
    ”
    “Yeah!Ihopeyou’
    rest
    il
    lthi
    nki
    ngaboutmy
    proposit
    ion.
    .”
    “
    It
    ’sscar
    yAl
    ora.Tobeinthemedi
    aagai
    nwi
    thal
    l
    t
    hebadpubl
    ici
    tyat
    tachedtomyname.
    ”
    “
    Doyout
    rustme?
    ”
    “Youwouldwalkthroughbur
    ningf
    lamesf
    orme.Of
    courseIt
    rustyou.
    ”
    “Thenthiswon’tbesomethi
    ngt hemediahasafiel
    d
    with.Youcanwor konyourterms,thi
    ngsyouare
    comf or
    tablewit
    handsetboundar i
    es.
    ”Rebanodded.
    Sheneverhadt hechancetosetherown
    boundaries.Shewasnevergiventhatoppor
    tuni
    ty.
    “Butt
    hinkabouti
    tovert
    hecourseofthi
    sweekand
    getbacktome.Iwil
    lunder
    standifyoust
    il
    ldon’
    t
    wanttodoit.
    ”
    “
    Alr
    ight
    .Thankyouandar
    eyouokay?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Neverbeenbet
    ter
    .I’
    l
    lseeyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Dir
    esul
    tsdiat
    swa.
    ”(
    I’
    m get
    ti
    ngmyr
    esul
    ts.
    )
    “I
    ’m sur
    eyoudi
    dwel
    l.I
    ’
    llbehomei
    nthemor
    ning
    okay?Bye.
    ”
    “Bye.
    ”Rebahungupandshepl
    acedherphone
    down.

    *
    **

    Alor
    apai df orthefoodoncei tarri
    vedandAust i
    n
    hadnotevenat temptedtocomedownf orthepast
    hour.Shej ustplatedthefoodandt ookherown
    pl
    atetot hel oungetoeati nsi
    lence.Thef oodwas
    bl
    andorwasi tbecausehermanwasher eandhe
    wasst i
    lli
    nt her oom t
    ryi
    ngt ocomposehi mself?
    Sheplacedt heplatedownandwentt owashher
    handsbef oreshewal kedupt hest airst
    ot he
    bedroom.Shef oundhi m star
    ingatt hewhi t
    ewall.
    “
    Thewhi
    tewal
    lisgoi
    ngt
    odr
    iveyoui
    nsane.
    ”Hi
    s
    headwhi ppedbackashebar el
    yacknowl edgedher
    presencebeforestari
    ngatthewallagain.Alora
    rel
    easedanot hersi
    gh.Shewasn’tgoodwi t
    h
    comf or
    tingpeopleandall
    .Shecouldn’tcomf or
    t
    Rebapr operl
    ybesidesasti
    ffhugandan‘ Il
    oveyou’
    beforesheretreat
    ed.Shewalkedcloserandsat
    nexttohi m.
    “Wil
    lmest ar
    ingatthewal lwi
    thyoumakei
    tal
    l
    seem bett
    er?”Si
    lence.Shejustf
    oll
    owedhi
    sgaze
    andstaredatthewallwithyou.
    “Asmuchasshewasneverthere,
    youstil
    lhave
    monthstomakememor i
    es.I
    fthat
    ’swhatyouwant
    .”
    Aust
    injustst
    aredatt
    hewall
    .
    “I
    twaswrongofhertot
    ellyoual
    loft
    hiswhenit
    ’s
    al
    readyt
    oolat
    ebutthenexttwomonthscanbesort
    ofmemorabl
    e.”
    “
    Alor
    asheneverl
    ovedhi
    m.”Sheacknowl
    edgedt
    hat
    .
    “Youdon’talwayshavet ol
    ovesomeonet ocare
    aboutthem, youcaredforherbecauseshewas
    yourmot herregar
    dlessofthefactt
    hatshedidn’
    t
    playt
    her olethatmostmot her
    splayinthei
    r
    chi
    ldr
    en’
    sli
    ves.
    ”
    Hej
    ustnodded.
    “I
    t’
    llbeokay.Maybeinaf ewdaysonceyou’ve
    gottenovertheshockbecausewel
    l you’
    rehuman.”
    Shewr appedherarmsaroundhim andhechuckled
    ashet ouchedherhands.Herhugwasawkwar d.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”Shesai
    dandheki
    ssedhercheek.
    “
    Met
    ooLor
    a.Met
    oo.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN

    106
    Rebawal kedintoAlora’sroom t
    hatearl
    ymorning
    asAl orastyledherbraids.Herfacebeatwason
    pointandshel ovedthatcateyethingshehadgoing
    onwi ththeeyel i
    ner.Alorainacri
    spwhi t
    eshi
    rtand
    thosebl ueskinnyjeanswi thbl
    ackheeledboot
    s.
    “It
    houghtyouwer egoingtowearapowersuitor
    somethi
    ng.”Alor
    at ur
    nedt ofaceRebai
    nherful
    l
    hei
    ghtbeforeshewalkedovert othemi
    rror
    .She
    rai
    sedherlegasshebal ancedononeleg.
    “Myconfidencecomesf rom myheelsand
    makeup.”Shewal kedovert ohertableandspr
    ayed
    herper
    fumet hr
    eetimesi ntheairbefor
    eshewalked
    overt
    heper fumescent .Shepickedherlapt
    opbag
    andsli
    dherl aptopthathadherpr esent
    ati
    onaswell
    asthecables.
    “
    Andyouexudeconf
    idencever
    ywel
    l
    .”
    “Wellatti
    mesyouhavet
    obet hebrand.Asyousai
    d,
    ‘
    I’
    m comf ort
    abl
    ymeandthat
    ’sokay.’
    ”Reba
    chuckled.
    “
    Ican’
    thugyour
    ight
    ?”
    “
    No.You’
    l
    lcr
    easemyshir
    tandRober
    tvolunt
    eer
    ed
    t
    opickmeupint
    enminut
    esfor
    m now.”
    “
    CanIt
    akepi
    ctur
    es?
    ”
    “Sure.”Rebasl idherphoneoutofherpocketand
    snappedpi ct
    uresofaveryseri
    ousAl or
    a.This
    womanwasbeaut i
    fulandshedidn’
    tevendwellon
    herlooks, shewant edtobeacknowledgedforher
    i
    ntelli
    genceandshewasmor ethanapr et
    tyface
    alr
    ight.Allbrainsandlooks.
    “
    Nowgosl
    ay!
    ”
    “Thedragonsyoumean?Withpleasur
    e.”Al
    ora
    pickedherl
    aptopbagandherphoneintheother
    hand.
    “
    Allt
    hebesttl
    hemmaandt
    heywi
    llbef
    ool
    snott
    o
    r
    unwithyouri
    dea.
    ”
    “I
    twil
    lbethei
    rloss.Lor
    aCosmet i
    csisgoingt
    obe
    bi
    g,withorwi
    thoutthei
    rhel
    p.”Theint
    ercom r
    ang
    andthatwasherqueuetogetgoing.
    “
    ByeandIwi
    llbebackl
    ater
    .”
    Rebawat
    chedherwal
    kout
    ,theai
    rfi
    ll
    edwi
    thher
    scent
    .Shewashopi
    ngAl
    orawon’
    tgl
    aret
    hose
    i
    nvestor
    stodeat
    h.

    Alor
    apassedthefamilyi
    nthelounge.Thi
    st ime,
    shehadmadet heeff
    orttot
    ellt
    hem shehasan
    i
    ntervi
    ewwhichwasnotal i
    e.Becauseasmuchas
    thi
    swasapr oposali
    tseemedlikeanint
    erviewwith
    peoplewhohadloadsofmoneyanddi dn’tknow
    whattodowithit
    .
    “Ar
    ejeansappropr
    iat
    ethough?”Susanasked.She
    hadexpect
    edslacksandformalpantsoraformal
    penci
    lski
    rt
    .Peopledi
    dn’tgotoint
    ervi
    ewswith
    j
    eans.
    “Theyarecomf ort
    able.
    ”AndAlorawantedt omake
    astatement.Shewant edamakeupbr and, she
    wasn’tconf
    ormi ngtothenormalcorporatecult
    ure.
    Shewasherownper son.Ifshewantedt owearfull
    y
    formalshewoul dhavewentwiththat.
    “
    Isti
    llt
    h-“Al
    orar
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.Shedi
    dn’
    t
    r
    ememberaskingforpoi
    nter
    s.Thabi
    socl
    ear
    edhi
    s
    t
    hroat.
    “
    AllthebestandIhopeyougett
    hej
    obyouappl
    ied
    f
    or.”
    “Thankyou.Ihavet
    ogo.”Shewal
    kedoutand
    Thabisol
    ookedatSusan.
    “
    Seewhyt heydon’
    ttel
    lyoust
    uff,youcoul
    dhave
    t
    oldhershewasgoingtowowt hem orsomet
    hing.
    ”
    “Idon’twanthert odobadl y.Jeansar ehardl
    y
    appropr iatef
    orint
    erviews,theyar et
    hingswewear
    casual l
    y.Icouldn’
    tlethersether sel
    fupf orf
    ail
    ure.
    ”
    Alorast oodatthecloseddooraswhatSusansai d
    sanki n.Wow!Somuchf ort r
    yingtoletpeopl
    ein.
    Sher oll
    edhereyesandwal kedovertotheopen
    gate.Aust inwaspar kedoutsideandhehadopened
    thedoorf orher
    .

    Meanwhi l
    einsi
    deRebawal kedinandsmi ledand
    Susansmi l
    edback.Thabisoshookhishead.Wi l
    l
    hi
    swi feseethatatt
    imeshei st
    heoner uiningher
    ownr el
    ati
    onshipwit
    hthesegirl
    s,t
    histi
    mehewi l
    llet
    her.Theyshouldbesupporti
    veandit’
    snotl ike
    Aloraisst
    upidanddidn’
    tknow.Thatgirlattended
    i
    nt erviewsf ort
    hemostexpensi veI vyl eaguesi n
    Amer ica,shehasbeent omor et hanf ivebusiness
    classesandshewasmor ei nt
    elligentt hanher
    siblingscombi ned.Sheknewwhatshewasdoi ng
    andshedi dn’
    twantt obebabi ed.Heat ehisfoodin
    sil
    enceasRebal ookedatherpl ate, hertherapist
    hadsett heappoi ntmentwi ththedoct orfortoday
    andThabi soof
    feredt odropherof fatt hedoctor’
    s
    thenbackathert herapi
    st’soffice.Hopef ul
    ly
    not hingwaswr ong.Shel ookedatt heeggsonher
    plateandshecutt hrought heyol kasi traninthe
    plate.Poachedeggs.

    Al
    orabuckl
    edupasAust
    inki
    ssedhercheek.
    “
    Ready?
    ”
    “
    Iwasbor
    nready.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    eyoudon’
    tneedmewalki
    ngt
    hrough
    t
    hedoorswi
    thyou?
    ”Shechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Idon’
    tneedaher
    o.Thankyouf
    ordeci
    dingt
    odr
    op
    meoff
    .”
    “
    Itwaseit
    herthatormydr
    iverdr
    opsyouof
    f.I
    f
    oundplotsf
    orsale.”
    Shel
    eanedback.
    “Okay.I’
    mlist
    ening.
    ”Hej oi
    nedtheroadashetol
    d
    herabouttheplotsandthei
    rsizesaswellas
    l
    ocation.Shenodded.Shecouldwor kwi
    thsomeof
    theplaceshement i
    onedandtheywer ei
    nGaborone.
    “
    Theyar
    eal
    lcommer
    cial
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Okay.Ihaveyourbl
    ackcardandIwantto
    purchaseoneoftheplot
    swiththemoney.
    ”Inst
    ead
    ofhimf r
    owningandsayingi
    t’
    sexpensi
    vehe
    nodded.
    “
    I’
    llhavet
    hebankdrawthepaper
    wor
    kandwe’
    l
    lgo
    l
    ookatthepl
    otstoget
    her
    .”
    “
    Butt
    hepl
    otsar
    e75kandempt
    y.”
    “
    So?
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyesandsmi
    led.
    “
    Ial
    sowantt
    obuyacar
    .”
    “
    Haveyoucheckedoutanydeal
    ershi
    ps?
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sforthecompany.Imanagedt oregi
    steri
    tthis
    weekandIcangl adl
    ysayLor aCosmet i
    csexists
    andallt
    hat .I
    ftodaygoeswel l
    ,I’
    l
    lbuildtheoff
    ices
    andofcour sefundonthepr oducti
    onoft heactual
    product
    st henhireafor
    malt eam insixmonths.To
    workont helaunch,market
    ingandever ythi
    ng.”
    Heki
    ssedherf
    orehead.
    “
    Okay,
    uset
    hecar
    dthewayyouseef
    it
    .”
    Shenodded.Hewasr
    eal
    lyokaywi
    thbuyi
    ngl
    and
    andthecar
    ?
    “
    Thel
    andandcarwoul
    dbei
    nmyname.
    ”
    “Eemma.I t’
    sallyour
    sAlora,Ineversai
    d
    other
    wise.”Hesqueezedhert hi
    ghbeforehewi
    nked
    andsher oll
    edhereyesathim.
    “
    Youreyesont
    her
    oad.I
    ’
    mtooyoungt
    odi
    e.”
    “Hmmm…”sheconnect edherphonet ohi
    s
    Bluet
    oothspeaker,shedidn’tevenshowanysigns
    ofnervousnessont heoutsi
    debuthermi ndwas
    comingupwi thdif
    ferentscenariosandhowthe
    event
    scoul dtur
    nout .Shehopedf atewoul
    dbekind
    toher.SheplayedTayl
    orSwif
    t’
    sTheMan.She
    closedhereyesandjustt
    ri
    edtorel
    ax.

    *
    **

    Aust
    in’
    scarpar
    kedout
    sideKgosiI
    nvest
    ment
    sand
    shesuckedi
    nadeepbreat
    h.
    “
    You’
    renotl
    atet
    owor
    k?”
    “Notatal
    lbaby.Goshowt
    hoseol
    dmenhowi
    t’
    s
    done.”
    “Ihavenoideawhoi sontheboardbutIknowMr
    Kgosiisont heboar
    dandaf ewotheri
    nvestor
    swho
    decidedt
    or emainanonymous.”
    “It
    rustyou.
    ”Hekissedhersoft
    lyandsheki
    ssed
    him backbef
    orebreaki
    ngthekissandl
    eani
    ngback.
    “Byenow. ”Sheunbuckledt
    hecarseatbeltand
    pickedherlaptopbagalongwi
    ththephone.He
    wat chedherbehindasshewalkedovertoKgosi
    Investments.Thatwasthei
    rGaboronebranch,
    it
    coul dpassoffasthei
    rmainbr
    anchi fever
    yone
    di
    dn’
    tknowthatt
    hemai
    nbr
    anchwasi
    n
    Fr
    anci
    stown.
    Alorabr eat
    hedi n,
    li
    ftedherheadhi ghandwal ked
    l
    iker oyalt
    yast hedoor sopened.Shest eppedi nsi
    de
    thebui l
    dingandwal kedovert othereceptioni
    stwho
    placedherf i
    lesdownsl owlytakinginthewoman.
    Didpeopl ehireprofessionalmakeupar ti
    ststodo
    theirmakeupever yday?Thi swoman’ scateyewas
    perfectandshemadeherf eelint
    imidatedjustby
    thewayshewasl ookingather .
    “Morni
    ng.I’
    m hereforthemeetingwitht
    he
    i
    nvestor
    s.”Therecepti
    onistwentthr
    oughher
    schedul
    efortheday.
    “
    MsMor
    emi
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Shequi
    ckl
    ynoddedandmovedf
    rom herdesk.
    “
    I’
    llt
    akeyout
    her
    e.”
    “Thanks.
    ”Ther ecepti
    oni
    stledt
    hewayasMs
    Mor emif
    ollowed.Shewasbeautifulandshewas
    surpri
    sedthatagirlasbeautassheis,di
    dn’
    thavea
    softvoi
    ceorat temptt omakehervoi cesoft
    .They
    tooktheli
    ftandshepr essedthebut
    tonsastheli
    ft
    start
    edgoingup.Al ora’sperf
    umeenvelopedher
    andshewai tedf ortheel evat
    ordoor
    stoopen.Once
    theyopened, t
    heybot hst eppedoutandsheledher
    totheconferencer oom wher ethemeeti
    ngwas
    supposedtot akepl ace.
    “Thi
    sistheplace.”ShesaidandAlor
    aopenedthe
    doorwithherbag, st
    eppi
    ngintowhatwas
    supposedtobet hebiggestmeet
    ingofherl
    if
    e.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN

    107
    Alorasteppedinsi
    deandshelookedatthepeople
    gatheredaroundthetabl
    e.Sheknewsomeoft hem
    andi twasherfir
    stti
    meseeingtwoofthepeople
    there.
    “Goodmor ning,ifyou’llall
    owmet osetupmy
    l
    aptop. ”Shesai dbr i
    sklyanddi dn’twai tfora
    responseasshegott oset ti
    ngherl aptopupf ort he
    powerpoi ntpr esentation.Shehaddonet his
    countlessoft i
    mesatPr incetonsoi twasnot
    somet hingshewasn’ tusedt o.Aftershehadseti t
    up,sheopenedherl apt opbagwi derandshet ook
    outthet enf il
    esshemanagedt omakeyest er day,
    sheper sonal lyprintedever ythingandf il
    edi tsoshe
    knewwhatwaswhat .Sheknewt hedamnpr oposal
    byheadandeachandever ypagei nt her
    e.Her
    heelscl i
    ckedont hecer ami cti
    leasshepl acedt he
    fi
    lesinf rontofeachmember .Shehad
    overestimat edbutover estimat i
    ngi sgood.Bet ter
    thanunder estimat i
    ng.Shewal kedbackt otheot her
    sideoft hel arget abletopl acet hetwoext racopi es
    down.Hereyesf li
    ckeredt oherwr istwatch.Her
    presentat
    ionwasaboutt ostar
    tinami nute.Maduo
    wat chedt
    hegirlcuri
    ousl
    y,shewasabi tyounger
    thanheroldestkidsbutshecouldsenseshewasa
    forcetobereckonedwith.Shecouldfeelit.
    “Goodmor ni
    ngonceagain.Let’
    sgetthi
    sshows
    start
    edyes? ”Thepowerpointsli
    destar
    tedand
    Greyleanedbacki nhischai
    r.ThatwasAustin’
    sgi
    rl
    ri
    ght?Themanneverevenment i
    onedhisgir
    lhada
    presentati
    onandheknewAust i
    ncouldaff
    ordto
    sponsorever yt
    hingshewanted.Hemadet he
    conclusionthatshewasveryindependent
    .
    “LoraCosmetics.We’llsaythenumber1makeup
    brandforthefuture.
    ”Shecont inued.Shewas
    always,al
    waysnumber1.Theyi nvestorsli
    stenedto
    her,howshehadst r
    ucturedever ythingandshehad
    basical
    lycommandedt hem toopenwhi chpages
    andshedi dn’
    tevenlookatt hebookl etshehad
    giventhem.Shewassmar tandt hef unnythingis
    sheneverment ionedherqual i
    fications.
    “Ihaveaquest
    ion.
    ”Hergl
    aremovedt
    otheper
    son
    whospoke.Wellshewasaspi
    tf
    ir
    eandshenever
    stut
    tered.
    “
    Okay.
    ”Sher
    epl
    iedMaduo.
    “Yourquali
    fi
    cat
    ions.Thisisagreati
    dea, I
    personall
    ywouldinvestmymoneyi ntoitandt he
    thoughtandtheclearstr
    uctur
    egiven.It
    ’snotjusta
    makeupbr andasyousai dbutyourquali
    ficat
    ions
    MsMor emi.
    ”
    “I
    ’m graduat
    ingwit
    hthehighesthonoursformy
    businessdegreeatPri
    ncetonUniversi
    tyt
    hisMay.I
    wasanhonour sst
    udentandtookcoursesfrom
    cosmet ol
    ogyaspartofmydegr ee.
    ”Theireyes
    widenedandoneoft hemensmi l
    ed.Shewassmart
    al
    right.
    Maduobreat
    hedawowunderherbr eath.Princet
    on?
    ThatwasanIvyLeagueschoolandnoteveryone
    madeitt
    hereletalonei
    ntot
    hehonoursprogramme.
    Shecoul
    dhavehermoney.Everybitofhermoney,
    shecoul
    dhavei t
    .
    “Anymor equest
    ionsaboutLoraCosmet i
    cs?Well
    ,
    movingonIhavecur r
    ent l
    ymanagedtosecurea
    plotaswellandthebusinessi
    sregist
    ered.MayI
    addt hatwhet
    herIgetthecashinj
    ecti
    onornot,t
    he
    brandisgoingtoexist
    .”Hereyesdidn’
    twaver .
    Therewasmur mur
    ingamongt heinvest
    orsast hey
    l
    ookedateachot her.Thi
    swasagoodoppor tunit
    y
    andinvest
    ingmeantt heyweregoingtogett heir
    money’swor t
    hintwot othr
    eeyearsfrom now.Not
    i
    nvesti
    ngwoul dmeant heylostoutonagr eat
    opport
    unit
    y.
    “MsMoremiisitokayifwecallyouaft
    eranhour?
    ”
    Shenoddedandst ar
    tedtopackherstuffi
    nher
    l
    aptopbag,l
    eavingthem wi
    ththefi
    les.
    Shewalkedoutandshelookedattheti
    me.Shehad
    anhourtogo.Shemightaswelleatsomet
    hingand
    gothr
    oughcarpict
    uresonelastt
    ime.

    Wi t
    hherbagi nhand,shewal kedovertotheli
    ftand
    gotinside.Anhour .Shewillbebackinfif
    tymi nut
    es.
    Shet ookoutherphoneandbr owsedforMathews
    Inc’slandl
    inenumberf rom thenet.Shecopiedthe
    numberbef or
    eshecal l
    ed.Itrangjustasthe
    elevatorstart
    edmovi ngdown.
    “
    Hel
    loMat
    hewsI
    ncor
    por
    atedhowcanwehel
    p
    you?
    ”
    “
    Hello.Iwouldl
    iketosetupal
    unchappoi
    ntment
    wit
    hMsMat hews.”
    “
    Uhm shehasabusyschedul
    e.”
    “Placemeonherschedul eandt hankyou.Ms
    Mor emiwi llbet herebyluncht ime.”Shehungup
    andbr eathedout .Shewasn’ tnervous.Notatal l
    .
    Not .Shewasnotner vous.Sheputherphoneback
    ast heelevat orstoppedandshegavet he
    receptionistabr iefnodbef oreshewal kedaway.
    Ther ecept i
    onistwat chedherl eave, howdoot her
    womendot hat?Managet omakeever yonestare
    withoutsayi ngawor dbecauseatt hisexact
    momentever yonewasst aringatherandshej ust
    didn’tgiveadamn.

    Alorar el
    easedherbrai
    dsf r
    om t hei
    rmiseryandshe
    startedwal ki
    ngtot
    henear estrestaur
    ant.Whenshe
    gott heretenminut
    eslater,shesatdownand
    relaxed.Shegotthi
    s,Godknewshegott hi
    s.She
    tookoutherphoneandt extedherboyfri
    end.
    Al
    ora:you’
    reatwor
    k?
    Awaitercametohertableandhandedhert
    he
    menu.Shesenthim offasshequi
    cklybr
    owsed
    t
    hroughit.Herphonepinged.
    MrAl
    ora:
    I’
    m wi
    thJames.
    Ah!Hi
    sther
    api
    st.Hehadthosesessi
    onst
    wodaysa
    weekandshel
    ethim be.
    Al
    ora:
    We’
    l
    ltal
    klat
    ert
    hen.

    Shecal
    ledt
    hewai
    terbackandpl
    acedheror
    der
    .

    *
    **
    Rebaanswer edthedoctor’
    squestionsandshe
    l
    ovedthathertherapi
    stdidn’tbookherinwit
    ha
    maledoctor.Shewasf emaleandaski ngal
    lthe
    ri
    ghtquesti
    ons.
    “
    AndyoucancallmeTessa.Doctorsoundst
    oo
    f
    ormal
    .You’
    rel
    ikemyyoungersister
    .”
    Rebanodded.
    “So,I
    ’
    lldoascan,thi
    smightt
    akehour
    sbecauseI
    am checki
    ngforever
    ythi
    ngandift
    hel
    abworksfast
    enoughyourresul
    tswil
    lbeher
    ebyMondayifnot
    Tuesday.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Andyou’reinsafehands.Ever
    ythi
    ngwej
    ust
    discussedispri
    vate.
    ”
    “
    Incl
    udi
    ngaboutt
    hesexandal
    l?
    ”Tessachuckl
    ed.
    “Yes.WellIthinkit’
    stodowi t
    ht hePTSDbut
    psychologyisnotmyf or
    tesoIcan’ tsaymuchbut
    thelowsexdr i
    vehast odowi t
    ht hat
    .You’redealing
    withalotandt herear ealsoal otofsi deeffectst
    o
    anorexia,
    includinginfert
    ili
    ty.”Rebanodded.Now
    thatshewassober ingup, shehadbeent hi
    nking
    aboutchildr
    enbutnowt hatt hedoct orhad
    ment i
    onedinfertil
    it
    y,shet hrewt hatideaoutt he
    window.
    “Let’
    sgett
    oscanni ngnow.Foll
    owme. ”Tessa
    stooduponherf eetandsheicedherstet
    hoscope
    ashernamet aggleamed.Shewasbeaut i
    ful.Reba
    mused.Everyonewasbeautiful
    .Shegotupand
    f
    oll
    owedt
    hebeaut
    if
    uldoct
    ort
    oGodknowswher
    e.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    48] :REBORN

    108

    Alorawalkedintothebuil
    dingf i
    ftymi nuteslater
    andmadeherwayt otheelevator.Shebr eathedi n
    andoutandt ri
    ednott ofocusonhersur roundi ngs
    andhowever yonehadt ouchedt heel evatorbut t
    ons
    andt heywereprobablycontami nated.She
    breathedinandout ,
    shecan’ taffordtolethermi nd
    dri
    ftinthatdi
    recti
    on.Shecoul dn’thelpitasshe
    tookoutawi peandwi pedthebut t
    onsbef oreshe
    pressedandshest eppedi nside.Shewi pedthose
    onest ooandpr essedt hebut ton.Shecl osedher
    eyes.Sheneedst ocal m down.Sheneedst ocal m
    down.Shewasst i
    llgoi ngt omakeherbr anda
    successr egardlessoft hei rdeci sion.Ami nutelater
    i
    tst oppedandt hedoor sopened.Shel ooked
    aroundf orat rashcanbutshecoul dspotany.Her
    hairwasn’ tboundbyt hepi nsandt heywer ethe
    l
    eastofherwor ri
    esatt hisexactmoment .She
    groanedasherheel scl ickedt owar dsthe
    conf erencer oom andshewi pedt hedoorhandl eas
    well.Herner veswer est artingandshewas
    consci ousofever yi ckinherenvi ronment .She
    openedt hedoorandshespot tedt hetrashcani n
    thecor ner.Shet hrewt hewi pei nsideandshe
    breat hedoutbef oresher ai sedherhead, herbraids
    fall
    ingback, hereyesabl azeoff i
    reandconf idence.
    Shepl acedherl apt opbagont het ableandsatona
    freechai r.Thei nvest orst urnedt ol ookather ,avery
    somberexpr essionont heirf aces.
    Thatdi
    dn’
    twaverher,shehel
    dthei
    rgazeandeven
    ti
    lt
    edherhead.Someonemightsaysheshoul
    d
    showhumi li
    tyandevenbegf orthei
    rcashinj
    ecti
    on
    butthatwasnother,thi
    swasal soaoneinami ll
    ion
    chanceforthem andshewasn’ tgoi
    ngtolett
    hem
    thi
    nkotherwise.I
    nsimplert
    ermsshewasdoi ng
    them afavour.
    “Thegreet
    ingshavebeenobservedmoret
    hant
    wo
    hoursago,whatist
    hefinaldeci
    sion?
    ”
    “Damn!St r
    aightt
    ot hepoi nt.Ili
    kethat.”Rebasai d
    andMaduochuckl ed.Onet hinksforsur e.Thegirl
    hadgutsandwasunapol oget i
    c.Whatwast hat
    phrasesheusedt or epresenthercosmet i
    csline?
    Aha!‘I
    ’m comfort
    abl ymeandt hat
    ’sokay.’Shewas
    hersandshedi dn’tcower .Pityshedidn’twantt obe
    partofthecorporatefiel
    df ull
    ybecauseshewasa
    wholetornado.Shewasmor ethanaf orce.
    “Thankyou.Sowhati sitgoi
    ngtobe?Wi l
    lLor
    a
    Cosmet icsbeabr andwi t
    houtyourhel
    p?Or
    otherwise?”Herperfect
    lyshapedandtri
    mmed
    eyebrowr aisedandthecateyelikemakeupmade
    herseem f eral
    .Howcomeshehadnevermade
    headlines?Ther oom wentsil
    entasMaduoclear
    ed
    herthroat.
    “MsMor emi
    ,wedon’tdoubtyourcapabil
    it
    iestor
    un
    thi
    sbrand.Wedon’
    t…”Alorawaitedforherto
    conti
    nue.
    “Wel ookedatthisfrom allangles.Theposi ti
    ves
    andnegat ivesaswel laseverythingyouhavel aid
    onthet ableforthi
    shugebr and.”Al ora’
    shear t
    poundedi nherchestbutshedi dn’ tletitshowt hat
    shewasner vousandt hattheymayr ejectheridea.
    Makeup?Whyt hat
    ?Shehadal readyexpl aineditin
    depth,hellherCEOboyf riendwentoverher
    proposalandt heyspentni ghtscor rectingitand
    him addinghisinputont hef i
    nalthi ngsal t
    hough
    90%oft hewor kwaspur elyherbr ain.
    “Theimageyougaveus,wellit
    ’swayaboveour
    expectat
    ionsandcanIal
    sosayyoumi ghtbe
    smarterthanal
    lofusi
    nthisroom.”
    “Maduo,
    wagor ebolai
    sangwana.
    ”(
    thechi
    ldi
    s
    goi
    ngtofeelsuperi
    orthanus.
    )Haydensai
    dand
    Maduochuckled.
    “I
    tistr
    ue.Noneofyoumadei ti
    ntoanIvyLeague
    school
    …”sherol
    ledhereyesandsmiled.
    “Well
    ,Alorathequest
    ioniswoul dyoudothe
    honoursofallowi
    ngust oinvestinLor
    a
    Cosmetics?”Alor
    a’sl
    ipspartedsli
    ghtl
    y.Wai
    twhat
    ?
    “Toclari
    fythi
    ngs,wehaveneverinvest
    edin
    anythi
    nglikethi
    s.Peopl
    eusuall
    ygof ortheeasi
    er
    stuf
    flikeConstr
    ucti
    onandpubli
    shing.”
    “I
    fthati
    sadigatme…”Haydensai
    dasher
    aisedan
    eyebrowatDanwhoshr
    ugged.
    “Whatwe’ resayi
    ngis,i
    tisuptoyoutoletusinvest
    ,
    thi
    si stoogoodandi ti
    sgoingtobebig.Youknowi t
    too,youstudiedthemarketaswell
    ,
    hellyou’
    re
    smar tert
    hanallofus.”
    “Excludemef r
    om t he‘allofus’ stat
    ement.”Reba
    gruntedandAl orawasst i
    llawed.Theuni versewas
    wor ki
    nginherf avour .Godi twashappeni ngand
    shewant edt ocryandhugherf avouri
    tepeopleri
    ght
    now.Fr om thet i
    meshedi scovered,Al
    eutat13and
    nowadecadel ater,shewasmaki ngheryounger
    selfproud.Asmi lethreatenedatherl i
    psbutshe
    didn’tl
    etit
    .Shecl earedhert hroatandsatupr i
    ght
    ,
    herhandsl andingont het ableandhereyesmoved
    acr
    osst her
    oom.Everyf aceinherewantedto
    i
    nvest.Shehadjustaskedf orasmallsmallt
    hree
    mil
    li
    onandt heywerewilli
    ngt ot
    hrowthatherway.
    God!
    “I
    ’l
    lhonouryouguysbyl ett
    ingyouinvesti
    nLor a
    Cosmet i
    cs.”Shefi
    nall
    ysaid.Tr
    yingsohar dtokeep
    hervoiceeven.Herheartwaspoundi ngsohardand
    shedidn’twanttocry.Godshedidn’twanttocryin
    fr
    ontofpeopl e.
    “Well,t
    hatmakesuspartners.
    ”Shenodded.Her
    throatcl
    osi
    nginastearsfil
    ledhereyes.She
    breathedoutandr
    aisedherhead.
    “Wellmamacit
    a,Icanseethedevili
    nyoureyessoI
    knowt hewor
    ldisinforaonehellofashock.”Gr
    ey
    addedandMaduosmi l
    ed.
    “
    Wel
    l,
    theywon’
    tknowwhathi
    tthem.
    ”
    “Becausedevi
    lsar
    ealwaysintheform ofangel
    s.
    Thankyousomuch. ”Al
    oraconcluded.
    “OnMondaywe’ llgoovert
    henit
    tygri
    tt
    iesofthe
    cont
    ractandwhatshoul dbeaddedbutfornowyou
    cancelebr
    ate.Thisbrandi
    sbecomingar eal
    it
    y.”
    Haydenconcoctedandshenodded.Shewasn’
    t
    sureshewasabletostandwit
    houtfal
    li
    ngonher
    heels.Thatwashowexcit
    edandshockedshewas.
    “Ihaveaquesti
    on.”EveryonelookedatMaduo.
    Evenaft
    erdecadesshewasst il
    ltal
    kat
    ive.No
    wonderhergrandkidslovedher.
    “
    Whodi
    dyourmakeup?
    ”
    “Idi
    ditmysel
    f.
    ”Hereyeswi
    denedandherl
    ips
    part
    ed.
    “Thismorni
    ng?”ShenoddedandMaduonodded
    slowly.Wow!I
    twaswow!
    “
    It
    ’sbeaut
    if
    ulandyou’
    rebeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ladiesandgent
    lemen,
    themeeti
    ngi
    soverand
    we’llmeetonMondaymorni
    ng.Sameti
    me,same
    place.”
    “Thankyou.”Alor
    asaidoneagai
    nasshest oodup.
    Sheheldontothedesk.Itwasst
    il
    lnew.They
    agreed?Justli
    kethat
    ?Herdaycouldn’
    tgetany
    bri
    ghter.
    *
    **

    I
    nsi
    deTessa’
    sof
    fice,
    Rebaf
    inal
    lyst
    oodup.The
    t
    est
    sweredone.
    “
    I’
    llcal
    landl
    etyouknowoncether
    esultscomeout
    .
    I
    ’
    llanal
    ysesomeofthescansaswell
    .”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Not
    hankyouf
    ort
    rust
    ingmewi
    thyourheal
    th.
    ”
    Rebagaveherasmi leasshesaidhergoodbyes
    andwalkedout.Tessasighed.Howwasshegoing
    totel
    lherwhatshesawf rom t
    hosescans?She
    pushedherweavebackcont emplat
    ingher
    exi
    stenceasadoctor.

    *
    **

    Al
    orasatdowncal
    mlyatt
    herestaur
    antasshe
    br
    eathedi
    nandout.Shej
    ustneededtogether
    bearings.Itwasn’teverydayoneget sfundi
    ngjust
    l
    ikethat.Nextst opwast oseeCel i
    ne.Shehoped
    shewasgoi ngt obecivil
    .Shebetterbe.Shejust
    orderedjuiceandcheckedherphone.Nomessage
    fr
    om herboyf r
    iendandhi sbi
    rthdaywasonSunday.
    Shehadf ull
    yplannedtospendhi sbi r
    thdaywit
    h
    him andal l
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN

    109

    AtMathewsI
    nc,
    Austi
    nfi
    nal
    isedhi
    sf l
    ightdetai
    ls
    onel
    astti
    mebef
    orehepl
    acedthereceiverdown.
    Hel eanedbacki nhi
    schai randclickedhi spen.He
    want edt oknowhowi twentwi t
    ht hei nvest
    ors.Was
    shesuccessf ul?Hetr
    ust edherbuti nvestorswerea
    tr
    ickybunchofpeopl e.Hebr eathedout ,
    strai
    ght enedupandopenedt hef i
    let hathehad
    beenwor kingoneversi ncehear r
    ivedatt heoffi
    ce.
    Anhourt il
    llunchti
    me, notthatheuseshi slunch
    ti
    met hough.

    Meanwhi l
    eAlorawalkedinsi
    det hebui ldingforthe
    fi
    rstt
    ime.Ofcourseshehadsai dl uncht i
    meand
    maybet hatwomanmi ghtbeunavai l
    ablebyl unch
    j
    usttoavoidhersinceshehatedher .Soshehad
    theel
    ementofsur pri
    seonhersi deandshewas
    banki
    ngonheri ntel
    li
    gencetofindCel ine’soffi
    ce.
    Shepassedbyr ecepti
    onandt her eceptionistr
    aised
    aneyebrow.Whowast hatwomanandwhywas
    shehere?Didshemakeanappoi ntment ?Shel eft
    whatshewasdoi ngtof ol
    lowherbef oreshegot
    i
    nsidetheelevat
    or.
    “
    Msdoyouhaveanappoi
    ntment
    ?”
    “Yes.”Alorapressedt hebuttonsandt hedoors
    openedf orher.Shest eppedi nsi
    deandt he
    recepti
    onistwal kedovertothedeskt ocallsecuri
    ty.
    Shehasneverseent hatwomanbef or
    eandi fshe
    madeanappoi nt ment,shewassupposedt ogive
    hername.Thedoor sclosedandt herecepti
    onist
    placedher eceiveragainsthercheek.
    “Securi
    ty?Therei sawomani nawhi teshirt,
    blonde
    brai
    dsandj eanswhoj ustt
    ookt hel
    if
    t.Notsur eif
    shemadeanappoi ntmentbecauseshedi dn’tgi
    ve
    hername.Shej usttooktheli
    ftandnotsur ewhich
    fl
    oorshei sgoingt oendupon. ”Sheli
    stenedatt he
    otherend.
    “
    Okay.Thankyousomuch.
    ”
    Shepl acedt hereceiverdownandr esumedwi th
    herduties.Meanwhi leintheel evat
    orAlorawiped
    herhandscl eanwi t
    hherwetwi peandshewi ped
    thebuttonsoncemor e.Shewasgoi ngtothevery
    l
    astfloor.Whent heel evatorstopped,shestepped
    outandt hehallwaywasempt yandcol d.She
    walkedpastt woof f
    iceswi thnamet agsonthe
    doors.ShepassedbyAust i
    n’soffi
    ce.Theglass
    wallswer eti
    ntedsoshewassur ehecoul dn’tsee
    her.Shest oppedbyhisdoorandtouchedt hename
    tag.Maybesheshoul dseehim now?Sheshookher
    headandcont i
    nuedwalkingandwassur prisedthat
    thatwashowbi ghisoff
    icewas.Shefi
    nal l
    yst opped
    byCel i
    ne’sdoorandsheknockedonce.Ther ewas
    nor esponse.Sheknockedthesecondtimear ound
    beforesheopenedt hedoorandwalkedinsi dethe
    offi
    ce.Shef rownedseei
    ngCelinewit
    hherheadon
    thedesk.
    “Cel
    ine?
    ”Shewal
    kedcl
    oserandshepat
    tedher
    back.
    “Cel
    ine?Wakeup!Thewomanyoudet esti
    sher
    efor
    l
    unch.”Al or
    asaidinanat tempttogethert
    owake
    upbutshewasn’ t
    .Sh* t!Sheshookthewomanand
    shewasunr esponsive.Sheplacedherbagdown
    andwal kedoutoft heof f
    iceonlytobemetby
    securi
    ty.
    “
    Whoareyouandwhatdoyouwant?”Thesecur
    it
    y
    ment
    ri
    edtotouchherandshemovedback.
    “
    Imadeanappoi
    ntmentandi
    nst
    eadoft
    ryi
    ngt
    o
    questi
    onmeyoushoul dbehel
    pingher
    .Tshi
    boga
    mot sel
    eng.
    ”(
    getoutoftheway)
    “Mswearet
    ryi
    ngt obeni
    ceandt
    oescor
    tyouout
    .”
    Oneoft
    hebuffguyssai
    d.
    Alorai
    gnoredhi
    m asshetr
    iedtowalkpastbuthe
    heldherhandandtwist
    edherar
    m.Whatt hef*ck?
    Sheletoutascream.Hewashurti
    ngher.
    “I
    twoul
    dbei
    nyourbesti
    nter
    estt
    ocooper
    atewi
    th
    us.”
    “
    Letgoofmyhand.Icanr
    epor
    tyouf
    orassaul
    t.I
    madeanappoi
    ntment.
    ”
    “You’l
    lsol
    vet
    hisintherecept
    ion,
    pleasel
    eavewi
    th
    us.”Someofthesecuri
    tymenwer ebyCeli
    ne’
    ssi
    de
    andonewashol di
    ngaphone.
    “No!Letgoofmyhand. ”Alor
    adidn’
    twantt ouse
    thefactthatherboyf
    riendwasont hesamef loor
    .
    Ofcourseoncehel etgoshewasst i
    llgoi
    ngto
    report
    ,shewasn’tevenf i
    ghti
    nghim andhet wist
    ed
    herhand, i
    twasstart
    ingtoachewher eheheldher
    wrist
    .
    “
    Ma’
    am cooper
    ate.
    ”Shegr
    oaned.
    “Letgoofmyhand!”Sherai
    sedhervoi
    ceabitand
    themanshovedheroutoftheoff
    icest
    il
    lhol
    ding
    herhandint
    hatt
    ightvicegr
    ip.
    “
    Letmego!
    !”Hervoi
    cewentapi
    tchhi
    gher
    .

    Inhisoff
    ice,Aust
    inpausedhearingvoicesont he
    hall
    .Thatvoicewastoofamil
    iarforhi
    m notst and
    upandseewhatwashappeni ng.Hewasbyt he
    doorinsecondsandheopenedi ttofi
    ndt he
    securi
    tyteam,welli
    nparti
    cul
    aroneoft hesecur i
    ty
    team member sfi
    ght
    ingwithwhather ecogni
    sedas
    hisgir
    lf
    ri
    end.
    “What’
    sgoingon?”Hi
    svoiceboomedandAlora
    tur
    nedtofacehim.Herf
    acewasr edandshewas
    angryatt
    hebuffmanholdingher
    .
    “Heisassaul
    ti
    ngandIswearRobert,
    I’
    m openi
    nga
    case.
    ”Shespatoutandthemanwasconf usedat
    thewaysheaddressedt
    heirboss.
    “
    Sir
    ,shewasi
    ntr
    udi
    ngandwasn’
    tsupposedt
    obe
    her
    e.”Thesecur
    it
    yguysai
    dwi
    thoutl
    ett
    ingAl
    orago.
    “
    Lethergo.”HedidandhewatchedAlor
    arubher
    wri
    st.Sheglar
    edatthemanandroll
    edhereyes.
    “
    You’
    llber
    epor
    ted.Iwasn’
    tevenfight
    ingyoufor
    f
    uck’
    ssake.
    ”Al
    oraretor
    tedbefor
    eshef acedAust
    in.
    “Yourmotheri
    sunresponsi
    veinheroff
    ice.
    ”She
    saidandAusti
    n’shear
    tnearl
    ystoppedonhischest
    .
    Alorashotgl
    aresatt
    hemanwhohadmanhandl ed
    her.
    “I
    nsteadoff
    ighti
    ngmet heyshouldbehel pi
    ng
    Celi
    nebutno,theychoset owantt obull
    yme
    becauseofmysi ze.Menar edisgust
    ing.”Alora
    wentonasAust inwalkedtohismot her’
    soff i
    ce
    whil
    eAloraandt hesecuri
    tyteam fol
    lowed.Aust i
    n
    l
    ookedatthemeni nsi
    deandt heystrai
    ghtenedup.
    “Si
    r,wecal
    ledanambul
    anceandi
    t’
    soni
    t’
    sway.
    ”
    Oneofthemensaid.
    Alor
    awal kedcl
    osert
    oAust i
    nwhowasbyhi s
    mother’
    sdeskchecki
    ngherpulseanditwasf ai
    nt
    butther
    e.Thiswasn’
    titr
    ight?I
    tbet
    ternotbethe
    end.Shesaidshehaslessthanthr
    eemont hsand
    thatmeanssheatleasthasover70dayst
    oli
    ve.
    Alorai
    gnoredherbrui
    singwri
    standshepl
    aceda
    handonhisback.
    “She’llbeok. ”Shesai dquietlyandhesuckedi na
    deepbr eath.Thesecur it
    yteam wasconf usedby
    thepr esenceoft hiswomanwhowascomf ortabl
    e
    witht heboss.Aust i
    nst r
    aightenedupandhi seyes
    l
    ookedatt hem andl andedont heguywhohad
    manhandl edAl ora.Hisfeatureswer ecalm and
    composedl i
    keal waysbutt herewassomet hing
    aboutt hewayhel ookedatt hemant hatunsettl
    ed
    him mor e.AustinpickedupAl ora’
    shandandhe
    pushedt heshirtback, herskinwasbr ui
    sing.Of
    cour seheknewshebr ui
    sedeasi lyandthatwasa
    bruisehedi dn’
    tputt hereonherwr i
    sts.
    “I
    ’
    llbeokay.
    ”Shesai
    dasshet
    ri
    edt
    opul
    lherhand
    away.
    “I
    ’l
    lmassageyoul
    ater
    .”Heassur
    edherunderhi
    s
    breat
    handshenoddedbefor
    eshefi
    nall
    ypull
    edher
    handaway.
    “
    I’
    llt
    alkt
    oyouaf
    terl
    unch.
    ”Thebuf
    fmannodded
    andAusti
    nlookedatt
    hedesk,
    theambulancemi
    ght
    takei
    t’
    ssweetti
    meandhedidn’thavet
    ime.
    “Getmycarkeysi nt heof fi
    ceandmyphone.I ’m
    takinghert othehospi t
    al.”Hesai dandAlorapicked
    herl aptopbagbef oreshewal kedout,bei
    ng
    i
    nt entionalonhergi vingt hatmananangr yglar
    eas
    shewal kedtoAust i
    n’ soffice.Shelookedatitand
    shewal kedovertot hedeskt opickhisphoneand
    carkeys.Thatwasi tright?Shebr eathedoutand
    quicklywal kedout.Aust inwasal r
    eadyheadingt o
    theel evatorwithhismot herinhisarms.Shehoped
    Cel i
    newasgoi ngtobeokay.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN
    110

    Byt heparki
    nglot
    ,Aust
    ingotinthedri
    ver’
    sseatand
    placedhishandsonthesteer
    ingwheel.Hecould
    feelhishandsshaki
    ngandhel eanedbackcover
    ing
    hisface.
    “Lora, canyoudr ivet othehospital?
    ”Heaskedi na
    whisper .Aloranoddedandhegotoutoft hecaras
    hebr isklywal kedovert ohersidewhi leshej umped
    tothedr i
    ver’sseat .Shebr eathedinandoutasshe
    settl
    edont heseat .Shegl ancedovert otheback
    wher eCel i
    newasunconsci ousandshepl acedher
    handsont hest eeringwheelasAust inrubbedhi s
    face.Shedi dn’tknowwhet hertotel
    lhim she’ l
    lbe
    okayorwhatbecauseewhati fi
    twasser ious?She
    start
    edt hecarandr eversedoutoft hepar ki
    ngspot
    asAust inglancedovert otheback.Shehadnever
    seenhi mthatanxi ousandhewaseer ilyquiet.She
    didn’tsayanyt hingasshef i
    nall
    ydroveof f.
    *
    **

    Rebasatont hecouchasshet houghtaboutAl ora’s


    offerandwhathert herapisthadsai daswel l.Violet
    hadputt hingsi nperspectiveforherandi tmade
    sense.Ever ydaysheal wayssai dshewasmor e
    thandr ugsbutsheal waysusedt heexcuset hatshe
    usedt obeausert oputof fthings.Maybei twon’ t
    bet hatbadbecauseshewi l
    lbewor kingwi thher
    sisterandonl yherfacei sphot ographednother
    bodyandshewon’ tbet ouchedi ndecent l
    y.She
    breathedout ,Hadesbet tercomeoutandshe’ l
    ltell
    him aboutt hechangesandever ythi
    ngt hathas
    beenhappeni ng.She’l
    lwai tforAloraandt hey’lltalk.

    *
    **

    Twentymi nuteslater,Aust
    inwasoutofthecarf
    irst
    andheopenedt hebackdoort opickhi
    smotherout.
    Alorawatchedsi l
    ently.Asmuchast hi
    smanhad
    saidli
    fewillst
    il
    lbet hesamewi t
    houthismother
    ,a
    partofhim car
    edaboutherbuthedi dn’twantt o
    acknowledgeit.Shelickedherl ipsashewal kedto
    thedoorandshebl inkedbackt ears.Breat hingout,
    shegotoutoft hecarandl ockedi tbeforeshe
    fol
    lowedhissteps.Inside,shef oundCel i
    nebei ng
    outonast ret
    cherandt henur sesanddoct or
    whiskedoffwithherwhi leAust i
    nf inall
    ysatdown
    onabenchandt ookamomentt obr eath.Shesat
    nexttohim andhepl acedahandonhert highs,hi
    s
    fi
    ngersrubbingsmal lcir
    clesther e.
    “
    She’
    l
    lbeokay.Let
    ’shavehope.
    ”
    Hedi dn’
    tanswerherandj ustsi l
    entlyrubbedher
    thi
    gh.Aloralethi m be.Hewassousedt otouching
    herevenwhenshehadt oldhim shedi dn’tl
    iketobe
    touched.Histouchdi dn’
    trevolther,sheloveditand
    him.Shepl acedherheadonhi sshoul der.I
    t
    seemedki ndofsel fishtotellhi
    m abouthowt he
    meetingwentespeci all
    ythiskindofset ti
    ng.They
    werebot hwor r
    iedabouthi smot herandshewas
    waiti
    ngf orabar ri
    cadeofquest i
    onsaboutwhyshe
    wasi nthebuildingbutshef i
    guredt hey’
    lldealwith
    thatl
    ater.Hetookherhandandhel ditwhi l
    eshe
    br
    eat
    hedoutsof
    tl
    y.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Itwasast
    upi
    dquest
    ionsheknew
    t
    hat
    .
    “
    Yeah.
    ”Shewasn’
    tconvi
    ncedbutj
    ustnodded.
    “She’llbeokay. ”Butt hetruthwasshewasn’ tgoing
    tobeokaybecausei naf ewmont hsCelinei sdyi ng
    andl eavi ngthisear thandheronl ysonst il
    lhasn’ t
    foundawayt oacceptt hatandhasbeent elling
    himsel fheneverneededhi smot her,hewi llbef i
    ne.
    Deepdownknowi nghewasn’ t.Austinlookedat
    theirjointhands, hedi dn’
    tunder standwhyhewas
    thataf fectedaboutt hewoman.Theywer en’ teven
    closeandt hewomanwhosedeat hshoul daf fect
    himl i
    ket hatwashi sgi r
    lf
    riend’s.Hehat edt oadmi t
    i
    tt ohi msel fthatal wayst ouchingher ,eveni nt he
    smal lestofwayski ndofcompensat edf ort he
    childhoodhehad.Hewasneverhuggedor
    comf or tedoranyt hingphysi calthatshowedt hat
    hismot herhadl ovedhi m.OnceCel inegott hego
    ahead, hewasst il
    ll eavingt omor row.
    “
    Iloveyouokay?
    ”Hi
    sfi
    erydr
    eamerr
    emi
    ndedhi
    m
    beforeshekissedhi scheekforabri
    efmomentand
    ret
    racted.Shedidn’tli
    kePDAsot hekissdidn’
    tlast
    andhewascount ingthemi nut
    esti
    llshemovedher
    headandj ustlookedathim.Shewast her
    easonhe
    evenbelievedhewascapabl eofl
    ovinganother
    .
    “Loveyou.”Andshemovedherheadandl
    etgoof
    hishand.Shefol
    dedherar
    ms.
    “Loveyoukeengyaanong?Wenaonal egotena
    mot ho.
    ”(
    what’
    sloveyou?Youhavethi
    stendencyof
    annoyingme.)hechuckl
    edandhesawasmi l
    e
    breakoutfr
    om herli
    psbefor
    esheshookherhead
    andcomposedherf eat
    ures.
    “Sayitproper
    lyordon’
    tsayi
    t.
    ”Shewentonandhe
    smiled.
    “Je’
    tai
    memoncheri
    è.”Shelookeddownand
    smil
    edbef
    oreshel
    if
    tedherhead.
    “Bet
    ter
    .”
    Hetookherhandbackf
    rom herandhel
    dit
    ashebreat
    hedout.
    “
    Butwe’
    l
    lwai
    ttohearwhatt
    hedoct
    orhast
    osay.
    ”
    “
    Doesi
    tmakeanydi
    ff
    erence?Shei
    sdyi
    ngi
    nless
    t
    hant
    hreemont
    hs.
    ”
    “
    Sti
    ll
    .Shei
    syourmot
    her
    .”
    “
    Iknowt
    hatf
    actdar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Andyoucar
    e.”
    “
    Idon’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Forsomeonewithaf
    uckinghi
    ghIQyouknowhow
    t
    oli
    etoyoursel
    f.
    ”Heshr
    uggedofft
    hatcomment
    .
    “
    Ther
    eisst
    il
    lti
    me.
    ”
    “
    Timef
    orwhat
    ?”
    “Anyt
    hing.Goondat
    eswit
    hher,asawf
    ulasshei
    s.”
    SheshookherheadandAust
    insmil
    ed.
    “
    You’
    repr
    ett
    yawf
    ult
    oo.
    ”
    “OhIknow, I
    ’mt
    hebet terki
    ndofawf ulwhi
    leCeli
    ne
    i
    stheawf ulawf
    ul.Iwasscar edwhenIwasather
    deskandmopel ongkehaker et
    sogamol oike
    wenatlhekegocheki l
    e.”
    (i
    nmyhear tIwaslike,
    wakeupyouwi t
    ch, Ihavecomet ocheckuponyou.)
    Aust
    inl
    aughedandshesmi
    led.
    “BetweenherandI
    ,I’
    m mostl
    ikel
    ytoki
    llyoui
    nyour
    sleep.
    ”
    “
    Empt
    ythr
    eat
    sAl
    ora.
    ”
    “
    Onedayi
    soneday.I
    ’l
    lcr
    ushyourbal
    lsandal
    l
    t
    hat
    .”Hemovedhi
    sli
    pstoherear
    .
    “
    Thoseball
    sthatyouhelddeli
    cat
    elyasift
    hey
    woul
    dcrackifyoulett
    hem go?Yeahright
    .”Her
    f
    acefl
    ushedandshepushedhi m back.
    “
    Itakebackmywor
    ds,
    Ihat
    eyou.Getawayf
    rom
    mesatan!
    ”
    “
    You’
    rest
    uckwi
    thmef
    orl
    if
    e.”
    “Idon’
    tknowwhatsinIcommitt
    edt
    obest
    uckwi
    th
    youforli
    fe.Godhearmeout
    .”
    “Godi sn’
    there,Iam.”Sherol
    ledhereyesandhe
    stol
    eaki ss.Theyaregoingtobeokay, shewas
    goingt oconvincehi
    mt ospendtimewit hhis
    mot her.Hebrokeitandshetouchedhisj awbef
    ore
    sher etr
    actedherhand.
    “Anyways,
    let
    ’swai
    ttohearwhatt
    hedoct
    orhast
    o
    say.”
    “Whywereyouatt
    heoff
    ice?
    ”Thequest
    ionscame
    ear
    li
    ert
    hanexpect
    ed.
    “Toseeyourmot her.She’
    sawi tch,
    I’
    m ali
    tt
    ledevi
    l.
    Iwassur ewewoul dgetalong.
    ”Hesmi l
    edand
    kissedher.Shewassweet .Whywoul dshewantto
    seet hewomanwhomadehercr ywhentheyfi
    rst
    met ?Hisgir
    lmadeacombi nat
    ionofameanAngel
    andasweetdevi l
    .
    “
    Youwer
    esur
    e?”
    “Pr
    ettysure.Thr
    owinabunchofwor
    dsabouthow
    sheisdyingandallt
    hat
    …”
    Hechuckl
    ed.Hewasn’
    tof
    fended.
    “Andnowshehast obenice,
    heaveni
    sthegoalor
    elsesheisgoingtohel
    l.Iam sur
    eweweregoingt
    o
    getalongjustfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llhavet
    oseet
    hisf
    ormysel
    f.
    ”
    “
    You’
    l
    lsee.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN

    111

    Fourshoursandt wot akeawaysl ater,


    Aloraand
    Austi
    nwer esti
    llsit
    ti
    ngbyt hebencht ogether
    .
    Austi
    nlostinthoughtandAl orasleepy.Shefought
    tokeephereyesopenbecausef orcryingoutloudit
    wasonl y4pm intheaf t
    ernoonandsheshoul dn’tbe
    thi
    ssleepy.Sheshouldbef ull
    ysuppor ti
    ngher
    boyfr
    iendandgi vi
    nghi m emot i
    onalsuppor t
    .
    “Youshoul
    drest
    .Shoul
    dIcal
    lmydr
    ivert
    otakeyou
    home?”
    “You’
    renotgetti
    ngr i
    dofmethateasi
    ly.I
    ’
    drat
    her
    pokeyouinstead.”Hechuckl
    edandpushedher
    br
    aidsback.
    “
    Howdi dtodaygo?”Sheyawned,f
    ight
    inghar
    dnot
    t
    oletherheadrestonhi
    sshoulder
    .
    “
    Itwasgood.
    ”
    “
    Ineedmor
    ethant
    hat
    .”
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    owor
    ryaboutt
    hatnow.
    ”
    “I
    ’mli
    stening.Todaywasyourday.”Shelostt
    he
    fi
    ghtagainstherfat
    iguedbodyandplacedherhead
    onhisshoulder.Hekissedherf
    oreheadandshe
    pushedhim back.
    “Don’
    tdothat.I
    t’
    sdi
    str
    acti
    ng.”Sheyawnedagain.
    Hekissedherandhi
    slipsl
    ingeredonherhead.
    “
    Igott
    hecashi
    nject
    ion.MondayI
    ’
    m si
    gni
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Sayitwi
    thal
    it
    tl
    emor
    eent
    husi
    asm l
    ove.
    ”Herhear
    t
    f
    lut
    ter
    ed.
    “I
    ’mti
    red.I’
    mlethargi
    catthemomentbutIwas
    j
    umpingf orj
    oy.IswearIwassi
    ngi
    ngwi t
    hthe
    angel
    s.Iwaselated.”
    “
    Sweet
    hear
    t?”
    “
    Hmm?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m pr
    oudofyou.Sopr
    oudofyou.
    ”
    Tear
    sgli
    stenedi
    nhereyesasanot
    herki
    ssl
    anded
    onherf
    orehead.
    “
    Youmakemepr
    oudeachday.
    ”
    “
    Andyou’
    resogl
    adyou’
    remi
    ne?
    ”
    “I
    tshoul
    dbetheot
    herwayr
    oundbutweshoul
    d
    cel
    ebrat
    e.”
    “I
    ’
    m noti
    nthemoodf
    orpeopl
    e.”Sheconcl
    udedand
    cl
    osedhereyes.
    “Whent
    hewitchwakesup,
    letmeknow.
    ”He
    coul
    dn’
    thel
    pbutsmile.

    Anhourlater,
    Alor
    a’ssensessl
    owlycamebackto
    real
    it
    ybutonlythi
    st i
    meshewasn’tsit
    ti
    ngonthe
    bench.Shecouldfeelhi
    schestandhiscol
    ogne
    wasallaroundher.Sheopenedhereyessl
    owly
    befor
    eshemovedherhead.Ayawnescapi ngher
    l
    ips.
    “
    Shei
    sawake.
    ”
    “
    Me?
    ”
    “Nodummy.Her .
    ”Alor
    aroll
    edhereyesandweakl
    y
    hithi
    schest
    ,thesl
    eepyfogoverhercl
    eari
    ngup.
    “I
    ’m notdumb.Iwi llf
    eedyousilverandyou’lldi
    ea
    sl
    owdeat h.Don’tt
    estmeRober t.
    ”Heshookhi s
    headandshepushedherbr aidsback.Sher eali
    sed
    shewassi t
    ti
    ngont opofhim andshequi ckl
    ygotup
    onherf eet.Alor
    alookedatCeli
    newhowashooked
    ontomachi nesandshewasj ustlookingatthem.
    Loralookedatmot herandsonmor ethanonce
    beforesher ubbedhereyes.
    “Gl
    adyou’
    renotint
    hel
    andofthedeadasofyet
    .”
    Shest
    atedoutandCel
    inewheezed.
    “Iguesst
    hatisagoodsign,youlaughed.”Aust
    in
    shookhishead.Alor
    awasser i
    ouslycasuall
    y
    throwi
    nginjokesabouthi
    smot her
    ’sdeathandshe
    wasn’tof
    fended?
    “Rober
    t,canyouexcuseusforasecond?”He
    rai
    sedaneyebrowandshef ul
    lyt
    urnedtolookat
    him.Hereyesbeggi
    nghim andpromisi
    nghim at
    thesamet ime.Hedidn’tmoveani nchandshe
    groanedfrustrat
    ed.Didhewantheronherknees
    begginghim?I twaslikehereadhermi ndandhe
    noddedandshegavehi m ahotgl
    are.Allshesaw
    wast hetentinhispantsrisi
    ngandshef acepalmed.
    Whatt hehellwaswr ongwi t
    hthi
    sman?Hef inal
    ly
    stoodup.
    “I
    ’
    llbebacki
    nthi
    rt
    yminut
    es.
    ”Hewal kedoutand
    Alor
    asatdownonthewar
    ,chai
    rlooki
    ngatCeline.
    “Howar eyouf eeli
    ng? ”SheaskedandCel i
    ne
    wheezed.Shewasr eall
    ystruggl
    ingandi twas
    painfultowat ch.Thiswomanwasaf orcetobe
    reckonedwi thinbusi nessandherownbodywas
    fail
    ingher.ItkindofmadeAl or
    asad, wast hi
    show
    hermot her’
    sweakheal thhadfail
    edherbef oreshe
    died?Inthel ett
    ershehadsai dshewasr eall
    ysick
    butt hedoctorsf oundnot hi
    ng.Shesi ghedand
    pushedt hoset hought saway.Shegotupandf i
    ll
    ed
    aglasswi thwat erbef oreshewal kedovertothe
    bed.
    “Thi
    sdoesn’tmakeusf
    ri
    ends,
    yousti
    llhat
    eme
    okay?”Al
    orasai
    dassheremovedt
    heoxygenmask
    andhelpedherdrinkt
    hewater.Sl
    owl y.Shewasn’t
    usedtobeingthatdel
    icat
    etopeople.Whenshewas
    sureCeli
    nehadenoughshemovedt hegl assaway
    andputthemaskbackon.Shesatdownand
    breat
    hedout.
    “I
    t’
    sokayifyoucan’ttal
    k,Iam notsurewhyyou
    hatemebutpeoplealwaysdosoi t
    ’snotsur
    pri
    sing
    butAusti
    n?Atleastinyourlastf
    ewdaysshowhi m
    youcareinsomeway. ”AlorapausedasCeli
    ne
    l
    ist
    ened,breat
    hingheavil
    y.
    “Hedeser vesthatlitt
    lebitofcar
    eeventhatglimpse
    oflovefrom you. ”Alorastoodupandwal ked
    acrossther oom, herheelscli
    cki
    ngont hefloor.
    Howcanshet ellherthatherownheartbrokewhen
    AustinsaidAl orawast heonlypersonwhol oved
    him.God, shel ovedhim somuchandshewoul d
    j
    umpof facl i
    ffforthatman.
    “
    Justt
    hat
    .”Cel
    inenoddedandt
    ri
    edt
    oremoveher
    mask.
    “Pl
    easedon’
    t.Tl
    agagotwekeegobolai
    leese
    nako.
    ”(
    they’
    l
    lsayIki
    ll
    edyou.
    )Cel
    inewheezedand
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Bathong,st
    opwheezing.I
    t’
    snotcute.
    ”Cel
    ine
    wheezedagain,
    inanatt
    empttolaugh.
    “Molwet
    sikeyoo!
    ”(t
    hispat
    ientt
    hough)Celi
    ne
    removedthemaskandgaspedforai
    rwhileLor
    a
    shookherhead.
    “
    Dieee!Aker
    eobat
    lagone?
    ”(di
    e.Youwantt
    hat
    r
    ight
    ?)
    “Th-
    than-
    thankyou.
    ”Shecr
    oakedoutandAl
    ora
    nodded.
    “
    Forwhat
    ?”
    Cel
    inelookedatt
    hedoorandAl
    oraunder
    stood.
    Austi
    n.
    “Wi
    -wi
    thyouhe-
    he’llbeooook.
    ”Sheconti
    nuedand
    Lor
    ali
    ckedherl
    ips.Shehopedso.Shereall
    yhoped
    so.
    ShesatdownandCel
    inewasst
    il
    lgat
    her
    ingmor
    e
    st
    rengt
    htospeak.
    “
    H-hel-l
    ovesyoun-notme.
    ”Al
    oradi
    dn’tr
    eactt
    o
    t
    hat.Austi
    nhadloveinhi
    m,hehadalotofl
    ovein
    him.I
    fhewasabletolovehimselfi
    nt hatway,he
    coul
    dlove.Hewasjustnotshownthatgr owingup,
    hecoveredi
    tupwit
    hsmar t,wi
    t,nar
    cissism and
    manipul
    ati
    on.
    “Celi
    neyoucanmakethenextf
    ewmont
    hs
    enjoyabl
    e.Youcant
    ry.
    ”
    “I
    -I
    ’m so-sorry.
    ”Hervoicewasgetti
    ngmor efaint
    andAl oraleanedback.Sheshouldprobabl
    ybe
    enjoyingthisbutshewasn’t
    .Celi
    newasst ruggling
    andi tshowedt hatatt
    heendofthedaywewer eall
    human.
    “Fort
    h-t
    ha-
    thatni
    ght
    .”Shef
    inal
    lysai
    dandputback
    onhermask.
    “Youri
    mpendingdeat
    hcancelsoutt
    hatni
    ght
    .”
    Celi
    newheezedmore,herbodywasinpai
    nbutthi
    s
    gir
    l’
    shumourwassupposedt omakehermadbutit
    madeherlaugh.
    “
    Tlhemmaae.”Shewheezedoutmor
    eandAl
    ora
    r
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    His25t
    hbir
    thdayi
    sonSunday…”Cel
    iner
    emoved
    t
    hemask.Sheputi
    tbackon.Maybet
    hist
    ime
    Austi
    nwon’tbetaki
    ngthefir
    stf
    li
    ghtoutoft
    he
    countr
    ytospendhisbi
    rthdayal
    one.Maybeshewas
    wrong.
    “Austi
    nisselfconcei
    tedbutIhaveideasforhis
    bir
    thdayonSunday.Ifthedoctorcl
    earsyou,will
    youspendt hedaywithhim?Thendi nnerwit
    hus? ”
    Celi
    nelookedatthisgir
    lwhom shethoughtwas
    simil
    artoherandwoul dbecoldtoherson.
    “Ihatebeggingbutyourdeathshouldbeenough
    mot i
    vati
    ontoagree.We’l
    lassumeyousai dyes
    becauseyoucar eaboutyourson.Thankyouand
    doyouneedanyt hingtoeat?Iwon’tpoi
    sonthe
    food.”Cel
    inewheezedandAl or
    af ol
    dedherarms.
    “I
    ’l
    lbri
    ngwhateverandcal
    lAust
    in.
    ”Al
    orawasouti
    n
    seconds.Shel
    ookedaroundandcoul
    dn’
    tfi
    nd
    Austi
    nanyway.

    Meanwhi leinthedoctor’
    soff
    ice,Austi
    nleanedback
    i
    nt hechair.Itseemedasifherdayswer egett
    ing
    shorterandnowt hatt
    hedoctorwassayingher
    mot herhadtookt oomanypainpill
    s,herbodywas
    usedt
    oitandalreadyherbodywasf
    ail
    ingherbut
    nowit
    ’sworse.
    “Sheisinthel
    aststage,ther
    eisnothingthatcanbe
    done.We’l
    lhavetowai t
    .”Thatwasit.Waitfordeat
    h
    totakeherandthatwouldbei t
    ?Theend?He
    underst
    oodbuthewasn’ tsurehisheartdid.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
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    112

    Aust
    inwal
    kedoutoft
    hedoct
    or’
    soff
    ice.Heneeded
    amomenttogat
    herhi
    sbeari
    ngs.
    Meanwhi l
    einCel ine’sroom, t
    hewomanl ooked
    around.Shewasn’ tsurehowmucht imeshehad
    butmaybeamont hortwo?Shecl osedhereyes,
    herbodywasi npai nandsher eallyneededt he
    mor phineorwhat everpainkill
    ertheycangi vet o
    heri nhighdosagessoshecoul datleastf unction.
    Sleepgott oherandshewasoutl i
    keal ightbul b.
    Alorasatont hebenchwai ti
    ngf orAust i
    nsot hey
    cangobuyf oodf orhismot her.Hecoul duset he
    fr
    eshai raswel l
    .Shel ookedathernai lst henher
    shoesassher el
    easedasi gh.Shepr ayedt hat
    Celineisstrongenought obeher eforatl eastthr ee
    mont hs.Shel ookedar oundandpushedherbr aids
    back.Wher ewasAust in?Hecoul dn’tleavewi thout
    herr i
    ght?Shehadt hecarkeysunl esshecal ledhi s
    driverbuthewoul dnever .Justasshedebat edwi t
    h
    hermi nd,aver ysomberAust inmadehi swayt o
    him.
    “
    You’
    redone?
    ”
    “Iwaswait
    ingf
    oryou.Let
    ’sgogetf
    ood.
    ”Her
    aised
    aneyebr
    ow.
    “
    Youcoulduset
    hefreshair
    ,youl
    ookl
    ikeyouneed
    i
    t.
    ”Shegotuponherfeetandwal
    kedaheadofhim.
    “
    Robert
    ,mewal ki
    ngmeansyoushoul dfoll
    owas
    wel
    l.
    ”Shesaidandheturnedonhi sheel
    sand
    f
    oll
    owedher.Thei
    rwalkwassi l
    entandAustinsank
    i
    ntohi
    sthoughtsonceagain.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse,SusanknockedonAlor
    a’s
    bedr
    oom doorandopenedwhent her
    ewasno
    answer.
    “Alo-
    “ther
    ewasnoonei nsi
    de.OfcourseAl or
    awas
    cleanandallbutshewasn’
    tinher
    e.Shebr eathed
    out.Shedidn’
    tmentiont
    hatshewouldn’tbecomi ng
    home.Shewal kedovert
    oReba’sbedroom doorand
    knocked.
    “
    Comei
    n.”
    Sheopenedt
    hedoor
    .
    “
    HasAl
    orapassedby?
    ”St
    rai
    ghtt
    othepoi
    nt.
    “
    Shehasn’
    t.I
    ’
    m sur
    eshei
    sonherway.
    ”
    “Haveyoucall
    edher?
    ”SusanaskedandReba
    shookherhead.Shetr
    ust
    edhersist
    erwasokay
    andifanyt
    hingwaswrongshewouldhavetol
    dher
    .
    “
    Shei
    sokay.Shei
    spr
    obabl
    ywi
    thAust
    in.
    ”
    Susannodded.
    “
    Iwant
    edt
    oknowhowt
    hei
    nter
    viewwent
    .”
    “
    She’
    l
    ltel
    lusoncesheget
    sher
    e.”
    “
    Howdi
    dthedoct
    or’
    sappoi
    ntmentgo?
    ”
    “
    Itwasokay.It
    hink.She’
    llcal
    lmeoncesheget
    sthe
    r
    esul
    tsformostofthetestsweconduct
    edbutso
    f
    arsogood.”
    “Gl
    adtoheart
    hat
    .Di
    nnerwi
    llber
    eadyi
    ntwo
    hours.
    ”
    “
    Alri
    ght.
    ”SusanclosedthedoorandRebapaged
    t
    hroughmagazineslooki
    ngatmakeupmodels
    whil
    stsi
    multaneousl
    ysearchi
    nguponthewebas
    well
    .
    Susanl
    eanedagai
    nstt
    hewal
    l,
    shewasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    o
    feell
    eftout
    .Alorawil
    ltel
    lthem,Alorawasanadul t
    capableofmakingherdeci si
    onsandifshedecided
    tobewi t
    hherboyfri
    enditwasokay.Sheassur ed
    hersel
    f.Shesuckedinabr eathbefor
    eshe
    composedher sel
    fandwal kedaway.

    *
    **

    Aloradr ovet
    ot heshopsasAust inclosedhiseyes.
    Hisbirthdaywasnearandshehadbeensur pr
    ised
    thathewasn’ tpester
    ingheraboutit.Shewassur e
    hewoul dbet ell
    inghertoworshipthegr oundhe
    walkedonbecausehewast hatnarcissi
    sticbuthe
    didn’t
    .Itwaslikethedaydidn’tevenexistinhis
    calendar .
    “Aust
    in?
    ”Heopenedhiseyesj
    ustasshepar
    kedt
    he
    carandstoppedt
    heengi
    ne.
    “
    What’
    sbother
    ingyou?”Sheaskedhi
    m.Shedi
    dn’
    t
    wantt
    opushhimthough.
    “
    Not
    hing.We’
    vear
    ri
    ved?
    ”Shenoddedandshe
    didn’tpushfurtheront het opicasshegotoutoft he
    carwhi l
    ehegotoutaswel l.Shelockedi tand
    walkedovert ohisside.Hi shandf oundt hesmal lof
    herbackast heywalkedsi debysi de,themood
    gloomyanddar k.Alorast i
    lldidn’tsayanyt hing.
    Theirquickshoppi ngwasaqui etonewi t
    hhi m
    holdingthebasketasAl or
    api ckedoutt hei t
    ems.He
    wast oosilentforherlikingandshehat edthathe
    didn’twanttoopenupt oherbutshehadt obe
    patientwit
    hhi m.Italltookl essthant hirt
    ymi nut
    es
    andt hentheywer eont hei
    rwayt othehospi tal.She
    droveagainashecl osedhi seyes.Tear sfil
    ledher
    eyesbutshebl i
    nkedt hem awayandf ocusedont he
    road.

    Atthehospit
    al,t
    heymadet heirwaytoCeli
    ne’s
    room andshewasasl eepasAl or
    aplacedthe
    plasti
    cbyhertabl
    e.Shedidn’twantedtowake
    Celineupbutwhatifshewakesupt omorrow?She
    hadt oeat
    .
    “I
    ’m waki
    ngherupokay?”Aust
    inj
    ustnoddedashe
    satdown.Al
    oragent
    lyshookCeli
    ne.
    “Hey,wakeup.Ibr oughtt hef oodandi t
    ’snot
    poisoned.”Austi
    ncoul dn’thelpthesmi l
    et hatpull
    ed
    athisli
    ps.CelineopenedhereyesandAl orashook
    herhead.Shehel pedhersi tupri
    ghtasCel ine
    groanedinpain.Shel ookedatAust i
    nwhowas
    observi
    ngsi l
    entl
    y.Notasi ngleemotiononhi sface
    andshet houghtmaybej ustmaybeAl orawas
    wrong,Austindidn’tneedherandshewaswast ing
    histi
    me.
    “Robert
    , passmet heyoghurtsandt hebanana.But
    wait,
    letmewashmyhands. ”Shewal kedoutand
    Austi
    nl ookedatCeline.Hedidn’tknowwhattosay,
    hedidn’twanttoacknowl edgethepartofhimthat
    washur tthatshewasdyi ng.Therewasnohopeof
    hergetti
    ngbet t
    ersoonbecausef r
    om herei
    twas
    goingtogof rom badtowor seandheshoul dbrace
    himself
    .
    “Howar eyoufeeli
    ng?”Thatwashisf eebl
    eattempt
    atstar
    ti
    ngaconver sati
    onwithher.Hehasnever
    knownhowt ocar eorevenloveherwhenshenever
    showedherthoset hi
    ngsasaboyt i
    llnow.Itwas
    for
    eigntoassociatesuchconceptswi t
    hhismot her
    .
    Cel
    iner
    emovedt
    heoxygenmask.
    “B-
    bett
    er.
    ”Shewasl yi
    ng.Shewasinsomuchpai n
    andshewantedtorest.Shewant
    edtocloseher
    eyesandescapethepain,whywer
    en’
    ttheygivi
    ng
    herpai
    nmedicati
    on?
    Austinstopupandf ixedherpill
    owsoshecoul dbe
    comf or
    table.Hetookthemaskf r
    om herhandand
    placeditonherface.Shewasn’ tokay.Hewasi n
    newt er
    rit
    oryandhedi dn’tknowhowt oact.Lucki
    ly
    Aloracameback.Hershi r
    troll
    edbackandherar ms
    al
    lpink.Hegaveheral ookandsheshr ugged.
    “Nowpassmet heyoghurtlebanana.
    ”Hepassed
    them t
    oherandwat chedherpeelthebanana.She
    usedthespoont ocutiti
    ntopiecesandthr
    ewthem
    ontheyoghurtbeforesheremovedCeline’
    smask.
    “Wil
    lthi
    sbeenough? ”Sheaskedherandshe
    nodded.Austi
    ntil
    tedhishead,nohar shwordswer
    e
    exchangedandnowhewasst ar
    ti
    ngt obel
    ievet
    hat
    theyareget
    ti
    ngalong.AlorafedCelinetwo
    spoonful
    sbeforeshetookat womi nutebr
    eakthen
    fedheragai
    n.
    “Tot
    aifyouweren’
    tdying,Iwasgoingtoholdthi
    s
    momentoveryourheadf orever
    .”Cel
    inewheezed
    andAlorashookherheadhi di
    ngasmi l
    e.
    “Eat
    .It
    ’salmostfi
    nished.Af ewspoonfulstogo.”
    Alor
    acoercedandoncet heyoghurtwasf i
    nished
    sheplacedtheempt ycontaineronthetabl
    eand
    shedidn’
    tknowwhatt ouset owipehermout h.Her
    wipeswereinthecar.Shet ookthehandkerchiefi
    n
    Austi
    n’spocketandwi pedCeline’
    smout h.
    “Youcansl eepnow.Andno, notf
    oreveryet
    .You
    stil
    lhavemont hstogo.”Cel
    inewheezedonceagai
    n
    andcl osedhereyesasheroxygenmaskwas
    placedbackonherf ace.
    Alor
    alookedatAust
    in,
    shecoul
    dreadhi
    m bet
    ter
    now.
    “
    Weshouldpr
    obabl
    ygo.
    ”Hest
    oodupandt
    hey
    wal
    kedout
    .
    “Weshouldgobacktotheoffi
    ceandgetherstuf
    f
    andpackheranoverni
    ghtbagright
    ?Whatdidthe
    doct
    orsay?”Sheaskedhim ashetookherhand.
    “
    Shei
    sgoi
    ngt
    ogetwor
    sef
    rom her
    e.”Al
    ora
    r
    eleasedasi
    gh.Damn!
    “Let’
    sgetherstuf
    ffr
    om t
    heof f
    iceandpackherbag.
    Doyouhavekeyst oherhouse?”Henoddedbuthe
    neverreal
    lyneededt
    hem thatmuchbecausehe
    rarel
    ywentthere.

    *
    **

    Anhourl ater,i
    nsideCel ine’shouseAl orawas
    showedCel i
    ne’sbedr oom t opackwhi leAust i
    n
    wal kedupt hest air
    st ohi sbedr oom.Tear sstungin
    hiseyesashi sst epsgotsl owerandsl ower,his
    hear tbeati
    ngsl owly.Hef inall
    ygott ohisbedr oom
    andpushedopent hedoorbutdi dn’
    tquitecloseit
    ashecaughthi sbr eath.Fightingthetears,the
    hollowachei nhishear t
    .Hi skneesgaveoutashe
    heldont othest udydeskf orbalance.Hehada
    feelingsopecul iarthatt hispainwoul dbe
    forever more.Whati fi
    thadbeendi f
    fer
    ent?Whati f
    sher eal
    lyl
    ovedhi m asamot hershouldbuti tsti
    ll
    woul dn’tchanget hemul ti
    pl estabsinhishear t,
    the
    wayhewant edtoscr
    eam andcr y,somethingthat
    wasf or
    eigntohim.Histearsbli
    ndedhi m ashe
    suckedinadeepbr eat
    h.Thet earsrol
    leddownhi s
    cheeksont hei
    rownandt heykeptoncomi ngashe
    l
    ockedhi sj
    awt ryi
    ngnottoletoutasound.

    Alorafi
    nishedpacki ngandshewal kedoutofthe
    bedroom t oplacethebagintheli
    vingroom.Nowt o
    fi
    ndAust in,shethoughtsheheardhi mtaki
    ngthe
    stai
    rs.Shesl owlytookthest
    airsandshedidn’t
    havetol ookfurther,
    shesawt heopendoorand
    steppedi nsi
    de.Hewashunchedovert hedeskand
    shewal kedcloser.
    “Austi
    n?”Hedi dn’
    tanswerherasshet entat
    ively
    placedherhandsonhi sback.Hewassost i
    ff.Then
    huncheddownasbestasshecoul dtol ookathis
    face.Herheartnearlystopped.Shesawt ears,asif
    hewasf ighti
    ngwi t
    hhimsel f
    .Sheletgoofhi sback,
    shedidn’tknowhowt ocomf or
    tpeoplebutthiswas
    theloveofherlif
    eandheneededher .Shehel dhis
    shoulder
    s.
    “I
    ’
    m hereokay?”Shetri
    edtogethimtost
    raight
    en
    upwhichhedid,probabl
    yknowingifher
    efusedshe
    wasgoingtoforcehim.Shewrappedanarm
    aroundhi
    storso.
    “I
    ’m hereforeveryt
    hingandanythi
    ng.”Shesof t
    ened
    hervoiceandusedherot herhandtowi pehistears.
    Hewasonl yhumanandhecoul dn’tpretend
    otherwise.Sheli
    ckedherli
    psasmor et earsrol
    led
    downhi scheeks.
    “
    Youcanl
    eti
    tgo.
    ”Hebl
    inkedashesni
    ff
    ed.
    “I
    t’
    snot hi
    ng.”Sheshookherhead.Hewast al
    king
    aboutthepainasofitwasalri
    ghtbutshe
    suspecteditwastaki
    nghisenergyandhis
    happinessthathi
    smot herwasdying.
    “Sheisreall
    ydyi
    ng? ”Hestart
    edout,voi
    cetrembl
    ing
    withemotionandherhear tcr
    acked.Ther
    ewasno
    getti
    ngaroundthis,
    shewasdyi ngandashar dasit
    wast oswallow,
    Celinewasdying.Shenoddedand
    heremovedherhandashecover edhisface.She
    fol
    lowedhim andhel dhi
    m.
    “
    Yo-
    youshoul
    dn’
    tbedeal
    ingwi
    tht
    his.
    ”Hest
    utt
    ered.
    Heactual
    lyst
    utt
    eredandAl or
    aheldbackt
    ears.
    Thi
    swaseat i
    nghim al
    iveandshewantedtoshi
    eld
    hi
    mf r
    om thepai
    nofhear t
    breaksobad.
    “
    Aust
    in,
    wear
    eat
    eam.Equal
    s.Toget
    her
    .”
    “
    Alor
    ait
    ’snotyourmount
    aint
    ocar
    ry!
    ”
    “Youareri
    ght.I
    t’
    snotmine.I
    t’
    sours.Babethisi
    sa
    safespace.I
    ’
    m yoursaf
    espace…”sheblinkedback
    thetear
    swhilel
    ooki
    ngupathi m.
    “
    Ishoul
    dn’
    tbef
    eel
    ingl
    iket
    his.
    .”
    “I
    t’
    snor
    mal.She’
    syourmother.
    ”Heheldhert
    ight
    ashecr
    iedandAlor
    aletherowntear
    sfal
    l.
    “Whycouldn’tshel-
    lovemelikeotherki
    ds?
    ”His
    chestvi
    bratedandhi svoi
    ceshooksobad.Alor
    a
    couldn’
    tanswerthat.Shewasn’tCeli
    ne.
    “
    Howwer
    eyouabl
    etol
    oveme?
    ”
    “
    Becauseyouar
    eyou.
    ”Shewhi
    sper
    ed.
    Hebreat
    hedintoherneck,
    hist
    ear
    swet
    ti
    ngher
    neckandshi
    rtcol
    lar.
    “
    We’
    l
    lgett
    hroughi
    t.
    ”Henevergotenoughl
    ove.
    Thatwaswhyhewascr yinganditbr
    okeherhear
    t.
    Godifherlovewasenought ofi
    llt
    hatholl
    owache
    hismotherlef
    tinhi
    sheart,shewouldgiveiti
    n
    abundance.Sherubbedthebackofhisheadashis
    sobsbrokehereachsecondashecr ied.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
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    113

    Alor
    acradl
    edhisheadonherlapashesnif
    fed.She
    usedherot
    herhandtowipeherowntear
    s.
    “
    Iloveyouokay?Ever
    ydayandal
    lthet
    ime.
    ”She
    sof
    tl
    ysai
    dandki
    ssedhi
    shead.
    “We’ret
    ogetherinthisokay? ”Sher eassuredhi m as
    hewentsi l
    ent
    .Thesunhadal readysetandi twas
    gett
    ingdarkoutside.Alorathoughti tbestthatshe
    spendstheweekendwi thhim, shewasst i
    llgoingto
    dothatbutnow?Heneededher .Evenifit’
    sjustto
    holdhim whil
    ehecr ies.Shedidn’twanthi mt ohurt
    underthesurface.Sheki ssedhisheadagai nand
    hel
    dhi m.
    “Thisl i
    fethinghasnobal ancemyl oveokay?
    Somet i
    meswel osepeopleweneverexpect edto
    l
    ose.I thurtslikehel
    lbutdarlingnobodysai dthati
    t
    willlastforever,i
    nanotherli
    fewe’ l
    lseethem again
    andber eunitedasdiff
    erentindivi
    duals.Ifi
    tdoes
    happenwhi chI ’
    m notpromisingitwill
    ,ourloved
    ones’ characteri
    sti
    csmaybeevi dentinour
    children.”Shekissedhim agai n.
    “Butnow,
    thetimewehave…. Whetheri
    t’saweekor
    maybemor et
    hant hemonthsthatthedoctorgave,
    wehavetomaket hebestoutofit.I
    tmaybe
    awkwardatfi
    rstbutmemorieslastali
    feti
    me,she
    maybegonebutshe’ l
    lal
    waysbei nyourheartand
    mind.Deat
    hisinevit
    abl
    ebutmemorieswil
    lal
    ways
    carr
    yyouthroughtheday.
    ”Aust
    innoddedasshe
    ki
    ssedhim agai
    n.
    “I
    ’
    m alwayshere.
    ”Shesaidonelastti
    meandshel et
    si
    lenceenvel
    opethem asshesmiledsadly.Aust
    in
    di
    dn’tmovehisheadandsherubbedhi shead.
    “ShouldIplaymusic?”Sheaskedandshehear d
    him chuckl
    e.Itwaskindofsad.Hefinal
    lyli
    ft
    edhis
    headandhi seyeswer er
    edandwer estart
    ingto
    swell.Sheheldhisj
    awandki ssedhi
    scheekt hen
    noseandf oreheadl
    ikehealwaysdoest oher.
    “Let’
    sdr opoffhercl
    othest henwecangohome. ”
    Henoddedandshest oodupbef or
    etakinghishand.
    Shewassur pri
    singl
    ystil
    linherbootheels,she
    didn’tcareabouthowhermakeuppr obablylooked
    afterthecryi
    ngsession.
    “Canwef r
    eshenupfir
    st?
    ”Hecroaked.Hi
    svoi
    ce
    coarseanddidn’
    tsoundli
    kehi
    m atall
    .
    “Okay.I
    ’
    lldr
    ive,
    Ili
    kedri
    vingyouar ound.I
    fIwasn’t
    abrandownerIwouldn’
    tmi nddrivi
    ngyouar ound.
    ”
    Hechuckledashegotonhi sfeetwhilehol
    dingher
    hand.Insomewayi twaski ndofsweett hatabig
    manl i
    kehi m wasl eaningonher .Hehel dherhand
    ti
    ghtast heywal kedoutofhi schil
    dhoodbedr oom
    andmadet heirwaydownt hestairs.Shepi ckedthe
    bagshepackedf orCelineast heywal kedoutoft he
    house.Hel ockedt hehouseasshewal kedt othe
    car.Sheplacedt hebagi nthebackseatandopened
    herlapt
    opbagt ot akeoutherphone.Shet hen
    openedt hedriver’sdoort ogetinsidewhi leshe
    waitedforhimt ogeti nt hecar.Themi nutehegotin
    shestartedthecarandconnect edherphonet ot
    he
    carBluetooth.
    “I
    ’
    m playi
    ngmusi
    cautwe?”Hebuckl
    edupasshe
    pi
    ckedtheni
    ght
    ’spl
    ayl
    ist
    .
    Shebreathedoutandr eversedoutoft heyardas
    thesongstart
    edplaying.Aust i
    nallowedhi msel
    fto
    concent
    rateonthesongi nst
    eadonhi sr aci
    ngmi nd.
    Hepressedthebuttonont hekeyst oclosethegate
    theminuteAlor
    ahadsaf elyrever
    sed.Shet hen
    buckl
    edupandshel ookedathi m.
    “
    Iloveyouf
    ori
    nfi
    nit
    y.”Hegaveherasmi
    le.
    “Endgame. ”Shesmiledbackashewat chedher
    drive.Hermakeupwasal lruinedandt odaywasher
    daybutshewasher ewi thhi m.Hel pi
    nghim wit
    hhis
    mot herandshewasn’ tcompl aini
    ng.Shewast he
    sweet estandshedidn’tevenknow.Al ora’
    s
    favouritepar
    tofthesongst artedplayi
    ng.

    I
    ’
    vebeeni
    nthedar
    k,I
    ’
    vebeencount
    ingst
    ars
    You’
    vebeeni
    nmyhear
    t,t
    hrought
    heheavypar
    ts
    Wheni
    t’
    sal
    ltoomucht
    ofeel
    Healmeohsweetchamomi
    le
    I
    ’
    vebeeni
    nthedar
    kwi
    thar
    aci
    ngmi
    nd
    You’
    vebeeni
    nmyt
    hought
    sal
    mostever
    yni
    ght
    Wheni
    t’
    sal
    ltoomucht
    ofeel
    Healmeohsweetchamomi
    le

    Shesangal
    ongandheshookhi
    shead.
    “
    Youhaveat
    err
    ibl
    evoi
    ce.
    ”
    “DoIlooklikeIcare?”Hechuckledasshesangt he
    wholedr i
    vehomeandheappr eciatedhercheeri
    ng
    him upinherwei r
    dway.Shehadr eplayedt
    hat
    songthewhol ejourneyhewassur eheknewt he
    l
    yricsandsomepar tsofhi
    mr el
    atedt othel
    yri
    csbut
    hedidn’twanttothinkmuchabouti t
    .

    Oncet heywerehomet hirt


    ymi nut
    eslat
    er,t
    heyhad
    onelongshowerbef oretheygotreadytogodrop
    offCeline’
    sthi
    ngs.Alor
    api ckedherphoneaft
    ershe
    gotdressedanddiall
    edSusan.
    “
    Ror
    ahi
    .”
    “Hi
    ,Iwon’
    tbehomet hi
    sweekendunlessit
    ’st
    opi
    ck
    someofmyclothes.
    ”SheheardSusansigh.
    “Ther
    eisnot hi
    ngIcando?Your ar elyspendti
    me
    withusAlora.Wedounder standt hatyouar edati
    ng
    andallbutnowyouar erarel
    yhomeandyoust i
    ll
    l
    ivewithyourparents.Ifhebr eaksyourhear twe’l
    l
    beherepickingupthepi eces.”Alor alookedat
    Austi
    nwhosl i
    dthet-shir
    toverhi shead, hesmiled
    atherandshesmi ledback.
    “Hewon’t
    .Andifst
    ayi
    ngwi t
    hyouguysisapr obl
    em
    Icanmoveout,I
    ’mlef
    twit
    hpi cki
    ngoutafew
    fur
    nit
    urepi
    eces.
    ”Sherepl
    iedwi t
    hanevenvoi
    ce.
    “YouneedfamilyAl ora.Rightnowweallwantt
    o
    knowhowt heinterviewwentandatthishouryou
    decidedyouaren’tcomi nghome.Wewant edto
    celebrat
    ewit
    hyou. ”
    “SuIknow.I’
    m notsur
    ewhyyou’
    remakingabi
    g
    dealoutofmestayi
    ngwit
    hhimfort
    heweekend.”
    Austi
    nraisedaneyebr
    owasshepushedherbr
    aids
    back.
    “Youar ealmostwithhim 24/7andyouactasifwe
    don’texisti
    nyourwor ld.AsIsaidRora,
    youdo
    needus.Yourf ami
    ly.Boyfr
    iendscomeandgo.Is
    thathowyou’ regoi
    ngt obehaveeveryti
    meyouget
    anewboyf r
    iend?”Shehuf f
    ed.NowSusanwas
    start
    ingtoannoyher .
    “Idon’tknowwhyyou’ r
    ebeingnegativeoutoft
    he
    blue.ThisisoneofthereasonswhyInevershare
    anythinghappeninginmylife,
    Ialwaystel
    lyouifI
    ’
    m
    spendingthenight.Ri
    ghtnowi t
    ’simport
    antandit
    ’s
    somethingIcan’tshareunlesshetell
    smet oshar
    e
    i
    tbuttotaIdon’tknowwher ethenegativi
    tycomes
    fr
    om.Nowi t’
    s‘he’sgoingtobr eakyourhear
    t.
    ’Fi
    ne!
    He’l
    lbreaki
    taker ekepeloyameandwhenhaveI
    evercri
    edinyourpr esenceSusan?”Susanwent
    si
    lent.
    “Exact
    ly!EversinceIwassi x,
    youhaveneverseen
    meshedat earandi tsur
    elywon’tstar
    tnow.I’
    m
    str
    ongerthant hat.Haveagoodni ght,
    ”shehungup
    andAust i
    nslidhisfeetinhissli
    des.
    “
    What
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”
    “Nothi
    ng.Somet i
    mest hatwomanf rustratesthehell
    outofme.Ar eyoudone?I ’
    m almostdonej ustneed
    towearmyshoes. ”Shewal kedtohiscl osetand
    pickedhersl
    ides.Shelookedatherbr uisedwr ist
    .
    Damnt hatsecuri
    tyguard.Nowi ti
    sgoi ngt otake
    daystoheal.Shesli
    dherf eeti
    nsideasAust in
    huggedherfrom behind.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “I
    ’ddoi
    tat housandti
    mesover.
    ”Hekissedherneck
    andsheleanedagainsthi
    m.Sheinhal
    edhisraw
    mascul
    inescentwi
    thasmi
    leonherl
    ips.Theywer
    e
    goi
    ngtobeokay.

    *
    **

    Thef oll
    owingdayatAustin’
    shouse,Alorawast he
    fir
    stoneupi nthemor ni
    ngandshet racedhisjaw
    withherf i
    ngersbefor
    eshetouchedhischest.
    Tomor rowwasgoi ngtobehisdaywithhi smother
    andt heyweregoingtopickherfr
    om thehospitalt
    o
    takehert oherhousethi
    safter
    noon.Wi t
    hapr i
    vate
    nurseandal l
    .Peoplewhohadmoneycoul dmake
    anythinghappen.Heopenedoneeyeandshe
    removedherhand.
    “Don’
    tstoponmyaccount.”Hi
    smorningvoi
    cehad
    hersqueali
    ngi
    nter
    nall
    y.Shepl
    acedherheadback
    onthepill
    owandlookedathi
    m.
    “Il
    oveyou.”Hesmil
    edandki
    ssedherl
    ipssl
    owly
    andgentlybefor
    ehegotont
    opofherandshe
    rol
    ledhereyes.
    “I
    twasn’tani
    nvi
    tat
    ionf
    oryout
    omountme.
    ”He
    chuckl
    ed.
    “Shutup!
    ”HeFrenchkissedherandshewr
    apped
    herarmsaroundhisneck.

    Alorafel
    tthet ear
    sleakont ot hepi l
    lowasshecame
    andheshothi sseedintoherf ert
    il
    ewomb.Hesl id
    outasherbodyhadsl ightt r
    emor sfrom t
    hatgentle
    orgasm andt heslowlovemaki ng.Forthefir
    stti
    me
    hewassl owwi t
    hherandt ookhi stimeandhe
    di
    dn’thavet osayawor d,heshowedherhowmuch
    helovedher .Heusedhi sthumbt owi pehertear
    s
    andshecr iedmor e.
    “moncoeur.”(
    myheart
    )heki
    ssedherl
    ipsandshe
    placedherhandsonhi
    schest
    .
    “Whatwer
    eyousayi
    ngaboutbabi
    esyest
    erday?”
    Shegaveahumourl
    essl
    aughashewipedhertears.
    “Iam notbi
    rt
    hingyourmonst
    ers.Iwoul
    drat
    her
    chokeonspit.
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Yousai
    dsomet
    hingaboutchar
    act
    eri
    sti
    csofour
    l
    ovedonesonourchi
    ldr
    en.
    ”
    “Iwasconsoli
    ngyou.
    ”Hesmiledandkissedher
    .
    Thenexttimeheshoul
    dn’
    tgetcaughti
    nt he
    momentandshoul dmakeuseoftheboxof
    condomsi nhi
    sdrawer
    .Hepromisedherhewould
    takecaut
    ion.
    “Isee.
    ”Hesmi
    ledandshecoul
    dn’
    thel
    pbutsmi
    l
    e
    back.
    “
    You’r
    emakingmebreakf
    ast?
    ”Sheaskedandhe
    movedhi
    sheadlowert
    okissherabdomenand
    l
    ookedupather
    .
    “Ispoi
    lyoutoomuch.”Sheshr
    uggedandhel ooked
    athershavenp*ssy.Hewant
    edtotakeheragain
    buthecontrol
    ledhi
    mself
    .
    “
    I’
    m ausel
    esscook.
    ”
    “
    Lear
    n.”
    “Myboyfri
    endknowshowt oandcookingisnota
    genderrol
    e,soyoukeepcooki ngandI’l
    lst
    ickto
    makingeveryt
    hingspot
    less.”Hemovedupherbody
    andkissedher.Heopenedhi sdrawerandbrokethe
    ki
    ss.Sti
    llontopofher
    ,hepi
    ckedoutacondom and
    handedittoher.
    “Putiton.
    ”Shebli
    nkedandjusthel
    dit
    .Shedidn’
    t
    knowhow.Thiswast hei
    rfi
    rstt
    imeusingoneand
    wellshehasneverusedoneeversi
    ncehebrokeher
    vir
    ginit
    y.
    “I
    ’
    llgui
    deyou.YouknowIal
    waysdosweet
    hear
    t.
    ”
    Shesuckedinabreat
    handnodded.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Nexti
    nser
    tswi
    llf
    oll
    owaf
    ter4pm.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN

    114
    Al
    oraspokeovert
    hephonewi
    thhersi
    sterasAust
    in
    dr
    ovethem t
    othehospi
    tal
    .
    “Whatdi
    dthedoct
    orsay?Howwast
    het
    her
    apy
    sessi
    on?
    ”
    “
    Igetther
    esult
    sonMondayandt her
    apywit
    hViol
    et
    i
    salwaysi
    nsightf
    ul.Don’
    tyouwantt
    otr
    yther
    apy?”
    “
    I’
    mfi
    ne.
    ”
    “Ican’
    twai
    tforyout
    otel
    lmehowi
    twent
    yester
    day.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    ltel
    lyouever
    ythi
    ngonMonday.Butar
    eyou
    okay?”
    “
    Iseeaf
    utur
    e.”Al
    oral
    eanedback.
    “Forthefi
    rstti
    mei nyears,
    I
    ’mthinki
    ngofthefutur
    e,
    RoraIalwayst houghtIwouldbedeadbeforeI
    reachmyt hir
    ti
    esbutnowIseeal i
    febeyondthat
    andit’
    sbeautiful
    .”
    “Youarebeauti
    fulandIcan’tandwon’teventr
    yto
    i
    magi neali
    fewithoutyou.
    ”Alorasai
    dinal l
    seri
    ousness.Hersist
    erwaspower edbythesun.
    Shewasthecol
    ouryel
    lowwithoutevent
    ryi
    ng.Al
    l
    sobr
    ightandmaki
    ngeveryonehappy.
    “
    Thankyou.Whatdi
    dyoudo?
    ”Al
    orapaused.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”
    “Mot
    herwassadthroughoutdi
    nneryester
    dayaft
    er
    shecal
    ledyou.
    ”Al
    orapushedherbraidsback.
    “
    Shewasbei
    ngnegat
    iveandal
    l.
    ”
    “
    Wasshe?”Alor
    apausedasAust
    instoppedatt
    he
    r
    edl
    ightandshest
    aredoutt
    hewindow.
    “Mom hasherf aultsbutshedoest rymme.Iknow
    sheneverappr oachest hi
    ngstherightwayand
    fatherdoesthatonherbehal fbutshedoest r
    y.
    Alorayoukeepf orgett
    ingthatIdoknowyouand
    youhaveashar ptongue,youprobabl yhurther
    feeli
    ngs.”Al
    oradidn’tl
    iketheguil
    tt hatset
    tledinher
    heart.
    “Anyway,
    we’
    llt
    alk.Bye.
    ”RebahungupandAl ora
    chewedonherbottom l
    ip.Aust
    ingl
    ancedather
    .
    “
    Tal
    ktome.
    ”
    “
    CanyoumakeaU-
    tur
    n?”Shepushedherbr
    aids
    backwi
    thasi
    gh.
    “
    Why?
    ”Shedi
    dn’
    twantt
    oanswert
    hequest
    ion.
    “
    Alor
    aI’
    m nott
    urni
    ngunl
    essIknowt
    her
    eason.
    ”
    “Nowyou’ r
    eangryatme?”Hejustr
    aisedan
    eyebrowandshepushedherbraidsbackonce
    again.Sheremovedthehai
    rti
    eonherwr i
    standti
    ed
    herbraidstost
    ophersel
    ffr
    om pushi
    ngthem back.
    “
    Alor
    ajustspeak.
    ”
    “
    I-
    Iki
    ndoff
    uckedupokay…”
    “
    And?
    ”
    “Okaydon’tt
    urnthen. ”Thel
    ight
    swentgreenandhe
    droveoff
    .Alorapickedherphonebutplacedit
    downonherl apagai n.Heswervedof
    ftheroadand
    parkedunderatreebef orel
    ooki
    ngather.
    “I
    ’
    ml i
    steni
    ng.”Sherel
    easedasi
    ghbeforeshet
    old
    hi
    m andhel eanedbackint
    hedr
    iver
    ’sseat
    .
    “Okay.”Wasal lhesaidbeforehestar
    tedthecar.
    Shehadt houghthewasgoi ngtosaysomet hi
    ng
    i
    nsightfulorprofoundbuthesaidthatandjoined
    theroad.Shecl osedhereyes.Thi
    rtyminuteslat
    er
    hewokeherup.
    “We’vearri
    ved.
    ”Sheopenedhereyesandwas
    expecti
    ngthehospitalpar
    kinglotbuthewas
    parki
    ngrightoutsi
    deherpar ent
    shouse.
    “Youcan’tbeahypocri
    teandt el
    lmetospendti
    me
    withmymot herbutyoudon’tspendti
    mewi t
    hyour
    famil
    yplusfrom thewayyouexplai
    nedit
    ,youwere
    beingrude.
    ”Hekissedhercheek.
    “You’
    resmartandyouknowyourpr
    ior
    it
    iesmyf
    ier
    y
    dreamer.
    ”Hewenton.
    “
    Butt
    omo-
    “
    “You’
    l
    lcallt
    hen.
    ”Heextendedhi
    sar
    mtoopent
    he
    doorforherf
    rom t
    hei
    nside.
    “
    Aust
    in…buty-
    “
    “GoorI’
    l
    lcarryyououtofthecarmysel
    f.
    ”Hereyes
    beggedhim buthedi
    dn’twaver
    .Sheunbuckl
    edand
    shegotherphonethengotoutofthecar
    .Hesmiled
    assheheldthedoor.
    “
    Myl
    apt
    opi
    satyourpl
    ace.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llhavemydr
    iverdel
    iveri
    t.Byesweet
    hear
    t.
    ”She
    cl
    osedt hedoorandhedr oveof f
    .Shelookedatthe
    houseandshel eanedagainstthehighwall.I
    sdi
    ma
    sakhewant edhertothugitoutbuttheguil
    tsaid
    other
    wiseandshel ickedherli
    psagain.Nomakeup
    orheelstogiveherthatboost.Shewasi nsli
    des
    andherf acewasbar eofanymakeup.Shesucked
    i
    nadeepbr eat
    h.

    Meanwhi l
    ei nt
    hecar,Austincheckedtheti
    me.He
    shoul dpi ckCeli
    neupandl eaveherwi t
    hhernur se,
    maybeaf terhecomesbackonWednesdayhi s
    mi ndwi llbeclear.Hewassousedt ospendi
    nghi s
    birthdaysal oneandi nasecludedarea,di
    ff
    erent
    placesever yyear.By6pm heshoul dbeoutofthe
    count ry.Thedr i
    verwilldr
    opoffsomeofAl ora’
    s
    thingsi nt heaft
    ernoon.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse,
    Alor
    afi
    nal
    lypressedt
    he
    i
    nter
    com.Shewaitedf
    ort
    hegatetoopen.Thegat
    e
    sli
    dopenverysl owlyandshest eppedinsidet he
    yard.Shecl
    osedhereyes.Shedi dn’
    tevenhaveher
    purseonher.Justherphoneandher self
    .Shoul d
    sheknockont hedoorandpr etendtobespeaki ng
    tothephonethenheadt oherbedroom?Shewal ked
    tothedoorandknocked.Shecoul dheartalkingin
    thehouseandf ootstepsheadi
    ngt owardst hedoor .
    “AsI-
    “thedooropenedandSusanstoppedtal
    king
    asshelookedatAlorawhofacedher
    .Great
    !She
    wasgoingtobedisrespect
    edbythedaught
    erofa
    sidechi
    ck.Justgr
    eat!
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Let
    ’spr
    etendi
    t’
    s4pm causeke,
    ker
    atadr
    amashem!
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN
    115

    “
    Goodmor ni
    ng…”
    Alor
    ast
    art
    edof
    f.Susanj
    ust
    l
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Mmhm.
    .”Al
    oral
    ickedherl
    ips.
    “I
    ’dl
    iketoapol
    ogi
    seforhowIgotmypoi ntacr
    oss
    yest
    erday.I
    twasrudeandoutofl
    ine.I
    ’
    m
    sorr
    y.”
    Susanchuckl
    ed.
    “Noit
    ’sokay.Youarestil
    lgoingtodi
    srespectme
    Alor
    a.Ihavebeennothingbutagoodmot herandI
    wasbeingconcerned.Igetthatyouar
    eanadul tbut
    t
    hatwasuncal l
    edfor.
    ”
    “
    IknowandI
    ’
    m sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Wai t
    sekeengI’
    vehadituptoherewi
    thyou.
    ”She
    placedahandoverherownthroat
    .
    “Ever
    ydayyoumakei toutasifwedon’ texist
    .Alor
    a
    Irai
    sedyouwhenIwasn’ tevenobligat
    edt owhen
    yourmotherdiedandyourfatherbarel
    yspentt i
    me
    withyoubecauseyouwer etheonet hi
    ngt hatwas
    goingt odest r
    oyourmar riage.Inf actyourmot her
    didandIhadnobusi nessr aisi
    ngt hedaught erofa
    sidechi ckbecausebonanow, youar edisrespect i
    ng
    mebecauseyout hinkyoumadei tinl i
    febecause
    youhavear i
    chboyf r
    iendandwher ewashe?Wher e
    washewhenIpai dt hoseexpensi veschoolf eesf or
    thatpr i
    vateschool ?Al or
    ayouar eachi l
    dandyou
    shouldbehavel i
    keone.Ever ydaywehavet o
    under standyou.Al oradoesn’ tdot his,Aloracl eans
    toomuch, Alorali
    kesherspace, Alorai sthisand
    that.Youdon’ tseemeasyourmot herandIguess
    i
    t’sokayf ormenott oseeyouasmychi l
    dbecause
    youar enot .Youreallyarenotbi ologicall
    yr elatedto
    mei nanywayandIwasdoi ngyouaf avour .
    ”
    Alora’sthr oatbobbedassomet hingst uckt hereand
    shehel dher sel
    fri
    gid.
    “Myownchi ldr
    endon’tdisr
    espectmel i
    keyouand
    i
    t’senough.ForyearsIhavetri
    edAlora.Kel eki
    le.At
    thi
    spointIdon’tevenwanttoknowwhet heryoudi d
    wellatyourint
    ervi
    ew,youcanmovei nt oyour
    mother’shouse.YoucangoAl oraakerethat’sall
    youwant .Go!Noonewi l
    lbotheryouandbewei rd
    there.Withyourwei rdtendenci es,maybeyour
    mot herdiedbecausesheknewyouwoul dturnout
    tobet hi
    sspitefullit
    tlebrat.Wai t
    seasmuchasI
    hatemyf or
    meri n-l
    awst heywar nedme.Taki ngi
    n
    thetrashneveri sagoodi deaandIshoul dhavelet
    anor phanaget akeyoui nsteadofbur deningmyself
    withanungr atefulli
    ttl
    etwat .Soungr atef
    uland
    spit
    eful.Maybet hist i
    me, youwoul dbepoorand
    maybel ikeyourmot herdestroyingotherpeople’
    s
    mar ri
    agesandbi rthingli
    ttlebastards.”
    “yourmot herneverl ovedyouenought ostayand
    yourf atherdi dn’
    tloveyou.Al orai fitwasn’ tforme
    youwoul dbenot hing.Not hing!Justbecausewe
    tol
    erat eyoudoesn’ tmeanyouar elovedbecause
    youar et hever yobj ectthatcoul dhavedest royed
    thi
    sf ami ly.”
    Byt heot hersideoft hedoorReba’ s
    eyesf il
    ledwi thtear swhi l
    eThabi so’seyeswi dened
    ashel i
    stened.Al orawasn’ treplyingorsayi ng
    anything.Al or aforcedher selfnott olett earsfil
    lher
    eyes.Shewasst rongert hant hat.Shewasst ronger
    thant hat.Godshewasst r
    ongert hant hat.Thatwas
    alabelshegr ewupwi thherwhol elif
    e.Itwasn’ ta
    secr
    et,
    itr
    eal
    lywasn’
    t.
    Susan’snosef l
    ared.Asal lt
    hehur tfr
    om thepast
    camebacki nfullforce,knowingthatshehadcr i
    ed
    forsolongthatshehadbeencheat edonbyher
    husbandandt herewaspr oof.Theproofwas
    standi
    nginf r
    ontofherandshehadt oler
    atedher
    forsolong,shewast i
    red.
    Al
    oracl
    ear
    edhert
    hroat
    .
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryandIunder
    stand.I
    ’
    llpack.
    ”
    Alor
    asai
    dquietl
    ybutshewassur
    eSusanhear
    dher
    .
    Susanf
    oldedherar
    ms.
    “Ntl
    oyamang?GoAl ora!”Andt hedoorcl osedon
    herface.Alora’shandsshookasshewal kedoutof
    theyard.Thegat ecl
    osedandshel eanedagai nst
    thebri
    ckwal l.Shesuckedi nadeepbr eath.She
    wasast ronggi rl
    .Shewasast ronggirl.Thiswas
    nothi
    ng.Shet r
    iedtounl ockherphonebuti tfelland
    shedidn’twantt ocrack.Shewasast ronggi rl.She
    wasast ronggi rl
    .Shepi ckedherphoneandwi ped
    thescreenandt houghtofcal l
    ingAust i
    nbuthewas
    probablyhelpinghismot herandhismot herneeded
    him mor ethananyt hi
    ng.Thiswasnothing.She
    didn’thaveherpur seonherasshesuckedi na
    deepbr eath.Hercomposur ewashangi ngonbya
    thread.Sheneededt ogo.Shebalancedagainstthe
    wal landblinked.Shewasast ronggir
    lyes,thiswas
    nothing.Shedi all
    edthecabsheusedsomet imes
    andt ri
    edtokeephervoi ceeven.
    “Hello.Canyoupi ckmeup?Thanks. ”Shehungup.
    She’llpay2cel lhi
    m aft
    erhedr opsherathi s
    mot her’shouse.Sher emember edt hatshedidn’ t
    havet hehousekeysonherandherst uffwasat
    Aust i
    n’shouse.Woul dshebeabl etopickt helock?
    Hert hroatclosedi nonherandshel ookedupatt he
    sky.Shewasast r
    onggi r
    l.Resi
    lientandt hiswas
    nothing.Ever yonehadar i
    ghttot heirownopi nion
    andt hatwasher s.Atleasttherosecol ouredgl ass
    wasoutoft hewaynowandshewi llbeokay.Can
    sheaskedt hecabmant opickthel ocksoshecan
    getinside?

    Meanwhil
    einsi
    det
    hehouseRebajustwal
    kedtoher
    wasshaki
    ngandshecoul
    dimaginehowAlor
    af el
    t
    bei
    ngtol
    dthat
    .Shecoveredhermouthwithher
    handsasshebrokedowncryi
    ng.I
    nthelounge
    Thabi
    soshookhishead.
    “
    Susant
    hatwasunnecessar
    y.”
    “Itwas.Al
    orahasbeenget tingawaywith
    everyt
    hingforf
    artoolong.Sheneededt obeoutin
    herplaceandsheisn’tanythingspeci
    al.
    ”Susan
    walkedtothekit
    chenleavingThabisostandi
    ng
    thereshel
    lshocked.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Anot
    her4pm i
    nser
    tguys!
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN
    116

    Thecabpi ckedAl oraupandshest aredoutt he


    window.Sher epeatedhermant r
    a.Shewasokau.
    Thi swasnot hi
    ng, shehadonceexpect edthiswhen
    shewast enandi tonlycame13andahal fyear s
    l
    at er.Shewasokay.She' llrepaySusan.Hel l,she'
    ll
    begf oral oant orepayherandst ayaway.She' l
    l
    stayaway.I nsomecont extAustin'
    smot herwas
    bet t
    er ,shenevershowedl oveandher eshehad
    beent oleratedandnotl oved.Shebr eathedout .She
    wasast ronggi rl
    .Anokaygi r
    l.Shewoul dnever
    haveki ds.Ever !Shechuckl edindisbeliefbutwhy
    wassheshocked?Shel ookedatherhands.She
    needst owashherhands.Sheneedst odo
    somet hingt oescapehert houghts.Sheneedst o
    cleanoranyt hing.Shefacedt hedriverandt r
    iedto
    keephervoi ceeven.
    "Canyoupicklocks?
    "Thecabdri
    verwasshocked
    atherquesti
    onbutslowl
    ynodded.
    "
    Good.
    "Shest
    aredoutt
    hewi
    ndow.Shewasokay.
    Shewasokay.Shewasokay.Shewasokay.She
    repeat
    edt
    hatti
    llshebel
    ievedi
    t.

    Thedr
    ivef
    eltsolongandshewasal
    mostover
    joyed
    whent
    heyarri
    ved.
    "Canyoupi ckthelockf orme?I 'l
    lpayyouext ra."
    Thecabmanl ookedatherst rangely.Shedi dn't
    behavel iket hewomanheusual l
    ypi ckedup.I t
    wasn' tbecauseshedi dn'
    thavemakeup, shel ooked
    thesame.St i
    llbeaut if
    ulanddef i
    nitelynotbecause
    shewasn' twear ingheel st hathelpedhershor t
    height.Itwasdef initel
    yi nherbehavi oirandvoi ce.
    Henoddedandshegotoutoft hecarhol dingher
    phoneassheopenedt hegat e.Hef ollowedhert o
    thedoorandshet ookast epbacksihecanpi ck
    what everwi r
    ethatwasar oundt opi ckt helock.It
    tookhi mf ivemi nut esandshemadeament alnot e
    tofindbet tersecur itybutf ornowshewasgr ateful.
    Sheunl ockedherphoneandaskedhi mt ogiveher
    hisnumber .Shepai dhim andgoti nsifrthehouse
    beforeshecl osedt hedoor .Herbr eathssl owi ng
    downandherhear tbreaking.Insi l
    ence.Shehear d
    thecardr i
    veof fandshet ookt hatchancet ohead
    tot hebedr oom, f
    ighti
    ngt hetear sshehadbeen
    fight i
    ngf ort hepasthour .Shewasr ight
    .Noone
    coul df ullyloveher .Shewasspi tefulandwei rd.Her
    mot her '
    daught er.Sheopenedt hedoorandshe
    knewshe' llbeokay.I twasnot hing.Justbecause
    sgecoul dn'tcal lSusanmot herwast hatit?Orwas
    i
    tbecauseofwhatshesai dont hephonecal l
    yest erday?Sheshookherhead.I twasokay, Susan
    wasn' tobl i
    gedt otakecar eofher .Shewi l
    lr epayher
    forhert roubl es.Hel lsheneverbot heredthem wi th
    heremot ionalbaggageandkeptasaf edistance.
    ButmaybeSusant rulyhatedher , shedidn' teven
    stutt er.Sheopenedt hewar drobeandcl osed
    hersel finsi de.Shescr eamedi nt oherhands.So
    l
    oudandnoonehear dat hing,justl i
    kesheusedt o
    dowhenshewasyounger .Shescr eamedasmor e
    tear sr ol
    leddownhercheeks.Hotandbur ni ng.She
    wi l
    lbeokayaf terthis,shehast obe.

    *
    **
    Atthehospit
    al,
    Austinwiththehel
    pofanur seput
    Cel
    ineinthecar.Shesti
    llhadadri
    pattachedtoher
    andtheymadesur eshewascomf ort
    able.
    "Th-t
    hankyou. "Aust
    intri
    edtobecl osedoffbuti
    t
    wasl i
    keAlorawasi nhisheadtelli
    nghimt ocheri
    sh
    thelastdayshehadwi t
    hhismot herregar
    dlessof
    thefactthatsheneverlovedhim.Maybeheshoul d
    cancelthatfl
    ight.Whatifhegoesandwhenhe
    comesback, hismot hermightbegone?The
    doctorswerenol ongersurehowl ongshewas
    goingtolast.
    "
    I'
    llt
    akeyouhome."Cel
    inenoddedandAust
    ingot
    i
    ntothedri
    ver
    'sseat
    .
    "
    T-t
    ellmemor
    eab-
    aboutAl
    ora.
    "Hesmi
    led.
    "Sheisal
    it
    tl
    espit
    fi
    rebutshecant
    oler
    ateyou.
    "
    Celi
    newheezed.
    "Hersenseofhumourrub-
    rubbedof
    fonyou.
    "He
    smiled.He'
    l
    lseeheronMonday.
    "Iguessso.Don'
    tover
    exer
    tyour
    sel
    f.
    "Hesai
    dand
    start
    edthecar.
    *
    **

    Anhourl ater,whenherf acewashotandpi nkand


    puff
    yt het earsstoppedandt heheadachest art
    ed.
    Hereyeswer esoheavyandshewant edt oblock
    everythi
    ngoutbuthermi ndaccur atel
    yr eplayedall
    thewor ds.Wor dforwor dandi tfrustr
    atedher
    becausei tbr oughtmor et earstohereyes.Shehad
    l
    ongswi tchedof fherphonewhenRebaand
    Thabisocal l
    ed.Thet r
    ashhadwal kedawaywi t
    hout
    anyf i
    ghtingandshewi l
    lletitbelikethat .Asob
    escapedherl ipsandshecr iedagainf ort henext
    thi
    rt
    ymi nutesi nthatdarkcl osetbeforeher
    exhaustiont ookoverandshecl osedhereyes.
    Kneest of ace.Shewasokay.Shedi dn'tevenbot her
    anyoneort axwi t
    hanyone' semot i
    ons.Shewasa
    str
    onggi r l
    .Thosewher eherl astthought sbefore
    shedosedof f.

    *
    **
    AtSusan'shouse, Rebabitherlowerl i
    p.Alor
    a
    wasn'tanswer i
    ngherphone.Sher ubbedherface.
    Shecoul dstil
    lfeelt
    hosewor dsinherheartand
    maybehermot herhadbeenpr etending.Shedidn'
    t
    knowt hefulldetai
    lsoft
    hephonecal lbutforthem t
    o
    eli
    citsuchar esponse?WhenAl orawashomeshe
    wasi nherroom orsheeatingwi ththem andcall
    ing
    Emor yalit
    tl
    egobl i
    n.Shehasdonewor sethi
    ngs
    andshehadneverbeencal ledtrashorabr ator
    twat.Sheswal lowed.

    Meanwhi l
    eThabi sowalkedovertohi
    scarandgot
    i
    nside.Thewomanhemar ri
    ed.Wasshemor elike
    Li
    na?Theywer esist
    ersforcryi
    ngoutloudandhow
    wouldEmi l
    yf eel
    knowingherdaughterwasbeing
    cal
    ledsuchoverherownsi ns?Hetri
    edherphone
    againbutshewasn' tansweri
    ng.Maybeshewas
    fi
    newher evershewasandhewaswor ryi
    ngover
    nothi
    ng.
    Int hehouse, SusanpassedbyAl ora'sbedr oom.
    Shewal kedbackandopenedt hedoor .Allheranger.
    Sheshoul dn'thavebeenki ndt othelittl
    ehome
    wr ecker.Itwasherf ault
    .Ifshehadn' tbeenbor n
    maubrshecoul dhaveknownpeace.Shepi ckedup
    thechai randsl ammedi tagai nstthemi rror.All
    aboutshei sbeingneatandever ythingshoul dbei n
    order .Aloradeservednot hing.Theangerf rom all
    theseyear srosetot hesur faceasshet rashedt he
    room.Sheboughtmostoft hesewi thhermoney.
    Sheboughtever yt
    hi ng.Shedi dn'tevencal lher
    mot herandwhydi dn'tshecr year l
    ieronl i
    keot her
    kids?Shewaswei rdandshehashadenoughof
    tolerati
    ngEmi l
    y'st
    r ash.Enough.Tear sroll
    eddown
    hercheeksasshedest royedt hebedr oom, t
    hei Pad
    brokeatt hecornerandAl ora'sstuffwasmessi l
    y
    thrownar oundther oom.
    "Moremiit'
    syourfaultt
    hatsheishere.Acti
    ngli
    ke
    sheisspecialandsmar t
    erandhasneeds.Inmy
    owndamnhouse! !Ihat
    eyousomuchandyour
    daughter!Ihat
    eyou!"Shecri
    edoutasshest opped
    dest
    royingandsatdownont hefl
    oortocry.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    49] :REBORN

    117

    Susanbreathedout,exhaustedfrom thet ears.She


    neededtogetthatangerroutofherhear t.She
    wipedherfaceandchuckl ed.Foryears, years
    seei
    ngherandknowi ngherhusbandcheat edwith
    someonewhol ookedl i
    keher.Sher ubbedhereyes.
    She’l
    lbefi
    ne.Alor
    awasachi l
    dandchi ldrenal ways
    gobackhome.Shewon’ tbeangr yforever ,shejust
    neededtogettheangerout .Thatwast hat .She
    l
    ookedatthemessedupr oom andsi ghed.She’ l
    l
    cl
    eani
    tandr
    epl
    aceever
    ythi
    ng.

    Outside,
    Thabisogotoutofhiscarastheint
    ercom
    rang.Hehadhear dthebreaki
    ngofmir
    r or
    sandj ust
    satinhiscar.Hepressedthebutt
    ononhiscarkeys
    andthegat eopened.Thepersonwal
    kedinandhe
    greetedtheperson.
    “Goodaft
    ernoon.MrMat hewssentmet obri
    ngMs
    Moremi’
    sitems.”Thabisol
    ookedatthelapt
    opbag
    andhetookitfr
    om him.SoAlorawasn’twit
    hAust
    in.
    Hewouldhavet houghtshewaswithhim.
    “Thankyou.I
    ’l
    lgivethem t
    oher.
    ”Themanwal ked
    awayandThabi sowalkedtot
    hehousewi thAlora’
    s
    l
    aptopbag.Hemadehi swaytoherbedroom and
    thestat
    eoftheroom madehim pauseinhistracks.
    Susanwasont hef l
    ooramidt
    hemess.
    “Whathaveyoudone?
    ”Susanl
    ookedathi
    m ashe
    hel
    dAlora’
    slapt
    opbag.
    “She’
    shere?Shecameback? ”Sheasked,
    herhear
    t
    beatgoi
    ngtonor malandt
    hatsteam bl
    ownoff
    .She
    didn’
    tmeanit.Shewasangryandhenevergot
    angr
    ytot
    hatext
    ent
    .
    “No.Aust
    in’sdri
    verbroughtherst
    uffback.
    ”Susan
    hel
    dherselfagai
    nstthebedandst oodup.She
    l
    ookedatthemessandt hewayThabisolookedat
    her.
    “Idi
    dn’
    tmeanit
    .Ijustl
    etmyemoti
    onsgetthebett
    er
    ofme.I’
    l
    lcl
    eanitupandrepl
    acet
    hebrokenstuf
    f.
    ”
    Heshookhi
    shead.
    “
    Ican’
    trecogni
    seyouanymor
    e.”Susanwi
    pedher
    t
    ears.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tmeant
    hat
    .Iwasangr
    y.”
    “Justbecauseoft
    hatonephonecall
    ?Shecame
    backforcryi
    ngoutloudtoapol
    ogi
    seandyou
    bamboozledherwiththosewor
    ds.Shedi
    dn’
    teven
    fi
    ghtyou.”
    “
    IknowandIdi
    dn’
    tmeani
    t.Idi
    dn’
    tthi
    nki
    tal
    l
    t
    hrough.
    ”
    “YoumeantitSusan,yousaidthatwit
    hyourwhol
    e
    chestanddidn’
    tregr
    etitaf
    teryouclosedt
    hedoor
    onher.Ifshewassuchabur den,i
    twouldhave
    beenbet t
    erifyousenthertoanor phanage.She
    wast ooyoungt oevenrecogniseyouasher
    guardian.Youusedeverythi
    ngyoudi dforher
    agai
    nsther ,howisthatamistakeandsomet hing
    youdi dn’
    tthi
    nkthrough?”
    “Thabi
    sosheisal
    wayswithherboyf
    ri
    endandwe
    areherfami
    ly.Wer
    aisedher
    .”
    “Andyetagai nIsay, haveyouaskedyour sel
    fwhy
    sheisl i
    kethat?DoesMooket sicalloften?Does
    Bokamosocal loft
    en?Rebai sal waysl ockedupin
    herroom andevenwhenshest oppedmodel li
    ng
    sheneverwant edtomovei n.Ti l
    lthi
    sdaywedi dn’t
    knowwhyshet ookdr ugs.Youdi dn’
    tknowshe
    neededabet tertherapistifAlorahadn’ tment i
    oned
    i
    tandRebaneversai dawor d.Haveyouasked
    yourselfwhy?Justwhyar eyourki dsasyouhave
    pointedoutinsomanywor dst hattheyar en’
    tmine,
    arealienat
    ingyouf rom theirlives.Af ewdaysago
    youwer ecryingthatt heygirlsar eexcludingyoubut
    nowyouseewhy?Idon’ tthinkyourr elati
    onshipor
    whateveryouhadwi thAl orawi llcomebackf r
    om
    thi
    s.Icanst i
    llhearwhatyousai dtoherandIa, not
    evenAlora.Rebahear
    dyouandIam sureEmory
    didbecausesheheadedt
    oherbedroom sil
    ent
    ly
    whenshet houghtwewer
    en’
    tlooki
    ng.”Susanwiped
    hertear
    s.
    “
    Itwasanger
    .Il
    oveAl
    oral
    ikemychi
    ld.
    ”
    “I
    ’m notevenconvinced.Gethel pbecauseyouare
    bleedingonthewrongper sonandIf eelli
    keI’
    m
    compet ingwi
    thaghostbutt henagainyourarel
    y
    l
    istent omeaswel l
    .”Hewal kedoutwi t
    hAlora’
    s
    l
    apt op.Whatifshebreaksitto.Susanfellt
    oher
    kneesandcr i
    edyetagain.

    *
    **

    Austi
    nmadesur ehismot herwascomf ort
    ableas
    shesleptandhewalkedout .Hetookhisphoneto
    tr
    yandcal lAl
    oratoaskherhowi twent.Heknew
    shelovedherfamil
    y,thegir
    ltaughthi
    mt oloveand
    hewassur etheywerecelebrat
    ingherwinsasthey
    should.Theyshoul
    dbepr oudbecauseshewas
    goingtogoplacesandthatinvestmentwasjustthe
    beginning.Hetri
    edtocallherbutherphonewasn’ t
    goingthrough.Hetri
    edagai nbuti
    tst i
    llwasn’t
    goingthrough.Heplacedhisphonedown.Maybe
    shewasbusyandshe’ l
    lcallbacklatertonight.He
    dial
    ledtheairpor
    ttotel
    lthem hewascancel li
    nghis
    fl
    ight.Hehopedhewasdoi ngtherightthingher e.

    *
    **

    Rebasatont hemat tr
    essandt ri
    edcalli
    ngAl or
    a
    againbutitwasn’tgoingthrough.Shepushedher
    windowsbackandAl orahadl ongleftwitht hecab
    butshedidn’tknowwher e.Shecr ashingandbr eaks
    atAlor
    a’sroom wher esomet hingshedi dn’teven
    wanttotalkabout.Shesuckedi nadeepbr eath.
    ShehopedAl orawasokaybutherner vesdi dn’tl
    et
    herassume.ShehadAust in’snumber .Maybeshe’ s
    withhi
    m andher eshei swor ri
    edwhileshei swi t
    h
    herboyfr
    iend.SheknowsHadeshasal waysbeen
    hersafeplace.HadesandAl ora.Shecal l
    edAust i
    n.
    Heanswer edont hethir
    dr i
    ng.
    “
    Hell
    oRebantl
    e.Hadesiswel
    landIgotanupdate
    f
    rom t
    herehabcent
    re.
    ”Shesmil
    edbutitdi
    dn’
    tlast
    ?
    “
    I’
    m gl
    adhei
    shangi
    ngon.I
    sAl
    orat
    her
    e?”
    “
    No,Idroppedherof
    fathomeinthemorni
    ng.I
    t
    houghtyouguyswerecel
    ebr
    ati
    ng.”Rebapaused.
    “
    Cel
    ebr
    ati
    ng?
    ”
    “Hercli
    nchingthedealandaf tersheapologisedfor
    herrudebehavi our,
    yoursist
    erhasnof il
    terbutshe
    l
    ovesherf amily.”Reba’
    sjawdr opped.Aloragotthe
    i
    nvestment ?LoraCosmet i
    cswasact uall
    ygoi ngt
    o
    happen?
    “Reba,
    ifshewast
    hereyouwoul
    dn’
    tbeaski
    ngmei
    f
    she’
    swithme.Wherei
    sshe?”
    “I
    -Iherphoneisn’tgoi
    ngthrough.
    ”Austi
    ncursed
    underhisbreath.DidAlor
    achangehermi ndabout
    apologi
    singandwal kedawayassoonashedr ove
    off?Hefacepal med.Hehadast ubbor
    nwomani n
    hi
    shands.
    “
    Shewasnevert
    her
    e?”
    “
    Sh-
    shewasandsomet
    hinghappenedandshe
    wentaway.”Aust
    indi
    dn’
    tbot
    heraski
    ngwhat
    happened.
    “
    Okay.I
    ’
    llt
    ryt
    ofi
    ndher
    .”
    “Thankyou.Tel
    lherthatI
    ’
    m sor
    ry.Iam sosor
    ryf
    or
    everyt
    hing.
    ”Hefrowned.Washemi ssi
    ng
    something?
    “Okay.Wi
    lldoso.
    ”Hehungupandpickedhiscar
    keys.Hewalkedt
    ohi
    smother’
    sroom fi
    rst
    .

    Shewasasleepandoutl
    ikeal
    ightbul
    b.Hetol
    dthe
    nur
    sethathewil
    lbebackandsheshouldcal
    lhi
    m
    i
    ncaseshewakesup.

    *
    **

    Inthedarkcloset,Alor
    asleptpeacef
    ully.Herbody
    exhaustedfrom today’
    shappenings.Shewasoutof
    i
    tast hefrontdooropened.Meni nbalaclavas
    walkedinsidethehouse.Thedoorwasunl ocked
    andtheylookedar oundforanyproofofr esi
    dence.
    Itwast henewl yr enovat edhouset heyhavebeen
    targeti
    ng.Thei rvanwasout sideandt hey
    whi speredamongt hemsel ves.Mostoft heitemsi n
    thishousewer enewandt heywoul dmakeal otof
    moneyf rom selli
    ngt hest uffinside.Todaywast hei
    r
    l
    uckydaybecauset hedoorl ockedpi ckedandt hey
    didn’thavet odoat hing.Theot heronewi thakni f
    e
    wal kedthroughal lther oomst ochecki ftherewas
    anyonei nsidebutt her ewasnosi gnofl i
    feinside
    thehouse.I twasdeadqui et.I
    ftherewasanysi gn
    oflife,t
    heper sonwoul dbesi l
    encedi mmedi ately.It
    waseasy.Al ltheyhadt odowasmakei tl
    ookl i
    ke
    theywer emovi ngout .
    “I
    t’
    sclear
    ,wecanst ar
    ttaki
    ngthestuff
    .”Onesaid
    andtheothergotthesi
    gnalastheyremovedthei
    r
    masksandwhi st
    ledandtalkedasift
    hiswastheir
    house.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    118

    Rebasi ghedexhaust ed.Shedidn’ twanttogetout


    ofther oom butwhenshedoesl aterontodayshei s
    goingtoapol ogi
    sef oreveryt
    hing.Ever yt
    hingeven
    forbreakingavasewhenshewasapr e-
    teen.She
    didn’
    twantt obehur twi t
    hwor ds,wor dshavehurt
    herallherlif
    ewhi chwaspar toft hereasonshewas
    here.Ar ecoveri
    ngaddi ct
    .HerandHades.She
    breathedoutasagent ledoorknocksounded.
    “Comein.
    ”ThedooropenedandEmorywalkedi
    n
    holdi
    nghergi
    antt
    eddybear.Shesmi
    led.
    “HeyEm.What ’
    sup?”Emor ywalkedtothebedand
    placedt
    heteddybearonthefloorbefor
    eshe
    j
    umpedont hebed.Shewascar efulnottolether
    shoestouchthebedsheet
    s.Aloraneverli
    kedthat
    andsheusuallyhadhersitonthebedwi t
    houtthe
    shoes.Alwayssaidladi
    eshavetobeclean.Whi ch
    broughtherhere.Herchi
    ldl
    ikemindfai
    ledt o
    processwhyhermot herhasangryatAloraand
    saidharshwordstoher.Shecouldunderstand
    mostoft hewordsbutdidn’
    tknowwhy.
    “Rebawhywasmamaangr yatAlor
    a?”Rebant
    le’
    s
    eyeswidened.Emor
    yhear
    dthat
    ?
    “Theyhadami
    sunder
    standi
    ng.
    ”Emor
    yti
    lt
    edher
    head.
    “
    Butshewasbei
    ngmeant oAlora.Wi
    llmamabe
    t
    hatmeantome?”Rebaquickl
    yshookherhead.
    “Never .Shewi llneversaythosewor dstoyou.”
    Rebaknewwhy.Al orawasnothermot her’
    schild
    biologicall
    y.Sheonl ysaidthatt
    oAl ora.Nomat ter
    howangr yherot herkidsmakeher ,shehasnever
    hadanout burstl ikethat
    .Mooket sihadbeenpr ett
    y
    disrespectfultoi gnorecult
    ureandmar ryZara
    withoutt heuncl esandt hewholechar adebutshe
    didn’tsayt hattohi m.Shehadbeencohabi ti
    ngwi th
    Hadesandr arelywenthomeunl esshermot her
    askedhert obutsheneversaidt
    hatanditbrokeher
    heart.Aloratookitandshedidn’
    tevenhearasobor
    anything.Justan‘I’
    m sorr
    yandcanIpack? ’
    Wi t
    han
    evenvoi ce.Sheneverhadthatstr
    engthandshe
    hadaf eel
    ingshelosthersist
    erf
    orgood.
    “
    Sur
    e?”
    “100%sur
    e.Mamal
    ovesusokay?Shewasj
    ust
    angry.
    ”
    Emor
    ynoddedandRebahuggedher
    .
    “
    Wher
    eisRor
    a?”
    “
    Youmi
    ssbei
    ngcal
    l
    edagobl
    in?
    ”Emor
    ygi
    ggl
    ed.
    “Itsoundsfunnyandshemakesmef eellikethe
    vill
    ainsfr
    om Disney.Shesai dvillai
    nsaret hemost
    notunder st
    oodcharacter sandt hat’
    swhyshel ikes
    them. ”Rebaki
    ssedhersi ster’sforehead.Maybe
    Alorahasbeenf eeli
    nglikeavi ll
    ainallalong.She
    usedt oaskoverandoveragai ni fshereallyl
    oved
    herasshewas.Sheunder stoodwhynow.Hadshe
    perhapssensedsomet hi ngl ikethis?Shedi dn’t
    know.
    “Imissher
    .Shesai
    donedayshe’
    l
    ltakemet
    o
    DisneyWor
    ld.
    ”
    “Shedi
    d?When?”RebaaskedandEmor
    ygaspedas
    shecover
    edhermouth.
    “
    Itwassupposedt
    obeoursecr
    et.
    ”
    Rebachuckl
    edasshehel
    dhersi
    ster
    .
    “
    Outwi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    “Shebri
    ngsmecooki
    esandmi l
    kwhenIcan’
    tsl
    eep
    andreadsmebedt
    imestor
    ies.
    ”
    “
    Whydon’
    tIknowoft
    his?
    ”
    “Becauseitwassupposedtobeasecretandshe
    mademesweari t.”Rebachuckl
    ed.Al
    orawasso
    dramatic.Whomakesan8yearol dswear?
    “
    She’l
    lbeback.Andmamal
    ovesusokay?Ver
    y
    much.”
    “Okay.IhopeInevermakehert
    hatangr
    y.I
    ’
    llbea
    goodgirl
    .”
    “Met
    oosweeti
    e,metoo.”Sheki
    ssedheragai
    nas
    Emor
    ystar
    tedt
    ell
    ingheraboutt
    hisgi
    rlshedi
    dn’
    t
    l
    ikei
    ncl
    ass.

    InAlora’sroom, Susanl ookedatt hemessonce


    againandshesi ghed.Shepushedherweaveback
    assheaskedher selfhowshewasgoi ngt ocl ean
    that
    ,Alor aalwaysknewhowshepl acedst uffand
    shepackedhercl othes.Her bedwasmadei na
    cert
    ainwayandshemoppedherf loor
    st i
    llthey
    werespot less.Someoft hebookswer eruinedand
    theiPadwasdest royed.Shecover edherf ace,near
    tear
    s.Shewasj ustangr yandshedi dn’tmeanany
    ofthosewor dsshesai d.Shewashumangotangr y.
    Alorawasn’ tthatof fendedwasshe?Shedi dn’t
    evencr yandshesai dsor r
    yandt hatwasokay.She
    acceptedt hatapol ogy,Alorawascomi ngbackr ight
    ?
    Thiswast heonlyt imeshel osti
    t.Shehasal ways
    knewAl or amighthaveOCD, shejustsaidt hatout
    ofanger .Tearsbur nedhereyes.
    “GoodGod!GodknowsIdi dn’tmeananyofthat.
    ”If
    shedi d,
    shewouldn’
    thavetakenheri
    ninthefir
    st
    place.Shel
    ovesher,peopl
    egetangryal
    ltheti
    me
    andsayt hi
    ngsoutofanger.Justt
    hatt
    heanger
    from thepastjustover
    shadowedt hecur r
    enti
    ssue.
    Shewoul dneveri
    ntent
    ionallyhurtAlora.ForGod’s
    sakeshehasneversai dt hattoanyofherchi ldr
    en
    regardlessofwhattheydid, i
    twasj ustanger
    speaking.She’l
    lbebackhome.Herst uffi
    shere.
    Shelookedatt hemess.Event houghshehast o
    sorteverythi
    ngoutandr eplacestuff,homeis
    alwayswher etheheartis.

    *
    **

    Austindrovet ohermot her’


    shouse.Wasi tthatshe
    wast herebecauseherphonewasn’ tgoingthrough.
    Het ookthet urnthatledtothestreetandhepar ked
    hiscarnextt oavant hatwasl oadedwi thsomeof
    thefurnit
    ur ehehadhel pedputint hehouse.He
    frownedandt hedoorwasopened.Al orali
    kedt his
    houseandwor kedhardonit,shewasn’ taround.He
    l
    ookedatt hemenasoneoft hem pausedandhe
    couldseet hepani cintheman’ seyes.Thatalarmed
    himt hatthiswaswr ong.Het ookouthi sphoneand
    di
    all
    edt
    hepol
    ice.Justbei
    ngcaut
    ious.
    “
    Hi,
    Iwouldli
    ketoreportarobbery.
    ”Hespokeover
    t
    hephoneforoveraminutebeforehehungupand
    t
    ookapict
    ureoftheli
    censeplate.

    Oneofther
    obber
    snot
    icedandt
    heyl
    ookedateach
    ot
    her.
    “
    Let
    ’sl
    eave,
    thi
    sguymi
    ghtbr
    ingt
    roubl
    e.”
    “
    Whati
    fweki
    llhi
    m?”
    “Thenwewi l
    lbechar
    gedwithmur der?Heisn’t
    att
    acki
    ngusandhei snotcomingoutofhi scar.
    Let’
    smakear unfori
    t.
    ”Theyworet hei
    rhoodiesand
    casual
    lycl
    osedthedoorastheytalkedtoeach
    aboutmovingtoMaun.
    “
    Mona,Ican’
    twaitt
    ost
    artmynewj
    obatMaunand
    r
    entoutt
    hishouse.
    ”
    “Oretl
    eletswiit
    lhemona.”
    (br
    ingustswii
    )theyf i
    rst
    bumpedast heygotinthei
    rvanandt heothergotin
    thebackcasuall
    ychatti
    ng.Austi
    nchuckled.Alora’
    s
    housewasr obbedindayli
    ght
    .Sheisgoingt oburst
    andi twasgoi ngt obeahugeset back.Thecar
    droveof fandhesati nhi scart i
    llthecarwasf ar
    goneandhewassur etheywoul dn’tt urnback.He
    pickedhi shandker chieffrom t hecompar tmentand
    hef inall
    ygotoutofhi scar .Hewal kedovert othe
    houseandopenedt hedoorwi ththehandker chief.
    Mani fhehadn’ tshoweduphereont ime, they
    woul dhavewi pedhercl ean.Het ookpi ctur esj ustin
    caseevent houghhewasnotgoi ngt ot ouch
    anyt hing.Hewal kedt othebedr ooms.Thebedwas
    thereandhewal kedout .Hewal kedi nt ot her oom
    thathadherst udydeskandi twasst illther e.They
    probabl ywant edt ost ar
    twi t
    ht hemor eval uabl e
    stufflikef ri
    dgesandt het elevision.I fshewasn’ t
    herewher ewasshe?Hewal kedi ntot hebedr oom
    oncemor eandl ookedar ound.Ever ythingseemed
    tobei npl ace, thewar drobecl osedl iket hel asttime
    theywer eher e.Het ri
    edcal lingheragai nbuti t
    wasn’ tgoi ngthr ough.Heshoul dwal kt ohi scarand
    waitf orhert oswi tchonherphoneandf ort he
    policet ocomebef orehecoul dl eave.Hewal kedout
    ofthebedr oom andt hehouse.Heset tledi nhi scar
    andhecal ledhismot her ’
    snur se.
    “
    Hel
    lo?I
    sshest
    il
    lal
    seep?
    ”
    “
    YesMrMat
    hews.
    ”
    “Okay.Keepcheckingonher.Bye.
    ”Hehungupand
    coveredhisface.Wher
    ewasshe?Hecal l
    edReba
    whoanswer edimmediatel
    y.
    “
    Hi.I’
    m atherhouseandshei
    sn’
    ther
    e.Shei
    sn’
    t
    t
    here?”
    “
    No.Shehasn’
    tcomebackhome.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llkeptt
    ryi
    ngherandi
    fshedoesshowupathome,
    l
    etmeknow. ”
    “Okay.Thankyousomuch. ”Rebasaidbyeand
    hungupwhi l
    eAust i
    nlookedaround.Wherecould
    shebe?Hewassosur eshewasher ebutifshewas,
    therobberswouldn’
    thavegotteni
    ntothehouse.
    Therewasnosi gnofakeybeingusedaswel l.
    Alor
    awasgoi ngt ot
    hrowaf i
    tbutwherewasshe?

    Inthedarkcloset,Al
    orawasst i
    lloutwit
    h
    i
    nsuffi
    cientairi
    nsidetheclosedcloset
    .Shedidn’
    t
    hearanythi
    ngt hathappenedandi nherdreamsshe
    swor
    eshewaspeacef
    ulandf
    loat
    ing.Peace.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    119

    Austi
    nsawt hepol i
    cevanar ri
    veandhegotoutof
    hiscar.Thepolicemangotoutandt heygreeted
    eachot herbef
    or ehet ol
    dthem whathesaw.Hehas
    beent r
    yingAlora’sphonef orthepasthourandi t
    hasn’tbeengoingt hrough.IfRebasaysshehasn’ t
    shownup, maybehewi l
    lopenami ssingperson’s
    casebecausehehadnoi deawher eshecoul dbe.
    Thiswashi sonlybetbuti ttur
    nedoutshewasn’ t
    her
    e.
    “We’ llcheckther estofthehouse.Thankyouf or
    yourst atement.”Henoddedandsl i
    dhi shandsi n
    hispocket s.Maybeheshoul dwaitti
    llthepol i
    cel ef
    t
    sohecanl eavewi ththem.Thet wopol i
    cemen
    wal kedi nsidethehouse, theytookoutt heirgloves
    from t heirpocketsandst artedgoingt hrough
    ever ythinginthehouse.Theywi llputat apeonce
    theyl eavesot hatpeopl emustknowt hatt hi
    shouse
    wasunderpol i
    cei nvesti
    gation.Twent ymi nutes
    l
    at er,oneoft hepol i
    cemencal l
    edAust inover .He
    wal kedt othedoor .
    “
    Ther
    eissomeonei
    nthehouse.
    ”Hef
    rowned.How?
    “Maybeshei shomelessorhasnowheret
    ogo,we
    foundheri nt
    hecloset
    .”Nowthatwasnew.He
    foll
    owedt hepoli
    ceoff
    icert
    othebedr
    oom andt
    he
    closetdoorwasopen.Thereshewas.Someone
    theyhadbeenl ooki
    ngfor.
    “
    Thankyou.Wehavebeenl
    ooki
    ngf
    orher
    .”
    Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cerl
    ookedatAust
    in.
    “
    She’
    stheowneroft
    hehouse,
    that
    ’showIknewi
    t
    wasbeingrobbed.Therobber
    smusthavenot
    not
    icedshewasi nhere.
    ”
    “Herancest
    orsareworki
    ngover ti
    me. ”Oneofthe
    poli
    cemensaidandAustincr ouchedt opi
    ckherup.
    Hecheckedherpulseandi twasst i
    llt
    here.Her
    phonewasof fonthef
    loor.Thepol i
    cemanpi ckedi
    t
    andhandedittohim.
    “Sheprobabl
    ydoesn’tknowshewasrobbed.”
    Austi
    nagreed.Herfacewasswoll
    enandallred.
    Hereyeswerepuffy.Hecoul
    dseethatanditwas
    t
    oowar m.Aheadachemaybe?
    “Letmetakehert
    othehospitalokay?Letmeknow
    howitgoeswitht
    heinvest
    igati
    on.”Hewalkedout
    withher
    .
    “Sweetheart?Lora?”Hecal l
    edherandkissedher
    forehead.Shewasbur ni
    ng.Fuck!Hehadanur seat
    home, heshouldt akeherhome.Nowwhathe
    want edtoknowwaswhywasshei naclosetfor
    cryingoutloud.Shecouldhavesuf f
    ocatedinthere.
    Shehadsomucht oli
    veforandifhehadn’tbeen
    here,shecouldhavesuf focatedt
    odeath.He
    coul
    dn’
    tloseher
    .

    Heopenedthecarandplacedheratthebackseat
    .
    Hedidn’
    thaveanextrabl
    anketoranythi
    ng.She
    wasreal
    lyout.Hecl
    osedthedoorandgotinthe
    dr
    iver
    ’sseat
    .Hedial
    ledReba.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Ifoundher
    .”
    “ThankGod!Issheokay?Tel
    lherI’
    m sosor
    ryf
    or
    everyt
    hing,
    canshespeaktome? ”
    “Ihavenoideawhyyouareapologi
    singbutshei
    s
    asleep.Onceshewakesup,
    I’
    llhandyouthe
    phone.”
    “Thankyousomuch.Thankyou.Bye.”Hehungup
    andstart
    edthecar.Hebuckl
    edupandj oi
    nedthe
    roadwhil
    eswitchi
    ngontheaircondi
    ti
    oning.

    *
    **
    Rebabr eat
    hedinasi ghofrel
    ief.Al
    orawasokay.
    Shecangoeatsomet hingorelsehertherapi
    stwil
    l
    beonhercaseabouthereat i
    nghabits.Shewasn’t
    sureshecoul dstomachanythingbutshehadt otr
    y.
    Shewal kedoutofherbedroom andt hehousewas
    soqui et
    .Shesuckedi nabreathandheadedt othe
    ki
    tchen.Sheopenedt hemicrowavef orherfood
    andt ookouttheplat
    e.Sheturnedjustasher
    mot herwalkedinsi
    dethekit
    chen.Shesai dhiand
    quicklywalkedout.
    “
    Rebawai
    t…”Rebapausedi
    nhert
    racks.
    “YouknowIl oveAl or
    ar i
    ght?”Rebat houghtabout
    heranswer .Heranswert oleavejustasf astwould
    betosayyesbutt odayprovedt hathermot her
    didn’tl
    oveAl or a.Shewasdoi ngheraf avour.Her
    mot herhadnevercal ledhert r
    ashevent hought he
    medi ahadsai dthattoher ,
    hermot hernevercalled
    herungr atefulevent houghsheshoul dbehappy
    thatshehadbeenamodelandgotoppor tuni
    ti
    es
    otherchildrennevergot .
    “
    Ireal
    isedyoudon’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Itookcar
    eofAl
    ora.
    ”
    “Yousai dyoudi dn’ thavet o.MamaIl oveyoubut
    thosewor dshur tevent houghyoudi dn’tsayt hem
    tomebecauseIknowyouwoul dneversayt hatto
    me.Emor yaskedi fyouwoul dloseyourt emperon
    herliket hat.Mot heri tisokayt oadmi tthatyou
    havebeensecr etlyhat i
    ngAl orabecauseshe
    remindedyouofdad’ str ansgressi
    ons, hat eis
    normal .Peopl ehat eandt heywon’ tdie.Youdi dn’
    t
    havet osecr et
    lyhat eherandmakehert hinkyou
    caredjustt osayt hat .I’
    m notsur ewhyyout ookher
    i
    n, youwoul dn’tbebr eaki ngyourownhear tby
    l
    ooki ngat‘ asi dechi ck’s‘ chil
    d.Iam notf ighti
    ng
    andIam sor ryifIeverpushedyouorseemed
    ungratef ul.Iam gr atefulf oreveryoppor tuni t
    yIgot
    andIam somet hingbecauseofyou. ”Rebasucked
    i
    nabr eat handwal kedout .Hermot herdi dn’tlose
    hertemperonher .Susanr eali
    sedthatRebawas
    sayingt heopposi teofwhatshehadt ol
    dAl ora.
    ThatAl or awasnot hi ngi fnotbecauseofherand
    thatshewasungr at eful.Shel i
    ckedherl ipsasher
    heartbr oke.Shewasangr y,
    shedidn’ tmeant hat.
    Whycoul dn’
    tanyoneunderstandthat
    ?Tear sfil
    led
    hereyesagainandshewal kedoutoftheki t
    chen.
    ShepassedRebaont hewayasshewal kedintothe
    bedroom.Shepi ckedherphoneasThabi soslept.
    Shedial
    ledAlora’snumberbutitwasn’tgoing
    thr
    ough.Sheopt edtotext
    .
    ‘
    Alor
    ahi.Canwetalk?Iam sor
    ryabouteveryt
    hingI
    sai
    d,Iwasoutofl
    ine.Il
    oveyouokayRor a?Il
    ove
    yousomuchandIam sor r
    y.’

    Sheplacedthephonedownandbi thernail
    s.
    Peoplesaythi
    ngsi nangerandtheyapologise
    short
    lyaft
    erwards.Alor
    awasasgoodasherown
    chil
    dandshel ovedherli
    keherown.Sheknewt hat
    ri
    ght?Shesighed.Sheshouldcalm down.

    *
    **

    AtAust
    in’
    shouse,
    Aloraf
    inal
    lywokeuphoursl
    ater
    wit
    hsomeonehoveri
    ngoverher.Herheadwas
    heavyandshebar
    elyopenedherswol
    leneyes.She
    tookamomenttotr
    ytoadjustt
    ohersurroundi
    ngs.
    Sheknewthisr
    oom.
    “She’
    sawake?”Aust
    in’
    svoicecameup.Thenurse
    noddedandexcusedhersel
    ftocheckonarest
    ing
    Celi
    ne.
    Aust
    inpushedt
    hebl
    anket
    sbackandgoti
    nsi
    de
    besi
    desher.
    “Hey,whywer
    eyouinacl oset
    ?”Shechuckl
    edbut
    herthr
    oatwasdr
    y.Hehadr emovedherhairt
    ieand
    hepushedherbr
    aidsback.
    “LoraI’
    m here.”Shedi
    dn’twantt
    ocry.Shewasa
    stronggir
    l.Hewasal r
    eadydeali
    ngwithhi
    s
    mot her
    ’ssickness.
    “Babytalktome…”heloweredhisvoi
    ceandhel d
    herface.Shewasseeinghimthroughthesli
    tsher
    swolleneyesal
    lowedhertosee.Tear
    sf i
    ll
    edher
    eyesandsheshookherhead.
    “
    I’
    m okay.Howi
    sCel
    ine?
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tchangesubj
    ect
    sAl
    ora.Kebual
    ewena.
    ”(
    I’
    m
    t
    alki
    ngtoyou.)t
    het
    ear
    srol
    ledont
    hei
    rownaccor
    d.
    Herubbedthem.
    “
    Lor
    a…”
    “I’
    m mymot her’schil
    d.Sher uest hedayIwas
    concei ved.IknowIhaveashar pt ongueandeven
    thoughIwant edtonotapol ogise, myconsci ence
    andyouofcour sedidn’tletme.Iapol ogisedf or
    howIspokeovert hephoneyest erday…”hervoi ce
    shookandasobt or
    ethr oughherl ips.Hehel dher.
    Hewasher eforhere,itwaswei rdt hatjust
    yester dayshewascomf orti
    nghi m andnowhewas
    comf or t
    ingher .Shewasi nt hear msoft heman
    whol ovedher ,theonlyper sonwhoshehasn’ t
    screwedupwi t
    hherwei r
    dnessandher
    ungr atefulnessandherspoi l
    ttendenci es.Shewas
    toomuchf orthem andsheunder stoodt hem.I t
    must ’vebeenhar dtopr etendt ol oveher ,everythi
    ng
    saidi nangeri salwayst r
    uebecauseyoudon’ thave
    tothinkmuchaboutsomet hingt hathasbeen
    dwel li
    ngi nyourhear tandSusanwasoneherofa
    pretender .Onehel lofagoodact ressandshedi dn’t
    blameher .Shewoul dhat ehert ooi fshel ivedwi t
    ha
    r
    emi
    nderofherhusband’
    sinf
    idel
    it
    y.
    “
    Andt
    henwhathappenedbabe?
    ”
    “Shesai dalot .
    ”Shecl osedhereyes.Hermi nd
    repl
    ayedever yt
    hingwor dforword.Shefound
    herselfutt
    eringever t
    ingt oAustinwordforword
    j
    ustt hewayi thappened.Shedi dn’
    tevenmi ssa
    wordorst utterassher epeatedSusan’swords.
    Austinwat chedherr epeatt hatasifi
    twassome
    mant rawithtearsr ol
    li
    ngdownhercheek.She
    stoppedandbar elyopenedhereyes.
    “Iwasahypocr i
    te,youdon’thavet omakepeace.I
    hat ethatIl
    ovedheri nmyown‘ wei r
    dway’ butshe
    hat esme.I’l
    lfindawayt obewi thouther.Iknew
    thismi ghthappen.I twasoverwhatIsai doverthe
    phoneyest erday.Iam hypocr i
    te.Iwon’ tmake
    peace.Iwi l
    lnevermakepeace.Iam notgoi ngther
    e.
    It’
    snotmyhouseandIam t r
    ash, Iam nothi
    ng
    withoutherandIwoul dbebr eakingot herpeople’
    s
    mar r
    iagesandbi rt
    hingbastar ds.Ispokeof
    forgivenessyest er
    day, It
    akei tback.Iam not
    forgivinganything.”Hepulledhert ohim asshe
    cried.
    “Iunder
    stand.
    ”Hekissedherfor
    eheadashepi cked
    hertoplaceeheronhislap.Herockedherasshe
    cri
    ed.
    “I’
    llpaybackeverythi
    ng.GodIswearI ’
    llpayback
    themoneysheusedt otakemetoprivateschools
    sinceitwasaf avour.GodIwillr
    epayever ycent
    andcal cul
    atehowmuchi tist
    opayforschool .I
    ’
    ll
    repayeverycent.”
    “
    Babyyou’
    rest
    il
    lhur
    t.Don’
    tthi
    nk.
    ”
    “Myhearthurt
    sAustin.I
    thurt
    sanditfeel
    sli
    kei
    t’
    s
    beingst
    abbedathousandtimesover.Myeyesare
    burni
    ng.It
    hinkI’
    m burni
    ngali
    veandnobodysees
    thefi
    re.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m her
    e.I
    ’
    m sor
    ry.
    ”Hesoot
    hed.
    “Gobotlhooookooooo!”Sherubbedherchestand
    heplacedhishandt hereasshecr i
    edsomemor e.
    Heblinkedbackhist ear
    sasheki ssedherhead.
    “Iknowmywor dsshoottoki
    llwhenI’
    m mad,Ihave
    alotofr
    egret
    saboutthatbutIneversai
    dsheisa
    shit
    tymother
    ,ever
    yonehasfault
    s.IneverI
    -“
    “Sweetheartbr
    eat
    h,babybreat
    h…”herchestrose
    andfellandheheldherasshecri
    edwhiletal
    kingin
    betweentears.
    “
    Ineverbot
    heredanyonewi t
    hmyemot i
    ons,
    Idi
    dn’
    t
    wantt
    obotherthem becausetheydi
    dsomuchfor
    meandachildwhodi dn’
    tcrywasokayri
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Babyshhh….
    ”
    “
    I-
    I-
    “
    Shedi
    dn’
    tsaywhyshewasi
    nthecl
    osetbecause
    sheal
    mostsuf
    focat
    edt
    odeat
    h.
    “
    Maybeyousecr
    etl
    yhat
    emeandever
    ythi
    ngIam…”
    “Idon’t
    .Icanneverhateyou,youannoymeatt imes
    butIcanneverhateyouokay?You’ remylit
    tl
    efier
    y
    dreamerandevent houghyouratti
    tudeshouldhave
    pushedmeawayi tdi
    dn’t
    .IloveyouAlora.
    Everyday.
    ”
    Shecriedint
    ohischestasher
    ubbedherbackinan
    att
    emptt osoot
    heher.Shemustbereall
    yhur
    t
    becauseshewasst r
    aighti
    ncr
    yingwithnobr
    eaks
    i
    nbet ween.Howlonghasshebeentryi
    ngnotto
    br
    eakandnowshewasl
    ett
    ingoutever
    yemot
    ion.
    “I
    ’
    m her
    e.We’l
    lfi
    gur
    eital
    lout
    .”Her
    ubbedherback
    asshewai
    led.
    “
    Shecou-
    “
    “Lorabr
    eathbaby.BabyIneedyout
    obreath.
    ”He
    saidandsheblubber
    ed.Hereyeswer
    ebarelyopen.
    “Shecould….shecouldhaverepri
    mandedmei n
    anotherwayi nst
    eadofwhatshesaid.Whatshedi
    d
    wasj ustdar
    k…”her ubbedherback.
    “Ican’that
    eher
    …”shecri
    edmoreandheshushed
    her.Shewasexhaust
    ingher
    sel
    f.Hervoi
    cewas
    fading.
    “
    Gobot
    lhokoooo!Pel
    oyameeket
    eyaema….
    ”
    “Sweethear tdon’
    tspeak.I
    ’
    llcallt
    hedoctor.
    .”her
    cri
    esswal lowedhernextwor dsasshet ouchedher
    chest.Wasshehavi ngahear tatt
    ack?Wasi ta
    panicattack?Shehopednotbuti thurtsobadand
    herbreathingwasnol ongerit.Hepi
    ckedhi sphone
    andcalledhi sdri
    ver.
    “
    Hi.Canyoucomeher
    eassoonaspossi
    ble?Thank
    you.
    ”Hehungupandwat
    chedhergaspf
    orherai
    r
    amidtear
    s.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
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    120

    Aust
    insatdownast
    hedoct
    orassessedher
    .She
    wasokay.Oncet
    hedoct
    orwal
    kedouthesmiled.
    “
    Youscaredmeforasecond.
    ”Shet
    ri
    edsmi
    li
    ng
    wit
    hcl
    osedeyel
    ids.
    “
    Ist
    il
    lh-
    haveal
    otIneedt
    osay.
    ”
    “
    You’
    regoi
    ngt
    orai
    seyourbl
    oodpr
    essur
    e.Ij
    ust
    needyout
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Andfunnyt
    hingi
    sthatwast
    heonl
    yti
    meIwas
    r
    udean-“
    “Al
    ora…”sheshutupandbreat
    hedout
    .Sheisover
    i
    tnow, i
    t’
    sinthepastandi
    thasnopowert
    ohurt
    herbecauseshecri
    edoveri
    t.
    “I
    ’mt aki
    ngyouhomeandyouar egoi ngtosl
    eep.’
    Shedi dn’
    targueandshekeptquiet.Shecouldn’t
    seenow.Hereyescoul dn’
    tevenopenandshewas
    ti
    red.Shewant edtosl
    eep.She’
    llbeokay.Shei sa
    stronggir
    l.Shebreat
    hedout.Austi
    nhel dhercheek.
    “Ar
    eyoueyest
    hatheavy?
    ”Shenoddedandhe
    chuckl
    ed.
    “
    Wat
    shosa!
    ”(
    you’
    rescar
    y)sheshookherhead.
    “
    I’
    m okay.
    ”
    “
    You’
    renot
    .Ifanyt
    hingbot
    her
    syouspeakup.
    ”
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkanyt
    hingwi
    llbebot
    heringme.
    .”he
    rai
    sedaneyebrowthenr
    emember edshecan’
    tsee
    him.
    “
    Doyout
    hinkI
    ’
    llbeokaybyMonday?
    ”Sheasked
    hi
    m andhechuckledathowquickl
    yshewant
    edt
    o
    di
    smissever
    ythi
    ngthathappened.
    “Wecanonl yhope.”Shesighed.Maybeby
    tomor rowt heswelli
    ngwoul dhavegonedown.
    She’llforcetherestofthepr ocesswithiceallover
    herf ace.Sher ui
    nedhi sbir
    thdayalreadywithher
    i
    ssues.Shesi ghed.Theonl ytimeshewas
    defensi veagainstherandal lofherparent
    s’sinsfel
    l
    onher .She’l
    ldealwiththecardsshehasbeendeal t
    with.Li f
    egoesonandshehascompanyt obe
    buildingfrom thegroundup.
    “
    Inol
    ongerwantt
    ogot
    her
    e.”
    Shesai
    dasher
    ubbedherhand.
    “I
    twasacleari
    ndicat
    iont
    hatIam notwel
    comeand
    Idon’
    tbot
    herpeople.
    ”
    “
    Yourst
    uff
    …”
    “
    Shedi
    dn’
    twantmet
    otakei
    t,wher
    e’smyl
    apt
    op?
    ”
    “Ihadmydri
    versendi
    tback.
    ”Shesqueezedhi
    s
    handandshechuckl
    ed.
    “
    I’
    llg-
    “
    “No.Ibackedmyst
    uffonmyi
    Cloud.I
    ’
    llseewhatt
    o
    do.”
    “
    Alor
    ay-
    “
    “I’
    m cl
    osi
    ngthepast
    .Thechapterisdeadandgone
    now.Icri
    edoveri
    tandmour neditandlookatmeat
    thehospi
    talwi
    thswol
    leneyes.I’
    m okayanddone.
    ”
    “
    Alor
    ayoul
    oveyourf
    ami
    lyan-
    “
    “Andsomewordscan’
    tbetakenback.Mythr
    oatis
    dry.Kopamet
    si.
    ”Hehandedheraglassofwater
    andwhenshewasdoneshehandedi tbackt
    ohim.
    “
    I’
    mlet
    ti
    nggo.I
    ’
    m notgoi
    ngbackt
    her
    e.”
    “
    Whati
    fsheapol
    ogi
    ses?
    ”
    “ThenIcanf orgiveherandthatdoesn’tmeanIlet
    herbackintomyl if
    e.Aust
    inwhatIsai dovert
    he
    phonewasn’ tenought owarrantthosewords.I
    sweartoGodandmaybeshei sjusti
    fi
    edandit’
    s
    okay.I
    ’m okayi ftheonlymistakeIdidbri
    ngsback
    allt
    heseissuest hathurtmeevent houghIwill
    neveradmitthati thur
    tme.”
    “
    Youhavesi
    bli
    ngsAl
    ora.
    ”
    “I’
    l
    lseet hem onoccasi onandanywher ethat’
    snot
    herhouse.I ’m al
    most24I ’l
    lbeokay.Ifthesewor ds
    hadbeensai dtomeatt enIwoul dhaveleftsti
    ll
    .I
    knowi twoul d’
    vehavebeenahar shwor l
    dforme
    butitwoul dhavebeenbet t
    erlivi
    ngwi t
    hpeopl ewho
    didn’thi
    det heirhatethanwi t
    hsomeonewhohi dit
    foryearsandwaswai t
    ingf oronesli
    ghtmi st
    aket o
    takeitonyou. pandshowyouhert ruecolours.I
    feelli
    keabl indper sont l
    he!Yourmot hernever
    pretendedt oloveyousoi twaseasi erinawayt han
    someonewhopr etendedt oloveyouandt heni t
    turnsoutt heyhat edyou. ”
    “
    Ihat
    ethatIhearyourpoi
    nt.
    ”
    “Sothati
    sthat.I
    ’
    llbeokay.Whatshesaidwasn’
    t
    anythi
    ngnew,gatwet herei
    snothi
    ngnewunderthe
    sun.Ithi
    nkinEcclesi
    astesi
    tsaysthat
    .”
    “
    Areyouquot
    ingt
    heBi
    ble?
    ”
    Sheshr
    ugged.
    “Ishouldn’
    tbeafrai
    dofdoi
    ngitonmyownnow.I’l
    l
    bef i
    ne.Thefutur
    eisbri
    ght
    .Hasbeenandalways
    willbe,r
    egardl
    essofwhathappens.
    ”Heki
    ssedher
    f
    orehead.
    “
    Ifyoudodeci
    det
    ofor
    giveI
    ’
    llbeher
    e.”
    “
    You’
    real
    waysher
    e.Il
    oveyouokay?
    ”
    “
    Iloveyoumyf
    ier
    ydr
    eamer
    .”
    Heki
    ssedheragai
    nandshepushedhi
    m back.
    “
    We’
    rei
    nahospi
    tal
    .”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Whydi dyoucl
    oseyour
    sel
    fint
    hecl
    oset
    ?”She
    wentquiet
    .
    “I
    twaswhereIcouldcrywit
    houtanyoneusi
    ngitas
    aweaknessorseeingmehurtormypain.Noone
    walksi
    ntocl
    osets.Myconcepti
    ononit’
    sownis
    somethi
    ngthathurtsmedayinandoutandIdi
    dn’t
    needanyoneseeingmyweaknesses.
    ”
    “
    Forhowl
    ong?
    ”
    “Foryears.Forasl
    ongasIcoul
    drememberaft
    erI
    wasr i
    diculedf
    orwhatmymotherdi
    d.”Heki
    ssed
    herhand.
    “Youal
    mostsuff
    ocatedinthecloset
    .”Shesi
    ghed.I
    t
    hadbeensopeacef
    ul i
    nthere.Shefel
    tli
    keshewas
    f
    loat
    ingandshewant
    edt
    hatf
    eel
    ingagai
    n.
    “
    I’
    llbeokay.
    ”
    “
    Yoursi
    sterwant
    edt
    otal
    ktoyou.
    .”
    “I
    ’l
    lcal
    lhert
    omor
    row.I
    ’l
    ldothatt
    omorr
    ow.Let
    ’sgo
    homeyeah?”Hehel
    pedherofft
    hebedandpul
    led
    herint
    ohim.
    “
    Areyousur
    eyou’
    reokay?
    ”
    “I
    ’m okay.Ipurgeditout
    .I’
    m okay.I
    ’m okay.I’
    ma
    str
    onggi r
    l.Icanonlybebrokenforashor twhil
    ebut
    oncethesunr isesIhavetori
    sewi t
    hitandt akeon
    newchal l
    engesyeah? ”
    “
    Ther
    eisst
    il
    lal
    otyouneedt
    oknow.
    ”
    “Iam sur
    eIdon’tli
    keitbutgoaheadandannoyme
    Austi
    n.”Helaughedandshesmi l
    edastheywalked
    outofthehospit
    alroom.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    TWOMONTHSLATER
    [
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    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    121

    Alor
    apushedherhai rbackt ryingtoconcentrat
    eon
    herfi
    lesbutshewasf eel
    ingsl eepy.I
    tmiddayand
    shehadpaper stopusht hrough, cont
    ractst
    ogo
    overbefor
    ehandi ngthem tot helawyer.She
    yawnedandl eanedbackont hechai r
    .Shepicked
    herphoneanddi all
    edReba.
    “HeyReba,howdi dyourappoi ntmentwi t
    ht he
    doctorgo?It
    ’snotcancerousr i
    ght ?
    ”Shewai t
    ed.
    Rebament i
    onedt hatthedoctorsaidshehad
    ovari
    ancystsandt heywer egoingt oobserveiti
    n
    thenexttwomont hsorsohowt heyprogressed.To
    seeiftheygrew,gaveherpr obl
    emsandal lthat
    medicalvocabul
    ar yshedidn’tl
    ike.
    “
    Rebasaysomet
    hing.You’
    rescar
    ingme.
    ”
    “Dingdi ng!Nope.ButIwi llhavetogothr ough
    sur ger
    yt oremovet hecyst sbuttheyaren’t
    cancer ous.Besidesthecyst sareononeovar ysoi
    t
    won’ tr
    ui nallofmychancesofhavi ngkidswell
    mi nust heinfer
    ti
    lit
    ythatcomeswi t
    haneat ing
    disorderbutt hereissti
    llhope.”
    “
    Youwantki
    dst
    hatbad?
    ”
    “
    Ido.Ist
    il
    lhavehope.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Ihopeitworksout
    ,Ir
    eal
    lydobutifi
    tdoesn’
    t
    whi
    chI’
    m sureitwon’
    tcometothat
    ,youcanborr
    ow
    mywomb.”
    Rebapaused.
    “
    Wai
    twhat
    ?”
    “Idon’twantkidsandthechil
    dI’l
    lbebirthi
    ngwon’
    t
    bedi stur
    bingmeoncei t
    ’soutbutIcanbeyour
    surrogate.Maybeitwil
    lhappenafteryearsbut
    you’llhavethatopt
    ionopenwithme. ”
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”
    “
    Hundr
    edper
    centsur
    ebutasIsai
    ditmi
    ghthappen
    aft
    eryearsandthetimeyoudodeci detotr
    yfor
    chil
    dyoumi ghtf
    allpregnantonyourfi
    rstt
    rybut
    yeah.I
    ’ldi
    scussitwit
    hAust i
    nthough.
    ”
    “
    Youwoul
    ddot
    hatf
    orme?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Nowenoughaboutt
    hat
    ,ar
    eyouokay?
    ”
    “
    Youar
    eser
    iousl
    ynotst
    eppi
    ngf
    oother
    e?”
    “
    Rebawetal
    kedaboutthi
    s.Idon’
    twantt
    odi
    scuss
    t
    hat
    .Nextt
    opi
    cplease.
    .”sheyawned.
    “
    I’
    m bor
    ingyou?
    ”
    “
    No.Keaot
    sel
    a.”
    (I
    ’m sl
    eepy.
    )
    “
    You’
    reover
    wor
    kingyour
    sel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Ihaveayeart
    ogett
    hingsdone.Ihavenochoi
    ce.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llseeyout
    omor
    rowbutr
    est
    .”
    “Bye.
    ”Alorahungupandyawnedi
    ntoherhand.
    Anothercupofcof
    fee?

    *
    **
    Rebat houghtaboutwhatVi ol
    etsai d.Bot hAl ora
    andhermot herneedhel p.Shewasr ightaboutt hat
    butVi oletment i
    onedsomet hingt hathadReba
    thi
    nki ng.Shesai dAloramust ’
    veal waysant icipated
    suchhenceshewasn’ tat t
    achedwhi l
    eSusan
    want edAl oratobeat t
    achedt oshowt hatshe
    accept edthel ovewhichwast wodi fferentact i
    ons
    thatwer eheadi nginthewr ongdi rection.Shecoul d
    gowi tht hatbutstil
    lwhathermot hersai dwas
    uncal l
    edf orbutshewasst i
    llhermot herandshe
    l
    ovedher .Shedi dn’
    thavet heopt i
    onofl eaving
    whenSusanpai dhertherapyf eesandever ything,
    besidesshehadneverl ashedoutonhert hatway.
    Shesi ghedasshegotof fthebedandheadedt oher
    desk.Shehadanaccount ingt estcomi ngupand
    shewant edt oaceit.

    *
    **
    Alor
    aheadedtoCel
    ine’
    sroom wi
    thacupofcof
    fee
    i
    nherhand.Celi
    newasawakeandshesatonthe
    chai
    rnextt
    othebed.
    “Hel
    lo.
    ”Cel
    inel
    ookedather.Shewaswai t
    ingfor
    Alor
    atosayadarkjokebeforeshestar
    ted
    wheezi
    ng.Shel
    ikedherjokeseventhoughthey
    madehertummyhur t
    .
    Alor
    alookedathercoff
    eemugt henatCeli
    ne.She
    hadlostweighti
    nlesst
    hant womonthsbutshe
    wasaliveandwasi namuchbetterspacewit
    h
    Austi
    n.Theyhadmemor ies,
    shewasj ustt
    he
    cameraladyastheymadememor i
    estoget
    her.
    “
    Wh-
    whati
    sit
    ?”
    “I
    ’mjustthinki
    ng.Anyway, you’
    real
    mostan
    ancestornow.”Cel i
    newheezedandAl orasi
    pped
    hercoffee,t
    hiswast hebreaksheneededbef
    ore
    del
    vingintowor kagai n.Tomorrowwasabusyand
    l
    ongday, shehadt ocheckt hel
    absandthe
    constr
    uctionwor kers.
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    orepl
    y.Saveyourener
    gy.
    ”
    “A-Al
    orahowareyou?”Thatquesti
    oncaughtheroff
    guard.Howwasshe?Shewasal ive,chasi
    ngher
    dreams,l
    earni
    ngtol
    iveli
    fewit
    houtherf amil
    yand
    l
    ovingeverymomentshespentwi t
    hAust i
    n.She
    didn’
    thavetobesorr
    yfordoi
    ngitonherown.She
    didn’
    thavetogohome,ti
    mewon’tchangehermind
    andshewon’ tbehur
    tbyheranymoreaslongas
    sheletshergo.
    “I’
    m navigat
    ingmytwenties.I
    ’
    m okayCel
    ine.Now
    rest,
    Ihavewor ktodo.
    ”Shest oodwi
    thaplainface
    asCel i
    nesmi l
    edatherandAlorawavedherhand,
    notsmi l
    ingbackasshehel dt
    hecoff
    eemug.

    *
    **

    ZaraandMooket siputt
    heirbagsatt
    hebootas
    Zarasmiled.Shewasner vous.Nooneknewshe
    wasHades’ sisterandRebahadment i
    onedin
    passi
    ngthathewascomi ngbacktomorr
    ow.Well
    Zaracal
    ledf i
    rstsoyeah.
    “
    You’
    ret
    ell
    inghi
    m whenhecomesback?
    ”
    “ThelongerIpr
    olongi
    tthehar
    deri
    twil
    lbet
    otel
    l
    him.Ihaveknownaboutitf
    orawhil
    enowsoIhave
    totel
    lhim.”
    “
    We’l
    llet
    ’sgetgoi
    ng.We’
    l
    lst
    opal
    ongt
    hewayf
    or
    f
    ood.
    ”
    “AndImissyourf
    ami
    lysomet
    imes.
    ”Mooket
    si
    chuckl
    ed.
    “
    Alloft
    hem?
    ”
    “Rebamost l
    y.Sheisol dert
    hanmebutsheisjust
    sunshine.Bestsi
    ster-
    in-l
    awevert
    hatone.Maybe
    i
    t’sbecauseshetellsmeaboutmybr ot
    her
    unknowinglybutyes.”
    “Wellwewil
    lbebackatmymot her’
    shouseinApr
    il
    forEast
    erholi
    daysanddi
    dItellyouar
    oundMay
    Alorai
    sgraduati
    ngfr
    om Pr
    incetonUni
    versi
    ty?
    ”
    “Yoh!Sohowdoesi
    twor
    k?Ever
    yonei
    sgoi
    ngt
    o
    Amer i
    ca?
    ”
    “Thatwast
    heplanwhenshementionedherr
    esul
    ts
    secondweekofJanuar
    y.Butwe’
    l
    ldiscussi
    t
    furt
    her.
    ”
    “
    Nowweshoul
    dreal
    lygo.
    ”

    *
    **
    Aust
    inlookedattheframedpict
    ureonhisdesk,her
    hai
    rwasi nherf
    aceandshel ookedsoi
    rrit
    atedas
    hesnappedthepictur
    e.Adoorknocksoundedon
    hi
    sdoor.HisPAopenedt hedoorandstoodt her
    e.
    “
    After
    noonMrMat hews,thereisaladyher
    ewho
    wantstoseeyouaboutAlora.”Shetur
    nedback
    t
    henf acehi
    m af
    terconf
    ir
    mi ng.
    “Letheri
    n.”Susanwalkedinandsatdownont
    he
    chairasAusti
    nleanedback.
    “Goodaf t
    ernoon.”Susangreet
    edhi
    m backasshe
    placedherbagdownt henl
    ookedaroundtheof
    fi
    ce.
    Shebr eat
    hedinandshewassur et
    hisyoung
    gentlemanwoul dunderst
    andherpointofvi
    ew.
    “ThereasonI
    ’
    m her
    eisbecauseofAl
    ora.
    ”Aust
    in
    nodded.Hegott
    hatpar
    tfr
    om hisPA.
    “Alorahasn’tbeenhomeforthepasttwomonths
    andI -
    Iapologisedandshesaidokaybef
    oreshe
    blockedme. ”
    “
    Alor
    amakesupherownmi
    nd.Icanneverf
    orce
    hert
    odoanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “Sheneedsf amily.Wear etheonl
    yf amilyshegrew
    upwi t
    h,weal lmakemi st
    akesandsomet imeswe
    fi
    ghtbutthatdoesn’ tmeanwedon’ tloveherany
    l
    ess.”Austi
    nkeptsi lent.Al
    orahadrepeat edafew
    wordsthathur ther,thatgi
    rlwasnotal i
    arandifshe
    waslyinghewoul dhaveknown.Shehadnor eason
    toli
    eandcr ylikethat.
    “Isee.Thereisnot
    hingIcando,
    iti
    supt
    oher
    .”
    Susanbr eat
    hedout.
    “
    Can’
    tyouatleastbr
    eakupwithhert
    hen?Just
    t
    emporari
    lysoshecangobackhome? ”Tosayhe
    wasshockedwasanunderst
    atement
    .
    “Iwouldhavet
    osayno.I ’
    m notgoi
    ngto
    i
    ntenti
    onall
    yhurtAlor
    a.Shehasalotonherpl
    ate
    andshedoesn’tneedstr
    essandpainaddedto
    that
    .”
    “
    Please!I
    twon’
    tbef
    ort
    ool
    ong.
    ”
    “Trytal
    kingt
    oher.Wor
    dscannotbetakenbackbut
    tryandwhatshedeci
    desonwi l
    lbeonher.
    ”Susan
    sighed.Shesai
    dthewrongt
    hingsatt
    hewr ongt
    ime.
    Sheevenstar
    tedseei
    ngashri
    nkamont hago,
    she
    wastryi
    ng.Al
    orahadtomeetherhal
    fway.
    “Okay.Thankyou.”ShestoodupandAusti
    n
    strai
    ghtenedup.Hewatchedherl
    eavehi
    sof f
    ice
    thencontinuedwit
    hwork.Susantur
    nedback.
    “Wheredoessheli
    ve?”Sheasked.Hegaveherhi
    s
    homeaddressandSusannoddedbef or
    eshe
    walkedout
    .Heleanedback.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    122
    Alor
    ayawned.Cof
    feewasnotwor
    kingatal
    l.Her
    stomachgr
    umbledandshepl
    acedherheadona
    fi
    le.
    “GoodGod.Ican’ tcook..”shewantedt ocrynow.
    Whenwashecomi nghome?Shewashungr yand
    sleepyandshecan’ tcook.We’rethereanyl eftover
    s
    i
    nt hef r
    idge?Lastni ghthement i
    onedmaki ngmor e
    foodt hanusualbecauseshehadst artedeating
    mor e.Shebl amedi tonherwor kethic.Longhour s
    meantmor ef oodbutlonghour swer euselesswhen
    shewassl eepy.Shepi ckedupherphonet ocal l
    him.Itwasl unchtime.
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    Hi.Onyourwayhome,
    buybi
    o-pl
    us.
    ”
    “
    Sti
    llf
    ati
    gued?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m onmyt
    hir
    dcupofcof
    feeandi
    t’
    snothel
    ping.
    ”
    “
    Isee.
    ”
    “
    Seewhat
    ?”
    “
    Not
    hing.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Wh-
    for
    geti
    t.
    ”
    “
    Kant
    e?”
    “
    Sleep,
    maybei
    twi
    llbebet
    ter
    .”
    “Ihavebeensleepi
    ngallweekandIhavetoget
    thingsdone.Buyanenergydri
    nkaswellbecause
    sleepyornotIhavetopush.
    ”
    “
    Sleep,
    you’
    reexhaust
    ingyour
    sel
    ffur
    ther
    .”
    “No.GoodbyeRober t.
    ”Shehungupandshewal ked
    outofhisstudyforthesecondt i
    met hatday.She
    pushedherhairback.Whycan’ tshewakeup
    feel
    ingref
    reshedli
    keal ways.Whatwaswr ongwi th
    her?Shepassedbyt hepat i
    ent’
    sroom andt he
    nursewassi t
    ti
    ngbyhersi depagingamagazi ne.
    Thenurselookedupandsmi led.Shewasal ready
    usedtoAlorawhoj ustwavedbackbutdi dn’tsmi l
    e
    back.Thenursechuckled.Shehasnevermeta
    grumpywomanbef ore.Itwaswei r
    d.

    Shewal kedinsi
    dethekit
    chenandsheopenedt he
    fri
    dge.Left
    overs.Hewassuchagoodman.She
    tookoutthreeTupperwares.Sheopenedthem al
    l
    andshewal kedtothecabinetforapl
    ate.She
    starteddishingt hemacar oniandcheesef ir
    stthen
    thechi ckenwi ngsandt hatsteak.Hewasagood
    mant hat’
    sforsur e.Sheputt heplateinthe
    mi crowaveandshewashedt heTupper wares.The
    mi crowavedi ngedandshet ookoutherpl ate.She
    wal kedtothel oungewi t
    haf orkandt heplate.Her
    stomachgr umbl edmor eandsher ol
    ledhereyes.
    Shei saboutt oeatf orcryi
    ngoutl oud.
    Shehadt hefirstforkf
    ulandshewant edwi ne.
    Pastaandwi newentwel ltogether.Butshedoesn’ t
    daydrinkandi t’
    sawor kweek.Shehaset hics.
    She’l
    lseet hewi neonSat urdaythen.Thei nt ercom
    rangandshegr oaned.Shewentt othedoort o
    pressthebut tonst henshesatdownt ocont inueher
    meal.Sheshoul dbedonei nt wentymi nutest ops
    thenwor kagai n.Thedoorknockf inal
    lycameand
    shewal kedtot hedoort oopeni t.Hereyeswi dened
    afract
    ionasshesawSusanst andingthere.Al ora
    suckedi nabr eath.Lessonsi ncommoncour t
    esy
    101asAust i
    nhadputi tdaysaf t
    ert hesecur it
    yguy
    i
    ncident.
    “
    Hi.CanIhel
    pyou?
    ”Shef
    orcedher
    sel
    ftokeepher
    voi
    ceeven.Shewasstayi
    ngawayf rom her,
    she
    shoul
    dbehappythatt
    heungratefull
    it
    tl
    etwatisnot
    i
    nherhomeandsheshoul dn’
    tevenbeher e.
    “Canwetalk?
    ”Alor
    arubbedhertempl es.Shedidn’
    t
    needthi
    s.Godshedidn’
    tneedthisrightnow.
    Nothi
    ngcanundothosewor dssaid.Nothing.
    “Ihavenot
    hingt
    osaybut -
    “shepaused.Ever
    ythi
    ng
    shesaidwil
    lbedi
    srespect
    fulsoshemightaswell
    sayit.
    “Butgoahead. ”Susancl aspedherhandsasshe
    l
    ookedatAl ora.Shel ookedlikeshegainedaki l
    oor
    twothesepastf ewmont hsandshewashappy.
    Withoutfamil
    y.Aloraopenedt hedoorwi der,a
    courtesyshehadn’tbeenshownwhenshecamet o
    apologiseandsheal lowedhert ocomei nside.She
    hopedwhat evershecamet osaydi dn’
    tt ai
    nther
    memor i
    esofthisplace,shedi dn’
    twantt hat.Susan
    satdownandshesawt heplateonthet able.That’
    s
    anawf ulamountoff oodbutshewasn’ ther efor
    that.
    “
    Howar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Happy.
    ”Sher
    epl
    iedi
    nonewor
    dandSusansi
    ghed.
    “
    Icametoapologi
    se.Youbl
    ockedmeandIr eal
    ised
    t
    hatwhatIsai
    dwaswr ongandoutofl
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Okay.
    ”
    “
    I’
    mtr
    yingAl
    ora.
    ”
    “
    Great.I
    ’
    m al
    soget
    ti
    ngmyl
    if
    etoget
    hersowher
    eis
    t
    heissueher
    e?”
    “
    WhatIsai
    dwaswr
    ong.
    ”
    “Youest
    abl
    ishedt
    hat
    .Iacceptyourapol
    ogy.
    ”
    Susansmil
    ed.
    “
    Real
    ly?You’
    regoi
    ngt
    ocomebackhome?
    ”
    “No.I’
    m notgoingt her
    e.I’
    llstayhereorwhereverI
    movet o‘i
    fhebr eaksmyhear t’
    becauseIdon’twant
    tobecalledtr
    ash, Idon’
    twantt obi r
    thl
    it
    tlebast
    ards
    nordoIwantt obot heranyonewi thmywei rd
    tendenci
    es.ButI ’
    m sorr
    yfort hewayIspokeover
    thephoneevent houghyouneveraccept edthat
    apologyaswellbutI ’
    m sorryokay?Thankyouf or
    taki
    ngasi dechick’schi
    ldandmaki ngher
    somet hi
    ngsoshedoesn’ tbi r
    thlit
    tl
    ebastardsand
    rui
    notherpeopl e’
    smar riages.Thankyouf ort aki
    ng
    met oprivat
    eschool sandIwi llr
    epaythemoney
    usedaswel landaddext ra.Thankyouf ort her oof
    overmyheadevent houghyoucoul dhavet akenme
    totheorphanageandt hankyousomuchf ort aki
    ng
    i
    nt r
    asht hatpeoplewar nedyouagai nst.Iam sor r
    y
    youhadt ogot hrought hepai nsofrai
    singachi ld
    hermot herneverlovedenought ostay,thankyou
    fortol
    erati
    ngmeaswel l.Isurewasahandf ultoget
    suchamout hful
    .Thankyou. ”Sheendedt hatwi t
    h
    anevenvoi ceandshedi dn’tdiver
    thereyesf rom
    Susan’sasshel ookeddown.
    “Idi
    dn’tmeant
    hat.
    ”Susanwhi sper
    ed.Shefi
    nall
    y
    l
    ookedupandAl or
    awasl ooki
    ngather,t
    hefir
    ein
    hereyesgoneandrepl
    acedonl ybyst
    one.
    “Okay.ButI ’
    llneverforgett
    hat.Iunder stoodt he
    apologyandIaccepti tbutIfoundwayt obe
    withoutyou.Youmeantever ywor dandasmuchas
    youwoul dhaver epr
    imandedmei nabet terway,
    youshowedmehowyouneverl ovedmeandt hat’
    s
    okay.Itsti
    lldoesn’tchangemyper ceptiononl ove,
    justthatIknowpeopl earegoodpr etender s.IhopeI
    am notover
    steppi
    ngt
    heline,
    Iwoul
    dn’
    twantt
    obe
    cal
    lednamesyetagai
    n.”
    “
    Alor
    a…”
    “Ar
    ewedone?Ihavewor ktogett
    hrough.
    ”Susan
    l
    ookedather.Therewasnowayf orhertoconvi
    nce
    hershewassor r
    ywasthere?Shelovedher.She
    andoneoutburstandshelett
    hepastpainoverr
    ule
    her.Shedi
    dn’that
    eAloraatal
    l.Al
    orawasjusther
    andit’
    snotl
    ikeshewantedhertochangehersel
    f.
    Shelovedher.
    “Ihopeonedayyoufi
    nditi
    nyourheartt
    otrul
    y
    forgi
    veme.Icanonl
    yhope.Andyoulookbeauti
    ful.
    ”
    Susansaidasshest
    oodup,herhear
    tbeingheavier
    withever
    ymovement.
    “Toforgivedoesn’tmeanyougobackt owhathur t
    you.Itdoesn’tmeant hatyouhavetoletyour sel
    fbe
    hurt
    .Tof orgi
    vemeansyoul ovefrom adistance
    becausei t
    ’ssafer.ThankyouandIhopeyouhavea
    goodl i
    feaswel l
    .”Susanwal kedoutandAl ora
    walkedherout .Susanlookedatheronet ime.She
    sworeshesawt earsgleaminginAlora’
    seyesand
    shedidn’
    tbli
    nkthetear
    saway.Shereall
    yhurther
    thatever
    ythi
    ngshesaidover
    rul
    edeveryt
    hingthey
    hadbeenbuildi
    ngforal
    mostherwholeli
    fe.
    “
    Alor
    aIam r
    eal
    lysor
    ry.Ir
    eal
    lyam.
    ”
    “Iam sor
    ryi
    thadtocometothi
    sbutiti
    swhatiti
    s,
    goodbye.
    ”Sheclosedt
    hedoorandAlor
    arubbedher
    eyes.Shesuckedi
    nadeepbreat
    h.Shewasokay.
    Thepastwaspast.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    123
    Onceagai nast hehour st ickedby, Rebawasa
    wholebal lofener gy.Hadeswasf inal lycomi ng
    backandshedi dn’thavet omi sshi ml ikeshedi d.
    Justaf ewmor ehour s.Unf or t
    unat elyshewasn’ t
    goingt opi ckhi m upbutshewasgoi ngt ospend
    theaf ternoonwi t
    hhi m.Shehopedhest il
    lwant ed
    anddi dn’ tthinkshewast oxi coranyt hingl i
    kethat .
    Shewasal soget ti
    nghel p,theywer en’ tgoingt o
    enableeachot herint ot hehabi tst hatdest royed
    them.Shesuckedi nadeepbr eat handl oggedout
    ofherf akeFacebookaccount .Shedeci dedto
    reactivateherr eal soci almedi aaccount .It
    ’sbeen
    mor et hansi xmont hsofhernotusi ngt hataccount .
    Ifshewasgoi ngt obet hef aceofabr and, shehad
    todoi t.Shewasn’ tgoi ngt ol etherpastbr eakher ,
    it
    wasasmal lstepbutt heonei nt her ightdi recti
    on.
    Sher eact ivatedt hatoneaswel lasherI nstagram
    andTwi t
    teraccount s.Shest arteddel etingpictur es
    ofherpast ,model ingbr okeherandshewant edno
    reminderoft hat.Shedel etedal lthepi cturesfrom
    hermodel i
    ngcar eerf rom al lheraccount sandshe
    breathedi n.Shewentt hr oughhercamer arollto
    scrollthroughherpi ctur esthepastf ewmont hs.
    Shesmi led,shewasgoi ngtobeokay.Theycoul dn’t
    touchheranymor e,theywer en’tgoi ngtoputt hei
    r
    handsal loverher,theirwordswon’ tbel i
    kebul l
    ets
    shott oherchest.Shepi ckedt heonewher eshe
    wast akingawal kwi thAloraandhadhert aking
    sunsetpi ct
    uresofher .Shehadl ovedt hem and
    Alorahadgr umbl edasshet ookt hosepi ctures.She
    pickedthatoneandupdat edherpr ofi
    lepictureson
    allhersocialmedi aplatf
    orms.Shepl acedher
    phonedown.Shewasgoi ngt of i
    lterallt
    henegat ive
    comment siftheyfloodedherFacebookcomment
    section.

    *
    **
    Austinwal kedinsidethehouseandhef oundher
    fastasleepont hecouch.Herempt yplateont he
    tabl
    eandhepl acedhi scasedownashepi ckedher
    uptot akeherupst air
    st othei
    rbedr oom.She
    mur mur edsomet hinginhersl eepandheshookhi s
    head.Coul dhissuspi ci
    onsbecor r
    ect?Wel lhehad
    beenaski nghimsel fthatforthepastweek.I fso,
    shewasgoi ngtocl awhi seyesoutf orsure.For
    nowhepl acedheront hebedandcover edherwi t
    h
    thefl
    eece, i
    ncaseshewascol d.Heloosedher
    for
    eheadandwal kedout .Hemadehi sway
    downstairst ohismot her’sroom.Itwassur pri
    sing
    howmucht hingshadchangedbet weent hem inthe
    l
    asttwomont hs.Shewoul dsitt
    hereandt hey
    wouldn’ttalkaboutbusi nessandhet ri
    edopeni ng
    upal i
    tt
    le.Itwasby‘ f
    ate’asAl orasai
    dthatCel i
    ne
    wasst i
    llali
    ve.Theywer ehol di
    ngonbyt het hr
    ead
    becauseshemi ghtdepar tanymomentf rom now.
    Hefoundherawakeandthenursefi
    xingherpi
    ll
    ow
    wi
    ththeplat
    eofsoftpor
    ri
    dgeonthebedsidetabl
    e.
    Hegreet
    edherandaskedhertoexcusethem.
    Celi
    nesmil
    edabitasAust
    inr
    emovedhi
    sjacketand
    rol
    leduphi
    ssl
    eeves.
    “Himother
    .Howwasyourday? ”Shel ookedathim.
    Itwasthesame.Shewasst il
    lstuckinthisbedand
    couldn’
    tgoanyway.Alor
    ahadpassedbyandwent .
    Shewasweakbuthermi ndwasshar penought o
    noti
    cethechangesinAlorabutshedi dn’
    tsay
    anythi
    ngincaseitt
    urnedouttobej ustyourregul
    ar
    weightgai
    n.
    Aust
    insatbyt
    hecor
    nerandpi
    ckedt
    hepl
    ateof
    por
    ri
    dge.
    “Af
    terthi
    s, awalkwouldbegood?”Shenoddedas
    hesti
    rredtheporri
    dgeandshewasgr at
    eful
    .She
    hadli
    mi t
    edt i
    mebutthelastt
    womont hswere
    memor able.Somethi
    ngshewillr
    ememberasa
    ghostoranancestor.
    “Th-thankyou. ”Hesmi ledashef edherandshe
    hadaf ewspoonf ul
    sbef oreshedeci dedshewas
    ful
    l.Aust i
    nsi ghedandpl acedt heplatedown.He
    wasgoi ngt owalkherar oundwi t
    ht hedri
    pst i
    ll
    att
    ached.Hedi dthatonceaweekandshewas
    gratefultoevenseet heout side.Aust i
    ngotthe
    wheel chairandhemadesur eitwasokay. Austi
    n
    helpedherof fthebedandpl acedheront he
    wheel chair.Hef i
    xedthedr i
    p.
    “
    Comf
    ort
    abl
    e?”
    Shenoddedandhepushedi tt
    henpauses.Hi
    seyes
    l
    andingonthepaperstuckonthedoor
    .Hedidn’
    t
    not
    iceitwhenhewalkedin.
    “
    What
    ’st
    hat
    ?”
    “
    Abu-
    bucketl
    ist
    .”Hemovedcl
    osert
    obeabl
    eto
    r
    eadt
    heli
    st.

    ‘
    Cel
    ine’
    sbucketl
    ist
    1.
    Getf
    lower
    s.
    2.
    Got
    oaf
    unamusementpar
    k
    3.
    cli
    mbamount
    ain.
    4.
    Grandchi
    ld
    5.
    Myonl
    ysoni
    sfi
    nal
    lyhappy.
    ’

    Hepausedandst
    uckonpoi
    ntnumber4.He
    br
    eat
    hedout.
    “
    It
    -i
    tdoesn’
    thavetocom-cometr
    ue.IaskedGaot
    o
    wr-
    wri
    teitf
    orme.”Hefacedher
    .
    “We’llst
    artwit
    hnumber1andwhenyouf eel
    str
    ongereveni fit’
    sforanhourwecangot oLion’
    s
    park,youcan’ttravelout
    sidethecountr
    y.Thenicest
    amusemepar ksar einAmerica.
    ”Celi
    ne’seyes
    welledwithtears.Sheextendedherbonyhandt o
    t
    ryandt
    ouchhi
    sfaceandhesmi
    ledt
    aki
    ngi
    tinhi
    s.
    “Nowweshouldgetgoingbef
    orei
    tget
    slat
    e.”He
    pushedheroutoft
    heroom.

    Tenmi nut
    esl
    ateroncehewaspushi
    ngher
    wheelchai
    ral
    ongthestr
    eett
    heyl
    ivedi
    n,she
    coughed.
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    sti
    -“
    “Ist
    il
    lwantt
    obeout
    side.I
    ’
    m okkkay.
    ”Henodded
    andconti
    nuedwi
    tht
    heirwalk.
    “
    Issh-
    shepr
    egnant
    ?”Aust
    inl
    ickedhi
    sli
    ps.
    “Idon’tknowmot her.Ican’tsayI’
    m sureandIdon’t
    knowhowshewi llr
    eact.Shedidn’twantkidsand
    shehasn’ tchangedhermi ndaboutt hat
    .”Hewasn’t
    evensur ewheni thappenedbecauset heyhave
    beensaf ethesepasttwomont hsusingcondoms
    andshewasal readyont hepill
    .Ofcoursehe
    wantedki dsbutifshedidn’twantkidshehadt o
    respectthat.
    “
    Ifshei
    s,woul
    dshea-
    abor
    t?”Heswal
    lowed.Maybe.
    Alor
    ahadn’topenedherhear
    ttohavi
    ngkids.He
    can’
    tli
    eandsayshewoul dn’
    t.Shewoul
    dandshe
    candojustthat
    .
    “Shewoul dmot her.
    ”Celi
    nel ookeddownont he
    roadashepushedt hewheel chair
    .Al orawas
    wonder fulbutshewoul d?EvenCel ineher self
    wasn’ tcruell
    ikethattokillaf oet
    us.Theot her
    heartbreakshef orcedhersel ftomoveonf orm was
    whenshegavebi rthtoast il
    lbornchi l
    d.Hour sof
    pushingonl yforthechildt obedeadonbi rth.She
    breathedout .Thatwast hef inalnailtohermar r
    iage,
    thedeadchi l
    d.Hermar ri
    agewasal readydeadbut
    thatbur i
    editsixfeetunder .Itboil
    eddownt oher
    workingher selfti
    llt
    helastmi nut
    eofherpr egnancy
    andhowi twasherf aul
    tthatt hechilddi ed.She
    shookherhead.
    “I
    t’
    sherchoice.Ourrelat
    ionshipdealbreakerisn’t
    ki
    ds.Itwouldhurtli
    keamot herf*ckerbutIgott hi
    ck
    ski
    nandIwoul devent
    uallymoveonf r
    om it.
    ”Now
    hewaspr ayingshewasn’tpregnantjustsoshe
    doesn’tdeci
    detoabort.Alothashappenedandshe
    mightdecideachildshedidn’twantorpl anforwas
    anobst acle.Alor
    awasherownwomanandatt he
    endoft hedayshemadeherowndeci sions.He
    knewt hatandt hatwasaqual
    it
    yheloveabouther
    evenifitmi ghtcomebacktobi
    tehimi nthe*ssif
    sheispr egnantandkil
    lst
    hechil
    d.Theirwalkwas
    si
    lentfrom thereon.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    124

    Alor
    awokeuptothesoundoft
    heshower.She
    pushedher
    sel
    fbackasayawnescapedherli
    ps.
    Shewasjustt
    aki
    nganap,shewasn'
    tmeantto
    sleepaslongasshedi d.Herphonewasn' tnextt
    o
    thebedside.Shepushedt heblanketsoffand
    yawnedasshemadet hebedagai n.Sheshoukdeat
    andcont i
    nuewithwork.Sheheadedt othe
    bathroom andstoodbythedoor .Theshowerdoor
    wasst eamingandshewast empt edtotakeabath.
    Sheshoul dbutshefoughtagai
    nstt hat
    .
    "
    Hi.
    "
    "
    Heysweet
    hear
    t,youcanj
    oinmei
    fyouwant
    ."
    "I
    '
    llpass.Di
    dyoubr
    ingt
    hebi
    o-pl
    usandener
    gy
    dri
    nk?"
    "I
    tsli
    ppedmymind.
    "Sheshookherheadand
    steppedi
    nsi
    det
    hebathr
    oom tost
    opbytheshower
    door.
    "Nothingsli
    psyourmindRobert.Youdidn'
    twantto
    buyit.Isthati
    t?Keengneosabue? "
    (whydidn'
    t
    yout el
    lme? )Hecl
    osedoffthewaterandopened
    thedoor ,
    thesteam hi
    theri
    nthefaceandshe
    steppedback.
    "
    Alor
    a..
    ."
    "Ae!Youcouldhavet oldmeyoudi dn'twantt osoI
    canbuyt hoseitemsmysel f
    .ButIf iguredgor esi nce
    youpassbyt ownever yday,you'
    llbuyt hem onyour
    wayhome. "Shef ol
    dedherar msandhuf fed.Hi s
    nakedbodygl eamingwi t
    hwat erdropsandf airl
    y
    sculptedbywor ki
    ngoutingym shoul dn'tdistract
    her,shesawt hi
    sbodyal mostever yni ghtandi t
    wasal waysont opofher,behindherandi nsideof
    her.
    "
    Idi
    dn'
    twantt
    obuyt
    hoset
    hen.
    "
    "Itwassimpl
    east hat
    .Whydidn'
    tyoubuythem
    then?"Shepushedherunrul
    yhai
    rback,sheshoul
    d
    strai
    ghteni
    tinthemorni
    ngbefor
    eheadingout.
    "Youalr
    eadyconsumedt
    oomuchcaf
    fei
    nef
    ort
    he
    dayAlora.
    "
    "Mycaffei
    neint
    akehasneverbeenapr oblem."She
    rai
    sedaneyebrow.Hegotoutoft heshowerand
    shesteppedback.Hechuckledandpickedhis
    towel
    ,wrappi
    ngitaroundhiswaist.
    "
    I'
    m notgoi
    ngt
    obi
    te.
    "
    "
    Youwantt
    odi
    str
    actmeandIwon'
    tletyou.
    "
    "
    I'
    m di
    str
    act
    ing?
    "Hegr
    innedi
    nthategot
    ist
    icway.
    "
    Getof
    fyourhi
    ghhor
    seRober
    t.
    "Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    "
    What
    'swr
    ongwi
    thmycaf
    fei
    nei
    ntake?
    "
    "
    Haveyouseenadoct
    orr
    ecent
    ly?
    "
    "I'
    mf ineRobert.Igotmypill
    saf ewweeksago.Why
    woul dIneedadoct orwhenI'
    m notsi
    ck?"He
    stalkedcloserandshemovedbackt i
    llherbackhi
    t
    thewal landhet rappedhert
    here.
    "Seeadoctorfi
    rstt
    henwe'l
    lhavenor
    easont
    o
    argueaboutyourcaff
    einei
    ntake.
    "
    "Robertyou'
    renotm-
    "hel
    if
    tedherchi
    nbef
    oreshe
    couldsayanythi
    ng.
    "
    Alor
    a."Sheshutup.
    "Beagoodgi r
    landt hisoncedoasyou'retold.I
    don'twanttoarguewi t
    hyousweet hear
    t.Takea
    showerandI '
    l
    lmakesoemt hi
    ngforyout oeat.Don't
    overworkyoursel
    f.Ifyouwanttosleepjustsleep.
    "
    Hedr oppedherchinandwal kedoutasshe
    rel
    easedt hebreathshehadbeenhol di
    ngi n.
    *
    **

    SusanknockedonReba'
    sbedr
    oom door
    .
    "
    Comein.
    "Rebalookedupf
    rom herl
    apt
    opasher
    mot
    herwalkedi
    n.
    "HiReba.Icomeinpeace.
    "Shesai
    d.Rebalookedat
    her,shel
    ookeddefeat
    edasshesatbythecornerof
    herbed.Rebacl
    osedherlapt
    optoli
    sten.
    "Am It
    hatint
    oler
    abl
    e?"ShesawRebasucki
    na
    breat
    h.Thatwasenoughtoanswerher
    .
    "WhatIsaywon'
    tbeusedagai
    nstme?
    "Susan
    shookherhead.
    "You'
    renot
    .Ju-j
    ustthatyouover r
    eactand
    sometimessaythewr ongthingsthatki
    ndofhur
    t
    andseem di
    scouraging."Susannodded.
    "I
    sthatwhyyouareallal
    ienat
    ingyoursel
    vesfr
    om
    me? "Rebahat
    edtoadmititbutshenodded.Susan
    breathedi
    nandout.Okay.Shecantry.
    "
    WhatIsai
    dreal
    lypushedyoursi
    steraway?
    "
    "Idon'
    tknowt heext
    entofherhurtbutthewor ds
    werepr et
    tyhurtf
    ulnotto.Mamawedi dn'tknow
    youcansayt hattoher,
    youneversaidanyoft hat
    tomybr ot
    hersandInomat t
    erwhathedid.Iam not
    taki
    ngsidesbutyourwor dshur
    t.
    "Susannodded
    again.
    "Idi
    dn'tmeant hat
    .Ir
    eall
    yloveallofyouguys
    equall
    y."Rebanodded.Skepti
    calaboutthatequal
    ly.
    Mooket sigotawaywit
    hal otofstuf
    fandBokamoso
    couldneverdoanywr onginhermot her
    'seyesbut
    okay.
    "
    Youdon'
    tbel
    ieveme?
    "
    "
    I'
    llhavet
    o."
    "
    I-
    Igaveherspace.Ir
    eal
    lydi
    dn'
    tmeant
    ohur
    ther
    ."
    "
    Eemma.
    "
    "
    Mooket
    siandhi
    swi
    fewi
    llbeher
    einanhour
    ."
    "
    That
    '
    sapl
    easantsur
    pri
    se.
    "
    "Yeah.Youcancont
    inuewhatyouqer
    edoing."She
    stoodupandwalkedtothedoorandt
    urned.
    "
    Thankyouf
    oryourhonest
    y."Rebanodded.Shoul
    d
    shet
    ellher
    ?
    "
    Mom wai
    t.
    ..
    "
    Susanpaused.
    "Hadesi scomi ngouti fr
    ehabt omor rowandI '
    m
    goingtoseehi m. "Susanbr eathedi nandshehel d
    backf r
    om tell
    ingRebashehadbeendoi nggood
    withoutthatboy.Shehadt houghtHadeswasgood
    forRebabuteversi ncethedr ugaddi ct
    ionsagaand
    Hadesal coholaddi ct
    ion,shehadt henestabl
    ished
    hewasabadi nfl
    uence.Whywoul dRebat akedrugs?
    Rebawasahappychi ldandithadbeenoutofher
    charactertotakedr ugs.Thatdi nnershehadonl y
    tol
    eratedhim becauseherhusbandhadaskedher ,
    otherwisehewoul dn'
    thavebeent heretobeginwith.
    "Don'tyouthinkit
    'st
    oosoon?Youaredoingsowel
    l
    withouthim andhim bei
    ngheremi
    ghttakeyou
    backt odrugs."Rebasuckedi
    nabreat
    h.Whydid
    sheevent ry?
    "Heisn'
    tther
    easonItakedr
    ugsandIl
    ovehi
    m."
    Susanshookherhead.
    "
    You'
    reanadul
    tbutdoyout
    hinkoncehei
    ssober
    hewil
    lst
    il
    lloveyou?Youguysgrewupt
    oget
    herbut
    somet
    imesi ti
    sfort
    hebestforyout
    omoveon.
    "
    "
    Ilovehi
    m!"
    "Maybeitwasadependencyonhim andnotl
    ove.I
    t
    i
    st oosoon.Idon'
    twantyout
    orel
    apse.RebaIcare
    aboutyou,Il
    oveyouandsometi
    messomepeopl e
    arenotgoodforyou.
    "
    Rebadidn'
    twantt
    ofi
    ght
    .Shej
    ustnoddedand
    Susansmiled.
    "Byenow."ShewalkedoutandRebapushedher
    l
    ocsback.Evenafterallthesemonthshermot her
    thoughtt
    hesamet hing.Wow!Shet ookouther
    phonewant i
    ngtotextAlorabuthermot herand
    Alorawherenotongoodt er
    ms.SinceZar awas
    comingback,cantheysayt heyaregoi
    ngoutf or
    l
    unchsoshecanseeHades?Shewant edt osee
    him.

    Inthebedroom,Susanwalkedi
    nsi
    de.Hermarr
    iage
    hadt ookadrast
    ict
    urneversi
    ncet
    heinci
    dentwit
    h
    Alora.
    "
    Imanagedt
    oapol
    ogiset
    oher
    ,shest
    il
    ldoesn'
    t
    wantt
    ocomehome."
    "
    Okay.
    "Her
    epl
    iedandSusansi
    ghed.
    "
    Am Ibor
    ingyou?
    "
    "I
    t'
    salwayst
    hesamethingwithyouSusan.Not
    hing
    dif
    fer
    entsot
    her
    eisnothingIcansay.
    "
    "I
    'mtrying.I'
    m seei
    ngat her
    apisttodealwit
    h
    ever
    ythingt hathadhappened.I'
    mr eal
    lyt
    ryi
    ng.
    Rebat oldmewhyt heydon'
    tshareanythi
    ngwit
    h
    me,I'
    mt ryi
    ng."
    "
    Tryi
    ngi
    snotj
    usti
    nwor
    ds,
    it'
    sact
    ions.
    "
    "Shetol
    dmeHadesi scomi
    ngoutt omorr
    owand
    shewantedt oseehim.Imanagedtoconvinceher
    nottowithoutf
    ight
    ingandsheagreed.Thatis
    effor
    t.
    "
    "Sheloveshim andsheagr eedbecauseshedi
    dn'
    t
    wanttof i
    ght.Lethergetheart
    brokenandfi
    ndnew
    l
    oveifshewant s.I
    t'
    snoteasytojustdowhatyou
    askedhert o.
    "
    "
    Hei
    snotgoodf
    orher
    .Rehabi
    li
    tat
    edornot
    ."
    "Andyou'r
    enotReba.Shecanmakeherown
    deci
    sions.
    "
    "Atsomepoi ntshel
    ostthatr
    ightwhenshetook
    drugs.Ijustwantwhat
    'sbestformykids.I
    t'
    snot
    thathard."
    "Andinwant i
    ngbestyoukeeopushi ngthem away,
    youhavenopr oofhei
    snotgoodf orher.Shenever
    tol
    duswhyshedi ddr
    ugsevensi xmont hslater
    ,
    sheisalmost26andshei sanadul t
    .Anaddi cti
    on
    doesn'
    tdefineherandt akeawayherr ightst
    omake
    herowndeci si
    ons.Youar esupporti
    ngt hem i
    nt he
    wrongestofwaysandyoucan' tseebeyondt hat.
    LetmecheckonEmor y.
    "Hewal kedoutandSusan
    heldbacktears.Shewast ryi
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    50] :REBORN

    125

    AtSusan’shouse,MooketsiandZaraar
    rivedand
    thehousewassilent.I
    tusuall
    ywasbutitfel
    t
    dif
    fer
    ent.Mooketsishr
    uggeditoffasSusanwalked
    tothelounge.
    “
    Final
    ly.Ihavebeenwait
    ingf
    oryouguys.Di
    nner
    wil
    lbereadyintwent
    y.Youcanfr
    eshenup.”
    “Hel
    loandt hankyou.
    ”ZarasaidandSusansmil
    ed
    asshewal kedbacktothekit
    chen.Mooket
    sit
    ook
    thei
    rluggagetothebedroom whi
    leZar
    aheadedto
    Reba’sroom.Sheknockedont hedoor
    .
    “
    Comei
    n.”
    Zar
    ast
    eppedi
    nandRebagr
    inned.
    “
    Hii
    i….
    ”
    “Hiyour
    sel
    f.Howareyou?I
    ’vemi
    ssedyou.
    ”Reba
    stoodupandZarawentinf
    orahugasshehugged
    hersi
    ster
    -i
    n-l
    aw.
    “Youcallsomet
    imesandI
    ’
    vebeendoi
    nggood.
    Bett
    erthanIeverwas.
    ”
    “Gladtoheart
    hat
    .I’
    mr ar
    elyonmyphone.Callme
    oldfashi
    oned.
    ”Rebaroll
    edhereyespl
    ayf
    ull
    y.
    “
    Oldf
    ashi
    oned?You’
    rel
    it
    eral
    lyyoungert
    hanme.
    ”
    “GuessI’
    l
    lbeseei
    ngAl
    oraatdi
    nner
    !She’
    sal
    waysi
    n
    herroom.”
    “
    Uhm it
    ’salongst
    orybutyouwon’tbeseei
    ngher
    t
    oday.Maybetomorr
    ow.”Zarat
    il
    tedherhead.
    “
    Whyt
    omor
    row?
    ”
    “
    Sitdown.Ihaveafavourt
    oaskebil
    e.”Zar
    asaton
    t
    hecarpetandRebasatbytheedgeofthebed.
    “
    We’
    l
    lHadesi
    scomi
    ngoutt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Iknowt
    hat
    .Youtol
    dmeandyouhavebeen
    wai
    ti
    ngf
    ort
    hisdayeversi
    ncehel
    eft
    ,”
    “Exactl
    y.Iam happyt
    hathe’
    l
    lbeoutofrehaband
    canyout el
    lmom gorewearegoingf
    oralunch
    togethersoIcangoseehim?”Zaraf
    rowned.
    “
    Ithoughtyourmom l
    ikedHades.Whywoul
    d….
    ”
    “
    Shedoesn’
    tli
    kehi
    m anymor
    e,woul
    dyoudot
    hat
    f
    orme?”
    Zarasawt hatastheper fectoppor
    tuni
    tytomeether
    brot
    her.Shewasn’ tsureifshewasgoi ngtotellhim
    i
    mmedi atelywhensheseeshi m butshewast ell
    ing
    himtomor row.Hewi lldowhathewant swiththat
    i
    nformationbutsher eall
    ywant edtobepartofhi s
    l
    ifeandhi m bei
    ngpar tofhers.Haveabrother-
    sister
    rel
    ati
    onship.Itwasn’ttoolateri
    ght?
    “Ofcour
    se.I’
    l
    luseMooketsi
    ’
    scarandwe’
    l
    lgo.
    ”
    RebagotoffthebedandhuggedZar
    a.
    “
    You’r
    eanAngelandmybrot
    heri
    sluckyhegota
    l
    ovi
    ngandopenheart
    edwomanli
    keyou.Heisthe
    l
    uckyone.
    ”
    Mooket
    siknockedont
    hedoorandopenedi
    twhen
    t
    herewasnoanswer.
    “
    Hisi
    s,Icanf
    ormywi
    fe.
    ”
    “Iam cat
    chi
    ngupwit
    hher ,
    youspendthedaywit
    h
    her.
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.Helovedthef
    actt
    hatZarawas
    welcomeinhisparent
    shouseandhissi
    stersloved
    her.Okayhissi
    ster
    .Hewasn’tsur
    eaboutAlora.
    Speakingofher
    ,heheardBokamosotel
    lhim what
    happenedandhowBokamosohear daboutitwasa
    mystery.
    “
    Alor
    aisst
    il
    lnothome?
    ”Rebashookherhead.
    “Ital
    kedtoherl
    astweekandshesoundedf
    ine.Just
    plainol
    dAlora.
    ”
    “
    Sheisal
    waysf
    ine.
    ”Mooket
    sichuckl
    edandl
    eftt
    he
    l
    adi
    es.
    “
    Areyouexci
    ted?
    ”
    “Exci
    teddoesn’ tevenbegintodescribeit
    .Ifeell
    ike
    I’
    mf l
    oating.Youwon’ tgettherefer
    encebutin
    anotheruniverse,IhopeHadesandIar esti
    ll
    togetherminust hebadstuffthathappened.”
    “Ial
    wayssayyourl
    oveisuni
    queandr
    are.Peopl
    e
    don’
    tlovel
    iket
    hatt
    hesedays.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tthey?
    ”
    “Theydon’
    t.
    ”Rebajustsmi
    led,
    sotomor
    rowwas
    sort
    ed.Shejusthadt
    otagZaraal
    ongandi
    twi
    llal
    l
    bef
    ine.

    *
    **

    AtAusti
    n’shouse,Al
    orashothim gl
    aresasshe
    watchedhim cookbythest
    ove.Shepr essedher
    phoneforafewsecondsandt henlookedathim.
    “You’ reget ti
    ngpi nkbyt hemi nute.”Shesuckedi na
    breat h.Shewasnotspeaki ngt ohim.Heshoul ddo
    heraf avouranddi eaf terhef inishescooki ng.He
    l
    aughedashepi ckedt hedi cedveget abl
    esand
    threwt hem inthepan.Al or
    ar olledhereyesandshe
    redirect edherat tenti
    ont oherphone.Shescr oll
    ed
    herFacebooknewsf eedbef oreshewentt oher
    notifi
    cat i
    ons.Rebapost ed?Shecl i
    ckedoni tand
    shesawt hepicture.Shesmi ledasshehear t
    reactedoni t
    ,droppedacommentt henshar edthe
    picturewi ththecapt ion‘ She’ spower edbyt he
    sunandal li
    t’
    syel l
    ow. ’
    Shesmi l
    edt henpl acedher
    phonedown.Shef acedRober tandshef oldedher
    arms.
    “
    You’
    rest
    il
    lnott
    aki
    ngcaf
    fei
    ne.
    ”
    Shewasnotgoi ngt ogivehi
    mt hesat i
    sfactionof
    repl
    ying.Shepickedherphoneagai nandshesaw
    thatRebahadr epl i
    edhercommentandcomment ed
    ontheshar edpictureaswell.Thef actthatReba
    hadbeenbol denought ocomebackt osoci almedia?
    Shewaspr oud.Sopr oudofher .Shefinall
    ypl aced
    herphonedownt henfacedRober tashet ookout
    thepasta.Shedi dn’twantpasta.Sher eall
    ydi dn’
    t.
    Sheswal l
    owedherpr ideandopenedhermout h.
    “Idon’twantt
    hat
    .”Hepausedandrai
    sedan
    eyebrow.Shewasfinal
    lyt
    alki
    ngt
    ohim.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Phal
    eche.
    ”(
    pap)shepushedherhai
    rback.
    “Ihaven’
    thaditi
    nsol
    ongandImi
    ssi
    t.
    ”Heput
    backthepasta.
    “
    I’
    llmakei
    tforyout
    hen.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.We’
    l
    lpr
    etendIdi
    dn’
    tspeakt
    oyou.
    ”
    Helaughedandtookoutt
    hecont
    ainert
    hat
    cont
    ainedthemaizemeal
    .Hespoi
    ledhert
    oomuch
    t
    hatwascl
    earandhedi
    dn’
    thaveapr
    obl
    em wi
    th
    t
    hat.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Morni
    ng,l
    et’
    sgetamoveon.I ’
    m backhomeand
    youknowtheusual
    ,thisci
    tygi
    rlhadtocleanand
    dohousechores sowehavef ourmoreinser
    ts
    togo.
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    51] :REBORN

    126

    Thefol
    lowingmorni
    ng,
    Alor
    awokeupf
    ir
    standshe
    tur
    nedtolookathi
    m.Hewasgoi
    ngtowakeupin
    anhour ,shet houghtasshet ouchedhi sunshaven
    j
    aw.Shel ikedhowi thadgr azedhert highsl ast
    nightwhenhewentdownonher .Shebl ushedas
    shepul ledherhandbackandgotoutofbed.She
    hadt otot hef actory,seet heconst r
    uctionwor kers
    andever ythingi nbet ween.Shedi dn’thavet imet o
    goandseeadoct or.Shewasf i
    ne.Whati fshe
    madebr eakf ast ?Wel lafterpickingouthi sandher
    clothesf ort hedayt hatis.Gr eatidea.She’ llgoogle.
    Wi ththatsi ngl ethoughti nmi ndandt her est
    pushedback, shegotoutofbedandpaddedovert o
    thewar dr obewher eshepi ckedt hecl othesont he
    hanger s.Yest erdayhewaswear ingabl uesui t,
    blackwoul dbemor esuitablefort oday, shepi cked
    ashi r
    tandshet urnedoutt opiconeofherbl ack
    dressesandawhi teblazer .Done.Shewal kedover
    tobedandl ight l
    ykissedhi scheekbef orepi cking
    herphone.Sheheadedt ot hebat hroom f oraf ew
    mi nutest of reshenupt henwal kedoutt otryand
    attemptbr eakf ast.

    I
    ntheki
    tchen,
    shepl
    acedherphoneont
    hecount
    er,
    thereci peont hescr eenandshet ookoutt he
    measur ingjugsandspoons.Shewasgoi ngt o
    maket hisasaccur atel yaspossi ble.Ifnot ,
    itmi ght
    turnoutt obeadi sast er.Sheshookherhead.She
    wasn’taf ailure,neverwasandneverwi llbe.She
    brewedcof feebyt hecof feemachi neandt he
    wonder fulscent sofcof feewaf tedal laroundher .
    Sweetcaf feine,howwoul dshef unct ionwi thoutit?
    Shesatont hechai randr eadther ecipet hreet imes
    over.Sheunder stoodt his,shecandot hi s.Shedi d
    herabsol utebestt of ollowt hepancaker ecipet o
    theT.Oncet hebatterwasdone, shepi ckedouta
    non-stickpananddr izzledsomeol iveoi lwai ti
    ngf or
    i
    ttoheatup.Mi nutesl ater ,
    shef li
    ppedt hepancake.
    Itl
    ookedgoodandshehopedi tt astedj ustasgood.
    Shecanmakef oodnow.Shewasn’ tentirely
    useless.Shebeamedwi thpr i
    de.Tenmi nut esl ater
    shewasdone.Shepl atedt hepancakesbef oreshe
    washedal lutensil
    susedandmadesur et hekitchen
    wascl ean.Shepi ckedamugandpour edcof fee,
    shepl acedt hemugj ustaf ewi nchesf rom hernose,
    shecoul dbeabar i
    stai fshewant ed.Att hatexact
    moment ,Aust i
    nwal kedi n,hesawt hepancakes
    thenlookedatherwi
    thcof
    feei
    nherhand.She
    doesn’tl
    ist
    en.
    “Mor
    ning.
    ”Hemadehiswaytohert
    okissherand
    hewrappedbot
    hhandsar
    oundthecof
    fee.
    “
    Letthisgo.Thankyoufort
    ryi
    ngtomakebreakf
    ast
    t
    houghIdon’tenti
    rel
    ytr
    ustthati
    ttast
    esasgoodas
    i
    tlooks.
    ”
    “
    Ohyeofl
    it
    tl
    efai
    th!Letgoofmymug.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    awedi
    scussedyourcaf
    fei
    nei
    ntake.
    ”
    “Yout
    oldmeofmycaf
    fei
    nei
    ntakewhi
    chhasnever
    beenaprobl
    em.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    a,nocof
    fee.
    ”
    Shegl aredathim andhelower edhi
    sheadtokiss
    her,Aloraknewi twasadistracti
    onbutshecoul
    dn’t
    helpit.Shekissedhim backandherholdweakened
    onthemug.Het ooki
    tfrom herhandsandbroke
    thekiss.
    “
    You’
    redi
    ff
    icul
    t.
    ”
    “Ihat
    eyou.
    ”Shef
    oldedherar
    msandhechuckled.
    Hepouredt
    hecof
    feeinthesi
    nkandpul
    ledherto
    hi
    m.
    “
    Youl
    ovememoncoeur
    .”Sher
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “DieRober t
    .”Hekissedhertil
    lsherespondedand
    shewr appedherhandsar oundhisneck.Hepi cked
    herupandpl acedheroverthecounterwit
    hout
    breaki
    ngt hekiss.Herhandstravel
    edoverhi sbare
    chestandshemoanedal i
    ttl
    eashesqueezedher
    breast
    s.Abi tsore,herper
    iodwascomi ng.He
    brokethekissandl ookedatherunrulyhairandher
    sli
    ghtl
    yar ousedface.
    “We’
    regoingt
    othedoctor
    .”Shet
    urnedherface.
    Shewasf i
    nebutt
    oprovehim wr
    ongshe’l
    lgothen.
    She’
    l
    ljustgo.
    “I’
    mfine.I’
    m heal
    thyandf i
    ne.Ther
    eisnot
    hing
    wrongwi thme.Letmedown. ”Hekepthert
    here
    anddidn’tmoveani nch.Shewasgetti
    ngpi
    nkby
    thesecond.
    “
    Rober
    t!
    ”
    “
    Breat
    h.”
    “
    Don’
    ttel
    lmet
    obr
    eat
    hwhenyouar
    efor
    cingmet
    o
    gothedoctor,youdenymecoffee.I
    t’
    scof
    feefor
    cryi
    ngoutloud,cof
    fee.Asi
    mplemugofcof f
    ee.”He
    touchedherfaceanditwasheati
    ngup.
    “
    Bat
    hong!Oangr
    yjang.
    ”(
    you’
    resoangr
    y.)
    ‘
    “F*
    ckyou!
    ”
    “Wehavetenmi nut
    estodot hat
    .Doyouwantiton
    theki
    tchenfl
    oororcounter
    ?”Hereyesgrewwider
    andshelaughedwhilel
    ight
    lyhit
    ti
    nghischest
    .
    “
    Wat
    ena.
    ”(
    youannoyme)
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”Hecount
    ered.
    “Jet
    ’ai
    me.”Shesaidwithali
    tt
    lesmi
    le.Hepecked
    herl
    ipsandpickedherup.
    “We’
    llhavebr
    eakfastaf
    terahotshower
    .”Shej
    ust
    agr
    eedwi t
    hthat
    .

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    spl
    aceMooket
    siwasbaski
    ngint
    he
    morni
    ngsunashespoketoBokamoso.
    “Idon’tknow.Wasitt
    hatbadt hatshe’
    snothome?
    Weal lknownothingr
    eall
    yhurtsAlora.Yesshegets
    angryeasilybuti
    t’
    soversmallthi
    ngslikepeopl
    e
    messi ngthearr
    angementofherroom, di
    rtandall
    that.
    ”
    “
    Ever
    yper
    sonhast
    hei
    rli
    mit
    s.”
    “
    SoAl
    orat
    oldyouwhathappened?
    ”
    “Igottoheareveryone’
    sviewpoint
    .Alora,
    mom,
    fatherandReba.”Mooketsichuckl
    ed.Noneoft
    hose
    peoplebother
    edt otel
    lhi
    m.Hehear dfrom
    Bokamoso.
    “
    Alor
    ami
    ghtbeover
    react
    ing.
    ”
    “Sheisn’tbutshejustneedst i
    me.That ’
    sal l.Ihave
    togo.HaveagooddayMox.Sayhit ot hef ami l
    yf or
    me.Bye. ”HehungupandMooket silookedatt he
    screen.He’l
    laskhismot herl
    at eronwhathappened.
    Hewal kedtothehouseandhehear dZar aand
    Rebachat ti
    ngupast ormi ntheki t
    chen.Hesmi l
    ed.
    Theywer eprobablycookingandi nawayi twas
    weirdthathiswifewasmuchcl osertot hesi st
    erhe
    grewupwi t
    hhiswhol el
    ife.I
    roni creall
    yi fyout hink
    abouti
    t.Ever
    yonewasclosetoeveryoneexcept
    hi
    m.Het houghtofcal
    li
    ngAlora.Hedial
    ledher
    numberashewal kedtothebedroom.She
    answer
    edont hefourt
    hring.
    “
    Goodmor
    ningMox.HowcanIhel
    p?”
    “
    Mor
    ningRor
    a,howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “I’
    m al
    iveandbusy.Whatisi
    t?”Shesatdownwit
    ha
    towelwrappedaroundherasshewatchedAust
    in
    getdressed.
    “
    I’
    mint
    ownandIwashopi
    ngwemeet
    .Forl
    unch?
    ”
    “
    Def
    ini
    tel
    y.You’
    real
    oneor
    ?”
    “
    Icamewit
    hZara.
    ”Al
    oranodded.Zar
    agotal ong
    wit
    hRebamor
    e.Shewasjustanobserverofthi
    ngs.
    “
    Alr
    ight
    .Lunchi
    tis,
    around2?
    ”
    “
    Twoi
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sadate.Seeyouatt
    woandhaveagoodday,
    mineal
    readystar
    edonahorr
    ibl
    enote.
    ”Aust
    in
    l
    ookedatherandsheglar
    edback.
    “
    It
    ’sseveni
    nthemor
    ningAl
    ora.
    ”
    “I
    tstart
    edhorri
    blythi
    rt
    ymi nutesagosoyes.Bye
    now.ShouldIsay‘loveyouloads’orwedoi tinthe
    adultwayandmut uall
    yknowwel oveeachother?”
    Helaughed.Shewas…. apieceofwor k.Shewasa
    yearyoungersobasicall
    ytheywer el
    iketwinsbut
    nottwins.
    “
    Iloveyousi
    s.”Hehear
    dachor
    tl
    eandhi
    seyes
    widened.
    “
    Loveyouloadsbrot
    her.Bye.
    ”Shehungupandhe
    l
    ookedatt
    hescreen.Thisaft
    ernooni
    twas.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    51] :REBORN

    127
    Inthecar,
    Austinhadt hatfeel
    ingi nthepitofhis
    stomachthathissuspi ci
    onswer ecorrect
    .Shehad
    rel
    uctant
    lyagreedtogot ot hedoct orandhehadt o
    dropheroffatthelabsbef orehewentt opick
    Hadesupf rom therehabcent re.Sheleanedback
    assheclosedhereyesandyawned.
    “
    Seehowt
    ir
    edIam wi
    thoutcof
    fee?
    ”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    y.
    “
    You’
    l
    lbeokay.
    ”
    “Ineedmycaf fei
    neRober
    t.
    ”Hechuckl
    edand
    kissedhercheekashenavigat
    edt
    hetr
    aff
    ic.Her
    handsrestedonherthi
    ghsassheyawnedagain.
    “We’l
    lbet her einlesst hant hi
    rtyminutes.”She
    noddedst i
    llwitheyescl osed.Thecarwassi lentas
    hestolegl ancesathersl eepi
    ngface.Wi thhersil
    ent
    andhal fasl eepshel ookedsof t.Hewasn’ tgoingto
    tel
    lhert hatbuthel ovedever yfacetofhershe
    showedhi m.Heknewt hatifhesomehowl ost
    himselfsomeday, allhehadt odowasf indherand
    hewillhavehi mselfback.Heki ssedhercheekand
    sheplacedahandonhi scheek.
    “
    Dri
    veplease,weneedtogett
    hisdoctort
    hingoutof
    t
    heway.CoffeeRobert.
    ”Hemovedbackandf aced
    t
    heroadassher el
    easedasof
    tsigh.
    “
    I-
    I’
    m doi
    ngt
    hisr
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Whatr
    ight
    ?”
    “Thi
    sbusi
    nessthi
    ng?If
    inal
    lyhaveunl
    imit
    edfunds
    andIhaveayeart
    obloweveryone’
    smind?”
    “
    You’r
    eexcept
    ionalatwhatyoudo.Youareheadi
    ng
    t
    hethelabst
    oseei ft
    heyfol
    lowedwhatyougave
    t
    hem.”Shechuckled.
    “Thosecosmetol
    ogyandchemist
    ryl
    abscamein
    handy.”Shesai
    dwit
    hasmi l
    einhervoi
    ceasshe
    yawned.
    “
    Theydi
    d.You’
    redoi
    nggr
    eat
    .”
    “Thankyou. ”Shesaidandshest retchedherarms
    andf acedtheotherway,droppingherhead.Her
    hairwasslickedbackandt heydidn’tleaveunlessit
    wast hewayshewant editt
    obe.Heshoul dbe
    thankingher,shetaughthim howt olove,t
    hefirst
    persont ol
    ovehim whenhedi dn’
    tknowhowt o.She
    waski
    ndi
    nherownway.
    “
    Ili
    kedyourpancakes.
    ”Shel
    aughedsof
    tl
    y.
    “Don’
    thumourme.Don’
    tspeakt
    ome.I’mti
    red
    becauseofyou.
    ”Hesmi
    ledandhekeptondri
    ving.

    Twent
    ymi nut
    eslater
    ,hepar
    kedhi
    scarandshe
    l
    if
    tedherheadthenfacedhi
    m.
    “Canwemaket hi
    sfast?
    ”Heunbuckl edherseatbel
    t
    forherandhewat chedhernotsoflatstomach.She
    neverhadaflatstomachtobeginwi t
    hthough.He
    chuckledassheeyedhim withherperfect
    lydone
    makeupandr edli
    ps.Sheopenedt hecardoor.
    “Okaysweethear
    t.
    ”Hegotoutoft hecarandpicked
    herhandbag.Heistaki
    nganythingthatmightbe
    usedasaweaponagai nsthimincaset hi
    ngsgo
    south.Shegotout,
    herheelshit
    ti
    ngthepavement
    andshewai t
    edforhim ashelockedthecarand
    walkedtowhereshewas.
    “
    Myhandbag.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llcar
    ryi
    t.
    ”Sheshr
    uggedashepl
    acedahandon
    t
    hesmal
    lofherbackandt
    heymadet
    hei
    rway
    i
    nsi
    det
    hehospit
    al.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning.I
    sDrTher
    esaDavi
    sin?
    ”
    “
    Mor
    ningMrMat
    hews.Yes.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”HepushedAl
    oraf
    orwar
    dwhowas
    r
    ubbi
    nghereyes.
    “
    Youdi
    dn’
    tmakeanappoi
    ntment
    …”
    “
    I’
    m notl
    ikeyousweet
    hear
    t.
    ”
    “Li
    ar.Li
    ar.
    ”Shesai
    dasheheadedt
    oTessa’
    sof
    fi
    ce.
    Heknockedonthedoor
    .
    “Comei n.”Heopenedt hedoorandsteppedi nside
    withAlora.Tessal ookedupfrom herfi
    les.Shehad
    beenoddl ysur pr
    isedwhenMrMat hewscal led,
    she
    wasn’thisdoct orbutnowhesawt heladybyhi s
    side.TheMat hewsheirhasagirl
    fri
    end?Thatwas
    news.Ever yonet houghthewasasexual ,eventhe
    medi ahadl abell
    edhim assuch.
    “
    MorningDrDavis.
    ”Hepul
    ledt
    hechai
    routforAl
    ora
    whosatdownandheheldherbagi
    nanother.He
    f
    inal
    lysatdown.
    “Hi
    .”Alorasai
    dandshedi
    dn’
    thavepat
    iencet
    ojust
    endthere.
    “Dr,
    ifwecanmaket hi
    sf ast
    , thi
    smanf orcedmet o
    comeher eandswear stherei ssomet hi
    ngwr ong
    wit
    hmewhent herei snoneandhei sdenyi ngme
    coff
    ee.SoI ’
    m hopi ngyoupr ovehi stheori
    eswr ong
    andI’m cl
    earedofwhat everi nvisi
    blesicknesshe
    madeupi nhi sheadandIcanhavemycof fee.
    ”She
    sai
    di nonebr eat
    handTessachuckl ed.Shewasso
    seri
    ousandherf acewasr eal l
    ygrave.Shewas
    beauti
    ful,
    whatt hef uck?
    “
    HiMs?
    ”
    “Moremi.AloraMoremi.”Tessahadtoi nt
    ernal
    ly
    digestt
    hesur name.Couldsheberelatedto
    Rebantl
    e?Pr obabl
    yormaybet heyjustsharedthe
    samesur name.
    “
    Wel
    lMsMor
    emi
    ,l
    et’
    spr
    ovet
    hismanwr
    ongt
    hen.
    ”
    “Thankyou.”Shegl
    aredatAusti
    nandhejust
    placedherbagonhislap.Keepi
    ngal
    lherweapons
    awayf r
    om her.
    “
    Okay.Descr
    ibet
    hel
    astf
    ewweeksoranyt
    hingt
    hat
    pr
    ompt
    edt
    hisvi
    sit
    .”Tessawai
    ted.
    “Mycaffei
    nei
    ntake.Justt
    hat
    .”Austi
    nshookhis
    head.Howdidhevoiceouthi
    ssuspicionswi
    thout
    hergoi
    ngball
    ist
    iconceshecatcheson?
    “Oh.That
    ’sanoddcasebutwe’
    llgot
    hroughr
    out
    ine
    checkupsthen.
    ”Al
    oranodded.

    Thi
    rt
    ymi nuteslat
    er,Tessasatbyherdeskwi th
    Aust
    inwhileAloratookthepregnancytestthatwas
    par
    tofrouti
    ne.Shehadwant edtoarguethatit
    wasn’
    treall
    ynecessary.
    “I
    sitr
    eal
    lycaf
    fei
    ne?
    ”Sheaskedwi
    thal
    ower
    ed
    voi
    ce.
    “No.I
    ’mthi
    nkingpregnancyandhowI ’
    l
    lbebur
    ied
    sixf
    eetunder
    .”Tessachuckledasshewrot
    edown
    onthefi
    leshejustopenedforAl
    ora.
    “We’l
    lseeintenmi nutes.
    ”Alorawalkedoutwit
    hthe
    pregnancysti
    ckint hecontai
    nerandherfacebored
    atthemundanet ask.Sheknewher self
    .Tessagot
    thepregnancytestandwat chedAlorasi
    nkontothe
    chai
    randhergl
    ari
    ngatherboyf
    ri
    end.
    “Nowwewai t.
    ”Shenoddedandf oldedhereyes.
    Shehadal ott
    osaybutshekeptitinsideandglar
    ed
    atAustinwhosmi l
    edather.Minuteselapsedand
    Tessapickedthepregnancyst
    ick.Shekepta
    str
    aightfaceandshelookedatthecoupl e.
    “
    Wel
    lcanIsaywhatIsee?
    ”
    “Andwecangett hi
    scheckupoveranddonewit
    h..
    ”
    woulditbeoveranddonewith?Tessaasked
    hersel
    f.
    “LetmeplaceitheresoIcanexpl
    aini
    ttoyou.”She
    grabbedatissueandplacedi
    tonthedesk.Austi
    n
    keptacal
    m ext er
    iorast
    heybothl
    ookedatthesti
    ck.
    “I
    tshowst wol i
    nes.Asi nglelinemeansit’
    sa
    negativepregnancyt estandt woli
    nesmeansi t
    ’sa
    posi
    tivepregnancyt est.”Alor
    a’sworldst
    opped
    movingandshepl acedherf i
    ngersonhertempleas
    sheclosedhereyes.No!No!No!Thi scan’
    tbe
    happeningt oher.Thisisn’tsupposedtohappento
    her.
    “
    Pregnancyt
    est
    scanl
    ieaswel
    l
    .Itcanbeaf
    alse
    positi
    veand-“what everthedoct orsaidwasn’t
    audibletoAlorawhowast oofargonei nherhead
    assheshooki tmultipl
    et i
    mes.Pr egnant.Posi
    ti
    ve.
    Lit
    tleter
    rorsrunni
    ngar ound.Pushi ngahuman
    being.Questioni
    ngher selfaboutr aisi
    nghuman
    beings.Lit
    tl
    emonst erswhoar egoi ngtorui
    n
    everythi
    ngshear ranged.Noi se.Tear sst
    unginher
    eyes.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    02,
    19:
    51] :REBORN

    128

    Att
    hedoct
    or’
    sof
    fi
    ce,
    Tessast
    oppedt
    alki
    ng
    midwayr eal
    isi
    ngthatAl
    orawasn’tevenli
    steni
    ng.
    Austi
    naskedf oramomentashepl acedherbag
    downandTessagotup.Shel eftheroff
    icetogive
    them space.
    “
    Swee-
    “
    “
    Just
    -ohmyGod!
    ”Herhandswer
    eshaki
    ng.
    “Goddidn’tmakeyoupr egnantAlora.”Sheli
    ftedher
    headatthesoundofhi scockyvoi ce.Hejust
    didn’
    t…hel ookedathermascar awhichwas
    start
    ingt
    or unbecauseoft hetears.Hebreathed
    out.Shelookedlikeshewasj ustaboutreadyt oki
    ll
    him.Hetookherhandandsher emovedi t
    .
    “Ineedt othi
    nkandwena, Rober tAusti
    nf ucking
    Mat hewsdon’ tspeaktome.Don’ tt
    ouchme.Don’ t
    evenbr eath.
    ”Shesai dwithat r
    emul ousvoi ceand
    henodded.Shef annedherfacebutt hetear s
    couldn’tstopandhewant edtoknowwhatwasi n
    herhead.Shest ooduponherf eetandwal kedt o
    hissidetopi ckherhandbagandshewal kedi nt
    o
    thesmal lbathroom intheoffi
    ce.Wasshegoi ngto
    kil
    lhim?Hehasneverbeenanxi ousinhislifeashe
    waswhenshewasi nthatsmal lbathroom f orover
    tenmi nutes.Hest oodonhi sfeetwant i
    ngt ogether
    butt hedooropenedandshewal kedout .Herf ace
    clearofanymakeup.Shemust ’
    veusedt hewi pesin
    herhandbag.Event hefalselasheswer egone.I t
    washercl earfaceandshedi dn’tlooklikeshewas
    i
    nanymoodt otalk.Shesuckedi nabr eathand
    closedhereyes.Shewasokay, shejustneededt o
    think.Tessachoset hatexactmomentt owal kin
    andAl oralookedather .Tessacoul dfeelt he
    tensionont her oom.Someonewasi ntroubl e
    alri
    ghtandshel ookedatAl ora.Sher emovedt he
    makeup?Yoh!Shel ookedyear syoungerwi thoutit
    andshewassobeaut i
    fulaswel l.
    “
    MsMor
    emi
    .”
    “
    DrDavi
    s.Yousai
    dI’
    m pr
    e-“shecoul
    dn’
    tevensayi
    t.
    Tessaj
    ustnodded.
    “Wecandoublecheckwithanultrasound.
    ”She
    noddedwit
    houtlooki
    ngatAustin.Theyallstoodup
    andtheyf
    ollowedTessa.Austi
    nwal kedclosetoher
    andshequickenedherpace.Hewant edtoface
    palm.Theygoti
    ntot
    her
    oom andTessal
    ookedat
    them.
    “Letmegetanewhospi t
    algownf oryoutochange
    i
    ntowhileIgogetatechnici
    an.
    ”Shewal kedtothe
    othersi
    deofthebedandt ookoutahospitalgown.
    “Youhavet obecompl etelynakedunder neathi t
    .”
    Tessaadded.Shepl acedi tont hebedandshe
    walkedout .Al orabreathedi nasshepl acedherbag
    ont hebed, removedherbl azerandunzi ppedt he
    dress.Shewast hankfulithadasi deziporel se
    she’llbef orcedt ospeakt ohi m.Shegotr idoft he
    heelsandhadt oforceher selfnott othinkaboutt he
    fl
    oor s.Sher emovedt hedr ess, foldeditnicely
    foll
    owedbyt hebr aandherpant ies.WhatAust in
    wasseei ngwasn’ tanythingnewsowhyshoul dshe
    hideherbody?Sher emovedt hepl ast
    icwr apperon
    thegownandshewor eit,problem wast hatithad
    tobet i
    edatt hebackandshebi therl owerl ip.
    Aust indidn’thavet obeaskedashest oodbehi nd
    hershor thei ghtt oti
    eitupf orherandheusedt hat
    chancet ohol dherst i
    ffbody.Hehel dherf rom
    behindassher emainedl i
    ket hat.
    “
    Baby…t
    alkt
    ome.
    ”Shedi
    dn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.
    Hebr
    eat
    hedagai
    nstherneck.
    “I
    ’m al
    wayshere.Youcanshoutatme,hitme,have
    mycarsinceyoualreadyhavemyheartandsoul
    buttal
    ktome.”Shedidn’tr
    epl
    yhim andhekissed
    herhead.
    “Iloveyouokay? ”Stil
    lnoresponse.Ther ewasa
    doorknockandsheusedt hatoppor t
    unitytoescape
    hishol dandshepi ckedthefoldedupcl othest o
    placet hem bythebedsi detable.Shepickedher
    shoesf r
    om thef l
    oorast hedooropened.Tessa
    wal kedinwi ththetechnici
    an.Thet echnician
    pushedhergl assesupandshegr eetedever yone.
    Alor anoddedandAust insaidhibackassheand
    Tessast ar
    tedsetti
    ngever yt
    hingup.Aust inst ood
    byAl or
    a’ssideandt hemomentTessasai dshe
    shoul dclimbont hebed, hepickedherupt opl ace
    hert here.
    “Pl
    aceyourlegsonthesti
    rrups,wearegoingtodo
    atr
    ansvaginalul
    tar
    sound.I
    tmakesi teasi
    erto
    det
    ectpregnancyespeci
    all
    yifit
    ’si
    nearlystages.
    ”
    Al
    oraclosedhereyes.Thepr
    obewassani
    ti
    sedand
    t
    henlubri
    cated.
    “Thiswon’thurtbutyouwi l
    lfeelsome
    uncomf ort
    ablepressure,itwon’ttaket oolongand
    wecanobser vemor et hingsusingt histypeofscan,
    youcanl ookatthescr een.Aust i
    nsatdownand
    tookherhandashewat chedhersucki nabreat
    h
    withtearsinhereyes.Dammi t
    !Heki ssedher
    foreheadandmur mur edt oherinFr enchast he
    technici
    aninsert
    edt hepr obe.
    “j
    esuisdésol
    éd'accor
    dmonamour ?“(
    I’
    m sor
    ry
    okaymylove?)hesoothedherassheopenedher
    eyes.
    “Nowifwelookatt
    hescreen..
    ”theybothl
    ookedat
    thescr
    eenashesqueezedherhand,theycoul
    d
    hearasoundandTessasmiled.
    “That
    ’sthehear tbeatandhereont hescreenisyour
    growingfoetus.”Shesai dandtheybothlist
    enedto
    Tessatalk,theheartbeatwasast eadybeatthat
    didn’
    tfi
    llthewhol eroom andTessaexplainedthat
    shewasi ntheear lystagesofpregnancyandt hi
    s
    ul
    tr
    asoundwassaf
    eforbot
    hthemot
    herandbaby.
    “Furt
    hermor e,i
    tlookslikeshei sj ustaboutt oent er
    hernint
    hweekofpr egnancy.We’ l
    lregisterand
    you’l
    lhavetor eportbackher enextweek, thefirst
    tri
    mesterisalwaysdel icat
    e.”Sheaskedmor e
    questi
    onsaboutAl ora’
    ssympt omst hesepastf ew
    weeksandsheanswer edt hedoct orashonest l
    yas
    shecould.Aust i
    ncoul dheari tinAl ora’svoicethat
    shewant edt ocry.Tenmi nutesl ater,theultrasound
    wasdoneandshehadt ochanget oseeTessai n
    heroffi
    ce.Theywer ealoneint her oom andhe
    pull
    edhert ohim.
    “
    Lor
    a…”sheshookherheadandhej
    usthel
    dher
    .
    “
    Tal
    ktome…”
    “I
    ’
    m scared…”thenthewaterworksst
    art
    ed.She
    cri
    edint
    ohisshirtandhepickedherupashesat
    down,herheadonhi schestasshecri
    ed.Runny
    noseandall.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    04,
    08:
    11] :REBORN

    129

    Heki
    ssedherfor
    eheadwhil
    econsol
    ingher.She
    st
    oppedcr
    yingandhejustr
    ubbedherback.
    “
    Bett
    er?”Shenoddedandsl owlyunt
    angl
    edher
    self
    f
    rom hi
    m.Shewi pedhertearsandgotuponher
    f
    eetwit
    hapi nkpuff
    yface.
    Hewat chedherr emovet hehospi t
    algownand
    sl
    owlygetdr essed.Alor
    abl inked.Fuck!Itwasn’
    t
    supposedt ohappenl iket hi
    s,atleastnotnow.She
    breat
    hedoutasshebentdownt owearherheel s.
    Threemi nuteslater,
    het ookherheadandhel dher
    backast heywal kedoutoft her oom.Alor at
    ri
    edto
    keephercomposur e.Sheshoul dn’tevent hinknow.
    Shehadwor kaheadofherandal unchdat ewi t
    h
    herbr ot
    her.Thenshehadt oseehersi st
    erwhowi l
    l
    mostpr obabl ybebusywi t
    hherboyf ri
    endwhowas
    fi
    nal l
    youtofr ehabt oday.Shedi dn’thavet hetime
    ofdayt othinkaboutwhatshewasj ustt
    old, atl
    east
    notunt i
    l7pm t oday.Theywal kedinsi detheof fi
    ce
    andTessasmi led.Shelookedlikeshehadbeen
    crying,herfacegavei taway.She’ llaccepti tandli
    fe
    willmoveon.Hopef ul
    ly.

    *
    **

    Thedrivet
    othelabswasasi l
    entonewithAlora
    whohadhereyescl osed.Thinki
    ngofotherthings
    andnotthepregnancy.Ifsheknew,shewoul dhave
    tookhercompanycaranddr ovehersel
    fafterhe
    droppedheroff
    .Hest oppedbythegateandl ooked
    ather.
    “Tom i
    savailabl
    etoday,
    cal
    lhi
    mtopickyouupokay
    sweethear
    t?”Shenoddedasheki
    ssedhercheek
    andsheundi dherseatbel
    tandgotoutoft hecar.
    Hesighed.Hewat chedherpr esst
    hei nt
    ercom
    wait
    ingforthegatetoopenf orher.He’l
    lseeherat
    homer i
    ght?Hewant edtohearmor eofwhatwas
    onhermi nd.Shesteppedinsideandhedr oveoff
    .

    *
    **

    Attherehabcent r e,Hadesl i
    stenedt othe
    counsell
    orwhowentoverwhatemphasi sedt hei
    r
    thr
    eemont hsoft herapyandsobr iet
    y.Hej ust
    wantedtol i
    ve,hecoul dn’
    tstayi nthisbubble
    for
    everandhecoul dn’twaittoseehi sfavouritegir
    l.
    Thatwast hehi ghlightofhislife,evenwhenhi s
    ski
    eswer edar kshewashi ssunshi ne.Hisonl yl
    ight
    sohecoul dn’twai ttoseeher ,hugherandj ust
    spendther estofhi slifewi
    thher .Thinkingofher
    madehi m smi l
    e.
    “
    Thatisitandgoodluckonyourj
    ourney.Thecent
    re
    i
    salwaysthereforever
    ythi
    ngandanythi
    ngyou
    mightneed.
    ”Henodded.Thecounsell
    orsmil
    edas
    heshookHades’handandhewal kedout.Hades
    l
    ookedatthebaghehadpacked.Aust i
    nshouldbe
    hereanymomentfrom now.Tenmi nut
    eslater
    ,
    ther
    ewasadoorknockandhest oodup.Thedoor
    openedandhegavehim asmile.
    “
    Final
    ly.Beenwai
    ti
    ngl
    ove.
    ”Aust
    inchuckl
    ed.
    “
    Iwasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    oabandonyoudar
    li
    ng.Done?
    ”
    “Sur
    e.”Hepickedhisbagast heywalkedoutoft he
    room andAustinaskedquesti
    onswhi chhe
    answered.HadesaskedaboutRebaandAust i
    n
    gavehim updateswhichhehadgottendi rect
    lyfr
    om
    Alor
    aandyest erdayAlor
    adidconfi
    rmt hatReba
    wouldbeonherwayt oseeHadessot hatwas
    sort
    ed.
    HadesstoppedonthewayandlookedatAusti
    n.He
    di
    dn’thavetodoal
    lthatsi
    ncehegotthegi
    rl
    .
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “Youknowyoudon’thavetogooutofyourwayf
    or
    me.Yougotthegir
    landall.
    ”Aust
    insl
    ippedhi
    s
    handsinhi
    spantspockets.
    “Youhaveapoi nt.Ihavenomor alobli
    gat i
    on
    whatsoevert obeassi st
    ingyouwithever yt
    hingbutI
    wantt o.It
    ’snotaboutLor a.
    ”Hadesnoddedsl owly.
    Ashehadoncet hought,Rebahadbeent heonly
    persont ocareforhi mli
    kethat
    .Hisf at
    her
    dismissedhispr oblem andAusti
    nwast heonewho
    wentt hroughthest epsofhavi
    nghi m admi t
    tedinto
    rehab.
    “Don’
    tcal
    lherLora.Idon’
    twanttosuddenl
    ythi
    nk
    shehasaheart.
    ”Aust i
    nchuckl
    ed.
    “
    She’
    l
    lki
    llyoui
    fshehear
    sthat
    .”
    “
    Luckil
    yIdon’
    thavet
    oseeher….
    ”Aust
    inkepton
    wal
    kingasHadesfol
    lowed.
    “Actual
    ly,youdohavet oseeher.”Hadesr ai
    sedan
    eyebrow.Heknewhecoul dli
    vealonebuthewas
    scaredofr elapsi
    ngandt hecounsell
    ordidsayi t
    wasn’tagoodi deatobealone.Loneli
    nessi nsome
    form wil
    lmakehi m over
    thi
    nkandhemi ghtbreak
    hissobriety.SofarhehadAnt abusepill
    swi thhi
    m
    totakeever ydayandhewassur etheytoldAusti
    n
    aboutitalthoughhedi dn’
    tquesti
    onhim.I twaskind
    ofsurpri
    singthataguyyoungert
    hanhi
    m coul
    dbe
    wiserthanhim.
    “
    Elabor
    ate….
    ”
    “Shel
    iveswi
    thmeandIhavemot
    heri
    nthehouse
    aswell…”
    “
    That
    ’saf
    ullhousebutokay.
    ”
    “You’r
    ecomf ort
    ablewiththat?”Hadesshoul
    dbe
    askinghimt hat
    .Austi
    nunl ockedhecarandhe
    openedt hebacktothrowint hebagasAusti
    ngoti
    n
    thedriver’
    sseat.Hegotinsidethecar
    .
    “It
    hinkso.Thankyou.Forever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”Aust
    in
    smiledashestart
    edthecar.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’shouse,Rebastyl
    edherlocsandshe
    smil
    edasshel ookedatthemir
    ror.Shewaswaiti
    ng
    onZarasot heycango.Thedoorburstopenand
    Zar
    awal kedin.
    “
    Hi,
    wehaveapr
    obl
    em.
    ”
    “
    Okay.Thatdoesn’
    tsoundgood.
    ”
    “Moxsayshei smeeti
    ngAl oraandhei staki
    ngthe
    car,
    hecandr opusoffatlunchandhe’ l
    lpickusup
    aft
    erhislunchdat
    ewithAl or
    aorbet t
    eryetwecan
    j
    ointhem.”Rebafacepalmed.Shel ovedher
    si
    bli
    ngsbutno.No!Shewant edtoseeHades, t
    he
    l
    oveofherl i
    feandbeinhisembr ace.Alorahasher
    man, Zar
    ahasherhusbandandshewant edtosee
    Hades.Simpleasthat
    .
    “Okay.Let
    ’sdr
    opit.Mamaotlaomanahel a.I’
    m
    goingtoseeHades.(
    mom wi
    lljustgetangryatme)
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”
    “Yeah!Hundr edper centsur
    e.Hadesi snotthe
    vil
    lai
    nevent houghshemakeshi m outtobeone.
    Aloraisnotthevi l
    lain,I
    ’
    m notthevil
    lai
    n.Noonei s
    thevill
    ainhere,everyoneneedspsychologicalhelp.
    Simpl easthat.
    ”Wi ththatRebabreathedinandout .
    Shehadagoodf eelingaboutt
    his.Forthefirstt
    ime
    i
    nherl i
    fe,
    shefeltlikeshewasheadedsomewher e
    andt hatsomewher ewasagoodpl ace.Ahappy
    pl
    ace.
    “I
    ’llexplai
    nonceIcomebackbutt hankyouso
    muchf ortheeffort
    .”ShehuggedZar abeforeshe
    pickedherbagandwal kedout .Zarahuggedher self
    .
    Shewasaski ngher selfwhenshewasgoi ngt otell
    Hades.Tomor rowwasaSat urdaysomaybet hen
    she’llt
    ellhim aboutthei rbl
    oodr elat
    ion.NowReba
    wasexci t
    edtoseehi m andsheshoul dn’
    truinthat.
    Shesuckedi nabr eath, shebet t
    ergojoinher
    husbandf orl
    uncwi thhi ssister.Maybethatwoul d
    beachancet ogetcl oset oherot hersist
    erinlaw.
    Theywer eroughlythesameagesoi tshouldbef un.
    Shel aughedather self.Whowassheki dding,Alora
    wasnotf un.Inanyway.RI Pher .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    04,
    08:
    11] :REBORN

    130

    HadesmadeAusti
    nstopont hewaybyat at
    too
    par
    lour
    .Austi
    nrai
    sedaneyebrow,i
    ntr
    iguedwhy
    Hadeswouldwantatat
    too.
    “Don’
    tevenask,i
    fpossi
    blegetoneyoursel
    f.
    ”He
    saidandAusti
    ngaveabur geoni
    nggri
    n.
    “
    Isthi
    salet
    ’smatchandgett
    hesameki
    ndof
    t
    att
    oosdarl
    ing?
    ”
    “
    Ofcour
    sel
    ove.AndannoyAl
    orai
    nthepr
    ocess.
    ”
    “
    Youalwayswantt
    oannoymygi rl
    fr
    iend,Iwon’
    tbe
    l
    iabl
    etoanybl
    oodshe’
    dthathappens.”
    “Trustme,Iknowbet
    ter
    .”Hel
    aughedasheundi
    d
    hisseatbelt
    .
    “Iwon’
    tbelong.”Hesaid.Aust
    innoddedasHades
    gotoutofthecarandAustindi
    alledAlora.Her
    phonejustrangunansweredti
    lli
    tstoppedgoing
    throughont hethir
    dt ry.Shepr obablyswi tcheditoff
    .
    Heheadedt ohisiMessagest osendheravoi ce
    note.Hesenti tandhel eanedback.Het hensenta
    l
    inkaswel ltoasong, heknewshewasgoi ngto
    l
    isteneveni fshemi ghtnotr eply.Hewasr ighthere,
    shewaswel lwithi
    nherr ightstobescar edabout
    thepregnancyandheunder stoodt hat.Shewas
    alsoanobsessi vecompul si
    ve,hermi ndwasgoi ng
    toobsessovert henegat ivesoft heirpregnancyand
    i
    twasgoi ngt omessupwi thherpsychl eadingto
    hercompul sionsfl
    ar i
    ng.Fuck!Hecal ledhi sdri
    ver.
    “
    MrMat
    hews.
    .”
    “
    Tom.HasAl
    oracal
    led?
    ”
    “
    Notyetsi
    r.
    ”
    “
    Letmeknowwhenshecal
    ls.
    ”
    “Ofcour
    sesir
    .”Hehungupandt
    ri
    edcal
    li
    ngher
    agai
    n.Herphonewasoff
    .

    Meanwhi
    leinsi
    dethet
    att
    ooparlour
    ,Hadessat
    downonthechair
    .Hehadthoughtaboutt
    hisandi
    t
    wasgoi
    ngtobehi sfi
    rstt
    att
    oo.Ithadameaning
    andsomehow, maki
    ngitpastt
    hreemonthssober
    wasanachievementonhispart
    .
    “Iwoul
    dli
    keatat
    too.”Hi
    sbri
    tt
    levoi
    cesai
    dandthe
    manwhohadashi tdozenoft
    att
    oosador
    ninghi
    s
    armsnodded.
    “Whatdesi gn?”Hadesjustsai dthesemi colonon
    hiswr ist,
    itwasenoughf orthetattooarti
    stto
    under stand.Thewer en’tgoi
    ngt otakemucht i
    me
    sincet hedesignwassi mpl eandf ast.Hades
    stretchedhi sarm asthear t
    istsatont hechairnext
    tot heoneHadeswassi tt
    ingon.Hadeswat ched
    himt akeouthi smachi nes,cleanandst eri
    li
    seit
    bef oreheswi t
    chedt hemachi neont wentymi nutes
    l
    at eraftermaki ngsureitwasr eall
    yclean.Hewas
    sur ethepai nwasn’tenought osur passthe
    emot ionalpainhehadbeenf orhiswholelif
    e.

    *
    **

    Rebat
    ri
    edt
    ocal
    lAl
    ora.Herphonewasn’
    tgoi
    ng
    thr
    oughandshewonder edwhy.Shest oodinf ront
    ofAustin’shouse.Whati fshewasear l
    y?Shewas
    sureshemi ghtbeormaybeHadeswaswai ti
    ngf or
    herandhadhi sarmsopenf orher .Shedidn’twant
    tobotherAust i
    n.Hepr obablyisbusyandbesi des
    shewasher eforHades.Shepr essedont he
    i
    ntercom andwai t
    ed.Herhear tleaptinherchestas
    thegatesl i
    dopenandshest eppedi nsi
    detheyar d.
    Wellwow!Shej usthadthedi recti
    onst othehouse
    andshehadneverbeenher e.Shewal kedtot he
    doorandknocked.Awomani nanur seuniform
    openedt hedoor .Rebasmi l
    ed.
    “
    Hi,
    I’
    m her
    eforHades.
    .”t
    henur
    sef
    rowned.
    “
    Hades?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Uhm Aust
    inwassupposedbr
    inghi
    m.”
    “
    Oh.Ihavenoidea.YoumayhaveaseatandI’
    llcal
    l
    MrMathewstoconfir
    m.Whoshoul
    dIsayislooking
    f
    orHades?”
    “Rebant
    le.
    ”Shesteppedinsi
    dethehouseandsat
    onthecouch.Shelookedaround.I
    twas
    i
    mmacul at
    e.Shepickedherphoneandwent
    thr
    oughthepi
    ctur
    esshehadwithHades.She
    shoul
    dcontai
    nherexci
    tement
    .Thenursecame
    backandgaveherasmile.
    “Hesaysyoucanwai
    t.Theyareonthei
    rway.”Reba
    nodded.Thi
    swashappeni
    ng.Shelaughedi
    ntoher
    hands.

    *
    **

    Aust
    insawHadesmakehi
    swayt
    othecarandhe
    goti
    nsi
    de.
    “
    Done?
    ”
    “Yes.Hesaysitshoul
    dheali
    naf
    ewdaysandt
    hank
    youonceagain.”
    “Weshouldgethomeassoonaspossi ble.”Aust
    in
    saidashestartedthecar.Hadesbuckl
    edupand
    closedhi
    seyes.Thewhol eridetoAust
    in’shouse
    wasquietandhewasst i
    llt
    ryingt
    okeephi s
    thought
    sclear.Thegatesli
    dopenandhedr ove
    i
    nsidetheyard.
    “I
    ’l
    lhavetoleaveyouhere.Mymot herisdownstai
    rs
    wit
    hhernurse, t
    heroom youusedisstil
    lthesame
    one.Welcomeback.”Theyshoulderbumpedand
    Hadesletoutabitt
    erlaugh.Theworldhadclearl
    y
    movedonandhehopedi twasgoi
    ngt ogetbett
    er
    fr
    om here.
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    “Sure.
    ”Hadespi ckedhi sbagf r
    om thebagandhe
    gotoutoft hecar .Hecl osedt hecardoorand
    watchedt hecarr everseoutoft heyard.Hesal ut
    ed
    andAust insalutedbackast hegateclosedoncet he
    carwasout .Hewal kedt ot hehouse.Heshoul d
    chargehi sphoneonceheget sinsi
    deandcal lReba.
    Rebawast hef i
    rstpersonhei scalli
    ngandshewas
    thefir
    stper sonhewaspl anningonseei ng
    tomorrow.Heopenedt hedoorandhedi dn’teven
    makei tt hreestepsi nsi
    det hehousewhenhi sshar p
    gazest oppedonRebawhol ookedup.Hereyes
    widenedt henf i
    ll
    edwi tht earsasshesl owlyst ood
    upandhedr oppedhi sbag.Rebadi dn’
    tholdback
    assher ant ohim andf lungher sel
    fathim.Li keold
    ti
    meshepi ckedherupandshewr appedherl egs
    ar
    oundhi
    stor
    soashesupportedherbodyby
    pl
    aci
    nghi
    sarmsbel
    owherflatbutt
    .
    “Hii
    ii
    iii
    ….”Shebreathedagainsthisearandhe
    i
    nhal edherscent.Hisbestgirlwasinhisarms.The
    tear
    swer esocl
    oseashehel dhertight
    lyandshe
    smiledintohisneck.
    “Hil
    ove.”HebreathedandReba’sheartcombust
    ed.
    Shelovedhim.Itwasl i
    keoldti
    mes.Rebaand
    Hades.HadesandReba.Onl yt
    hist
    imetheywere
    bett
    erandstronger.Sober
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *

    Nextonewi
    llbeup Ihadal
    ongdayguys.
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    31] :REBORN
    131

    Hadesfi
    nal
    lyletherdownonherf eetbuthepi
    cked
    herupandspunherar oundasshegi ggl
    ed.
    Secondsl
    aterhegenuinelyputherdown.
    “Hellobaby.”Shesaidagai n.Sheki ssedhischeek
    beforeshewentf orhisl i
    ps.Heki ssedherbackand
    shewr appedherhandsar oundhi sneckashehel d
    herwai st.Shewasbubbl ingwi t
    hl ovef orthi
    sman.
    Thisman.Thi sonei npar t
    icul
    ar.Theyl ockedeyes
    forsecondsandi tfel
    tlikeeternit
    yasshesmi led
    andhegavehert hatknowi ngsmi leofhi s,all
    handsomeandcyni cal.Shechuckl edandl ooked
    theot herway.Hadescoul dseet hatshel ooked
    l
    ively.Itwasabeaut i
    fulsighttobehol d.
    Shef
    acedhi
    m andgr
    inned.
    “ThereissomuchIwantt oupdateyouon…”t he
    smilebrokeonhisli
    ps.TrustRebatofi
    llhi
    mi non
    everyt
    hingthathasbeengoingonandhewassur e
    shewasn’ tgoi
    ngtoleaveanydetai
    lout
    .Hel etgoof
    herwaistandt
    ookherhandasheledhertothe
    sofas.Hi
    sbagwasstil
    lbythedoorandsherol
    led
    hereyes.Shel
    etgoofhishandandpickedt
    hebag.
    “Youf
    orgott
    his.
    ”Shesaidandhesmi
    led.Shedi
    d
    payat
    tent
    iontodet
    ail
    stoo.
    “
    I’
    m al
    lear
    slove.
    ”
    “Okay.Alothashappened.AlotImeanalot
    .It
    ’s
    l
    ikeyouskippedfivechapt
    ersofabookwabona
    andnowever yt
    hingisconfusi
    ng.I
    ’
    m her
    etoclear
    theconfusi
    on.”
    “Ofcourseyouwil
    llove.You’
    resunshine,
    itcl
    ear
    s
    thecl
    oudsaf t
    erastorm.”Shegri
    nnedmor eashe
    heldherhandwhil
    ehel edhertotheroom heused
    i
    nAust i
    n’shouse.
    “
    That
    ’scut
    e,Iwonderwhyyoul
    oveme.
    ”
    “
    Becauseyou’
    remadef
    orme.
    ”Shest
    oppedt
    alki
    ng
    t
    henresumed.
    “True.True.Ther
    ehasn’
    tbeenamomentwhenI
    didn’tl
    oveyou.”
    “
    Toget
    her
    .”
    “
    Allt
    het
    ime.Wher
    ewasI
    ?Uhokayt
    het
    ea.
    ”
    Helaughedasheopenedt hedoorandi
    twasas
    exact
    lyashelef
    tit
    .Itseemedli
    kenooneenter
    edi
    t
    si
    nceheleft
    .
    Rebapl acedt hebagont hefloorandsatont hebed.
    Itwassocomf ortabl
    e.Shouldshest artwi
    ththe
    dramaathome?Orwhatt hedoct orsaidabouther
    body?Whi chone?Andt herewasmor eshehadt o
    say,from hert herapysessionstohersoci almedia
    toheragr eeingt obepartofAl ora’sbrand.Shewas
    sti
    llgoingt otalkandshedi dn’tevenwantt ogo
    home.
    Hesatnextt
    oherandpul
    ledhert
    ohi
    m.
    “You’
    remybestf
    ri
    end.
    ”Shesai
    dandheki
    ssedher
    head.
    “
    You’
    remi
    net
    oo.Wechangedsubj
    ect
    s?”
    “Noooo!!I
    t’
    sal ot
    .Bepreparedtobeshockedand
    all
    .KanakogoMor emithi
    ngshappen.Letmest art
    theupdatefrom whenyouleft,ourl
    astvi
    sitwas
    shortandtherewasnor oom todiscusspeopl
    e.”
    “
    Okay.WhenIl
    eft
    …”
    “Ehe!Kanaf
    rom t
    her
    eyouknowMoxhasawi
    fe.
    Zara.”
    “
    Irememberher
    ..
    ”
    “Mom accept
    editj
    ustfi
    ne,theyarefriendsIt
    hink.
    Okayt
    heygetalongjustfi
    ne.ThenAl orakeyooshe
    hasaboyfri
    end,
    yourfri
    endAustin.”
    “Iknow.Di
    dshegetoverherf
    earofi
    nti
    macy?
    ”
    Rebachuckled.
    “
    Ohoo?
    ”(you’
    rest
    il
    lther
    e?)
    Hadeswasl ostasRebapl acedahandonhi schest.
    Shelovedthathewasr eal
    lyattenti
    vetohergossip
    andallt
    hepipinghotteashespi l
    ledevenwhent hey
    wereaddict
    s,hehasal waysbeenat tent
    ivetoher.
    Li
    keeverywor dshesaidwasgol denevent hough
    shespurt
    edoutnonsensemostoft heti
    me.
    “
    Shegotovert
    hat
    .Thankst
    oAust
    in.
    ”Hades
    l
    aughed.
    “Yourl
    it
    tl
    edemonsi
    ster
    ?Theonewhogavesti
    ff
    hugsandsani
    ti
    sedever
    ythi
    ngt
    hatcamei
    nto
    contactwit
    hher?Gotoveri
    t?Likeeveni
    fshecoul
    d
    tol
    eratehugsbutmorethanthat?
    ”
    “You’
    llbesur
    prised.Theyevenl i
    vetoget
    her.Buthe
    l
    ovesherjustli
    ket hat
    .Eveniftheynevertouchin
    publi
    candeveryt i
    mehehol dshersheseemsal oof.
    Theygeteachot herIguess.Fuckingner
    ds.”Hades
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Cur
    singdoesn’
    tsui
    tyou.
    ”Shegi
    ggl
    ed.
    “Ehe, shegotovert hat.ThenImanagedt ochange
    therapists.Ihaveanewone.DrVi oletCarson.Il
    ove
    her,shei ssowar m andshel i
    stenstome.She
    doesn’ tt
    hinkI’m cr
    azyandsheknowsi t
    ’snotmy
    faultIwasal wayssexual lyassaulted.Shesaid
    someonecl osetoherhasCSAt raumaandal t
    hough
    i
    twi llnevergoaway, I
    ’
    m st r
    ongerthant hat.
    ”He
    kissedherf orehead.
    “You’r
    emoret hant hatReba.You’
    remor
    ethan
    everyt
    hingthattr
    iedt obreakyou.
    ”Shel
    ookedupat
    him andpeckedhi slips.
    “Shebeli
    evesinme.ShesaysI’
    m str
    ong,itmi
    ght
    notbethekindofst
    rengt
    hotherpeoplehavebut
    shebelievesinme, l
    ikeapi xie.
    ”Hersmilewasso
    contagiousandhecoul dn’ thelpbutsmileathi
    sgir
    l.
    Fuckhel ovedhertot hemoonandneverback.She
    couldpossesshi sentir
    ebei ngandhewoul dn’
    t
    haveapr oblem wit
    ht hat.Hewasconsumedbyher ,
    eversincetheyfir
    stmett hatdayandt heybecame
    fr
    iends.
    “Somovingon, shehadmeseeadoct or
    .Amedi cal
    doctor
    .Hernamei sTessa.Sheisalsoniceaswel l
    ,
    sheismydoct ornow.Wel lTessatoldmeIhad
    ovari
    ancysts.
    ”Hi ssmiledimini
    shed.Shetouched
    hischeekandshookherhead.
    “Okaybesi
    destheanor exia,shesaidIhavetohave
    surger
    y.It
    hinkit
    ’snextweekt ohavethem removed.
    Theyhavebeenobser vingthem butthatwil
    lbeit.
    Thecystsareoneovar ysomyot heroneissafe.I
    havebeentryi
    ngtogai nheal t
    hyweightandI ’
    m
    awayfrom scal
    esandhavebeenavoi di
    ngmypast
    modelpict
    ureswhereIobsessedoverwei ght.I
    knowIlookscrawnybuti t’
    sokay.”
    “
    Howdidyoufeelaboutt
    hecysts.Expl
    ainthatt
    o
    meandever
    ythi
    ng.”Shesuckedinabreathasshe
    gavehimt heshortversionofwhat everTessat ol
    d
    him.Howt heanorexiacoul daff
    ectherf er
    til
    it
    y.Well
    ofcourse,shedidn’
    ttellhi
    m shewant edkidsin
    futur
    e.They’l
    lseehowi tgoesint wot othreeyears
    from now.Helockedhi sli
    psashel i
    stened.
    Mentallydi
    gesti
    ngwhathi sgir
    lf
    ri
    endwassayi ng.
    “Thatisthat.Uhm ther
    eisal ot.Idon’
    tsleepwal
    ka
    l
    otandDrVsai dshei sprobablygoingtoputmeon
    anti
    -depressantsnextweek, Ihavebeenshowing
    progressbutIhavet otakethepi l
    lswit
    hconstant
    moni t
    ori
    ng, t
    hedrugaddi ct
    ionthingthi
    ngbutsof ar
    sogood. ”
    “I
    ’m onAnt abuse.”Shenodded.Pil
    lshetakessohe
    cancont rolt
    heurget odri
    nk.Sheknewhowmuch
    hedr unkandondaysshewasn’ tonahigh,she
    usedt omakehi m shotstotakeawaythehangover
    whenhewokeupaf t
    erhedrankhimsel
    fintoa
    stupor.Theywer ereall
    yeachother
    ’sbestfri
    end.
    Shesmi led.
    “Ihavemoretosaybutl
    et’
    senjoyt
    hissi
    lencefor
    tenminutesbef
    oreweconti
    nue.Hol
    dmet ightand
    neverletmego.
    ”
    Heheldherandheclosedhi
    seyes.Heshoul
    dst
    ay
    sober
    .Forthi
    sgi
    rlhere.

    *
    **

    Mooket siandZar asatbyt heout sidechai r


    soft he
    rest
    aur ant .Zarahel dhishandast heywai t
    edf or
    Aloratoshowup.Mooket silookedathi swat ch.
    Aloraisneverl at
    e.Shewasusual l
    yont imef or
    everythingsot hi
    swasunusualofhert onotshow
    upont i
    me.Theywai t
    edf orfivemor emi nutesand
    that’
    swhent heysawhermakeherwayt ot he
    rest
    aur ant .Meanwhi l
    eAlor ahadsati nthecarwi th
    herboyf riend’sdriverasshef annedherf ace
    waiti
    ngf orittolookcl oset onor mal.Nopi nk
    cheeksf rom cr yi
    ng.Nor edbl otchesfrom her
    excessivehandwashi ngaf t
    ershewasdonef r
    om
    thesiteandt helabs.Shehadbeennor malas
    possible.Wel lherr egularself.Shehadgot tent he
    report
    sandnowshehadt heweekendt owor konit
    butthef at i
    guewasheavyonher .Shepromi sedher
    brothershewoul dmeethi m andshedi dn’tli
    ke
    breakingpr omises.Shewasever ythi ngbutshe
    couldn’tbr eakpr omisesf orthel if
    eofher .Asshe
    walkedt owar dtherestaurantherhandssmoot hed
    overherst omach.Justbr iefl
    ybef or eshedr opped
    them andshel ookedar oundt illshesawhi m.Wel l
    hewasn’ talone.Thatwasokay.Sheguessed.She
    walkedovert othei
    rtableandshet ookouther
    wipesf rom t hebagandwi pedherseatbef oreshe
    satdown, shepl acedt hebagont het abl
    eandshe
    wasconf li
    ct edonwher etot hrowt heusedwi pe.
    Mooket sisuckedi nabr eat h.Thiswasgoi ngt otake
    ti
    me.Al or asai dhiandexcusedher self
    .Shewal ked
    awayandZar asighed.
    “
    Issheal
    waysl
    iket
    his?Thechai
    rwasj
    ustf
    ine.
    ”
    “I
    ’m al
    readyusedt oi
    t.
    ”Zaraleanedback.Thechair
    wasabsol utelyf i
    ne.I
    fitwasanyt hi
    ngitmightbea
    speckofdust .Theywai t
    edforAlorawhocame
    backmi nutesl aterwi
    thherhandssl i
    ghtl
    ypink.
    Mooketsiqui etlyobservedher.Shedidn’
    tseem l
    ike
    hersel
    f.
    “
    Hiagai
    n.Myapol
    ogi
    esf
    orbei
    ngl
    ate.
    ”Shesai
    d
    qui
    ckl
    yandl
    ookedatt
    hem.
    “We’lli
    t’sokay.Howar eyou?
    ”Thathowar eyou
    caughtherof fguar d.Howwasshe?Shewasst il
    l
    shockedt hatshei scarryi
    ngafucki
    nghumanbei ng
    i
    nsideofherandt her ewasnothi
    ngshecoul ddo
    abouti tbecauseshewasnotamur dererandall
    shehadwassel fdoubtinherabi
    li
    ti
    esand
    everythingshehasl ear
    ntwhil
    egrowingup.That
    shehadt hebiggestdealandshewasn’ teven
    establi
    shedbutshehadababyont heway.One
    thatwoul dbeher einsevento8mont hsf r
    om her
    e.
    Shedi dn’tknowhowshewas.
    “
    I’
    m okaydearbr
    other
    .”Thatwashercar
    eful
    r
    esponse.
    “Ar
    eyousur e?I
    sitbecauseyoumisshomeand
    youjustpr
    etendtobeokay?”Shedidn’
    tneedt
    his.
    Sheplacedthemenudown.
    “
    Iam okay.MoxIam f
    ine!Aokayokay?Keshar
    po!
    ”
    “RoraI’
    m notf
    ight
    ing.”Hesaidcalmly.Zaral
    ooked
    atAlor
    aandMooket si.Why’
    sasshef l
    ippi
    ngover
    nothi
    ng?Shecouldn’tevenunderst
    and.
    “Iknow.
    ”Shesaidslowl
    y.Sheneedstogetagr
    ipon
    heremoti
    ons.Sherubbedhereyesandl
    ookedat
    themenu.
    “
    Shoul
    dweor
    der
    ?”
    “Ofcourse.”Mooketsisai
    dandtheyal
    lpl
    acedthei
    r
    orders.Mooketsifr
    om ther
    eengagedi
    nli
    ght
    conversati
    onwi t
    hAlorawhoseemeddist
    ract
    edby
    herownt houghtsbutansweredandwashalf
    present.
    “
    Alor
    a,nowthatyou’
    redonewit
    hschoolhaveyou
    t
    houghtaboutf
    indi
    ngajob?”Al
    orapaused.
    “Notreal
    ly.
    ”Zaranodded.Wasshegoi
    ngtoli
    veof
    f
    herboyfr
    iend?EveryoneknewAust
    inwasr
    ichand
    notjustt
    her egul
    arkindofr
    ich.
    “
    Butwhatwi
    llyoudoi
    ngi
    nthemeant
    ime?
    ”
    “
    Tryt
    obui
    ldabusi
    ness.
    ”
    “
    Buti
    sn’
    ta9-
    5jobabet
    terwayt
    ogetaheadst
    art
    ?”
    “Formostpeopl
    eiti
    s.Formeit
    ’snot
    .Idon’twantto
    beundertheaut
    hori
    tyofsomeoneel
    se,I’
    dratherbe
    theal
    phaandleaderofmyownestabl
    ishment
    whichfol
    lowsmyrul
    esandter
    ms.Ever
    yonehas
    di
    ff
    erenti
    deasaboutwhatt
    heywantt
    odo.”
    “
    Accept
    abl
    ebutt
    hef
    undi
    ng?
    ”
    “Ithi
    nkthati sapr obl
    em IshouldworryaboutZar a.
    ”
    Aloraclosedt hatsubjectoffj
    ustasthewai t
    er
    broughtt heirfood.Shetookasipoftheor ange
    j
    uiceandshookherhead.Shecal l
    edthewai t
    erto
    placeanor derforadiff
    erentki
    ndofjuice.Maybe
    applejuicewi llbebett
    er.Shelookedatherplate
    andshedi dn’twanttosmi l
    ebutshebar el
    yate
    anythi
    ngal lday.
    “
    Whenar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    otal
    ktomom?
    ”
    “Mooket
    si.Nott
    oday.Wespokeandwer
    eacheda
    concl
    usi
    on.”
    “ButAl
    oradon’
    tyout
    hinkyoubl
    ewi
    toutof
    propor
    ti
    on.
    ”
    “Hmm. .Thinkwhatyout hink.Idon’
    twanttoexpl ai
    n
    thatIdidn’tl
    ikebei ngcall
    edt r
    ashandevent houghI
    nevershowedi t,Ididn’
    tli
    keitandno, don’
    ttellme
    I’
    m overreacting.Haveyoubeencal l
    edan
    ungratefultwat?Ort rash?”Mooketsikeptquiet.
    “Haveyoubeentol
    dyoumightbi
    rt
    hli
    tt
    lebast
    ards?
    ”
    Zarawastakenbyhowcal
    m Alor
    aseemed.
    Knowingherownweaksel
    fshewouldhavebeenin
    tear
    s.
    “Exactly.Don’tdi
    ct atehowI ’
    m supposedtohandle
    that.Iforgaveyourmot herassheexpl ai
    nedthat
    shei snotmi neandIunder stoodthefavourshedid
    formeandpr i
    vil
    egeshegaveme.Canwenothave
    thisdiscussionnow?Becausei fwearehereto
    discusst hatIwillgladl
    ywal kawayf r
    om thisl
    unch
    dateandIcameher etospendt imewithmybr ot
    her.
    Let’snotr ui
    nthat .
    ”Shepi ckedherforkandmoved
    i
    tar oundt heplate.
    “Iunderst
    andt
    hat
    .Butsomedaywewi
    llhavet
    o
    discussit
    .”
    “Hopefullysomedayi syearsaway. ”Shesai dand
    Mooket sitookasipofhisjuice.Theyal lstarted
    eatingast heymovedontosaf ertopicsl i
    keher
    graduationdayandl i
    ghttopicsthatdidn’tinvolve
    highemot ions.Oncethelunchwasover ,
    Al or
    a
    pickedherbagandshest oodonherf eet.She
    squeezedMooket si
    ’
    sshoulderwhoi gnoredt hat
    andst
    oodupt
    ohugher
    .
    “
    We’
    l
    ltal
    kyeah?
    ”
    “
    Anyt
    ime.Justcal
    l.Loveyout
    oo,
    don’
    tsqueezet
    he
    l
    if
    eoutofme.”
    “Orwhat
    ?”Shechuckl
    edandhewassur
    pri
    sedyet
    agai
    n.Shewaschuckl
    ing?
    “Imightr
    eal
    lypunchyouf
    orspi
    ll
    ingwat
    eronmy
    novelwhenIwas16.”
    “It
    houghwewer eoverthat.
    ”Hesaid,shehadbeen
    soangryandherfacewasal lpi
    nkasshehuffed
    andpuffedwit
    hamur derousgaze.Hehadbeen
    quit
    eamusedasshesai doutallthewaysshecan
    kil
    lhi
    mf ort
    hat.
    “Don’tt
    ryme….
    ”Helaughedandrubbedherbackas
    sherubbedhi
    sforafewsecondsbefor
    eherhand
    dropped.
    “
    Youcanl
    etgonow.
    ”Hel
    etgoofher
    .
    “
    IloveyouRor
    a.”Shesmil
    edbri
    efl
    ybef
    oreherf
    ace
    f
    ellandhesmi
    ledmore.Shesmil
    ed.
    “
    ByeZar
    a.”Shesai
    d.
    “ShouldIhugyou?”Zar
    aaskedandAloral
    ookedat
    herolderbrot
    hert
    osaveher.Shehadenoughhugs
    tolastheraweek.
    “Goaheadbabe.
    ”Zarasmil
    edasshehuggedAlor
    a.
    Alor
    ashotMooketsiadeat
    hglar
    easZarahugged
    herandshepatt
    edZara’
    sback.Awkwar
    d.
    “Zar
    aletgoofmenow.Letgo.Letgo.
    ”Shesai
    d
    andZaralaughedasshel
    etgo.
    “Thankyouandenj
    oyyourdayguys.”Shesai
    das
    sheopenedherbagtot
    akeherpurse.
    “
    Thel
    unchi
    sonme.
    .”
    “
    Sur
    e?Icanst
    i-
    “
    “
    Justgo.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”Thenshewal
    kedaway.
    Assoonasshewasoutofsi
    ghtZar
    alookedather
    husband.
    “
    Shei
    specul
    iarandi
    nter
    est
    ing.Def
    ini
    tel
    ynotbad.
    ”
    “
    Shedoesn’
    topenupeasi
    ly.You’
    l
    lgetusedt
    oher
    t
    hemoreyouspendti
    mewi thher
    .Whenareyou
    t
    ell
    inghi
    m?”Zar
    api
    ckedherj
    uice.
    “Maybetomor r
    ow.Hejustarr
    ivedandIwouldn’
    t
    wanttostealhist
    imewi t
    hReba.Thatwouldbe
    sel
    fishofme.Defini
    tel
    ytomorrow.Ihopehe
    acceptsme.”Shesaidmor et
    oherself
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    31] :REBORN

    132

    Alor
    aclosedhereyesassoonaft
    ershebuckl
    edup.
    Shedidn’
    twanttogoanywherebuthome.Tom
    l
    ookedathisboss’sgi
    rl
    fr
    iendatt
    hebackand
    smi
    ledt
    ohi
    msel
    f.Hest
    art
    edt
    hecarasshesl
    ept
    .

    *
    **

    AtAusti
    n’shouse,
    Rebal
    aughedint
    ohischestas
    hechuckl
    ed.Shesmil
    ed.Shehadmissedherbest
    fr
    iend.
    “It
    alkt
    oomuch? ”Sheaskedandheshookhishead.
    Hedidn’
    tmindli
    steni
    ngtohervoi
    ce.Knowi
    ngshe
    wasjustopenar
    oundhim wasablessi
    ngonit’
    s
    own.
    “
    Itdoesn’
    tbot
    heryou?
    ”
    “
    Whywoul
    dIbebebot
    her
    ed?
    ”
    “Goodquest i
    on.Whenar etheowner softhehose
    comingback? ”Hadesshr ugged,hehadnoi dea
    whenAust inwascomi ngbackbutmostl i
    kelyaf
    ter
    fi
    vesinceheusedt ocomebackhomet hattime.He
    wasn’tsurewhatt i
    mei twas,ti
    mewentundeni ably
    fastever
    ytimehewaswi t
    hReba.Shegotof fthe
    bedandshest r
    etchedherbodybef oresheshothim
    asmi
    le.Hegotuponhi
    sfeetandshet
    ookhi
    shand.
    “
    Andl
    etmechecki
    fther
    eisf
    ood.
    ”
    “Yessir.
    ”Wi t
    ht hatt
    heywalkedoutoft heroom and
    madet heirwaydownst ai
    rsjustasthefrontdoor
    opened.Theybot hl
    ookedandi nwalkedAlora.She
    shotthem glares.
    “Thedevi
    ltest
    smeeachandever
    yday.
    ”Hades
    gaveahalfsmile.
    “Youwokeupont
    hewrongsideofthebed,myday
    i
    snotgoingt
    oberui
    nedbyyou.”Sherol
    ledher
    eyes.
    “Nowt hatyou’reher
    e,myt o-dol i
    stwil
    lalwayshave
    yournameoni tsoIcanjustr ui
    nyourdayand
    annoyyou. ”Rebalaughed.Itfeltli
    keoldti
    mes
    again.HersisterandHadest hrowi ngshadeateach
    other.Equall
    yandwi t
    hever ythi
    ngt hatwasinthei
    r
    arsenalandnoneoft hem offended.
    “Butyou’r
    egood?
    ”Al
    oraasked.Hervoi
    ceabi
    t
    concerned.
    “
    I’
    m good.Thankyou.
    ”Shenodded.
    “Well
    ,ifyou’r
    egoodRebai sgoodandifmysist
    eri
    s
    goodt henI’
    m good.”Thatwasal
    lshesaidasshe
    walkedupt hestai
    rsandRebalookedather
    boyfri
    end.
    “
    Foodwasont
    heagenda?
    ”
    “Yes.
    ”Rebaknewwhat everf
    oodtheyweregoingt
    o
    fi
    nd,Alor
    adi
    dn’tmakeit.Hersi
    stercoul
    dn’
    tcookt
    o
    saveherownbehind.

    Meanwhi l
    eint hebedr oom Al
    or aremovedher
    shoesandhel dthem inherhandasshewal kedt o
    thewar drobe.Shepi ckedoutcl ot
    hesandputt he
    shoeswher et heybelong.Sheunzi ppedherdr ess
    andever ythi
    ngexceptherpant iesasshewal ked
    overtot helaundr ybaskettothrowi nherdressand
    blazer.Abat h, t
    henshecheckuponCel i
    net henshe
    eats.Godshewashungr yagain.Shehatedt hi s
    now.Shewal kedtothebat hr
    oom andshest ar ted
    shower i
    ng.Todayhadbeenal ongday.Ababy?A
    baby?Tear sf ill
    edhereyesagai nandshel ett hem
    rollasthewat erwashedt hem away.Herhands
    movedt oherstomach.Ababy?Li tt
    let errorists.
    That’
    swhatt heywer e.BecauseEmor yhadbeen
    oneandi thadannoyedherbutt hel it
    tlegobl i
    nwas
    behavedandi tsurprisedher .Whydi dEmor yl ike
    her?Butsheguessedi twasal apseofj udgement
    onEmor y’spart
    .Shedr oppedherhandsand
    resumedhershowersessi on.Twent ymi nut esl ater
    ,
    shest eppedoutanddr i
    edher selfbef oreshegot
    dressedandwor ehersi lkgownoverherpyj amas.
    Shet ookoutherphoneandshef i
    nal l
    yopened
    Austin’smessages.Shel istenedt othevoi cenot e
    hesentandshesmi l
    ed.Sheal sof ollowedt hel ink
    tothesong.Sher epliedwi than‘ ok’ andsheputher
    phonedown.Sheal sot ookoutt heirscan.She
    l
    ookedatt hepicture.Shewasdef eated.Shewas
    withachi ld?Shepi ckedt hephot oframet hathada
    pict
    ur eofherandRober t
    .Sher emovedt hatpi ct ure
    andputt hescant here.Aconst antr emi nderoft he
    consequencesoft heirdeci si
    onsandact i
    ons.She
    touchedherst omach.
    “Youl
    it
    tl
    egobl
    inbet
    terbehave.Behavebecause
    Godknowsmommyhasnoi deahowt ohandleyour
    suddenint
    rusi
    oninherli
    fe.Whateveryoudoor
    become,Ihopeyousurpassme.”Shebr eat
    hedi
    n
    andwalkedout.Ti
    metoseeCel i
    ne.

    *
    **

    Aust i
    nr eadherr esponseonhi swayhome.Hest i
    ll
    didn’tknowwhatwasonhermi ndandshesai dok?
    Hel ookedatt hef l
    ower sinhi spassengerseat .He’l
    l
    seehi smot her,havet heirdailyt alksandthiswil
    lbe
    ti
    ckedof fherbucketl i
    st.Heopenedt hegateand
    drovei nsidet heyar d,thegar agedooropenedashe
    drovei n,thegat esl i
    dingclosedaswel lasthe
    garagedoor .Hest oppedt heengi ne,gotoutwit
    h
    theflower si nhand, phoneandbr i
    efcase.Hecould
    hearchat t
    erashewal kedi nsidet hehouse.Hades
    andReba.Hej ustheadedst raightt ohismother’
    s
    room andf oundAl orathere.
    “Hiladies.
    ”Hesaidashepl
    acedhisbri
    efcasedown
    andhi smot hersmi
    l
    ed.Hegotherf
    lowers?Orwere
    theyforAlora.
    “Ibr
    oughtyouf
    lower
    s.”Het
    oldhi
    smot
    herandshe
    smil
    ed.Alor
    asmil
    ed.
    “I
    ’
    llleaveyout
    woinpeace.
    ”Shegotupandwal
    ked
    out.Austi
    nsatdown.
    “
    Y-youl
    ookl
    ikeyouhaveal
    otony-
    yo-
    yourmi
    nd.
    ”
    “Howar eyouf
    eeli
    ng?”Shewasworsebytheday
    anditwasami r
    acleshesur
    vivedt
    hisl
    ong,she
    didn’
    tknowwhyshewasevenhol di
    ngon.
    “
    Worse.”Heknewt hat
    .Hedi dn’
    tknowwhyhe
    t
    houghtherresponsemightbediffer
    ent
    .Hepl
    aced
    t
    heflowersdown.He’l
    lputthem i
    navaseand
    maybeeverytwodayshemi ghtgetherfl
    ower
    s.
    “She’
    spregnant
    .”Cel
    ine’
    seyesl
    itup.Sheknewshe
    wasn’tgoi
    ngtoli
    velongenoughtoseethebabybut
    knowingther
    ewasonewasenough.
    From t
    her e,Austi
    nupdat edherabouthi sday,she
    usuall
    ylistenedandtalkedl ess.Topr eser
    ve
    whatevershar dsofenergyshepossessedt hatday.
    Heofferedt ofeedherbutAl oradi dthatandhe
    smil
    edashi smotherclosedhereyes.Shewast i
    red
    nowandneededsomer est.Heki ssedherforehead.
    Hetookhisbr
    ief
    caseandwalkedoutoftheroom.
    Hetookthest
    air
    stothei
    rbedroom andhefound
    her
    .
    “Lor
    a….”Shefacedhim.Shewassostubbornand
    hewantedtobei nherheadforaf
    ewseconds
    becauseshehadbeeni gnor
    inghi
    m al
    lday.
    “
    Haveyoucool
    edof
    f?”Shest
    aredatt
    hecei
    li
    ng.
    “I’
    mr eall
    ypregnant
    ?It’
    shardtobeli
    eveandt
    hefact
    thatIpieceditt
    ogethert
    hatyoususpect
    edit
    .”He
    satnexttoherandshef oldedherar
    ms.
    “Butheorsheisalreadyhereakere?Wehavet o
    moveandseehowt ofi
    gureital
    lout.Idon’tknow
    howI ’
    m goingt
    odoi t.Thefati
    gueisalready
    messingupwi t
    hmywor kandIcan’ttakecaf feine
    now..”shewasaccept i
    ngit?Shewasn’tabor t
    ing?
    Shouldhebeexcited?Wel lt
    hiswasonl ybaby
    numberoneoutoff ivebutshouldhebeexci ted?It
    wassaf etobehappyhewasexpect i
    ngwi thhi s
    gir
    lf
    ri
    end…
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Goaheadandr
    ubi
    tonmyf
    acet
    hatyou’
    ref
    inal
    ly
    havi
    ngkidsandIhadswornI’
    m notgoingtocarry
    yourdnabutlookatmenow.”
    Hegrinned.She
    pushedhim backandhel
    aughedashepi ckedher
    up.
    “
    I’
    mrighther
    eforeveryt
    hing,I
    ’l
    lhelpyouwith
    what
    everandyoucandel egat
    esomeofyourt asks
    t
    ome, t
    omakei teasi
    erforyou.”Shenodded.
    “
    Butwhati
    fI’
    m abadmot
    her
    ?”
    “
    Lorawecanonlyhopefort
    hebest,
    don’
    tover
    thi
    nk
    t
    his.
    ”Shemovedherlegsupanddownasshe
    l
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Doyouwanti
    ttobeaboyoragi
    rl
    ?”
    “
    Asl
    ongasi
    t’
    sababyI
    ’
    m happy.
    ”
    “Wel
    lIhopethi
    sbabymakesyourethi
    nkhavi
    ngf
    ive
    ki
    ds.
    .”helaughedandki
    ssedhercheek.
    “Lor
    awe’r
    egoi
    ngt
    ohaveanempi
    re.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edher
    eyesathi
    m.
    “Me?I’
    m notbi
    rt
    hinganyofyourminionsaf
    tert
    his
    oneRobert
    .Don’tgetaheadofyour
    self
    .”He
    chuckl
    ed.
    “
    ThankyouandIl
    oveyousweet
    hear
    t.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyoutoo.
    ”Shepl
    acedherheadonhi
    s
    shoul
    der.
    “
    I’
    m hungr
    y.”Heki
    ssedhercheek.
    “
    Whatdoyouwantt
    oeat
    ?”
    “
    Beefst
    ewl
    ephal
    eche.
    ”
    “Okay.Letmetakeashowerandwe’
    l
    lheadt
    othe
    kit
    chen.”Heki
    ssedheragai
    n.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Joi
    nmef
    orashower
    ?”
    Shejustshower
    edl
    esst
    hananhouragobutwhy
    not
    .
    “Okay.”Shegotoffhim andstar
    tedundr
    essingas
    hegotr i
    dofhisblazerandstart
    edunbutt
    oninghi
    s
    shir
    t.Didthi
    spregnancymeanhewasgoi ngto
    easeuponher ?Sexuallyshemeant.She’
    llaskhi
    m.

    *
    **
    AtSusan’
    shouse, shecheckedRebant
    le’
    sroom but
    shewasn’
    tthere.ShesawZar awhowasonher
    phonewhenshewal kedoutoft
    heroom sheshared
    wit
    hMooketsi.
    “HeyZara,
    haveyouseenReba?
    ”Rebawasstil
    lnot
    back?Rebahadsai
    dhermotherdi
    dn’
    twantherto
    seeHades.
    “Uhm probablyschool?Ihavenoi deatota.”She
    walkedawayandSusansi ghed.Rebahadno
    l
    essonsonFr iday.Itcouldonlymeanonet hing.
    Theonlythingshehadt ol
    dhert onotdot onot
    deterherownheal i
    ng.Whywoul dn’
    ttheseki ds
    l
    istentoher?Shewast heirmotherforGod’ssake
    andsheknewbest .Shewal kedtoherbedr oom and
    pickedherphonet ocallReba.Thephoner angbut
    sheanswer edonthesecondr i
    ng.
    “Rebantle,
    whydon’ tyoulist
    en?Thatboyisnot
    goodf oryou.Nowyou’ regall
    ivanti
    ngwit
    hhim and
    verysoonyou’ l
    lbeondr ugsagai nandi
    twil
    lbe
    anotherstory.Rebantl
    eMor emiwee? ”
    “Mama, IloveHadesanddon’
    tshout
    .Iwil
    lbehome,
    Ijustneededt ospendt
    imewi
    thHades.
    ”Reba
    repli
    edsof t
    ly.
    “I
    nmyhouse,youdon’tdoasyoupl
    ease.Youl
    ist
    en
    andi
    fIsayyoudon’
    tseesomeonethenyoudon’t
    .”
    Ther
    ewassil
    enceattheendofthel
    ine.
    “
    Rebant
    le?
    ”
    “
    Areyour
    eal
    lyaski
    ngmet
    obr
    eakupwi
    thhi
    m?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”Susanbr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *

    Mor
    ningguys.
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    31] :REBORN
    133

    Rebasuckedi nabreat
    h.Hadeslookedatherand
    shesmiled.Ever
    yonejusthastobeli
    evei
    nher.She
    placedt
    hephoneonherl ap.Shewasdoingthe
    ri
    ghtthi
    ng.Sheputitonherear.
    "Mom, cal
    m down.Takeadeepbr eath.Don'
    tpush
    allofusaway.Iwi llbehomet omor rowmor ni
    ng
    andwewi lldi
    scussever yt
    hingwi thnoheightened
    feeli
    ngs.Youmeanwel linthewr ongwaymama
    andIhearyou.Iunder stand,breath.Don'tsay
    anythingyou'l
    lregret.Iloveyoumamaandspend
    ti
    mewi thEm andMooket si.Bye.
    "Shehungupand
    l
    aughed.Sheact uall
    ysai dthat?Shewassopr oud
    forstandingupf orherself.
    "
    You'
    respendi
    ngt
    heni
    ght
    ?"
    "
    Seemsso."Shegi
    ggledastheyshar
    edakissand
    Al
    oraandAusti
    nwalkedinsi
    detheki
    tchen.
    "
    Por
    nogr
    aphy.Cuti
    toutguys!
    "Rebal
    aughed.
    "
    We'reol
    derthanbot
    hofyou.
    "Sheshr
    uggedt
    hen
    l
    ookedatAusti
    n.
    "We'
    recooki
    ng."Al
    orasaidwi
    thahuf
    fedchestasi
    f
    sheknewshitaboutcooki
    ng.
    "
    DearGod,
    Ihopeshedoesn'
    tpoi
    sonme.
    "
    "Imightj
    ustdot
    hat
    .Ever
    ydayIf
    indnewwayst
    oki
    ll
    people.
    "
    "Veryfunny.
    "itwasi
    nfactnotf
    unnyasHadesgave
    herabor edl
    ookandshefli
    ckedhi
    m of
    fwit
    hher
    wrist
    .
    "
    Youguyscanchooseamovi
    eorsomet
    hing.
    ..
    "
    "If
    orgothowiti
    sli
    keli
    vingwithyou.
    "Rebaadded
    andAloragaspeddr
    amat i
    cal
    ly.
    "You'
    reonhi
    ssi
    de?Ourpactwassist
    ersbefor
    e
    boys.
    "Austi
    nki
    ssedherneckandshepushedhim
    back.
    "
    Ae.Wenawadi
    stur
    ber
    ."
    (No.You'
    redi
    stur
    bingme.
    )
    "Butyou'
    recooking?"Rebaaskedwi t
    haser
    ious
    tone.Al
    oralookedathersister
    .Sheseemed
    horri
    fi
    edbyt heprospectofhercooki
    ng.
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "OhGod! "Alor
    arol
    ledhereyes.Rebashookher
    head.Thiswasgoingtobeal onglongnight
    .She
    coul
    df eelit
    .

    *
    **

    AtSusan'
    shouse,shestaredatt
    hephonej
    ustas
    Thabi
    sowalkedinfrom work.
    "
    Rebasayssheshei
    swi
    thHades.Af
    terIt
    ol-
    "
    "Sudon'tst ar
    t.Lovedon' tst
    art.Ihavehadenough
    ofyout r
    yingt omi cr
    omanageever yonei nthehouse.
    Rebai sanadul t.Yesshemademi stakesandshei s
    getti
    nghelp.Al oraisanadul tandyesshecan
    speakoutoft urnbutshei soutofyourhai rnowli
    ke
    youwant ed.Theboysar ebot hmar ri
    edandwe
    haveEmor y.Susant herewasat i
    meyoucr i
    ed
    aboutbeingl eftout,l
    etthekidsl i
    vetheirli
    ves.Love
    them butdon' tdict
    atethem withani ronfistand
    giveulti
    mat ums.Iam t i
    redofyouact i
    ngl i
    kea
    victi
    m whenyouor chest
    ratedthemesst hatensued.
    Sugethel p, yourtherapi
    stcurrentl
    ymi ghtbedoing
    ashi tt
    yjobofmaki ngseeyouseet hatyoumi ghtbe
    ruiningthebestt hinginyourli
    ves.Thist i
    meyou
    couldbeexci t
    edaboutbei ngagr andmaanyt i
    me
    soonknowi ngyourki dsareresponsibleadultsand
    readyf orthat.Youshouldbehappyt heyf ound
    par t
    nersthatl ovethem f
    orwhot heyare."Susan
    heldbackt earsasshebr okedown.Thabi sopull
    ed
    hiswi f
    et ohim andhuggedher .
    "Loveyoucandobetter
    ,you'
    rebett
    erthanwhatyou
    aredoingnow.WhathappenedtotheSusanIfelli
    n
    l
    ovewi th?Theonewhosupportedherkids?What
    happened?"Shecri
    edmore.
    "I
    t'snevertoolate.Findanewt herapist,letgoof
    yourpast .Don'
    tletpasthur t
    s.Don' tletthingsthat
    happened23year sagor uinthel i
    fewebui ltwi
    ththe
    ki
    ds.Don' tlett
    hosepastdemonswi n.Hecheat ed
    andhei sdead,don'tblameanyonebuthi m.Alora
    didn'
    taskt obebor n,Rebahasr easonst hatmaybe
    greaterthanusandt hatexplai
    nwhysher esor
    tedto
    drugsr egardl
    essoft hestel
    larupbr ingingshehad.
    Alor
    ahasbeenshowi ngsignsofOCDf ort
    he
    l
    ongest,
    Bokamosoi salwaysawayandhedi dn'
    t
    passbyforthatl
    ongf orChr
    ist
    mas.Mooketsii
    shis
    ownpersonanddoeswhathewant s,
    eachofthese
    ki
    dsaredif
    ferentandyoucanchangeanddobet ter
    .
    Therei
    ssti
    llti
    me, Emoryhasbeenavoidi
    ngyou
    si
    nceyouroutburstanddoyouwantyourown
    daught
    ertofearyou?"Sheshookherhead.
    "Iknowyoudon' t
    .I'
    l
    lattendthosetherapysessi
    ons
    withyou,breat
    handt hinkbeforeyouspeak.We
    don'twantyoutobel onelyyearsfr
    om nowwhenal l
    ofourkidshavecutyouof f
    .It
    'snotful
    fi
    ll
    ingatol
    d
    age."Shenoddedasher ubbedherback.
    "
    I'
    lldobet
    ter
    ."Shesai
    dinbet
    weent
    ear
    s.
    "
    Promi
    se.
    "
    "Good.Don'tsaythatandnotbecommi tt
    edto
    doingbetter.Dobetterf
    oryouf i
    rstt
    hent hekids,
    putyourselffi
    rst
    ,loveyoursel
    fandf orgi
    veyourself
    okay?"Shenoddedasheembr acedher .Howdi d
    shegether e?Howhadhenotl efther?Thabiso
    breat
    hedoutandki ssedthetopofherhead.For
    bet
    terorf
    orwor
    se.Thi
    swast
    hei
    rwor
    se.

    *
    **

    Alorachoppedt heveget ablesashesatont hestool


    .
    Shewant edtoeatandsheshoul dhelphim.The
    dishesaswel l.Austinimagi nedherwithaswel ling
    stomachor deringhim ar oundandi tbroughtasmi le
    tohisf ace.Hehadever ythinghecoul dwi shfor.But
    thatwasnotwhatscar edhi m, thescarythingabout
    havingever ythingwasl osingever yt
    hing.That
    scareshi m.Losi ngever ything.Losingherandt hei
    r
    chil
    d.Hehopedi tdi
    dn'tcomet othat.Hewasn' tin
    anywayr eli
    giousbuthepr ayedandhopedt hat
    what everdeitypeopl epl acedt hei
    rhopeson, would
    notlethiml oseever ything.Al oralookedupathi m.
    "
    What
    ?"
    "
    Not
    hing.
    "Shest
    oppedchoppi
    ngt
    hepepper
    s.
    "
    Ihaveakni
    fei
    nmyhand.
    "
    "
    Alor
    abat
    hong!
    "Hadessai
    dfr
    om t
    hel
    ounge.
    "Nownow,don'
    tfi
    ghtli
    kekids.Especi
    all
    ywhen
    Lorahasakni
    feinherhand."
    Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyesasshecont
    inuedchoppi
    ng.
    "
    Tot
    ayoushouldbegr at
    efulyoumanagedtomake
    meyourgi
    rl
    fr
    iend.I
    t'
    sanachi evementoni
    t'
    sown.
    "
    "AndIknockedyouup.
    "Hesai
    dsmugl
    yandshe
    placedt
    heknifedown.
    "
    Otsamael
    agont
    ena.
    "(
    you'
    resocl
    oset
    omaki
    ng
    meangr
    y.)

    I
    ntheloungeRebapaused.Wai
    twhat
    ?Whatdi
    d
    Aust
    injust
    say?Orther
    ewassomet hi
    ngwr ongwi
    thher
    heari
    ng?ShetappedHades'chest
    .
    "
    Didyouheart
    hat
    ?"
    "
    Hearwhat
    ?"
    Shewhi
    sper
    edi
    nhi
    sear
    .Hegaveherconf
    used
    l
    ook.
    "
    Areyousur
    e?"Shenodded.
    "Butwe'
    llwai
    tti
    llshesayssomet
    hing.Whi
    chmovi
    e
    shouldwepick?
    "
    "
    Anyt
    hingIguess?
    "Shesnuggledint
    ohi
    m whi
    lei
    n
    t
    heki
    tchenAlor
    afini
    shedchoppi
    ngup.
    "Done.
    "Shewal kedt
    othefr
    idgeandgott hecar
    ton
    ofappl
    ejuice.Shewashedagl assbefor
    eshef i
    ll
    ed
    i
    tupwi t
    hjuice.Chuggeddownt hej
    uice,
    hadar efi
    ll
    andchuggedi tdownagai
    n.
    "I
    t'
    sli
    keareward.
    "Shesai
    dasshethrewt
    heempty
    cart
    onint
    hebin.Aust
    incoul
    dn'
    thel
    pbutsmi
    le.
    "Okaypopquiz."Hegotthecutupvegetabl
    esas
    shequizzedhim andheansweredher.Hegotever
    y
    oneofthequest i
    onscor
    rect
    .
    "
    Uhm agameofchessaf
    tert
    his?
    ”
    “
    You’
    resuchasor
    eloser
    .”
    “
    Shutup!
    ”Hel
    aughedandshesmi
    led.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    32] :REBORN

    134

    AtAust i
    n’shouse, t
    henightwentpr ogr essively
    fasterthanhowRebawoul dhavewant ed.Shewas
    quietl
    yobser vinghersisterwhowascasual ly
    threateningdeat hasshesnuggl edintoAust i
    nwhile
    eatingsomet hing.Itwaspai nf
    ullyador ablet oher
    weakhear ttolookatthem.Shedi dn’tknowi fAlor
    a
    knewt hatbutthewayAust i
    ncasual lyhel dherhair
    backf orwhenshesai dshebl ewi tawayf rom her
    face.Itwast hewayhel ookedather .Alora’sli
    ps
    movedandhej ustnoddedagr eeingwi thwhatshe
    saidandsher olledhereyesbef oreshef acedhim
    andasl owsmi letouchedhislips.Shewentof fin
    Frenchandher epli
    ed.Rebasighed.Theywer ecute
    anditdi
    dn’
    ttakeabli
    ndmant oseethatthesetwo
    wereinl
    ove.Regar
    dlessofhersi
    ster
    ’spersonal
    it
    y.
    Whatsheheardwasn’trepeat
    edsoshegaveupon
    that
    .
    “
    IthinkI’
    l
    lbeputti
    ngAloratobed.Swi
    tchofft
    he
    l
    ightswhenyou’r
    edoneguys.”Austi
    nsaidasAlor
    a
    r
    olledhereyesandlethi
    m carr
    yheroutoft
    he
    l
    ounge.
    “Sonowthatyou’
    redone,
    wil
    lyougobackt
    owor
    k?”
    Rebaasked
    Hadesbr
    eathedout,hedidn’
    tknowhowhewas
    goi
    ngtofacehi
    sf at
    her.Hewaspar tt
    hereasonhe
    wasanalcohol
    icbutheeventual
    lyhadto.
    “Ihaveto.Atsomepoi nt
    .Howhast
    hemediabeen
    onyou? “sheshrugged.I
    twasal
    waysgoi
    ngtobe
    theresheguessed.
    “I
    ’m sur
    vivi
    ng.I
    ’m survi
    ving.”Hadeshuggedheras
    sheaskedhim mor equestionsaboutthefutur
    eand
    helaughedcasuall
    y.Theycoul denvi
    sional i
    fe
    beyondthir
    tynow?I twasmi ndboggli
    ngthatthey
    neversawthat,
    atsomepoi ntt
    heythoughttheir
    addicti
    onswer egoingtoki
    ll
    them andifoneof
    them wast odiefi
    rst,
    theot
    heronewoul dfoll
    ow
    becausei twasRebaandHades.Notj ustRebaor
    notjustHades, i
    twasRebaandHades.Toget her.
    Heki ssedthetopofherheadandshesmi led.
    Finall
    yswi t
    chi
    ngchannelstowatchaMar velmovie.
    “
    DrSt
    range?
    ”Sheasked.
    “Andhowcoul dIsaynot oamar velmovie?”He
    coul
    dn’t
    .Itwast heircomfortmovi esandshows
    andfunnyt hi
    ngt heyknewever ythingt
    her ewasto
    knowaboutt hemar veluniver
    se.Themovi estar
    ted
    andshesmi l
    ed.Forsureinanot heruniverset
    hey
    weretogetherminust headdicti
    ons.

    Meanwhil
    eint
    hebedroom, Al
    orawatchedher
    boyf
    ri
    endgetr
    idofhi
    sclothesandhemadehi s
    waytobedwit
    honlyhisboxerbri
    efs.
    “
    Aust
    in?
    ”
    “
    Yesdar
    li
    ng?
    ”
    “
    So…nowt
    hatwehaveal
    it
    tl
    egobl
    inont
    heway…”
    “AbabyAl or
    a.Repeataf
    termeandsayBABY!”She
    roll
    edhereyesfortheumpteent
    hti
    methatdayand
    clearedhert
    hroat
    .
    “Ali
    tt
    legobl i
    nont hewaywi llt
    he…t
    hisi
    s
    embarrassing.”Herfacefl
    ushed.Shepull
    edthe
    comforterclosert
    oherchinast hebeddipped
    becauseofhi sweight.Shelookedathi
    m.
    “Wil
    lyoueaseuponme?”Sheknewheunderstood
    herbuthecanbean*ssandwouldwantcl
    ari
    ty.
    “Doyouwantmet odothat?
    ”Hewasgi vi
    ngher
    opti
    ons?Sheknewhelovedbeingi
    ncontroland
    wasverydominanti
    nthebedroom sonowthatshe
    wasbeinggi
    venanoption….
    “
    Yes.No.Idon’
    tknow.
    ”Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Let
    ’sdot
    his,
    I’
    llt
    ryt
    obepr
    egnantf
    ri
    endl
    ytoyou
    okay?”
    “
    I’
    m notani
    nval
    id.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    a,I
    ’mtryi
    ngtocompromi
    sehereandyou’
    l
    ltel
    l
    mewhatyouli
    keokay?
    ”Shenodded.
    “
    Wil
    lyoul
    etmet
    ouchyou?
    ”Hechuckl
    edandpul
    led
    hert
    ohi
    m.
    “
    You’
    repushi
    ngi
    tsweet
    hear
    t.
    ”Shesi
    ghed.I
    twas
    wor
    thatr
    y.
    “
    I’
    m st
    il
    lget
    ti
    nghandcuf
    fed?
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tactl
    ikeyoudon’
    tli
    kei
    t.
    ”Shedi
    d.
    “
    Sleep.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tfor
    cesl
    eeponme.
    ”
    “You’r
    etheonealwaysfat
    igued.Sl eep.
    ”Hekissed
    hercheekandthenherli
    ps.Hegotof fthebedtogo
    switchofft
    heli
    ghts.I
    nthedar knessashemadehi s
    wayt obedshestart
    edspeakingagai n.
    “
    Wil
    lIbeagoodmom?Wi
    llt
    hel
    it
    tl
    egobl
    inl
    ove
    me?
    ”
    “Dar
    li
    ng,ourchi
    ldwilll
    oveyouandI’
    m her
    e.You’r
    e
    notgoi
    ngthroughthi
    sparenti
    ngjour
    neyalone.
    ”She
    noddedasshebreathedout.
    “
    Buti
    nyourownopi
    nion,
    wil
    lourbabyl
    oveme?
    ”
    “Yes.Don’tover
    thi
    nk,
    taket
    hisonedayatat
    ime.
    ”
    Shebreathedout.
    “It
    hinkImightact
    ual
    lyhatemysel
    fifourchi
    ld
    i
    nherit
    smyOCD. ”Shesaidqui
    etl
    yashegotinbed.
    Hejusthel
    dherandkissedherhead.
    “I
    t’
    st err
    ibl
    eandit’
    smor ethanj ustcl
    eaning.It
    usuallymessesmeupabadandsomet imesIhave
    i
    tundercont r
    olifIcankeept other i
    tualand
    scheduleandsomet imesitruinsmywhol eday.I
    don’twanttotakepill
    sforitbecauseImi ghtbe
    dependentont hem tokeepsane.Aust inthisisj
    ust
    scary.”
    “Iknowsweethear
    t.”Shebr
    eathedoutasheheld
    hertighti
    nthequi
    etoftheni
    ghtashermindstart
    ed
    workingovert
    ime.

    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmorning,Alorawasthefi
    rstonet o
    wakeupandshelookedatAust i
    nwhowasasl eep.
    Shewashavingt
    hebestt imefal
    li
    nginl
    ovewi th
    hi
    m.Shegotoutofbedandheadedt othebathr oom.
    Twentyminut
    esl
    ater,shewasdoneandwal king
    outoft hebedr oom.Shemadeherwaydownst ai
    rs
    tocheckonCel i
    ne.Shewaspr obablyasleep.She
    knockedont hedoorandopenedi t
    .Shel ookedat
    her,ful
    lyasleep.Sheshoul dn’tti
    retheoldwoman.
    Sheheadedt ot hekitchen.Apancakebr eakfastfor
    everyone.Thatwast het hingshedi drightand
    maybesheshoul dscr ambl eeggs?Thatwasan
    i
    dea.Herhear tfellasshel ookedatt hecof f
    eeinthe
    cabinet.Shebr eathedout .Shedi dn’
    tcof f
    ee.She
    repeatedthatoverandoveragai n.Shedi dn’tneed
    coffee.Shedi dn’tneedcaf fei
    ne.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’spl
    aceshehadwokeupf ir
    standwasi n
    theki
    tchenmakingbreakf
    astf
    oreveryone.She
    breat
    hedout.Shewasgoingtodobet t
    er.Emory
    madeherwayt othekit
    chenyawni
    ngandr ubbi
    ng
    hereyes.
    “
    Goodmor
    ningEm.
    ”Thel
    it
    tl
    egi
    rlsmi
    led.
    “
    Mor
    ningmom.
    ”
    “Doyouwantt ohelpmewi t
    hbr eakfast?”Susan
    saidgentl
    yandEmor ysmi l
    edandnodded.She
    yawnedabi tasshewal kedcloser.Susanbr eathed
    outandengagedheryoungesti ntoanani mated
    conversati
    onast heymadebr eakfast.Wellmi nus
    hershortheight,t
    hebreakfastwasasuccessand
    shewassur et hepeopleasleepi nthehousewer e
    goingtoloveit.Shealreadyhadl unchideasand
    maybet heyfoundbond.Shewasgoi ngtodobet ter
    .
    Itwasanewdayandi tmeantnewbegi nnings.

    *
    **

    Alor
    aclappedherhandsal laloneintheki t
    chen.
    Shemadebr eakf
    ast.Foreveryone,wellbeingthe
    geni
    us,responsibl
    eandver ysophisti
    catedper son
    shewas, i
    twassuchanachi evement.Hersi l
    entwin
    wasdisruptedbyRober tandshest oppedsmi li
    ng.
    “
    Ithoughtyoudi
    edi
    nyoursl
    eep.
    ”
    “Yourhyperbolesareal
    waysamusingsweet
    heart
    .”
    Hewal kedclosertohugherandshemovedback.
    “Don’
    ttouchme.St
    ayback.
    ”Hejustpi
    ckedherup
    andshescreamedandendeduplaughi
    ngint
    ohis
    neck.
    “
    Howar
    eyout
    hismor
    ning?
    ”
    “
    Icooked.
    ”
    “
    Icanseet
    hat
    .Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Al
    iveandIcooked.
    ”Sher
    epeat
    edagai
    n.He
    chuckl
    ed.
    “Youwantmet osaygoodgir
    l?I
    ’
    m notgoi
    ngt
    ogi
    ve
    youthatsat
    isf
    act
    ionLora.
    ”
    “DieRobert
    !”Heplacedheront hecounterand
    placedhishandsoneithersideofher.Hesoft
    ened
    hisvoiceashespokeinbet weenkissi
    ngherneck.
    “You’
    reokay?Nofat
    igue?Ormor
    ningsi
    ckness?
    ”
    Sheshookherhead.
    “
    Notyet
    .”
    “Okaymoncoeur.”Sheshiver
    edashi svoi
    cewent
    husky.Theywer
    en’ti
    nt hebedroom andhe
    shouldn’
    tbedoi
    ngthat.Whatifthenursewal
    ksin
    orRebaorHades?Hesuckedonherneckandshe
    pushedhi
    sheadback.Hewantedtoleaveahi
    ckey
    onherneckandshedidn’
    twantt
    hat.
    “It
    hinkwe’r
    egoi
    ngt
    ohaveaver
    ylongpr
    egnancy.
    ”
    Shesmiled.
    “
    Good.I’
    mi nnor
    ushtomeetthi
    sint
    ruder
    .”He
    l
    aughed.Shewasal
    waysdramati
    c.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Hell
    oguys.I
    ’m wor
    kingont
    hesecondi
    nser
    tandi
    t’
    s
    notthel
    astoneaswell.
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    32] :REBORN

    135
    Aust i
    nhelpedherwithsett
    ingupt het abl
    ei nthe
    diningroom asshecamewi t
    hthepl ates.Theyseti t
    upf orfi
    vepeople.I
    ncaseCel i
    ne’snur sewant edto
    eat.NowAl orawasinter
    nallypanicking.Whati f
    theyspitoutthepancakes?Okayshewoul dhol d
    knivesagainstt
    heirt
    hroatssotheycanswal l
    ow.I t
    wasnobi gdeal
    .RebaandHadeswal kedi nafter
    hear i
    ngthesoundsthatcamef rom thedi ningroom.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning.
    ”
    “It
    ’snotagoodmor ni
    ngReba.Foramor ni
    ngt obe
    good,somet hinggoodhast oactual
    lyhappened
    andinthel astthr
    eehoursnot hi
    nggoodhas
    happened.Rober tisn’
    tdead,Hades’hor
    rendous
    faceissti
    llvisi
    blesono,it’
    snotagoodmor ning.
    ”
    “
    Someonei
    sshar
    peni
    nghert
    alons.
    ”Hades
    r
    emar
    ked.
    “Ext
    rasharptoo,
    foryourinfor
    mat i
    on.”Bot
    hReba
    andAustinshookthei
    rheads.Al or
    awalkedbackt
    o
    theki
    tchenwithAusti
    nonherheel .Rebatooka
    seatnextt
    oHades.Af t
    erbreakfastshewas
    headingbackhome.Shehopedhermot hercal
    med
    downandt
    hey’
    l
    lal
    lbeabl
    etot
    alk.

    I
    ntheki
    tchenAl
    orapi
    ckedt
    hej
    ugf
    ullofj
    uice.
    “
    You’
    reext
    rani
    cet
    oday.
    ”
    “Wat chit.
    ”Shewal kedoutandl efthimt hereashe
    smi led.It’
    sal waysbeenherhasn’ tit
    ?Hecoul dn’
    t
    i
    magi nehiswor ldnowwi t
    houther ,i
    thadbeenso
    mundanebef oreshewasi ni tandshewasj ust
    exist inginhisr ightnow.I nt hebestpossi bleway
    andhewashappy.I twasf ulloft echni colournow.
    Becauseofher ,hel ear
    nttol ovemor et hanhi mself
    .
    Hel ovedher ,hehadpeopl ehecar edaboutnow.
    RebaandHades.Becauseshewasi nhi slif
    e.He
    wasnowcl oserwi t
    hhismot hernow.Muchmor e
    closerbecauseofheri ntervent i
    on.Hewal kedback
    tot hedi ningr oom andever yonesi tt
    ingdownandi t
    feltr i
    ghtast her ewasbant erar oundt het able,Alor
    a
    rolli
    nghereyesatsomet hingHadessai dand
    Aust i
    nagr eedwi th.Rebaint erruptingwi thher
    sunshi nepersonal i
    tyandAl or aassur i
    nghersi st
    er
    thatsheshar edt hesamesent iment s.Andi twasa
    reli
    eft hatbr
    eakfastdi
    dn’
    tendinbloodshed.
    Everyoneatt hetablewasalr
    eadyusedtoAloraand
    theyt hankedtheirl
    uckyst
    arsthatt
    heicequeen
    didn’tpickaknifeandall
    .
    “I
    ’l
    ldropyouoffathome. ”Al
    oravol
    unt
    eered.She
    j
    ustneededt ogetcleanagai
    nandshe’l
    ldropReba
    off.Aust
    inontheotherhand,hadpl
    annedat r
    ip
    withhismothertoLion’
    spark.Hewasgoingtotick
    offherbucketl
    istonebyone.Makethememor ies
    count.
    “Okaythat’
    sthat.Excuseme. ”Alor
    agotupand
    headedt otheki
    tchenwithsomeoft hepl
    ateswhile
    conversati
    onensuedi nthediningroom.Sheleaned
    againstthecounter
    .Shet ouchedherstomach.
    She’l
    lli
    vewi t
    hthisone.

    *
    **

    Anhourlat
    er,Al
    orast
    art
    edhercarasRebabuckl
    ed
    up.Rebabreat
    hedin.
    “
    Youar
    ehappyandIl
    ovet
    hatf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    You’
    ret
    hehappyonesi
    nceHadesi
    sback.
    ”
    Rebasmi
    led.
    “
    Onestepatat i
    me.Wear
    etaki
    ngi
    tonedayata
    t
    imeandI’
    lll
    ive.
    ”
    Al
    oradr
    oveoutoft
    hegar
    age.
    “Butdoyouevergettheurgetogobacktodrugs
    again?”Alor
    aasked.Shedidn’
    tevenappr
    oachthe
    matterwithcaut
    ionandthatear
    nedherachuckle
    from Reba.
    “Iwon’ tl
    ieandsayInevert hinkofthem.
    Somet i
    messomedaysar esohardandIwantt o
    escapemyownt houghtsandbodyandwi shIwas
    high.Onsomedazewher eIseethingsthatdon’t
    exist
    , Idothi
    nkoft hem butthenIremembert hat
    I’
    vecomesof arandI ’m str
    ongerthanthat.”Alora
    gaveherasmal lsmile.Rebasmi l
    edwi der.Shewas
    smi l
    ing.
    “
    Ifyouneedtot
    alk,al
    thoughyoudoalotoft
    hatat
    t
    herapy,
    I’
    m her
    e.”Shesaidasshedr
    oveoutofthe
    yar
    dandRebanodded.Hersi
    sterdi
    dn’
    tknowi
    tbut
    shesavedheri
    ntheend.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’ shomest ead, therewasl aught


    eratthe
    tabl
    eandsomuchl i
    ght heartednessastheyfeasted
    onthebr eakfast.Deepdown, Susancouldfeelthe
    i
    mpactofanempt yhouse.Twoofherki dsweren’t
    here.Rebawasn’ tandAl ora?Shewasn’ tevensur e
    shewascomi ngback.Sheshookherhead, she’ll
    thi
    nkaboutt hatlater.Rightnowt hepeopleatthe
    tabl
    erequi r
    edherf ullattenti
    on.Shehear dthe
    i
    ntercom andshest oodup.Shewal kedtothedoor .
    Shepr essedthebut tonsf orthegat etoopenand
    shewai tedbyt hedoor .Adoorknockf ol
    loweda
    minutelaterandsheopened.
    Shesmil
    edwhenshesawRebant
    le.Shewasgoi
    ng
    tot
    ryherbest
    .
    “Himom. ”Rebasai
    d.Shehadbeenexpecti
    ngsome
    sortofshowdownorhosti
    li
    tyespeci
    all
    yaf
    terwhat
    shesaidyest
    erdaybefor
    eshehungup.Yesshe
    stoodupforhersel
    fbutt
    hiswashermothert
    hey
    weretal
    kingabout…
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Sheaskedcaut
    iousl
    y.
    “Yes.Wear eeatingbr eakfast,wantt oj oi
    nus? ”
    Rebaagr eedevent houghshewasf ull.Sheheaded
    tothediningroom andt heat mospher ewasl i
    ght.
    Thatcaughtherof fguard.Shepul l
    edoutachai r
    andsatdownasZar anar r
    atedsomet hing.Shewas
    goingtoneedaf ewmi nutestocat chup.She
    l
    istenedasshesi ppedont hejuice.Shesmi l
    edbut
    wasst i
    llcauti
    ouswonder i
    ngwhatwasupwi thher
    mot her
    .Oncebr eakf astwasover ,Zaraof f
    eredto
    dot hedishesandEmor ywant edt ohel paswel l
    .
    Mooket siandThabi socl earedthet ableleavi
    ngher
    withhermot her.
    “
    Youwant
    edt
    otal
    k?”Shenoddedsl
    owl
    y.
    “Okay.Noworlat
    er?Howw-“Susansuckedi
    na
    deepbreat
    h.Shewastryi
    ng.
    “HowisHades?”Reba’
    seyeswi
    dened.Whatt
    he
    hel
    lwasgoingonhere?
    “He-he’
    swel
    l.Hei
    ssoberandokay.
    ”Susannodded
    slowly.
    “I
    ’
    mf r
    eetoday.Thewholedayifyouwantt
    otal
    k…”
    Rebanodded.Didsheperhapsski
    pthr
    eechapt
    ers?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    08,
    13:
    32] :REBORN

    136

    Cont
    entWar
    ning

    AtSusan’
    shouse,
    Rebawasst il
    lwai
    ti
    ngforher
    mothert
    odosomet hi
    ng.Tel
    lherhowHadeswas
    badforherrecover
    yandal
    loft
    hatbuti
    tnever
    came.Therewasadoorknockonherbedroom and
    Zar
    awal kedin.
    “
    Hey,
    howwast
    hesl
    eepover
    ?”
    “I
    twasgood.Hadesi sgood. ”Zarasuckedi na
    breath.Shewantedt omeetHadesandshedi dn’
    t
    wantt oinvol
    vetheirf at
    herinitbecausei twasnot
    goingtoendwel lwitht hatmani nvolved.Anditwas
    goingtoseem outofchar acterforhertoaskfor
    Hades’ numberfrom Rebabecauseshewasgoi ng
    toaskwhy.Sheshoul dtel
    lherwhysoshecoul dat
    l
    eastspeakt oherol derbrotherandseei fheis
    will
    ingtoform asiblingrelat
    ionship.Shehopedhe
    want edone.
    “Thi
    swon’tt
    akemuchofyourt
    ime.
    .”Rebanodded
    asZarasatnextt
    oher
    .
    “Well
    ,I
    ’veknownthi
    sformostofmyl i
    feand-
    “she
    suckedinabreat
    h.Rebaj
    ustli
    stened.
    “
    Remembert hatdi
    nnerwher
    eIwasf
    ir
    st
    i
    ntr
    oduced?
    ”
    “
    Yep.
    ”
    “I
    ’
    veknownabouthisexi
    stenceandseenpi
    ctur
    es
    buthaveneverr
    eal
    lymetwithhi
    mf acet
    oface.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m notfoll
    owi
    ngZar
    a.”Rebasatupr
    ight
    .Shewas
    r
    eall
    ylost.
    “
    Hades.
    ”Reba’
    sfor
    eheadscr
    unched.
    “I
    -IHadesismyhal
    fbrot
    her.”Rebant
    leshookher
    head.Hadesdi
    dn’
    thaveanysibli
    ngssheknewof.
    Hellshegr
    ewupwithhim andhewasanonl ychi
    ld.
    “
    Itcomesasashock,
    hei
    smybr
    other
    .I-
    Ijustneed
    t
    otell
    himthat
    .”
    “Wai
    tletmegett
    hisr
    ight
    …Hadesi
    syourbr
    other
    ?”
    Shenodded.
    “
    Youknewabouti
    t?”Zar
    anoddedagai
    n.
    “
    Andhedoesn’tknow?
    ”Sheshookherhead.She
    want
    edt
    otellhim.
    “Iwant
    edtospeakt
    ohi m.Totel
    lhi
    m, I
    tseems
    usel
    esstowanttot
    ellhi
    m nowbutIjustwanthi
    m
    toknow.Whathedoesfrom t
    her
    eisupt ohi
    m.”
    “Thi
    sis-
    wow.Uhm Idon’
    tknowbutIhavea
    quest
    ion…”Zar
    acoul
    dtakeagoodguessatwhat
    t
    hequest
    ionwoul
    dbe.
    “We’r
    eyouf ri
    endl
    ytomet ogetcl
    oset
    oHades?”I
    t
    wascompl ex.ShewantedtoknowRebaasher
    si
    sterinl
    awaswel lassomeonewhoknewherhalf
    -
    brot
    her.
    “Youaremysi steri
    nlawsoIwant edt oknowyou
    becauseofthatandaswel lasthef actthatyouare
    closetoHades.”Rebadigestedthat .Atl
    eastshe
    didn’
    tli
    eandt rytopl
    acateherthatshewant edt
    o
    knowherbecauseshewasj usther .Thehonesty
    wasappr eci
    atedeventhoughitkindofhur t.
    “
    Iguessyouhadyourreasons…well
    Icancal
    lhim
    t
    omeetyou.”Zar
    a’sf
    acel i
    tup.ShehuggedReba.
    “Thankyousomuch.”RebanoddedasZar
    ast
    ood
    uponherfeetandwalkedout
    .
    Rebawat chedherleave.Shehadneverseent he
    resembl
    ancebutnowt hemor eshet houghtabouti
    t,
    shecouldseet hesi milarcheekbonest ruct
    ureor
    washermi ndt r
    yingt olookforsimilarit
    iesthat
    weren’
    tthere.Shet extedHades, alunchdat ewould
    do.Shesentt hetextandt hrewherphoneont he
    bed.Thei
    ssueathandr
    ightnowwashermot
    her
    .
    Wasshegenuine?

    Therewasadoorknockandshepushedherl
    ocs
    back.
    “Comei n.”Hermot herwalkedinandshebr aved
    hersel
    ffort heverbalsparr
    ing.Wellhermot herwas
    goingtodot hetal
    kingwhileshewoul dtrytoavoid
    afightandqui cklyapologi
    setohavei toverand
    donewi th.Susansuckedi nabr eath.Shecanl et
    herchil
    dr enmaket heirowndeci si
    onsandal l
    .
    “Uhm Iwasjustaboutt
    ogof i
    ndyou,
    ”Rebasaid.
    Susannodded.Itwaskindofnotni
    cetonotbethe
    onetell
    ingt
    hem whattodo.
    “IhopeIdon’tof
    fendyoumom.”Rebast
    art
    edout
    .
    Susanforcedasmi l
    e,shewasgoi
    ngtot
    ry.
    “Youcansaywhatyouwantt osay,”t
    henReba
    suckedinabr eat
    h.Herther
    apistwouldbesoproud
    ofherrightnow.Othert
    hanAlora,Hadesandthe
    ther
    apistnooneknewwhyshet ookdrugs.
    “Hadesisn’tther
    easonIt ookdrugs.
    ”Susanwant ed
    tohearthi
    s.Sheal wayssai dt
    hisbutwhatother
    possi
    bleexplanationwast her
    e?Shewasst ronger
    now.Shet oldhersel
    f.Theycouldn’
    ttouchhernow.
    “Uhm wher edoIstart?”Sheclosedhereyes.She
    hadswor nnott el
    lasoul,Al
    oradidn’tknowt hegor
    y
    detail
    sandshehadj ustsummedi tal lupinto
    sexualassaultwheni twasmor ethant hat.Her
    heartracedassher ecall
    edeverybadt hingthat
    happened.Af t
    erthisshewasnevert ell
    ingthestor
    y
    again,unlessi
    twasr eall
    ynecessar ybutshehad
    ski
    ppedt hatstagewithhertherapist.
    “Wellmodel
    li
    ngwasf i
    neinBotswana.”Shewas
    goingtoski
    povertheti
    mesheexper i
    mentedwit
    h
    drugshereatt
    hatpart
    ybefor
    eshet urned18.
    “Uhm t
    henFrancehappened…”shewast ooyoung
    fort
    hat.Tear
    sfil
    ledhereyes.Itwasami racleshe
    coul
    dhavesexwi t
    hherboyfri
    endorwasi tbecause
    shehadpushedt houghtsandf eel
    ingsandt he
    memoriesasidewiththedrugs?
    “
    Whenwegott
    her
    e,shoot
    sandal
    lri
    ght
    ?”Susan
    nodded.Shewast
    her
    emostoft
    het
    ime.
    “
    Uhm duri
    ngrehearsal
    sther
    aci
    stsl
    ursst
    art
    ed…”
    t
    ear
    sfil
    ledhereyes.
    “Forthefir
    stti
    meinmyl ife,
    Iwasbulli
    edformy
    skincolour.
    ”Hervoiceshook.Al
    lshehadmeever
    knownwaspr ai
    seforherskinandshehadbeen
    hurtthatshewasbei ngbashedforherski
    n.
    “
    Thatwast
    hel
    eastofi
    tthough.
    ”Sheadded.
    “Thenthesexualassaultsstar
    ted.”Susan’
    shear
    t
    stoppedbeati
    ng.Whatdi dshemeanbysexual
    assault
    ?That’
    sasabr oadterm andRebahadnever
    saidanythi
    ng.Rebalickedherlips.
    “Theunwant edtouchesf r
    om t heothermalemodel s,
    thephot ographers.Itwassmal landsomethingI
    pushedasi de.”Shemai nt
    ainedanevenvoi cebuti t
    washar dt otryandnar rat
    eeachandever yincident
    .
    Eachandever yincidentshef eltusel
    essandt hey
    hadl aughedi nherfaceandt oldhershewasgood
    forthatortheyhaveal wayswant edt
    otoucha
    blackc* nt
    .
    “
    Ther
    ear
    esomanyi
    nst
    ancesandIwant
    edt
    obl
    ock
    meoutsobad.Iwant edt of or
    getthosememor i
    es.
    DidItel
    lyout hatthisonet i
    me, att
    heaf t
    erpart
    ymy
    dri
    nkwasspi kedandIdon’ tevendrink.Theyspiked
    myj ui
    ceandi nthemor ningIwokeupal oneinthe
    venue,nakedandf eeli
    ngusedbutnotknowi ng
    whathappenedorwhohaddr aggedmewher e?
    Howam Isupposedt oseemysel fassomeone
    worthy?Howdoyour eportinacount r
    ywher ethey
    wouldbelievet helocalsoveryou?Orsayyou’ r
    e
    l
    yingforattentionandt heyf urt
    herdegradeyouwi th
    words?”Susan’ stearsr ol
    leddownhercheeks.God
    shehadnoi dea.Shehadnoi dea.
    “Foryear ssomeoft hesexualstuf
    fgotwor seand
    peopledi dn’
    thideit
    ,theraci
    sm worseandt heot her
    femal emodel smockingmywei ghtandt ell
    ingme
    I’
    mt oof attomodel?Thatcausedawhol eeating
    disorderthatisaff
    ectingmenow…. Itwashel l
    .
    Model li
    ngwashel lonearthforme.Itki
    lledmeand
    destroyedever ypi
    eceofmeandHadeshadnot hing
    todowi t
    hit.Heisn’
    tthereasonItookdr ugs,to
    somedegr eehewasmysani tyandhel ovedme
    regardlessofhowdi rtyIf
    elt
    ,Iwasashamedofmy
    ownsel f
    .Ididn’tevenr ecognisemysel fanymor e
    andIam f i
    ghtingsohar dtobet hemebef oreallof
    thathappenedbutIcan’ tgobacki ntimeandt el
    l
    thosepeopl ewhof orcefull
    yputt hei
    rhandsand
    i
    mpr intedthemsel vesonmet onotto.Iwasscar ed.
    I-
    “shecover edhermout hasshebur stintotears.
    Susanwascr yingasshehel dherdaught er.She
    didn’
    tknowhowshenevernot icedachangei n
    Reba.Shehadst il
    lbeent hatbrightchil
    dshehad
    known, nothingwasr eallydif
    ferentandshecoul dn’
    t
    havenot icedit.Shehadf ai
    ledherasapar ent.She
    shouldn’thaveencour agedhert otaket heir
    contractinPar is.Shedi dn’
    tknow…
    “Ididn’tknow. ”Shesaidasshecomf ort
    edReba.
    Rebamovedherheadbackandshooki twhi l
    etrying
    towi pehert ears.Herhear tbrokeasi tr
    eplayedt hat
    i
    nci dentint heel evat
    orwher etheyhadst oppedit
    midwayandf orceful
    lyremovedhercl ot
    hesand
    forcedt heirfingersintoher .Hertearschokedher
    andshehi therf l
    atchest,herhear twasbr eaki
    ng
    andt hef eelingswer eoverwhel mingher .Shedidn’ t
    wantof eelliket hi
    s.Itwast oomucht oremember .
    Herl
    ipsquiveredandshesobbed.Susanhel
    dher
    asshecri
    edi ntoherar
    ms.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    38] :REBORN

    137

    Susanr ubbedherbackasshecr i
    edal ongwithher
    daughter.Howcoul dshenotsenset hather
    daughterwasnotokay?Sheshoul d’vet ri
    edtoread
    i
    nbet weent hesmilesandhersunshineper sonali
    ty
    thattherewasachange.Sheshoul dhavet ri
    ed
    harder.Atthisver
    ymomentshef eltlikeaf ai
    lur
    e.
    Shef ai
    ledallhechil
    dren.Rebabr
    oket hehugand
    rubbedhereyes.Shewasastr
    onggi
    rl
    .Theyjust
    neededtobeli
    eveinher
    .Shesmil
    edandpushedher
    l
    ocsback.
    “I’
    m sosor r
    y.Iknowit-
    “Rebashookherhead.Her
    mot herdidn’
    tknowandshedi dn’
    thavetoapologise
    forwhatot herpeopl
    edid.Shecoul
    dn’tcont
    rolthem.
    Shedi dtakedrugsbutshewascleannowand
    tryi
    ngtodealwi thhert
    raumathebestwayshe
    could.
    Susanwasst il
    lfl
    abber
    gastedbywhatshehear d
    andi tbrokeherhearti
    ntoami ll
    ionlit
    tl
    epieces.She
    wonder edhowi tfel
    tandasmuchasdr ugswer e
    bad,shecoul dunderherdaught er’
    schoices.Tears
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.Shecoul dunderstandwhyshe
    decidedt otakedrugsregar
    dlessoft hefactthat
    theymi ghtmakeheranaddi ct.
    “I’
    m her
    ef oranyt
    hing.”Susanhuggedheragainand
    Rebanodded.Sheneededt hat.Godknewshehas
    beenyearningforthat,shebl
    inkedbackt
    hetears
    thatwantedtofallagain.I
    fshestar
    tedcr
    yingagai
    n
    shewasn’ tgoi
    ngt ostop.
    “I’
    m sosorr
    yyouwentt
    hroughthat
    .Sosor r
    yf ornot
    readingbet
    weent
    heli
    nes.”Hermothersoothedand
    shenodded.Godsheneededtohearthat
    .

    *
    **

    AtAust
    in’
    shouse,
    AlorawatchedAust
    inputCeli
    ne
    i
    nthecar.Shewasnotgoi
    ngt oi
    ntr
    udeontheirl
    it
    tl
    e
    out
    ing.
    “
    Youcantakepict
    ures.
    .”sheshookherhead.They
    wer
    egoingwit
    hhernursej ustt
    omakesureshe
    wasokayandnotoverexerti
    ngher
    self
    .
    “
    Youtwogoandhavef un.I
    ’
    llj
    ustt
    rytogetthr
    ough
    wor
    k.”Hehuggedherandshehuggedhim backf
    or
    abr
    iefsecondbef
    oreshepushedhi
    m back.
    “Go.”Hekissedhercheekandshewat chedt he
    nursegetinsidethecaralongwi t
    hAust i
    n.Thecar
    reversedandt hegat
    ecl osedsecondslateraft
    ert
    he
    carwasout .Shewal kedtothehouseandt ouched
    herst omachagain.Shebet t
    ergetstar
    tedwi t
    hwork.
    Shet ookthestair
    sanddi sappeareddownt he
    hall
    waysassheheadedt othestudy.Meanwhi l
    ein
    thebedr oom,Hadesgotr eadyforthelunchdate.
    Anythingt ospendti
    mewi t
    hReba.Hewi l
    ldealwit
    h
    hisfatheronMonday, hejustneededt hi
    slast
    weekendwi t
    houthim buzzingi
    nhi searandteari
    ng
    him downwi thwords.

    *
    **

    Al
    mostanhourl
    ater
    ,Zar
    afacedherhusband.
    “
    Wishmel
    uck.
    ”
    “Zeeyoudon’
    thavet
    odot hi
    sifyoudon’twantto.
    Hadescanbeabastardi
    fhewant s.Heisnotthat
    niceandatt
    imesIwonderhowRebal ovesthat
    guy.”
    “
    Hei
    syourbr
    other
    -i
    n-l
    awbabe.
    ”
    “Justspeaki
    ngmytr
    uth.I
    ’
    lldr
    iveyouguyst
    herebut
    don’twantyout
    ohaveexpect
    ati
    ons.Hemight
    r
    ejectyouandyou’
    l
    l-
    “
    “Don’
    tbesonegative.Whoknows, maybehehas
    wantedasibl
    ing.I
    tmi ghtbetoughtoadjustt
    othat
    butevent
    uall
    yhe’l
    lletmei n.
    ”Zarahopedso
    anyway.
    “Okay.Ihearyou.Let
    ’sdothi
    sbabygi
    rl
    .”She
    gri
    nnedasshet iedherhai
    r.

    Inthebedroom,Rebamadesurehereyeswere
    okay.IfLor
    awashere,sheshoul
    dhavehelpedher
    wit
    hmakeup.Maybet herewashopethather
    mot herwasgoi
    ngtogetbett
    er.Shesmil
    edatthe
    mirror.
    “Rebantl
    eMor emiI’
    m pr oudofyounow. ”She
    smiledatherrefl
    ecti
    on.Herbr okenpieceswon’ tbe
    backtonormalbutt heycancr eatesomethingnew.
    Amosai c.Amosai cisalwaysbeaut i
    fulbecausei t
    ’s
    madef r
    om brokenpi eces.Shewasamosai c.She’
    ll
    updateViol
    etonMonday.Wi ththatshepi ckedher
    bagandwal kedoutoft heroom.Shesawher
    motherwhol ookedlikeshewasbeat ingher self
    overherr
    ecentr
    evel
    ati
    on.
    “Mom….
    it
    ’sinthepast
    .”Shesaidasshecl
    osedher
    bedr
    oom doorandZar
    awal kedoutwi
    thMox.
    “
    Butst
    il
    l…”
    “Mom, i
    thappenedandI ’
    m survivi
    ngaren’tI
    ?Just
    beli
    eveinme,li
    keapi xi
    e.I’
    m strongandsomedays
    aretoughbutI’
    mt oughernow.”Shegr i
    nnedand
    huggedhermot herbefor
    ekissingherforehead.
    “Ihavetogonow.We’ l
    lbebacklat
    erbutIloveyou
    andit’
    snotyourf
    ault.I
    t’
    snotevenmi ne.
    ”Zaraand
    Mooketsiwerel
    ost.Whatweretheytalki
    ngabout?
    “Guysareyouready?
    ”Sheaskedt
    hem andZar
    a
    gaveherathumbsup.
    “
    Neverbeent
    hisexci
    ted.
    ”
    “Fakeitt
    il
    lyoumakei
    tIguess.
    ”Zar
    a’ssmi
    le
    dropped.
    “
    Doesi
    tshow?
    ”
    “Yep.”Theysaidbyet oSusanwhowavedatt hem
    andwal kedint
    ot hebedroom.Herhusbandhad
    l
    istenedattent
    ivelyandshecoul
    dseet hehur
    tinhis
    eyes.Shewasgoi
    ngtodobetter
    .Thabisojust
    patt
    edonthebedandshesatdownnextt ohim.He
    huggedherandsher
    eleasedasadsigh.

    *
    **

    AtAusti
    n’shouse,
    Hadescheckedt
    hest
    udyandhe
    foundherwit
    hherfacedown.
    “
    I’
    llbeback.
    ”
    “Nooneisgoingtomi ssyouHades.Outyougo.
    ”
    Shedidn’
    tli
    ftherheadandheleanedback.
    “
    Alor
    a.”Shel
    if
    tedherheadannoyed.
    “
    Hmm…”
    “Thankyou.
    ”Shesqui
    ntedhereyes.What
    ’sashe
    upto?
    “
    Forwhat
    ?”
    “Iki
    ndofsuspect
    edyouhadAustinhel
    pme, t
    hank
    you.”Aust
    inwasthatmal
    efr
    iendheneverhad
    growingupsi
    ncehehadnosibli
    ngs.Al
    ora’
    seyes
    sof
    tenedaf
    ract
    ion.
    “I
    nourweakestmoment sweallneedsomeonet o
    bether
    e.I
    tmightnotseem li
    kemuchbuti tdoes
    hel
    p.Iwoulddoitoverandoveragai
    n.”Helooked
    downathisshoesandsmi l
    ed.Sheclosedthefi
    le
    shewasbusywi t
    h.
    “I
    tmeansal ott
    ome. ”Hesaidagainli
    cki
    nghisli
    ps
    asheli
    ftedhisheadtolookather.Shehada
    beaut
    if
    ulhearteventhoughoutwardl
    ysheacted
    l
    ikeabit
    ch.Hesmi ledandsheroll
    edhereyes.
    “Welcome,nowleave.
    ”Hechuckl
    edandwal kedout
    .
    Aloraconti
    nuedreadi
    ngt
    heotherfi
    lesheandtogo
    t
    hr ough.

    *
    **

    Hadesf inal
    lyarr
    ivedatthel
    unchspot.Helooked
    around.Hehasn’ tbeeninpubl
    icformonthsandhe
    hadtof orcehimselftocomeherebecausehis
    gi
    rlfr
    iendaskedf oralunchmeeti
    ng.Hewouldhave
    preferr
    edsomewher epr i
    vatebutt henagainif
    you’reknownthereisnopr ivacyisthere?He
    spottedherbutstoppedinhi stracksseeingher
    withthatgi
    rlfr
    om thelastdi nnerhehadwi t
    hher
    family.Whatwasgoi ngon?Hecont i
    nuedwal ki
    ng
    ti
    llhegottothetable.Rebasmi l
    edathi m ashe
    kissedherli
    psthenbr okeitbeforesitti
    ngdown.
    “Hilove.Uhm okay,I
    ’
    llmakethisqui
    ckand
    disappear.Hadesthi
    sisZara,Zar
    athisi
    sHades…”
    Hadesnodded.Notf oll
    owing.
    “Zarahassomet hingt
    otellyouandit
    ’snotmy
    placet obehere.Il
    oveyoubaby.”Shestoodupand
    kissedhischeekbeforeshewalkedoutleavi
    ngher
    cluelessboyf
    ri
    endwi t
    hZar a.
    “Hi
    .I’
    m Z-“herhear
    tpoundedwi t
    heachbreathand
    shecouldseehisconfusionandboredom andwas
    hopi
    nghewasn’ tgoi
    ngt oshutherdown
    i
    mmedi atel
    y.
    “Cuttothechase.
    ”Therewastheswi
    ftverbalcut
    off
    .
    Swiftandkindofbi
    tt
    er.Herski
    nti
    ngl
    edasher
    visi
    onwentwoozy.Sheopenedhermout hbuther
    tonguefel
    theavybef
    oreshecoul
    devencont
    inue
    speaki
    ng.
    “I
    -Ihavesomethi
    ngtotel
    lyou.”Herwordsmashed
    andHadeswasobviouslyalreadybor
    edofher.Why
    couldn’
    tshegett
    otherealreasonshewashereso
    hewoul dl
    eaveandspendtimewi t
    hhisgir
    lf
    ri
    end?
    Henodded.
    “I
    -uhm I
    -ohGod!”Shefannedherf
    aceandherheart
    drummedi nherchest
    .Hewasi nt
    imidat
    ingi
    n
    personandactual
    lyspeaki
    ngtohim.Hewasher
    bi
    gbr ot
    herandshewasscar edal
    ready.Maybet
    his
    hadbeenabadi dea.
    “
    I-
    I’
    m yoursi
    ster.
    ”Sheblur
    ted.Hadesstopped
    movi
    ng.Het hi
    nnedhiseyestolookatherbef
    orehe
    l
    aughedbit
    terl
    y.
    “Thisissomeki ndofsickj
    okeri
    ght?
    ”Zara’
    sheart
    plummet edinherchest.Shewasajoke?Tear
    s
    burnedi nhereyes.Shewasajoke?Thishadbeena
    badi dea.
    Hadeswaswai
    ti
    ngforhertoagr
    eeandgett ot
    he
    r
    ealpoi
    nti
    nst
    eadhesawt ear
    sinhereyes.Shi
    t!
    Fuck!I
    twasn’
    t?
    “You’
    reserious?
    ”Didshelookli
    keshewoul dl
    ie
    aboutthat
    ?Shenoddedandbl inkedbackthesal
    ty
    waterwell
    inginhereyes.Sheshouldl
    eavenow.
    Shepushedherchairback.
    “Wait
    ,whatdoyoumeanyou’
    remysist
    er?
    ”He
    asked.Becausehowt
    hef
    uckdidhehaveasi
    bli
    ng
    whenheknewhewasanonl ychi
    ld?
    “
    Wesha-
    “Zar
    arubbedhereyes.
    “
    Weshar
    eaf
    ather
    .”Hadesr
    emai
    nedqui
    et.
    “Fr
    edHudson,he’
    smybi ol
    ogi
    calf
    ather.Hisname
    i
    sonmybi rt
    hcert
    if
    icat
    eifyouwatproof .
    ”Shesai
    d.
    Hesenthermoneyeverymonthbecauset hat
    ’s
    whathedid,
    hethr
    ewmoneyathi sproblemsandhe
    hopedi
    twasenough.
    “I’
    m sorry.Ishoul
    dn’
    thaveburdenedyouwiththat
    ,I
    j
    ustwant edyoutoknow.”Zarafi
    nal
    lysai
    dandshe
    gotup, grabbi
    ngherbagandr ubbi
    nghereyes.An
    astonishedHadeswast ryi
    ngtoprocesst
    hat.I
    t
    hasn’tevenbeen24hour ssincehe’
    sbeenbackand
    thi
    s?
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AMONTHLATER

    Mysi ncerestapologiesmyoxygentanks.I’vebeen
    stuckforhours.Fivecupsofcoffeelaterandnow
    wehavet his.I’
    llt
    rytoseeifwecansqueezei n
    anotherone.Trybei ngthedoi
    ngwor d.Loveand
    l
    ightmyl oves.
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    38] :REBORN

    138

    Al
    orapausedasshel
    ookedatheri
    nvest
    orsaf
    ter
    hert
    hreemont
    hupdat
    eont
    hepr
    ogr
    ess.
    “Sofarsogood.
    ”Gr eysai dasheeyedherandshe
    noddedwaiti
    ngforther esttogi
    vethei
    rviews.She
    wasexhaustedf
    rom wor ki
    ngonthisallweek.
    Final
    lyi
    namonth’st i
    meshewi l
    lhavethesampl e
    ofmostoftheproducts.Thebuilderweredoing
    good.Shenowhadt owor konbuil
    dingher
    company.Thehiri
    ngpr ocessandadver t
    isement.
    PRandal lt
    heworks.Thr eemonthsinandt heli
    tt
    le
    gremli
    nwasbehavingi nherstomach.
    “Iam j
    ustwai
    tingfort
    hefi
    nalproductandLor
    a
    Cosmeticshi
    tt
    ingtheshel
    ves.”Maduoaddedas
    shefi
    ll
    edherglasswit
    hwat er
    .
    “
    Sot
    her
    ear
    en’
    tanymor
    equest
    ions?
    ”
    “NoAlora.Wearever
    ysatisf
    iedwit
    hyourwor
    k
    ethi
    candourmoneyisbeingusedwi sel
    ysot
    hat
    ’s
    i
    t.”Shenoddedandplacedherhandsonthet
    abl
    e.
    “Thankyouandt hemeetingi
    soverthen.I
    ’l
    lsend
    emailsforthenextmeeti
    ngandwe’llt
    akeitf
    rom
    ther
    e.”Theyagreedandmur muredamongst
    themselves.Shefl
    ashedaquicksmilebef
    oreshe
    pickedherl apt opbaganddi sconnectedherl aptop.
    Shewal kedoutaf tershepackedherst uff.She
    want edt ogohomeandsl eep.Aust inof feredt o
    helphersoshecanr estwhenneeded.I tdi dhelp
    somet imest ohaveasmar tmanbyhersi dewho
    knewever ythingt herei stoknowi nthebusi ness
    wor l
    d.Theel evatoropenedandshest eppedi nside.
    Shel ookedupasshepr essedt hebut tonsf oritto
    godown.Theyhaddi scussedl etti
    ngpeopl eknow
    aboutt hepr egnancy.Wel lherfami l
    yinpar t
    icular
    becausehi smot herknewandi tbroughtasmi leto
    herf acewhenCel ineaskedherhowshewasever y
    mor ningwhenshewast heonesupposedt oaskher
    howshewas.Shehasbeenget t
    ingweakerbyt he
    dayandt hedoct orhadsai d,itwasami raclet hat
    shewassur vivingt i
    llnow.Al or
    ahadabadf eeli
    ng
    thatshemi ghtdi esoonbecauseshesl eptmor e
    andi twasscar ybecauseRober twoul dwakei nthe
    mi ddleoftheni ghttocheckonherhear tbeat .Of
    cour seshewoul dwakeupandst andbyhi m but
    somet imesi thur tthatshecoul dn’trever set imeand
    hopet hatCel inehadn’ treachedt helastst ageof
    cancerbutf atehadot herpl anssheguessed.
    Theelevatorpinged, doorssli
    dopenandAl or
    aina
    blacksuitsteppedoutexudi ngtheconf i
    denceonly
    fewcouldmust erwi t
    hheelsskyhighandmakeup
    beingherar mour .Shenoddedasshepassedt he
    recepti
    onistandst eppedoutoft hebuil
    ding.She
    headedt othepar kinglot
    .Assoonasshegoti nsi
    de
    hercar,sher emovedherheel s,adjust
    edherseat
    forwardandbl ewt heweavef rom herfaceasshe
    start
    edthecar ,laptopbaginthepassengerseat .
    ShouldshecheckonRober t?Shewast i
    redbutahi
    won’tkil
    lherwi l
    lit?ToRober t
    ’soffi
    cethen.

    *
    **

    AtAusti
    n’soff
    ice,helookedatt hedesi gn.I
    twas
    missi
    ngsomet hing.Hecouldn’tpinpointwhatbit
    somethingwasmi ssingandofcour seshehad
    beenwear i
    ngMat hewInc.origi
    naldesi gnsfor
    months.Heneededt hisonet obeper fectbecauseit
    hadtobeandi twasmi ssingacer tainelementtoit
    .
    Hepickedhispencilandhel ockedhi slipsashis
    of
    fi
    cet
    elephonest
    art
    edr
    ingi
    ng.Hepi
    ckedi
    tup.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    MsMor emiisheretoseeyou.Shelooksl
    ikeshei
    s
    r
    eadytokil
    lme.”Therecept
    ioni
    staddedwi
    t ha
    whi
    sper.
    “Shecanproceed.Thankyou. ”Hecutt hecall.He
    putthepencildownandt hepaperwasshovedi nt
    o
    hisdeskdrawer .He’
    llworryabouthi sspecif
    ic
    designsomet i
    mel at
    eraftershel eaves.Hehadonl y
    threemonthsfrom nowt oputt histogetherbutthis
    designwasmor estr
    essfulthant herest.Wasi t
    becausethisonewasspeci althantheot her
    s?
    Minuteslat
    er,therewasadoorknockandshe
    openedthedoor .
    “HiRobert
    .Idecidedtopassbyandseeyournotso
    att
    ract
    ivefacebeforeheadi
    nghome.
    ”
    “Justsayyoumi
    ssedmeandIam ver
    yat
    tr
    act
    ive
    darl
    ing.
    ”
    “Noyou’
    renot.
    ”Sheclosedthedoorandshe
    headedst
    rai
    ghttothecouch.Sheremovedher
    heel
    sandsheplacedherlegsonthecouchaswel
    l
    .
    Shefr
    owned.Shewasn’
    tcomf or
    tabl
    e.Hewat
    ched
    hert
    rytosi
    tcomfor
    tabl
    yti
    llshedeci
    dedtosi
    tcr
    oss
    l
    egged.
    “
    Bet
    ter
    .Thei
    nvest
    orsar
    ehappy.
    ”Henodded.
    “
    I’m nother
    etodi
    stur
    bal
    thought
    hati
    sonmyt
    o-do
    l
    istaswell.
    ”
    “I’
    llal
    waysmaket i
    mef oryoudar
    li
    ng.Youwantto
    talkandI’
    ml i
    steni
    ng.
    ”Shewenttoont oexpl
    aint
    he
    planforthi
    sweekandnextweek.
    “Iobviousl
    yneedamar keti
    ngteam.Thatespeci
    all
    y
    becausehowcanwei ntr
    oduceLoraCosmetics
    withoutthepowerofsocialmediaandagoodPR
    team.”
    “
    True.
    ”Shebi
    therl
    owerl
    ip.
    “
    Mydressdoesn’
    tfi
    t.
    ”Shechangedt
    opi
    csj
    ustl
    i
    ke
    t
    hat
    .
    “Whichonesweetheart
    ?”Shehadsomanydresses
    andhedidn’tbot
    hermemor i
    singal
    loft
    hem,
    she
    didn’
    twearsomeoft hedr
    esses.
    “
    Graduat
    iondr
    essandi
    t’
    snextmont
    h.I
    tnol
    onger
    f
    it
    s.”
    “Fi
    ndanot
    heronesweet
    hear
    t.
    ”Sher
    oll
    edhereyes
    andfol
    dedherar
    ms.
    “You’r
    esupposedtoassur
    emeRober
    t,whyo
    ntat
    lhelel
    a?”
    (whyar
    eyounott
    aki
    ngmeseriousl
    y?)
    “Darl
    ingt
    hat’
    stheonlyopt
    ionavai
    labl
    e.”Sheknew
    that
    .Butshelovedi
    t.Shei
    sprobablygoingtost
    art
    showingnextmonthandherchosendressdidn’
    tfi
    t.
    Whatat i
    metobealive.
    “
    Doyoul
    oveme?
    ”
    “
    Youownmyhear
    tandsoulAl
    ora.
    ”
    “Wouldyoutat
    toomynameonyourback?
    ”He
    pickedhi
    spen.
    “Alor
    aIalreadytattooedyourbirthdat
    eonmychest .
    Wher ei
    sthisgoi ngsweetheart?”Shegri
    nned.Ah.
    Thattat
    too.Her eall
    ydidn’thavetobutthathad
    beensweetofhi m andshedi dn’tknowhowmuch
    l
    ovet hi
    smanr equiredbecausehehadher sin
    tonnesandt onnes.Likeshealwayssaid,fat
    e
    ali
    gnedthem.Theywer edestinedforeachother
    .
    Hewascal
    m,l
    iket
    hesea.
    “
    Woul
    dyouduelf
    orme?
    ”
    “Youar
    esof
    ucki
    ngwei
    rd.
    ”Shel
    aughedandhe
    smil
    ed.
    “Il
    oveyou.
    ”Shesai
    dandshepl
    acedherhandson
    herthi
    ghs.
    “Youroff
    springi
    sbehavingsoIbet
    tergohome
    now.”Heshookhi sheadwit
    hanearsplit
    ti
    nggri
    n
    onhisface.Hegotupf r
    om hi
    sdeskjustasshegot
    readytostandup.
    “
    Notsof
    ast
    .”
    “
    You’
    rest
    art
    ing.
    .”
    “St
    arti
    ngwhat?”Hehel
    pedheruponherfeetand
    shethoughthewasgoi
    ngtohelpherwi
    thher
    shoesbutthebast
    ardj
    ustpi
    ckedheruptoplace
    heronhisdesk.
    “Robert…”hervoi
    cetrai
    ledasher emovedherblazer.
    Sheknewwhathewasdoi ngandshewant edthat
    too.Shecan’ttel
    lhi
    mt hatbecauseshewasgoi ng
    toinfl
    atehisego.Seei
    nghim smugi r
    ri
    tat
    edthehel l
    outofher.Heplacedt
    heblazeronhischair
    caref
    ull
    y.Good.Heshoul
    dn’twrinkl
    eit
    .Hecaref
    ull
    y
    unbutt
    onedherpantsandshecoul dbr
    eatheni
    cely
    now.
    “Youreal
    lydowantme11i
    nchesdeepi
    nsi
    deof
    you.
    .”
    “Robert
    ,arewedoingt
    hisornot
    ?”Hel
    aughedashe
    kissedherli
    psandsheki
    ssedhi
    sback.
    “
    C-canyou.
    .”hebr
    oket
    heki
    sst
    oli
    stent
    oher
    .She
    f
    lushed.
    “
    Speak.
    ”
    “Canyoutakemeroughl
    y?”Hekissedherneck
    befor
    ehisteet
    hgr
    atedherearandsheshuddered.
    “Wit
    hpl easur esweet
    heart
    .”Hehadbeenmuch
    morel enientonherbecauseshewasal waysti
    red
    andthedoct ormenti
    onedsomethi
    ngabout
    miscarriageshappeningduri
    ngthefi
    rsttr
    imest
    er.
    Withthathel ower
    edhishandst
    opulldownher
    pantsjustasherhandswentdownt ohisbelt
    buckle.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    39] :REBORN

    139

    Hi
    seyesfel
    lonherbreastsasheclaspedherbr
    a.
    Heki
    ssedherneckbeforewhisper
    ing.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Icanseethat
    .”Hel aughedashepi ckedupher
    shir
    tandhelditbehindhersoshecansl i
    deher
    armsintot
    hesl eeves.Shedidjustthatashepicked
    herpantswhil
    eshebut t
    onedup.Herhai rwasall
    messedupbutt hey’
    l
    ldealwit
    ht hataft
    ersheisfull
    y
    dressed.Hehandedherherpant sandhewatched
    herdoal i
    ttl
    ejumpforthem tomoveoverherbut t
    .
    Shebr eat
    hedout.Shecouldn’twaittoheadhome,
    takeabathbecausethismanr eall
    yhadhisway
    withherandshehadt owalknor mal l
    youtoft
    his
    place.
    “
    Whatt
    imewi
    llyoubehome?
    ”
    “
    Ali
    tt
    lebi
    tlat
    e.”
    “
    Howl
    ateRober
    t?Bespeci
    fi
    c.”
    “Don’
    twaitupf
    orme.”Shenoddedasshetuckedi
    n
    hershi
    rtandhecameupbehindher
    ,wrappi
    nghis
    armsaroundherst
    omach.
    “
    Gladt
    oknowourbabyi
    sbehavi
    ngandIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.Letgoofme.
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Youshoul
    dwashof
    fyourmakeup.
    ”
    “
    Ilookhor
    ri
    bledon’
    tI?
    ”
    “
    Ver
    yhor
    ri
    ble.You’
    ret
    err
    if
    ying.
    ”
    “You’
    reaterr
    ibl
    ehumanbei
    ngRober
    t.
    ”Shel
    ooked
    atherli
    pst
    ickstai
    nonhi
    sshi
    rt
    .Howwasshegoing
    togetitoutofhisshirtdur i
    ngl aundr
    yday?Hel et
    goofherasshescur riedtothebat hroom inhi s
    offi
    ce.Shelookedatt hemi rror.Sheshoul dwash
    herfacenow.Hewal kedi nsi
    det hebat hr
    oom
    holdi
    ngwi pes.Shewasgl adt oknowhewas
    adopti
    ngherhabi ts.Sheshoul dn’thaveleftherbag
    i
    nt hecar,shewillhavet oremoveevent hel ashes.
    GoshRober thadonej ob, tostayawayf r
    om her
    facenowshe’ sstruggling.Shehel dbackt earsas
    shebroughtherhandupt ohernoset otrynott ocry.
    “Lorayou’
    recr
    ying?
    ”Shewasn’
    t.Shewasn’
    t.He
    sighed.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”Heaskedashehel
    dherwai
    st.
    “
    I’
    m notcr
    ying.You’
    reseei
    ngt
    hings.
    ”
    Hel
    etherthi
    nkthatandnoddedbef
    oreki
    ssi
    ngt
    he
    t
    opofherhead.
    “Okaysweethear
    t.
    ”Shenoddedandhej uststood
    behindherasshewashedherfacecleanofthe
    makeup.Whenshewasdone, hehandedhert he
    wipesandshegavehim agrat
    efulnod.He
    squeezedhercheeks,
    shewasgettingchubbynow.
    “
    Eket
    eol
    egwi
    nya.
    ”(
    youl
    ookl
    ikeaf
    atcake)
    Sheglar
    edathi
    m ashegavehersmuggr i
    nwhilst
    st
    il
    lsqueezi
    nghercheeks.Shesl
    appedhi
    shands
    away.
    “Wellt
    hislegwinyawon’tbeshar
    ingthebedwith
    youanytimesoon.Wai t
    sewakgor a.
    ”Sheroll
    edher
    eyesandhel aughed.Sheendeduplaughing.
    “Butser
    iousl
    ynow,
    kel
    egwi
    nya?
    ”(DoIl
    ookl
    ikeaf
    at
    cake?)
    “I
    ’
    m af r
    aidsodarli
    ng.Butyou’r
    eadeli
    ciousf
    atcake
    don’tworryabouti
    t.”Herfaceheat
    edi
    nannoyance.
    Thismanwasannoyi ng.
    “
    GodknowsIdespi
    seyou.Justdi
    e.”
    “Youdon’t
    .”Hesmoothedbackherweaveandhe
    squeezedhercheeksagai
    n.
    “Butonaser
    iousnote,j
    okesaside.You’
    reacut
    efat
    cakedar
    li
    ng.
    ”Shefistedherhands.
    “I
    ’m goi
    ngtothr
    owhandsandsomeoneisdying
    andthatper
    sonisn’
    tme.”Hel
    aughedwatchi
    ngher
    getpinki
    nthefaceandheki
    ssedherf
    orehead.I
    t
    wasoeasyt
    ori
    leherup,
    alwaysf
    ier
    y.
    “DoIlookpresent
    abl
    e?”Sheaskedandhe
    assessedher.
    “Yourclothesaren’
    twr i
    nkl
    edbutyourhairsays
    anotherthingenti
    rel
    y.”Shegroaned.Hesmoot hed
    i
    tdownwhi lstt
    oweri
    ngoverher .Hesmil
    edand
    l
    ower edhisheadt oki
    ssher .Shemovedherf ace.
    “I
    ’
    m notafatcake.
    ”Helaughedandshejoi
    nedhim
    ashegothiski
    ssthatal
    mostledtoanot
    herround
    ofsex.

    *
    **

    Rebawal kedoutoft helecturetheatr


    easshet ook
    outherphone.Shehadt oheadoutt oanother
    l
    essoni ntenmi nut
    es.Di dshement ionthatshe
    hatedUniversi
    ty?Testt woswer earoundt hecor
    ner
    andshewasst udyi
    ngandst udyi
    ngbutnot hi
    ng
    cl
    icked.Whycan’ tt
    heyt rusttheylearntt
    hecontent
    andjustgivethem theirdegrees?Shesi ghedasshe
    sentHadesaqui
    ckmessagebef
    orepocket
    ingher
    phone.

    *
    **

    Hadesdi dn’
    tknowwhet herheshoul dconf r
    onthis
    fat
    heraboutt heZar aissue.Dur ingt hecour seof
    themont h,t
    heydi dspeak.Occasi onal l
    ythatwas
    andhehear dhersi deoft hest oryandhewant edto
    hearhisfather’ssideoft hest ory.Whyhenever
    ment i
    onedher ,didhehat ehimt hatmucht oeven
    notall
    owcont actbet weensibl i
    ngs?Heknewhi s
    motherwaswel l
    ,verymuchnon- existentinhislif
    e.
    Thewomanabandonedhi m whenhewasaki d,she
    l
    eakedt headdi cti
    onst othemedi aandchangedt he
    courseofhisandReba’ slif
    e.Mostespeci all
    yReba
    becausepeopl ebashedhert hemostandshehad
    beensouncomf ort
    abl eshowi ngherf aceouti n
    publi
    c.Hesl i
    dhi sphoneoutandr eadReba’ s
    messagewi t
    hasmi l
    e.Hedeci dedhewi llaskhis
    fat
    hertomor row.Hehadsummonedhi mt ohi s
    housefordinner
    .Adinnerhewasnotgoi
    ngto
    enj
    oyeitherwaybuthehadnochoice.Hewas
    usi
    ngthebast ar
    d’sl
    astname.

    *
    **

    Susansmi ledasshewentt hr ought hephot oal bum


    oft heki ds,therapywasbet terandt ruet ohi s
    pr omi seThabi sohadbeenat tendingt her apywi t
    h
    her .Itwaseyeopeni nghear i
    nghowhef eltabout
    heract i
    onst hesel astfewmont hs,sheknewhewas
    rightandnowt hatshewasdeal ingwi tht heghost
    from t he23year sago, thingswer egoi ngt oget
    bet ter.Theyhadt o.Sheaccept edsher ui
    nedt he
    relationshipshehadwi t
    hherdaught erandi twoul d
    takesomesor tofmi racleforhert of ullyfor gi
    veher
    andcomebackhome.Rebawasbei ngmuchopen
    toherandsheaccept edherdaught er’
    schoi cein
    men.Shewant edHadesandshehadnochoi cebut
    toaccepther .Hehadl ovedherwhenshehadf el
    t
    l
    ikeshedi dn’tdeservet obel oved, somet hingshe
    didn’tgiveherdaughterwhenshewasgoi ng
    throught hewor st
    .Herheartsti
    llachesatthat
    thought.Shecl osedthephotoal bum.Shedidn’
    t
    forgetthatAl or
    awasgr aduati
    ngnextmont haswell,
    i
    thur ttobeont heoutsi
    delookinginandthefact
    thatnoneofherchi l
    drenupdatedheraboutAlora
    hurtmor e.Shewasst ar
    ti
    ngtobeast r
    angerandit
    wasn’ tagoodf eeli
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    39] :REBORN

    140

    AtAust
    in’
    sof
    fi
    ceshor
    tl
    yaf
    terAl
    oral
    eft
    ,hi
    s
    t
    elephoner
    ang.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Youhaveanunexpect
    edvi
    sit
    or.
    .”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    MyHudson.
    ”Hef
    rowned.Hades?
    “Lethim pass.”Hehungupandl eanedbackonhi s
    deskashet ookouthissketchandpencil
    .Hel i
    ft
    ed
    upthesket ch,tr
    yingtoenvi
    sionthef
    inalproduct.
    Sighingtherewasadoorknockandheputt he
    sketchbacki nhisdrawer.
    “Comein.”Thedooropenedandhewassurpr
    ised
    toseeFredHudson.Ofcoursehi
    sfacewasdevoi
    d
    ofanyemot i
    onasheeyesthemanwhot ookaseat.
    “
    Whatisitt
    hatyouwant
    ?”Aust
    inr
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.
    Whatdi
    dhewant ?
    “Myson.Heisnothi
    ngwi t
    houthi
    str
    ustf
    undandhe
    can’
    tgiveyouanyt
    hing,
    whatdoyouwantfr
    om
    him?”
    “
    Gooddayt
    oyouandwel
    l,
    that
    ’sani
    nter
    est
    ing
    t
    ake.
    ”
    “
    Justanswert hedamnquest i
    onMat hews?Doyou
    wanthi mforyoursel
    forar
    eyout r
    yingto
    mani pul
    atehi
    m? ”Austi
    ndidn’
    tshudderasFred
    t
    riedt ogethi
    sreacti
    on.Hewastoocal mforhi
    s
    l
    iking.
    “
    Howdidyougettothatconcl
    usi
    on?
    ”Hi
    svoi
    cewas
    l
    evel
    .Cal
    m andi
    tdidn’
    twaver.
    “Iam looki
    ngoutformyson, maybeyouwanthim
    foryourselfsi
    nceyouare-ormaybestil
    lgay.
    ”
    Austinleanedback.Hedidn’twantHades,hecared
    forhimt hewayaf r
    ienddoesandhi ssexual
    it
    yhad
    tobedr aggedint
    oit.Questi
    onwashowdi dhefi
    nd
    out?
    “Hmm.SoIposeasathr
    eat?ThatI’mtheref oryour
    soninawayyoucoul
    dn’
    tandinsteadoftalkingto
    yourson,
    youcametome.Thatisveryi
    diotic.”
    “
    Howdar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Icalloutidi
    ocywhenIseeit.Youshouldbe
    mendi ngyourrel
    ati
    onshipwithyourson.I
    treall
    y
    i
    sn’tmyconcer nthatyouarefai
    li
    nghim andhe
    couldn’tgetanounceofconcernfrom hi
    sfather.I
    f
    thatisall,wouldyoupl easeleavemyof f
    ice.Thank
    you.”Fredbubbl edint
    ernall
    yashest ooduponhi s
    feet.Hewal kedoutandAust incursedunderhi s
    breath.Dammi t.Howdi dhef i
    ndout ?Andhewasn’ t
    gay, hedidn’tcompar t
    ment al
    isehissexualit
    y.He
    didn’tseegenderandt hatwast heproblem with
    peopl eknowi ng,theywon’tseeitfrom hispointof
    view.

    *
    **

    Al
    orasatdownbyCel
    ine’
    sbedasCel
    ineweakl
    y
    t
    urnedtofaceher
    .
    “Hi
    ,howareyouf eel
    ing?
    ”Cel i
    negaveaweaksmil
    e
    andAlor
    ablinkedbacktears.Shewasn’
    tthi
    s
    emoti
    onalperson.Sheblamedt hepr
    egnancy.
    “Thankyou.
    ”Celi
    necroakedoutbeforeshe
    coughed.Cel
    inecoul
    dfeelthatherdayswerenear
    .
    Shemadememor i
    eswithhersonandhewasi n
    goodhands.Hewasf i
    nall
    ystarti
    ngaf ami
    ly,
    a
    famil
    ythatl
    ovedhim.Awomant hatmatchedand
    l
    ovedhim wit
    hnoi nhibi
    tions.Shecoughedsome
    moreandAlorastoodonherf eett
    ofixherpil
    low
    andhelphersi
    tupright,
    shegaveheragr atef
    ul
    smil
    e.Ever
    ythi
    nghappenedf orareason,sheloved
    herl
    if
    eandshehadr egretsbutnowshehadt olet
    go.Shewassot i
    red.Soweak.Ashel lofwhoshe
    hadbeen.
    “
    H-howi
    sthebaby?
    ”Al
    orasmi
    led.
    “Behavi
    ng.We’
    regood.Doyouneedanyt
    hing?
    ”
    Celi
    neshookherheadasshefoughtt
    okeepher
    eyesopen.
    “
    Pleasel
    ovehi
    mforme.
    ”Al
    orabl
    inkedbackt
    ear
    s.
    “Iwillalwaysdo.”Sher epl
    iedsof
    tl
    yasCeline
    noddedweakl yandcoughed.Shehadsomucht o
    saybutt hatwasallshecouldmusteruptosay.
    Aloramadesur eshewascomf or
    tabl
    easCeline
    closedhereyes.Sher el
    easedasadsighasshe
    cover edherup.Shesmi l
    edasshelookedatthe
    bucketl ist
    .Shegaveal owchucklebli
    nki
    ngback
    thetear sasshewal kedoutoftheroom.Alor
    awent
    tothei rsharedr
    oom tocat chuponherownsl eep.
    Whatshedidn’tknowwast hatt
    enmi nutesaft
    er
    shelef
    t,Cel
    inestruggl
    edwithbreathi
    ngandthe
    nursehadtr
    iedcont r
    oli
    ttothepointofcal
    li
    ng
    Austi
    nhomebecauseshedi dn’
    twantt oworr
    yAlor
    a.

    *
    **

    Aust i
    nrushedhomeandhehat edt hetr
    affi
    cont he
    wayhome, hishear tracedf ranticall
    yashepr ayed
    toaGodhedi dn’
    tevenbel i
    evei n.Themi nutehe
    parkedhiscari nsidet heyard, hej umpedr i
    ghtout
    asher ushedi ntothehouse.Hi st iewasalmost
    chokinghi m ashef oughtwi t
    hi theadingtohis
    mot her’
    sbedr oom.Hef oundhert hereasthenur se
    gavehi m ahopel esslook.Hi seyeswel l
    edoveras
    Celine’
    seyesgavehi m anador ingl ookamidstthe
    pain.Herbodywasf i
    ght ingtogobutatl eastshe
    wasseei nghersonf orthel astt i
    me, heheldher
    fr
    ailandt hi
    nhandsi nhisashesni f
    fed.
    “Mot
    her…”shecoughed,herchestcl
    osi
    nginonher.
    Shecoul
    dphysical
    lyfeelheror
    gansshutt
    ingdown
    asshegavehi
    m aweaksmi
    le.
    “I
    -Il
    oveyou. ”Shesai dandt hisf uckedAust i
    nup.
    Thenur sewal kedoutandt het earsr oll
    eddownhi s
    cheeks.Twent yfiveyearslatershewassayi ngt
    hat
    andhedi dn’tknowi fthi
    srestor edhishear torwas
    j
    ustthebegi nningofamaj orhear tbreakbecause
    nowt heydidn’thavet i
    me,hedi dn’ twanttosay
    goodbyebecauset hisonemeantf orever.
    “Mom…”Cel i
    ne’
    seyesgl
    it
    teredwi
    thtear
    s,t
    hiswas
    goodbye.Shewassureofit
    .Hewil
    lbeokay.Hewil
    l
    befi
    ne.
    “I
    -IloveyouandI ’
    m sopr oudofyou. ”Shesaidwit
    h
    abr eaki
    ngvoice.Hi sli
    pstrembledashecr ouched
    down, heknewt hisdaywascomi ngbutitfel
    tli
    kea
    knifehadbeenpi ercedintohisheartanditwas
    beingstabbedcont inuousl
    y.Hewant edsomeonet o
    unchainthereactions.
    “Y-
    you…i
    t’
    stooearl
    y.”Hewasf ool
    inghi
    msel fand
    hehadneverbeenamant of
    oolhi
    mselfbuthe
    coul
    dhopeforamiracle.Hewasn’tr
    eli
    giousbuthe
    coul
    dhopeforamiracle.Cel
    i
    nesqueezedhi shand.
    Everythi
    ngshewant edtosayhadbeensaidthese
    pastthreemonthswi t
    hhersonandhi swonderful
    gir
    lf
    riend.Shehadhopedhewasgoi ngtomakean
    honestwomanoutofherandmar ryAlorasomeday
    butshewast ir
    edoff i
    ghti
    ng.Hebroughtherhands
    tohisfaceandkissedthem,hist
    earstouchedher
    handandshegavehi m asmil
    e.
    “GoodbyeAust i
    n.”Shesai
    di nawhi sperandshe
    closedhereyes.Aust i
    nwatchedt hemoni torbeep
    quietenti
    llitwasjustastr
    aightl
    ine.Shef l
    atli
    ned
    andt hatwast heendofCelineMat hewslifeon
    planetearth.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Myapologi
    esmyoxygentanks.Thi
    sweekmy
    cr
    eat
    ivetankhadbeenconsi
    derabl
    ylowbutI
    ’
    llt
    ry
    topushandseewher
    eweendt
    oday.Thankyouf
    or
    yourpat
    ience.
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    39] :REBORN

    141

    Austi
    nl aidi nthesi lence,waiti
    ngt oheart hesi r
    ens
    oftheambul anceevent houghhenevercal ledone
    ashewat chedhi smot her’ssti
    llbody.Hi stear s
    bli
    ndinghi seyes, hedi dn’
    twantt olosei tandhe
    wasn’tsur eifhewasget t
    ingthroughthi s.Howdi d
    onegett hr ought his?Howdi donef indhopei nthe
    hopeless?Hecoul df eelhisheartbreakingandi t
    hurti
    nhi schest .Itwasonf ir
    eandhebi thisl ower
    l
    ipashepl acedhi sheadonhi sknees, ittookhi m
    tenmi nut estoacceptt hatashel ookedatt hehear t
    monitor, hopingherhear tratewasgoi ngt opi ckup
    somehowandi twoul dbeascar ebuti tneverdi d.I
    t
    wasflatandshehadhereyescl osed.Hedi dn’t
    knowwher ehegott hest r
    engtht ogetupbuthedi d.
    Hedidn’ tknowwhyhewashur ti
    ngoverherdeat h
    whenheknewi twascoming.Her ubbedhiseyes
    andbreathedintohi
    shands,tryi
    ngnottobr eak
    down.Het ookherli
    fel
    esshandandbi thislowerli
    p
    hardti
    llhetastedbl
    ood.Heopenedhi sli
    ps,
    rel
    easi
    nghi slowerl
    ipfr
    om it
    ’sagonybutnowor ds
    cameout .Justasobthatchokedhim andhe
    l
    oweredhi shead.
    “GoodbyeCel i
    neMat hews.”Hewhi speredand
    kissedherli
    fel
    esshandbef orehef i
    nallyletgoand
    turnedhisbodyonhi smot her ’
    scorpse.Her ubbed
    hiseyesandwi theverystephewast akingtowards
    thedoor,apieceofhimselfr emainedwi thhis
    mot her
    .Hefinall
    ygotoutoft heroom andt henurse
    camer ushi
    ng.
    “Callanambul ance.”Hesai dst oicall
    ybef or ehe
    proceededt owal k.Whenher eachedt hest aircase,
    hetooktwost epsatat imemaki nghi swayt ot he
    room heshar edwi thAlora.Heopenedt hedoorand
    shewasf astasleep.Shewaspr ecious.Shewas
    carryi
    nglifewhi l
    eanot herli
    fewasj ustlost.I twas
    crazyhowt hekarmi ccyclewor ked.Hesatbyt he
    edgeoft hebedandpushedherhai rback, she
    l
    ookedsosof t.Shewoul dnevert akethatasa
    compl iment ,hesmi l
    edhol di
    ngbackt ears.She
    movedandhel ookedather ,tryi
    ngtosmi l
    e.Ifhe
    didn’t,
    hewasgoi ngtocr yandhedi dn’twantto
    stresst hispregnantfatcake.Al or
    aturnedonher
    side,shet urnedyetagai nsensi ngapresence.She
    l
    azi l
    yopenedhereyesf ivemi nutesl
    ater.She
    rubbedt hem asshel ookedatRober twhowas
    studyingherwi thanintensegazeandt earyeyes.
    Tear yeyes?Sher ubbedhereyesagai nandt ri
    edto
    situpright.Hewashome?Di dn’thesayhewoul dbe
    homel ate?Sheyawned.
    “Hi
    ,whyar eyouhome?”Shepul
    ledt
    heblanket
    sto
    herchesteventhoughshewasf
    arfr
    om being
    naked.
    “She’
    sgone.”Wasal lhesaidandthewei ghtofhis
    wordssil
    encedt heroom.Sheunder st
    oodwhathe
    meant.Shelookedathi m ashefoughtthetears
    andchuckled.Hewashumandammi t
    ,hewas
    all
    owedtocr yandgr i
    evehismother.Sheraisedher
    handtoholdhisj aw.I
    twasn’tt
    het i
    met oconvince
    himthathi
    smot herhadl i
    vedandithadbeent i
    me
    becausesomet hinginherhear tnudged.Whatif
    Susandi edanymomentf rom now?Woul dshestil
    l
    beangr yather?Shepul l
    edhi mt oherandplaced
    hisheadonhi slap.Shedi dn’
    tspeakasshemoved
    herhandssof t
    lyonhi scheek,shehear dasob
    bef or
    ehestart
    edcr yi
    nglikeabanshee.Shej ust
    comf ort
    edhim whileshebl i
    nkedherownt earsback.
    Ithurtanditmightnotgoawaybutoncet hesun
    rises,t
    heywil
    lhavet ogoonwi thli
    fe,
    hegotherand
    heknew.Shegothi m andsheknew.

    Thenur secover edCeli


    neup.Sheshedaf ewt ears
    beforeshecal l
    edt heambulance.Thiswasoneof
    thehardestt hi
    ngsaboutherj ob.Shebr eathedout,
    shehadbondedwi thherpati
    entandshehadbeen
    ajoytowor kwith.Ontoanotherhomecal l
    ,she
    smiledsadl yasshewal kedoutofther oom.A
    gloom hover i
    ngi nthehouse.Thatwashowdeat h
    usuall
    yl ookedlikeandthetoughpar twashowt o
    moveonaf terthefuneral
    .
    *
    **

    Hadescamebackanhourl at
    erandashewal kedin
    i
    nsidet heyar d,hesawt heambul anceandi nhis
    hear thei nstantl
    yknew.Hel i
    ckedhi sl
    ipsashe
    wat chedabl ackpl asti
    cl oadabodyi ntothebackas
    Alorast oodnextt oAust in.Holdinghi m andforthe
    fi
    rstt i
    me, hesawt hebr okensi deofAust i
    n,t
    he
    vulner ablesideofhi m ashewat chedt hedoor sof
    theambul ancecloseandAl ora’spi nkfacegave
    awayt hef actthatshehadbeeni nt ears.Hereyes
    did.Hel ookedatAust inwho’sst arewasbl eakand
    dead.Cal m butinast onyway.Al orawast heone
    whot riedtosmi le,probablyonbehal fofAustin
    becausesher arelysmi led.Hewal kedoverto
    wher et heywer est andingandhet ouchedAust i
    n’s
    shoul der .
    “I
    ’m sor
    ry.
    ”Aust
    innoddedandHadeswalkedaway
    asthetwostoodther
    ewi t
    hthepar
    amedi
    cs.Aust
    in
    suckedinadeepbreath.
    “
    Inanot
    herl
    if
    e,shewoul
    d’vehavel
    ivedl
    onger
    .”She
    whi
    spered.Thegi
    rlwhohat
    edPDAhel
    dhi
    mti
    ght
    er,
    ast
    ightasshecould.
    “Sheispr obablywithEmilyr i
    ghtnowandl ooking
    downatus, okay?Itdoesn’tgetbet t
    er,i
    tneverdoes
    myl ovebutwel i
    vewithhalfhear tsknowingthat
    youmi ghtnotgett hatmissingpi ecebackbutyou
    canmaket hemostoft hetimeyouhavewi ththe
    otherpeopleclosesttoyou. ”Shest oodonhert ip
    toesandki ssedhischeek.She’ llbeherewithhi m
    ashegr ieveshismot her
    .Hecancountonher .
    Austinlookeddownatherwi thasadsmi l
    eand
    thenfacedt heparamedicsast heytalked.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    39] :REBORN
    142

    Bytheeveni ng, Celinehadbeenpr onounced


    deceasedandar rangementsforherfuner alwere
    underway.I twasgoi ngtobeashor tceremonyand
    fai
    rl
    ybr i
    ef.Aust indi dn’
    twantanyt
    hingbi g, j
    usta
    memor ialserviceatMat hewsIncandaf uneral
    att
    endedbycl osef ami l
    y.Shewatchedhi m bur y
    himselfinthef uner alarr
    angements,probabl ytotry
    andnott hinkaboutt hefactt
    hatshewasn’ tthere.
    Themi nutehepl acedt hephonedown, shef olded
    herarms.
    “Austi
    nI’
    m notlet
    ti
    ngyoudothi
    stoyour
    sel
    f.
    ”She
    saidasshetri
    edtotaket
    hephonefr
    om hi
    m.
    “
    ThesoonerIgett
    hisoveranddonwi
    th,
    thebet
    ter
    .”
    “Notatt
    heexpenseofyoursanity.”Shetookthe
    phonefrom hi
    shandandsheswi t
    cheditoff
    .He
    watchedherashesatont hebed,something
    caughti
    nhisthroatandhiseyesstart
    edteari
    ngup.
    Lorawalkedtothebathr
    oom andshesuckedi na
    breat
    h,shewasgoi ngtobet her
    ef orhi
    mi never
    y
    waypossibleeventhoughshewasdoi ngthebare
    minimum.Shewashedt hebathtubbeforeshefi
    ll
    ed
    i
    tupwi t
    hhotwat erandshepour edinaf ewdrops
    ofchamomi l
    eessentialoi
    l.Shesteppedoutand
    foundhim wit
    hhisheadl ow.
    “Hey.
    .”heli
    ft
    edhisheadasshewal
    kedclosert
    o
    holdhishandandgethi
    mt ost
    andup.Shestar
    ted
    unbutt
    oninghisshi
    rt
    .
    “
    Lo-
    “
    “
    I’
    llt
    akecareofyouokay?
    ”Hesighedasshet
    hen
    movedontohispant
    s.Sheundi
    dthoseli
    keapro.
    “Okay,youcanstepoutoft
    hepant
    s.”Shewas
    i
    ntentl
    yf ocusedonhi
    m ashedi
    dsoandshepull
    ed
    downtheboxer s.
    “Andthoset
    oo.
    ”Herhawkeyegazest
    il
    lonhi
    m.He
    didn’
    thavet
    heener
    gytof
    ightwi
    thher
    .
    “
    Okay.Good.Good.
    ”Shetri
    ednottothi
    nkofsex,
    t
    heyhadseri
    ousmatter
    stodealwithher
    eother
    t
    hanthat
    .Sheledhi
    mt othebat
    hroom.
    “Stepi
    nthewat erandrel
    ax.Closeyoureyesand
    rel
    ax,i
    tsmel l
    snicedoesn’
    tit
    ?”Shesmi l
    edabi tas
    hegotinside.I
    twashotbutokay.Ohsohet hought
    andhejumpedupt heminutehisbare*sstouched
    thewater.Whatthehell
    ?Alorasti
    fl
    edagi ggl
    e.
    “
    Lorai
    tburns.Whydowoment
    ort
    uret
    hemsel
    ves
    wit
    hboi
    li
    ngwat er
    ?”
    “Iwon’
    tapol
    ogiseforyourgenderbei
    ngtheweaker
    oneandunabletotol
    eratesuchtemperat
    ures.A
    grownmanlikeyou?”Hechuckledandshegr i
    nned
    assheopenedthetaptodropthewater
    temper
    atur
    edownanot ch.
    “Bett
    er?”Sheaskedasshewai t
    edforhi
    mtosi
    tin
    thebathtub.Hedidsocauti
    ousl
    y.I
    tseemedf
    ine
    sincehewascomf or
    tabl
    e.
    “I
    ’l
    lbebacki naf ewmi nutes.Relaxandenj
    oyt he
    aromat i
    cfragr ancesinthebat hr
    oom.”Shekissed
    hisforeheadandr anout.Aloraraceddownthe
    stai
    rsandpausedi nthelounge.Hadeswas
    cooking?Shesl owlywalkedt othekit
    chenandshe
    heardhersi ster’
    svoice.Shewal kedinsi
    deandt he
    twower ecooki
    ng.Rebat
    urnedherheadf
    ir
    stand
    stoppedwhatshewasdoingtohughersi
    ster
    .
    “Howar
    eyout
    wohol
    dingup?
    ”Al
    oral
    ookedupat
    her.
    “Okay.It
    hink.
    ”Rebagaveherasympat het
    icsmi
    le.
    Shewasbei ngther
    eforhersi
    sterevenifi
    twasi
    n
    thesmall
    estofways.
    “Ar
    eyousure?”Alor
    acur
    sedthehor
    monestohel
    l
    andbackbecauseshewasholdi
    ngbackt
    ear
    swhen
    Rebaaskedthat
    .
    Sheshookherhead.
    “
    H-heisn’
    tandi
    t’
    shi
    mI’m wor
    ri
    edabout.”She
    whi
    speredasRebar
    ubbedhersi
    ster
    ’sback.
    Hadeswatchedt
    hem sil
    ent l
    ybef
    orehetur
    nedback
    tot
    hepot,Rebawalkedoutofthekit
    chenwit
    hAlor
    a.
    Shehuggedhersi
    sterti
    ghtandgaveherthe
    warmesthugasshesniffed.
    “
    ButI’
    l
    lbehisrockyeah?
    ”Shebr
    oket
    hehugand
    r
    ubbedhereyes.
    “
    I’
    llbef
    ine.Uhm whatar
    eyouguysmaki
    ng?
    ”
    “Foodforthebothofyou,weareallhereforhi
    m..
    ”
    Alora’
    seyesgli
    stenedwit
    htearsagain.Hehada
    supportsyst
    em.Onehecoul dcounton, how
    beauti
    fulwasthat?
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”Shebl
    ewoutabr
    eat
    h.
    “Ihavetogobackupst
    air
    sandt
    hankyouf
    orj
    ust
    beinghere.
    ”
    “
    Anyt
    ime.
    ”
    “
    How’
    sSu?
    ”ThatcaughtRebabysur
    pri
    se.
    “
    Sheiswor
    kingonher sel
    fandshei
    sat
    tendi
    ng
    t
    her
    apy.
    ”Aloranodded.
    “Okay.I’
    llbedowninanhourorso. ”Rebanodded
    andAl or
    adetachedfrom hersi
    sterandsheranup
    thestair
    s.Rebasighed.
    “
    Babehowf
    arwi
    tht
    hef
    ood?
    ”
    “Get t
    ingther
    emyl ove.
    .”shewal
    kedbacktothe
    kitchenandt heylookedateachother
    .Shesmi l
    ed.
    Hesmi l
    ed.Sher esumedwhatshewasdoi ng,he
    stoppedwhathewasdoi ngtogi
    veheraflut
    tery
    kissandshegr i
    nnedl i
    keafool
    .Thesil
    ent
    communi cati
    onmakingherj
    it
    ter
    yassherewarded
    him wi
    thasmi leandhesmil
    ed.Shecoul
    ddrownin
    himforever.

    Inthebedroom,Al
    oratiedherweavebackandblew
    steadybreat
    hsbef
    oreshewal kedinsi
    dethe
    bathroom.Hewassilentwit
    hhiseyesclosed.
    “Ihopeyouaskyourmindtobegent
    leonyou.
    ”She
    softenedhervoi
    ceandheopenedhi
    seyes,
    asmile
    onhi sli
    ps.
    “I
    ’
    llt
    ry.
    ”Shewalkedclosert
    othebat
    htuband
    ki
    ssedhisf
    orehead.
    “I
    ’
    llwaitt
    il
    lyou’
    redoneanddoyouwantamassage?
    Notthatyouhaveachoicebutjustt
    omakeyou
    t
    hinkyouhadachoi ce.
    .”hegavealowchuckl
    e.
    “
    Ofcour
    se.
    ”
    “Yougotit
    .”Shesatonthetoi
    letseatandheclosed
    hiseyesagain.Comf
    ort
    ablesil
    ence,herown
    thought
    sracingandthr
    eateni
    ngt oconsumeher.
    Shestoodupandheadedt othesink,shewashed
    herhands.Once,t
    wicebefor
    eshelit
    eral
    lyf
    orced
    hersel
    ftostepaway.Shesuckedi
    nabr eat
    h.She
    facedhim andhehadhiseyesopen.
    “I
    ’m okay,areyoudone?”Hegotoutoft
    hewater
    andhewal kedovert
    opickacleant
    oweltodry
    hi
    msel fbeforewrappi
    ngitar
    oundhiswaist
    .Hehel
    d
    herhands.
    “
    Thankyou,
    l
    et’
    sgo.
    ”
    “I
    ’
    mt heonewhoi ssupposedtobossyouar ound.
    ”
    Hesmiled.Sheal
    wayskepthim guessing,
    forever
    hi
    swonder .Hel
    edheroutofthebathroom andshe
    pull
    edherhandsfrom hi
    sgri
    p.
    “
    Youcanl
    ieont
    hebed.
    ”
    “
    Alor
    ayoudon’
    tha-“sher
    oll
    edhereyesasshe
    wal
    kedt
    othebathr
    oom andcamebackwithheroi
    ls.
    “KanamaRober t
    .”(
    li
    edownRober t
    )hecoul
    dn’
    thel
    p
    himselfandhelaughedashef i
    nal
    lydi
    dasshesai
    d.
    Alor
    a’sheartf
    lutt
    ered.They’
    l
    lmakeit
    .

    Tenmi
    nut
    esl
    ater
    ,hi
    stemper
    amentgi
    rl
    fr
    iendwas
    al
    r eadyincompeti
    ti
    vemodeasshequi zzedhi
    m
    whi legi
    vinghi
    m amassage.Heappreciat
    edher
    tr
    yi ngtotakehi
    smindofft
    hings.Hesighedasshe
    stopped.
    “I
    ’m done.I
    ’
    llgocheckonthefoodandbringi
    tup
    here,wearagownorsomet hi
    ng.”Sheki
    ssedhis
    cheekandshespr i
    ntedout
    .
    “Al
    oradon’trun…”hi
    svoicefaded.Aloneonceagain,
    somethingchokedinhi
    st hr
    oat,i
    thurtforamill
    ion
    dif
    fer
    entreasons.Hebl
    inkedbackt ears.Hesai
    d
    goodbye,i
    twasf or
    ever
    .

    Downst
    air
    sAlor
    awasj ustint
    imewhenRebawas
    di
    shi
    ngup.Shepickedatray.
    “Thankyou. ”Shewasgr at
    efulfort
    his.Andthem.
    Sheputt heirplatesont hetrayandshewal kedout
    careful
    lyholdingi t.Shemadeherwayupst air
    s.
    Insidet
    heirbedr oom assher el
    uctantl
    yplacedt he
    pil
    lowont hecar pett opleasehim astheyate,he
    escapedhi sowngr i
    ef.Heteasedherandsher oll
    ed
    hereyeswhi lefor cinghimt oeatmorethanwhathe
    waseat i
    ng.Theroom wasmuchmor eli
    ghteri
    n
    betweentheirsmil
    es.Shetookt
    heplatestothe
    kit
    chenandwasbackmi nutesl
    ater
    .Shejustforced
    himtoputhisheadonherst omachwhi l
    eshe
    rubbedhisear,she’
    l
    lannounceherpregnancy
    anotherti
    me.
    ‘
    Ift
    hischil
    dlooksl
    ikeyou,
    I’
    llhat
    eyouf
    orever
    Robert
    .”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Youl
    ovemedar
    li
    ng.
    .”shedi
    d.Thatshedi
    d.
    “Idon’
    tknowwholi
    edtoyou.”Shedeni
    ed
    vehementl
    yandherest
    edhischinonherst
    omach
    l
    ookingupather
    .
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Anyti
    me.”Sher epli
    edsoft
    lyandhekissedher
    stomach.Eveni nthemidstofhear
    tache,br
    oken
    heartscansti
    llbemendedbyhear t
    st hatwereonce
    broken.Thatwasasi gnofhope.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    AFEW DAYSLATER
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    39] :REBORN

    143

    I’
    m st
    il
    lhol
    dingont
    oever
    ythi
    ng’
    sthatdeadand
    gone
    Idon’
    twantt
    osaygoodbyecauset
    hisonemeans
    for
    ever
    Nowyou’
    rei
    nthest
    arsandsi
    xfeet
    ’sneverf
    eltso
    f
    ar
    Her
    eIam al
    onebet
    weent
    heheavensandt
    he
    ember
    s
    Oh,
    ithur
    tssohar
    dforami
    ll
    i
    ondi
    ff
    erentr
    easons
    Thesongpl ayedi nAustin’
    scarashedr ovetothe
    offi
    ce,hehadt omeett helawyerevent houghhe
    knewwhatherWi llwasgoingt osay.Alor ahadtri
    ed
    toconvincehim nott ogobecausei thasn’ teven
    been24hour ssi ncehismot herwasbur ied.He
    arguedoverthef actthatli
    fehast ogoon.Shegave
    upwhensher ealisedshewasnotwi nni ngthe
    argument.Hesi ghedashet urnedont hecur ve.Li
    fe
    hastogoon.

    *
    **

    AtAust in’
    shouse, Al
    orabr eathedi n.Lif
    ehast ogo
    on.Hei shur t
    ingandheknowshecanbe
    vulnerablewi thher.Regar dlessofhi smoodsor
    howhei sf eeli
    ng,shewi llbewi t
    hhi m.Shebr eat
    hed
    i
    nandout .Shewasj ustaboutt ost ar
    tawhol e
    conf er
    encevi deocallwi thhersiblingsandt hey
    betteranswer .Shedi all
    edt hem allandt heyphones
    rang.Rebaanswer edfir
    st ,shedidn’thaveany
    l
    essonst hisFr i
    dayafternoon.
    “Hello?Ar
    eyouokay?”Bokamosoansweredandhe
    staredatt
    hescreenatanawkwardangl
    e.Alor
    a
    roll
    edhereyes.
    “Bkpleaseholdthephoneatapr
    operangl
    e,wedo
    getyou’r
    eolderandtechno-
    “
    “Al
    ora!
    ”Sheshr
    uggedatRebaj
    ustasMooket
    si
    answered.
    “Ar
    eyouokayRor a?
    ”Sheplacedt
    hephoneagai
    nst
    herpi
    leofbooksasshefi
    xedherhai
    randpat
    ted
    herhead.
    “We’
    llI
    ’
    m not.I’
    m af
    rai
    dIwil
    lneverbeokay.
    ”Her
    si
    bli
    ngslookedatherwit
    hconcern.
    “
    IsEm wi
    thyouReba?Shecl
    osedschool
    s..
    ”
    “
    Em i
    sinherr
    oom.
    .”
    “Cal
    lherforme..I
    tisreallyunfor
    tunatethatwehave
    aproblem guys.Ahugepr obl
    em.”Bokamosoeyes
    soft
    ened.Rebawal kedouthol di
    ngherphoneas
    sheheadedt oEmor y’
    sr oom.Emor ylookedupf r
    om
    herstorybookandsmi led.Rebawhi speredwithher
    andsatont hecarpetwithherasEmor ylookedat
    t
    hescr
    een.
    “Doyouneedmet
    of l
    youtther
    e?Somet
    hingwe
    candealwi
    th?
    ”Al
    orabreat
    hedout
    .
    “
    It
    ’sokay.Ihavemadepeacewi
    thi
    tandI
    -“
    “Hell
    oAlor
    a!”Emorygi
    ggl
    edandAlor
    a’sdr
    amatic
    speechpausedmidwayasshel
    ookedatherl
    it
    tl
    e
    sist
    er.
    “
    Heyyougobl
    in.Mi
    ssme?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Whenar
    eyoucomi
    ngt
    oseeme?
    ”
    “Soon.Verysoon.Youinterruptedme.”Alor
    arol
    led
    hereyesandEmor ygr
    innedl i
    ket heki
    dshewas.
    Nowwi thallofhersi
    bli
    ngsl ookingatherand
    waiti
    ngtohearwhat ’
    swr ong.
    “I
    tist
    omyut mostdi
    sappoint
    menttonot
    if
    yyou
    guys,
    astheMoremisibl
    ingsandsi
    bli
    ngstothi
    s
    veryhotandgor
    geouswoman, meofcoursethat
    wehaveahugeproblem.”
    “Rora,
    thepoi
    ntpl
    ease.
    ”Mooket
    siur
    gedandshe
    glar
    edathim.
    “
    Bonaj
    aakaonnapi
    nk.
    ”(
    lookatyouget
    ti
    ng
    pi
    nk)
    Mooket
    sisni
    cker
    ed.
    Shebreat
    hedinandout.Typi
    calofhimtotryand
    ri
    leherupandwatchherblowoffhertemperon
    hi
    m.
    “AsIwassaying,yourver
    yindependentsibl
    ingwho
    i
    sabouttograduatewiththehighesthonoursfr
    om
    Pri
    ncet
    onUniversityi
    sgoingthroughalot.
    ”They
    l
    aughedandEmor ywasstil
    lgri
    nning.
    “Okay, l
    ongstoryshortsincewehavewor ktoget
    throughandi t’
    sonlylunchtime,I’
    m expecti
    ng.
    ”She
    paused.Bokamoso’ sjawdr oppedandMooket si’
    s
    eyeswi dened.Rebagr i
    nnedasshepunchedt heair
    .
    Shewasr ight
    .Emor ywasconf used.Whatisher
    sisterexpecti
    ng?
    “RoraIhaveaquest
    ion.”Al
    oracoul
    dseet
    he
    questi
    onsonherli
    tt
    leface.
    “
    Ask.
    ”
    “Whatareyouexpect
    ing?”Alor
    a’sfacebrokei
    ntoa
    smileandherol
    dersi
    blingssmiledatthewayher
    facesoft
    ened.
    “Well
    ,I
    ’m expecti
    ngali
    tt
    legobl
    in.Heorsheis
    growi
    ngi nmyt ummyandyou’l
    lmeethim orheri
    n
    si
    xmont hsfrom now…”Emory’
    seyesglowedand
    shesmiled.
    “
    Ababy?
    ”Al
    oranodded.
    “
    Yes.That
    .”
    “Tel
    lmei t’
    sanAprilFool’
    sjoke.
    ”Mooketsiasked.
    Pregnant?Hissi
    sterdetestedbabyandshescar ed
    chil
    dren.Sheasexpecting?
    “Idon’
    tjokeaboutthi
    ngsper tai
    ningtomysani
    ty
    Mooket si
    .I’
    m verymuchpr egnantand
    congratul
    ati
    onsyou’regoingtobeanuncleI
    guess.”ShesaidnonchalantlyandBokamoso
    l
    aughed.Whydi dshestartoffbei
    ngdramat
    ic?
    “
    You’
    reokayabouti
    t?”Shesmi
    led.
    “
    Yes.Ihadamont ht
    ogetusedtothei
    deaandyes,
    I
    ’
    m goingtonurt
    ureoneoft
    hoseloudl
    it
    tl
    eter
    ror
    ist
    s
    t
    hatneverl
    etpeopl
    erest
    …”
    “Congrat
    ulat
    ionsbabysi
    s.”Rebasai
    dandshe
    smiled.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “TobehonestIthoughtBokamosowasgoingt
    o
    haveki
    dsfir
    st.
    ”Mooket sisai
    dandBokamosoj
    ust
    smil
    ed.
    “Everythinghasi t’
    sownt i
    me.”Whathedi dn’t
    ment i
    onwast hathehadbeenst r
    uggli
    ngt o
    conceivewi thhi swifeandtheyhadbeent r
    yingbut
    stil
    lnot hi
    ng.Nowt heywerewaiti
    ngfortestresul
    ts
    from thedoct or.Wellathi
    rdopini
    ontobemor e
    specific.
    “Fate.Wel
    lnowthatyouknow,actaaccordi
    ngly
    guys.Wehaveal i
    ttl
    ebabytogetreadyf
    or..
    ”she
    saidandtheyal
    llaughed.
    “Congrat
    ulati
    onsRora.Youaregoi
    ngtomakea
    greatmom. ”ShenoddedatBokamoso’s
    compliment.Shewasn’tsur
    eaboutthat
    .
    “
    Howhaveyoubeenhol
    dingup?
    ”Rebaasked.
    “Okay.Thebabyi
    sokay,I’
    m heal
    thy.Heorsheis
    growingandweareokay.Nomor ningsi
    cknessso
    allgood.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hef at
    herpresent
    ?”Mooket
    siasked.I
    twas
    i
    mportanttoknowthatshewasgett
    ingsuppor
    t
    f
    rom t
    hef at
    her.
    “Morethanpresent
    .”Hewasacti
    vel
    yinvol
    vedi
    nthe
    pregnancyandhewashel pi
    ngherwi
    thher
    workloadsoshecanr est
    .
    “I
    ’
    m happytoknowthat .We’l
    lbewi
    thyouevery
    st
    epofthewayokay? ”Hereyesgli
    stenedwi
    thtear
    s.
    Hormones.Shedoesn’tcry.
    “Thankyou.Il
    oveeachandever
    yoneofyou.
    ”
    Emor ysmil
    ed.
    “
    I’
    m goi
    ngt
    obabysi
    t?”
    “I
    fyoudon’
    tdropmyl i
    tt
    legobl
    int
    henyes.I
    ’
    llpay
    you.
    ”Emorylaughed.
    “I
    ’
    m sohappy.”Shegiggledandt
    heyalll
    aughed.
    Theychatt
    edfortenminutesbef
    oreshesai
    dbyet o
    al
    lofthem andcutthecall
    .Shet
    ouchedher
    st
    omach.
    “
    Thankyouforbehaving,
    itsavesyourmot
    hera
    whol
    elotofst
    ress.Youmustbecal mli
    keyour
    father,nowonderIdi dn’thaveanymor ning
    sickness.Suchacal ml itt
    lething…”shel eanedback
    ont hechairandr eleasedacont entsigh.She
    l
    ookeddownatherst omachandt helitt
    lebumpt hat
    wasdevel oping.Sheneedst ogetadr ess.Onet hat
    willhidethebumpf orhergr aduat i
    onandnotdr aw
    attenti
    ont oher.Sof ar,notmanypeopl eknew
    aboutherr elati
    onshipwi t
    hAust in.Theybar elywent
    outandt hatcanwor ki nherf avourtil
    laftershe
    l
    aunchesLor aCosmet icsbecauseshehast obe
    mor eactiveonsoci al mediaandshecan’ thave
    peopl especulati
    ngt hatshewasabl eosetupa
    whol ebrandj ustbecauseherboyf r
    iendwasr i
    ch
    andt hem steppingal loverhercapabi lit
    iesandhar d
    wor k.Shepickedupt hephoneandandsnappeda
    pictureofhert ummywi t
    hherhandoveri ttosendi t
    tohi m.
    ‘
    Wear
    ejustt
    hinki
    ngofyou. ’
    sent
    .

    *
    **
    Hadeswal kedar oundt hehouseheusedt oshare
    withReba.Thi splacehadgoodandbadmemor ies.
    Thebadofi twast hattheywer ebot hinthei rworsts
    phasesofl ifewhi l
    esi multaneousl ybei ngeach
    other’
    ssavi our.Heopenedt hecabi net
    sandhesaw
    thebottl
    esandbot tl
    esofal cohol ,theweedandt he
    heroineinal itt
    lepacket .Theal coholwast empt i
    ng
    butthethingwasf acingyourf ear sheadonr i
    ght?
    Heper usedt heki t
    chent ol ookf orar efusebagand
    whenhef oundone, hest artedpi ckingthebot tl
    es
    onebyonet othrowi ntother efusebag.I ttookhi m
    thi
    rtyminut est ofi
    llitup,goi ngt ot hebedr oom to
    getmor eoft hosebot tl
    eshehi dar oundandwher e
    Rebausedt oleaveherdr ugs.Het hrewitallinthe
    bagandi tf eltsocat harti
    ct odot hat .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    40] :REBORN

    144

    Hadeshel
    dhisphonei
    nbet
    weenhisshoul
    derand
    earashet
    alkedt
    oRebawhi
    leheadi
    ngtohiscar
    .
    “
    Ithr
    ewawayal
    ltheal
    cohol
    .”
    “
    Ilovewhowear
    ebecomi
    ng.
    ”Hegr
    inned.Hel
    oved
    t
    hattoo.
    “
    Shoul
    dwecl
    eant
    hehouset
    oget
    hert
    omor
    row?
    ”
    “Mostdef
    init
    ely.”Henodded.Justtokeepitclean.
    Orwoulditbettertosell
    it?Puti
    tonthemar ket
    becausei
    thasapastt heywouldrat
    hernotr evi
    sit
    ?
    “Tomor r
    owit’
    scleaningdat
    e.”Shesmi l
    edatt
    he
    otherendoftheli
    ne.Eveninherwor stt
    imeshe
    sawt hebesti
    nher ,
    shewoul dforeverbegrat
    eful
    forthatki
    ndoflove.Itwasrare.
    “
    Hades,
    I’
    m goi
    ngt
    obeanaunt
    y.”Hadespaused.
    “
    Towhi
    chofyoursi
    bli
    ngs?
    ”
    “Yourhousemate.
    ”Hechuckl
    ed.Heknewhi
    s
    housematealr
    ight
    .
    “
    Thatone?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Thatone.I
    sn’
    tthatexci
    ti
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Idon’tknowifl
    if
    eisgoingtogetwor
    seorbet
    ter
    f
    rom hereon.
    ”Rebalaughed.
    “
    Anywaywhat
    ’supwi
    thyouandZar
    a?”
    “
    Ideci
    dedt
    ogi
    veherachance…”hebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Myfatherisanasshol e.Webot hknowthatbutI
    neverhadsiblingsbefore,youhavealwaysbeen
    morethanabestf r
    iendtomeevenwhenwewer e
    bestfr
    iends,Alorawasl i
    ket heannoyi
    ngli
    ttl
    esi
    ster
    andthepastf ewmont hsAust inhasbeenthe
    brot
    herIneverhad. ”
    “SoyouandZar aaref
    inal
    lygoi
    ngt
    opur
    suet
    hat
    sibl
    ingr
    elat
    ionshi
    p?”
    “Yes.We’l
    lseehowitgoes.Idon’
    twanttoregr
    et
    notgivi
    ngitashot
    ,li
    feissounpredi
    ctabl
    e.”
    “Tr
    uethat
    .Iam sur
    eyou’lll
    oveher,
    sheissucha
    sweet
    heart
    .”Hadeschuckledbi
    tt
    erl
    y.Hewasjaded
    andpeopl
    edi
    dn’
    tli
    kehi
    m.
    “Youknowyou’
    ret
    heonl
    yper
    sonwhol
    ovedme
    pret
    tygi
    rl
    .”
    “
    AndIwil
    lloveyou.Ihavetogo,Ihavet
    ost
    art
    maki
    ngdi
    nnernow.Il oveyou.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyou.”Shehungupandhesmiledashe
    openedthecardoor.Amessager
    eport
    ed.
    Mybestgir
    l :yourhappi
    nessi
    smyhappi
    nessH.
    Loveyou.

    Hegoti nsideandr epl


    iedthetextbeforehest arted
    hiscar.It’
    sbeenmont hsandnowhewasdr iving
    again,lookathowf arhehascome.I fitwashi m
    from ayearago, hewoul dbestonedr unkthi
    st i
    me
    andhewoul ddri
    nkhar dliquori
    nt hemor ni
    ngt ot ry
    andgetr idofthehangoverevent houghhewoul d
    best onedrunkthreehour slat
    erifhewasn’tathi s
    father’
    scompany.

    *
    **
    Aust i
    nf i
    nallygotthet i
    met oopenhi smessages
    afterhoursofbur yinghi mselfwi t
    hwor k.Justashe
    predicted,everyt
    hinghi smot herownedwentt ohim.
    Ther ewasnosur prisethere.HeopenedAl ora’
    s
    messageandhesmi l
    ed.He’llseeherathomepl us
    Hadessai dhehadsomet hi
    ngt ot el
    lhi
    m sohe
    guesshe’ llatt
    endt othatathome.Het ookouthi s
    design, t
    owor koni tyetagainandmaket he
    necessar ychangest othedesi gn.Hehadnewi deas
    now.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’shousehol
    d,SusanandThabi
    sowalked
    i
    nsidethehouseandtheybothsmil
    ed.Rebawas
    makingdinnerandasalwaysthemealwasgoi
    ngto
    beagreatone.
    “
    HiReba.
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo.I
    ’
    mfarf
    rom bei
    ngdonet
    hough.
    ”
    “Okay.
    ”Theybothheadedt
    othei
    rbedr
    oom and
    Susanplacedherbagdown.
    “
    I’
    m goi
    ngt
    ocheckonEmor
    yandI
    ’
    llbeback.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIshowerwi
    thoutyout
    hen?
    ”
    “Iwonbelong.
    ”Hekissedhercheekandshesmi
    led.
    Shewalkedoutandheadedtoheryoungest
    daught
    er’
    sroom.
    “CanIcomei
    n?”Sheknockedl
    ight
    lyont
    heopen
    door.
    “
    Himom.Comein.
    ”Shewalkedi
    nandshesaton
    t
    hebedasEmor
    ysmiled.
    “
    Howwasyourdaysweetpumpki
    n?”
    “
    Ili
    kedt
    oday,
    Ihadani
    ceday.
    ”Shesmi
    led.
    “
    Ilovet
    ohearal
    labouti
    t.
    ”
    “So..
    uhm nekebual eAlor
    a.”(
    Iwasspeakingwith
    Alora.
    )Susankeptt hatsmileonherface.Ofcourse
    Aloradidn’
    tcutoffhersibl
    ings.Onl
    yherandshe
    guessedshedeser veditbutshewasst i
    llgoi
    ngto
    l
    istentoEmor ybecauseshel ovedhersist
    er.
    “
    That
    ’sni
    ce…”
    “Very.I
    ’m goi
    ngtobeanaunt
    y.”ThatcaughtSuby
    surpri
    se.What?
    “
    Hmm?
    ”
    “Rorai
    sgoingtohaveababy.Shesaidither
    self
    .”
    Susan’
    seyesightbl
    urr
    edasherheartwasfil
    ledwit
    h
    sorr
    owatthat.Shebli
    nkedacoupl
    eoftimesasshe
    for
    cedasmi l
    e.
    “Iam sur
    eyouaregoi
    ngtomakeagr
    eataunt
    y.”
    Shesaidwit
    hfakeent
    husi
    asm.
    “Iam happy.Idon’
    twantt
    odropthebaby,Al
    ora
    wouldkil
    lmeandyou’ r
    egoingt
    obeagr andma.It
    ’s
    exci
    ti
    ng.”Susannoddedasshepattedher
    daughter’
    sback.
    “
    LetmegoandIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyout oomama.”Shestooduponherf eetand
    walkedout.Shesuckedinadeepbreat
    h, sherued
    thedayshespatoutthoseharshwordstoher
    daughter
    .Ithur
    tthatal
    lherchi
    ldr
    enprobablyknew
    exceptherandshewashappyf orAl
    ora,shereall
    y
    i
    sbuti thurttobeont heout side.Justast r
    angert o
    theeventshappeni ngi nherl i
    feandhavi ngababy
    wasabi gevent .Itwasherf i
    rstchildandmostf i
    rst
    ti
    memot hersneedhel pandassi stance,especial
    ly
    duri
    ngt hosef i
    rstfewmont hswhenmot hersare
    pronetodepr ession.Sher ubbedhereyes.Godshe
    wishedshehadt houghtherwor dsthroughmont hs
    ago,theywoul dn’tbehere.Shewal kedt othe
    bedroom andThabi sostoppedunbut toninghisshirt
    mid-way,notingSusan’ stear yeyes.
    “Hey,heywhat’
    swrong?
    ”Hewalkedcl
    oserand
    huggedher.Susanst
    art
    edcr
    ying.
    “
    I-
    Ifai
    ledherr
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Fai
    ledwho?
    ”
    “
    Fir
    stIf
    ail
    edReba,t
    henAlora.Shereal
    lyr
    eal
    lycut
    meoutofherl
    if
    e?”Herubbedherback.
    “
    Givei
    tti
    me,
    Alor
    aisr
    easonabl
    ebutgi
    vei
    tti
    me.
    ”
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkti
    mecanhealthi
    sri
    ft
    ..
    ”hejustr
    ubbed
    herback,t
    herewasnotel
    li
    ngwhatcanhappenin
    thefut
    urebutti
    meusuall
    yhel
    ps.
    “Icauseditandit
    ’sli
    keI
    ’m chewi ngglassand
    bleedi
    ngbecausei t
    ’smyfaultthatachi l
    dIrai
    sed
    forovertwodecades,myowndaught erhas
    completelyfor
    got
    tenmyexi stence..
    ”
    “
    Su.
    .don’
    tdot
    hist
    oyour
    sel
    f.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    str
    ue.Ishoul
    dn’tevenbecryi
    ngbuti
    thur
    ts.
    She’
    spregnant
    .”Shelaughedsadly.
    “Ij
    ustfoundoutf r
    om Emor yandshemust ’
    vetol
    d
    therestofthekidsexceptforme.BecauseIhurt
    herandshepr obablywon’twantmear oundher
    chil
    d..
    ”thathurtmoreasshebawl edhereyesout.
    Herfir
    stgrandchil
    dandshewasast rangert
    oher
    daughter.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    40] :REBORN

    145

    Thabi
    sobr
    oket
    hehugonceSusanst
    oppedcr
    ying.
    “She’
    llcomear ound,justgiveherti
    me. ”Susan
    nodded.Shehadnochoi cebuttodot hatri
    ght?It
    ’s
    beenjustthreemont hsandshewasst i
    llgi
    vingher
    ti
    me.Ther ewasal sothei ssueofdamages
    alt
    houghsheknewmostofherki dsdidn’tl
    ike
    fol
    lowingthetradit
    ionalaspectofli
    fe,lookat
    Mooket siwhomar ri
    edwi thouteventhemagadi
    process.Shewi pedhertear s.
    “I
    t’
    sokayt obehurtaboutthat,t
    hat’
    sami lestonei n
    herl
    ifeandIknowi twouldhavebeenwonder fult
    o
    beapar tofi
    tbutshe’l
    lcomear ound.Eveni fit
    mighttakeheryears.
    ”Thef actt
    hatitmightt ake
    year
    sbr okeSusan’
    shear tmore.Years?Al otcan
    happeninyears.Shejustnodded.
    “
    I’
    lll
    ivewi
    thi
    t.Canweshower
    ?”Sheaskedasshe
    movedbackandr
    ubbedhereyesonel
    astt
    ime.
    “Ofcourse.Areyouokay?
    ”Shenodded.Shehadt
    o
    be.Shemi ghtmenti
    onthi
    stohert
    herapi
    sti
    nthei
    r
    nextsession.
    “
    I’
    m okay.
    ”Shesai
    dfi
    nal
    ly.

    *
    **

    AtAust
    in’
    shouse,
    hef
    oundAl
    orai
    nhi
    sst
    udy.
    “
    Hi.
    ”Shel
    ookedupandl
    eanedback.
    “
    Howwaswor kt
    oday?Wer
    eyoucopi
    ng?I
    t’
    sokay
    t
    otakeaweekof
    f.”
    “
    Workwasfi
    ne,
    I’
    m okayLor
    aandIam nott
    aki
    nga
    weekof
    f.
    ”
    “You’
    renotasuper
    her
    o,you’
    rehumanand
    gri
    evi
    ng.”
    “Andli
    fegoeson.Howwasyourday?
    ”Shepushed
    thechai
    rbackandshegotuponherfeett
    owal
    kto
    him.
    “You’
    resur
    eyou’
    refi
    ne?”Sheaskedagai
    nasshe
    heldt
    helapel
    sofhi
    sjacketandhesmil
    edather
    .
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “I
    fyou’
    regoodt
    henI
    ’
    m good.AnywayIt
    oldmy
    si
    bli
    ngs.
    ”
    “
    Howdi
    dtheyt
    aket
    henews?
    ”
    “
    Theyareexci
    ted.Happyforthem t
    hough.AndI
    managedtocallPr
    imrose…”
    “
    Thedesi
    gner
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Yes.I
    ’m goingt
    otakemeasur ements
    t
    omorrowforthegraduati
    ondressandIhopethat
    i
    namont h’
    stimeIwon’thavegainedthatmuch
    wei
    ghttonotfiti
    nthedress…”
    “Howisthegraduati
    onpl
    angoingtogo?
    ”Shebi
    t
    herl
    ip.Fl
    ightt
    icket
    sweresoexpensi
    veGod.
    “Ir
    eall
    ygenuinel
    ywantmysibl
    ingsther
    e,Ireal
    lydo
    butobviousl
    yweusemulti
    plef
    light
    sandthecosts
    arearound20ktoandanot
    her20kfrom.”Shesaid.
    “
    Uhm al
    sosti
    llonthatfl
    ightt
    icket
    ,whati
    fIrentout
    mymother
    ’shouse?Ithasbeenvacantformonths
    andIam st
    il
    lnotoverthef
    actt
    hatsomeofmy
    fur
    nit
    urewasstol
    en.”
    “
    It
    ’sagoodi
    dea,
    adver
    ti
    set
    hehouseonFacebook.
    ”
    “AndIwanttosel
    lthef
    urni
    tur
    e,i
    t’
    sst
    il
    lbr
    andnew
    kana.
    .”hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Doasyouwi
    sh…”
    “Andt hemoney,Icanusemostofi
    tformysibl
    ings’
    fl
    ights?God.It
    hinkweneedtohaveaconfer
    ence
    callagain…”
    “
    Icanpayf
    -“
    “Ngng.No, youmeanwel lbutI’
    l
    ltakesomeofhe
    moneyi nmyownpocketandi fIam reall
    y
    desperat
    e,nkampakalomaskont er
    et hough,we’
    l
    l
    makeanar rangementandI ’
    l
    lpayyoubackonceI ’
    m
    ami l
    li
    onai
    reokay?(
    I’
    dratherchewt her oad)
    Hel
    aughed.
    “Youst
    il
    lhavet
    hebl
    ackcar
    d.I
    t’
    syourchoi
    cet
    o
    see…”
    “Idon’
    twantyourcar
    danymor
    e.Itser
    vedit’
    s
    purpose.Canwechanget
    opi
    cs?”Hekissedher
    cheekandhepickedherupbef
    orepl
    aci
    ngheron
    topofthedesk.
    “
    Areyouhungr
    y?”
    “
    Iateanhourago,ar
    eyouhungry?Icantryt
    o
    f
    oll
    owarecipeorsomet
    hing…”helaughed.
    “Youdon’
    thavet
    o..
    ”henuzzl
    edherneckandshe
    pushedhi
    sheadbacklaughi
    ng.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse,Susanheadedtotheki
    tchenaft
    er
    hershowerandshefoundRebaleani
    ngagainstt
    he
    ki
    tchencount
    er.
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Doi
    ngokay.Idon’
    tsleepwal
    kthatmuchandI’
    m
    okaymama.Ar eyougood?”Susanbi
    therl
    ipasshe
    satont
    hehighchair.
    “
    No.I
    syoursi
    sterokay?
    ”
    “
    Shesai
    dshei
    sokayandcopi
    ng,
    isanyt
    hing
    wr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Em j
    ustt
    oldmeAl
    orai
    spr
    egnant
    .”
    “Oh.Shetol
    dusear l
    ier
    .Shei
    sexci
    tedasAl
    oracan
    be.”Susanchuckl
    ed.
    “
    Issheokay?I
    sshesur
    vivi
    ngwi
    tht
    hepr
    egnancy?
    ”
    “It
    hinkso,shei
    s.Sheiscall
    ingherbabyagobl
    in
    andat er
    rorwhi
    chistypi
    calofAlor
    abutsheis
    okay.”
    Susanwentsi
    lentf
    orabi
    tbef
    oreshecont
    inued.
    “
    Doyout
    hinkshewi
    llf
    orgi
    veme?
    ”
    “Mama,don’thur tyour
    selfli
    kethat.Peoplegetover
    stuf
    fdif
    fer
    ently,shemi ghtfeell
    ikedist
    ancewi l
    ldo
    good.Alor
    awi llcomear ound.Li
    f ei
    sshortand
    somemoment sar emeantt obecher i
    shed.”Susan
    nodded.
    “
    Isawt
    henewsdaysago.
    ”
    “Everyonedid.Hersonlovedherandhesentheroff
    peacefull
    y,asIsaidli
    feisshort
    .Al
    oramightneed
    mor etimebecauseast oughassheis,
    shemi ght
    havebeenbr eaki
    ng.Violetsai
    dsometi
    meswor ds
    arehardtogetoverthanbeingslappedandbei ng
    beatenbecauseaft
    erbeingslapped,thatbruisewil
    l
    goawaybutwor dsbr ui
    seyourheartandi tnever
    ful
    lygoesaway.”Susanf or
    cedasmi l
    e.Thetruth
    hurtandlookatRebaspeakinglikethebrownup
    sheisandadvisi
    ngher .
    “Mamadon’ tbeatyour
    selfupoveritokay?Shewil
    l
    reachout,gi
    vehertime.Timehealskanagatweng.
    Eethat.Andshewi l
    lbereadyinherownt i
    meand
    you’l
    lmeetyourgrandbaby.”
    “
    Iguess.Ar
    eyouexci
    ted?
    ”
    “Very.Ican’
    twaittoseehowshewi llbel
    ikeasa
    mot herandfunnythingist
    hatt
    heonl ypersonwho
    hatedchildr
    enwi t
    hherwholebeingisthefir
    stone
    tofallpr
    egnant.Karma!”Rebal
    aughedasshe
    movedbackt othepotsandheswitchedtosafe
    topicswithhermother.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    40] :REBORN

    146

    AtAusti
    n’shouse,HadesfoundAust
    ini
    nthe
    ki
    tchenasheslidhishandsinhi
    sbackpocket
    .
    “Imetmyfatheraf
    ewdaysago.”Hadesst
    art
    edout
    .
    Austi
    nnodded.HesawFredafewdaysagotoo.
    “Ij
    ustwantyoutoknowthatIknowyou’renot
    manipul
    ati
    ngmei nanywayoram Iusef ult
    oyoui
    n
    anywaybutthankyouforbei
    ngt her
    e.”Austi
    n
    l
    eanedagainstt
    hekit
    chencounter.
    “Hedoeshavear ightt
    oworr
    ytosomeextent,t
    hat
    ’s
    notreal
    lyhismainconcer
    nreal
    ly.
    ”Hadesr
    aisedhi
    s
    eyebrows.Okay,
    whatwashenotgetti
    nghere?
    “
    Yourf
    ather
    ,foundoutt
    hatIhavebeenwi
    thmen
    beforeandhethinksImightbeusingyoubecauseI
    wantyou.”Austi
    nwai t
    ed.ForHadest orecoi
    l
    becauseofhissexuali
    tyanddecidethenandt her
    e
    thathemightnotwanttobeassoci at
    edwi t
    hhim.
    Mostmenusual l
    ycan’tstandbeingwithpeople
    whol i
    kemenaswel l.Hadesshrugged.
    “Okay.Wellthat
    ’shi
    m andhi
    snotme.
    ”Aust
    in’
    sjaw
    slackened.
    “I
    tdoesn’
    tbotheryouthatIhavebeenwithmen
    befor
    e?”Hadessmi l
    edandshookhi shead.
    “Unlessyouwantmet obebot her
    edbyi tbutno.”
    Austin’sli
    psslowl
    ycurvedintoasmi l
    e.Hedi dn’
    t
    evenaskwhyhewaswi thAloranoworevenhi s
    hist
    or y.Wasthathowpeoplegener al
    lyaccepted
    youf orwhoyout rul
    yarewithoutquesti
    oningyou?
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ishoul
    dbesayingt hankyoubutyoualready
    know.”Hedid.ThroughAl or
    ahehadaf ami l
    yhe
    neverhad.RebaandHadeswer eli
    kehissibli
    ngs,
    theoneshecancountondur ingr
    ainydaysandof
    coursehisonl
    ylove.Alora.
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hewi
    ckedwi
    tchoft
    heWest
    ?”
    “
    Nakonngwekebolayamotho.”
    (onedayI
    ’
    m goi
    ng
    t
    okil
    lsomeone)Hadesl
    aughed.
    “
    Lovesavemef
    rom her
    .”
    “
    Ther
    eisnoescapi
    ngherdar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    Alor
    aendedupsmi l
    ingwhil
    er oll
    inghereyes.Her
    boyfr
    iendcoul
    dfi
    nall
    yexperiencesibl
    ingloveand
    al
    lthewonderf
    ult
    hingssibl
    ingshad.
    “
    What’sfordinnerandHadeskeepadi
    stance,
    ther
    e
    wil
    lbeknivesatthedinnert
    abl
    e.”
    “
    Kil
    lmeCr
    uel
    la,
    kil
    lme.
    ”
    “Imight
    .Howisgoi
    ngwit
    hZara?”Sheaskedasshe
    satonthehi
    ghchai
    randAust
    instol
    eakiss.
    “
    Timewi
    llhel
    pIguess.
    ”
    “Iknowyourdadisyourdadandyoudon’ tchoose
    familybutFredi
    sabi ggerassholeforkeepingyou
    awayf r
    om yoursist
    ereventhoughheknewbot hof
    youexisted.Hei
    st oblameforrobbingyouguysof
    theyearsyoucouldhavespentt ogether
    .”
    “Youhaveapoi
    nt.AsmuchasIhat eyou.Butwe
    haveti
    menowandwemi ghtbeol
    derbutmaybeit’
    s
    bett
    ert
    hatweareolderandunder
    standstuf
    f.
    ”
    Al
    oranodded.Bei
    ngol
    derr
    eal
    lyopenedone’
    sli
    fe.
    “
    Sowhenar
    ewewel
    comi
    ngt
    hel
    it
    tl
    edevi
    l?
    ”
    Al
    orascof
    fed.
    “Roberti
    fyoudon’tstr
    angl
    eyourbestf
    ri
    endonmy
    behalf
    ,Iwil
    lof
    fi
    ciall
    ydumpyou.”
    “
    Nowyoutwoarebehavingl
    ikei
    nsolentki
    ds.
    ”
    I
    nst
    eadofsayi
    nganyt
    hingshelaughed.
    “I
    t’
    shim overme?NowonderIhat eyouRober t
    .But
    mylit
    tl
    egoblinwil
    lbehereinsi
    xmont hsorsofor
    youri
    nformati
    on.Theonlygoodthingaboutyouis
    yourgi
    rl
    fri
    endandthat’
    sbecauseIl oveher.
    ”
    “
    You’
    rer
    ightaboutt
    hat
    .Webot
    hlove.
    ”
    “Goodtohear.”Aust i
    nwentbacktot hepotsas
    HadesandAl orabant er
    edbackandf ort
    hwi t
    hhis
    gir
    lf
    ri
    endthreateningbodilyhar
    ml i
    kealwaysunti
    l
    Hadesrai
    sedat opicthat
    ’sbeenavoidedfor
    months.
    “Haveyoutal
    kedtoyourmother
    ?”Al
    orashr
    unkher
    eyesandthenli
    ckedherl
    ips.
    “
    No.Whywoul
    dIdot
    hat
    ?”
    “Noneedt ogetdef ensiveandletyourtalons
    show. ”Sher ubbedhercheek.Shehasn’ ttalkedt o
    Susanyesbutsomedayshewi ll.Maybemont hs
    from noworayearf r
    om nowbutshewi ll.Shej ust
    needst oletthewor dshermot hersaidsupposedl y
    outofangerr epl
    ayat housandt i
    mesi nherheadt o
    thepoi ntofthem nol ongerhur
    tingheranymor e.
    Thenshewi lltr
    ytoshovei tdownandpr et endit
    neverhappenedeveni fshewil
    lalwayspr eparef or
    suchanout burstmovi ngon.Fornowshewas
    focusingont hel i
    tt
    legoblinandhercosmet i
    csl i
    ne.
    “
    Iwil
    ltal
    ktoher.Justal
    lowmet
    ofor
    getever
    ythi
    ng
    t
    hathappened.
    .”
    “Lorayoudoknowi t’
    simpossi
    bleri
    ght?”Sheknew
    thatbutshewill
    .See?Shewasn’teventhi
    nking
    abouttheinci
    dentunti
    lHadesment i
    onedher
    mot her
    .
    “
    I’
    llgetoveri
    tthen,
    that
    ’sabet
    teropt
    ion.
    ”Aust
    in
    si
    ghedandturnedtofaceher
    .Shewasbl
    inki
    ng
    bef
    oreshebreathedi
    ntoherhands.
    “
    Whati
    fbytheti
    meyouareready,youacknowl
    edge
    i
    tdi
    dhappenandwor
    karoundit?”
    “WhatifI’
    m neverready?Thatscaresme. .
    ”Hades
    fel
    tli
    keheshoul dn’
    tbehearingthi
    sconver sati
    on
    becauseAl or
    awasneverr awwi t
    hherf eel
    ings
    exceptthoseofhateofcourse.Hesilentl
    yleftthe
    kit
    chenasAust i
    nwal kedovertoher.
    “
    Whydoest
    hatscar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Becausethet r
    ait
    orouspartofmewant stohave
    hermeett hischil
    dbutthenagainit
    ’sthesame
    womanwhocal l
    edmet rashandtoldmeabout
    bir
    thingli
    ttl
    ebastards.I
    t’
    sconfl
    ict
    ing.Whatifshe
    getsangryagainsomedayandt el
    lsmybabyst uff
    l
    ikethat?Ibadlywantt oprot
    ectmychi l
    dfrom t
    he
    world.”Heplacedhishandsonhershoul ders.
    “
    Thewor
    ldwil
    lal
    waysbeacr
    uelpl
    ace,
    chi
    ldr
    en
    l
    ear
    nandgr
    ow.”
    “Iknowbutyoucanprot
    ectachi
    ldf
    rom t
    het
    hings
    youcancontrol
    .Igr
    ewupknowingIwasnot
    hing
    butasidechick’
    sdaught
    erandit’
    sthet
    ruthIknow
    butthewaythetrut
    hwasdeliver
    edwasn’tpret
    tyf
    or
    akid.I
    thurtandIdon’
    twanttohurtmychild.
    ”
    “Baby,wear
    egoingtodoourbestforourchil
    dren
    okay?Idon’
    twantyoustr
    essi
    ngandyou’rerightl
    y
    str
    essedbutdon’
    tstr
    ess.
    ”heki
    ssedherforehead.
    “Maybei twil
    lbemorecl
    earonwhatIshoulddo
    mont hsfrom now?Seei
    foncethi
    sli
    tt
    leter
    rori
    s
    bornwi l
    lgettomeethi
    sorhersonl
    yli
    ving
    grandmot her
    .”
    “I
    t’
    syourdeci
    sionandI
    ’l
    lsuppor
    tyoui
    neveryt
    hing
    youdo.YouknowIdo.”Shesmil
    edandli
    ft
    edher
    headsohecankissherl
    ips.
    “
    IloveyouLor
    a.”
    “
    IknowRober
    t.Il
    oveyouj
    ustasmuchmaybeeven
    more.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    eaboutt
    hat
    ?”Shenodded.
    “I’
    m alwaysnumberoneRober t
    ,youshoul
    dknow
    that.
    ”Hechuckled.He’
    l
    llethergetawaywitht
    hat
    buthel ovedhersomuch,hetreat
    edherli
    kean
    ext
    ensionofhi
    mself
    .Theviolentsi
    deofhi
    m of
    cour
    sebecauseshewasal waysreadyt
    osay
    somethingt
    ostar
    taruckus.
    “
    For
    everst
    il
    l?
    ”
    “St
    il
    lendgamebaby.
    ”Shegri
    nnedandsheki
    ssed
    himthi
    stimeasheplacedhi
    shandsonherl
    ap.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    THREEMONTHSLATER
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    40] :REBORN

    147

    Al
    orasati
    nthecarasshehel
    dherst
    omachwhi
    l
    e
    Tom droveher.Herphonerangandsheknewi twas
    anot
    heroneoft hosephonecall
    stotel
    lherabout
    heri
    nternetbehavi
    our.Shewonder
    edaboutwhat
    shedidthisti
    me.
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    .”
    “Al
    ora,whathappenedyest
    erday?
    ”Sher
    oll
    edher
    eyes.
    “
    Itwasanor
    maldayNeo.
    ”
    “Youcomingaft
    eroneoft hecount
    ry’
    sbest
    busi
    nessmanunpr ovokedisnotnormal
    .”Al
    ora
    almostsnor
    ted.
    “
    Whoar
    ewet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?”
    “Alora,
    don’
    tbehaveasi fyoudidn’tcomeaft
    erMr
    Mat hewsyest
    erdayonFacebook. ”Alorar
    ubbedher
    stomachasherl i
    tt
    legobli
    nkickedabi t
    .Yes,she
    wasannoyedj ustl
    ikeherbabywas.
    “HewaswrongandIgaveevi
    denceovert
    hat
    debat
    e.”
    “
    Thatisn’
    tagoodl
    ook,hi
    sbusinessacumenis
    t
    rust
    edandheisamill
    ionai
    resoontobebil
    li
    onai
    re
    becauseoft henewl i
    nehiscompanyi saboutt o
    l
    aunchandyouar ejuststarti
    ngout,youdon’tneed
    badpublicityandthepubli
    chat i
    ngonyouAl ora.
    Mostpeopl ewereslanderi
    ngyouonFacebookf or
    that.
    ”Sher oll
    edhereyes.Theydidn’
    tseethelook
    onAustin’ssmugf aceasher epli
    edherwhil
    et hey
    satnexttoeachot heri
    nbed, shewantedtowi pe
    thatsmugl ookoffhisuglyfaceandshedid.
    “
    Thatwasanhonestdebat
    e.”Shedef
    endedher
    sel
    f
    t
    oherpubl
    ici
    st.
    “Regardless,AloraCosmet i
    csisabr andandyou
    areabr andyour self
    ,youcan’tfi
    ghtbigcompany
    CEOsont heinternet.
    ”Shewassl eepingwi t
    hthe
    pri
    ckever ydayandshewant edtooneuphi m
    becausei talwaysgavehersat i
    sfacti
    ont owipeoff
    theconcei t
    edgr i
    nonhi sface.Ofcour sethei
    r
    rel
    ati
    onshi pwasn’ tpubl
    icsoofcourseshecame
    offasanat tenti
    onseekert othepublic.
    “
    I’
    llbehave.
    ”
    “
    AndyourRebaisdoi
    ngsogood.Peoplel
    ovedthe
    r
    edl
    ipst
    ickshewasrocki
    ngonherl
    atestpi
    ctur
    e.
    Thatadver tonThompsonEnt ert
    ainmentalsodi d
    thetri
    ck,otherthanyoubeingunhi ngedonyour
    socialmedi apl
    atfor
    ms,sof arsogoodandwear e
    expectedtohaveLor aCosmet i
    cs,theli
    psti
    cks,
    eyel
    inerandmascar ai
    nstorest hisweek.Itwasa
    goodi deatohaveRebantleuset heproducts,
    her
    onli
    nepr esenceisbeauti
    fulandpeopl eareloving
    heralthoughtherearetr
    ollsaboutt hedrugissue
    butsof arsogood. ”
    “
    Goodt
    oheart
    hat
    .”
    “Andbehavet
    odayont
    hei
    nter
    netAl
    ora.
    ”Sher
    oll
    ed
    hereyes.
    “
    I’
    llt
    rymybestbuti
    tismyopi
    nionbutI
    ’
    llbehave.
    ”
    “
    Alr
    ight.Haveagoodday.Wi
    llyoubeatt
    heof
    fi
    ce
    t
    omorrow?”
    “
    Onl
    yinthemorni
    ng,
    I’
    llmeett
    het eam at8am on
    t
    hedot
    .Bye.
    ”Shehungupandt appedhertummy.
    “
    Hmm…”Tom par
    kedhi
    scarbyt
    hegat
    ebef
    orehe
    t
    urned.
    “
    MsMor
    emi
    ..
    ”shenoddedandl
    ookedatt
    hegat
    e
    beforeshel eanedback.Di dshewantt odot hi
    s?
    Maybesheshoul daskTom t ost artthecarand
    l
    eavet henshecanwor ryaboutAust i
    n’slaunch
    tomor row.Butshewasnotaqui tter.Shehat ed
    herselft hisinstant.Shel ookedathert ummy.Her
    weightdur ingt hi
    spr egnancywasnotmuchofan
    i
    ssue, shej usthadt obuynewcl othesbut
    otherwi se,sheknewshewashot .Noonecoul dtel
    l
    herot her wiseshem.Theywoul dnevercomef orher
    confidencel ikethat,onlyAustinandsheknewhe
    l
    ovedannoyi ngherthenshest epsonhi stoesmore.
    Shelovedt heirdynami c.
    “Thankyou. ”Shegotoutoft hecarandshewal ked
    tothegat ewi t
    hherhandbagononehandandt he
    phonei ntheot her.Shestoppedandsl i
    dherphone
    i
    nherbag.Shecandot his.Thelastti
    meshewas
    here,shehadbeenhur t
    .Shewant edtoli
    ckherl i
    ps
    butli
    pstick.Insteadshet ookouthersaniti
    serand
    sanit
    isedherhandsbef oreshepr essedthe
    i
    ntercom.Thegat eslidopenandshewal kedinsi
    de
    theyard.Shel ookedar ound.Notmuchhad
    changed.Thedooropenedandhersi st
    erfrowned.
    “
    Alor
    a?”
    “Hi.Iwasjustcheckinguponyou.
    ”Shesaidasshe
    walkedtowardthedoorandRebaheldherhipasa
    verypregnantAloramadeherwaytoher.She
    hasn’tbeenheresincethei
    nci
    dentandRebawas
    theonewhovi sitedherort
    heymetupsomewhere
    sowhatwasgoi ngon?
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “Yesr
    eal
    ly.
    ”RebahuggedherandAlor
    arubbedher
    backbef
    oreshepat
    teditandwri
    ggl
    edaway.
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Ali
    veandl
    ovi
    ngt
    her
    esponseI
    ’
    m get
    ti
    ng.
    ”
    “
    See,
    Itol
    dyouyoucandot
    his.
    ”
    “
    Andcongr
    atul
    ati
    onsf
    orget
    ti
    ngi
    tof
    fthegr
    ound.
    .”
    “Thankyou.
    ”Sheplacedahandonherbackand
    Rebahitherownhead.
    “Comei
    nandsitdown,
    Ifor
    gott
    hatyoushoul
    dn’
    t
    beonyourf
    eetfort
    ool
    ong.
    ”
    “
    I’
    mfi
    nebutIwon’
    tdecl
    ineanoppor
    tuni
    tyt
    osi
    t
    down.
    ”Shefol
    lowedhersi
    sterandshesatont
    he
    sof
    a.Shecamehereasaguestnow.
    “
    Ihopeyoudi
    dn’
    tdr
    iveyour
    sel
    fher
    e..
    ”
    “Het
    hreatenedt
    otakeawayt hatHer
    meshandbag
    heboughtformeifIst
    artdr
    ivingsono.
    ”Reba
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Sot
    hreat
    swor
    kbet
    ter
    ?”
    “
    Thathandbagisexpensi
    veandIlovei
    tsoi
    t’
    sli
    ke
    myfi
    rstbabyandhecan’ttakei
    taway.
    ”

    *
    **

    AtAust i
    n’sof fi
    ce,hewentt hroughthef i
    nalt
    ouch
    upsf orthel aunchandheopenedhi sdeskdr awer
    totakeoutt hebl ackvelvetbox.Heopenedi tandit
    screamedAl orathroughandt hrough.Shedidn’t
    knowal lthosedi amondneckl aceshegi ft
    edher
    weret hefirstdesi gnsofMat hewsDi amondsandhe
    designedt hem hi mself.Shewaswear ingMathew
    Diamondsor igi
    nalsandsowast hi
    sring.Heclosed
    t
    heboxbef
    orehesentherat
    ext
    .

    *
    **

    “Soyoudon’
    twantababyshower
    ?”Sheshookher
    head.
    “
    No.I
    t’
    sokay.
    ”
    “Hmm. .
    ”Al
    orahadaspoonf
    ulasshel
    ookedather
    sist
    er.
    “
    Reba?
    ”
    “
    Yes?
    ”
    “I
    ’
    m proudofyou.”Rebaj
    usthuggedherandAl
    ora
    pushedherback.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tsayhugme.
    ”
    “I
    ’l
    lhugyouanyway.”SheletherandRebaki
    ssed
    herli
    tt
    lesi
    ster
    ’sf
    orehead.
    “You’r
    ethekindestsoulI
    ’
    vemet
    .”Rebasai
    dand
    kissedAlor
    a’scheekaswell
    .
    “
    Don’
    tsayt
    hat
    .”
    “
    IloveyouRor
    a.Toi
    nfi
    nit
    yandbeyond.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.Youcanletgoofusnow.
    ”Reba
    l
    ookedatAl
    ora’
    sprot
    rudi
    ngstomach.
    “
    Haveyouf
    oundoutt
    hegender
    .”
    “Uhm wehavet heresul
    tsinanenvel ope.We’l
    lfi
    nd
    theri
    ghtt i
    megeteveryoneandt henopent he
    envelope.”Shebr
    eathedout,t
    hatmadeheranxi ous.
    Nomat t
    erhowmanybabybookssher eadandal l
    thosecutebabyvideosshewat chedand‘ howto
    takecareofachil
    d’YouTubetut ori
    alsshewatched,
    shefeltli
    keshewasn’tgoi
    ngtibegoodenoughf or
    herbaby.
    “
    Ist
    hatwhyyou’
    reher
    e?”
    “
    Yout
    hinkIhaveul
    ter
    iormot
    ives?
    ”
    “
    Iknowyousi
    ster
    .”Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “
    Fine.I
    ’m buil
    dingupcour
    aget
    osayhitoyour
    motherwithoutget
    ti
    ngmyheadbi
    toff
    .”Reba
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Areuni
    onmaybe?
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tpushi
    tReba,
    justhi
    .”
    “
    Hiwagagocouldhavebeensai
    doverthephone
    i
    nst
    eadofyoubeingher
    e.”Al
    pharol
    ledhereyes.
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    otal
    kabouti
    t.
    ”
    “Okay.Youl
    ookl
    ikeacut
    eli
    tt
    lef
    atcat
    .”Al
    ora
    glar
    ed.
    “
    Nnagaontheyet
    lhemma!
    ”(
    that
    ’snotme)Reba
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Cut
    eandwel
    lfed.
    ”
    “I
    fit
    ’ssomethi
    ngyou’rethecat,
    I’
    m al
    ionessmy
    dear.Ibi
    teandI’
    m dangerous.
    ”
    “Ali
    onessisst
    il
    lacatAl
    ora.Awi
    ldcatt
    hati
    s.”Her
    si
    sterhuf
    fed.
    “Isweart
    oGodi
    fIdon’tkil
    lyouoryourboyfr
    iend
    andAusti
    n,i
    twi
    llbeami r
    acle.
    ”Rebalaughedsome
    moreandasmil
    ebr okeoutonAlor
    a’sface.
    “
    Doesyourdr
    essf
    it
    ?Fort
    omor
    row?
    ”
    “I
    tdoesandal
    sof
    orpubl
    ici
    tyI
    ’
    llber
    ocki
    ngLor
    a
    Cosmeti
    cs.
    ”
    “
    Exact
    ly!SeewhyIl
    oveyou…”
    “I
    ’m yoursister
    ,you’
    resupposedt oloveme.”She
    shruggedjustast hegateslidopenandRebal if
    ted
    herheadt olookatthewal lcl
    ock.Oh.Theparents
    werebackf rom work.Thingsareabouttoget
    awkwar d.Alorashif
    tedinherseat.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    40] :REBORN

    148

    Susanfr
    ownedasshest
    eppedoutofhercar
    .Why
    wasther
    eacarpar
    kedoutsi
    deofheryar
    d?Emil
    y
    gotourofthecarandrantothehouseasSusan
    madeherwayt otheparkedcar.Sheknockedon
    theti
    ntedwindowsforafewsecondsbeforethe
    windowssliddown.
    “
    Hello.I
    sther
    eapr
    oblem? ”SheaskedandTom
    f
    ixedhisshi
    rt
    .Hef
    ellasl
    eepeven.
    “
    NoMr
    s.”hesai
    dint
    hemostpr
    ofessi
    onalway.
    “Thenwhyopar
    kil
    ehakgorongyaj
    arat
    a
    yame?”(
    whyi
    syourcarpar
    kedbymygat e?
    )
    “Myapologi
    es.I
    ’
    mjustwai
    ti
    ngf
    orMsMor
    emi
    .”
    Susanfr
    owned.
    “
    MsMor
    emi
    ?”
    Go.
    “Okay.Thankyou. ”Susanwal kedawayt r
    yingto
    processeverything.I
    thadbeenabl owf orherfor
    herkidstotellhertheyenjoyedthegr aduationand
    anevenbi ggerblowseei ngAloraannounci ngher
    Cosmet i
    cslinewi t
    hRebabei ngthef aceoft he
    brand.Justallthesehugemi lest
    onespassedover
    herheadandshedi dn’tknowhowmuchanagei ng
    womancoul dt akef rom beingsoexcl udedi nher
    daught er’
    slife.Hert her
    apysessi onswer esomuch
    bet terandi twasal wayssor efreshingbei ngatthe
    ther apist’
    sof fi
    ce.Shewasabl et osayt hings
    wi t
    houtbei ngj udgedandhert herapistwasr eal
    ly
    nice.Shepushedt hedooropenandshef ound
    Alor awhowast alkingtoEmor y.Aloral ookedup
    from herconver sationwi t
    hEmor yasSusan
    awkwar dl
    yst oodatt hedoor .Rebahadl ongejected
    her selfoutoft hi
    st hemi nuteEmor ywal kedinand
    shewassaf elyint hekitchenpr ayingt hatthis
    i
    nt er acti
    ongoeswel l
    .
    “HiRor
    a.”Susansaid,t
    aki
    nginAlora’
    sweightgai
    n
    andthebabybump.Shewasgl owingandsomehow
    i
    twasanot herbl
    ow.Thatbasi
    cal
    lyAloracanbe
    happylorwithouther
    .Sheswall
    owed.
    “
    Hi.
    ”Al
    orar
    espondedwi
    thaer
    rat
    icbeat
    inghear
    t.
    Emor ybroketheiceassheannouncedt hatsheis
    goingtochangeheruni f
    orm andcomet ospeakto
    Alora’
    stummyl iketheydointhemovies.She
    skippedtoherroom andAlorasuckedinabr eat
    h.It
    wasawkwar dbutshemadet hemovet ocomeher
    soshewi
    llwomani
    tal
    lout
    .
    “Uhm howhaveyoubeen? ”Susansmi
    led.I
    twas
    bettert
    hannothi
    ng.She’
    llt
    akethat
    .Aoneina
    mi l
    li
    onchancewasstil
    lachanceandshewould
    takethoseodds.
    “I
    ’vebeengoodandhowhaveyoubeen?You’ re
    glowi
    ng.”Aloranoddedasshekepthergazein
    Susan’sface.Observi
    ngherfeatur
    esandherface
    togaugeanyr eacti
    onshemightnotli
    kebutthere
    wasnone, hereyesweresoft
    enedonherandher
    shoulder
    sdr oppedasshebreathedout
    .
    “Al
    oraIknowthatwhatIsai
    dwil
    lal
    wayscome
    backtohauntyouandther
    eisnowayIcant
    ake
    awaythosewords.
    ”
    “Atl
    eastwedoagreeononet hi
    ng.”Shechuckl
    ed
    becausei
    fshedoesn’
    tlaughshe’
    llcryandshe
    doesn’
    tcry.
    Susanhear
    dtheuneasyl
    augh.
    “
    ButI’m st
    il
    lsor
    ryngwanake.
    ”Al
    oranoddedasshe
    l
    ickedhernowdryli
    ps.
    “Wemovehey?
    ”Susan’
    seyesbecamebr
    ightwi
    th
    hope.
    “
    We?
    ”Al
    oranodded.
    “Itmighttaketi
    meIguessbutther
    eisst
    il
    lti
    me.”
    Shel ookedatherstomachshor
    tl
    yaft
    ershesaid
    thosewor ds.Hopeblossomedi
    nSusan’
    sheartas
    tearswelledinhereyes.
    “Iknowthehurtwon’
    tpassbutI
    ’m happy,
    asselfi
    sh
    asthatsoundsthati
    t’
    snott
    heendoft hel
    ine.
    ”
    Alorali
    ft
    edherheadandshebli
    nkedbacktearsand
    hitherl
    owerli
    p.
    “
    MetooSu.”Shesai
    dandSusandidn’
    tknow
    whet
    hert
    ohugherbutshewasgratef
    ul.
    “
    Thankyou.Foranot
    herchance.
    ”Al
    oranodded.I
    t
    wasgoi
    ngtotaketi
    methough.
    “
    Howi
    sthebaby?
    ”
    “Doi
    ngokay,justal
    otoff
    ati
    gueandwei
    rdfood
    combinat
    ionsbutot
    herwi
    sethel
    it
    tl
    egobl
    inis
    heal
    thy.
    ”
    “
    Congr
    atul
    ati
    ons.Onyourachi
    evement
    sandt
    he
    babyont heway.Mot herhoodisabeautif
    ulthi
    ng.”
    SusansaidandAl orajustnodded.Wasit?Shewas
    verymuchdoubt ingherownabi l
    it
    iesbutshekept
    herfear
    st oherself.Emor ycamebackandshesat
    nexttoAlora.Shepl acedherhandsoverAl or
    a’s
    stomach.
    “
    Cant
    hebabyhearme?
    ”
    “Yesgobli
    n.”Emorysmil
    edandAl orawatchedwi
    th
    curi
    osit
    yasshet ooki
    nwhat everEmor ywassayi
    ng
    toherdevel
    opingbaby.MinuteslaterEmory
    stoppedtal
    kingasSusansmi l
    ed.
    “
    Areyoust
    ayi
    ngf
    ordi
    nner
    ?”
    “Unf
    ortunat
    elynotbutI
    ’l
    lpassbysomeothert
    ime.I
    havetogonowandl etThabisoknowt
    hatIsai
    dhi.
    ”
    Alor
    asaidasshef i
    nall
    ystoodupandEmory
    huggedherlowerbody.
    “
    ByeandIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Loveyout
    oo.RebaI
    ’
    m gone.
    ”
    “Alr
    ight
    .We’llt
    alk.
    ”Emoryl
    etgoofhersi
    steras
    Alorawalkedtothedoor
    .
    “
    ByeRor
    a.”
    “Bye”sherepl
    iedSusanasshest eppedoutoft he
    house.Sherubbedherarms,whydi dn’tsheweara
    j
    acketwhenshewascomi nghere?Thecol dairhit
    herbarear
    msasshewal kedoutoft heyard.She
    openedthecardoorandlookedatTom.
    “Thankyouforstayi
    ng.Di
    dyougetl
    unchor
    anythi
    ngtoeat?”
    “
    I’
    m okayMsMor
    emi
    .”Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “Passbytheshops.”Shebuckledupashest art
    ed
    thecar
    .Theaircondit
    ioni
    ngwasonmi nuteslat
    er
    andshewaswar m again.Sheleanedbackandt ook
    outherphonefr
    om herbag.ShesawAust in’
    s
    message.Shesmiledtexti
    nghim backalt
    hough
    shewasmi nut
    eslate.Tom dr
    oveof f
    .

    Meanwhileinsi
    dethehouse, Susanwasstil
    lhappy
    from t
    hatl
    it
    tlei
    nteracti
    on.Itwasbet t
    ert
    han
    nothi
    ngandbabyst epswil
    ldo.Shewasn’ tgoingto
    ruint
    hischance,shehadaf eeli
    ngitwasthelast
    one.Rebasmi l
    edint heki
    tchen.Slowandst eady
    didit
    .Onethi
    ngshelovedabouthersist
    erwast hat
    shedidthi
    ngsatherownpaceanddi dn’
    tletpeople
    dict
    ateherf
    eeli
    ngsorher.Ther
    ewashope.

    *
    **

    Oncet heyar r
    ivedatAustin’
    shouseaft
    eranhouri n
    whichshehadboughtf oodandsil
    entl
    yateinthe
    mallparkinglot,shewashome.Shegotoutoft he
    carasshesai dbyeandheadedt othehouse.She
    openedt hedoorandasspoi l
    tasshewas,shewas
    exci
    tedatt hepr ospectofeat
    ingagai
    n.Thehouse
    smelleddelicious.
    “
    I’
    m homet
    otor
    mentt
    her
    esi
    dent
    s.”
    “
    Thehousewaspeacef
    ult
    il
    lyoushowedup.
    ”
    “
    Boo-
    hoo!Getoveryour
    sel
    fHades.HiRober
    t.
    ”
    “Pl
    aceyourbagdownandcomeher e.
    ”Hades
    watchedherobeywithoutquesti
    on.Somehow,
    l
    ivi
    ngwiththem henoticedafewthingsandatf
    ir
    st
    hehadbeenequallysurpri
    sedthatasmuchas
    Alor
    acanchewupAust in,
    shewassubmi ssiveto
    him andi
    twasscarybecausethatwasAl oraand
    thewayhecoul
    dt api
    ntothatwithouteventrying.
    Al
    orasatont
    hehi
    ghchai
    randhel
    ookedatherf
    eet
    .
    “
    WhatdidIsayaboutt
    hehighheel
    s?”Hekissedher
    f
    oreheadandpl
    acedbothhandsonhersi
    des.
    “Youdon’twantmet oweart
    hem andobvi
    ousl
    yI
    don’
    ttakeinst
    ruct
    ionsfr
    om youso…”
    “
    Alor
    a?”
    “Rra?”Hecursedunderhi sbreat
    h.Shedi dn’
    thave
    tolookathi
    ml ikethat,
    allsubmissi
    veandshi t
    knowingverywellhecan’ tf
    ull
    ydominat eher
    becausehewast aki
    ngiteasyonher .Forthei
    rbaby
    andbecauseshewasal waysexhaust ed.
    “
    Weshoul
    dn’
    thavet
    hisconver
    sat
    ionagai
    n.”
    “
    We’
    l
    lsee.
    ”
    “I
    ’
    mt heonewhodealswithyourswoll
    enf eetever
    y
    otherdayAloraandyoukeepwearingthesedamn
    hi
    ghheel sknowingver
    ywellyou’
    reputti
    ng
    pressureonyourbackandyourfeetcan’
    tst and
    them now.Wewon’tbehavi
    ngthisdi
    scussi
    on
    again.
    ”Shejut
    tedherchi
    nindefi
    anceandhehel
    dit
    .
    “Sweet
    hear
    t.
    .you’
    repregnantnotsi
    ck,Icanst
    il
    l
    puni
    shyouinotherways.”Heatpool
    edbetweenher
    l
    egsassheswal l
    owed.
    “
    We’
    reovert
    hisdi
    scussi
    onr
    ight
    ?”Shenodded.
    “
    Wor
    ds.
    ”
    “
    We’
    reovert
    hisdi
    scussi
    onRober
    t.
    ”
    “
    Good.Howwasyourday?
    ”
    “I
    -Iwast
    oldt
    onotbashyouonsoci
    almedi
    a.”He
    st
    eppedbackandl
    aughed.
    “
    Thepubl
    iccomi
    ngt
    omydef
    ense.
    ”
    “Youdeser vedeverywordIt ypedoutandno, I
    won’tbedel eti
    ngmycomment s.GodIhat eseei
    ng
    thatsmugl ookonyourf ace.Itmakesmyday
    worse.”Hewal kedovertothest ovet ocoverthe
    potsasshel ai
    doutathousandr easonswhyshe
    shouldhatehi m butj
    ustbecausesomehowshe
    l
    oveshi m shehat eshi
    ml ess.Herhor moneswer e
    hardtodealwi thbutshewashi s.
    “
    Okayt
    henIwentt
    oseeSu.
    ”Hepaused.
    “
    That
    ’st
    hef
    ir
    stst
    ep.Howdi
    ditgo?
    ”
    “I
    twaskindofuncomf or
    tabl
    ebutwit
    hti
    mewe’ll
    be
    good.It
    hink.
    ”Hekissedherheadandshesmi
    led
    upathim.
    “So,
    aboutwhatyousaidaboutpuni
    shi
    ngme,
    wer
    e
    youser
    ious?
    ”Hej ustl
    ookeddownather.
    “
    Whatdoyouwantmet
    odot
    oyou?
    ”
    “
    Onethi
    ngboutyou?Yougetme.Iam t
    ragi
    cal
    lyi
    n
    l
    ovewit
    hyouautwe?”
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    41] :REBORN
    149

    AtSusan’
    shouse,theminut
    eherhusbandwal ked
    thr
    oughthedoorshetoldhi
    m al
    laboutAl
    ora’svisi
    t
    andThabisosmil
    ed.Hiswif
    esoundedgenuinely
    happyandhecouldevenseeiti
    nhereyes.I
    twas
    beaut
    if
    ul.
    “
    Whatdi
    dIsay?
    ”Shebl
    ushedwi
    thasmi
    le.
    “
    Givehert
    ime.
    ”
    “Exactl
    y.”Heheldherinherarmsandshebr eathed
    i
    nhi sscent.Andhewasst i
    llhere?Afteral
    lthe
    thi
    ngsshenor mall
    ysaid?Shesmi l
    edupathi m as
    heloweredhisheadt oki
    ssher .Thekissquickly
    escalat
    edashepi ckedherupandl aidheront he
    bed,removingherpyjamas.

    *
    **
    Hadesl
    aidonbedashet ext
    edReba.Thesepast
    f
    ewmont hs,
    hehadbeent hi
    nkingofmoving.Not
    t
    hathedidn’
    tlovei
    ther
    e,butthosetwodeserved
    thei
    rspaceandsoonerorl ater
    ,hewoul dhaveto
    l
    earnhowt oliveonhisownwi thoutrever
    ti
    ngback
    toalcohol
    .Fornowthough, hehadt oshowup
    tomorrowforAusti
    n’slaunch.Peopl ehadbeen
    surpri
    sedthathewaswor kingonadi amondline
    butthathadbeenasmar tmove.Aver ysmartone.

    Meanwhi
    lei
    nthebedroom,Aloratr
    acedhi schest
    .
    Hewasalwaysingoodcondi
    tion,
    gym sessions
    wit
    hHadesandalwaysabitoutofbreathafterhi
    s
    r
    uns.I
    twaskindofsexybutshewon’ttellhi
    m.
    “
    I’
    m wear
    ingheel
    sfort
    omor
    row’
    slaunch.
    ”
    “
    Alor
    a!”
    “I
    t’sthel
    astt
    ime.Thedr
    essIhaveneedsheel
    sand
    Irefuset
    obeshortcompar
    edtoyou.”
    “
    Youar
    eshor
    t.
    ”
    “ButI
    ’m evenshorterwit
    houttheheel
    ssotomorr
    ow
    I’
    m wearingtheheels.Youcanpunishmeaft
    er.
    ”He
    chuckl
    ed.
    “
    Sleep.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    ttakeor
    der
    sfr
    om you.
    ”Sheyawned.
    “
    ButI
    ’
    m happy.Ar
    eyouhappyAust
    in?
    ”
    “
    Mor
    ethanyou’
    l
    leverknow.
    ”
    “Good.Goodni
    ght
    .”Sheadjust
    edhersel
    fti
    llshewas
    comfort
    ableandf
    inal
    lyl
    aidherheadonhischest.
    “
    Whoknewthatadecadel
    ater
    ,Iwoul
    dbeher
    ewi
    th
    mybi
    ggestr
    ival
    ?”
    “Tangledupi
    nbedandcar
    ryi
    ngmybaby?
    ”She
    smiledandnodded.
    “
    Ihat
    edyourgut
    s.Ist
    il
    ldo.
    ”
    “
    AndI’
    m alwaysinyourgut
    s..
    ”shel
    aughedsof
    tl
    y
    wit
    heyesclosed.
    “
    Youar
    enevergoi
    ngt
    oleti
    tdi
    ethatyougotme?
    ”
    “Never
    ,IloveyoumorethanIl
    ovemyselfwhi
    chi
    s
    somethingInevert
    houghtwaspossi
    ble.
    ”
    “
    Sayt
    hankyou!
    ”
    “
    Nodar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Chokeonyoursal
    ivai
    nyoursl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    We’
    l
    lsee.
    ”Herhandj
    ustset
    tl
    edonhi
    sabdomen.
    “Thi
    ssit
    uat
    ionwefi
    ndoursel
    fini
    smor
    eofan
    academicr
    ival
    stol
    over
    s.”
    “Ther
    eisal
    waysat
    hinl
    inebet
    weenl
    oveandhat
    e.
    Always.
    ”
    “Idetest
    edyourexi
    stenceandsomehowyouar
    e
    everythi
    ng.
    ”
    Hechuckl
    edki
    ssi
    ngherf
    oreheadwhi
    lehol
    dingher
    .
    “
    AndIcan’
    thel
    pbutbr
    agt
    hatI
    ’
    m yourf
    ir
    st.
    ”
    “IcanhaveanymanIwantRobert.Don’tt
    ryme.
    ”
    Henuzzledherneckandshehel
    dt hebackofhi
    s
    head.
    “Butyoudidn’twantanyonebutme. ”Tr
    ue.Itwas
    l
    ikesomehowshewaswai ti
    ngforhim.Plushe
    nevermadef unofheri nexperi
    enceinthebedroom,
    hewasal waysr eadytoteachherandgui deher.
    Explor
    ethingswi thher
    .Itwasbl i
    ss.Shecouldn’
    t
    askformor e.
    “
    Don’tl
    eti
    tgett
    oyourhead.”Shechi
    dedandhe
    l
    aughedagai
    nstherneck.
    “
    Iloveyoumyf
    ier
    ydr
    eamer
    .”
    “
    Mhmm.Iwantt
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    “You’
    reti
    red?
    ”Hereyesopened.Weretheyaboutt
    o
    havesex?Shecoul
    dn’tsaynotothat
    .
    “Notatall
    .”Hemovedhi sheadtolookather.Her
    eyeswerebr i
    ghtandaler
    t.Hechortl
    edandshe
    roll
    edhereyes.Hekissedherandsheplacedher
    handsonhi sshoulder
    sastheykissedandit
    deepened,whil
    ehewasst il
    lver
    yvigil
    antofher
    stomach.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    Lastni
    ght
    ’si
    nser
    t.Themor
    ningi
    nser
    tiscomi
    ngup.
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    41] :REBORN
    150

    Thefollowingmor ningwasabusyonef orthe


    si
    sters.Alorawasmeet ingupwi t
    htheteam,Reba
    i
    ncludedt ogooverever ythingbefor
    eapartofLora
    Cosmet icshit
    stheshel ves.Shewalkedacrossthe
    hal
    lwaysi nherflats,shehat edAust
    insomuchand
    shefeltsoshor t
    .Godshehat edt
    hatmanasshe
    headedt oherpublicist
    sof f
    ice.Sheopenedthe
    doorandNeol ower edherglasses.
    “
    Youl
    ookshor
    ter
    .”
    “I
    ’m yourbossandI
    ’
    m notheretodiscussmy
    height.
    ”Shesatont
    hechairandplacedherhands
    ont hedesk.
    “
    Hereist
    hedeal
    ,todayi
    sMathewsDiamonds’
    l
    aunchandRebaandIwil
    lbether
    e..
    ”
    “Wai
    t!MrMat hewsinvi
    tedyou?
    ”I’
    m embarrassed
    tot
    ellyoubutthatmanistheonewhofucksme
    andheknockedmeupbutshekeptt hosethoughts
    t
    oher
    sel
    f.
    “Yes.Andt hisistheper fectopportuni tyforRebato
    useLor aCosmet i
    cf oraf ul
    lfacegl am.Iknowwe
    havemor eproduct swhichwi llbeadver t
    isedand
    usedbyt hesel ectinfl
    uencer schosenbutaf ul
    lface
    glam usingLor aCosmet i
    cswi l
    lwor kandt hati
    sa
    wayt osubt l
    ytellthepeopl ewehavemor eproducts
    andleavet hem guessi ng.Pluswear ewor ki
    ng
    towardsi ncl
    usivit
    y.Somemakeupbr andsdon’t
    havethedar kestshadeofconceal eranddoyou
    knowhowmuch, mysi sterstruggledt ofindthe
    ri
    ghtmakeupt ousef orshoot s?Henceshedoesn’ t
    exactl
    ylikeitthatmuchbutanywaysLor a
    Cosmet i
    cst other escue.”
    “
    Andwhataboutyou?
    ”
    “Idomyownmakeup.Gett het
    eam oni
    t,Ihavet
    o
    seeotherpeopl
    eaf
    tert
    his.
    ”
    “
    Alor
    a,wi
    llyoubehaveatt
    hel
    aunch?
    ”
    “
    NeoI ’
    m notachi
    ld,
    I’
    m yourbossandwhatever
    t
    hatIsaidtoRo-
    MrMat hewshedeservesi
    tand
    more.Haveagoodday.”Shestoodupandwaddled
    outoft heoff
    icewithhertummy.Neoshookher
    headwi thalovedherbossasangr yassheal ways
    was.Whoknewt hather?Agr aduatewhohadbeen
    l
    ookingf orworkfortwoyear swoul dlandthisjob?
    Alor
    al ookedather ,
    lovedtheinterviewandsai dshe
    hadt enacityandhi r
    edherevent houghshehadno
    workingexper ienceotherthanwhatshedi dwhi l
    st
    onat tachment .Thathadbeenagambl ebut
    everydayshewasmor econfi
    denti nherroleand
    thi
    ngswer egoi ngextr
    emelywel l.Sowellitwasl i
    ke
    adream.

    RebasatinAlora’
    sof
    fi
    ceasshelookedaround.
    Al
    orafinal
    lyopenedt
    hedoor,
    thewomanhadbeen
    movingupanddownt heseof
    fi
    cesforthepasthour
    .
    “
    You’
    reexhaust
    ingyour
    sel
    f.
    ”
    “I’
    m al
    mostdone,wehaveanhourher ethenwe
    l
    eavetogetready.I
    ’l
    lhaveamakeupar ti
    stsent
    homet odoyourmakeupwi t
    htheful
    lli
    neandI
    thi
    nkthemediawill
    beatt heevent
    .It
    ’sredcarpet
    soyes.”
    “Lookatyoui
    nacti
    on.
    ”Alorachuckl
    edasshesatat
    herdeskandl
    ookedatthepaperwor
    k.
    “Ihavetodealwi
    tht
    hesetomorr
    ow,Mondayisa
    bigdayandwehaveyouofcoursesowe’llbe
    together
    .It
    hinkr
    eyaEdgarsf
    ir
    stthenFoschini
    .”
    “
    Thi
    sisr
    eal
    lyhappeni
    ng?
    ”
    “Youbetsi
    ster.Thankyousomuch.Thankyouso
    somuch.”Rebawoul ddothatforherandshehad
    beensurpr
    isedwhenshesi gnedthecontractfi
    nall
    y
    l
    ookingatherpayroll
    .Al
    orabeli
    evedinherpr oduct
    somuchandhowi twasgoingtobet hatsuccessful
    .
    Itt
    ookalotofguts.
    “I’
    l
    lbecount
    ingtheminutes.
    ”Rebaspunaroundin
    thechai
    rwhil
    eonherphoneandAl orabl
    ockedital
    l
    outassheopenedherlaptoptowork.

    *
    **

    AtAust
    in’
    sof
    fi
    ce,i
    twasanormaldayevent
    hough
    t
    hestaf
    fknewtheywer
    eleavi
    ngearl
    ythi
    sFr
    iday
    forthecompanyl aunchofcour seundertheirCEO.
    Everythi
    nghadbeenpl annedtot heTandt heusual
    anxiet
    yt hatpl annersusuallysuccumbt owasn’t
    ther
    e.Thecompanydi dagoodj obandAust i
    nhad
    beensat isfi
    ed.Het ookouthisphonet otextHades
    i
    feverythi ngwasr eady,hewillbehomear ound
    l
    uncht i
    me.Sol elyforAloratohelpherifshedoes
    needhi shel p.Hadesgavehi m at humbsupandhe
    call
    edhi sgir l
    fri
    end.
    “
    Hel
    lo,
    you’
    redi
    stur
    bingmeI
    ’
    m wor
    king.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llpi
    ckyouup.
    ”
    “
    Noyouwon’
    t.I
    ’
    m wi
    thReba.
    ”
    “
    I’
    llpi
    ckyouguysup…”shewentsil
    entf
    orawhi
    le
    t
    henshewasbackont hephone.
    “Fi
    ne,meetyoui
    nthepar
    kingl
    otandhaveagood
    day.
    ”
    “
    You’
    rewi
    shi
    ngmeagoodday?
    ”
    “Haveahorri
    bleonethen.
    ”Shecuthi
    m of
    fandhe
    scoff
    ed.Fuckhelovedher.
    *
    **

    Rebapickedapenandshedi dn’tdar ethr


    owit
    becauseshewaswor kingbutshewasbor ed.
    Semesterresult
    shadlongbeenout ,shedidfai
    rl
    y
    well
    .Shewasnott hatsmar tsmar tli
    keAlorabutat
    l
    eastshedidn’thavesupplement aryexamsorany
    ret
    akes.Aslongasshedi dn’thavet hatshewas
    fi
    ne.Shecheckedherwat ch.
    “
    Time’
    sup.St
    andup!
    ”
    “I
    ’
    m notgoi
    ngtobeforcedtostopworki
    ngi
    nmy
    ownoffi
    ce,
    I’
    m st
    il
    lwrappi
    ngaf ewthi
    ngsup.
    ”Reba
    st
    oodupandpickedhersist
    er’
    sbag.
    “Nope.Let’sgo.You’realmostsevenmonthsand
    youwantt oover workyourself
    .Ontopofthatwe
    haveaneventt hatmi ghtti
    reyousoup…”she
    glaredasRebapi ckedt hefi
    lesonthedesktosor
    t
    them up.Shesl i
    dthef i
    lesi
    nAl or
    a’sbagandshe
    pickedthelaptop.Sheswi t
    cheditoffasAlor
    a
    dejectedl
    ylookedather .
    “
    Ever
    ydayyouguysf
    indanewr
    easont
    oannoy
    me.
    ”
    “
    Getup.Iwon’
    tpi
    ckyouup,
    youmustbesoheavy.
    ”
    “
    Hmm.
    ”Al
    orat
    appedhert
    empl
    e.
    “Justami nut e.
    ”Sher ubbedherst omachandshe
    breathedoutl etti
    ngthatlit
    tlesharppaingodown.
    Shest ooduponherf eetandshest r
    etched.Her
    handsset tledonherst omach.Sher ubbedher
    tummy, thepai ndidn’thitheragainsoshef ol
    lowed
    Rebaoutofherof fi
    ceaftershepickedherphone.
    Shewhi sper edunderherbr eath.Herbabywasf i
    ne,
    thedoctorsai dthepr egnancywasheal thyandt hey
    hadnot hingt owor r
    yaboutevent hought hatdidn’
    t
    feell
    ikeaki ck.Sheknewherbaby’ skicks.The
    peopleatt heof f
    icewavedatherandshewaved
    withabl ankf ace.Theywal kedoutofthebui l
    ding
    andshespot t
    edAust i
    n’scar.
    “Herwegoagai
    n.”Theymadethei
    rwaytohiscar
    andheopenedt
    hedoorforherasRebaopenedthe
    backdoor
    .
    “HiReba.HeyLor
    a.”Shehel
    dontothecarseatas
    shecli
    mbedintot
    hecar.Shefi
    nal
    lygot
    comf
    ort
    abl
    eandshegl
    ared.
    Heki
    ssedhercheekandshehel
    dhi
    s.
    “
    Hi.
    ”Shesmi
    led.
    “Hell
    o.”Hemovedbackasshebuckl edup.He
    star
    tedthecarandr eversedoutofhi sparki
    ngspot
    assheshiftedinherseat .Shekeptast r
    aightf
    ace
    whenanot hershar
    ppai nhi therlowerabdomen.
    Shejustplacedhandspr otectivel
    yoverher
    stomachandAust i
    next endedahandt osettl
    eiton
    herstomach.Herbabywasf ine.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    41] :REBORN
    151

    TheydroppedRebaof
    fathomebef
    orehedr
    ove
    them home.
    “You’
    reupfortoni
    ghtsweethear
    t?”I
    twashisnight
    andshewasgoi ngtosupporthi
    m andstandbyhim.
    Herbabyjusthadtobehave.Shenodded.
    “I’
    l
    lalwaysst andbyyoursidesoyes.”Hekissed
    herhandandsqueezedi tasshekeptanotherone
    onherst omach.Thedr i
    vewassilentandAlorawas
    hyperawar eofanymovementoranyshotofpai n
    andnonesuf fi
    cedti
    llt
    heygothome.Okay, shewas
    goingtobeokay.Shegotoutoft hecarleaving
    Austi
    ni nside.Shewasgoingtotakeabathandget
    readyfort heevent
    .Shesmi l
    edassheknockedon
    thedoort henopenedit.
    “
    Howf
    arwi
    tht
    her
    oom?
    ”
    Sheaskedj
    ustasAust
    inmadehi
    swayt
    othedoor
    wit
    hthei
    rbags.
    “
    Notr
    eadyyet
    .”
    “
    Iwantt
    osee.
    ”
    “Idon’
    twantyouf ixati
    ngont hel
    itt
    ledet
    ail
    sand
    thenobsessingbef or
    eyourcompul si
    onsflar
    e.”She
    poutedasshest eppedi nsidethehouse.Austi
    n
    l
    ookedatherf orasecond, wouldshebeopent oget
    i
    ntotherapyforherOCD?I twassomet hinghe
    thoughtaboutti
    meandt i
    meagai n.
    “
    SoI
    ’
    llseei
    twhen?Whent
    hebabycomes?
    ”
    “Yes.Keepitmovingwoman. ’
    Sheconti
    nued
    walkingandwhenshegott othest
    aircaseshe
    exhaled.Sheheldtherai
    li
    ngasshetookslowsteps
    upashef ol
    lowedclosel
    ybehi
    ndher.
    “
    Wehavel
    esst
    hanf
    ivehour
    stogetr
    eady.
    ”
    “West il
    lhavet
    ime, keepmovingbaby.”Shewalked
    upthest ai
    rsti
    llshereachedthei
    rroom.She
    touchedherstomach.Nopai n.ThankGod!She
    pattedhertummyasshepushedt hedooropenand
    Aust i
    nplacedtheirbagsonthebed.
    “
    You’
    recr
    easingthesheetswiththebags.”He
    r
    emovedthem andplacedthem ont hebedsi
    de
    t
    abl
    eandshel ookedatthesheets.Shewalkedto
    t
    hebedandst
    rai
    ght
    enedt
    hesheet
    s.
    “Bet
    ter
    .I’
    mtaki
    ngabath.Doyouwantt
    ojoi
    nme? ”
    Ofcoursehewasj
    oini
    ngherri
    ght
    ?Hewouldn’
    tsay
    no.
    “I
    ’l
    lberi
    ghtbehi
    ndyou.”Shesli
    ppedoffherf
    lat
    s
    andtouchedherhead.Sheneedstowashthegel
    offbef
    oreshestyl
    esitfort
    oni
    ght’
    sevent.
    “
    Rober
    t?”
    “
    Hmm?
    ”
    “Hel
    pmewashmyhai r
    ,Ineedtogetthegeloff
    ..
    ”he
    noddedashepl
    acedhi
    sjacketonthebedfoll
    owed
    bytheti
    e.

    Minutesl
    at er
    , t
    heywer ebothont hei
    runderwearas
    Alor
    aheadedt othebathroom.Shepi ckedaclean
    towelandwr appeditaroundherbodybef oreshe
    openedthecupboar dst otakeouthershampoo.
    Austi
    nwal kedinmi nuteslaterandtheystepped
    i
    nsidetheshower .Heopenedt hewaterand
    checkedthet emperatureforher.
    “
    Isi
    tokay?
    ”
    “Mhmmm.”Shekepthereyescl
    osedashet
    ookt
    he
    shampoof
    rom her
    .
    “Thehai
    riswetenough?I fi
    tispourtheshampoo
    andmassagemyscal pt ogetthegeloff
    .Makeit
    thr
    eewashes.
    ”Hedi dasi nst
    ructedandoncethe
    shampoowaslatheredonherhai r,hemassaged
    herscal
    pandAlorareleasedasigh.Maybehe
    shoul
    dwashherhairof t
    en.Hishandswer esonice
    i
    nherhair.

    Theirlit
    tl
    ebatht imet ookalmostanhour ,asshe
    rel
    axedi nthewat erwi thhim.Aftertheywer edone,
    shest art
    edwi thherhai rfi
    rst.Di
    dshekeept hecurls
    orwasshest raight eningit?Herfacelookedl essfat
    withthecur l
    sal loverandshewasst i
    llgoi ngto
    contourt hehelloutofherf ace.Shewat chedhi m
    applylotionandsmi l
    edbutt hatsmiledi sappear ed
    asanot hershar ppai nhi therunexpectedl y.She
    breathedoutandf acedhi m buthewasn’ tlookingat
    her.
    “
    Gremli
    npleasebehave,justfort
    oni
    ght.
    ”She
    whi
    speredunderherbreath.Shewasn’
    trui
    ningthi
    s
    f
    orhim,heworkedsohar dforthi
    sdiamondline
    t
    hatwasunderhiscompany.
    “
    Wehavef
    ourhour
    stoki
    ll
    .”
    “Ithi
    nkifwe’
    refastenoughwe’
    l
    lbedoneint
    hree.
    I’
    m hungry.
    ”Sheaddedandhewalkedovert
    othe
    closett
    ogethisrobe.
    “LetmeseewhatIcanwhipupokay?You’
    rethe
    onewhohast ofi
    xyourhai
    randmakeup.Areyou
    sureyou’
    reupfort
    hissweet
    hear
    t?”
    “Iam.Iwon’tansweryouagai
    nifyouaskthat
    questi
    on.
    ”Hewal kedovert
    othevanit
    ytabl
    etoki
    ss
    herfor
    ehead.
    “Iwon’tbel ong.
    ”Hewalkedoutandshebr eathed
    outlookingatherstomach.Shegott oherfeettogo
    pickupherphoneasshewentt oGoogletosearch
    up.Shej ustdidn’
    twantitt
    obeanyt hi
    ngmaj or,
    she
    bitherli
    plookingatthesearchresul
    ts.Shehad
    Tessaonspeeddi alaswell
    ,ifshecal
    lsTessa
    Austinwi l
    lknowandgetwor riedandnotatt
    endhis
    l
    aunchunl
    essshebegsTessanottotel
    lonher.She
    wal
    kedupanddownt heroom sshedi
    all
    edTessa
    whoansweredaf
    tert
    hreeri
    ngs.
    “
    MsAl
    ora…”
    “
    Hidoct
    or.Ihaveaquest
    ion…”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?I
    ’
    m st
    il
    latt
    hehospi
    tal
    .”
    “
    I’
    m notsur
    e…”shebi
    therl
    owerl
    ip.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
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    152
    Al
    orasatont
    hebedasshel
    ist
    enedt
    oTessa.
    “
    ButT-
    “
    “Al
    ora,wearenotr
    iski
    ngt
    hebaby.Comet
    othe
    hospit
    alnow.
    ”
    “
    Justaf
    ewmo-
    “
    “Alor
    a!Iknowbestandyoushoul dbeher einless
    thananhour .
    ”Tessahungupandshef acepalmed.
    Itwasonl yacoupl eoft i
    mesbuther eherdoct or
    wasdemandi ngshegoest othehospital.She
    walkedt othewar dr obeandpi ckedadress,
    hopefull
    yitdoesn’ tt akeasl ong.Withasourf ace,
    shewal kedoutoft her oom andmadeherway
    downt hest ai
    rs.Shemadeherwayt othekitchen
    andAust inspottedherbef or eshecouldsay
    anythi
    ng.Herhai rwasst i
    llnotdoneandshel ooked
    annoyed.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “
    Wehavet
    ogot
    othehospi
    tal
    …”hepaused.
    “What
    ’swr
    ong?Areyouokay?I
    sthebabyokay?
    Shi
    t,l
    etmegetdr
    essed.
    ”Hequi
    cklyswi
    tchedof
    f
    thest oveandher ubbedherar m ashepassedher
    whi leher ushedt ot hebedr oom t ogetdr essed.She
    didn’tevent ellhim whatt hepr oblem wasandhe
    wasal readyinar usht ogethert ot hehospi t
    al.I
    t
    wasi nthatexactmomentsher ealisedt hatAust i
    n
    mi ghtbet hebet terpar entoncet hechi ldisbor n.
    Howwasshesupposedt odot hismot herhood
    thing?Whati fitwasr eall
    yl abourpai nsandi twas
    okayt othinkaboutwhatt hef uturemi ghtl ookl i
    ke
    buti fthebabycomesear l
    yi ti
    sgoi ngt or uinher
    visionbecauseshef arfrom bei ngr eadyt obea
    mot her .Ofcour seshef eltthemat ernalbondbut
    thati snotenough.Wi ththoset hought s,shedi dn’t
    realiseshewaspaci ngupanddownt heki tchenas
    hermi ndconj uredt hewor stcasescenar ios.It
    wasn’ tunt i
    lAust i
    nhel dhert ost opt hepaci ng.
    “
    What’
    swrong?”Heaskedandshebl
    inkedback
    t
    ear
    s.Heheldheri
    nhisarmsasshestart
    edcryi
    ng.
    “Sweet
    heartwhat
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”Het
    urnedhersot
    hat
    shecanfacehim.
    “I
    ’
    m goi
    ngtobeabadmot herr
    ight?Ij
    ustknowi
    t.
    .”
    hehel
    dherhandsbef
    orehepulledhert
    ohim.She
    sni
    ff
    ed.
    “Noyou’ r
    enot.
    ”Theyal
    lsaidthat
    .Theyallfucki
    ng
    sai
    dt hatbutshedi
    dn’
    tbeli
    evethather
    self.Heheld
    heruntilshest
    oppedcr
    ying.Hethenheldher
    cheeks.
    “
    Let
    ’sgotothehospit
    alokay?
    ”Shenoddedast
    hey
    wal
    kedoutofthehouse.

    *
    **

    Rebalookedathermakeup.Thi
    swasgood,
    so
    good.
    “Nowthef
    ini
    shi
    ngt
    ouches.
    ”Thel
    adysai
    dand
    Rebasmil
    ed.
    “
    Ilooksosur
    real
    ,
    ”
    “Icompl
    etel
    yhavenoideawhatthatwor
    dmeans.
    ”
    Rebachuckl
    edandtheladysmil
    ed.
    “
    Lookathowpr
    ett
    yyoumademe.
    ”
    “
    Youhavesuchagor
    geousski
    ntoneandyou’
    re
    beaut
    ifult
    oo.You’
    rer
    espect
    ful
    unl
    ikesomeofmy
    cl
    ient
    s.”
    “
    Oh?
    ”
    “Ee.Kanasomeoft hem usual
    lyt
    ellmethatI
    shouldbegratef
    ultheyareusi
    ngmyser vi
    ces
    becausegotlhokadegreehewehewe..
    ”(
    nothavi
    nga
    degreewhatwhat .
    )
    “That
    ’sr
    ude.Notmanyofuschooseourl
    if
    e
    cir
    cumstancesandt
    hingshappen.
    ”
    “
    Wabona?That
    ”(yousee?
    )Shenodded.
    “Done.Lookatthemir
    ror
    .”Rebadidandshesmil
    ed
    asthegirlpl
    acedLor
    aCosmet i
    csstuf
    fonthet
    able.
    “Theseproductsaresogood,i
    t’
    smyf ir
    stti
    meusing
    them andtheysaidIcankeepthem,theyseem
    expensivebuttheyar
    equali
    tytoo.
    ”Thegir
    lsmiled
    andRebagr inned.
    “
    Letmegetmypur
    se.
    .”
    “No,i
    t’
    sokay.Iwaspai
    dbef
    orehandsoi
    t’
    sreal
    l
    y
    okay.
    ”
    “
    Iinsi
    st.I
    ’
    llbeback.
    ”Rebagotupandshel
    eftt
    he
    l
    adyt hereasshel ookedaround.Shesmi l
    edand
    thoughtaboutt heti
    psheal r
    eadygotbeforehand
    andthismakeupsetoni t’
    sownwasexpensi ve,
    she
    couldtellandthefactthatshehadLoraCosmet ics
    beforeithitt
    heshelves?Crazy,especi
    all
    yfora
    youngmakeupar ti
    stli
    keher.Rebawalkedback
    withherphoneandpur se.ShetookoutaP100not e
    andhandedi ttoher.
    “ThankyouandcanIhaveyoursocialmediapage?
    OrhandlesoIcantagyouf
    orthelook?”Reba
    handedherthephoneandt
    hegirlsearchedher
    pageonFacebook.
    “
    That
    ’stheone.
    ”Rebagotherphonebackandl
    iked
    t
    hepage.
    “
    Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou!
    ”
    “
    You’r
    ewelcome.
    ”Thegi
    rlst
    oodupwithher
    makeupki
    tandsmil
    edasshewalkedout
    .
    “Andthankyousomuch.I twasapleasur
    ewor ki
    ng
    onyourbeautif
    ulface.
    ”Rebagri
    nned.Shesawt he
    gir
    loutbefor
    eshemadeherwaybackt othehouse.
    Timeforthedressandthefi
    nalt
    ouches.Shestil
    l
    hadt
    ime.

    *
    **

    Atthehospi t
    al,
    Aust instoodbyAl oraastheybot h
    l
    ookedatt hescreen.Tessahadat t
    endedtothem
    i
    mmedi atelyandhewasabi tfrustr
    atedwhenhe
    l
    istenedt oTessat ellAlorathatsheshouldhave
    beenher eassoonast hepai nsstart
    edandshe
    didn’
    ttellhim.Fort hepastt wohour sshehadbeen
    sil
    entanddi dn’
    ttel
    lhi m shewasi npain.Butsti
    llhe
    heldherhandasTessaf inal
    lylookedatthem.
    “Wellthescanshowst hatthebabyisokay, very
    healt
    hyandnosi gnofwant ingoutforsomet i
    me,
    anotherpossi
    blecausef orthecrampsmi ghtbe
    dehydrati
    on.I
    tcancausesomet hingcloseto
    contract
    ionsduri
    ngpr egnancy.Haveyoubeen
    dri
    nkingenoughwat er?”Shelookedatt hedoctor
    andsheknewt hatshej usthadabot t
    leofwat er
    todayandshedr ankwat erwhensher eall
    yfelt
    thi
    rstyorwasaboutt oeat.
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Wehavethecause.Dr
    inkenoughwat
    er,
    youknow
    t
    wol
    it
    reisthemini
    mum. ”
    “
    Ihearyou.
    ”
    “Nextti
    me,showupi mmediatel
    yanddri
    nkwater
    Alor
    a.Stayhydrat
    ed.Ot
    herwisether
    eisnot
    hingt
    o
    worryabout.Thebabyi
    sokay.Didyouguysopen
    t
    her esul
    ts?
    ”
    “
    Notyet
    .”Al
    oraqui
    ckl
    yanswer
    ed.
    “I
    ’l
    lseeyouguysf ornextweek’sappoint
    mentand
    al
    lthebestatthelaunch.”Shenoddedandwal ked
    out.Herbr
    other-
    in-l
    awwasgoi ngt
    obet her
    ealong
    wit
    hMasaandt heolderkids.Aust
    inlookedatAlor
    a.
    Hesuckedinadeepbr eathasheletgoofherhand
    andAloramissedt heheatofhishand.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    twantt
    owor
    ryyouandr
    uinyourday.
    ”
    “Thatwasn’
    tenoughreasonnottotel
    lmeAl or
    a,
    whatifi
    twasmor eseri
    ousthandehydrat
    ionandit
    putourchil
    dindanger?
    ”Shebitherlowerli
    p.
    “
    Aust
    inIj
    ustdi
    dn’
    t-
    “
    “Yourst ubbornnesscanbesoi nfur
    iatingatt imes.”
    Shewat chedhi mf i
    ghthi
    sownemot ionsbef orehe
    tookadeepbr eathandschool edhisfeat ures.She
    couldn’tevenr eadhisface,i
    twasj ustacol dcal m
    thatmadehershi verabit.Hesilent
    lyhel pedhersi t
    uprightbyt hecor neroft
    hebed.Hepi ckedher
    shoesandsl i
    dt hem onhersli
    ght l
    yswol lenf eet.He
    helpedhergetof fthebedandshepul l
    eddownt he
    dressoverherbump.
    “
    Aust
    in…”
    “Let
    ’sgoAl
    ora.
    ”Sheswallowedashepl
    acedahand
    onherbackl
    eadingheroutoft
    heroom.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    42] :REBORN
    153

    Thedr i
    vehomewassi lent,t
    oosi l
    entasshehel dher
    stomach.Shecl osedhereyesashedr ovet hem
    home.Twent yminutesl ater,thecarhadst opped
    movingandAl oraf
    inallyopenedhereyesf ive
    minuteslater.Shewasal onei nthecar.Shesucked
    i
    nadeepbr eathasshesl owl ygotoutofthecar .
    Sheclosedt hedoorandmadeherwayt ohouse,
    shepassedbyt hekitchenf irsttohaveagl assof
    waterbeforesheslowl yt ookt hestai
    rsheadi ngto
    thebedroom.Justasshest eppedinsi
    det he
    bedroom, Austinwalkedout .Nowor dswer e
    exchanged.

    Al
    oraj
    ustheadedt
    othebat
    hroom t
    otakebat
    h.

    *
    **
    Rebat wir
    ledinfrontoft hemirror.Primroseout did
    hersel
    fwiththisdr ess,shelovedi tandthemakeup
    andherhai r
    ?Shewasbeaut if
    ul.Shegr innedasshe
    snappedaf ewsel fiesbecauseobvi ouslythefinal
    l
    ookneededapr of essi
    onalphot ographertotake
    pict
    ures.Shesmi ledassheupl oadedt heselfi
    e
    capti
    oningitandment i
    oningt hemakeupar t
    ist.She
    satdownr eadingt hecomment swi thasmi l
    ebef ore
    herphoner angandsheanswer edhi mi mmediat el
    y.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Heyt
    her
    epr
    ett
    ygi
    rl
    ,ar
    eyour
    eady?
    ”
    “It
    hinkso.Thi
    sismyfi
    rstformaleventi
    nyear
    s.I
    haven’
    twalkedther
    edcarpetinyear
    s.”
    “
    Wel
    lI’
    l
    lbebyyoursi
    de,
    I’
    m onmyway.
    ”
    “
    Okay.Can’
    twai
    ttoseeyouandbye.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”Herphoner
    angandsheanswer
    edagai
    n.
    “
    Neohi
    .”
    “
    HiandIl
    ovethel
    ook,
    thepi
    ctur
    eisgett
    inggood
    r
    evi
    ewsandpeopl
    eareampedforLor
    aCosmet i
    cs.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Iam t
    hef
    aceoft
    hebr
    and.
    ”
    “Andri
    ghtl
    yso.Allt
    hebestatthelaunchandyou
    arebeaut
    if
    ulReba.Staybeaut
    if
    ul.IsAlor
    awit
    h
    you?”
    “
    Thankyouandno.I
    ’
    m athome.What
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    She’
    snotanswer
    ingherphone.
    ”
    “Shemustbebusywit
    hhermakeupandhai
    r.She’
    l
    l
    getbackt
    oyou.Bye.
    ”
    “Bye”Lor
    a’spubl
    ici
    sthungupandRebast oodup
    onherfeetasshetwir
    ledinfr
    ontofthemirrorone
    l
    asttimebefor
    eshewal kedoutwit
    ht hematching
    clut
    ch.Susanwhohadar ri
    vedminutesgasped.
    “Lookatyou,
    remindsmeoft
    het
    imeyouwentt
    o
    Prom.”Rebagri
    nned.
    “
    Itl
    ooksamazi
    ngdoesn’
    tit
    ?”
    “
    It
    ’smorethanamazi
    ng, bathomonyanayowa
    Mokwenaomont l
    egore.”Reba’
    smout hhur
    tfr
    om
    t
    hesmili
    ngbutshecouldn’thel
    pit
    .

    Thabi
    sowalkedi
    nsi
    det
    hehousemi
    nut
    esl
    aterand
    hi
    sjawdropped.
    “
    Lookatyou.
    ”
    “
    Shelooksl
    ikeapri
    ncess.
    ”Emor
    yaddedasshe
    l
    ookedupathersi
    ster
    .
    “
    ThatshedoesEm.
    ”
    “Obvi
    ousl
    ytherewi
    llbepi
    cturesandthemedia.Ar
    e
    yousureyoucanhandlet
    hat?”Susanasked.Abit
    concer
    nedatthemedia’
    spresenceattheevent
    .
    “
    I’
    lll
    iveandIam sur
    et hemedi
    awi
    llber
    egul
    atedby
    t
    hesecurit
    y,t
    heycan’thar
    assme.
    ”
    “
    True.
    ”
    “I’
    m proudofyouReba.”Thabi
    sosai
    dashehugged
    hisoldestdaught
    erandRebahuggedhim back.The
    fathersheneverknewsheneededunt
    ilhermother
    mar ri
    edhim.
    “Thankyouguysf
    orhesuppor
    t.
    ”Shebr
    oket
    hehug
    andhuggedhermother
    ,
    “
    Hadesi
    scomi
    ngt
    opi
    ckmeup.I
    ’
    m soner
    vous.
    ”
    “Hebet
    terbr
    ingf
    lowersorsomet
    hing.
    ”Susan
    addedandRebalaughed.
    “Ir
    ememberthatforPr
    om hewassweati
    ngashe
    camewithf
    lowersandchocol
    atesevent
    houghyou
    l
    ikedhi
    m.”
    “
    Hehadt
    osweat
    ,you’
    readi
    me.Youal
    lar
    e.”
    “Yesma’am.”Theyl
    aughedastheyasked
    quest
    ionsandsheansweredt
    hem whilet
    hey
    wait
    edwi t
    hherforHades.

    *
    **

    AtMol epol
    ole,Sentleandherf r
    iendstoodunderthe
    treet hatwasinf rontofherfr
    iend’syardasher
    friendscroll
    edt hroughsocialmedia.Sentl
    etook
    outherphoneandputi tbackint hepocket
    .She
    wast ooembar rassedtohaveherf ri
    endchargeit
    forherj ustbecauset heelect
    ri
    cityathomehad
    fi
    ni shedandshehadusedherl astmoneyt obuy
    food.
    “Sent
    lel
    ookatt
    hisgi
    rl
    .”Sent
    lel
    ookedatt
    hescr
    een
    andshefor
    cedasmil
    e.
    “Kanashewasaf ormermodelandshel
    ooksso
    beauti
    ful
    ,thatf
    ace-
    beati
    snice.
    ”
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    “KanaI’
    vebeenmeani
    ngt
    oaskyoubutIwasafr
    aid
    becausemaybeI’
    mjumpi
    ngi
    ntoconcl
    usi
    ons.
    .”
    “
    Mhmm.
    .”
    “Areyouguysrelat
    ed?Kanabonahersur nameis
    Mor emiandtheLoraCosmeti
    csbrandisownedby
    hersist
    er,Al
    oraMoremi.Areyouguyssomehow
    rel
    ated?Imeanyoushar et
    hesamesur name.”
    Sentleswall
    owedandlaughedtotr
    yandgether
    fri
    endtonottal
    kaboutit
    .
    “Tl
    hemmaskaitshegi
    sakeser
    ious.
    ”(
    don’
    tlaught
    abouti
    t,I
    ’
    m ser
    ious)
    Sent
    lebr
    eathedout,t
    heywer
    ecousi
    nsyesandshe
    l
    astsawthem year
    sago.Moret
    hanadecadeago.
    “
    Wear
    ecousi
    ns,
    they’
    redadwasmyuncl
    e.”
    “
    Theoneyousai
    dpassedaway?
    ”
    “
    Mhmm…”
    “Andyou’
    rest
    il
    lhere,
    stucki
    nthevil
    lageanddon’
    t
    haveajobwhenyouhaver i
    chcousi
    ns?Sentl
    e?
    Thesedayspeopl
    euseconnecti
    ons.Bakagosoma
    somewherekana.
    ”
    “
    It’
    scompl i
    cated.Ij
    ustcan’
    tinser
    tmysel
    fint
    hei
    r
    l
    ives.Ourparentsdon’
    tgetal
    ong..”
    “Soyou’regoingtosuff
    erjustbecauseofyour
    parents?Aemma.Beser i
    ous.Thisisadogeatdog
    world.Theyprobablyhaveri
    chf r
    iendsandReba
    eneisdatingHadesHudson, hisfatherisr
    ichand
    hasahugecompanysowar etheycan’tfi
    ndyoua
    j
    ob?Asacl eanerorPA?Sentlebeingniceand
    humbl edoesn’tworki
    nthisli
    fe.
    ”Sent l
    ebreathed
    out.
    “
    Sti
    ll
    .Wehaven’
    ttal
    kedi
    nyear
    sandt
    heypr
    obabl
    y
    f
    orgotme.
    ”
    “Famil
    yissti
    llf
    amil
    ynomatterhowmucht i
    me
    passes.Besmart.
    ”Sent
    lebr
    eathedoutandl
    ist
    ened
    toherfri
    endgoonandon.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    42] :REBORN

    154

    Hadesst eppedoutoft hecarashehel dthefl


    owers
    i
    nhand.Theywi lldo, whywasherner vousnow?I t
    alresembledwhenhet ookherf orpr om andshe
    wasoutt herelookingl i
    keadr eam.Heal waysknew
    shewashi s,event hought heirj
    our neyhadbeena
    l
    itt
    leroughandhadt hemostbumpsbutsomeday
    hewasgoi ngtomar ryher .Hepr essedt heint
    ercom
    andt hegatesli
    dopen.Hebr eathedoutashe
    walkedtot hedoorr eciti
    nghi swor dsand
    everythi
    nghewasgoi ngt osay.Hecl earedhis
    thr
    oatandknockedont hedoor .Thesecondst hat
    passedseemedl ikeyear s.Hel ookedathi sshoes
    bef
    orer
    aisi
    nghisheadast
    hedoorwasopened.He
    l
    ookedatThabi
    so.
    “Goodeveni
    ng,I
    ’m hereforReba.
    ”Thabisosmi l
    ed
    andopenedthedoorwi der
    .Hadesnodded
    nervousl
    yashesmi l
    edandhel i
    ckedhisdrylips
    l
    ockingeyeswit
    hReba.Heshi ft
    edhisattent
    ionto
    Susan.
    “
    Goodeveni
    ng,t
    hesearef
    oryou.
    ”HehandedSusan
    t
    hefl
    owersandshetookt
    hem wi
    thasmil
    e.
    “Thankyou.
    ”Hewalkedt
    owher
    eRebawassi
    tt
    ing
    andhetookherhand.
    “
    Higor
    geous.
    ”
    “Heyhandsome.”Hesmil
    edashet
    ookherhand
    andhelpedheruponherfeet
    .
    “I
    ’l
    lbr
    ingherhomebacksaf
    e,Ipr
    omi
    se.
    ”He
    assur
    edtheparent
    s.
    “Havefunki
    ds.”Thabi
    soaddedandEmoryjust
    waved.Hadeswalkedtothedoorwi
    thRebaandhe
    l
    edheroutbeforeheclosedt
    hedoor.Hepecked
    herli
    ps.
    “
    You’
    rest
    unni
    ng.
    ”Hebr
    eat
    hedagai
    nstherl
    ips.
    “Thankyou.”Shewhi sper
    ed.Whenwast helast
    ti
    met heyactual
    lyhadsex?Shecoul dn’
    tremember
    buthewasbr eathingagai
    nstherli
    psinthatsexy
    wayheal waysdidandshewaswai ti
    ngforhis
    whisper,
    theonet hatgavehergoosebumpsevery
    ti
    me.
    “
    Ithi
    nkweshoul
    dgetgoi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Yeah.
    ”Shebreathedoutashemovedhisheadand
    l
    edhert
    othecar.Theshowwasjustabouttobegi
    n.

    *
    **

    Alorafi
    nisheduphermakeupl ookandt ur
    nedto
    faceAustin.Shelookedatherf aceinthemir
    ror
    thenhim.Hewasf aci
    ngt heotherwayandhi s
    musclesst r
    ainedagainsthisshirtl
    eavi
    ngli
    tt
    leto
    theimaginati
    onespeciallywiththosebackmuscles
    ofhis.Theyhadbeensi lentthepasttwohoursas
    theygotready.
    “Austi
    nI-“shewhisperedandhi
    sheadt urnedso
    fastt
    hattheapol
    ogydi edonherli
    ps.Shewat ched
    him wearthecuf
    flinksshehadgif
    tedhim.She
    nearl
    ysmi l
    edbutshehadt oapol
    ogisefir
    st.
    “I
    ’
    m sorr
    y.WhatIdi
    dwasstupi
    d.”Shenear
    ly
    cri
    ngedhear
    ingher
    sel
    fcal
    lher
    selfst
    upi
    d.
    “IshouldhavetoldyouandIshoul dhavegonet o
    thehospitalatt
    hef i
    rstsi
    gnofpain,Ipusheditback
    becauseIdi dn’
    twantust ostr
    essyouonyourbi g
    dayandyoudeser vetodaybutIam sosorry.Li
    tt
    le
    gremlincomesf i
    rstineveryt
    hing.
    ”Shefini
    shedher
    sentence.
    “Al
    ora, i
    t’snotevenaboutme.I t
    ’sourbaby.
    Everythingisprett
    ymuchusel esswhenourchi l
    dis
    i
    ndanger .Sweetheart
    ,youhavebeent el
    li
    ng
    yourselfthatyou’r
    egoingtobeabadmot herat
    everytur nandsomehow, asmuchasIhat eto
    beli
    evei nthingsthatdon’
    texi
    st,youmakei t
    happenunawar e.
    ”Aloraswall
    owed.
    “
    I’
    m notsayingyouaregoingtobeonebutyouhear
    meAlora,Ineverr
    eal
    lysugarcoatt
    hingswi
    thyou.
    ”
    “
    I-
    Iknow.
    ”Shebl
    inkedandnodded.
    “SweetheartIknowt hatvoice,you’r
    eabouttostar
    t
    bawli
    ngyoureyesout .Don’tl
    etthi
    shappenagain.
    BecauseasmuchasI ’
    m excit
    edt obeafather
    ,a
    compli
    cationduringt hispregnancyputsyourli
    feat
    ri
    skaswel landI’m notr eadytoloseyou.
    ”She
    nodded.
    “Iunderst and.LennaIdol oveourchil
    d,Ir
    eallydo
    andIunder stand.”She’l
    ldobetter.Sherubbedher
    stomachunder neaththesil
    kgownshewor e.She
    j
    ustdi dn’tknowhowshewasgoi ngtonavigate
    mot herhoodbuti twasthisoncethatshedi dn’
    tdo
    somet hing.Hewal kedcloserandheldher
    shoulder s.
    “Don’
    tcr
    yAlor
    a,you’
    regoi
    ngtorui
    nyourmakeup.
    ”
    Shechuckl
    edwit
    htearsgl
    eamingi
    nhereyes.
    “
    I’
    llt
    rynott
    o.”Heki
    ssedthetopofherheadashe
    wrappedasi
    nglear
    m overherchest
    .
    “
    Iloveyouokay?
    ”
    “Lennakagorat
    a.”
    (Il
    oveyout
    oo)shewhisper
    ed.
    Heletgoandshesuckedi
    nadeepbreat
    hand
    fannedherf acesot hatshedi dn’tcry.Pr egnancy
    madehercr yal otandt hat’
    soneshedi dn’
    tl i
    ke.The
    crying.Whycoul dn’tshesoldierever ythingoutl ike
    sheusedt o?Whenshewassur eshewasn’ tgoing
    tocr yshef inall
    yst oodupandheadedt othe
    war drobet otakeoutherdr ess.Shet urnedand
    watchedhi m pickhi stuxvestandbut tonedi tup.
    Sheshoul dn’tgetdi str
    actedbyhi m.Shepi ckedout
    hergownandshel ookedati tthenathershoes.
    Shewal kedovert othebedt opl acet hedr essdown
    thenwentbackt ot hewar drobet opickoutt hemost
    comf ortableandcl assyballetflatsshehadi nher
    war drobe.Theywon’ tshowbecauset hedr essi s
    l
    ong.Shewaddl edt othebedandgotr idofherr obe.
    Aust i
    nchuckl edashesawheryel lowbehi ndi na
    blackt hong.Shepi ckedthedr essandshet urnedto
    Aust i
    n.
    “Hel
    pmeputi
    ton.”Sheasked.Hedi
    dn’
    twast
    eti
    me
    ashest
    oodbehi
    ndher.
    “Whatshoul
    dIdo?”Fr
    om t her
    ehehelpedherwith
    thedr
    essandshesatont hebedasheof f
    eredto
    putonhershoesf
    orher.Shest oodupandwalked
    tothewar drobewher esheopenedi twi
    dert oreveal
    thefullbodymi r
    ror
    .Herbumpwasvi si
    ble,you
    couldn’tmi sst heswellofhertummyaf t
    erherchest
    areaint hatflaregown.Shel ookedathercleavage,
    theylookedbi ggerthanherlastfi
    tt
    ingi
    nt hisdress.
    Austinst oodbehi ndherandl oweredhi
    sheadt o
    kissherneck.
    “You’
    llgett
    heshimmersonyourli
    psandt henyou’l
    l
    kissmewi t
    hthosel
    ipsagai
    n.”Hesighedagainst
    herneck.
    “
    GakeganeIjustdon’
    twantshimmer
    sonmyl
    ips,
    t
    heyar
    enotedibl
    e.”Hechuckl
    ed.
    “
    Ihearyou.
    ”Hesteppedbackashesli
    donehand
    i
    ntohi
    spocketandAlor
    alookedatt
    hem i
    nthe
    mir
    ror
    .
    “
    West
    uckt
    othet
    hemer
    ight
    ?”
    “YououtdressedmebutI’
    mthebet
    terl
    ooki
    ng
    part
    ner.
    .”shehithi
    schest
    .
    “You’r
    enot.
    ”Shechuckl
    edandshetouchedherhai
    r
    again,t
    henatur
    alcur
    lscameoutni
    ceandshewas
    happyaboutthat
    .
    “
    Ithi
    nkaf
    tereat
    ingwe’
    l
    lber
    eadyt
    ogo.
    ”
    “Justwaitt
    hereforamoment.
    ”Heopenedthetop
    partofthewardr
    obeandtookoutabox.Hereyes
    fol
    lowedhim asheopeneditt
    henhadherfacethe
    mirror
    .
    “
    Thi
    soneisforyou.”Sheli
    ftedherhai
    rashepl
    aced
    t
    heneckl
    aceagainstherneck.
    “
    AMat hewDi amondsor
    igi
    nal
    ?”Sheaskedashi
    s
    f
    inger
    slight
    lyski
    mmedhercoll
    arbone.
    “You’
    vebeenwear
    ingmyori
    ginal
    ssi
    ncethefir
    st
    datedar
    li
    ng.
    ”Hemur mur
    edandhereyeswidened.
    What?
    “
    I-
    “
    “
    It
    ’sgorgeousonyou.”Hetookoutt
    heearr
    ingsas
    wel
    l.Helookedatheraft
    ershehadador
    nedthe
    j
    ewell
    ery.
    “Beauti
    ful
    .Keept heneckl
    aceonl
    atertoni
    ghtwhenI
    fuckyou.”Andthatsentherbl
    oodrushingandher
    breat
    hingbecameunevenashesai dthat.He
    wasn’tevenaskingherandhowsurewashet hathe
    washavi
    nghert
    oni
    ght
    ?
    “
    Howsur
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iknowyoudar
    li
    ng.
    ”
    “
    We’
    l
    lseeRober
    t.
    ”
    Hechuckl
    ed.
    “Timetogo.You’
    lleatontheway.
    ”Withthathe
    steppedbackandshepickedhermatchingcl
    utch.
    Timet oputonagoodshowandsur pri
    sethe
    masses.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    43] :REBORN

    155
    Inthehi r
    edLimousine,Austi
    n’sphonerangand
    Alorastoppedeati
    ngf r
    om thelunchboxasshe
    l
    ookedathi m.Heanswer edhi sphoneandshe
    continuedeati
    nghermeal ,shehopedtheyhad
    mor etimeleft
    .Shestil
    lhadtoeathercookies,
    it
    wasmor eli
    kedessertaft
    ermeal s.
    “
    Hades.
    .”
    “We’vearr
    ived.Wher
    ear
    eyouguys?
    ”Hadesasked
    overthephone.
    “
    Onourway.
    ”
    “
    Okay.I
    t’
    sal
    readypacked.
    ”
    “AllIcansayisthatyouguysgotthi
    s,wemightbe
    t
    hel astpeoplet
    oar r
    ive.
    ”Aust
    insaidashewatched
    Alorastuffherf
    acewi t
    hfoodandhenearl
    ylaughed.
    “Okay.Seeyou.
    ”Hadeshungupandheplacedhi
    s
    phonedown.Aloraswal
    lowedandshepl
    acedthe
    backofherhandonherlips.
    “
    I’
    m almostf
    ull
    .Wherearet
    hecookieslej
    uice?
    ”He
    l
    aughedandsherol
    ledhereyes.Herbl
    adderwas
    goingtohateheraf teralltheliquidshei s
    consumingbutasl ongasshei shydratedandher
    babyisokayi nthere.Hepi ckedanot herlunchbox
    andsheclosedt heoneshej ustfini
    shedeat i
    ngout
    of.Shehandedi ttohi m andhegavehert heother
    one.Hereyesl i
    tupasshel ookedatt hechocolate
    chipcooki
    esandherappl ejuiceinthatsmal lcart
    on
    boxthatwasusedf orpr e-
    schol arsl
    unchboxes.She
    l
    eanedbackasshest artedwi ththejuiceandAust i
    n
    shookhishead.Sheat el i
    keachi ldandi twas
    i
    nsanelycutetowat ch.Theywer egoingt oarr
    ivein
    twentyminutes.

    *
    **

    Atthepr
    est
    igi
    ousvenue,Sapphi
    ref
    ixedEsmer
    alda
    micandherfi
    rst
    bor
    nlookedathermother.
    “
    Mom, Igotthis.Ther
    emoreredcarpetint
    ervi
    ews
    t
    otakeplace.”Sapphi
    rewavedheroff.
    “Iknow.You’
    redoinggreat
    .I’
    l
    ljustbebythe
    sidel
    ines.
    ”Shechuckl
    edashermot herst
    epped
    backandshefi
    xedasmil
    easshewentbackl
    iveon
    tvaft
    ert
    hatqui
    ckadbr
    eakthecamer
    amensai d
    theywer
    egoingto.
    “Thatwasf ast.
    ”Shest ar
    tedoffwithasmi l
    eand
    Sapphi r
    ewaspr oudofherbaby.Shewasagr eat
    i
    nt er
    viewerandi thadbeennat ur
    alasshe
    i
    nt er
    viewedt heeventat t
    endeesont heredcarpet
    from theKgosi ’
    st oheruncleDanandauntLoapi .
    Shehadl aughedathowcut eithadbeen.She
    smi l
    edasshesawt heHadesheircomingupwi th
    hismodelgi r
    lf
    riendwhowasnowt hefaceofLora
    Cosmet ics.
    “AndImustsayIl
    ovethatgown.”Rebagrinnedas
    shetwi
    rl
    edinfr
    ontoft
    hecamer asthatcl
    icked.
    “
    It
    ’saPr
    imaCDesi
    gnor
    igi
    nal
    .”Esmer
    aldagr
    inned.
    “
    Ilovei
    tandt
    hemakeup…”
    “
    ProudlyaLor
    aCosmet
    icsgi
    rlt
    hroughand
    t
    hrough.”
    “Ineedt
    ogetmyhandsont
    hosepr
    oduct
    sassoon
    astheyhi
    ttheshel
    ves.
    ”
    “
    Pleasedo.Youwon’
    tregr
    eti
    t.
    ”
    “MustIaddt hatt
    hegentl
    emani salsoani
    ce
    accessorytoadd.”Theyal
    llaughedassheleaned
    againstHades.
    “Ar
    eall
    yniceone,
    agi
    rlhast
    ohaveonel
    ikehi
    m as
    anaccessor
    y.”
    “Agr
    eed,whati
    nspir
    edthislook?
    ”Rebal ovedthat
    ther
    edcarpeti
    nter
    viewerwassor espectf
    uland
    shedidn’
    tbr
    ingupherpast.AndHadeswast here
    smil
    ingansweri
    ngquesti
    onsaswel lbyherside.
    “Wellenj
    oytheevening.”Theynoddedand
    graceful
    lymadethei
    rwayi nsidet
    hevenue.
    Esmer al
    datookoutherphoneassher eadthe
    socialmediacomment sonthebestdressedcoupl
    e
    sofarandthebestdr essedfemal
    e.
    “MasegosaysshelovedRebant l
    e’sdress,
    thelow
    backcutandthatsli
    t.Shel
    ovedi t
    .MasegoIhavet o
    sayIagreeandPrimaCDesi gnsknowt heirst
    uff
    .”
    Shegr i
    nnedasshewenton.Al mosteveryonehad
    arri
    vedandithadbeenniceconductingint
    ervi
    ews
    forthepastt
    wohour sbutt
    hent hepeoplehad
    quest
    ions.
    “Anothercommenti saskingaboutt heownerof
    LoraCosmet i
    cs..
    ”Esmer aldar eadouti nfrontoft he
    camer ast hatsnapped.Thepapar azziwasher eand
    thelovecr ewaswel l
    .Wel lever yonesawherpost
    assheshowedhermakeupl ookandt hediamonds
    adorni ngherneckaspeopl easkedt hemsel ves
    wher et heywer efr
    om.Shewaswai tingfortheman
    ofthemomentt hough.TheownerofMat hewsI nc.
    thent her edcarpetwil
    lof f
    ici
    al l
    ybedonewi thso
    thattheeventcanst art
    .Ashi nybl ackl i
    most opped
    andt hecamer asshift
    edt othatdi rect i
    onand
    camer asf lashed.

    Meanwhi
    lei
    nthel
    imousineAl
    orasprayedher
    sel
    f
    wi
    thherper
    fumeandfi
    xedherli
    pst
    ick.
    “
    Itdoesn’
    tshowt
    hatI
    ’
    vebeeneat
    ing?
    ”
    “I
    tdoesn’
    tdarl
    ing.
    ”Sheplacedahandonhischest
    asheloweredhisheadt
    oki ssher
    .Theyshar
    edthat
    sl
    owkissandhebr okei
    twithasmi l
    e.
    “
    Youdon’
    tneedl
    uck.Yougott
    his.
    ”Shesai
    dsof
    tl
    y
    andhehel
    dherchi
    n.
    “
    Ready?
    ”
    “Iwasal waysbor nr eady.”Theycoul dheart he
    camer asf l
    ashi ngout sideandshesmi l
    edathi m
    onel astt i
    mebef oret hesmi ledi sappear edandhe
    peckedherl i
    ps.Hewasont hesi dewher et hedoor
    wasaboutt obeopened.Tom gotoutoft hedr i
    ver’
    s
    seatt ogoopent hedoor .Thecamer asst opped
    fl
    ashi ngf orasecondast hedooropenedand
    Aust i
    nst eppedoutwi tht hatsmi leofhi s.The
    camer alightsf lashedandsomeoft hemedi ahouse
    want edt oaskquest i
    onsashest oodbyt hecar
    doori nhi shei ghtandt hattuxt hatwascar efull
    y
    craftedf orhi sbody.I ttookt hem bysur priseashe
    extendedahandandt heysawt hel ady’sdel i
    cate
    fi
    nger sandar m wi thoutseei ngt hef ace.I tall
    happenedsl owl yast hecamer asandt hequest ions
    fadedi ntot hebackgr oundashehel pedhi s
    signifi
    cantot hergetoutoft hecar .Jawsdr opped
    whent heysayapr egnantAl orast epoutoft helimo.
    Shehadbeenscar ceandhadonl ypost edhal fbody
    picturesonsoci almedi aandseei ngherpr egnant
    wasasl api nt heface.AlorabeingAlorawas
    i
    nternall
    yscowl i
    ngather self
    .Hewassot al
    l
    besidesher .Tom cl osedthedooraftershest epped
    outandAust inrestedhishandonherbackashe
    walkedbehi ndherandt hecamer asflashed
    uncontroll
    ably.Theymadei ttoEsmer aldawhowas
    j
    ustshockedl ikethewhol ecountrywas.Thi swas
    anUnor eversecar dbecauset hi
    swasAl orawho
    hadcomef orAust i
    nunprovokedonsoci almedia
    andher etheywer e.
    “It
    hinkasacount
    ryweneedtotakeamomentto
    wrapourheadsar
    oundthi
    s.”Aust
    inchuckl
    edashe
    l
    ookeddownatAlorawhogracedhim wi
    thasmall
    smile.
    “Okaynowwegotamoment,MrMathewsandMs
    Moremi.
    ”Theybot
    hnoddedatt
    hesametimeand
    Esmeral
    dachuckl
    ed.
    “Okaylet
    ’sst
    artwiththediamondsonMsMor emi.
    Theyarebeauti
    fulandthemakeup. .
    ”Esmer al
    da
    wasniceandshel ovedthatshedidn’
    tstartwith
    Austi
    n.Shewasgoi ngtobr agabouti
    tlateron.
    “
    Themakeupl
    ookcanal
    lbeme…”
    “
    Ma’
    am youdoyourownmakeup?
    ”
    “
    Yesnotf
    orget
    ti
    ngt
    hatLor
    aCosmet
    icswasused.
    ”
    “
    Atal
    ent
    edqueen.Yeswel
    ovet
    hat
    …”
    “Andthediamondsarehis…”shesaidand
    Esmeraldaheldbackalaughatthegruf
    fwayshe
    i
    ndicatedthatt
    heyarepartofMathewDiamonds.
    “
    Dar
    li
    ngthat
    ’snotni
    ce.”Hesai
    dwi
    thl
    ovegl
    eami
    ng
    i
    nhi
    seyesandAlorascoff
    ed.
    “I
    ’
    m alsonotniceRober
    t.
    ”Esmer
    aldal
    aughedand
    Alor
    asmiled.
    “Butyoucantal
    ktohi
    m now…”sheshuf
    fl
    edherf
    eet
    ashegr i
    nnedandEsmer
    aldaaskedt
    heri
    ght
    questi
    onsasAusti
    nanswered.
    “Thankyousomuchandwecan’ twai
    ttoseewhat
    thenighthasf
    orus.”Theywalkedawaywi thAust
    in
    l
    ower i
    nghisheadtotal
    ktoherandsher oll
    edher
    eyesathim whi
    let
    hecamer asflashed.
    “
    Thatwasi
    tguys.Wehopedt
    hisr
    edcarpetpar
    tof
    t
    heshowwasenjoyabl
    eandwewerepl
    easantl
    y
    sur
    pri
    sed.
    ”Shesaidfi
    nall
    yasshestopped.There
    wasmurmuringasthepapar
    azziknewwhatthey
    weregoi
    ngtotal
    kaboutonthei
    rMondaymor ning
    Newsheadli
    nes,

    *
    **

    AthomeSusanwhosatnextt oherhusbandsmi l
    ed
    astheywat chedThompsonEnt er
    tainment,t
    hered
    carpeteventwassuccessfulandRebawasa
    natural
    .AlorawasjustAlor
    aandt heyhadchuckled
    l
    ookingather .Shehadcomesof arandshewas
    beautif
    ul.Theywereproudoft hei
    rgi r
    lsandthe
    namet heymadef orthemselves.
    “
    Happy?
    ”
    “Very…”Susanansweredassher
    est
    edherheadon
    hischestandherubbedherarm.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    43] :REBORN

    156

    Oncet heguest swer eset t


    leddownaf terthe
    mur muri
    ngofseei ngAust inandAl orawal kin, t
    he
    eventcouldbegi n.Theyhadhi r
    edpr ofessional
    model swhower eador ningt heMat hewDi amonds
    eit
    herast ennisbracelets,pendant s,wat ches,
    chokersandneckl aces.I twasgeni usonhi st eam’s
    partbecausepeopl ecouldseet hejewellerywhi le
    theywereser vedbyt hewai tressesandwai t
    er s.
    Thiswasgoi ngt obeal ongni ght,Aloramusedas
    Austinplacedhi shandont opofher s.
    “
    Comf
    ort
    abl
    e?”
    “
    Yep.
    ”
    Acrosst
    heroom, Maduosi
    ppedherj
    uiceasshe
    nudgedherhusband.
    “Theylookcut
    etoget
    her.Younglove.
    ”Shemused
    asherhusbandchuckled.Evenaft
    eral
    lthese
    decades,shewassti
    llachil
    datheart
    .
    “
    Theyr
    eal
    lyar
    e.”
    Esmer alda’
    seyeswonder edtoSmi thJrwhohad
    l
    ookedup, hehadbeent al
    kingtohisf atherandshe
    winkedathi m.Hesmi ledather ,shelovedhi m and
    heknewt hat.Suddenl yshewant edt heeventt oend
    butshewaswor king.Shechuckl edasshemoved
    i
    nt hatsl im cutsui twithacamer ahangi ngar ound
    herneck.Shewal kedcl osertothest ageasshe
    tookpi cturesandshemadesur eshest i
    llhadher
    micr ophoneonf orthequest ionstheywer egoingt o
    fi
    rel ateroncet heCEOt akescent r
    est age.Ther oom
    darkenedandt hescr eenbr ightenedandi nthe
    absol utequi et,
    thecompany’ sChiefMar keting
    Officertookcent restageandAust i
    nl eanedback
    l
    isteningwhi leAloralistenedasshecameupwi th
    herowncompanyst
    rat
    egi
    esi
    nherhead.
    Hadespl acedhishandonReba’ st hi
    ghasthey
    l
    istened.Tenmi nutesl ater
    ,thatpresent
    ati
    onwas
    overanddonewi t
    handal ocalarti
    stwascall
    edto
    thestage.Peoplel i
    ght l
    ychattedamongt hemselves
    andAl or
    ausedt hatoppor t
    unitytoexcusehersel
    f
    andheadt othebat hroom.Herbl adderwasgoingto
    beapr oblem tonight.Austinwat chedherwalkout
    withherclutchinhandandsmi led.

    Intheladi
    es’r
    oom, Alor
    aclosedhersel
    finsi
    dethe
    toi
    letandshebreathedout
    .Shehadt olif
    tthe
    l
    ayereddresstositontheseatbutsomechat t
    er
    caughtheratt
    enti
    onasshel if
    tedherdress.
    “
    Womenandt
    rappi
    ngmen!
    ”
    “Tel
    lmeabouti t
    .Justbecauseheisamil
    li
    onai
    re
    shegotpregnantforhi
    m andnowshehasa
    cosmeti
    csline?Weren’
    tthereanysmar
    tideasout
    ther
    e?”
    “Buti
    fyourbabydaddyhasmoney,
    anyt
    hingi
    s
    possi
    ble.
    .”
    “Tr
    uethat
    .”thegi
    rlgiggl
    edandAlorarol
    ledhereyes
    assherel
    ievedhersel
    f.Shesi
    ghed.Twomi nut
    es
    l
    ater,
    shewasdone.
    “
    Kanammeshewasr
    udet
    ohi
    m…”
    “Bro.It hinksheist herefort hemoney, hersisteris
    alsodat i
    ngsomeoner i
    chandatl easthersi ster
    goest oUni ver
    sit
    yandsheact uatedasucceed
    careerbef oreshewasaj unki ebu- “Alorat ookt hat
    oppor tunitytostepoutoft het oil
    etandshel ooked
    atthel adi esasshekeptherser iousf aceon.The
    girl
    sf acedt hesinkawkwar dlyunabl etomai ntain
    eyecont act.Shedidn’tneedt opr oveher selfdid
    she?Nono, mostprobabl yt heyhadn’ tattendedan
    IvyLeagueorbeenoutoft hecount r
    yt obegi nwi th,
    justbecauseshedoesn’ tshar emostofherl i
    feon
    socialmedi ashouldn’tmaket hem t hinkthatt hey
    knewherbesi dessheknewmostl ocalcount rymen
    neverwat chedot herUniver sitygr aduat i
    onseveni f
    herfacewascur rentl
    yonPr incet on’
    sWebsi teas
    thisyear ’
    sVal edict
    orian.Shewal kedovert othesi nk
    andt heyscoot edback.Theyt houghtshewasgoi ng
    tosaysomet hingbutshedi dn’ t.Shej ustwashed
    herhandst hreetimesmaki ngsuret heywere
    thoroughlyscrubbedbef oreshedriedherhands
    andwal kedout .Thetwol adi
    eslookedateachot her
    beforetheyshookt heirhandsandwal kedoutas
    well.

    Alor
    atookherpl
    acebesi
    desAust
    inandheki
    ssed
    herl
    ips.
    “
    You’
    regood?Youl
    ookannoyed.
    ”Hewhi
    sper
    ed.
    “
    I’
    m annoyedbutgood.Wheni
    sityourt
    urnt
    otal
    k?”
    “
    Intwent
    yminut
    esorso,
    yourf
    oodwi
    llbear
    ri
    ving
    i
    ntenminut
    es.
    ”
    “You’
    rebei
    ngagoodpersontome. ”Hel
    aughedand
    shehithi
    schestnott
    oatt
    ractat
    tenti
    ont
    othem.
    “
    Peopl
    ear
    elooki
    ng.
    ”
    “AndI’
    mtal
    kingt
    omybabymama.
    ”Shef
    akeda
    gag.
    “
    No.Thatt
    it
    lesoundsurg,
    don’
    tcal
    lmet
    hat
    .”He
    l
    ower
    edhisheadwhisperi
    ng.
    “Butyouaremybabymama.Ahotfat
    caket
    hatcan
    sti
    llt
    akethi
    sdi
    -“t
    hist
    imeshel
    aughedandl
    owered
    herhead.
    “
    You’
    rei
    mpossi
    bleandIhat
    eyou.
    ”
    “
    Doyoumoncoeur
    ?”
    Sheshookherheadj ustassomepeopl eatthei r
    tablelookedatt hem andaf ewoft hem smi led, of
    coursesomeoft hest affatMat hewI ncknewt hey
    wer etogether .Sheasal waysi nhi soff i
    ceand
    somet i
    mest heywal kedoutt oget her.Rebasmi led.
    Anot herspeakert ookt hestageast heywenti nto
    detailaboutt hedi amondsandt hepr ocesst hat
    goesi ntomaki ngt hej ewellery.Aloral eanedback
    andset t
    ledherhandsoverherst omachast he
    starterwaspl acedi nf rontofher .Hergazecaught
    thepi ecethewai tr
    esswaswear ing.Shel i
    kedi t.
    She’llbuyi t
    .Aust inf ollowedhereyes, sheloved
    diamondsandt hef actt hatthediamondsshe
    alwayswor ear oundherneckwer ehi sboost edhis
    ego.Hepl acedahandonherst omachasshe
    pickedt hewat erbot tl
    e.
    Afterallt
    hatwassai danddoneandpeopl
    ewereon
    t
    hei rf
    eetaf t
    ertheirstart
    ersmi
    ngl
    ingwhi
    lewai
    ti
    ng
    forAust i
    n’sspeech,Al or
    amadeherwaytoReba
    whohuggedher .
    “
    You’
    regor
    geous.
    ”
    “Iknow.Letmegonow.”Rebasqueezedherabi
    t
    beforesheletgoandAl
    orashr
    ugged.
    “You’
    regor
    geousandthankyouReba.
    ”Rebasmi
    led
    asshetookhersi
    ster
    ’shand.
    “
    Canwel
    ookatt
    hedi
    amondpi
    eces?
    ”
    “
    Onl
    yforaf
    ewmi
    nut
    esbef
    oreIsi
    tdown.
    ”
    “
    Ifor
    getsomet
    imes.
    ”
    “Hmm. ”Shel etRebaleadherastheystoppedsome
    ofthewai t
    ressesandwai t
    ersmidwayt olookatt
    he
    piecest heyhadador ned.Thi
    swasgoodandAl or
    a
    didn’tknowwhi choneshewasgoi ngtobuy.They
    wer eobviousl yexpensi
    vesoshecanonl ybuyone
    set.Justone.Aust i
    ncaughtuptothem.
    “
    Hey,
    you’
    rest
    unni
    ngt
    odayandcanIhaveher
    back?
    ”Rebawasmor
    ethanhappyt
    ogi
    veAl
    ora
    back.
    “I’
    m notpr
    oper
    ty.I
    ’m pr
    obablygoi
    ngtokil
    lthebot
    h
    ofyouoneday.”Austi
    njusthel
    dherwaistandshe
    turnedtof
    acehim.
    “Areyouner
    vous?”Sheaskedconcer
    nednow.“It
    ’s
    okaytobenervoussometi
    mesautwe?I’
    m notgoing
    toholdi
    tagai
    nstyou.”Shesoot
    hedandhesmi l
    ed.
    “
    I’
    m okay.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e?”Hepeckedherl
    ips.
    “
    Sitdown,
    youshoul
    dn’
    tbeuponyourf
    eetf
    ort
    oo
    l
    ong.”
    “Mhmm. ”Hel edherbacktowher et
    heywer e
    seatedandshesatdown.Shet ookhisunopened
    waterbot t
    lejustashetookcent r
    estageandthe
    wait
    erbr oughthim aglassofchampagne.Shewi ll
    j
    ustt oastwit
    hwat er,j
    ustgreat
    .Hadessawal most
    everyonehadchampagnegl assesinthei
    rhands
    andhecal ledoverawai t
    er.
    “
    CanIhavespar
    kli
    ngwat
    er?
    ”
    “Maket
    hattwo.”Rebaadded.Thewai
    ternodded
    andhesqueezedherhand.
    “Igotyou.
    ”Shewhispered.Sobri
    etywasthei
    rpath
    andtheywillwal
    kthatnarr
    owr oadti
    llt
    hei
    rdying
    breat
    hs.

    “NowIhaveeveryone’sattention,
    canwehavea
    momentofsilenceforthef ounderofMat
    hewsInc,
    Celi
    neMathews….”everyonel oweredt
    hei
    rheadi
    n
    sil
    encef
    oralmostami nute.
    “Thankyouandmayhersoulr estinpeace.Letme
    formall
    ywelcomeyout othel aunchofyetanot her
    l
    ineassociatedwit
    hMat hewsI nc.Mat hews
    Diamonds.”Somepl acesthei
    rf luteglassesdown
    t
    ocl apthei
    rhandsast hewhit elightdimmedand
    t
    hef ancyli
    ghtsli
    tupthebr i
    ght est.
    “Thi
    sisali
    neI’vebeenwor kingonf ormor ethana
    year
    ,itwasunderwr apsandi tseemedl i
    kenot hi
    ng
    toaddtoanalreadywel loi
    ledmachi nethathad
    beenfunct
    ioni
    ngf oryearsandhadgr ownin
    abundantl
    eapsundert heguidanceofal egend…”
    Hismot herwasaf orceatober eckonedwith
    businesswiseandt hatli
    tt
    leholl
    owachet hatcoul
    d
    neverbef i
    ll
    edachedmor et odayashement i
    oned
    hi
    smot her
    .Hedidn’tlett
    heemot ionsshowthough.
    “ButthemoreIdr ewthedesigns, t
    hemor et hey
    madesenseandmyf ir
    stpi
    ecewasact uallytheone
    Igif
    tedmyt henrivalf
    orourfir
    stdat e.
    .”Alora
    smiled.Shelovedbeingonhist eam mor ethan
    compet i
    ngwi t
    hhim.Itwascalledgr owth.
    “Sheloveditandshedi dn’tknowwherei twasfr om
    whenIwasst i
    llt
    ryingt ogetaf ai
    rchanceatbei ng
    mor ewit
    hher .
    ”Al orablinked.Thi
    sdidn’tseem tobe
    aboutdiamondswasi t?Heshowedt hepi eceon
    screenandshesmi ledassomepeopl ewhof ol
    low
    heronsocialmedi ar ecognisedthependantshe
    usedtotakesel f
    ieswear i
    ng.
    “I
    twasdesi gnedspeciall
    yf orherandthat’
    sthefeel
    yougetwi t
    hMat hewDi amondpi eces,theyare
    craf
    tedforyouandyouwi llnotdoubtthattheyare
    apartofyou.Eachpi ecespeakst oevery
    i
    ndividual
    ’
    st ast
    es.”Mostnoddedt hei
    rheads
    i
    mpr essedandsomet urnedt ol
    ookatAl orawho
    coul
    dn’
    tseeherselfbeami
    nglooki
    ngathim speak
    bythepodi
    um withsuchpoiseandregal
    it
    y.She
    l
    ovedhim.Hewentonandonandhepaused.
    “Theseconddiamondshegot,sti
    llnotknowing
    whereitwasf r
    om waswhenshewaswai ti
    ngfor
    herresult
    s.”Li
    ar!I
    twasaft
    ershegavehi m her
    vir
    gini
    ty.Hesmi r
    kedandsheknewheknewt hat.
    “Butletmenotdwel ltoomuchont hehist or
    y.
    Ladiesandgent l
    emen, Ipresentt oyouMat hew
    Diamonds. ”Therewasahuger oundofappl ause
    andt henher ai
    sedhi schampagnegl assupi na
    toastastheyallraisedt heirglasses.Sher aisedher
    waterbot t
    le.Tohissuccess.Shesmi ledashegot
    downf rom thepodium anddr oppedaki ssonher
    headbef orehestartedmi nglingwi ththewho’ sand
    who’sofBot swana.Shesi ppedherwat ersilentl
    y.
    Thiswaswhathappi nessandhavi ngever yt
    hing
    workoutf orthebestf eltl
    ike.Shel ovedi t
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
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    157

    ThepartycommencedandAl or
    awhowasn’ t
    supposedtobeonherfeetf
    ortoolong,watchedas
    ever
    yonenetwor
    ked.Shelookedatherstomach.
    “You’r
    emor epreci
    ousthanmil
    li
    onsofPul
    as
    akere?”Sheaskedherbabyandshewasrewar
    ded
    withalightki
    ck.
    “Atleastyouarealreadyfeist
    yandagreewi thme.I
    thi
    nkI ’
    lll
    ikeyoumor ethanyourdad.”Shesaid
    underherbr eat
    handl ookedatherempt yplate.She
    i
    sf ull
    ,shehadgonet otherest
    room t
    oomanyt imes
    andshewasf ullaswell.Andshethoughtthechi l
    d
    wascal ml i
    kethefather?Ormaybeacombi nation
    ofboth?Itwouldbeodd.Verystr
    anget osaythe
    l
    east.Sheplacedherheadonherhands. thedjt
    ook
    overandshewat chedaspeopletalked.Sheshoul
    d
    probabl
    yjuststandup.Tenminutesonherf eet
    won’thur
    tandshewasact uall
    ygr atef
    ulshewore
    fl
    ats,t
    heheelswouldbekil
    li
    ngheri fshehadwor n
    them.Luckil
    yforher,
    Austi
    ncameandhet ookher
    hand.
    “
    Doyouwantt
    ogohome?
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tbesi
    ll
    y.Theni
    ghti
    sst
    il
    lyoung.
    ”
    “
    Ifyou’
    ret
    ir
    ed…”
    “I
    ’m notgoingtobeusedasascapegoatsoyou
    canleaveearly.
    ”Shegotuponherfeetasthel
    ight
    s
    star
    tedfli
    ckeri
    ngindi
    ffer
    entcol
    our
    sasi ft
    heywere
    ataclub.
    Alor
    achuckledrememberingherf i
    rstclub
    experi
    encewithhim.Thedjswitchedtot hose
    songsthatwerenormall
    yjivyt
    unesandwer ef
    un.
    RebaandHadesshar edalookasshel etgoofhis
    handandhel aughed.
    Ohdon'
    tyoudar
    elookback
    Justkeepyoureyesonme
    Isai
    dyou'
    rehol
    dingback
    Shesai
    dshutupanddancewi
    thme
    Thi
    swomani
    smydest
    iny
    Shesai
    dohohoh
    Shutupanddancewi
    thme
    Abackl
    essdr
    essandsomebeatupsneaks
    Mydi
    scot
    hequeJul
    iett
    eenagedr
    eam
    If
    elti
    tinmychestasshel
    ookedatme
    Iknewwewer
    eboundt
    obet
    oget
    her
    Boundt
    obet
    oget
    her

    Shetookhi
    shandashespunherar
    oundwi
    thagr
    in
    andAlor
    ajusthel
    dont
    oAust
    in.
    “I
    ’m notdancing.
    ”Peopl
    edancedi
    ntheopenar
    ea
    andhel ookeddownather.
    “
    Humourme.
    ”Sheshookherhead.
    “No.”Sher estedherheadonhischestandhe
    kissedthet opofherheadasthesongfadedtopl
    ay
    theclassicstheyusedtohearaskidsgrowi
    ngup
    andherf acelituplooki
    ngupathim.
    “
    Iusedt
    oli
    ket
    hissongl
    ow-
    key.
    ”
    “Wantt oslowdancetoi t
    ?”Hesmi l
    eddownather
    andsheagr eedrel
    uct
    antlyashehel dherwaistand
    heswayedhert othesi
    deswhi lesingi
    ngBBM by
    Li
    quideept oherandshef lushedasshesnagt he
    wordsbackt ohi
    m.Ther ewasst i
    llmoreandmor e
    soul
    f ulsongswer epl
    ayedt heli
    kesofadjSbu’s
    SummerRai nandHan- C’ssongs.Thedjswit
    ched
    beats.
    “
    It
    ’st
    opar
    tayyyy!
    ”Hesai
    dont
    hemi
    c.
    “Ithinkyoushouldtakeofft
    hetuxjacket
    sand
    removet hehi
    ghheels.
    ”Hesaidtothecorporat
    e
    l
    adi esandgent l
    emenintheroom assomeoft hem
    shout ed.Aust
    inshookhisheadwithasmi l
    e.He
    kissedherhead.
    “
    Youcanr
    elaxandl
    etgobaby.
    ”Thedjst
    art
    ed
    playingShumayaandsomeoft heladies
    abandonedt hei
    rshoesandhel dt
    heirlongdresses
    ast heydancedinformati
    on.Peoplelaughedas
    theydancedt hesong,r
    emindingthem ofthesong’s
    musi cvideo.Al
    orachuckl
    edandwat chedf r
    om a
    distance.
    “
    I’
    m ol
    dbutinmydaysIwasagreatdancer
    .”
    Maduosai
    dtoherhusbandwhol
    aughed.
    “IknowandIremember
    .Ist
    il
    lhavet
    hememor
    ies
    andthevi
    deos.”
    “Theki
    dsshoul
    dtakeovernow.
    ”Maduosaidand
    shehel
    dherhusband’
    sarm asshewat
    chedthe
    peopl
    edance.

    Sapphi
    rel
    ookedatShanebef
    oresheshar
    edal
    ook
    wit
    hLoapi
    .Danshookhishead.
    “
    Fir
    edon’
    tlookatmel
    iket
    hat
    .”
    “I
    t’
    salwaysniceembar
    rassi
    ngyourchil
    drenandI’
    m
    notthatol
    d,I
    ’
    mi ngoodshapeandIdon’thavegr
    ey
    hairi
    nmyheadSky.”Loapishookherhead.
    “Youwi n.Let’
    sgo.”Loapidi dn’tevenremoveher
    heelsasSapphi regrinned.Shet ookoutar ibbon
    from herpursebef or
    eshehandedi ttoherhusband.
    Shet i
    edherhai rback.Loapichuckl edasshe
    foll
    owedhercousi njustast hedjpl ayedDr
    Mal i
    nga’sOrlando.Thecl assi
    cswer eagoodsong
    choiceandever yoneknewt hesongs.Af terthose
    heavyt hi
    rt
    ymi nutesofgr ooving,thedihitthemic.
    “Thissongi saspeci alr
    equest,soI’m goingt oplay
    i
    tf orthi
    sJustinBieberfan.Iknowyouguysknow
    him butanyway…”peopl elookedateachot heras
    theysatdown.Aust inl
    ookeddownatAl or awho
    hadr estedherheadonhi m asJustinBieber ’
    s
    Favor i
    tegir
    lplayed.Justthislastdanceeven
    thoughshedi dn’tevendancet henhecancal li
    ta
    nightforthem andt akeherhomet orest.She
    blushedandl ookedupt ohi m.
    “Let’
    sdancesweet heart.
    ”Thist
    imeshefull
    yagreed
    andhehel dhercloseashel edhert
    otheopen
    spaceandhadherst eponhisshoesforherhei
    ght
    adjustment.Shejustlethi
    m moveherandherfat
    bell
    ywi t
    hasmi le.
    “
    Iloveyouandcongr
    atul
    ati
    onsbaby.”She
    whisper
    edwit
    hyawnescapingherl
    ips.
    “
    Endgame?
    ”
    “For
    everMrMat hews.Til
    lweburninhellt
    ogether
    ormakeourownheaven. ”Hechuckledandkissed
    herhairwi
    thtearsst
    ingi
    nginhi
    seyes.Heki ssed
    thetopofherheadagain.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    44] :REBORN

    158

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning,
    Aust
    int
    urnedhi
    sheadt
    o
    faceher .Shewasf astasl
    eepandunder
    standably
    sobecausel astnighthadbeenalongni
    ghtf orher
    .
    Het ouchedherbel l
    yandhehopedshewasgoi ng
    tolovet hesurprisesheandinstor
    eforhertoday.
    Heki ssedherf oreheadandhegotoutofbedt oget
    herbr eakfastready.

    Inthesamehouse, Rebawokeupwi thver y


    disheveledhairandglancedoveratHades.Last
    nighthadbeenonehel lofarol
    lercoasterandshe
    hadl ovedeverybitofit
    .Shekissedhi sfaceandgot
    outofbedt oheadt othebathroom.Theydeci ded
    l
    astmi nut
    ethathewasn’ tgoi
    ngtodr opherhome.
    Shesmi l
    edli
    keaf oolasshest ar
    edatherr efl
    ect
    ion.
    Sheneededt ogetr i
    doft hemakeupandt akea
    goodshower .

    Anhourlater,Al
    orawokeuptobreakf
    asti
    nbedand
    shesmil
    edl ooki
    ngatthesettr
    ayonthebedsi
    de
    tabl
    eal
    ongwi thacuteli
    tt
    lenoteonit
    .Shesmil
    ed
    asshepickedupt henot
    e.
    ‘
    Mor ningLor a.Itrustyou’ rewel lrested.Ther eis
    breakf astandmeetmei nmyst udyaf teryou’ re
    done.LoveAust in.”Shepl acedt henot eagai nsther
    nakedchestwi thasmi lebeforeshegotoutofbed.
    Sheopenedoneoft hedr awer sandshewr oteon
    thenot easwel lbef or eshet r
    ot t
    edovert ot he
    bat hroom t ogetclean.Shewasbackt hirtymi nutes
    l
    at erandsheat ef irstbef oremaki ngt hebed.I nher
    whi tedr ess,shemadeherwaydownst air
    swi t
    hthe
    trayandshewashedt hosepl atesbef or eshemade
    herwayupt hestairsyetagai n.Shebr eathedi nand
    outbef oresheopenedt hedoor .Shehadn’ teven
    touchedherphoneeversi nceshewokeup.Wi tha
    smi leonherf aceshef oundhi m comf or tableont he
    sof awi thabooki nhi shandandhegr innedather ,
    hel ookeddownathi sbookandt urnedapageandi t
    waski ndofsexy.Ofcour seshef oundhi mr eading
    sexy.
    “
    Mor
    ning.
    ”
    “Hi.Whyam Ihere?”Heplacedthebookdownand
    stoodupwalki
    ngt owardsher.Hehel
    dherand
    l
    ookedatherclearface.
    “We’regoingt obest uckhereforsomet ime
    sweet heart
    .”Hel edhertothesof aandshesat
    down.Abi tconfused.Why?Whatwashappeni ng?
    Hewal kedovertooneoft hetopshel vesinhis
    l
    ibrary.Whydi dhekeept hingsatt hetop?Itwasn’
    t
    fai
    r.Hecamebackwi t
    hacut epinkbookandshe
    audiblygaspedwhensher eadthebookt i
    tle.Hesat
    nexttoherandki ssedhercheek.
    “Foryou.”Shehadorderedthatbookonli
    neandi t
    hadlit
    erall
    ytakensolongtoarri
    vetothepointof
    hergivi
    ngupandhehandedi ttoher?Shelookedat
    theedgesandt ear
    sfi
    lledhereyes.
    “
    Youdi
    dn’
    t-
    “hepul
    ledhercl
    ose.
    “Openit
    .”Sheopenedt
    heveryfir
    stpageandshe
    readhi
    sdedicat
    iononthepage,herf
    ingersmoved
    overhi
    shandwriti
    ngonthepagesasherheart
    racedwit
    heverywordsheread.Shelookedupat
    him.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”Hejustkissedhercheek.Hegi
    ft
    edher
    t
    hebook,annot
    atedjustforher
    .
    “
    Hearmyt
    hought
    sandsoulspeakt
    oyou.
    ”She
    noddedandshest artedreadingthefirstchapter,
    l
    ookingatt hetabsandst ickynotesint hebook, hi
    s
    cl
    eanhi ghli
    ghtsandwr i
    ti
    ng.Sheblinkedbackt ear
    s,
    shedidn’twantthem t ostainthi
    sbook.Thi swas
    somehowt hebestgiftshehasevergot tenfrom
    him andhedi dn’
    tknowhowmuchi tmeantf orher.
    Shesnuggl edintohim asheki ssedherhead.She
    wasgoingt ober eadingthisbookpr actical
    lythe
    wholeoft odayandr evelinit.

    Shedidn’tknowhowmucht imepassedasshe
    i
    mmedi atelywentbackt or eadingaf t
    erhebr ought
    herl
    unchandshewasl eftwi thonlylessthant en
    pages.Shehadl aughed, criedreadingitandwi th
    ever
    ycommenthehadl eftshecoul dhearhim
    sayi
    ngthosewor dsi nherheadandi tmadeher
    happy.Wasshesupposedt obet hi
    shappyi nlife?
    Wast hi
    shappinessmeantf orher?Thedoor
    openedandhewal kedbacki nside,
    shel ookedup
    fr
    om herbookandsmi led.
    “I
    ’
    m almostdoneandI -
    thankyou.
    ”Hesmi l
    ed.
    Hidi
    nghisnervousnessashesett
    lednexttoher
    ,
    waitingforhertoreadti
    llt
    hel astpage.Whenshe
    wasl eftwiththr
    eepagestor eadsinceshewasn’ t
    reall
    ymi ndinghim,hegotuponhi sfeetwalki
    ng
    overt ohisdesk.Hewashopi ngt hatitgoeswell.
    Godhepl annedthi
    stotheTbuti tsti
    llmadehim
    nervous.Hewat chedherfli
    pt hepageandhe
    pickedhisphonewhi chwasconnect edtothe
    bluetoothspeakerhehidinhisst udy.Heplayedthe
    songLat chBySam Smi th….Aloralookedupwi tha
    goofysmi leandshookherheadt ocont i
    nuereading.

    If
    eelwe'
    recl
    oseenough
    Iwannal
    ocki
    nyourl
    ove
    It
    hinkwe'
    recl
    oseenough
    Coul
    dIl
    ocki
    nyourl
    ove,
    baby?
    NowIgotyoui
    nmyspace
    Iwon'
    tletgoofyou
    Gotyoushackl
    edi
    nmyembr
    ace
    I
    '
    mlat
    chi
    ngont
    oyou
    Alor
    apausedasshef i
    nishedthebook.Thevery
    l
    astpagehadsomet hi
    ngwr i
    tt
    enonit.Sheturnedto
    i
    tandthosef oursi
    mplebutheavywor dsstaredat
    herint
    hef aceandshebl i
    nkedwithtear
    s.Hewas
    aski
    ngher?Shel ookedupf r
    om herbookand
    i
    nsteadfoundhimi nfr
    ontofherononekneewi t
    ha
    ri
    nginhandhi seyessohopef ul
    .Ver
    yhopef ul
    .Her
    l
    ipsquiver
    ed.
    “
    Wil
    lyoumar r
    ymeAl or
    a?”Shelookedupwi
    tht
    ear
    s
    i
    nhereyes.Sheshoul
    dstopcryi
    ngnow.
    “You’r
    et her easonIbel
    ieveinfat
    eandl ove.You’
    ve
    healedpar t
    sofmet hatIdidn’
    tknowwer ebroken.
    InyouI’vef oundmymat ch,anextensi
    onofme.
    Thebet terversionofmyself.I
    ’mterri
    blyi
    nlovewith
    youLor a…”shenoddedandopenedhermout h.
    “Y-yess…”themusicwasstillpl
    ayi
    ngint he
    backgr oundasheslidt
    heringonherf i
    ngerbefor
    e
    hepi ckedherupandspunherar oundasshe
    giggledami dstt
    ear
    s.Heplacedherdownonher
    feetandpushedherhairback.Hel oweredhishead
    tolookathert
    earstr
    ickenf
    ace.Shesmi
    ledbut
    couldn’
    tst
    opthetears.
    “Thankyou.”Hewhi
    sper
    edasshenoddedand
    placedherheadonhi
    schestwhi
    leherhel
    dher
    .
    “
    Ourver
    yownst
    oryi
    sjustget
    ti
    ngst
    art
    ed.
    ”
    “We’reourownbi ographers.”Shemur mur edashe
    kissedherli
    psandsheopeneduphermout hfor
    him.Godherchestwasexpl odingfrom t
    hesheer
    joy.Itwasoverwhelmingandi tmadeherwantt o
    sobf ort
    ydaysandni ghtsbecauset hismanl oved
    her.Hechoseher ,shewast rulyhi
    sendgame.
    Forever.Helovedherr egardlessofherspitef
    ulsel
    f
    andheaccept edherf l
    awsandher .Fatewasso
    kindt oher
    .
    Hebroket
    hekissandr
    ubbedhercheekt
    owi
    pe
    awaythet
    ear
    s.
    “Forasl
    ongasIam al
    iveLor
    a,Il
    ivewi
    thyou.
    ”He
    utt
    eredsof
    tl
    y.
    Sheplacedherhandonhischestwherehi
    shear
    t
    was,wherehehadherbirt
    hdaytat
    tooed,
    wheret
    he
    organthatbeatf
    orherwas.
    “I
    nt r
    uth,spir
    it,bodyandmi nd,Il
    ivewi thyou.”She
    soli
    dif
    iedandcoul dfeelhi
    sheartbeating.Those
    si
    mpl evowst oeachot her
    ,doneprivatelyinthe
    studymeantmor etobothofthem.Pr omi sesthat
    weretheirforever.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    22,
    09:
    44] :REBORN

    159

    Alorasnuggledint
    oAustinassheadmi r
    edthering
    onherfinger,i
    twassomet hingshewouldpickf
    or
    hersel
    fandshel ovedthecutusedfort
    hediamond
    anditwasn’tyourregul
    ardiamondaswel l
    .His
    handswer eonherst
    omachandtheirbabychose
    thatexactmomenttoki
    ck.Hesmil
    ed.
    “
    Weshoul
    dopent
    heenvel
    opean-
    “
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkIwantt oknowt hegenderanymor
    e.”
    Shebreathedout.Shedidn’
    twanttooverthi
    nk,
    as
    l
    ongast hisbabywasheal t
    hyshewasokay.
    “
    Youwantt
    owai
    tti
    l
    lthef
    inalday?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”Heki
    ssedherhead.
    “
    Okay.
    ”
    “I
    ’m goi
    ngt
    ocallthefami
    ly.Lat
    eront
    olett
    hem
    knowabouttheengagement…”
    “Doyouwantat r
    aditi
    onalexperi
    ence?
    ”Al
    ora
    paused.Shedi
    dn’tknow,woulditworkwi
    tht
    he
    famil
    y?Nowshewast hi
    nkingtoomuchandshe
    didn’
    twanttot
    hink.
    “
    I’
    llsee…”

    *
    **
    AtMolepol
    ole,Sent
    leandherfr
    iendst
    oodunder
    yest
    erday’
    streeasherfr
    iendhandedherherphone.
    “Yousaw?Al or
    aisdati
    ngoneoft herichestmenin
    thecountr
    yandyout woarecousins,Sentleuse
    yourbrai
    n.Totayoushouldn’tbest
    ruggli
    ngand
    yourcousinhasherowncompany?Sent lenyaya
    mma. ”Sentl
    eshuff
    ledherfeetandsighed.
    “Ihavetogoandhel pmamawi thnkuku.Bye.”She
    turnedaroundandstart
    edwal king.Herf
    riend
    shookherhead.Stupidgir
    l.Shewasgoi ngt osuff
    er
    i
    fshedi dn’
    tuti
    li
    setheconnectionsshehad.Why
    didSentlewanttobetoldeverything?St
    upid!

    Sentl
    ejoggedhomeandthemomentsheopened
    thegatehersi
    bli
    ngswal
    kedovert
    oher
    .
    “
    Sent
    lemyshoei
    sol
    d.”
    “Idon’
    thavemoneybutI
    ’
    llseewhatt
    odo.Mamao
    kae?”(
    wherei
    smom? )
    “
    Gone.
    ”Shesi
    ghed.Hermotherwasn’
    tthebest
    mot
    heronear
    thbutshegavethem moneywhen
    shef eltli
    keit.Thewomanwaspr obablygoingtobe
    backaf t
    eraweekort woandt heywer eabit
    overcr owdedi nthishouseincludingheraunt ’
    s
    chil
    dr enaswel l
    .Shesighed.Herauntofcour se
    abandonedt hoseoneswhenshegotmar r
    ied
    becauseshedi dn’
    twantchildrent orui
    nher
    marriage.Shehadanewf amilynowandi twas
    hardonherki dsandt heirgrandmot her.Sheopened
    thedoorandshesi ghed.Itwasgoi ngt ogetdark
    soonandshewasgr atefuli
    twasaSat urday,they
    won’tcompl ai nabouthomewor ksandt ryi
    ngtodo
    them i nthedar k.
    “Papi
    ,i
    sthef
    ir
    esti
    llt
    her
    e?”Sheaskedoneofher
    cousi
    nswhonodded.
    “Didoneofyoumakepor ridgef
    ornkuku?”They
    l
    ookedateachot herandshesighed.Shejust
    passedbytheirfeetandheadedtothe
    grandmother
    ’sroom.Shesatbyt hemattr
    essand
    smiled.
    “Didyoueataft
    erIwentt
    ochargemyphone?”
    The
    oldwomanshookherhead.Oldagehadcaughtup
    toherandwithsuchabaddiet
    ,itwaswor
    se
    becauset
    her
    ewer
    edayswer
    etheybar
    elyat
    e.
    “Ket l
    aapayamot ogo.”(
    I’
    llmakesof tporr
    idge)Mma
    Mor eminoddedandsmi ledlooki
    ngather
    granddaught er
    .Itseemedl i
    keeonsagosi nceshe
    hadseenherson’ schildren.Hergrandchil
    dren.
    Theirmot herstoppedcomi ngoverwi t
    hthem andit
    j
    ustdi edfrom there.Shewassur et heyforgother
    existence.Shecoul dn’
    tevenpi ct
    urewhatt hey
    l
    ookedl ike.All
    fouroft hem.
    “Nkuku,Ihaveaquestion.
    .”shesaidasshef i
    xed
    theoldwoman’ spil
    lowandlookedi nt
    ohereyes,
    Godhercat aract
    swerealsogettingworseandshe
    didn’
    thavet hemoneyforsurgery.Shealsowasn’t
    thesharpestknif
    esoschoolhadnotbeenhert hing,
    shecouldonl yhopehersi
    blingswoulddobetter
    .
    “Whydidyou,
    mamaandauntKelet
    sohat
    eSusan?”
    Theoldwomancoughed.Ther
    ewasnousehi
    ding
    thet
    ruthnow.
    “P-
    pelomoloingwanaka.”
    (thehearti
    sevilmychi
    ld)
    shebli
    nkedandextendedherhandt otouch
    Sentl
    e’
    scheek.“Susanreall
    ylovedMoremi,neamo
    rat
    amar at
    oandshet ookhimt oschoolt
    omake
    him better
    .Hi ssi
    stersexceptTshol
    odidn’
    tli
    ket
    hat
    andt hatMor emili
    stenedtoherandshehada
    bett
    erl i
    fethanus.”
    Sentl
    enodded.Shehadj ustgr ownuphatingher
    cousi
    nsandmaki ngfunoft heirski
    ntonebecause
    theyhadseentheadult
    sdoi tandtheyneverreal
    ly
    putmuchthoughtint
    oit.
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hiscomi
    ngf
    rom?
    ”Sent
    leshr
    ugged.
    “
    AloraandRebaar
    esuppersuccessf
    ulandar
    e
    t
    rendi
    ngonFacebookandwearehere…”
    “Theydon’
    trememberus,
    letthem be.Wehave
    causedenoughpai
    nandsufferi
    ngt othem.
    ”Sent
    le
    sighed.
    “I
    -butifIcanhumbl emysel fandaskt hem tohelp
    mef indaj obthatwouldbebet ter
    ,wear ereal
    ly
    str
    ugglingandbonet heyhavemoneyt ospend.”
    Sentlesaid.Rebahadbeenwear i
    ngadr essthat
    costmor et hantenthousandandt henecklace
    Alorahadwor nwasspecul at
    edt ohavecost50k
    accordingt oherfr
    iend.Thatkindofmoneywas
    rar
    eandherjusthavi
    ngonet
    housandwasl
    ike
    Chri
    stmas.
    “
    Sent
    le.
    .”
    “Nkukuyouneedsomemedi ci
    ne, thechildrenneed
    shoesandwi nt
    eruni
    formsandbl anket s.Thereis
    noelectr
    icit
    yandnotenoughf ood.Mphocomes
    homewhenevershewi shesandsheevenl eft
    school,
    howi sthatli
    fefairwhenwecanaskf or
    help?
    ”Pai nchokedher.Itwasn’tfairatall.
    “Youcanapol
    ogi
    seandIt
    ryt
    ofi
    ndsomet
    hingf
    ora
    bett
    erl
    if
    e…”
    Theol
    dwomankeptqui
    et.I
    tseemedl
    ikeSent
    le
    madeuphermi
    nd.
    “I
    ’l
    lbor
    rowmoneyandt akeabusi nthemor ningto
    gotoGaborone.Ihavetotr
    yandi t
    ’sbett
    erthatthan
    toaskmyselfgorewhatift
    heywoul dhavehelped
    me.”Shest
    oodupanddust edherbehind.
    “I
    ’
    llgomakef
    ood.”Wi
    ththatshewal
    kedoutandt
    he
    ol
    dwomanclosedhereyes.
    *
    **

    Alor
    ahel dthephoneasshestar
    edatthecamera.It
    wasal waystooeasylet
    ti
    ngever
    yoneknowatonce
    thantexti
    ngeachandeveryoneofthem.Onceallof
    hersibli
    ng’
    shadconnected,
    sheaskedRebatocall
    therestofherfamil
    y.
    “
    Hieveryone.
    ”Shewavedatthecamerawithher
    l
    efthandandherri
    ngfl
    ashedabit.Rebaf
    rowned.
    “
    Wait.
    .wavet
    hathandagai
    n..
    ”Thabi
    soandSusan
    wat
    chedasshedidandMooketsi’
    seyeswi
    dened.
    “
    Ah!
    ”
    “Ineverhaveanyt
    hingbadt
    osayRora,
    congratul
    ati
    ons.
    ”Bokamososai
    dandshesmi
    led.
    “Thankandthat
    ’st
    henews.I
    ’
    m off
    ici
    all
    yengaged.I
    didn’
    twantyouguyst
    oheari
    tfr
    om socialmedi
    a.
    “
    Congr
    atul
    ati
    onsAl
    ora.
    ”Susansai
    dandshesmi
    led.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Iwon’
    ttaket
    oomuchofyourt
    imesot
    hat
    ’st
    hat
    andthankyouguys.Il oveyouandbye!”Shehung
    upandpl acedherphonedown.Nowt hatwas
    sor
    ted,sheshouldsleep.Shegotupf r
    om thecouch
    andlookedatherringadmi r
    ingl
    y.Thedooropened
    andshelookedatAust in.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”Hehel
    dherwai
    stashewal
    kedherout
    .
    “
    Hast
    her
    apycr
    ossedyourmi
    nd?
    ”Shef
    rowned.
    “
    I’
    m notcr
    azy.Ihavewei
    rdt
    endenci
    esbutI
    ’
    m n-
    “
    “
    Lorayoudoknowt hat
    ’sadumbanswer
    ?”Ever
    y
    t
    imethi
    smancal l
    edherstupi
    dshewi
    shedshe
    woul
    dimplode.
    “
    Anddon’
    tevademyquest
    ion.
    .”
    “
    No.Ihaven’tt
    houghtoft
    her
    apybecauseIdon’
    t
    wantt
    herapy.”
    Theywal
    kedi
    ntot
    hei
    rbedr
    oom.
    “
    Andwhydoyouf
    eel
    li
    keyoudon’
    tneedi
    t?”
    “
    BecauseIam copi
    ngext
    remel
    ywel
    l
    .”
    “I
    sit?Orar
    eyouburyi
    ngyourf
    eeli
    ngsandyoulet
    yourOCDcontr
    olyoutot
    hepointofyouf
    eel
    ingli
    ke
    i
    t’
    snor
    mal
    ?”
    “Itisnormal .It
    ’smynor mal.Rober tdon’tt
    rytopick
    af i
    ghtwi t
    hme, I’
    vejustbeenengaged.Mygobl i
    ns
    andIar et i
    redandwantt osleepwhi lebaskingin
    thehappi nessofmyengagement .We’l
    lresumet hi
    s
    backandf orthtomor r
    owormaybeTuesday
    becauseMondayLor aCosmet icsisbeingshelves
    count r
    ywidesoi t
    ’smybi gday.”Sheyawnedasshe
    slidoffhershoesandr emovedherdr ess.He
    wat chedherasshemovedt owardst hewardrobeto
    getaf reshni ghti
    e.Hewat chedherbut tonitbefore
    shepi ckedherbonnetandputi tonherhead.She
    yawnedagai nwhi lepeel
    ingt heblankets.
    “We’
    lldiscussthi
    sagain.Ipromisemmebutnot
    now.”Heact ual
    lychuckl
    ed.Thet opi
    cwaspushed
    backjustli
    kethat.Hecouldhelpbuttuckheri
    nto
    makesur eshewascomf or
    tabl
    eandwassl eepi
    ng
    onhergoodsi de.
    “
    It
    ’st
    ooear
    lyt
    obesl
    eepi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Goodt
    hing,
    Isl
    eepwhent
    hebabyt
    ell
    smet
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Afoet
    uscan’
    tspeakLor
    a.”
    “Tomeshec-“shecaughther
    sel
    fandAust
    in
    caughtt
    hatt
    oo.
    “
    Youwantt
    hebabyt
    obeagi
    rl
    ?”Shebr
    eat
    hedout
    .
    “Yes.
    ”Wasal lshesaidandAusti
    nfigur
    edthatshe
    didn’
    twantt oopent heenvel
    opebecauseshemi ght
    bedisappointedthatsheisn’
    tcar
    ryi
    ngoneand
    henceavoidingheartbreak.
    “
    Buteveni
    fit
    ’sboy,
    it’
    sourl
    it
    tl
    echi
    ldr
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Dar
    li
    ngwhyi
    syourvoi
    ceshaky?
    ”
    “
    I-
    It
    ’st
    hehor
    mones.
    .”heki
    ssedherf
    orehead.
    “You’
    relyi
    ngbutsl
    eepnow.
    ”Shechuckl
    edandhe
    heldhercheek.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyoutooMr sMat hews.”Shegavehimthe
    mostgenuinesmi leandi tt
    ookhisbreat
    haway.
    Whoknewhewoul dloveanotherhumanbeing
    morethanhel ovedhimsel f
    ?Scar yandJames
    alwaysremindedhi m ofhowf arhehascome.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    24,
    04:
    54] :REBORN

    160

    Thefoll
    owingmorning,Sentlewalkedovertoher
    fr
    iend’
    shouse.Shest oodoutsidebythetr
    eeand
    shesentherfr
    iendacal lbackhopingshewas
    awake.Shehadputonherbestdr essandshoes
    andwasnowr eadyt ogot othecit
    y.Herfri
    end
    walkedoutoft
    heirhouseandshehel dherhip.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?Gophakel
    akana.
    ”(
    it
    ’st
    ooear
    ly)
    “
    Kopahot
    spot.
    ”(
    canyouhot
    spotme?
    )
    “
    Ok”Sent
    lewai
    tedf
    orherf
    ri
    endt
    oconnectherand
    whenshedi dshewentt oFacebooktosearchup
    Reba.Alorawaspr obabl
    ytooyoungt oremember
    hersoshesear chedupReba.Shet ypedupa
    messageandsenti ttoherbefor
    eshesear chedfor
    herothercousinsonFacebook.Allofthem wer
    e
    doi
    ngwel l.Tal
    kaboutatwistoffate.
    “
    Whati
    sitSent
    le?
    ”
    “IwanttogotoGabor
    one.
    ”Herf
    ri
    endeyedher
    suspi
    ciousl
    y.
    “
    Okay.I
    sitr
    egar
    dingwhatIadvi
    sedyout
    odo?
    ”
    “Yes.Idon’
    thavemadiapalamangmme.Keadima
    P50Ket lammusa.”
    (Idon’
    thavetr
    anspor
    tmoney.
    BorrowmesomeandI ’
    l
    lbri
    ngitback.
    )
    “JustbecauseI’m sureyouhavecousi nswelloff
    whocanr epaythatthri
    ceI ’
    llborr
    owyou.”Herf ri
    end
    handedSent let
    hephonej ustsoshei ssti
    ll
    connectedwhi l
    eshewentbackt othehouse.Sent l
    e
    sighedandcheckedhermessages.I twasst i
    ll
    mor ni
    ng,maybeshewasn’ tonli
    neoranything.She
    wentthroughpicturesoft hatFridayni
    ghtandAl ora
    waspr egnant.Whati fsheist hemaidandhel ped
    out?Shequi
    ckl
    ytypedamessaget oAlor
    aandsent
    i
    t.Anythi
    ngwasgood.She’
    llt
    hinkaboutwhatt
    o
    saywhenshegetsther
    e.Herfri
    endcamebackand
    handedhert
    henote.
    “
    Ther
    e.”
    “Thankyousomuch.”Shehandedherf
    ri
    endback
    thephoneandsl
    idherphoneandmoneyint
    othe
    smallbagshewasholdi
    ng.
    “I
    ’
    lll
    etyouknowoft
    hedevel
    opment
    sbutIhavet
    o
    gonow.Thankyou.
    ”
    “Al
    ri
    ghtandal
    lthebest.
    ”WiththatSent
    lewalked
    awaywithasmileonherface.Maybeherli
    fewas
    goi
    ngtochangeforthebett
    er.

    *
    **

    AtSusan’
    shouse, thewomanhummedasshe
    prepar
    edbreakfastforherfami
    lywhil
    eplayi
    ng
    DankobyEzraNeet hingsthebackgr
    oundonagood
    Sundaymorning.Shesmi ledasshesangalong
    swingingherhi
    pstot
    hesides.Rebawal
    kedi
    nsi
    de
    thekit
    chenasshechuckl
    edandsangalongwi
    th
    hermot her
    .Shewasi
    nsuchagoodmoodandt hat
    madeherhappy.
    “Whyarewehappyt hi
    smor ni
    ng?We’r
    eprobabl
    y
    goingtohaveafeastf
    orbreakf
    ast
    .”Rebasai
    dwith
    smileashermothergr
    innedandpoint
    edatherwit
    h
    thebigspoon.
    “Li
    feisgood. ”Susansai dwithasmi le,everythi
    ng
    wasgoi ngt ogobackt onormal.Ofcour sethat
    secretthatLinaki l
    ledEmilywaspr obablygoi ngto
    diewithherandherhusband.I twoul druinpeace
    andst artaveryunnecessar yfi
    ght.Thepastwi llbe
    andf i
    nallyshe’lll
    etitr
    est.Shewasn’ t
    communi cati
    ngwi thheroppressiveformeri n-l
    aws
    andshecoul dn’tevencarelessaboutwhatt heydid
    withtheirli
    ves.Theyt ookeverythi
    ngMor emiowned
    andshehadst art
    edf r
    om scrat
    chagai n.Shewas
    happynow.
    “Si
    tdownandletmeconti
    nuewithwhatI’
    m doi
    ng.
    ”
    Rebagri
    nnedasshesatonthehighchai
    r.Her
    fat
    herandEmorywer
    eprobablygoingt
    owakeup
    anhourl
    ater
    .

    *
    **

    AtAust
    in’shouse,Aust
    inmadehiswaydownst
    air
    s
    tot
    hekitchenshir
    tl
    essandfoundHadessi
    ppi
    ngon
    cof
    fee.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning.
    ”
    “Mor ning.I
    sthedragonladysl
    eeping?”Henodded
    ashecheckedt hecoff
    eepot.Therewassome
    coffee.Heopenedt hecupboardtotakeoutamug.
    Afterhepour edthecoff
    eeheleanedagainstt
    he
    count erasHadeslookedathiscoffeebef
    orehe
    facedAust i
    n.
    “Ihavebeenl
    ookingforhouseandIfoundone.
    ”
    Austint
    hrewhisheadbackinthought.
    “
    Youwantt
    omoveout
    ?”
    “Wi
    ththebabycoming,youtwoneedyourpr
    ivacy
    andIalsoneedpr
    ivacywit
    hReba.”
    “
    You’
    resur
    eyou’
    l
    lbef
    ine?
    ”
    “I
    ’
    llsurviveandthehouseisont heotherstr
    eet
    .”
    Austi
    nchuckl ed.That’
    sascloseandt hatwoul
    d
    makei teasyforthesist
    erswiththehousesbeing
    minutesaway.Awal kawayeven.
    “
    Sti
    llgoi
    ngt
    ogot
    ogym ever
    yday?
    ”
    “
    Youbet
    .”Hadesr
    aisedhi
    smugi
    ntheai
    r.
    “
    Ebi
    lel
    et’
    sgof
    orar
    un.
    ”Hadessai
    d.
    “Okay.Meetyoudownst ai
    rsintenminut
    es.
    ”That
    wasal lAust
    insaidashepi ckedhiscoff
    eemugand
    walkedoutoft heki
    tchen.Hadessmi l
    ed.Hebet
    ter
    getreadyforthatmorningrun.

    *
    **

    Atthebusstat
    ion,Sent
    lelookedar
    ound.She
    shoul
    dtrytobuyairt
    imesoshecansubscr i
    bef
    or
    MySocialtocheckifAl
    oraorRebaopenedher
    messages.Shestoppedbyawoman’ sshadeand
    shecountedherchange.Shehadenoughtogo
    backandt
    ocat
    chacombit
    oherdest
    inat
    ion.
    “Dumel ang,kekopanzamel awaP5. ”
    (hell
    o.CanI
    haveair t
    ime? )shehandedt hewomanP5andt he
    womanhandedhert hephonet oenterhernumber .
    Sentlehandedi tbackandshecheckedherphonet o
    seeifitreported.Oncei tdi
    dshesai dbyeand
    movedoutoft hewayt osubscr ibeformysoci al
    bundles.Inmi nutesshewasonFacebookandshe
    checkedherMessenger .Shesi ghedannoyed.I t
    wast hesescammer swhower ejustinboxingher
    andnei theroft hem hadr eplied.Shedi dn’
    tknow
    wheret heylivednordi dsheknowwher eheruncle’
    s
    wifeli
    ved.Shequi ckl
    ywentt otheLor aCosmet ics
    pageandshecheckedf ortheaddr essoft hei
    r
    offi
    ces.Shesawt hem butshedi dn’tknowwher e
    thatwas.Shewal kedovert ot hewomanwho, she
    j
    ustboughtai rti
    mef r
    om.
    “Dumelang,
    doyouknowwheret
    hispl
    aceis?
    ”She
    askedassheshowedthewomantheaddr
    ess.
    “Youcanaskt
    hecombimenandt hoset
    aximen.
    Theyknowwhereever
    ywher
    eis.
    ”
    “Thankyou.”WiththatSentl
    ewalkedt
    othecombis
    again.Shedidn’
    tknowwhi chbutshewashopef
    ul
    oneoft hem wi
    llhel
    pher.

    Whenshegott ooneoft hem,sheshowedt hem t


    he
    addressandtheydi
    rectedhertotherightcombi
    st o
    getonboard.Shewasonest epcloser.Shewas
    doingthi
    sforhersi
    bli
    ngsandcousi ns.Theyhadno
    onebuther.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    24,
    04:
    54] :REBORN

    161
    Alor
    asteppedoutofthebathr
    oom justasAust i
    n
    openedthedoor
    .Hewasal lsweaty.Shewat ched
    hi
    mr emovehist-
    shir
    tandthrewitinthelaundry
    basket
    .
    “
    Heyt
    her
    eMr
    sMat
    hews.
    ”
    “Morningt
    oyoutoo.”Hesmiledandwalked
    towardsherandsheplacedherhandsbehi
    ndher
    back.
    “Ifi
    t’
    sakissyouseek,theyou’llgeti
    tbutdon’t
    touchmeI ’
    m squeakycleanandyou’ r
    e…”she
    wavedherhandt oshowhi swhol ebody.He
    chuckledandstoppedinfrontofher.Heplaceda
    handonherl owerbackandl oweredhisheadto
    kissher.
    “
    Mor
    ningandyou’
    l
    lmakebr
    eakf
    ast
    ?”
    “
    Ofcour
    se.Howwast
    her
    un?
    ”
    “
    Asi
    fyou’
    reevergoi
    ngt
    ojoi
    nme…”
    “I
    ’
    m notbui
    ltf
    orvi
    gorousacti
    vit
    ythatget
    sme
    sweat
    ingandoutofbreat
    h.”
    “
    Butyougetsweat
    yandoutofbr
    eat
    hbeneat
    hme.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sdiff
    erent
    .Takeashowernow. ”Shestepped
    backandher ubbedhi
    slips.Shemovedt ot hesi
    de
    sothathecanstepintothebathroom andoncehe
    wasinsideandthedoorwascl osed,sheusedthat
    opport
    unityt
    ogetdressed.

    *
    **

    AtLoraCosmet
    icsof
    fices,
    Sentl
    estoodout
    sidet
    he
    bui
    ldi
    ngasthesecur
    it
    yguar dl
    ookedather
    .
    “Hell
    o.I
    t’
    scl
    osed.Trycomingtomor
    row.
    ”Sent
    le
    didn’
    thavemoneyfortomorr
    ow.
    “I-
    Ineedtospeakt ot
    heowner .I
    t’
    sreal
    ly
    i
    mpor tant
    .”Thesecuri
    tyguardshookhishead.Hi
    s
    bosseswher eoffanditwasaSunday.Wor ki
    ng
    resumedtomor r
    owsot her
    ewasnowayshewas
    supposedt obehere.
    “
    Unf
    ort
    unat
    elyt
    hat
    ’snotpossi
    ble.
    ”
    “
    Please.Keagokopa.
    ”(
    I’
    m beggi
    ngyou)
    “
    You’
    l
    ltr
    ytomor
    row…”
    “Ihavenomoneyt ocomebackher etomorrow.I
    t’
    s
    i
    mpor tant
    ,tr
    ycall
    inghertel
    lheri
    t’
    sfamil
    y.”The
    securi
    tyguardfr
    owned.Isn’tf
    amil
    ysupposedto
    knowwher eeachotherli
    ves?
    “Idon’
    tbeli
    eveyoubecausef amil
    yknowswher eto
    fi
    ndeachot herandeachother’
    snumber s,
    areyou
    tryi
    ngtoleadthi
    eveshere?Thatwon’thappengir
    ly,
    pleasego.”
    Sentl
    e’
    seyesbl
    urredwi
    tht
    ears.Shewasr
    eal
    ly
    desperat
    eandt
    hiswasherl
    astopti
    on.
    “Pl
    ease.Kagokopa.Cal lherandtel
    lherit’
    sSentl
    e
    Moremi,Idon’
    tknowt hepeopleinthisci
    tyandI
    wouldn’
    tdaresteal.Keagor apel
    a…”thesecuri
    ty
    guardsi
    ghedashel ookedathergli
    steni
    ngeyes
    andhetookouthi ssmal l
    phone.Sentler
    ubbedher
    eyes.

    *
    **
    Alor
    apickedupherworkphoneandfr
    owned.Why
    wassecurit
    ycall
    ingher
    ?Wasthereaprobl
    em?She
    answer
    edt hecal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    ”
    “Hel
    loMsMor
    emi
    ,ther
    eissomeonel
    ooki
    ngf
    or
    you.
    ”
    “
    Can’
    ttheycomebyt
    omor
    row?Of
    fi
    cesopenup
    t
    omorr
    ow.”
    “Shesaysshei
    syourfamil
    y”t
    her
    ewaswhi
    sper
    ing
    befor
    ethemanstar
    tedspeaki
    ngagai
    n.
    “
    Shesayshernamei
    sSent
    leMor
    emi
    .”
    “
    Seni
    leMo-
    “Al
    orapaused.
    “Okay.I’m onmyway. ”Shehungupandchuckl ed
    i
    ndi sbeli
    ef.Whatthehellwasgoingon?Shewal ked
    outoft hebedroom andslowlywalkeddownthe
    stai
    rs.Whatcoul dshepossiblywantfr
    om her
    ?
    Whatt hehellwashappening?Shepushedherhai r
    backasshel ookedatRobert.
    “
    Ithi
    nkwehaveapr
    obl
    em.
    ”
    Aust
    int
    urnedhi
    sneck,
    wai
    ti
    ngf
    orhert
    ospeak.
    “
    Secur
    it
    yjustcal
    ledandsai
    dar
    elat
    ivewasl
    ooki
    ng
    f
    orme.”
    “
    Okay…”
    “Myf ather
    ’ssi
    deofthefami l
    y.”Shesaidquiet
    ly.
    Thosepeopl ehadbeensot erri
    blet
    oherf amil
    y,she
    wonder edhowSusanhadcopedwi tht
    hem
    especiall
    ywithherski
    ntonebei ngusedagainsther.
    Rebahadt hesameskintoneandsodi dher
    sibl
    ingsandhowdar etheyshamet hem f
    ortheir
    skintone?Thatwasbeingcol ouri
    standithadbeen
    yearssincetheyspoketothem.Whynow?
    “Canyoutakemetot
    heof
    fi
    ce?Ineedt
    ogett
    othe
    bott
    om ofthi
    s.”
    “
    Theoneyouhaven’
    tspokent
    oinyear
    s?”
    “Thatsi
    deofthefami
    lyyes.
    ”Hejustagr
    eedandgot
    uponhisfeettogogethi
    scarkeys.

    *
    **

    Twent
    ymi
    nut
    esl
    ater
    ,Al
    oragotoutoft
    hecarand
    headedt
    owher
    esecur
    it
    yusual
    lywas.
    “Hi.
    ”Shegreet
    edthesecuri
    tymanandhegr
    eeted
    herback.Hestoodupandwalkedafewf
    eetaway,
    givi
    ngtheladi
    espri
    vacy.
    “Al
    orahi.You’vegr own.”Settl
    estartedoutandshe
    couldsti
    llseeitwast hesamel itt
    legir
    lwhowas
    neverfr
    eear oundt hem andwoul dratherjust
    i
    solateherselff
    r om t
    her estofthefamily.Hereyes
    tr
    aveledtother estofherbodyandshesmi led.
    “Pregnancysuit
    syouandcongratul
    ations.”She
    notedther i
    ngonherfi
    ngeraswellandi tl
    ookedso
    expensive.Sheevensmell
    edexpensiveaswel l
    .
    Alorawasst
    il
    lst
    unnedbyt
    hef
    actt
    hatshewas
    hereandwhynow?Godwhynow?
    “Thankyou.Whatbr
    ingsyouher
    e?”St
    rai
    ghtt
    othe
    point
    .Sett
    lenot
    ed.
    “
    Icamet
    oapol
    ogi
    se…”Al
    orar
    aisedaneyebr
    ow.
    “Forwhathappenedal
    lthoseyear
    s,i
    t’
    sbeenl
    ong
    andwear efamil
    yan-“
    “
    Emapel
    e.I
    sthatal
    l?BecauseIam notbuyi
    ngt
    hat
    .
    Noti
    nami
    ll
    ionyear
    s.”Seni
    lesi
    ghed.
    “Thetr
    uthoft
    hematterist
    hatwe’
    vebeen
    str
    uggli
    ngandI’
    mlookingf
    orajob.
    ”
    “
    Aha!”Alor
    asai
    d.Soifi
    twasn’
    tfort
    hatshe
    woul
    dn’tbeher
    e.Shefi
    gur
    ed.
    “Soifyouguyswereokayandallyouwoul
    dn’
    tbe
    hereri
    ght?
    ”Sentl
    efacedtheot
    herway.
    “I
    tmakessenseandIdon’ tblameyouf ortryingto
    useyouthsr elat
    ivecar dtoyouradvant agebutwhat
    Iwon’tall
    owi sthedi srupti
    onofpeace, Suhasbeen
    okaywithoutbei ngtoldaboutherf ai
    lures.Imi ght
    havebeenyoungbutIknow.Openi ngthedoorf or
    youmeansyourmot herandgr andmot herar ethe
    packageandt ot
    awehavesuf feredenough.Ir eal
    ly
    dohopet hatoneday, whenyou’ r enothitt
    ingdead
    endsandyou’ regenui nelyprosper i
    ngtheapol ogy
    mightbevalidbecauseyoudon’ twantt oget
    anythi
    ngf r
    om i t
    .Fami lyismor et hanbloodand
    mosttimesbl oodsnott hickerthanwat er.”That
    meansshehi tadeadend.Sent l
    easkedher self.
    Canshet ryReba, maybeshewi llbemor e
    wel
    comingandhel
    pherfindaj
    oborsomet
    hing?
    Al
    orapr
    essedherphone.
    “CanIhaveyournumber ?”Hopebloomedin
    Sentl
    e’sheartasshegaveittoAlor
    a.Funnythat
    thi
    sgirlwasyearsyoungerthanherbutmore
    successfult
    hanher.Sent
    le’
    sphonebuzzed.
    “Isentyoumoney.I t’
    supt oyout ouset hattomake
    yourlif
    ebetter.Startasmal lbusi nessbutj uststay
    awayf rom t
    hepeopl eIcareabout .Maybeyou
    mi ghtr
    eali
    set hatyoudon’ tr
    eallywantf orgiveness
    andyouguysst il
    lhateusandi twasj ustyour
    struggl
    esmaki ngyouwantt odot hat
    .”Witht hat
    AlorawalkedawayandSent l
    el ookedatt hemoney.
    Sheshoul dgot otheat m andcashoutt hatewal let
    andseewhatt odo.Al orabreathedout .Atthi spoint
    peacewast heonl yopt i
    on.Thepastshoul dj ust
    stayinthepastandnott rytoint erfer
    ewi t
    ht he
    presentandt hefuture.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    THREEYEARSLATER
    [
    06/
    24,
    04:
    55] :REBORN

    162

    Rebawaswokenupbyherphoner i
    nging.She
    yawnedandst
    ret
    chedherhandst olookattheti
    me.
    Fuckshehadt
    obeattheof f
    ice,
    somet hingabouta
    phot
    oshootwi
    thhersi
    ster
    .Shepickedupt hecall
    .
    “
    Rebahel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    You’
    rest
    il
    lasl
    eep?
    ”
    “
    No.I
    ’
    m get
    ti
    ngdr
    essed.
    ”
    “Themeet i
    ngwillst
    arti
    ntwohours,i
    fyoudon’tget
    yourbehindhereandwhi l
    eyou’
    reati
    t,checkyour
    Facebook.”Al
    orahungupandsher ubbedhereyes
    getti
    ngoutofbed.Shewentt oherFacebookand
    scrol
    leddown.Hereyeswi dened.Sotheywerebig
    bigli
    keTimesNewSquar einNewYor k?Shedidher
    l
    itt
    lehappydanceasshewal kedint
    othebathroom.
    Sheandhersi st
    erdi
    dthat?Internat
    ional
    ?Sothey
    werecompetingwithFentyandKyl i
    eCosmet i
    cs
    now?Thiswasahugef eatandsheshoul dr
    eally
    getamoveonasi nnow.

    *
    **
    AloraheldLorat
    o’sl
    itt
    lehandasshewal kedt
    oher
    offi
    ce.Lorat
    opoutedthenl ethermother’
    shandgo
    andwal kedaheadofhermot her
    .Alor
    acouldn’
    t
    stopt hesmil
    eonherf aceasshewat chedthe
    toddlermakeherwayt oherof fi
    ceandshestoodi
    n
    frontofitwhi
    lewait
    ingf orher.
    “I’
    l
    lneverrunafteryoui
    nmyheel stl
    hemma.”
    Loratojustsi
    ghedasAloraopenedthedoorforher
    .
    Somet i
    meshebehavedl ikeAust
    inwhichwasa
    weirdtr
    aittoseeonhertwoyearold.Shegaveher
    thatl
    ookt hatAusti
    nusuall
    ygaveheranditf
    eltl
    ike
    bei
    ngjudgedbyami nihim wholookedli
    keher.She
    wasconfusi
    ngherselfnow.Lorat
    ocar ef
    ull
    y
    cl
    imbedontothecouchasAl orawalkedovert
    oher
    deskandpull
    edoutthechair.
    “
    Mama?
    ”
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “I’
    m hungl y…”pr onounci ngt hat‘
    r’wasst illdif
    ficult
    forherbutt hey’l
    lgi veitt
    ime, shewasst il
    lababy.
    Shebr oughtherhandst ogether.Shewasn’ teven
    supposedt obeatt heofficebutthemeet ingwas
    todayandi tcoul dn’tbepost poned.Shet ookt urns
    wi t
    hherhusbandast heybot hadjustedt heirwor k
    schedul esfort hisl i
    ttl
    egr emli
    n.Rober twentt ot he
    officeonMondayandTuesdaywhi leshewor ked
    from home.WednesdayandThur sdayhewor ked
    from homewhi leshewentt otheof f
    ice.Fr i
    dayt hey
    bothwentt ot heof ficeandLor atowasi nher
    grandmot her ’
    scar e.Itwasaschedul ethatwor ked
    wonder sf orthebot hoft hem andt hisli
    ttlegreml i
    n
    l
    ovedi t
    .Lorat opl acedherhandsonherl apand
    Alor ahidhersmi le.Shewascut eevent houghshe
    wasn’ tparti
    cul arl
    yhappyaboutt hatout f
    itbuther
    l
    it
    tl
    egreml
    inhadtol
    ear
    nyoungsosheal
    lowedher
    t
    opickwhatshewor
    e.
    “
    Shoul
    dIf
    eedyou?
    ”Sheshookherhead.
    “
    Nota-
    ababy.
    ”Al
    orar
    oll
    edhereyes.
    “You’ r
    est il
    lababymygr eml i
    n.”Thisli
    tt
    leoneas
    soonasshecoul dwalkonherown, shedi dn’
    twant
    tobepi ckedupbyher .Onlyherfather,t
    alkabout
    beingat rai
    tor.Aloragotupf r
    om herdeskand
    wal kedovert ot heothersideofherof f
    ice.Lorat
    oke
    baghadever ythingshemi ghtneed.Shet ookout
    thel unchboxandahandker chief
    .Itwasnoteven
    12pm yet ,i
    fonlyherl i
    fewasassi mpleasher
    daught er’s.Food, sl
    eep,f
    oodandbot herher
    parent s.Sheopenedt helunchboxandcr ouchedin
    frontoft hesof awi t
    hthefood.
    “Letmedot his,
    thenwe’l
    lwashourhandsright?”
    Loratonoddedashermot hert
    uckedapieceoft he
    handkerchiefintoherst
    rawber
    rypri
    ntedt-
    shirt
    .
    AlorajustpickedherupandLoratogaveheral ook.
    “
    I’
    m star
    ti
    ngtonotl
    iket
    hef
    actthatyou’
    regl
    ari
    ngat
    me.”Herbabygi
    ggl
    edandpl
    acedherheadonher
    neckast
    heywalkedint
    othesmal
    lbat
    hroom soshe
    canwashherhands.
    “Ipr
    omise,
    wewon’tbelongher
    e.Justthr
    eemor
    e
    hoursgr
    emlinandwe’
    llbeonourwayhome.Do
    youwantacat?Justt
    oannoydaddy?”Lorat
    o
    l
    ookedupather.
    “
    Cat
    ?”
    “Yes.Thef
    urr
    ythi
    ngt
    hatmeowmeow..
    doyouwant
    onegremli
    n?Workwi
    thmeher
    eRato.
    ”
    “
    Cat?
    ”Alorausedonehandtoopent
    hetapandshe
    l
    oweredherbabysoshecanwashherhands.
    “
    Mmh.Obat
    lakat
    seaker
    e?”
    (youdowantacat
    r
    ight
    ?)
    Lorat
    oshookherhandsi nt
    oherhandsandAlor
    a
    heldherni
    cel
    yast heywalkedout
    .Thetwoyearold
    tr
    iedtorememberwheresheheardthewordcat
    befor
    e.Sheclosedhereyesandopenedhermouth.
    “
    Cat
    !!
    ”
    “
    Yesbaby,
    cat
    …”
    “
    Iwantcat
    .”
    “Iknowyoudobaby.We’ llgetoneafterI
    ’m done.
    We’llbuyasmal lsmallcatforyou.Yourli
    ttl
    ef ur
    ry
    fri
    endmygobl i
    n.Jet’
    aime.”Shekissedherpl ump
    cheekandpl acedherbackont hesofabefore
    placinghandinghert
    hesmal ll
    unchbox.Shet urned
    herbackandpausedasshet ouchedherflat
    stomach.Thist i
    meshef oundoutf i
    rst.

    *
    **

    Hadescal l
    edAust i
    nasheaskedaboutami nor
    i
    ssuehehadencount ered.Ithasbeenachal l
    enging
    year,wit
    hhi sfat
    hertel
    li
    nghi mt hattheboar
    d
    deemedhi m oldtoberunni ngHudsonCo.And
    sinceitwasaf amil
    ycompanyhewassupposedt o
    takeover,ithadbeenrollercoaster
    .Atsomepoi nt
    hewonder edhowAust intooki nbeingaCEOi n
    suchst r
    ideandheusual l
    yaskedhi mforadvi
    cef or
    mostmat t
    erswhichhehel pedon.Hel eanedback
    i
    nhi schair.Afewmor emont hstogoandhe’llbe
    fouryearssober,whoknewhewoul dbehere?He
    wasaboutt omarryhi
    sgi r
    linamont handhehad
    peopl
    ewhocar ed.Hisfatherwastryi
    ngbuti t
    seemedl i
    kehedrownedhi mselfonalcoholeach
    andeverydaysoitwasget t
    ingharderandharderto
    tr
    yandr eachhi
    m.Heevenst oppedtryi
    ng.His
    phonerangandhesmi led.
    “
    Hades…”
    “Heybro.I
    ’
    mint
    ownandcanIcomeoverf
    or
    dinner
    ?”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?Ihopet
    hat
    ….”
    “Hadesheisst
    il
    lmyhusband.Yesever
    ythi
    ngi
    s
    okay.CanIcomeover
    ?”
    “
    Anyt
    imeZar
    a.It
    hinkRebawi
    llbehomet
    hough.
    ”
    “
    Per
    fect
    .Al
    ri
    ght
    .Byeandseeyou.
    ”
    “Bye.”Hehungupandhepi ckedupt hepicture
    from thei
    rengagementpar ty.Theyhadyear st ogo
    andt hiswasjustthebeginning.Theyhadt alked
    aboutf amil
    y,t
    heywer eseeingaf er
    til
    it
    yspeci ali
    st
    andt hegoodnewswast hatRebahadst art
    ed
    seeingherperiodsaft
    ernotseei ngthem becauseof
    t
    heeat
    ingdi
    sor
    der
    .That
    ’sasprogr
    essont
    hei
    rpar
    t.
    Hesmi
    ledpl
    aci
    ngthepi
    ctur
    edown.

    *
    **

    Susanl
    ookedatThabi
    sowhi
    leshef
    oldedherar
    ms.
    “Can’tyout
    alkt
    ohim?Zarahasbeensogoodto
    him andhecan’
    ttr
    eatngwanawabathoj
    alo.
    ”
    “Hehaspr i
    de.Alotofmendo.It
    ’snoteasyt
    olose
    yourj
    obandhaveyourwomant akecareof
    ever
    ythingbutIt
    riedtal
    kingt
    ohim andhewon’
    t
    budge.”Susansi
    ghed.
    “KanaZaraispregnantandsheshouldn’
    tbe
    str
    essi
    nglikethi
    s.Mooketsiwon’
    tli
    stentomeand
    hissi
    bli
    ngs,theycanfi
    ndhim ajobbuturg.
    .”
    “I
    ’
    lltal
    ktohim again.Hopeful
    lyheseest
    hatheis
    l
    osinghisfamilyj
    ustsohecandr opt
    hepri
    de.
    ”
    Susannoddedwi thawor r
    iedsigh.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    [
    06/
    24,
    04:
    55] :REBORN

    163

    AtMooket si
    '
    shouse, hereadhiswife'
    snote.He
    wishedshecoul dunderst
    andsomehowt hathe
    wantedtobet hemanandt akecareofherevery
    whim nowshel eftwhil
    epregnant?Hecoveredhis
    face.Hi
    sphoner angandhesawhi sfather
    'sname
    fl
    ashont hescreen.Hejustanswered.
    "
    Hel
    lo.
    ."
    "
    Mooket
    sicanwet
    alk?
    "
    "
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng.
    ..
    "Thabi
    sosi
    ghed.
    "AllIcansayIunder standwhereyou'r
    ecoming
    from, part
    lybutIunder st
    andsti
    ll
    .You'
    vedrummed
    i
    ti nt
    oyour sel
    ftobeyourwi fe'
    srockbecause
    growingupyourmot herwastheonewhohel d
    everythingtogetherandyoudon'twantthat
    ."
    Mooket siswallowed.Hewasr ight
    .Hehatedthathe
    wasr ight.
    "Butyoudon' twantyoursi bl
    ings'hel
    p.Youwantt o
    doi tonyourownandi t'
    sokaybuti t'
    sst r
    ainingyour
    mar ri
    ageandi fyouaren'tcarefulyou'
    regoi ngt o
    l
    oseZar aandyourchi l
    d.Mooket siwher eisthat
    fi
    ght i
    ngspiri
    t?Youwer et heonewhot oldusyou
    mar ri
    edZaraandweshoul dacceptitandwedi d.
    Becauseyoul ovedher,whycan' tyoupushyour
    prideasidefort hewomanyoubr okepr otocolfor ?If
    your eal
    lydol oveherli
    keyousayyouwi ll
    ..
    ."wi t
    h
    thatThabisocutt hecallandleftMooket sithinking.
    Mooket i
    sfinallygotoutofbed.

    *
    **
    AtMol epol ole,Sent lesmi l
    edasshef i
    nallypacked
    upherst uff.Themagwi nya, fr
    eshchi psandsoup
    wasf i
    nishednowshehadt ogost ar tprepar ing
    thosesconest hechur chl adiesor der ed.Somehow
    i
    twor kedout ,thatP5000Al orasenther3year sago
    hadbeenputt ogooduse.Maybei nayearorso,
    she'llfullygai nenoughcour aget oapol ogise.Her
    sibli
    ngsandcousi nswer ecomf ortablel i
    keot her
    kidsandt hissel li
    ngbusi nesshadal otofmoney.
    Shedi df oll
    owt hem onsoci almedi aandt heymade
    al otofst ridesi nt hei rcar eers.LoraCosmet i
    cswas
    asuccessf ulbr andandRebawasequal l
    y
    successf ul.Shesmi l
    ed.Onedayi twi llworkoutf or
    them.Somehowt hewor l
    dwor kedi never yone' s
    favour .Shecal ledt het aximanwhor egularly
    pickedherup.Hergr andmot herhadf inall
    y
    succumbedt ool dageayearagoandassadasi t
    was, shehadt omoveon.Hermot herofcour se
    tri
    edt ocausear uckusaboutt hehousebutshe
    foughtsohar dtokeepi tjustbecausehersi blings
    andcousi nsst ayedt her eandshehadst arted
    renovat ionsoni taswel l
    .Lifewasal wayst eachi ng
    them l essonsever yday.
    *
    **

    AtSusan'shouse,Zar
    alookedaroundthebedroom.
    Shejustneededtobreathawayfrom hi
    m.She
    wasn'tt
    ryi
    ngtomakehi ml essofaman,shewas
    onl
    ytryi
    ngt ohel
    pwasi tsohardtounderst
    and?
    Ther
    ewasagent l
    eknockandsher ubbedhereyes.
    "Comein.
    "Susanwalkedi
    nandj ustsatonthebed
    nextt
    oZara.Shehuggedherdaughterinl
    aw.
    "He'
    llcomearound.Heisj
    uststubbor
    nbut
    whateveryouneed,we'
    reher
    e."ShesaidandZar
    a
    snif
    fednodding.
    "Weloveyouokay?
    "ShenoddedasSusanr
    ubbed
    herback.

    Hoursl
    aterthatday,
    thebedroom dooropened.
    Mooketsil
    ookedathiswif
    esl eepingpeaceful
    ly.He
    satonthecorneroft
    hebedandpushedherbr aids
    backasshebr eat
    hedsoft
    ly.Hel ookedatherbump
    andtouchedi
    tthenwi
    thdr
    ewhi
    shand.Heki
    ssed
    herf
    orehead.
    "Hel
    lolove.I
    '
    m sosorr
    ymylove.I
    'm sosorry.
    "He
    whisperedasshet
    urnedi
    nhersleep.He'
    llbehere
    whenshewakesupandt hey'
    l
    lworkitout.They
    alwaysdo.

    *
    **

    AtBokamoso'
    shouse,heheldbacktearsashi s
    wif
    eheldupaposit
    ivepregnancyst
    ick.Hepicked
    herupandspunheraroundasshegi ggl
    ed.Finall
    y.
    Aft
    eryear
    sofstr
    uggli
    ng.
    "Ourprayershavebeenheard."Shenoddedecstati
    c.
    Shewasf inall
    ygoi
    ngtobeamot herandcallher
    shall
    owbuti thasbeenali
    felongdream ofhers.
    Hepl
    acedherdownonherf
    eetandki
    ssedher
    .
    "
    Iloveyousomuch."Shekissedhim back.She
    l
    ovedhim.Hestoodbyhersidewhi l
    etheybatt
    led
    t
    hissil
    ent
    ly.Hedi
    dn'
    tuseitagainsther,
    sheloved
    hi
    m somuchandwashappyt
    omot
    herhi
    schi
    ld.

    *
    **

    Hadeshel dt hephoneagai nsthisearasZar asaid


    shemi ghtnotpassbyf ort hedinner .Thatwasokay
    eit
    herway, he'
    llseehi ssistertomor row.Shewas
    probablyt i
    redsi nceshewaspr egnant .Hesaidbye
    andcar efull
    ypar kedhiscari nfrontoft heyard.He
    usedhi sext r
    asetofkeyst ounlockhi sf at
    her'
    sgate.
    Hepushedi topenandwal kedt owar dst hehouse.
    Heknockedont hedoorandwai tedforhi mtoopen
    i
    t.Itopenedmi nut esl
    at erandhi shear tbrokeashe
    l
    ookedatt hest atehisfatherwasi n,itdidn'
    tmatter
    i
    fhi sfatheratsomepoi ntofhisl if
    eemot i
    onal
    ly
    abusedhi m.Hewasgoi ngt ohel phim andbet here
    forhim.Hewal kedi nsideandcl osedt hedoor.

    *
    **
    Rebal ookedatherengagementr i
    ngandsmi l
    edas
    shet iedhersi l
    kgownwhi leshepl ayedmusi csof t
    ly
    i
    nt hebackgr ound.Shesmi l
    ed.Thislovewaspur e
    andi fsomeonewast oaskherhowl ongshehas
    l
    ovedherf i
    anceshewoul dsayt herehasn'tbeena
    daywher eshehasn'tlovedhim.Shehear dt hegate
    slideopenandl iketheveryf i
    rstti
    met heyst art
    ed
    dat ing, herheartbeatpickedupandt hebut terf
    li
    es
    star tedi nhertummy.Shehear dthecardr i
    vei nand
    shesmi led.Timemovedsl owasshewai t
    edf orhim
    toopent hedoor .Whenhef i
    nallydid,herfacelitup
    andHadesgr inned.Hewal kedovert owher eshe
    wasst andingandhepl acedhisbagdown.He
    kissedher .
    "
    Hipr
    ett
    ygi
    rl
    ."
    "
    Hi.
    ..
    "theyl
    ockedeyesasJamesArt
    hur'
    sSayYou
    Won'
    tLetGoplayedint
    hebackgr
    ound.
    "
    You'r
    ebeauti
    fulandI'
    l
    lneverst
    opthanki
    ngmy
    l
    uckystar
    sthatyou'
    reminesunshi
    ne."
    "
    Andyou'
    remi
    ne.Lookhowf
    arwe'
    vecome.
    ."
    "
    Andwe'
    rest
    il
    lgoi
    ngt
    ogof
    arMr
    sHudson.Reba
    andHadesl
    ikei
    thasal
    waysbeen.
    "
    "
    RebaandHades.Onl
    ynowwe'
    redoi
    ngf
    arbet
    ter
    t
    hanweexpect
    ed."
    "We'rereachi
    ngfort
    hest
    ratospheremylove."They
    sharedonesizzl
    ingki
    ssbaskinginthei
    rloveand
    thei
    rjourney.

    *
    **

    AttheMat hewsestat
    e,Aust
    inmovedapuzzl e
    pieceasLor at
    orest
    edonhisshoulders.Alorahad
    l
    ostt hef
    irstgameandithadbeenaneasywi n.
    Aloraneverlet
    shim wi
    neasil
    y.Againwi t
    ht he
    secondonehewonandshewasn' tfighti
    ng.
    "Sweetheartissomet hingbotheringyou?"Heasked
    ashepi ckedLor atofrom hi
    sshoul der
    sandpl aced
    heront hecar petbetweenhislegs.Theki t
    tenwasa
    surpr
    isehehadn' tbeenexpectingwhenhecame
    homebuthi sgi rl
    st al
    kedhimi ntoaccepti
    ngthe
    l
    itt
    lecreature.Loratofoughtsleepandt r
    iedtokeep
    hereyesopen.
    "Doyouwantt osleepli
    ttl
    edarli
    ng?"Sheshookher
    headandl ai
    ditonhi sl
    eg.Hechuckl edandAl ora
    smiled.Hewast hebestdadt othei
    rlitt
    legobli
    n,if
    peopl ecouldseehowexci tedherbabyi swhenher
    dad'saboutt oarri
    veandheal waysscoopsherup
    i
    nhi sar msswingingherlit
    tlebodyar oundasshe
    giggled.Andanot herpr
    eciousmomentst oredinher
    memor ywaswhenshecamebackf rom wor kto
    fi
    ndLor atofeedi
    ngherdadwi thherhandandshe
    l
    ookedsohappyasherdadhumour edher .
    "She'l
    lbef astasl
    eepinaminuteorso."Aust
    insai
    d
    andl ookeddownathi sdaught
    er.Hereyeswere
    closedalready.Heglancedupathiswife.
    "
    Shei
    sli
    keyou.
    "
    "
    Noshe'
    snot
    ."
    "Somehowt het
    wochessgamesyoul ostj
    avea
    signi
    fi
    cancebecauseyoudon'tl
    osethateasi
    lyand
    you'r
    ealwaysasoreloser
    ."Sherol
    ledhereyes.
    "Di
    eRobert.
    "Hegaveal
    owchuckl
    e,bei
    ngmi
    ndf
    ul
    oft
    hesleepi
    ngbabyint
    her
    oom.
    "Whatisitdar l
    ing? "Heaskedandgent lypicked
    Lorat
    oupst andingup.Al orastooduponherf eet
    andwal kedovert ohisside.Herroom wasupst ai
    rs
    tomakei teasiert otendtoheratni ght
    .She
    snuggledher selfunderhi sarm andhekissedher
    for
    ehead, usingt hatfreearmtowr apitaroundher.
    "We'
    reexpect
    inganot
    herher
    ."Shesai
    dandhe
    chuckl
    ed.
    "Isuspect
    edi
    t..
    "sher
    oll
    edhereyesandhel
    ower
    ed
    hisheadtoki
    ssher.
    "
    ThankyouandJet
    'ai
    memoncoeur
    ."Shesmi
    led.
    "
    We'
    ref
    orever
    ..
    "
    "
    Til
    lwemakeoursafehavenwi
    thourl
    it
    tl
    eones.
    "
    Hereyeswel
    ledwi
    thtear
    s.
    "
    IloveyouAust
    in.Somuch.
    "
    "Il
    oveyouMr sMat hews.Wi t
    hever yfi
    breofmy
    being.Youandt hel i
    fewehavecr eatedfor
    ourselves.Ourkids.Iloveyouguyssomuch. "Thi
    s
    wasi t
    .Theirhappyendi ng,ofcoursetheywere
    dif
    ferentpeople.Diff
    erentfr
    om howt heywere
    yearsback,onecoul dsayt
    heywererebornbutshe
    thought
    ,theychangedf ort
    hebett
    erbecauseof
    thei
    rcir
    cumst ances.Lovedi
    dthat
    .Heali
    ngdidthat
    .
    Redempt i
    ondi dthat.I
    twasbeaut
    if
    ulandnothi
    ng
    couldevertopt hatup.
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    THEEND*
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    06/
    24,
    04:
    55] :REBORN

    EPI
    LOGUE

    Rebasmiledast hekidsmadenoi seupstai


    rsand
    Bonewalkeddownt hestai
    rswithtearsi
    nhereyes.
    Shefr
    ownedl ookingatherthreeyearold.Shehad
    beensogratefulthatAl
    oradidthisforher,
    bei
    nga
    surrogatef orherandHades.Ithadn’tbeeneasy
    andapar tofherhadf el
    tsoguilt
    yatr ui
    ningher
    si
    ster’splansbecauseAl orasai
    dt heywer e
    planningf orfi
    vekidsandshehadf ourbeforeshe
    carri
    edBonef orherandHades.Af terherver yscar
    y
    andt r
    aumat i
    cfir
    stpregnancy,t
    hedoct orhad
    decidedshewoul dn’
    thavekidsafterherfirstborn.
    “Whatisit?
    ”Herbabycr
    iedrealt
    earsandshe
    pickedheruphushi
    ngher.Austi
    nwalkeddownt
    he
    stair
    swithasl
    eepyEmelyinhisarms.
    “
    Whatdi
    dtheboysdo?
    ”
    “I’
    m waiti
    ngt ofindoutaswel lbecauset hisone
    herelookster r
    if
    ied.”Aust i
    nlookeddownathi sbaby
    beforehewal kedovert ot hekitchent oprepareher
    mi l
    k.Loraneededt hesl eep.Thishol i
    daywasf or
    them torestbutEmel ydidn’tmakei teasier,her
    sibli
    ngsador edthei rlastadditi
    ont othef amily,he
    washappyt hatfinallyAl orahadwhatshewi shed
    for.Shehadsai dt heyar egoi ngtost ophavingki ds
    aftershegivesLor at oababysi s.Maybet hi
    swas
    becauseoft hesi sterlybondshehadwi thRebaand
    shedi dn’
    twantLor atot obet heonlygi r
    linahouse
    f
    ullofboys.Lucki
    lyf
    ort
    hem,
    theyhadt
    hiscut
    e
    l
    oudangel.
    Hekissedherlit
    tl
    eheadandsmi ledboil
    ingthe
    water
    ,shewaspr obabl
    ygoingtocryforher
    mother’
    sbreastlaterdur
    ingthedaybutfornowhi s
    wif
    eneededr estandhewasondut y.Hadeswalked
    i
    nandt heyfi
    stbumped.
    “
    Shewasupal
    lni
    ght
    ?”
    “Yes.”Hadesl
    ookedathi
    sbestfri
    end.Theywere
    brother
    snow.Theywentdeeperthantheink
    beneaththeski
    nofthei
    rtat
    toosevenift
    heydidn’
    t
    sharethesameblood.

    Austi
    nsmiled.Allf
    ouroft hem hadt akendi f
    fer
    ent
    rout
    esandevenast heyearshadpassed, hell
    almostadecadebutt heywer esti
    llcloserthanever.
    Comingbackt othi
    shol i
    dayhouset heyhadbought
    onawhi mtogetawayf r
    om t hecit
    ydur ingholi
    days
    waswheret heyspentsomehol i
    dayst ogetherwit
    h
    thei
    rki
    dsandt hecousinsgr owingcl osertoget
    her.
    Rebawalkedi nwit
    hBoneonherhi p.
    “
    Shesaystheyscar
    edherwi
    thghost
    s.”Theguys
    l
    aughed.
    “Typical
    .Ar
    eyouokayl
    ove?”Hadesaskedhi
    sbaby
    andshenoddedwhiler
    ubbi
    nghereyes,Hades
    kissedthet
    opofBone’
    shead.
    “
    She’l
    lbefi
    ne.
    ”HadesmusedasAust
    ingotbusy
    wit
    hEmely’
    sbott
    le.
    “
    Breakfasti
    sinthemicr
    owaveandI’
    m sur
    eshe
    mightstar
    tcryi
    ngonceshesee’
    sRora.
    ”
    “Pr
    obably.Sheloveshermot hertoomuch.”Lorat
    o
    walkedinandshegr innedasshel ookedather
    babysist
    er.Final
    ly.Shewast i
    redofseeingthose
    thr
    ee’suglyfacesinherseveryday.
    “Dadletmeholdher.
    ”Shet
    ookEmel
    yandwal
    ked
    outoftheki
    tchen.
    “
    Sist
    ers.
    ”
    Rebasaidwist
    full
    y.I
    tremi
    ndedofherwi t
    hherli
    ttl
    e
    si
    ster
    s.Thatsi
    sterl
    ybondthatcanneverbebroken.
    “
    Daddi
    dIt
    ellyou?
    ”
    “
    I’
    mli
    steni
    ngSel
    ena.
    ”Lor
    atogr
    inned.I
    tal
    ways
    madeehrhappywhenherdadsomet i
    messwi t
    ched
    tohersecondname.Appar entl
    yshewasnamed
    afterherlategrandmot herandsomet i
    mesdur ing
    thosef at
    her-daughterdateswhi chsheusual l
    y
    spendseat i
    ngpizzaandpl ayingchesswi t
    hherdad,
    hesai dsher emindshim ofhi smot herandshehad
    beenexci tedaboutherbi rt
    ht hemomentshef ound
    out.Thatmadeherpr e-teenhear thappy.I
    treally
    did.
    “
    I’
    m par
    toft
    heschoolmat
    hemat
    icsOl
    ympi
    ad
    t
    eam.”
    “
    That
    ’smygi
    rl
    .”
    “Yessir
    .”Aust
    insmi led.Hehadneverbeent heone
    tobehappyaboutl osingbuthehopedal lhis
    chil
    drendobetterthanhim.Inallaspects.Love,
    schoolandfamily.Hewashopef ul.Aft
    erpr epar
    ing
    thebott
    lehewal kedtotheloungeandhanded
    Lorat
    ot hebot
    tl
    e.Makesur eshedoesn’ twakeup.
    “
    I’
    llt
    ry.
    ”

    Ont
    heot
    hersi
    deoft
    hehouse,
    Gol
    ebaoneoft
    he
    Mathewstwinswasfeveri
    shlypacki
    ngand
    or
    ganisi
    nghisroom af
    terhi
    syoungerbrotherhad
    messeditup.Hehel
    dbackt earsashist
    winCharli
    e
    wal
    kedin.
    “
    Gol
    ebai
    t’
    sokay…”
    “It’
    snotokay.Imadethebedi nthemor ningandhe
    ruinedit
    .I-
    “heheldbackt earsjustasthedoor
    pushedopenandAl or
    awhohadj ustf
    inished
    fresheni
    ngupwal kedin.Shehat edthatherbaby
    wasf eel
    ingthesamewaysheal waysdi d,i
    thad
    somehowpassedont ohi m anditwasr uini
    nghim.
    Hewast ooyoungforthis.
    “Goleba,Iknowhowyou’
    refeel
    ing.
    ”Shesaidsoftl
    y
    ashecont inuedt
    oar
    rangehisstuf
    f.Shewalked
    closerandhuggedhi
    m ashesobbedi nt
    oher.
    “I’
    m sorryokay?I’
    m sosor ry.
    ”Charli
    ewat chedthem
    andhecoul dunder st
    andhi smotherandt win.
    Schoolwasbor i
    ngandheunder stoodever ythi
    ng
    tooeasilyanditwasn’tevenchallenging.It
    frustr
    atedhimt onoendbecausehenol ongerpaid
    attent
    ioninclass.Hedidn’twanttoski pgrades
    becausewhataboutGoleba,
    hewashistwi
    nandhe
    di
    dn’twantt
    oleavehim behi
    nd.Hesi
    ghedand
    walkedout
    .He’l
    ltal
    ktohisdad.

    *
    **

    Thatlateaf t
    er noont heyal lstoodout si
    dewi th
    smi l
    esonhai rfaces.Al oral ookedatRebaand
    Hades.Shehaswat chedRebaandHadesbecome
    soberandbeatt heiraddi ctions,Rebaf acethewor ld
    againandHadest akingcont rolofhisli
    fe.Hades
    smi l
    ed,t
    ot hinkAust inhasl earnttoloveother
    peopleandnotj usthimsel fandAl orashe’s
    remainedher .Ani cepr i
    ncesst heycal l
    edherbut
    shehadonef ucki ngbighear t.Theywat chedt he
    sunset ,
    glower i
    ngwi thor angehues.Thesi lence
    envelopi
    ngt hem bei ngt hepeacef uloneast hey
    tunedoutt henoi sef r
    om t hehol idayhome, as
    reali
    sati
    ondawnedont hem.Thatonedayi twi l
    lno
    l
    ongerbef ullandnoi sy.Theki dswi l
    lgrowupandi t
    willbequietwi t
    hj ustthem.Justt hefouroft hem.
    Toact uall
    ybelievei tallstart
    edwhent heywer ein
    theirt
    went i
    es,fightingdemonst heyhaveswam
    withforsol ongandt hebi tt
    ertwi st
    edtrut hsthat
    statedthem inthef acebuthadnogut st oface.
    They’llbebackt owher eitstarted.Alor
    awast ucked
    i
    nt oAustinasHades’ bestgirlbreathedagai nsthis
    chest.Sobeaut iful.Adecadel ater,t
    heywer eall
    rebornintodiff
    er entpeopl ebecauseoft het ri
    als
    thatshapedt hem.Knowi ngtheugl ycycl esended
    withthem justast heheal i
    ngpr ocessst artedwi t
    h
    them.They’ l
    lbebackyear slater.Justthef ourof
    them.
    .
    .
    .
    *
    *
    *
    THANKYOU!

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