wrap my arm around her. We walk to the edge of the roof and Dalia looks out at the city.
“This is where it all started.” Her voice is barely audible, but the wind gives it enough push for me to hear it.
“You're wrong,” I say, turning her to face me. Placing my hands on the sides of her face, I tip her head up. “This started a long time ago, you told me yourself.”
Her cheeks flush as she smiles. “I never meant to say it out loud, I always meant to keep it to myself. You were way out of my league.”
“None of that ever mattered. It didn't matter who your friends were, or who mine were. That day at the party when we kissed, I knew instantly that there was something special about you, about us together. I was just too young and dumb to know what it was, but I can't deny it now.”
“Yeah, and what was that?”
“Love, Dalia.” Holding her face, I bring her in and kiss her forehead. “I love you, Dalia Greene.”
“I love you too,” she says through glassy eyes.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Sandy's voice screeches through the air, and we both spin around to stare at her.
She's swaying on her feet, wobbling with every step as she drunkenly flails her glass out to the side. “I thought I made myself clear, Dalia? You don't deserve my brother. He's too good for you.”
“Sandy, come on,” I say, taking a step forward. “You're drunk, go back inside.”
Her eyes zip to mine, lips angrily turning down into a snarl. “Fuck you, I'm not going anywhere. You think I'm just going to walk away and let her win? No fucking way.” She shakes her head as she leans forward, provoking Dalia with open arms. “I was here first; I'll always be first. Just like back in high school, fucking up your portfolio was one of the best things I've ever done.”
“Sandy, enough!” I yell, using my hand to push Dalia behind me, and block her from the onslaught of my sister's drunken rage.
Throwing her glass across the roof, it smashes against the far cement wall. “I get it now, I really do, Lyle. Nothing I do will stop this, will it? And now there's a damn baby—” Raking her fingers over her head, she sets one hand on her hip and grips her jaw.
She's gone nuts. I've never seen her so unhinged. This isn't the sister I know. This is someone else.
“Sandy, stop, just stop already. You know I love you, but as a sister. I love you as my sister, and nothing will ever change that.”
“Fuck you, Lyle. You're going to stand there and tell me you love me?” Throwing a hand to her chest, her mouth falls open as she lets out a sarcastic laugh. “You hear that?” she asks as she looks over at Dalia. “He says he loves me. He loves me like the sister I am. How fucking sweet of him.”
She takes a step to the side, like she's trying to get closer to Dalia. I don't like the look on her face. It's her eyes, the way they're so black right now. Her pupils have taken over her eyes, creating giant, empty holes.
I move with her, blocking her completely from Dalia. Dalia and the baby are my priority now, I have to keep them safe. There's a certain level of danger on the roof at the moment with my sister. I don't trust her. She's so fucked up, she could do something stupid. I won't risk it.
“You're drunk, Sandy, and it's been a long day. Why don't you just go home and sleep it off? You don't want to say or do anything you'll regret.” Both my palms are out and open, doing my best to keep the peace.
Smooth and calm, just keep your cool.
Patting the air, I mirror her steps, becoming a wall between her and Dalia. I don't even want Sandy looking at her.
Her lids drop, pupils turning to pinpricks as she takes in deep and heavy breath like a bull ready to charge. “Do you have any idea what I've done for you?” she asks, turning all her attention on me. “Do you know what it feels like to see you kissing her, or finding out you fucking knocked her up? Hm, Lyle? Do you know what that feels like?”
Sandy throws her arms out against my chest and gives me a hard shove. “I've done everything right. I've