He wasn’t very well, and it took a toll on his mental state.”
I hate that she’s saying this about our father. I didn’t see a decline in his mental health before his death. Was she just saying that to stop us prying more?
“Oh my God.” Antonia gets to her feet abruptly, drawing their attention. “This is why you didn’t want me dating Finlay. It wasn’t because you didn’t think he was good enough for me or a decent man. It was because we share a freaking sister.”
Janet’s eyes wander to me and she swallows down whatever insulting comment she wants to spit. I don’t know why she has a dislike towards me; she’s known me my whole life and there’s nothing I can recall that would warrant her disdain.
“It’s weird that you’re dating when you’re technically related.” She grunts.
Antonia’s body stiffens and so does mine.
“How are we related just because we share a sister? Wait a minute. Oh God. Is there a chance me and Finlay…?” she chokes out.
I already know the answer to that question. I’ve seen DNA results that conclude I’m my father’s son, but I’m tense as fuck anyway.
“No, no. Finlay’s father had both Finlay and Gaby tested. Finlay is their son.”
Antonia’s chest relaxes, and I breathe out the breath I was holding. I can’t believe how silent David is being through all this.
“This is crazy. I can’t believe you had the audacity to attack his character because of something you both did,” Antonia tells them, her tone laced with venom.
Janet scowls between Antonia and me.
“It’s just not right, you two being together when you share a sibling!”
I want to choke her again, but before I can even move, Antonia is laughing, loud and unnatural. She howls into the room, making everyone squirm.
“You have some balls telling us what’s right and what is weird when you bone your freaking best friends and all father each other’s kids!”
A snigger leaves Gavin’s lips, gaining him a glare from everyone.
“She said bone.” He shrugs.
“Antonia!” her mother snaps, but she’s cut off with a hand wave from her daughter,
“Don’t, Mother. Just freaking don’t. You all robbed Gaby and me of our entire youth of being sisters. You’re all selfish, and quite frankly, I’m disappointed in you all. Now, get out of my apartment while we deal with the bomb you just dropped on us.”
This is a whole different side of the girl I know, and I like that she’s sticking up for us. She’s right. They have no right telling us what’s moral. I feel sick at the thought of them all being with each other and risking what’s come to pass with Gaby.
God, Antonia and I are lucky this wasn’t us who are related. After everything I did with Gavin and Gaby that would be a kick in the nuts by karma.
The truth is, I don’t know if that would even stop me being with her. Love doesn’t just go away. Gross. My head is fucked.
“There’s no reason to be rude about it, Antonia. We’re still your parents and deserve respect when being spoken to. We came here for you.”
I almost snort at that comment; she doesn’t like to show respect but demands it? Fuck, she’s hard work.
“And I appreciate that, Mum, but all you’ve done is add to the stress and grief I’m going through. I have a sister. I’ve been an only child my entire life and asked for a sibling constantly when all the time I freaking had one. A great one, my best friend, for Christ sake. I need time.”
The atmosphere is tangible. I get to my feet and block Janet’s view of Antonia. She’s had enough, and talking more while everyone is riled up is only going to end in arguments.
“I think we all need to process,” I tell them, hinting that they should leave and give Antonia and Gaby time.
David walks over to Antonia and tries to calm her with a pat to her shoulders. She glares at him, and he takes the warning, stepping back.
“You’re right. We should have had the test done when Gaby was born. Poor judgment on our part, but it happened, and we can’t change it now, only move on from it and try to make up for the lost time,” David says.
Gaby shakes her head as she marches past him. “You can all go to hell. I’m over it. You all act like this is about a child, but I’m not a kid, I’m a woman, and soon