Music From Another World - Robin Talley Page 0,112

specifics of Tammy’s “situation”…yet.

“It may well be.” Aunt Mandy made a face as though she’d just bit down on a plump homosexual lemon and turned back to me. “That’s why it’s very important that I speak with Tammy. Your mother said you’d know where to find her. I already went by the market where she works, but a young man—I assume he was your brother—was there alone.”

“Yes, I wasn’t sure what Tammy’s plans were for today.” Mom tilted her head at me. “Will she be coming to the house soon? She’ll be so happy to see her aunt.”

“Of course she will.” Aunt Mandy didn’t let me get a word in. Not that I had any idea what I could’ve possibly said. “In any case, Sharon, just let me know what Tammy’s up to. I told your mother I was sure you’d want to help. A good girl like you would never hesitate to tell an adult what she needs to know.”

The threat in her words made me swallow tightly. I had to think of some sort of lie. Anything at all. “Um, she’s, er—Tammy is…”

A key turned in the lock behind me.

“Ah, that must be her now. Never mind, Sharon.” Aunt Mandy walked swiftly toward the door, trying to pass me, but I didn’t budge. She paused, waiting for me to step aside, meeting my eyes with a challenge in her own.

I didn’t look away. Maybe I couldn’t fix this with words, but at the very least I could physically put myself between Tammy and the person who wanted to hurt her.

The door opened a crack. I turned, ready to tell her to run, but it was my brother who peered through the gap, his mouth quirked in confusion. There was no sign of Tammy with him. He pushed the door open the rest of the way, until he was face-to-face with Aunt Mandy.

“Oh, you must be Sharon’s brother.” Her fake-sweet voice rang out behind me. I didn’t turn to look, but I could hear her smiling that sick smile again. “I spotted you at the store. What a strapping young man you are.”

Peter turned back to me, his eyes saucer-wide.

We were wasting time. Tammy could get here any second. I stepped forward, trying to slip out the door behind Peter so I could catch her before she came in, but he didn’t move.

“Sharon?” Mom asked behind me, sounding confused. “Are you going out again?”

“My name is Mrs. Dale, Peter,” Aunt Mandy said pleasantly. “We spoke on the phone once. Your sister is being very resistant to helping your poor friend Tammy, but I’m sure you’ll be more reasonable. After all, I’ve heard so much about you.”

I stopped moving.

She wouldn’t tell Mom about Peter. Would she?

Of course she would. She had no reason not to.

Peter’s face had gone white as he registered the threat.

“Mom.” I turned around. I couldn’t stand there, paralyzed, any longer. “Don’t believe anything she tells you. She isn’t here because she wants to help, she’s only—”

“I’m gay, Mom.”

My brother’s voice sliced through the room.

Mom froze on the sofa, her lips parted half an inch, her eyes unblinking. Even Aunt Mandy looked stunned.

“I’m sorry, if—” Peter swallowed. I turned back to face him, trying to support him with silent, steady eyes, but he was looking straight at Mom, a pleading expression on his face. “I’m really sorry if that upsets you, but it’s who I am. Tammy is, too—that’s why she had to leave home. Her aunt’s probably here to drag her back for electroshock therapy or something. So…now I guess you know everything we’ve been so scared to say all along.”

A quiet moment passed. Mom hadn’t moved.

Peter glanced my way. He nodded, a small movement, but enough for me to see.

This was my chance. Peter was wrong—Mom didn’t know everything. She didn’t know about me.

I could tell her. I should tell her. Telling her meant I’d never have to lie again.

But I hadn’t even told Tammy yet. I still wasn’t sure I understood it all