Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,77
off really bad.
“God, I’m so sorry for being the biggest bitch on the planet. It was so uncalled for and not true. I just… fuck, I can’t even think straight and apologize right,” I babble.
She remains silent, poised, and calm. Pushing her glasses past the bridge of her nose, she leans back into the chair, crossing her legs appropriately.
“It was uncalled for, mean, and very out of character. It hurt to be called such a disgusting word by someone who I consider my sister.”
I nod, almost on the verge of tears.
“Adriana, I don’t know where this is coming from. Julian adores you, and yet you threw it all in his face because of your insecurities.”
“It’s not easy being compared to you.”
She laughs momentarily. “Adriana, no one is comparing us except for you. You wanted us to all get along, and I tried my damn hardest to control Lex, but it doesn’t help that you keep throwing fuel into the fire.”
“Well, it’s done and over with.” My bleak response is the harsh cold reality of it all.
Charlie lets out a long sigh. “Both of you have a lot of personal struggles. Just like any relationship, there’s the peak and the fall. This is your fall. Sometimes there are several falls, but getting up and working toward the peak, that’s what love is all about.”
She’s right. Julian and I have our struggles. It’s never going to be a perfect love story.
“You love him, Adriana?”
I nod instantly.
“Then heal yourself before you try to heal your relationship. Use this time apart wisely.”
“What if he doesn’t want that? What if he finds someone else?” I ask in a panic.
“If he loves you like he confessed that night, he won’t look for anyone else. You need to trust his word, too, Adriana, and allow him time to heal.”
It makes sense. Both of us rely heavily on each other to fix the broken past never realizing that some things can never be repaired. Just like Julian once told me, putting a Band-Aid on the problem doesn’t make it go away.
“I’m sorry, Charlie.”
Charlie walks around the desk motioning for me to stand. Wrapping her arms around me, I allow my head to fall on her shoulder, and low and behold, the waterworks start again covering her jacket.
“You’re forgiven, but next time I want an apology basket full of chocolate, flowers, and your Dylan McKay Barbie doll,” she says lightheartedly.
“I forgot about him. And besides, there won’t be a next time.” I smile apologetically.
She takes a seat back in her chair and tells me about Amelia’s tantrum occurring in the grocery store yesterday, even showing me a video. It’s YouTube-worthy, and wow, what an outburst over some candy. How Charlie remains calm is beyond me, especially with Ava crying in her carrier.
“It was mortifying. Everyone was judging me, and the only reason I filmed it was I knew Lex wouldn’t believe me and would probably buy her a pony to cheer her up. You can imagine how surprised I was when Lex got home and had a word with her. She did her whole daddy-I-love-you bullshit, but he was strong and didn’t back down.”
“Wow, I can’t believe Lex disciplined her. He’s finally becoming a man.”
“Yeah, I know. She’s not allowed to play with her Batmobile for a week, and let me tell you, she cried like it was the end of the world. Lex couldn’t believe it.”
“Sounds like you had one hell of a week.”
“Not as bad as yours, Adriana, but I can use a night out with my besties. You free tonight for a quick drink somewhere? We don’t need to make it a whole night out, and Lex can watch Andy.”
“Sure, you better call drama queen and let him know.”
I go to stand, but my dress gets caught in the handle of the chair, and I fall to the floor scraping my wrist on a loose screw drilled into the table. Ouch!
“You okay?” Charlie rushes to my side and gasps as she sees the blood on my arm.
“It’s okay. Hand me some tissues, please.”
She quickly grabs the box, and I dab my arm. Pulling it away, it doesn’t appear too deep, only a surface scratch.
“I’m so clumsy. I’ll see you tonight.”
Charlie says goodbye, and I wave in return. As I leave the office, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I count my blessings Charlie is able to forgive me.
That’s the thing about family, no matter how violent the storm, they’ll always be there