I sit at the desk with the glass screen in front of me, waiting to see my sister Elanor.
She’s being held in custody until her court case, and although Elliot and I have had an almighty row over this, he refuses to drop the charges.
And I get it, I really do. Brad is working with Elliot and they’re doing this together. Weirdly enough they get on very well and Brad spends a lot of time at Enchanted with us.
I won’t testify against Elanor, not ever; she’s my sister. They have agreed that I can stay out of this.
But I need to know why.
Elanor comes into view. She’s in a minimal-security prison and wearing a grey pant suit. I smile and stand and she smiles in return as she takes a seat.
“Hi.” I sit down.
“Hi.” She clasps her hands in front of her.
I stare at her and my natural inclination is to apologize. After all, it is my fiancé who has put her here.
But then I remember what she’s done and if anyone should be angry, it should be me.
What I am is disappointed.
“Are you going to say anything, or are you just going to sit there?” she says, void of emotion.
My eyes hold hers and I wonder what the hell went so wrong with her.
“Why?” I ask.
She shrugs as if she doesn’t care. “It was always about you . . . wasn’t it?”
I frown.
“The smartest, the prettiest, the sweetest, the most talented . . . Mum’s favorite.”
My heart constricts, is that how she saw it?
“I guess you’ll have a perfect life now that you have him.” She lifts her chin in defiance. “I read you’re getting married.” She smiles sarcastically. “Mrs. Miles.”
I nod, my hands clenched into fists.
“It won’t last.” She smirks. “He’ll be bored with you in twelve months, run off with someone.” She readjusts herself on the chair as if proud of herself for being so mean.
“I would have given the paintings to you, if you’d only asked me,” I whisper.
Her eyes search mine.
“I would have given you the world, if you had just let me in,” I say.
Her eyes well with tears and for the first time since my parents died, I see the sweet little girl that she always was.
Grief works in different ways. Although always destructive, its effects changed her. This isn’t who she really is.
“I love you, Elanor, and regardless of this whole mess, I will always love you and will get you the help that you need.”
She inhales sharply as if shocked by my support.
I stand and turn to walk out.
“Kate,” she calls.
I turn back.
“Send me a photo of you in your wedding dress?”
I smile through tears and nod. “Okay.”
I turn and walk out. We have a lot of shit to work through, but I’m no quitter.
