pte

anding in the doorway with her hands on

"Not imme

ny tone in her voice, the one that always gets Dad

leans. A single flig

ow out of this place I once thought I'd live my whole life

d you suddenly want to follow some teac

at hard to understand. But this isn't about me, it's abo

a year," I say

excuse, isn't it? To get away from Noah." She's looking at me like I've done something wrong. "I t

alking about Noah. I haven't answered any of his calls or the h

sn't why I

my sister. Something people stare at to remember her. I just need my own world. A plac

t our friendship, so

I cut her off. "Just so you know," I glance toward the door, "Mom's

y, she mutters, "Fine. Let's say it's over. Rea

sharp and

It would've been weird, uncomfortable. Having my sister in love with my husband? I wouldn't be

ever, because maybe I am. Maybe New Orleans will have something worth holding onto

gh I love you two as best friends," she says, voice soften

not lo

ide me. "Please don't go, Ray. I'm begging you. I pr

"You can call me anytime, Elena. I'm

, the same way everyone always says is adora

is difficult f

eally should sleep now, if I even can. It's my first time on a plane and I've got a million fears to overthink: what if the plane

ly hears me. Finally understands that I won't be part of her life's

e. She won't. I know Mom won't either. She shouted at me when I sh

and you know their house doesn't have any furniture yet. There's so much to do

ust stare, let her rant, let her lecture until

ed money, if I just want to talk. He hugs me, and I nearl

r hours about New Orleans. I show her a video of the university. She makes me promise to call her at least ten times a da

waiting for her. When I finally shove her toward th

see it, the sadness creeping into her

ize I'll m

. Then suddenly, she starts sniffling

whimpers, refu

anyone, someone but ther

ff me, pulling h

sks, holding her steady while

our busines

, com

Just take

. " Just tell me wh

keep the one secret I needed him to? No thank you . B

M." He knows me t

t's going to take you time to forgive

same line from one of h

don't want you to drive me there. I don't

that I didn't hate him at all. So I set my face in

e calls

her, Noah. You'll only make it wors

t my back against the wall, breathing in to control the overwhelming urge