Page 15 of Run To You
I’m on my feet before she even finishes her sentence. “I beg your pardon,” I snap. “Did you just tell me you’ve been in contact with Sloane this entire time?”
Jenna flushes and tears well in her eyes, but I’m too pissed to give a fuck. I’ve agonised for years…that’s right, years plural over Sloane. I accepted I wasn’t what she needed, but that never stopped me from worrying about her. The nights I’ve sat up with Jenna crying are too many to count, and all this time she could have alleviated some of my worry with just a few words. Is she fucking serious?
“Eden, I know you’re mad at me…believe me I do! You’re my sister, and I know lying to you by omission is fucked up.”
“Yeah, I’ll say!” I shout. “Fuck, Jenna.”
I go to storm out of the room, but Jenna bolts in front of me, blocking my exit. “Please don’t leave. Let me explain.”
Carding my hands through my hair, I turn away from her because I’m about to cry. “You should have told me,” I sniff.
Jenna tugs on my arm until I face her again. “Please believe me, Eden, when I say I did it for you both.”
Shooting her an incredulous look, I snort. “Yeah, sure. How’d you figure that?”
She gestures for me to sit back on the bed, which I do because I’m pretty sure my legs might give out.
“It’s no secret I’ve had a bond with Sloane since you started going out with her.”
I nod, because it’s true. Sloane was the only one who could get through to Jenna as a teen and help her through some difficult feelings.
“She’s my best friend, Eden, and you are my sister. Not only that, but I also know in my heart you two are made for each other.”
I want to protest for some reason, maybe because it hurts to remember what I lost when Sloane asked me to leave. Jenna holds up a hand, halting anything I was about to say.
“When she asked you for a break, I knew she was in a bad way. Sloane loved you so much. The only thing that would’ve gotten her to break things off was something serious, like her mental health. I saw her push people away because that’s what she thought they deserved. To be away from her and her ‘issues,’” Jenna says, rolling her eyes.
“I wanted to help,” I say quietly.
Jenna scoots close to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I know, which is why I tried to do it in your place. Sloane wasn’t going to let you help. She was terrified of everything, and in her own way she thought she was protecting you.”
“This isn’t about her.”
“No, it’s not. It’s about me hiding the fact I was still her friend from you. The thing is, E, Sloane needed someone, and I figured I was the next best thing if you weren’t around. I thought I could make sure she was okay and keep that connection between you two alive. Because as much as I hate to say it, sis, we kinda look alike, so if Sloane saw you every time she looked at me, it meant you were never far from her mind.”
“That is some wonky arse thinking, Jenna.”
“Is it? Think about it. She had the support she needed but also a way back to her friends…back to you! I knew when she felt better, she’d come back. Sloane just needed time, and professional help.”
“Did she get it?”
“Yes, she did. It was hard on her, but she fought and she’s winning.”
“And now she’s back.” I sigh.
“Yes, she is. She’s living in her parents’ pool house.”
“Does she know I’m here?”
Jenna nods. “I told her on the day she moved back.”
“Jesus bloody Christ.” I groan. Every part of me wants to run my arse right on over to the Bishops’ and see her, but there is a part of my heart that isn’t so happy she’s back. The distance between us made it easier to cope with everythingthat happened. Now I’m going to see her, and I’ve no idea what to do.
“Will you visit her?” Jenna asks.
Shaking my head, I look at the ceiling. “I can’t just yet, Jen. I need a little time to figure out what I’m feeling.”
“Um, Becca is with her now. That’s why she isn’t answering her phone.”
