Chapter 109
He steps closer, not backing down. “Then tell me this: why didn’t you leave once you dropped them off? Why are you still here p>
“I stayed for Lilly and for Mom,” I say, gripping onto the words like a lifeline. “I know this is hard for them p>
I want to believe that. I need to believe that. It’s the only explanation that makes any sense.
“Another lie,” Gunner says quietly, but his tone cuts deeper than if he’d yelled. “You think no one can see the worry on your face p>
My jaw tightens.
Just then, my eyes meet Mom’s across the room. She’s watching me, her expression soft but searching, like she’s trying to read something buried deep inside me. Like she’s trying to peel back the layers just to see the truth hidden underneath.
I tear my gaze away before she can see too much.
“You can believe whatever you want, Gunner,” I say through gritted teeth. “But I’m not wasting my breath trying to convince you of something you’ve already decided p>
He scoffs but doesn’t say anything. Just leans against the wall beside me, and I finally let out a quiet sigh of relief now that he’s dropped the topic.
the
I should leave. I know I should. One foot in front of the other–that’s all it would take. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t move.
There’s this unshakable pull, this need to see her. To see for myself that she’s okay.
Damn it, I’m seriously losing it. Why? Why do I need to see her? Why does it matter? The last thing I want is for her to think this means something. That I showed up because I care.
“Noah p>
My head snaps up. Mom stands a few feet away, her piercing brown eyes locked on me.
I straighten instinctively. I might be taller, but no one can make me feel small faster than my mother can.
“I really don’t get why you’re here,” she says, cutting straight to the point. “But I don’t want you upsetting Sierra when she wakes up. You’ve never liked her, and I’m afraid your presence will only upset her when she should be focusing on getting better p>
For a moment, my heart stops. I know what she’s saying. This is her polite way of telling me to leave. And hell, do I wish I could. But I can’t.
So, I stay silent. Because what can I possibly tell her? What excuse would make sense even to me?
“I’m serious, Noah,” she presses. “Sierra doesn’t need drama p>
“I know, Mom,” I reply quietly, but I don’t move. My feet feel like they’ve been cemented to the floor.
She sighs, then narrows her eyes suspiciously. “And why did you ask about her baby? I thought you didn’t care p>
Panic flashes through me, but I force myself to stay composed.
“Nolan and Nova do,” I say quickly. “They even brought her gifts p>
It’s not a lie. But it’s not the truth either.
“So, you’re telling me you asked because of the twins?” Her tone sharpens, skeptical. She doesn’t buy it, not one bit.
“Yes. They went to see her p>
That catches her off guard. For a second, she looks genuinely surprised. With everything that happened yesterday, I forgot to warn Iris not to ever give the twins any kind of info.
She recovers fast, her expression smoothing over again.
“Still,” she mutters, her gaze narrowing once more, “this isn’t like you. Something’s going on-
But she doesn’t get to finish. The theater doors swing open, and Sierra is wheeled out. Two nurses flanking her, followed closely by Dr. Martin.
My breath catches. My chest tightens painfully as I take in the sight of her. Cuts and bruises mark her face, her arm is bandaged, and her skin is pale beneath the harsh hospital lights.
“You can proceed to the ICU waiting area,” Dr. Martin says, his tone calm and professional. “You’ll be able to see her once she’s awake p>
Mom turns immediately, joining the others as they follow the doctor down the hall. I stay behind for a moment, the noise around me fading into a distant hum.
I exhale slowly, the air leaving my lungs in a heavy rush. I don’t even realize I’m not alone until Gunner speaks.
“One of these days,” he says, his voice low, steady, and unnervingly certain, “your lies are gonna catch up with you, Noah p>
I glance at him, but he’s not looking at me. His eyes are on the corridor ahead–the one Sierra was just wheeled down.
I know he’s not just talking about the lies I’ve fed my mother and everyone else. Even those I’ve told myself.
“And when they do,” he adds, “I hope you’re ready cause they might just burn everything to the ground p>
I want to argue. To tell him he’s wrong. But he’s not.
And the worst part? I think a part of me knows it’s already started. 5