FIVE
ROYCE
I hated being left out.
It was worse when I knew Connor wouldn’t leave me out if the other boys weren’t here. He was my friend, and he always made sure I was included, same with Rook, if it was just the two of us hanging out. Ford didn’t seem to care about me one way or another; even if I was included, he didn’t seem to mind if I was there.
But when the three of them were together, it seemed as though they couldn’t include me because I was a girl. Or maybe it was because they were trying to be like our dads in the club, which didn’t have any official girl members. Except my aunt Natty…she was still the only one to this day that was technically a member.
I didn’t know what was going on; I just knew it was bad. The last time Mom and Dad pulled us into the club with our friends, and everyone acted like we couldn’t leave, I was only seven. The time before that I was five. Now, I was older, and things were changing. For starters, Dad had started teaching me how to shoot, and Mom had given me a laminated map, along with the location to where my grandma lived.
I watched as the boys all laughed in the corner, but I didn’t miss how they all kept glancing at the kitchen, then the group standing with my dadby the back wall, where they did Church…Ford, Rook and Connor wanted to know what was going on.
I looked over too. No one was even paying attention to me, so Icouldsneak in there and listen. Besides it wasn’t like there was anything to do anyway, and Taryn and I played in this kitchen more than any of the other kids, and I knew where to go where no one would be able to see me.
Right as I stood up and quietly moved toward the hall, my little sister saw and gave me an inquisitive look. Shaking my head, I kept moving toward the wall, so no one would notice me. I heard my mom speaking, her voice was hard and cold, unlike anytime she’d ever talked to me or Taryn.
“Where is Silas? We need to ask him.”
She was talking to my aunt Natty. I settled behind the large counter and made sure no one could see me. Natty had her arms crossed and searched the floor while Aunt Callie and Penelope waited for her to speak.
“He’s in the orchard.”
Mom scoffed, while shaking her head. “You’re lying, Nat. I get it. I do…he’s your husband, and we would never ask you to put him in harm’s way, but we have to ask him.”
Natty continued to hold her arms tight against her chest, in a protective stance.
“He’s never once mentioned him. Fable had Alec and Silas. He’s never mentioned another son.”
“He got around though, didn’t he? That’s how he had Rachel, right? Killian was nearly raised by Fable…so it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume he had another,” Mom said, softer this time.
Natty shook her head. “I don’t…”
“Natty, just?—”
“Laura, stop. Remember when we did this last time; this isn’t the way to get information. I know you’re upset and worried, but Natty is ours. She is us. We’re on her side no matter what,” Aunt Callie said softly. Aunt Pen moved over to put her arm around Natty’s shoulders.
I couldn’t see Natty’s face, but I could see that her eyes were still on the floor.
“Even if it was another son of Fable’s, what would that have to do with Silas?” Natty asked.
The group of women were quiet, not responding when Penelope let out a heavy sigh and spoke up.
“Look, she’s right. It doesn’t matter who is after us. All that matters is that our families are okay. It’s two days before Christmas, and our kids are stuck in here, watching holiday movies, while we’re all huddled over here, worried. There are no decorations in here, no tree. As hard as it is, it’s our job to make this the least scary situation, as we can. We need to focus on them.”
Mom rubbed at her forehead, which was something she did when she was frustrated.
“Yeah, you’re right. We need to think of them.”
The women all turned away, heading toward the entrance of the kitchen, right as two hands grabbed me and pulled me out of my little hiding place and back into the hall.
“What did you hear?” Ford’s face was the first I saw, then Rook’s.
I pushed them away, which had me falling back into Connor’s arms. He helped me stand up, then found my hand and held it. It made me feel safe, like always. Like I had my friend back.
“So, what did you hear?” Ford asked again but then dropped his gaze to where Connor held my hand.
“Something to do with his dad, and a brother no one knew about.” I gestured toward Rook.