Page 13 of Set in Stone
Adam, Nash, and Camden all nod then start telling her how much they like it. Riley eats up the attention as Nash and Camden stand on either side of her. She hooks an arm through their right and left respectively and they walk inside. That leaves me and Adam, so he pulls me close and hugs me.
“Did you two ladies have fun?”
“We did except for one thing. Your sister is hurting and needs reassurance. I gave her what I could, but she needs to hear it from you. And soon.”
“What’s going on?” Adam replies, his concern now obvious.
“She’s overheard some things…” I start only to be cut off by his exclamation.
“Fuck me! Can nobody keep their mouths shut and their opinions to themselves? I’m doing the best I can yet I feel like I’m being constantly undermined. My family has suffered enough, more than actually, but it’s almost as if someone is purposely trying to hurt us, pull us apart, and destroy what’s left of the Stones.”
I wish I could comfort him, but after his conversation with Camden and mine with Riley, I can’t disagree. Though each situation individually could be written off as people talking out of turn, being gossips that stick their noses where they don’t belong, when you factor in that it’s happened twice, it does seem almost like an attack. But who would do such a thing?
And why?
Chapter Seven
Adam
September 9th…
“Riley, can you come down for a minute?” She’s been in her room for a few hours and I’m ready to talk to her regarding what Ember told me. We’d had a good dinner the night before last, even with our parents being noticeably missing. Riley seemed more like herself, and for that I will be eternally grateful to Ember, but I also saw how she watched me, as if almost scared to let me out of her sight. It wasn’t until just a few minutes ago I felt capable of discussing it without wanting to tear whoever said it a new one.
“What’s up?” She asks while flying down the stairs, her eyes never leaving her cell phone. I don’t know how she does that. Is it a skill only teenagers have? I don’t remember being that way at her age, then again, I wasn’t glued to my phone as she is. Besides, the only person I wanted to speak to was Ember anyway, and we were always together.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” I say gently, not wanting to spook her. I haven’t been in charge that long, yet I’ve already realized being a parent is a never-ending job. You’re constantly on. Dad and Mom made it look so easy, while I’m constantly doubting myself.
“Am I in trouble?”
“Of course not. Should you be?” That sounded parental, right? Maybe I’m not so bad at this after all. I can do this, I remind myself. And perhaps after repeating that at least a hundred times, I’ll begin to believe it.
“Noooo,” she says, drawing it out like a test. I laugh and see her relax.
“I talked to Camden before we went shopping, and discovered some concerns he had about our family, specifically his place now that dad and mom are gone.” I’m not ratting Ember out. I want Riley to feel comfortable telling her things, to always know she can go to her when she’s upset. “It made me wonder if you felt the same.” She doesn’t say anything, just stares at me, but I see her eyes watering and realize once again, Ember was right. Riley needed the words from me. “I’m not saying the same happened to you, or that you’re worried about this, but just in case, Camden overheard some hurtful things, people assuming they knew my plans. They’re wrong. You and Camden are not going anywhere. I refuse to allow it. You’re my family. My brother and sister, and nothing changes that, not even losing dad and mom.”
She nods, but her body is shaking now. It’s then that I see exactly how much she’s been holding inside since that fateful night. I stand and move toward her, then take her hand and pull her to the couch, sitting beside her. She immediately leans her head on my shoulder.
“Camden and I are a lot. You may not want to deal with us. If we weren’t here, your life would be easier.” That last word comes out on a sob and my heart breaks.
“Do you love me, Riley?”
“Of course,” she answers immediately. “You’re my big brother.”
“And do I love you?” Again, her response is instant and full of confidence.
“Of course.”
“Have I made you feel like I don’t want you or Camden? Do you think I would ever send either of you away?” She shakes her head no. “Then why would you worry about this?”
“People said so.”
“Did you hear me say it?” When she says no, I just wait for her to work it out. She needs to realize it at her own pace, to fully understand that what I’m saying is true.
“You would never let us go.”
“No, I wouldn’t. When I last spoke to Mr. Boone, he said he doesn’t see a problem with my guardianship being approved, but it’ll take time to work through some things.” She doesn’t need to know the rest. That while dad and mom recently had him update their will to state their wishes that I get Camden and Riley should something happen to them, they hadn’t signed it yet. Which means it’s not official in the eyes of the law. “I’m not going back to school, Riley. I’m staying here, as are you and Camden. Nash and I aren’t mom and dad, we never could be, but we’re going to do everything we can so the four of us can stay together.”
“Are you gonna marry Ember? She’s the best, so don’t mess it up. Can I be a bridesmaid?”