The Lies That Define Us (Us 2)

I heard her in there, though, moving around and crying periodically with the occasional mumble.

Eventually it was time for me to pick up my parents from the airport, so I picked myself up off the floor and sighed. “Ari, I have to go.”

Nothing.

But I hadn’t expected a response.

I grabbed my wallet and phone. When I was out of earshot of the bathroom, I dialed Talia.

She picked up after only one ring. “Liam?” She sounded surprised. I couldn’t blame her. I don’t think I’d ever called her before then.

“Can you come stay with Ari? Ollie too. She’s not feeling well, and I have to get my parents from the airport. She’s in the bathroom, and I don’t expect her to come out any time soon, but I’d feel better if you guys were here.”

“Yeah, of course, we’ll be there in a minute.”

“Cool, thanks.”

“It’s not a problem.”

She hung up and in under a minute there was a light, hesitant knock on the door.

I opened it up and Ollie whistled. “Whoa, and I thought our room was nice.”

“I’ll be back soon,” I told them, easing toward the door. “I’m worried about her, so just keep an eye out.” I pointed at the bedroom.

“We will,” Talia assured me. “You don’t need to worry.”

“Thanks,” I said and ducked out the door.

A car was already waiting downstairs to take me to the airport.

The driver opened the door, and I slid into the back. I should’ve been focused on the competition, or even seeing my parents, but my thoughts were back with the girl crying in the bathroom. I wanted to hold her in my arms and tell her it would be all right, but I knew that would only be another lie shouted into the void.

***

The plane was fucking late. My leg bounced up and down in nervousness as more time passed. Finally, after what felt like forever, I saw my parents coming down the escalator steps.

They weren’t alone, though.

A slow grin spread over my face when I saw my cousin, Willow, and her boyfriend, Dean, behind them.

I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted, “Is this a family reunion or what?”

Around me, cameras flashed. I ignored them, for the most part.

My mom and dad stepped off the escalator, and I hugged each of them and then Dean and Willow. That’s when I noticed one other person.

“Grace? Is that you?”

“Hey.” She waved, letting go of her suitcase to hug me.

I hugged her back. ?

?I haven’t seen you in years.”

Grace was Dean’s little sister, and all of us had grown up together since we were close in age.

I took a step back and looked her over. She was all grown up, and that fact only served as a kick in the gut for all I was missing out on back home. My distance had been my own doing, and it was time to change that.