The Truth About Us

“You’re probably the only person I’ve ever heard say that!”

“Something tragic always happens and most of them are misogynistic.”

“The newer ones aren’t,” she pointed out.

“Okay, what about a parent always dying. I mean, come on. Just because real life is full of disappointment and heartbreak, doesn’t mean kids’ television need to be, too. Shouldn’t they have an escape from reality?”

“Weren’t you the one that told me it’s the hard times that make the good ones worth it?” Shrugging, she continued, “I don’t know. I guess I see it as teaching kids how to bounce back. How you can live through hardship and come out on top. How there’s hope in life, even when you thought you’d lost it all.”

Kaden’s eyes shifted to hers, and he leaned closer in the silence. Bringing a hand up to her face, he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, lingering on her skin. His thumb caressed her cheek. She swallowed. Her breath catching in her throat, she shifted her body ever so slightly, angling herself toward him.

His eyes zeroed in on her mouth, and he moved the tiniest fraction closer, allowing her an opportunity to either stop him or give permission. This is it. He’s going to kiss me.

Her pulse thudded in her ears, her blood electric in her veins.

She licked her lips and inhaled his heady citrus scent, readying herself to close the gap, when a small voice broke the silence.

“Abigail!”

She gasped, nearly jumping out of her skin. Her heart leaped as her head whipped toward the sound of Sophie’s voice.

The little girl shuffled into the room, her long, pink nightgown swishing with the movement. A floppy bunny hung at her side, and her dark hair frizzed in a curly halo around her head.

“What are you doing here?” Sophie asked.

Next to her, Kaden rested his head on the back of the couch, his breathing audible. He squeezed his eyes shut, before blinking over at his sister and mustering a half-smile, half-grimace. “She heard you were sick and came to see how you were,” he said.

“You did?” Sophie’s little hazel eyes widened, as she padded her way over to the couch in her bare feet.

“Yup,” Abby said, finding her voice.

One corner of Sophie’s mouth curved in a grin, melting Abby’s heart.

“Well, you’re just in time. Because Kaden was about to paint my nails. You can help me pick a color,” Sophie said.

She homed in on the makeup bag in Sophie’s hand, the one she assumed contained nail polish. When she dropped the bag with a clunk onto the coffee table in front of them, she lay back against the couch cushions.

“You pick the color. I’m tired,” Sophie said.

Noting her pale skin, flushed cheeks, and the sweat beading her brow, Abby frowned. “Actually, how about we watch a movie instead? I was just telling Kaden how much I love this one.” She motioned to the screen. “I mean, who wouldn’t want, like, seventy feet of hair?”

“Totally,” Sophie agreed. “But what about the polish?”

“After, I’ll pick out a color for Kaden to use once I’m gone.”

“I think that’s a fantastic idea,” Kaden chimed in, then leaned across Sophie and whispered into Abby’s ear. “I keep telling her to rest, and she won’t listen.”

The warmth of his breath on her ear gave her goosebumps.

“But I wanna do nails now,” Sophie whined, then pushed her lower lip out. “Please.” She blinked up at him, fluttering her little lashes before a cough gurgled in her chest.

Abby shrugged at him.

“Fine. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll do your nails and then it’s nap time. But you have to promise.”

Sophie pursed her lips, considering his offer before nodding. “Deal.”

“Okay, pick a color,” Kaden said to Abby.