“Kaiden, come on. It’s—”
He stops halfway down the stairs. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”
There’s no way our parents won’t hear this. Not only is he yelling, but it’s echoing around us as a reminder of what I knew would happen. They should have warned him before I even moved in.
I won’t let him blame me though. “When have you asked me?”
He scoffs, walking up three steps so we’re eye level. “Was I supposed to guess that you’re sick, Emery? That you’re dying or some shit? I’m not a goddamn mind reader.”
My jaw ticks. “I’m not dying. And you knew my sister passed away! Did you ever think to ask how? Did you ever stop sulking from your own pity party of one to consider anyone but yourself? No!”
The light downstairs flicks on and both Dad and Cam appear at the end of the staircase. They both stare up at us in confusion, Dad’s arm around Cam’s shoulder as his brows pinch.
He asks, “What is going on?”
Kaiden ignores them and narrows his eyes into slits at me. “You could have offered up the information. It isn’t like you haven’t had ample opportunity since you moved here.”
I throw my hands up. “You. Didn’t. Ask!”
Cam steps up. “Kaiden, honey—”
He whirls around. “Did you know she was sick? Was this all a big fuck you to me while being left in the dark? I bet she was at the hospital for other reasons and you’re all lying to me about it.”
Cam reaches out. “Kaid—”
He stays out of reach. “This is no different than what you did with Dad. Guess what, Cam? I’m eighteen. I can handle the shit life throws at me.”
“Really?” I doubt from behind him, practically scoffing like he did. “From where I’m standing, I don’t think that’s accurate. You’re so consumed by your anger that you’re not even considering anybody else in the matter. Least of all me, who was trying to be honest with you.”
He spins so quickly I nearly fall over but catch myself on the wall. “After you lived here for months. Don’t spin this around on me like you’re innocent.”
My teeth grind to the point they hurt.
Dad’s voice cuts in. “We all need to take a step back and try calming down.”
Kaiden laughs, but it’s maniacal. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that you’re any better? How long have you known you had a sick daughter? One who has the same disease that took your other daughter’s life? This is
why you took her in, right? You pity her.”
That’s a blow to the gut I feel personally, flinching over what part of me has suspected for a while. Whether it’s true or not doesn’t matter, the thought lingers. And regardless of that being the reason, I think it is at least a driving force in why I’m here.
Cam shakes her head at him. “I’ve let you talk down to him for long enough. This matter doesn’t concern you. It wasn’t information you needed to know.”
I swear he growls as he barrels down the stairs, shouldering past both our parents. He grabs his jacket and I hear the faint rattle of keys before he storms toward the door.
“Kaiden!” Cam calls out, following him.
Dad looks at me.
I don’t know what to say.
He doesn’t deny what Kaiden accuses him of, and I don’t question it. Does it really matter at this point? Words hurt. It’s a good thing I have a high pain tolerance.
Something crashes in the foyer before the door slams shut.
Dad and I make our way downstairs to see a vase shattered on the floor, with Cam staring at all the little pieces. He squeezes her arm and says he’ll grab the broom. I don’t know what to tell her, so I count all the shards—eight bigger pieces and twenty-six little ones. I remember her mentioning it was her great grandma’s.
Priceless.