16 #3
Raina had turned her attention back to her phone when Ollie forced himself up the couch.
“I’m just gonna go and check on Lilli and Milo,” He said, giving Raina’s foot a small squeeze.
“Thanks, Gorgeous.” She replied. “Can you bring me a drink on your way back?”
He nodded, leaving the two of us in silence.
Finally finished with my food, I placed it on the coffee table, and leaned back.
Kicking my feet up, I allowed myself to be swallowed by the couch a little.
I could see a food coma creeping up, and a part of me was relieved.
So far, my sister had done a great job of keeping my mind off of what had happened earlier. Today. Yesterday. All of it.
How when I finally remembered the night, there had been moments where I’d found myself relieving them. But yesterday that reality had been shattered.
All of this happened because of simple lie.
All because for a night I wanted to be anyone but me.
Still, all it did was ruin the parts of me that I’d come to inevitably like.
I wasn't angry.
I wasn't even particularly upset.
I just felt like someone had taken everything inside me and turned the volume down.
My shoulder hurt.
My head hurt.
My career felt like it was being pulled apart by strangers.
And somewhere underneath all of it was the image of Maeve looking at me like I’d just told her something she’d wished she’d never heard.
“You look sad.” Raina’s soft voice screeched my train of thoughts.
I shrugged. “Just have a lot on my mind I guess.”
“You got anything good that could distract you?” She asked.
Sinking further into the couch, I shook my head. “I wish I did.”
Soft feet padded through the floor before Milo appeared from the side of couch. His surveying glance searched for Raina first, almost like he was assessing her and making sure she didn’t need him.
Once satisfied, his sharp gaze turned to me. Then, something strange happened. Instead of his signature hiss he’d reserved for me over the years, he climbed onto the couch and simply stared at me.
“Don’t move.” Raina whispered, the warning in her voice clear.
“Is he going to jump me?” I whispered back, before freezing completely as he walked closer.
“For both of our sake, let’s hope not—because I’m not sure where the nearest vet is.”
“That sounds irresponsible of—”
“Shhh!” Raina hissed sharply.
Like mother like son, truly.
“Milo. Come here, baby.” She extended her hand, but he ignored her, closing the gap between us.
I watched him approach like I was witnessing an timed explosive.
“Raina.”
“Don't move.”
“Get up and just grab him. Or call for Ollie—”
I cut myself off as, with absolutely no warning, he climbed onto my chest.
I went rigid.
His paws pressed against my shirt before he settled his entire weight against me, curling beneath my chin.
I stared down at him, then flicked my wide eyes to Raina who matched my expression.
He rubbed his head against my jaw.
Something inside me cracked.
Not painfully.
Just enough.
My eyes fluttered shut for a brief second.
My hand lifted almost hesitantly, hovering over his back before I finally let it rest against his fur. First as I was testing it. When he remained still, I moved my hand once again.
He purred.
A ridiculous, rumbling sound against my chest.
I swallowed.
For the first time all day, I didn't feel like I had to hold myself together.
Raina shifted closer.
She waited until the cat had settled before speaking.
“What's going on?”
I opened my eyes.
“Nothing.”
“Rihaan.”
I looked down at the cat.
He was completely oblivious to the fact that he'd chosen the worst possible person to cuddle.
“I don't know. Between the aftermath of Maeve’s paper, Maeve herself, our dearest father showing up, and all of this drama. I feel like my head will explode if I don’t find a bright side.”
“Vedant’s wedding isn’t a tiny part of that bright side?”
I tilted my head, choosing honesty once. “No, that just reminded me I’m always the last one in the loop within the four—well, now five—of us.”
“That’s not true.” Raina defended instantly.
I turned my head to meet her eyes. “You all knew about Ishaan before me. Your boyfriend is upset with Dev, but I’m pretty sure you’re also updated on his current affairs.
You’re the closest to Vedant now. I’m pretty sure this has always been the case, but with him now in the picture, it feels like you’ve always had space for the fourth sibling, but I just haven’t found my place yet. ”
Raina’s breath stuttered. “Is that really how you feel? Is that why you’re so adamant on not having a relationship with Ishaan?”
“I don’t know. Maybe? I think Ma would also be hurt if we had a relationship with him.”