2. Ashley
CHAPTER 2
ASHLEY
THIRTEEN YEARS AGO
W hen Mom said we were going to spend the summer in Birchen Beach, I got so excited! It’s one of my favorite places. She’s taken me to the small coastal town a few times, mostly after Dad died when I was four. But when she told me Chris’s kids would be joining us, I got nervous.
Chris is Mom’s boyfriend. They’ve been together for a year, but I’ve known him longer than that. He was an old friend before they got together. He always visited, but I didn’t know he had kids until he and Mom started to date. I like him, but I’m not sure I’ll like his daughter and son, or if they’ll like me.
Kenzie, Chris’s daughter, is a year younger than me, and Sean is my age, nine. I don’t know much about them besides Kenzie is in a choir, and Sean plays ice hockey.
We’ve been in Birchen Beach for a couple weeks already. Summer break starts earlier in the US than it does in Europe. I barely noticed how fast those two weeks went by. Between cheer camp and going to the beach every day, I’ve been busy. But now cheer camp is over, and Chris’s kids are coming. I’m a wreck. Chris went to pick them up at the airport in Boston, and he should be back any minute now. I’ve been waiting by the front window for half an hour.
When I see his car pull up the driveway, I jump from the couch. “Mom! They’re here.”
I want to run and open the front door, but I don’t want to appear too eager. Mom joins me in the living room, and we wait for them together.
Chris opens the door and lets his kids walk in first. Kenzie is the first to step foot in the house. Her hair is dark blonde and straight, and much longer than mine. It almost reaches her waist. She’s also much taller than me, despite being a year younger. But honestly, everyone is taller than me. I’m fairy size.
Sean follows his sister, and heck, he’s tall . I’ll look like a hobbit next to him. His hair is lighter than Kenzie’s, but not as light as my blonde hair. If it weren’t for our huge difference in height, people might think the three of us are real siblings.
“We’re finally home,” Chris announces.
“Welcome to Birchen Beach,” Mom says to Kenzie and Sean.
They hesitate by the front door. I suppose this is nerve-wracking for them too. That helps me calm down. I walk over and extend my hand to Kenzie like I’ve seen grown-ups do. She looks more friendly than Sean. “Hi, I’m Ashley, but you can call me Ash.”
Kenzie looks at my outstretched hand for a second, and I fear she’ll leave me hanging, but when she looks up, she’s smiling. She pulls me into a hug. “Nice to meet you, Ash. I’m Kenzie.”
I relax. Okay, that wasn’t so hard.
She steps back and turns to Sean. “This is my brother, Sean.”
I smile, but I don’t dare step closer. He’s giving me back-off vibes. “Hi, Sean. Nice to meet you.”
He stares at me with his intense blue eyes, and I feel cold. He doesn’t reply, nor does he return my smile. He turns to his dad and asks, “Where’s my room? I’m tired.”
Chris furrows his brows. “Sean... don’t be rude. Say hello to Ash and Marnie.”
He rolls his eyes. “Hello, Ashley and Marnie. Can I go to my room now?”
Yikes. He made sure not to call me by my nickname. Message received loud and clear. You’re a jerk and don’t wanna be friends.
“Sure. I’ll show you,” Mom says, then veers to the stairs.
Sean and Kenzie start to follow her, but Kenzie stops and asks me, “Aren’t you coming?”
My smile comes back. “Sure!”
I’m a bit bummed that Sean wasn’t nice, but at least Kenzie is. One out of two isn’t bad.
SEAN
I knew Dad’s girlfriend had a kid my age, but I kind of blocked it out. I was still mad that he decided to drag me to Birchen Beach straight away, and I didn’t have a chance to see my friends back in Boston. Now he expects me to be nice to his girlfriend’s daughter. How is old she anyway? No way she can be the same age as me. She’s as small as a mouse.
I’m irritated that Kenzie liked Ashely immediately. I was hoping she’d be on my team, but whatever.
“Betrayed by own flesh and blood,” I mutter as I stare at the ceiling fan. The room is nice and all if you like beach décor, but it isn’t my old room.
I’ve unpacked, showered, changed clothes. Now I’m waiting to be called to dinner. Dad decided to fire up the grill. He never did that when he was married to Mom. I guess being with someone new made him want to do fun things. Before, he was all work, work, work.
“What are you mumbling about, Sean?” Kenzie asks as she walks into my room.
“Nothing. And don’t you knock?”
“Why should I? Are you hiding something?”
I tense on the spot, thinking about my old lunchbox. Then I remember I didn’t bring it on this trip, because I was afraid airport security would look inside even if I put it in my checked luggage. I probably won’t need it anyway. I haven’t used it in a while.
“No. But that doesn’t mean I want my privacy invaded,” I grumble.
She offers me her hand. “Come on. Stop being a sourpuss and join us outside. Dad says the burgers are almost ready.”
I’m tempted to bat Kenzie’s hand away, but if I want her on my team, I can’t fight with her, so I let her help me up. “Dad never grilled before. I hope he knows what he’s doing.”
“If he messes up, we can order pizza.”
On the way to the outside patio where we’re eating dinner, we bump into Ashley. She’s carrying several boxes that are stacked almost as big as her. They look heavy. How in the world can she do that? I’m a little impressed, but I stomp on the feeling. I’m not supposed to like anything about her. As far as I’m concerned, she’s the enemy.
“What do you have, Ash?” Kenzie asks.
“Oh, a bunch of games we found in the garage. I have no idea what’s in the boxes.”
“How do you know there are games in them, then?” I arch a brow.
“Because it says so on the outside.” She turns her body to show me the writing.
Kenzie elbows my arm. “Help her, Sean.”
“Nah. She’s doing fine.” I walk out of the house and don’t bother to hold the door open for her.
I don’t want to get to know Ashley or be her friend. I hate the fact that we’re in Birchen Beach only because of her. Dad said this Ashley’s favorite place. He didn’t even ask Kenzie or me if we wanted to come.
Kenzie must have opened the door for Ashley, because she follows close behind me. Dad turns and frowns. “Why didn’t you help Ash with those boxes, son?”
I shrug. “She didn’t ask for help.”
“It’s okay, Chris. I got it,” she replies. “Besides, I don’t think Sean could carry them anyway.”
“Are you saying I’m weak?” I grit out.
She sets them down, then shrugs. “No, only that I’m stronger than you.”
Who does this little nothing think she is?
“Let’s find out. I dare you to an arm-wrestling contest.”
“No dares,” Dad interjects. “Sean... come on. Be nice.”
My brows arch. “Why’s it my fault? She insulted me!”
“I didn’t insult you,” she retorts. “Geez, someone is insecure.”
“I’m not insecure!”
“Okay, kids. Let’s drop this and have a good meal together, okay?” Marnie chimes in. “Then later we can play one of the games in those boxes.”
“Go on, everyone please sit down,” Dad says, holding a big plate full of burgers and hotdogs. My stomach grumbles. I haven’t eaten anything since the disgusting plane food.
I take the chair to Dad’s right, across from Marnie. Kenzie sits next to me, and Ashley across from her next to her mom.
I’m about to grab a piece of corn, when Dad reaches for my hand and Marnie’s. Crap. I forgot he likes to say a quick prayer before a meal. Mom never bothers with it anymore. I’m sure she only did it because of Dad.
His prayer seems to take forever. Now I’m hungry and annoyed.
Someone’s stare burns a hole in my face, and I turn to Ashley. I want to ask what she’s looking at, but if I open my big mouth and interrupt Dad, he’ll be mad. She can’t hold my stare though. Maybe she’s all bark and no bite. I’ll test that later. Right now I just want to stuff my face. As soon as Dad finishes saying thanks, I reach for the food and fill my plate with some of everything.
“Geez, Sean. Hungry much?” Kenzie teases.
“Yeah,” I mumble with my mouth full.
“Everything is delicious, darling,” Dad tells Marnie, smiling from ear to ear.
I’ve never seen him look at Mom the way he looks at her. The food suddenly becomes heavy in my belly, and I don’t feel like eating anymore. I think my parents’ divorce was the right thing to do, but at the same time, I hate that it happened. Seeing him so happy with his new girlfriend while I have to live in London is hard. I could have stayed with him in Boston, but Kenzie wanted to live with Mom, and I didn’t want to be separated from my sister, on top of all the changes.
“What’s the matter, Sean? You don’t like the food?” Marnie asks.
“The food is fine.” I push my plate forward. “I guess I wasn’t as hungry as I thought.”
“It must be jetlag,” she replies.
“Yeah. Must be.” I slouch in the chair, wondering when I can escape the dinner table.
Dad wipes his mouth with the napkin, then takes Marnie’s hand. “Should we tell them now?”
Marnie nods. “Yes.”
I sit straighter in my chair, dreading their news.
“Kids, I’ve asked Marnie to marry me, and she said yes.”
My stomach bottoms out. I can’t believe he’s already planning to remarry! The darkness inside my chest expands, taking over everything. My mind begins to spin, and it hurts. I need it to be quiet so I can think. I curl my hands into fists. My short nails dig into my palms, but the pain isn’t enough. I need more.
“For real?” Kenzie asks.
“Yes, sweetie.” Dad beams.
My sister squeaks, then grabs Ashley’s hand from across the table. “We’re gonna be sisters!”
“I know!” Ashley smiles.
Everyone is thrilled while I’m drowning. I need to get out of here. I push my chair back and stand. “Congratulations.”
Dad’s eyes widen. “Are you all right, Sean?”
“No, my stomach is upset. Can I be excused?”
“Sure.”
“Can I get you anything, hon?” Marnie asks, already getting ready to stand up.
“Don’t worry about me.”
I walk back to the house as fast as I can, but all I want to do is run far away.
I wait until everyone is asleep to sneak out of my room. I wish I’d brought my old lunchbox after all. The house is quiet, so I walk on my tiptoes to avoid making too much noise. My heart is thundering in my chest for more reasons than one. The fear of discovery is competing with all the other stuff swirling in my chest. I have to risk it. The only way I can quiet my mind is through pain.
They left a nightlight on in the kitchen, which makes things easier for me. I don’t need to fumble through the room in the dark, looking for something sharp. It turns out I don’t have to look too hard. The kitchen knife set is on the counter.
My plan is to return to my room, but when I take the smallest knife from the set, I can’t help pressing it against the soft skin of my forearm. The first cut is always the most satisfying. Quietness follows almost immediately after the sharp sting of pain.
“What are you doing?” Ashley asks, scaring the crap out of me.
I whirl around too fast and drop the knife. Her gaze immediately focuses on the cut on my arm.
“Oh my God, Sean! You cut yourself.”
She runs to me, all panicked, feeding the mess inside me so much that I barely manage to calm down.
“Stay away from me!” I shove her back too hard, and she ends up falling on her butt.
Fear and confusion shine in her bright green eyes, making me regret my outburst. But I’m too overwhelmed to do anything about it.
“I was just trying to help,” she replies in a small voice.
“I don’t need your help. And if you tell anyone about this, you’ll regret it.”
I walk around her and leave her sprawled on the kitchen floor. I want to scream and break something, but I can’t. And that stupid nosy girl has taken away my only escape from the mess in my head. I hate her. She’ll never be my sister.