15. Chapter 15
15
Forgiveness, Not Permission
Two Days Later
“You can put those right over there,” I say to the movers I hired to do all the heavy lifting. My sister offered to help pack up all my shit, but since she’s already doing me a favor by letting me move in, I didn't want to impose anything else on her.
Tonight is officially my very first night here. I thought about getting some sort of alarm in case Ella tries to smother me in my sleep but decided against it. If she comes into my room and tries anything, she’ll have to bear the consequences.
Even though this isn't ideal, and I definitely could’ve asked my parents for help, I didn't want to impose. I’m a grown man, and with all the medical shit my dad has been going through, I didn't want to ask.
It’s bad enough he has barely been working, but I feel weird asking my parents for anything with all we’ve had going on.
I should call them later .
Maybe Alissa and I can ring them after dinner. That’s the one thing I’m going to like being around here—Alissa and I can talk to our parents at the same time. I feel so out of the loop lately, since I’ve been adjusting to the job, my living situation, and dealing with a certain pain in my arse at work, that I barely know anything about the appointments they’ve been at. Is my dad healing okay? Is he on the right track, or could this happen again and end worse?
I feel like I’ve been nothing but a huge letdown lately, and that stops now. Since I finally have a place to call home for now, I’m going to be better about being in the loop on things.
I’m okay with being a lot of things to different people, but the one thing I hope I never am is a terrible son. Not after all my parents have done for me. Not after what happened.
My dad’s health issues have certainly been a wakeup call for me; it allowed me to slow the fuck down and remember what really matters in life. But nothing helps the guilt that creeps in when I feel like I could be doing more.
My spiral is broken when one of the movers talks to me. “That was the last box.”
“Thank you for the help.” I paid them beforehand, but I take a hundred out and tip them.
“No problem, man. Have a good day.”
I watch as they walk out of the open door before I see my sister’s face pop in. “Are you done yet? Ella and I want to watch a movie.”
“Yes, I’m done. I have to unpack, but what do you say I make dinner?”
My sister's eyebrows go up. “I would say that’s a great idea, and the bare minimum, since I let you move in here.”
“I don't know, Liss. He might try to give me food poisoning,” Ella says as she walks past me, a bag in her hand.
“Well, since we share a bathroom now, that wouldn't be wise of me, would it?”
She stops in her tracks. “Liss, I thought you said you were switching rooms.”
“Ella, I—”
I cut Alissa off. “I wasn't going to make my sister switch rooms in her own place. This is easier.”
Ella only sighs heavily as she looks past me to my sister. “So that’s why you offered to pay for my books.”
“I was asking forgiveness, not permission. Now, Leo, go make us dinner while we watch this sad movie Ella likes.”
“It’s not sad; it’s my comfort movie!” Ella says as she heads toward her room—the one right across from mine.
“This should be fun,” my sister says as she smacks me in the chest. “I give you guys a week until you’re at each other's throats.”
“Is that a bet you’re willing to make, sis?”
She nods her head. “Yes, actually, it is. Fifty bucks.”
I reach out and take her hand. “Deal.”
I made dinner—pasta alla vodka—and Ella only complained once. It’s a new bloody record, and it was only because I refused to pass the butter.
Now, I’m cleaning up. And as I sit in the kitchen and listen to the movie they’re watching, I find myself stealing glances at the screen. My sister has ice cream in the living room for her and Ella—to be honest, that’s all I’m actually interested in.
As I set the final plate in the dishwasher and run it, I notice they’re watching Little Women . How in the world is this a comfort movie? Doesn't Beth die? In what way is that comforting?
“Seriously? This is your idea of comfort?”
“Leo…” my sister warns.
“Yes, actually. It’s a story of a beautiful family and sisters who love each other.” Ella rolls her eyes as she takes a bite of her ice cream. “I know you’re only used to movies with naked people, but for some of us, we like an actual story.”
I can only laugh.
“Now, move,” Ella says. “This is my favorite part.”
“Actually, I would love to take part in movie night. After all, I’ll be here for a few months. Might as well spend some much needed time with you guys.”
Ella only rolls her eyes as my sister scooches over on the couch.
“Thanks.”
“Leo, stop talking during the movie.”
I only ignore Ella as the movie plays, and for the rest of it, I shut my mouth. At the end, Ella and my sister are tearing up, and I can’t understand why.
“So the girl who didn't want to get married ended up getting married anyway? I’m so fucking confused.”
“Leo, you don’t get it,” my sister tells me.
“No, I don't. The entire movie, she refuses to get with Laurie, even after he confesses his love to her on the hill, but then as soon as she figures out she could love him, he gets with her sister!” This movie makes no sense, and I know Ella is going to tell me I didn't understand it, but it can’t be that deep.
“You just don’t understand certain characters, Leo. One day, if I have enough time, I can explain it in terms you’ll understand.”
“Small words?” I ask.
“Exactly!” she says as she gets up. “See? You get it!” Ella only walks to her room and shuts her door.
“No goodnight for us?”
“Nope. She’s probably going to talk to her sister.” Alissa goes to put the ice cream away. “Do you want to ring our parents?”
“Do you think they’re still awake?”
“Shit. I always forget about the time difference.” She runs a hand down her face. “We’ll talk to them tomorrow before we both go to work?”
“Sounds good.”
She pats me on the shoulder before she leaves. “Enjoy your first night here, Leo. I hope you sleep well.”
“Thanks, sis. For everything, I mean.”
She locks eyes with me. “You’re my baby brother, Leo. You know I’d do anything for you.”
Even if our parents are an ocean away, I’m glad I still have my sister here. She was my very first friend in life, and I’m thankful that, no matter where I end up, I know I’ll always have her.