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“It's possible, but it doesn’t have to be the case.” Thoughtfully, he rolls onto his back and stares at the ceiling again.
“Why did you split up, you and Kali?”
“We didn’t. Kali’s father caught us and sent her to some relatives in another village. We weren’t allowed to be together and she accepted it. I came back and focused on faith to forget her.”
“I’m sorry that happened.”
“It’s been five years.”
“And—have you forgotten her?”
“No.” He smiles. “But that’s okay.”
“Maybe you simply need to fall in love again, Liam,” I say, trying to comfort him.
“I don’t think I can do that again.”
He sounds sad and I realize that he probably understands me best of all.
After moments of silence, he gets up and smokes a cigarette by the window, which is a good way for me to check out the altitude. Suddenly, I have a guilty conscience because I will get him in so much trouble with Ethan. On the other hand, there is no other option for me: I must get back to Bren.
Liam doesn’t suspect a thing as I keep him company and breathe in the night air deeply while glancing inconspicuously down at the parking lot.
Shit! Damn high! Certainly at least ten feet or higher! I have to jump down tonight if I want to find Bren again. I’m gonna need to borrow someone’s cell phone later to call him. There has to be someone at a gas station who’ll lend me theirs. I know his number by heart.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a bit of cash either. Does Liam have any money with him? Probably not since he left his cell phone in the other room. Maybe Ethan has a stash in here somewhere, after all, he stayed here and thought he could play bodyguard himself! Ha! Right!
Liam flicks the cigarette butt onto the pavement and studies me for a while. “Whatever happens or will happen, don’t judge Ethan too harshly.”
“What’s supposed to happen?” A sinking feeling spreads through my stomach. He’s keeping something from me, I’m sure.
He sighs deeply. “It’s entirely up to you.” He closes the window carefully and turns to face me. “Ethan was there when you were born. Mom wanted to have you at home because she didn’t want to leave us alone; she was a real family person. Ethan helped deliver you and took care of you the first few hours…because Mom, you know…”
I nod. She insisted on a home birth, but complications arose and she died on the way to the hospital. My brothers hardly ever talk about it and Dad never told me anything, either. I only know from some vague remarks that the midwife stayed with us and cared for me along with Ethan.
Liam looks at me steadily, a shadow crossing his finely carved features. “Ethan took on so much for Dad back then. He watched you grow up, bathed you, dried you, and read you stories. He taught you your first letters… Dad’s death hit him the hardest among all of us. He adored Dad. But on the day of his funeral, he wouldn’t let his grief show, on the contrary. He was strong for all of us. But that night… I heard him cry.”
“Liam…” I don’t want to know, not now when I’m so angry with Ethan.
“After that, he poured all his love into your upbringing. He’s attached to you.”
“I know!”
“I think as much as he hates Brendan for everything he’s done, he’s also jealous of him.”
I am completely perplexed. “Why?”
“Because you care more about Brendan than Eth. He can’t handle that.”
I widen my eyes in disbelief. “He said that?”
Liam laughs. “Of course not, grasshopper! But he doesn’t have to say anything, a blind man could tell.”
For the next hour, I wait for Liam to fall asleep and ponder his words. Why would Ethan be jealous of Brendan? Now that seems too far-fetched to me. I mean sure he’s attached to me and overprotective, but that doesn’t make you jealous, does it? On the other hand, I shouldn’t give a damn about what’s going on with Ethan. I still feel my cheek burning and the anger in my stomach.
Another half an hour passes and Liam’s breathing is quiet and steady. I carefully peel myself out of the bed covers, tiptoe to the dresser, and rummage through it for a few bucks. Sure enough, I find some bills and coins. But I have no pocket to put them in; then my eyes fall on Liam’s scarf.
Oh, dear, forgive me, Liam!
