Текст книги "Someone Else's Life"

Автор книги: Katie Dale

Соавторы: Katie Dale,Katie Dale
сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

ask hesitantly, my heart pounding. “Only I’d love to thank

him for the cake and—”

“I’m afraid he’s just left,” the waitress says. “Sorry.”

stare at her. “He’s gone?” can’t have missed my

chance …

“We can come back tomorrow,” Andy says. “Talk to

him then.”

“Do you know where he went?” ask the waitress

desperately. can’t wait– can’t

“Yeah, his wife just called,” she says, wiping down

the table next to us. “He had to hurry home.”

Andy glances at me.

“Do you know where that is?” he asks. “Do you have

an address?”

“Yeah.”

puzzled smile flickers over her face, and

she points at the ceiling. “Right there. Jack lives in the

apartment over the restaurant.”

“Okay.”

stare at the lighted windows above the

restaurant, my heart pounding. “This is it. No going back.”

“No going back,” Andy agrees.

“Oh, God!” say, sinking back down onto the bench

for the umpteenth time. “But what if he’s not interested?

What if—”

167

“Rose, there are

million what-ifs,” Andy says

gently. “But only one way to find out. Look at it this way, it

can’t be worse than Kitty, can it?”

sigh heavily. “No,”

agree reluctantly. “But—

maybe should come back tomorrow. It might not be

good time, it’s late …”

“It’s seven p.m.”

“Yes, but—”

“Rosie, it’s up to you.” Andy smiles. “We can leave

now if you want. We can come back tomorrow, or never

come back at all. It’s entirely your choice.”

sigh, staring at the house. “I need to do this, I’m

ready, I’m just

scared.”

“I know.” Andy squeezes my hand. “There’s no

rush.”

nod absently, eyes glued to the door.

“But what if he is like Kitty?” whisper. “What if he

doesn’t want me either?”

“Rosie.” Andy strokes my hair from my cheek, looks

into my eyes, smiles. “He made you cake.”

smile too,

warm feeling spreading deep inside

me. “He did, didn’t he? He made me cake.”

take

deep breath, stand up, cross the road and

climb the steps before have chance to change my mind.

Andy squeezes my shoulders as knock on the door, my

hands clammy as cross my fingers tightly.

blond curly-haired woman opens it, and freeze.

Oh, God. Not part of the plan!

168

“H-hi,” stammer. “My name’s—my name’s Rosie,

I—”

“Nice to meet you, come in, come in, quickly—didn’t

Jack tell you to use the back door?” She ushers us inside

and shuts the door. “I’m Megan.” She smiles. “Thanks so

much for coming at such short notice—as you know, they

weren’t meant to be back today, but then they called from

the station, so we’re

bit all over the place! There’re

snacks over there, drinks in the kitchen, okay?”

“I …,” begin, but she’s already hurried off.

“Looks like party,” Andy comments.

The house is full of people milling around drinking

beer and munching crisps, laughing and chatting. look

around for Jack, but there’s no sign of him. My eyes

wander over the soft cream furniture, the stripped pine

bookshelves, everything in shades of the sea.

beautiful

seascape hangs in pride of place above the crackling fire,

and twisted pieces of driftwood lie scattered decoratively

around the room, their limbs curling and reaching like

living creatures.

gaze around, fascinated by one thing

after another, until notice photo collage hanging on the

wall. move closer.

Suddenly something small and blue collides with

my knee.

“Hello!”

smile, looking down at

little boy in

Spider-Man pajamas, his dark fringe flopping over his eyes

as he stares up at me.

“Sorry!” Megan rushes over and scoops him up.

“Ben! What are you doing out of bed?”

169

“I wanted to say surprise!” Ben whines, rubbing his

eye with his fist.

“Well, we’ll see what Daddy says, okay?” Megan

smiles, mouthing “sorry” at me as she carries him away.

“Isn’t he cute?” beam at Andy.

“Yeah …,” he says, nodding toward the kitchen. “And

look who ‘Daddy’ is.”

turn and look as Jack walks out, swinging Ben high

onto his shoulders.

“Oh, my God!” look at Andy, my pulse racing. “You

don’t think …?”

look at the little boy giggling as Jack

bounces him along. “I have brother?”

“Shh.” Andy nudges me as Jack approaches. take

deep breath, struggling to compose myself as excitement

bubbles through me.

“Well, hello again!” He smiles.

“Hi! Sorry—I tried to find you at the restaurant but

the waitress said you’d left and that you lived here and we

just knocked on the door and

thank you so much again

for the cake!” gush clumsily, my cheeks on fire.

“Oh, you’re welcome!” Jack grins. “Sorry

had to

rush off—had to rustle up

sudden surprise party! But

now you’re here you can have that birthday drink you

missed out on.” Jack winks, reaching for couple of beers.

“You’ve gotta have

drink on your eightee—Wait—” He

freezes. “What’s that?”

There’s the sound of car in the driveway.

“Quick! Everyone hide!” Jack cries, flicking the light

off, grabbing Ben and diving behind the sofa. Everyone

170

ducks and hides, and Andy and

glance at each other,

bemused, before crouching awkwardly behind an

armchair.

“What are we doing?” Andy hisses in my ear.

“I have no idea!” shrug helplessly.

key turns in the lock, and Jack shushes everyone

again.

The front door opens and the light flicks on.

“SURPRISE!”

Everyone jumps to their feet, and Jack rushes to the

door, Ben hot on his heels.

“Surprise!” Andy grins at me as we straighten up,

none the wiser. crane my neck but there’re too many

people. Everyone’s crowding round the doorway, cheering

and whooping.

“Happy birthday!” people call out, to

chorus of

party poppers and camera flashes.

freeze, flooded with an eerie sense of déjà vu.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart!” Jack cries. “You

didn’t think we’d let your eighteenth go by without

party, did you? Even if it is day late!”

My stomach lurches.

“Thanks, Dad,”

girl’s voice laughs. “Josh, did you

know about this? Melissa?”

Feeling very hot, stand on tiptoe, craning this way

and that, but still can’t see.

“Wow, this is awesome!” she laughs again. “Do get

cake and everything?”

The sick feeling grows in my stomach.

171

“Now, that’s funny story, sweetheart. I, er, gave it

away—you said you were staying in New York, and—”

“You what?” she laughs.

back away quickly, edging past Andy toward the

kitchen.

“Rosie …” He catches my arm.

shake my head as push past, my chest tight.

need to get out of here. It’s

mistake. It’s all

mistake. I’ve got it wrong—I’ve got it wrong again He’s not my dad—he’s got

daughter—a real, live eighteen-

year-old daughter. Tears prickle at my eyes as

push

desperately, needing to get through, to escape

“Sweetheart! Over here! Here she is!” Jack’s voice

booms directly behind me and freeze. He taps me on the

shoulder and turn round numbly.

“Hi!” The girl grins at me, brushing

strand of

chestnut-colored hair behind her ear as my heart stops

dead.

“So you’re the one who ate my cake?” Her hazel

eyes sparkle as she holds out hand. “Nice to meet ya! I’m

Holly.”

“I—” The breath catches in my throat. She looks just

like

Suddenly it clicks.

Holly

Holly Woods

Jack’s daughter …

Jack’s daughter

No!

stare at her, the blood freezing in my veins.

172

It can’t be It’s impossible … The chestnut

hair

the hazel eyes

my age

my birthday

Holly

Woods …

stare at her helplessly as the room spins dizzily

around us

It’s her

close my eyes, but her face is

burned deep into my mind, inescapable. She’s here

She

survived Somehow she survived

Somehow …

She’s me

173

PART TWO

Someone Else’s Life

We know what we are,

but know not what we may be.

—William Shakespeare,

Hamlet

174

Holly

The sunlight hits my eyelids and grin tugs at my

mouth, even before remember why. reach tentatively

under my pillow and

tingle shivers down my spine. It

wasn’t dream.

Glancing at the door,

pull out the ring and

carefully, so, so slowly, slide it onto my finger, the same

rush of giddiness, the same dizzying excitement thrilling

through my veins as when he first gave it to me.

It may not be

diamond—I press the plastic gem

and smile as it lights up—but if anything, that makes it

even more perfect. How many other guys would be

thoughtful enough to let their fiancée choose her own

ring?

“You’re the one who’s gonna be wearing it for the

rest of your life, after all.” He’d beamed, his eyes sparkling

as brightly as the glowing neon gem. grin as the light

changes color, and kiss it impulsively.

The rest of my life …

“Holly?” Dad knocks, making me jump. “You

awake?”

“Mm-hmm—yep, come in!” call, plunging my hand

beneath the duvet as the door opens.

175

“Morning, Holly-berry!” He grins, his black hair still

messed up from sleep. “I brought you some brekkie!” He

reveals

tray laden with greasy bacon and eggs. My

stomach swims.

“Da-ad!” laugh, trying to wriggle the ring off my

finger. “You know just grab some cereal—”

“Well, that may have been adequate for little girl.”

He smiles. “But not for

grown woman of eighteen!” He

brings the tray over.

yank desperately, but the ring won’t budge.

“Besides,” he continues. “I didn’t get to make your

birthday breakfast …”

“Not this again.” grin, finally tugging my finger free

and sitting up quickly to take the tray. “I told you, it was

once-in-a-lifetime trip—Josh won it—and when else

would get to go to New York?”

“And it just happened to be on your eighteenth

birthday?”

“And it just happened to be on my eighteenth

birthday, yes.”

smile, gingerly taking

bite of toast.

“Come on, Dad, I’m here now—and you’ve given away my

cake!”

He pulls

face. “Sorry. I’d forgotten I’d ordered it,

and then, you know, you were away …”

roll my eyes.

“And it was just sitting there, all sad and lonely, and

you weren’t due back till late tonight …”

bite my lip. My bad again.

176

“And as it was specially made fresh– cream cake, didn’t think it would keep for two whole days …”

“All right, already! I’m sorry!” laugh. “I’m terrible

daughter and she deserved it more than me.” stick out

my tongue. “She up yet?”

“Rosie? No, she’s out for the count. Megan’s gonna

take her some breakfast in bit, see how she is.”

“That was weird, huh?” say, taking another bite.

“How she just fainted like that?”

“Yup. One look at your ugly mug and—bam!”

“Watch it.” grin. “Or I’ll go back to New York.”

“We weren’t expecting you back till today anyway,”

Dad says, his tone softening. “I thought it was meant to be

long weekend?”

raise my eyebrows. “You complaining?”

“Not at all. Just making sure my little girl’s okay.”

roll my eyes again. “I’m fine.”

“Sure?”

“Sure. Grown woman, remember?”

Dad grins. “You had good time?”

beam, thinking of the ring nestled under my

pillow. “I had the time of my life.”

“Good.” He smiles, kissing my forehead. “You

deserve it.”

wait till he closes the door. Then exhale.

It feels weird keeping this from Dad. I’m bursting to

tell him—that’s the whole reason we’ve rushed home

early, after all—but then

grin, remembering Dad’s face

177

as he jumped out from behind the sofa. Trust him to spoil

my surprise with one of his own!

glance at the door, then carefully pull the ring back

out, stroking the little gem with my fingertips. He’d know

by now, if it weren’t for the party—and if Josh weren’t so

old-fashioned.

can’t believe he wants to ask Dad’s

permission before we tell anyone—as if he’s gonna say no!

Typical Josh. It’s all very well to do things by the book, but

it’s killing me keeping this secret—Dad and usually tell each other everything!

Well, almost everything. My hand falls to my

stomach. wonder if Mom were still alive if I’d have told

her yet

Probably not, not before Josh. smile. He’s not

the only one who can keep secrets. still can’t believe he

took me to New York for my birthday—the first time I’ve ever been on plane!—just because he knows how much

want to travel! That he proposed tilt the ring so it sends rainbows dancing around the room.

Now can’t wait to tell him my secret, can’t wait to

see his face! But first things first—not till we’re officially

engaged. If Josh wants to be traditional, I’ll keep things

traditional—I can at least do something the right way

round!

take last long look at the plastic ring, then slide

open my bottom drawer, home of all my secret dreams—

the journals I’ve kept since was twelve; cut-out photos of

singers, movie stars and cute guys Melissa and fantasized

about marrying; brochures of exotic places we dreamed of

178

traveling, tucked inside the empty passport I’ve had since

was sixteen—just in case our dreams ever came true.

And dreams can come true. smile, tucking the ring

carefully between the brochures and the photo of Josh,

who’s been top of my list—circled with heart—since the

very first day met him

slide the drawer shut, then lie back on my pillow,

grinning at the ceiling, enjoying the delicious feeling of my

buried treasure, my precious secret, just waiting to be

revealed

179

Rosie

It’s dark, terribly dark– can’t see

thing. grope

around helplessly, clawing and clutching, stumbling and

scratching, through endless stones and brambles and what

feels like ice. Then, suddenly, my feet sink into something soft, and it’s sand I’m walking on, its gentle caress cool and soothing between my toes

light flickers in the distance. walk blindly toward

it, warm breeze whispering in my hair

The wooden door opens easily, and

man looks

round and smiles, his black hair curling round his ears as

little boy– his miniature– scrambles to his feet

“You found us.” The man beams as they enfold me in

tight hug.

hold them close, sandwiched between the

man’s strong embrace and the child’s warm cuddle.

perfect fit, the missing piece. “Rosie, you finally found us.”

close my eyes. “You’re finally home …”

“Rosie?”

“Mmm …”

turn my head, enjoying the warmth

surrounding me, the softness against my cheek

“Rosie?” woman says. “Are you awake?”

“Wakey-wakey!” Suddenly the whole world

shudders and quakes and my eyes fly open.

180

The little dark-haired boy bounces over me, giggling

happily as sunlight fills the room.

blink hard and stare at him. Then smile.

“Ben!” blond curly-haired woman chides. “Ben, get

down!”

She sets down tray and grabs him round the belly

as he squirms.

“Sorry about that!” She smiles apologetically.

“How’re you feeling?”

“Um, fine thanks.” stare at her blankly.

“I’m Megan,” she says. “From the party?”

Party Pieces of last night float back to me like

puzzle. Fish and chips, the cake, the party

“Right, sorry.” gaze round the unfamiliar bedroom.

“Thanks for letting us stay over.”

smile as Ben grins

through her legs at me, his dark fringe flopping over his

eyes.

“Oh, honey, you’re welcome—there was no way

was letting you guys go back to that and after your fall.

had to make sure you were really okay.”

“Oh, I’m fine, thank you.”

struggle into

sitting

position, and instantly my head pounds. “Ow!”

“Easy, honey.” Megan lays

cool hand on my

forehead. “I’ll give you some lotion for that bruise when

you come downstairs, but first: breakfast!” She plops

heaving tray of bacon and eggs onto my lap.

“Wow!” gasp.

181

“Don’t blame me!” Megan grins. “Jack always insists

on greasefest when he does breakfast. You don’t have to

eat it all.”

“Thanks.” smile, my heart racing as remember

more.

Jack. My dad My real dad. And he’s made me

breakfast,

real English breakfast—eggs and proper

bacon, none of that streaky American stuff—and not

pancake in sight!

“The bathroom’s just across the hall, when you’re

done. There’s towel and spare toothbrush, and feel free

to use anything else you find.”

“Thanks, Megan,” tell her. “I’m sorry to be such an

inconvenience.”

“Don’t be silly,” she laughs, tucking

stray ringlet

behind her ear. “Make yourself at home.”

My heart soars. Home With my dad—I grin,

winking at Ben as he pinches piece of my toast—and my

little brother!

“Shout if you need anything. We’re just downstairs.”

Megan smiles, scooping up Ben. “And Holly’s around too—

if she ever gets out of bed!”

The toast sticks in my throat as the door clicks

closed.

Holly

My appetite gone, slide the tray onto the bedside

table, knocking something clattering to the floor.

“Shit!” lean down and gingerly pick up the broken

picture frame. turn it over and my heart stops. There

182

they are. The happy family. Jack and Megan and Ben—and

Holly, sticking out like

sore thumb with her chestnut

hair against Jack and Ben’s black, Megan’s blond.

Holly Woods

Trudie’s daughter

She looks just like her. The same hair, the same

eyes, the same bright smile

drop the picture like hot

coal, sweat cold on the back of my neck.

have to get out of here. can’t see her, can’t—

There’s knock at the door. stare, paralyzed, as it

swings open.

“Morning.” Andy smiles. “How’re you feeling?”

“Fine,” say, jumping out of bed and scowling at the

unfamiliar jogging bottoms and T-shirt I’m wearing.

scour the room. “Where are my clothes?”

“Well, since you drenched us both in Coke with your

dizzy spell last night, Megan’s doing

wash for us

downstairs,” Andy tells me, wearing

similar pair of

makeshift pajamas. “She insisted—said she couldn’t let us

leave with dirty clothes. She’s even doing my socks.” He

grins. “She’s brave!”

“Great,” say, pacing the room. “Fantastic. Brilliant!”

“Are you okay?” Andy frowns.

“No.” shake my head. “I’ve got to go. We’ve got to

go. Now.”

“What?”

“We shouldn’t be here!”

cry. “We should never

have come—we have to go—”

183

“Rosie.” Andy catches my arms. “What’s going on?

What’s wrong?”

“Didn’t you see?” stare at him, trembling. “Didn’t

you see her?”

“Who?”

“Jack’s daughter!” stare at him incredulously.

“What? Yeah, briefly, but

was more concerned

about you when you conked out.”

“It’s her Andy,” say meaningfully. “She’s Trudie’s daughter.”

Andy stares at me.

“Rosie

Trudie’s daughter died.”

“Well, obviously not!”

stare at him wildly.

“Obviously not, Andy—that’s just one more mistake to add

to the list!”

“But wait, mean—are you sure?”

“Andy, she’s Holly Woods.”

“What?” His eyes widen. “She’s called Holl—”

“Holly.” nod grimly. “Holly Woods. And she’s the

same age as me, she’s got the same birthday she’s living with my father and she’s the bleeding spitting image of Trudie—look!” thrust the photograph at him.

“Knock, knock!”

freeze as the bedroom door creaks open. Holly

peers round with friendly smile.

“Hi there! How’re you doing? Did you sleep okay?”

nod helplessly, the blood draining from my head.

“I’m not surprised after that fall!” she says

sympathetically. “Anyway, know Megan’s washing your

184

clothes, so here’s

pair of my jeans and

T-shirt and

hoodie. We’re about the same size, huh?” She holds them

up.

nod again, staring at her hair as it gleams in the

sunshine—the exact same shade

“Is there anything else you need?” She smiles, her

hazel eyes shining.

shake my head numbly. She even has the same

kink at the top of her ear

“Okay.” She beams, looking from me to Andy. “See

ya later!”

She closes the door behind her and sink onto the

bed.

“Oh, my God.” Andy sits down next to me. “Oh. My.

God.”

stare at the door. “Do you—do you think she heard

us?” whisper, my voice cracking.

“No.” He shakes his head. “No, don’t think so.”

“I just can’t believe it, Andy. She survived. She’s

alive. She’s here How did this happen?”

He looks at me. “I don’t know. really don’t know,

Rosie. There must have been

mistake. The baby

must’ve recovered.”

“But how? My voice comes out high and shrill as

hot tears spring into my eyes. “And how did Sarah not

know?”

Andy squeezes my hand. “I don’t know.” He shakes

his head. “I suppose she was too concerned about Trudie

and

and you.”

185

“Me?”

stare at him. “Me? She’s me Andy! She’s

Rosie Kenning– she’s Trudie’s daughter.”

stare at him

miserably. “Don’t you see, there was no need for Sarah to switch us—no need for any of this– because Trudie’s baby

didn’t die!

Andy pulls me to him tightly, my heart thumping

against his.

“She– she should have stayed with Trudie, she

should’ve

and I should’ve …”

“Shhh …” He strokes my hair.

“This is my family, Andy,”

whisper against his

chest. “My dad, my brother …”

“Then you have to tell them.”

sigh heavily. “I can’t. Andy, they’re

family.

happy family.”

“They’re your family.”

“No.”

shake my head, the word scratching my

throat and stinging my eyes. “No, they can’t ever be. Not

now. It’s impossible. They’re hers.” bite my nail. “Sarah

switched us, so they’re Holly’s. They’re her family, they

love each other. They deserve to be together.”

“But Rose—”

“I can’t—I can’t break them up, Andy,

can’t tell

them—can’t be that selfish.” sigh again, rubbing my eyes

with my sleeve. “I’ve lasted this long without them,

haven’t I?” swallow hard. “I’ll survive.”

“Rosie …”

“No, Andy.” stand up. “We have to go.”

186

“Rose, just listen to me for

sec. If you’re right, if

she is Trudie’s daughter—”

“She is!”

“Then Rosie, you have to tell them.”

“Andy! You’re not listening to me—”

“You have to tell them,” he interrupts, “because

Holly could have inherited Huntington’s.”

187

Holly

The wind tugs wildly at my hair, the salty breeze

filling my lungs as head along the harbor. love this time

of year. The chill in the air, the winter sunshine glistening

on the waves, the old year gone and done with and the

promise of whole fresh new one to come.

new year,

new start, new name

grin, suddenly warm despite the frosty air.

“Mrs. Holly Samuels.” The name tingles on my

tongue, and giggle like an idiot. can’t wait. The first time

ever laid eyes on Josh knew he was The One. smile,

remembering how serious and sexy he looked, studying in

the school library—till Melissa flicked

spitball right at

him!

can still see his face as he turned around—

outraged—and flicked one straight back! And then he

grinned, that wide infectious grin, and that was it. was

goner.

wonder what he sees in me

It’s hardly my brain—not compared to Mr. Ivy

League Samuels. Not that I’m dumb, but it beats me how

anyone can study that hard; can use all that power and

strength in those huge sexy arms just to carry

schoolbooks; can enjoy being stuck in

dusty library for

hours on end when the sun’s shining so bright you just

188

have to be outside, when the pool sparkles so invitingly, or the sky’s so blue you have to go sail around the point to see if the sea matches—when there’s

whole world out

there just waiting to be explored!

Safe to say, it’s not our common interests that

attracted him either

So

my glittering personality? My hilarious sense

of humor? Ha-ha.

Looks? glance briefly at my reflection in window.

Hardly.

So

what? What do we have in common?

My pace slows, and shiver suddenly, slipping back

into the shadowy doubts that have plagued me ever since

Josh started Harvard, remembering how frightened was

every time he called, always expecting him to tell me it

wasn’t working out, that he’d realized we’re total

opposites, that he’d met someone else

But instead he took me to New York for my

birthday—and proposed!

All my doubts fade with the sparkling memory of

my ring, my gleaming proof of his feelings.

Who cares why? Opposites attract, after all. We love

each other—that’s all that matters. We’re engaged!

The grin splits my face as race the last few blocks

to his house, unable to wait any longer, to suppress the

buzzing, fizzing thrill of this incredible secret longing to

burst right out of me, desperate to shout it from the

rooftops.

We’re getting married!

189

Rosie

The clothes are almost perfect fit. look at myself

in the full-length mirror in Holly’s faded jeans and green

Gap hoodie, and shiver suddenly. It’s like I’m looking into

another life—the life

would’ve had: the clothes

might’ve worn, the house I’d be living in, the family I’d

have—the person I’d be. look myself in the eye. Holly

Woods. try the name on my lips, whispering at first, then

out loud.

“Holly Woods.”

The shapes are alien to my mouth. It’s not me—it

doesn’t sound right. try again, lengthening the vowels

and attempting an American accent.

“Holly …” No. “Holly,” correct. “Holly Woods.”

shudder, the girl in the mirror unrecognizable.

“What are you doing?”

Andy stands in the doorway.

“This is mistake,” tell him. “I can’t do this. This is

her life, not mine.”

“I know.” Andy frowns. “But you have to tell her.”

He looks at me. “Don’t you?”

slump down onto the bed. “Yes—no!”

run my

hands through my hair, pulling it tight. “I don’t know!”

190

“Rose,” Andy says gently, sitting down next to me.

“Remember how you felt when you didn’t know if you had

Huntington’s?”

nod miserably.

“And you said the not knowing was the worst bit,

right? Well, Holly hasn’t got clue!”

“I know! But that’s the difference!” look at him.

“That’s the difference, Andy. knew there was chance of inheriting the disease—well, thought knew—and saw

what it did to Mum. had to live with it hanging over me

every day. But Holly doesn’t even know there’s

possibility She could live for years and years without any signs—she might not have Huntington’s, Andy! So what

good would knowing do?” shake my head. “It’d ruin her

life.”

“So ignorance is bliss, huh?” Andy says quietly. “You

want her to live Trudie’s life? Not knowing till it’s too

late?”

look away.

“What if she has children, Rose? What if she passes

the disease on to her kids because she doesn’t even know

she has it?”

“I don’t know! don’t know Andy.” stare at the

floor. “What’s worse? Living your whole life normally until

one day you discover you’ve got Huntington’s—or

suddenly being told you’re not who you think you are,

your family’s not your family—oh, and there’s

fifty

percent chance you could inherit fatal disease?”

He looks away.

191

“It’s impossible!”

shrug helplessly. “How can

make this life-changing decision about girl don’t even

know?”

“You can’t,” Andy sighs, taking my hand. “Because

it’s not your decision to make.”

look up.

He squeezes my hand. “It’s hers.”

stare at him hopelessly for

moment, then sigh

heavily and collapse back onto the bed.

“It’ll ruin her life,”

say simply, closing my eyes.

“Either way, I’ll ruin her life.”

192

Holly

When there’s no answer to Josh’s doorbell, head

around to the backyard, to find Melissa midlunge.

Immediately, every inch of me itches to tell her my

news, to squeal and scream and leap around celebrating

with my best friend.

Not till after Dad remind myself for the hundredth

time, biting my tongue.

“Holls!” Melissa grins, looking up. “Perfect timing.

Wanna come for

run? It’s, like,

total record—I’ve

managed to keep my New Year’s jogging resolution for

whole week!”

“Congrats!” say, struggling to keep the grin from

my face. “But not right now, thanks. Your brother

around?”

“Nope.” She jogs on the spot. “Still in bed.”

“Still?”

“Uh-huh. You two must’ve had

pretty eventful

weekend, huh?” She winks. “He’s exhausted, and you look

like the cat that got the cream.”

beam. “You have no idea.”

“Please—spare me!” She grins, rolling her eyes as

she jogs off down the driveway. “See you later, then—

some of us have to exercise alone.”

193

laugh as she blows me

kiss and disappears

around the corner, then

push open the back door.

Slipping off my sneakers, creep carefully upstairs, tiptoe

to Josh’s bedroom door and listen. Silence. Gently, ease

the handle down

Josh is lying in bed, grinning at me.

“You’re awake!” accuse, disappointed. “I wanted to

surprise you!”

“You have.” He reaches for me, as

pull off my

baggy sweater. “You’re more and more beautiful every

day

Is that new shirt? Wow!”

“Eyes on the face.”

grin, climbing onto the bed

beside him.

“Always, baby, always,” he insists, stroking my hair.

“I meant it brings out the color of your eyes.” He grins, pulling me close as

settle into his chest, my fingers

twirling and tangling in the soft black curls. He catches my

hand and slides his fingers through mine. We look like

candy bar: chocolaty brown striped with creamy vanilla.

“Where’s the ring?” he whispers.

smile. “Somewhere safe.”

“You’ve managed to keep it secret?” he asks. “Even

with your big mouth?”

“Hey!” slap his chest and cuddle closer. “For now,”

sigh. “But you’re gonna ask Dad today, right? You go back

to Harvard tonight.”

“Yes,” Josh promises, his heart beating faster

against my cheek. “I’ll ask him today. After lunch.”

194

“Before lunch,” beg, sitting up. “Please, Josh, can’t

stand it. can’t wait any longer!”

“Okay, okay. Before lunch,” Josh relents, pulling me

back down and hooking his leg over mine. “Just as soon as

get up the courage.”

“Hey!” giggle. “That’s not courage you’re getting

up!”

He leans his head into my neck, his huge warm

body pressing against me, pushing me down into the

mattress

“No!” laugh, pushing him away. “Joshua Samuels,

don’t believe you’re taking me seriously!”

“Holly Woods.” He grins. “I’ll take you whichever

way you like.”

He slides his hand under my top as he nibbles the

kink on my right ear, sending shivers tickling deliciously

down my spine as collapse against the pillows

“No!” With an immense force of will

push him

away, struggling upright. “Come on!”

“Not even the pixie ear?” he asks innocently.

“Especially not the pixie ear!”

laugh, pulling my

sweater back on.

He looks at me mournfully. “You’re really serious?”

“Deadly.” grin, kissing his nose and fixing my hair.

“Not till after lunch! When we’re officially engaged.” lean forward. “Then we can do whatever”—I kiss his cheek—

“we”—his nose—“want.”

cup his face and kiss him

deeply, pressing myself against him for

long moment.

Finally break away, leaving us both breathless.

195

He stares at me for second, then suddenly lifts me,

shrieking, over his shoulder.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” he cries.

“Come on!”

196

Rosie

“Ready?” Andy asks.

nod, my heart racing. “As I’ll ever be.”

He squeezes my hand, take deep breath, and we

push into the kitchen.

“Oh, good!” Megan looks up from her ironing board.

“Holly lent you something to wear—sorry—didn’t mean

to leave you without anything! But thought I’d better get

to your clothes before they stained,

hope you don’t

mind?”

“Thank you.” smile. “And I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be silly, it was party! Ben’s always spilling

things—try cleaning up after

toddler!” She grins.

“Besides, think you got the brunt of it, judging from your

clothes! All clean now.” She nods at pile of fresh laundry.

“Holl’s are good fit, though, huh?”

“Yeah.”

shift uncomfortably and glance at Andy.

“Is, er, is Holly around?” clench my fists, digging my nails

into my palms nervously.

“Nope, sorry, she’s gone out.” Megan shakes her

head, her blond curls bouncing as she irons