Page 46 of #Lovestrong

Lena

Dinner with Declan's family is wonderful, and sitting around their fire pit, I don't even want to go home. Thankfully, Declan's sister decided not to eat with everyone and has stayed in her room. I'm sitting on a lounge chair, between Declan's legs, while his mom and dad chat with us.

"I'm not looking forward to the next session," Mr. Aiden says, rolling his eyes.

"Come on, Dad. You never dread doing your job," Declan says before leaning down to plant a soft kiss on my neck.

His father watches us and smiles. "Well, some things have changed recently. I'll be holding a press conference later this month."

Everyone, including Mrs. Carrigan, gives him a strange questioning look. He, however, looks right at me and smiles. I haven't asked much about Declan's family's position on politics. I've never been interested in politics or anything like that. His dad being a Senator honestly doesn't matter in the slightest to me.

"When's your press conference," Mrs. Carrigan asks, reaching over to take Mr. Aiden's hand.

"The twenty-second."

I sputter, choking on a sip of my tea.

"You okay, sweetie?" Mr. Aiden eyes me with concern.

I nod, trying to catch my breath.

"I was actually hoping you kids would come."

The others smile and nod, clearly excited about being invited to a real event. I, on the other hand, look down at my hands.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Harp," I say as calmly as I can. "I can't."

"Are you sure? It would really mean a lot to me to have you and Declan there."

"The twenty-second is the one-year anniversary of the shooting."

"Oh," he says, sadness pooling in his eyes.

Declan wraps his arms around me and kisses my hair. "Hey, it's okay, baby. We get it. No worries."

"The invitation will be open if you change your mind, Lena. No pressure, kiddo."

I smile, thankful the Harps are so sweet and understanding. They're such an amazing family. Well, except Darcy. I don't understand that one. It's like she’s got all the nasty genes and none of the positive traits. It really does baffle me that she and Declan are twins, yet their personalities are polar opposites. In all the ways he’s pure and good, she’s just mean and deceitful. It's mind boggling.

"Can Myra come over for a little while?"

Speak of the devil and it shall appear. Darcy's voice actually makes me cringe. I turn my head and stare over at the fire. I have no desire to even look at her. It's not that I'm angry at what she did. Yes, it's hurtful, and it was mean-spirited, but Declan was going to find out sooner or later. I was just banking on later.

It's the reasons she did it. It wasn't because she thought I was being a bad person by withholding my past or because she was trying to protect her brother. She enjoyed upsetting me. It was plain as day on her face as she spilled my secret to everyone. It was fun for her. Being mean and hurtful is fun for Darcy, and that's not the kind of person I want anywhere near me.

"No," Mrs. Carrigan says in a stern voice. "Your father and I made it clear what your punishment entails. No phone, no computer, no going out, no friends over. Until we say otherwise."

Darcy actually stomps her foot and it reminds me of a little girl throwing a tantrum. "That's complete bullshit."

"Darcy," Mr. Aiden says, raising his voice enough that even Declan stills behind me. "Not another word."

Darcy lets out a shrill growl, turns on her heels, and stomps into the house. For a moment, I actually feel bad.

"You shouldn't punish her so hard, Mr. Aiden. It's okay. Everyone was bound to find out anyway." I look up enough to make eye contact, and he's still stone-faced as his eyes meet mine.

"No, Lena. What Darcy did is not okay. We didn't raise our children to treat others that way, and this isn't the first time Darcy has done something like this. Her mother and I have let it slide for too long. It's about time she learned that meanness has its consequences."

I nod as Declan squeezes me gently, coaxing me to lean back against him. Closing my eyes, I relish the peacefulness of his breathing and the subtle wind that blows over us. I wish this weekend didn't have to end. Even though it started out a disaster, it's ended on such a beautiful note.

But I do have my first soccer practice to look forward to, and I'm actually eager to get back on the field.