The Starling's place was a two story manor, with the sunroom on the top floor on display. It was surrounded by nature, a forest of trees and my mind immediately wondered what else scenic awaited in it.
We remained seated in the car, silence prevailing inside the small space. I remembered that soon enough, I would be able to place a face to the mind crafted image of Jae Starling's mom.
"Shikana's here too?" I was shocked as I saw her and Wiley move towards the woods cheery. "And my parents are okay with this?"
"Well...uh...our parents kind of think we're on a school trip."
"What!?" I was angry. "I thought I was obligated to be here. You know Graeme's sick, you idiot!"
"Kaye calm down." Jae tried to be rational.
"Don't you dare..." I was fuming, "Take me home this instant Jae!"
"It's getting late, we'll be back in Bloomfield after midnight. Just calm down, it's not that big of a deal."
"Not that big of a deal? I should be with Graeme -by his side in case he needs me."
"I'm sorry for trying to do something nice for you. I thought it'll take your mind of everything. I was only trying to help."
"Well Jae you thought wrong." The car fell silent again too long for Jae to bare.
"I'll take you back first thing tomorrow morning." I could see I had really hurt him. Jae reached for the handle.
"Jae wait..." I leaned over, stopping him from opening the door. I brought myself back up, eyes leveled with his.
I cleared my throat, "Out with it?"
Jae was rubbing his palms on his black jeans usually my brother's way of showing something was bothering him, "What do you mean?"
"Oh come on Jae. Look, just because I'm with Graeme doesn't mean I can't be friends with you. I haven't had many over the years but I know how to be one. Talk to me?"
Jae Starling gave a sigh, "There's something I haven't told you and clearly Graeme didn't either."
I sat up straight, my attention now even more invested. That unexplainable feeling lingering in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong and I wasn't sure whether I would be able to stomach whatever news it was that made me feel so anxious -that made Jae Starling look as if it was the hardest thing he had to do in his entire life.
"No. Look, just enjoy tonight and I'll have you back in Bloomfield tomorrow first thing."
I took a breath and decided that it was perhaps the only option. "Okay." I told him, "That doesn't mean whatever it is you're hiding will be slid away so easily. We will talk about this later."
We got out of the car and made our way to the house, oblivious to what was going on inside.
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