Chapter 8
He was with a group of his hockey team. Gianna was there too.
Henry carried her designer bag in one hand while his other arm wrapped around her waist. They walked at the back of the group.
Whenever Gianna wanted to tell him something, she’d lean in close, and he’d attentively bend down to listen.
Not like with us.
Henry had always been taller than me, growing more so every year. I always had to bounce on my tiptoes, craning my neck just to talk to him.
He never bent down to meet me halfway. Never leaned in close unless it was to murmur things in the dark, things that no brother should say to his sister.
I guess for someone he actually cares about, he makes the effort to meet them halfway.
I took a deep breath.
Told myself to show some dignity. His life wasn’t my business anymore – I’d slap myself if I kept overthinking this. Step–siblings or not, we weren’t exactly close anyway.
But there seemed to be only one path to the gates.
I had no choice but to trail far behind them.
Finally, we reached a fork in the terminal.
Henry started getting antsy.
He made several calls that went unanswered, then spent ages staring at his phone. Finally, he borrowed a friend’s phone and headed toward the restrooms, looking stormy.
Moments later, my phone rang – unknown number.
“Iris, you’re really committed to this silent treatment, huh? Won’t even reach out unless I make the first move?”
“And blocking me? Real mature.”
“Good luck keeping this up. Let’s see how you handle Minnesota alone when you don’t know anyone there.”
Henry’s tone was harsh as he laid into me.
I stayed silent – there was nothing to say.
This only seemed to anger him more.
“Whatever. Just unblock me on Instagram already.”
“I’m heading overseas with hockey teammates for a couple days, might be hard to reach. Dad asked me to keep an eye on you while they’re away. Don’t want them worrying because you’re acting out again.”
I couldn’t even bother giving him a single word.
Just hung up and turned off my phone.
From a distance, I watched him storm back to the group. He grabbed Gianna’s hand and headed left toward their gate without hesitation.
I sighed, turned right and walked away.
