As soon as I turn onto residential streets, we both quiet and stare at the smaller brick houses lining each side of the road, the anxiety in the space suffocating. Each one that passes by makes my stomach twist more. Why did I agree to this? I understand she wants to meet her sister, but this whole situation has me feeling out of sorts.  

When Stone told me the address, it surprised me she doesn’t live in Barrow, but a few towns over. He also informed me she recently filed for divorce, and that’s where I stopped him. I don’t want to know. I’m here for Ellie, I’m not coming here to catch up with Everly. She forgot about me, and as much as that still stings, I’ve let it go and moved on.

I clear my throat and say, “This next left is her street.” Ellie wrings her hands together and leans forward to read the house numbers. I’ve reminded her every day that no matter what happens, I choose her.

I slow the car and park in front of a pale yellow brick house and glance over at Ellie. She’s staring at the house, biting the inside of her cheek. “This is stupid,” she says, shifting in her seat toward me, panicking. “Let’s go. We can call her and tell her she has a twin.”

I grin, having thought that numerous times this week. I wrap my hand around hers and bring it to my lips. “How about I go check if she’s home. She won’t recognize me, so I’ll introduce myself and explain…” I pause, wondering what I should say. “Well, we’ll go from there. This isn’t something we can plan out.”

She exhales loudly. “Okay. Gesture when it's a good time for me to get out.”

I lean over, grab her behind the neck and guide her to my mouth. Her lips part and I pour the love I have for her into the kiss. “I love you,” I murmur against her lips. She nods when I find her eyes. “It'll be okay.”

At least, I hope so.

I hop out of the SUV and shake out my hands, taking a few deep breaths. She won’t know you, I repeat in my head. I'm a stranger to her, she'll think I'm a sales person in my khaki shorts and polo. My knuckles rap on the glass part of the door and then I stick them in my pockets. It’s afternoon, so she’s probably not even here. After a couple minutes of hearing nothing, I spin around and walk down the stairs. I glance at Ellie and shrug. The sound of a door opening stops me in my tracks.

“Kase,” a familiar voice says from behind me. Ellie’s voice, but with a heavy southern accent. I turn slowly, cocking my head. She didn’t just say my name. Did she? 

When our eyes meet, my words get stuck in my throat. I always knew Ellie looked like her, but seeing Everly standing there, it’s remarkable how similar they are. Those green eyes I fell in love with stare back at me. My brain doesn’t seem to be functioning. I told it over and over she wouldn’t recognize me, yet she said my name.

“Did you say my name?”

She smiles. “I did.” I can see it in her eyes. The recognition. The love. I drop my gaze, focusing on my hands. “Kase, I remember you.” She takes a step toward me. I should take a step back, but I can’t. My feet are rooted in this spot.

“How? When?” I respond in disbelief.

She turns her attention toward a vehicle coming down the street and her gaze darts down to her watch. She peeks at it again and then back to me. A flicker of panic flashes in her eyes and her shoulders tense. I crane my neck around to see what has her so worried. A truck pulls up, and a boy hops out and rushes up the sidewalk.

“Mom, I got a hundred in PE.” He flies by me, holding up a piece of paper.

 She runs her hand through his hair, her eyes flickering between the two of us. “Good job. Can you go inside, I’ll be in there in a minute.” He turns and stares at me. I freeze in disbelief.

“Hi, I’m Reed.” He holds out his hand. I focus on his little hand. Long skinny fingers. His eyebrow shoots up when I stand there stupefied, struggling to find my voice.

I slowly lift my hand, wrapping it around his. “Hi Reed, I’m Kase.”

“Hmm. That’s a cool name.” My lips curl up.

“Thanks. I like yours too.” His face brightens and I’m staring at myself almost twenty years ago. It’s hard to breathe let alone talk when all I want to do is yell. “How old are you Reed?”

“I’m ten. I look younger because I haven’t hit my growth spurt yet. It’s coming though, isn’t that right, Dad.” My heart stops. I jerk my head up to Everly, my entire insides twisting in a frenzy. Did he call me dad? Everly’s eyes water, her hand covers her mouth, and she shakes her head slightly. What does that mean? He’s not mine, or he didn’t call me dad? I glance back to Reed but his eyes focus on something behind me. I peer over my shoulder to the man leaning against his truck, his eyes pinned on me.

A flash of rage heats inside me. This isn’t happening. He wouldn’t do this. He’s been my best friend since we were born.

“Kase,” Wayne says, pushing off his truck and strolling toward me. “This is a surprise.”

My muscles tighten and I draw my head back stiffly. I laugh without humor. You fucking think?

Whipping back around to Everly, I wait for her to tell me what I’m thinking is wrong. When she can't look at me, she confirms my suspicion. I have a son, and my best friend raised him without telling me. I squeeze the bridge of my nose as my body vibrates with anger. There’s only been one other time anger flowed through every vein in my body and it didn't end well.

“Reed, please go inside.” Everly’s voice breaks. Reed looks at each of us.

“Is everything okay?” he asks, peering at me. His question isn’t directed at me, but I’m the stranger here. I manage to smile at him and relax my shoulders despite my raging pulse.

“It is. Just go and start your homework. Do it in your bedroom,” Everly replies.

His hands flail to the side before they flop down. “What? Why am I being grounded? I didn’t do anything this time.” Despite my annoyance, I grin at the little guy. He even reminds me of me.

“You’re not grounded. I just need you to go in your room, okay?” She lifts his chin so he’s looking at her. He nods his head and goes inside. I blow out a ragged breath.

"Kase, I never meant for you–"

I hold a finger up, grinding my teeth. "Stop," I snap. I shift my attention to Wayne. "You son-of-a-bitch." I leap the three feet that separates us, slamming my fist into his face. His fist connects to my side and we both tumble to the ground, throwing punches and kicks.

“Kase! Stop.” My back stiffens and I push off Wayne, rolling to my side. Everly gasps and I close my eyes knowing today changes everything.

Ellie.

“What the hell?” Wayne rasps in between heavy breathing and spitting blood.