Inheritance Of Secrets

Punctual

I wake up later than usual, yet I feel as though I got no sleep at all. I reach for my phone for any messages. Grayson sent me a message. But there is also a missed call from my brother. I decided to call him back instead of replying to Gray.

"Hey, Ethan," I said while yawning.

"Finally, you talk to me. Anna, do you realise that you haven't talked to me in ages? Or come home in around a month, probably more." Even on the phone, I know he is annoyed. Maybe I should have just responded to Grayson first.

"I have been really busy lately, E. I am not trying to ignore you. Plus, I texted you yesterday, and the last time we spoke was like four days ago."

"Siblings are supposed to talk every day."

I feel angry at that comment. He understands that he is the only person in that house who I truly consider to be family. He is my brother, but our mum is no mother to me. He is the only reason I have even gone back to that house.

"I'm really sorry I haven't been home. It's harder when I'm there, Ethan, and you know it. I get how you want me there, but your parents don't."

"You mean our parents."

"Same thing; you get what I'm saying."

I hear him take a sharp breath from the other line. "I had to hear from the news that my sister is now a billionaire and the owner of some library. I should have heard it from you."

"I'm sorry, E. I should have told you. I'm still trying to work it out myself."

"Well, you could at least try and tell me." He continued, "Our house has some reporters outside, and it's driving mum crazy. I think I saw her with the meds again An."

I flinch when he says 'mum'. I know I need to be there for him right now, but I don't think I can walk into that house again. When I do eventually go back, I always make sure my mother or Ethan's dad isn't there. Or at least my mother isn't there. I want to be there for him, but I just can't. It's too hard.

"I'll call the clinic to see if they can do a search of the house and drug test her. Talk to your dad and see if he sees anything either." I try to slow my breath to stop my hands from shaking, but it doesn't seem to work.

"Okay, don't call them till I've spoken to dad. She'll get mad at me if you do."

"Of course, E., call me when you've talked to him. Okay." I try to steady my breathing again, and this attempt is much more successful.

"Okay. I'll do it now. Bye Anna,"

"Bye Ethan."

I hang up the phone and drop it immediately. My hands don't stop shaking, and I can't seem to get a hold of my breath. I keep trying to slow down and focus, but I feel so out of control. I can't breath. I try to stand up, but I slip back down to my spot on the floor. I keep trying to get my breath back, but my heart rate just keeps speeding up. I feel like I'm having a heart attack. I hear the ring of my phone that pulls me back to reality, and I am finally able to let out a low, steady breath.

I looked at the caller ID. It's Grayson.

"Hello," I huff out.

"You haven't replied to my message," he said, sounding very annoyed.

"I have been sleeping; I haven't had time to deal with Hawthorne drama." I reply.

"Meet me in the library at 9:32."

"9:32? Why so exact?" I know Grayson likes punctuality, but an exact number.

"It's important, please, Annabelle." Grayson was nearly begging me to go to the library. Strange occurrence.