IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES Book 2

Chapter 35 Re-Upload

“It don’t work like that Amb. Not when you’re my little sister.”

“Well I’m not your little sister anymore. I’m a grown woman and I can make my own decisions.”

“To be miserable like you are now.”

“I’m not miserable.” I marinated the steaks.

“Ok well you not happy.”

“I am happy.” I gave a smile.

“Amber you forgetting I practically raised you. I know you inside and out. And you cannot tell me you are 100 percent happy being up here.”

“All things take some getting adjusted to Durrell.”

“You go from living in a mansion to this? This not even half the size of your old house. Your bedroom was bigger than this.”

“Don’t judge my living situation. Your 43 year old ass just got a house a year ago.”

“Get mad at me if you want to, but we know the truth. Maybe the apartment isn’t the problem, but being home is. You are not happy, ironing clothes, cooking meals and cleaning baby poop I don’t care how much you convince yourself that you are.”

“Relationships are about sacrifice Durrell. Something you know absolutely nothing about because you never sacrificed anything. You wanted your cake and to eat it too.”

“You are right. They are about sacrifice, but not giving away your whole life away.

“Durrell it’s one year of my life. Honestly after the whole thing with Nate, I need a break. I don’t tell August this, but it still hurts me very much.” I went to a box in the closet and pulled out the painting Nate did of me.

“Wow, this is amazing. Who did this?”

“Nate. I don’t hang it up, out of respect for Aug. But I can’t just throw my memories with Nate away. He was just a necessary part of my life as August was. I love August you know that. And I’m happy he’s back in my life. But I loved Nate too. I really did.” I felt the tears start to form.

“He was such a beautiful person Rell. But he had such a horrible life. And at times I’m just so sad, that I couldn’t change that. He didn’t deserve what he went through. And every time I look at this I’m just reminded of the beauty he held inside him.”

“Just think about it as he was happy while he was with you. You were the rainbow in his cloud for that short time.”

“Yeah.” I wiped my eyes and sat down in the kitchen chair. “I just wish I could do more. For people like him ya know? Those who have hard lives. Let them know, life is worth living ya know?”

“Maybe you can find a suicide support group out here, and be a facilitator. Let them know Nate’s story that way his legacy lives, and you can help other people too.”

“That’s a good idea, where would I find one though?”

“I’m sure they got that stuff online.”

“Yeah, you right. Thank you for that.”

“Now can big bro get a hug?”

“Yeah.” I hugged him. He held me tight.

“I don’t care what we go through, know that I love you and I always got your back. Nothing I do, is to hurt you.”

“I know.”

He kissed my forehead.

The door opened.

“Hey babe.” I straightened my hair as August came through the front door.