Lesson 115- Sometimes when someone doesn’t want to tell you something you just have to agree.
“What about the binding spell?” I ask cautiously. Torin tenses up and frowns.
“I can’t. Not while you’re still in danger. I’m… I’m not ready. Can I have a bit more time? Please?” He is practically pleading with me. I don’t love that answer, but it’s better than anything he’s said previously. It’s not a no, just a ‘not now.’ The weight of my phone in my hand is reassuring as I give a slow nod.
“Alright.” I agree. I get to my feet and go to leave, I need to call my brother. I’ve made him wait long enough as it is, he’s probably freaking out. Torin makes an uncomfortable sound as I pass him that makes me pause and look up at him.
“Are… Are we okay?” He asks nervously. I consider, then nod.
“Yeah, we’re okay. Just remember, I can wait, but I won’t put up with this forever.” I warn him. He nods gratefully and his smile is so hopeful, I can’t help but smile back.
That settled, I rush to my room, clutching my phone. I want to just call him immediately, but I know Torin has been texting him so I figure I should see what was written first. The messages are pretty much just like what Torin described. My brother was messaging asking why I’m not answering my door, why I’m not answering the endless number of missed calls I have. Some of what Torin wrote was just stuff like I’m sorry, I’ll call you back. Others, he wrote that I was under the weather and didn’t want to make him sick and that my throat was too sore for a call. Or that I was super busy at work, or sleeping or out with friends. Basically every single possible excuse. My brother’s responses get more and more irritated, saying how uncool it is for me to ignore him. About two weeks in, the messages changed, they were more accepting. He no longer seemed to expect me to answer. For a moment I’m almost offended, thinking that he forgot about me so easily. Then I see it. One message that stands out from the rest.
Damien- Hey sis, I know you’ve been unwell. But do you think you’ll be well enough for dad’s birthday dinner next month? There’s no way you would miss that, right?
And of course, Torin answered on my behalf.
Rina- I’m sure I’ll be feeling better by then. I’ll let you know for sure closer to the day!
Shit. My brother definitely knows something is up.
“Torin!” I call him into my room, frustrated.
“Yes?” He says, stepping inside. I sigh and show him the message.
“My brother definitely knows I wasn’t the one sending these messages.” I say bluntly. He raises an eyebrow.
“What? But he didn’t seem suspicious. I thought I did an okay job at answering… I tried not to be offensive.” He trails off with a frown. I sigh.
“You told him I would consider attending my dad’s birthday. We haven’t talked about my dad, but if we had then you would know that he left us years ago. The fact that he even asked means he was suspicious.” I explain. Torin sighs.
“Damn. I thought I was doing an okay job of it.” Torin answers, clearly frustrated. I shrug.
“Apparently it’s not so easy pretending to be me.” I conclude. He nods.
“Are… Are you going to call him now?” Torin asks.
“Yeah, he’s definitely freaking out. I’m sure of it.” I respond. Torin shuffles in place.
“Would… Would you mind if I stayed to hear what you say? You can tell him what you think is right. I meant what I said before. But… I’d still like to know.” He asks nervously. I consider a moment then nod. I don’t see any reason to keep my conversation with my brother a secret from Torin.
“Alright. But I’ll do the talking.” I insist and he nods, then takes a seat in the recliner.
“Do you know what you plan to tell him?” Torin asks and I sigh, shaking my head.
“Not really. I plan to be as honest as possible without revealing anything I shouldn’t.” I respond, aware that my answer is pretty vague. Still. That's all I’ve got. I go and shut my bedroom door, then I call my brother and put the phone on speakerphone.
I hold my breath and for a moment, I don’t think he’s going to answer. When the line connects, he sounds cautious.
“Hello?” He asks warily.
“Hey Damien, it’s me.” I say cheerfully.
“Are you okay?” He asks in a rush, clearly concerned.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry I haven’t been answering. A lot has happened.” I say apologetically. Damien scoffs.
“Sorry? It’s been weeks! I’ve been out of my mind with worry! Not to mention someone has been answering my messages and I know it wasn’t you!” He speaks harshly, but I know it’s just because he’s worried about me.
“I know, and I’m really sorry about that. There was… I mean… Well… Look, I can’t tell you everything. Some secrets aren’t mine to tell. But long story short, someone attacked me on the street, and now I think there’s someone after me. That’s why I haven’t been home.” I explain.
“I don’t understand, why wouldn’t you come to me?” My brother demands. I search for a reasonable answer.
“Well… If someone is looking for me, that would be the first place they would look, right?” I reason.
“I suppose so.” He grumbles, clearly unhappy with my response but unable to disagree.
“But if you aren’t home, and you aren’t with me, where are you? Are you safe?” He demands.
“I’m safe. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m… Staying with my friend Tori.” I tell him.
“Oh. But… Why wouldn’t you just tell me this? And who was answering your messages?” He asks, clearly not totally convinced.
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t really know what was going on. As for the messages. My friend had my phone.” I tell him. Damien pauses for a moment.
“Why did your friend have your phone?” He questions and I sigh.
“There was a bit of a misunderstanding. It doesn’t matter now.” I answer vaguely.
“Of course it matters!” Damien insists.
“Okay, then it matters. But I have my phone back now, and you don’t need to worry about that.” I say bluntly.
“But-” My brother starts and I cut him off.
“Look, I know you’re not happy about this. But I can’t tell you everything right now. I’m calling to tell you that I’m alive and safe, you don’t need to worry about me.” I tell him.
“That’s not good enough! Where are you? I’ll come get you.” He demands. I notice Torin tensing.
“No. I’m staying where I am for now.” I say firmly.
“But…” My brother seems speechless and a little hurt. I sigh.
“Look, I’m really sorry I scared you, and I promise from now on, I’ll answer my phone whenever you call. You can call me a dozen times a day and I’ll pick up every time.” I promise. Damien sighs and relents.
“Fine. But I’ll be checking in, and as soon as possible I want to see you so I can make sure you’re okay for myself.” He insists. I hesitate.
“Uh… When it’s safe, I want to see you too. I miss you. Speaking of safe, have you seen anyone… Strange… Around lately?” I ask.
“Strange? No, not really. Should I have?” He questions.
“No, definitely not.” I rush to assure him. I suppose the guys who have been coming after me have been leaving my brother alone at least. So that’s good.
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