OBSESSED

15

JARROD

The weekend dragged endlessly on. Although I was glad to be with my sister, she was enshrouded with grief and despair. I could only take so much before my mental state deteriorated.

James chose to stay longer since he could work remotely. Between all of the Mullers, he seemed the least affected by Julia's situation. I knew he was experiencing feelings; he just processed them differently from everyone else. A stranger might think he was a sociopath, but he had merely perfected control over his self-expression.

Julia didn't seem to mind, at any rate. She just couldn't be left alone for too long or she would break down into inconsolable sobs.

My siblings had always been closer to each other than to me, so it made sense James would stay with her. I had too much else going on to handle her feelings with the needed care. The entire weekend, my mind spun with thoughts of Leah and strategies for how I would put out the fire she started Friday.

As soon as my plane touched down in Atlanta, I phoned Leah. She texted me yesterday but I was occupied with Julia and my parents.

Besides, I was here now. I was ready to see her and talk in person. Texts were not going to get across what I needed them to.

"Hello?" she greeted.

"Leah, hey." I walked briskly through the airport, tugging along my carry-on towards the parking garage. "How are you?"

"I'm good, I guess. How are you? How is your sister?"

"She's . . . alright. I'm honestly exhausted but I would like to see you. Are you free today?"

"Oh, um, yeah. I'm just sitting at home. For reals this time."

My smile came more reluctantly this time, as her words reminded me that she hadn't been at home Friday night like she promised.

"Would you mind if I drop by? You can send me your address if that's easiest. I just want to see you."

"Why don't we get coffee or something?" she suggested. "You sound tired and I am always down for a good latte."

Tired didn't even remotely describe how I felt. Caffeine probably wouldn't even help, but if that was what she wanted, I'd make it happen.

"Pick a place and send me the info," I said.

"Okay! I know a great cafe. Sending you the details now." She cleared her throat before her tone lowered and she added, "I also want to go ahead and apologize for Friday. That was a cluster fuck of the highest degree."

I bit back a smile. "What are you apologizing for?"

"Isabelle shouldn't have talked to you that way," she said. "I wasn't even really crying. I was just emotional from the alcohol. She freaked out because she was drunk and got way overprotective. I'm sorry she was rude to you."

"There was alcohol involved, I understand. It's okay. You did worry me, but I know you're safe now." I rubbed my aching eyes and inhaled deeply. "When you told me you were scared, I didn't know if you were in some immediate danger or if it was something else."

"Something else. I wasn't in any kind of immediate danger. I promise."

"Good. I'm glad you're safe, honey," I said.