Chapter 5: Sisterly Support

When I woke up again, days had passed. My sister Aubrey, whom I’d rescued before, was wiping my face with a hot towel, her eyes red from crying.

The room smelled like disinfectant and chamomile tea. Aubrey hovered, hands trembling, mumbling curses that would’ve made our mom faint.

She cursed Caleb as she wiped. "That heartless bastard. Hope he steps on a Lego every morning."

I snorted. "That’s harsh. Even for you." She wiped her nose on her sleeve and shot me a watery glare.

Aubrey’s eyes grew redder and tears dripped onto my hand.

She looked so small, curled up at the edge of the bed, her anger melting into helplessness. I wanted to comfort her, but the words stuck.

"Alex, Caleb—the mayor’s asked the governor for permission to marry Rachel Summers as First Lady."

She said it like a death sentence, voice cracking. I blinked, the news hitting harder than I expected.

"What will you do?"

I was stunned, not expecting Caleb to move so quickly.

It felt surreal, like someone flipped the script while I was out.

Aubrey was still crying, clutching my shoulder: "He even had the cops watch our house, saying he was afraid you’d cause trouble."

I imagined Deputy Chief Derek parked outside, eating donuts and eavesdropping. The thought made me grin, even as pain shot through my arm.

"Didn’t he promise to marry you? Now that he’s mayor, he breaks his promise. How can someone be like this!"

Her outrage was almost comforting. She wiped her nose on her sleeve, glaring at the closed door.

I winced, unable to hold back my own tears.

A hot tear slipped down my cheek. I swiped it away, not wanting her to see.

Aubrey grew more agitated: "Alex, you’re sad too, aren’t you? I’ll find a way to take you to see him and confront him face to face!"

I gasped in pain.

"No... you’re pressing on my wound. It hurts."

She let go, sheepish, then shoved the medicine bottle toward my lips.

She poured the pills in with all the gentleness of a drill sergeant. I coughed, but managed a weak grin.

"Who exactly is Rachel Summers? While you were out, the whole town was saying she and the mayor are a perfect match! But you’re the one who’s been by his side for seven years."

Aubrey rattled off town gossip like a news anchor. I could practically hear the rumor mill churning.

"At the coffee shop, they say Rachel helped him in the snow, saved him from a knife, stood up to powerful families, even dressed as a guy to follow him."

Every retelling grew more dramatic. I rolled my eyes, but let her finish.

"The mayor said her reputation was ruined, so he went to the courthouse that day to ask for her hand."

The courthouse was the grandest building in town, its flag always at half-mast for something or someone. I could picture the crowd, the whispers.

"I think Rachel herself is spreading these stories! She must have heard about you and the mayor and made it all up."

Aubrey’s voice was thick with suspicion, but I knew better. Rachel didn’t need to scheme—Caleb fought her battles for her.

Afraid she’d choke me, I sat up and corrected her.

I took a breath. "Wrong. It’s not Rachel—it’s Caleb."

"Without his say-so, the news wouldn’t have spread so fast."

Aubrey’s eyes brimmed with hurt and anger. "How could he do this?"

I shrugged, my good arm aching. "He’s just in love."

"Men always keep some dream girl on a pedestal, don’t they?"

Aubrey nodded, her mouth set. "Aubrey, remember: a man’s promises can’t be trusted. Whatever they owe you, they’ll try to make up for in other ways."

I ruffled her hair, trying to lighten the mood. She sniffed and finally managed a small smile.

Seeing her nod, I was satisfied.

It was enough for now. I just wanted her to know I was still here.

"Tell those outside I’m awake. I want to see Caleb."

Aubrey’s eyes lit up. "I’ll go right away, Alex! You have to win him back!"

She darted out, determination in every step. I sighed, bracing myself for whatever came next.

Me: "...."

Sometimes little sisters believe in you more than you do.