Anabel Unraveled

by Amanda Romine Lynch

  He got up, grabbed his clothing, and walked to the door. “Is there anything I can say?”

  I stared at him stonily, trying my hardest to hold it together. After he closed the door I sprang up and locked it behind him. Then I climbed into my bed and then, and only then, was the moment that I began to sob.

  Chapter 20—Anabel

  I met Meghan’s eyes. “I don’t think I can talk about this anymore,” I told her.

  “Anabel?” she ventured.

  “Mm?” I looked at her, trying to force away the tears that had appeared.

  “I know we don’t know each other very well, but I feel like, um, that is . . .” She gave a frustrated sigh. “I want to hug you. I think you need it. Can I?”

  I blinked away my tears and held out my arms. She stood up and walked over to me, and held me, stroking my hair, in a way that was almost maternal. “Thank you for sharing that, it must have been really hard,” she said.

  Jared had not said a word. I glanced at him through my watery eyes. He looked strained.

  “Anabel,” he choked a bit on my name.

  “You don’t need to say anything,” I told him.

  “I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

  “Please don’t say anything else.”

  “But Anabel . . .”

  “I can’t do this.” I pulled apart from Meghan.

  She snapped into action and looked at Jared. “You should go home and rest up for tomorrow. I will take the Princess to your hearing, so all you have to do is show up.”

  I knew he was looking at me, but I couldn’t return his gaze. I knew that if I looked at him, I would lose it, and I had to hold it together. That was all I could focus on. I was aware of him saying goodbye to me, to Meghan, and then I heard the door close, but I was lost in my own thoughts. Which is why it took me a few minutes to realize that Meghan was sitting next to me, holding my hand and looking at me, her eyes filled with compassion.

  “You know,” I broke the silence, “you couldn’t stand the sight of me earlier.”

  “I know, Anabel. I’m sorry. It’s just the kind of women Jared finds himself entangled with usually . . . well they aren’t like you.” Meghan looked away from me, as if she was searching for how to explain this. “I just have developed a certain cynicism whenever he gets involved with a woman. Mostly they’re airheads who want to be connected with his power and prestige. Do you know how hard it is to have all of your friends be in love with your brother? Wait, don’t answer that,” she said, and I couldn’t help but smile. Meghan continued. “Besides, you turned up pregnant, so it caused me to judge you prematurely. Again, I am truly sorry,” she apologized, and her voice was sincere.

  “You don’t have anything to be sorry for,” I replied. “We don’t even know each other. How could you possibly have any idea who I am, what I’m like? Everyone I have loved is isolated from me or dead, I’m not exactly the most popular girl right now.”

  “Well, I’d like to be your friend, if I could, Anabel.”

  “For the love of God, why?”

  She started to laugh. “You’re funny, for one thing. You’re certainly interesting. Also, I wrote my senior thesis on Jane Austen, so I know a kindred spirit when I see one.” She smiled. “Besides, it appears my brother actually does care about you, despite what you may think.”

  I snorted. “One moment I believe he does, the next moment I relive . . . that.” My speaking skills were deteriorating rather rapidly. “What a lucky girl I am, I get to do it again tomorrow.” I put my head in my hands. “I wish I knew who Natasha was. I had forgotten he had said that to me. Do you know?” I looked at her through my fingers.

  She looked away. “I really think that’s something he ought to tell you, not me.”

  “I understand.” And I did, even though I was dying to know.

  “I don’t really know what to say,” she admitted. “So what I think we should do is get you into your pajamas and into bed. Can I make you some hot chocolate?”

  I smiled at her. “I would like that.”

  I had gotten into my pajamas and was letting the air mattress fill when she brought in the cocoa. “It’s very hot, so be careful. I’m going to go get your sheets.”

  “Thank you,” I accepted it gratefully. She came back into the room and started making up the bed. I shifted, unsure of what to do or say.

  “Why are you fidgeting?” It was like she had eyes in the back of her head.

  “I guess, well, I don’t know, I invited myself over here, I feel very thankful that you took me in. Is there anything you want to ask me?” I dropped into a chair.

  She frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t know what to say to you, except that I’m so sorry you went through that, and my brother is a jerk sometimes.”

  “Why did you call me Princess?” I asked.

  “I don’t know.” She turned to look at me. “It just seemed to fit, somehow.”

  “That’s my codename, is all,” I leaned back in my chair.

  “I guess I’m just psychic then,” she laughed. “Who came up with it?”

  “Alexis,” I almost giggled at the memory. “She was talking to Sam and said, ‘I can’t believe I have to deal with some spoiled princess, Sam!’ And so it stuck. From what I’m told, Sam’s head of security turned to the detail and said, ‘When Princess arrives . . .’”

  “That Alexis is such a sweetheart. You’re all set,” she announced, turning down the bed for me. I slid into it, enjoying the feel of the cool, crisp sheets.

  “I can’t thank you enough.” I slipped my arm under the pillow.

  She sat down on the floor next to me. “Okay, I do have to ask. How do you feel about him? Honestly?”

  “I don’t know,” I groaned. “I should never have let myself get caught up in the moment with him earlier. I made a complete and utter idiot of myself.”

  She nodded. “I know I keep saying this, but he really does care about you.”

  “But only since he found out I was pregnant,” I pointed out. “He was such a jerk to me that first day at the hearings, Meghan. All I kept thinking about on the drive over there was that I wanted him to die.”

  “I’m sure it would make things easier,” she noted, a hint of amusement in her voice.

  “But he’s the father of my child, so he’s in my life whether I like it or not,” I continued. “It would make things easier if I knew I could count on him, if I could trust him.”

  “Well, just give yourself time. See how things work out. That’s all I can tell you,” she offered. “You know, I’m glad you’re here. It’s better for you to be away from Alexis.”

  I frowned. “Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”

  “You mean you don’t know?” Meghan looked surprised. “Well, she did an interview the other day and basically called you an ungrateful little . . . strumpet.”

  “She did not say strumpet!” I started to giggle.

  She laughed along with me. “No, but something along those lines.”

  “Well, that would explain the nice, tense atmosphere around Blair House. She and I don’t get along; I think she took an instant dislike to me.”

  “My guess is she doesn’t like your relationship with your brother.”

  “Yeah, I suppose.” I put my head down.

  “I’m serious, Anabel. You know, she would never contradict him. Not in public, which is why all the tabloid stories about them were from dinners, events where they thought that they were alone. But you—you don’t seem to care he used to be our President, you know? The media thinks it’s delightful that you backtalk Sam, and they’ve been quoting you left and right.”

  “Oh, dear,” I closed my eyes. “My poor brother. I should go a little easier on him. I guess that’s why they put me through those lovely ‘how to talk to the press’ classes.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Oh yes.” I sat up. “Well, it doesn’t surprise me. The other night she made an effort, but she’s since g
one back to being her usual heinous self.”

  “Well, you don’t deserve it.”

  “You’re sweet. I should go to bed though. Goodnight, Meghan.”

  “Pleasant dreams, Anabel.”

  Chapter 21—Jared

  I didn’t sleep that night.

  Listening to Anabel talk had been just about the worst experience of my life.

  I couldn’t deal with it. I couldn’t deal with her, and I couldn’t deal with myself.

  Around four I got up and went for a jog.

  Irony of ironies, I found myself in Rock Creek Park. There were a few deer in sight, and I broke into a run. It had been months since I had been down here, and I didn’t enjoy it. Too many bad memories.

  I ran until my lungs felt like they would burst, and then I paused and bent over, catching my breath. And then, I heard her voice. “What are you doing, Jared?”

  I looked up and saw Natasha. “Not you, too.”

  She approached me, half-smiling, just like she used to. She was dressed for a run, her almost black hair in a high ponytail. She had always looked like this: perfectly put together, flawless in her attire; she could run for miles and never break a sweat. “You can’t run away from the little mess you’ve created this time.”

  “I don’t know what to do.” I couldn’t lie to her.

  She laughed a little. “I know you don’t. But you screwed up last night.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You left her, Jared. You shouldn’t have done that. You should have at least attempted to comfort her. And to leave her with Meghan, of all people! Let’s face it, your sister—she’s not exactly the friendliest, is she?” She came closer. “Listen to me. Anabel Martin . . . you only get a limited amount of chances with a girl like that. Sort of like with me.”

  “That was different, Nat.” I closed my eyes.

  “Was it?”

  “We weren’t supposed to be together.”

  “I loved you,” came her fierce declaration.

  “I know you did. And I messed that up. I can’t forgive myself for that.”

  “You’re going to do that with Anabel, too, you know. There’s no getting around it, Jared. You’re running out of time, and there are things you can’t fix.”

  “You should leave now.”

  “Why?”

  “Because,” I said, keeping my eyes closed, “you’re not really here.”

  And when I opened my eyes, she was gone. I took a few deep breaths, and then ran back to my apartment. I had errands to run.

  A few hours later, I was standing outside the Capitol Building. Scanning the crowd, I didn’t see her mass of brown hair or my sister’s neat red bob. I checked my watch again. 9:01. I had to talk to her before we went in.

  A few minutes later, I was relieved to see them, walking closely together. Anabel looked relaxed. She was giggling, and Meghan was smiling back at her, but also looking around. I had a feeling she was doing her best to keep their entrance inconspicuous. I was surprised to see Anabel lean in and whisper something in Meghan’s ear, and then to see my sister actually laugh. Anabel had won her over.

  As they came closer I overheard Meghan say, “Now, when’s the last time you talked to your father’s attorney?”

  Anabel frowned. “You know, I haven’t heard from him, I’ll ask Sam today.”

  “Good, because you really need your document—oh,” she said, noticing me. The two of them stopped in their tracks.

  “Oh, hello,” Anabel stammered.

  “Hi. Hello Meghan.” I stared at my sister.

  Meghan smiled. “Well, this is where I leave you. I have to go down to the office.” She kissed me on the cheek, and whispered, “Hey, she had a pretty bad nightmare last night, go easy on her.” Then she turned to Anabel. “Bye Princess!”

  “Good-bye!” she called. She then turned to me. “Your sister is rather lovely.”

  “Yeah, she’s okay,” I agreed. “Hey, Anabel—”

  “There is a long list of things that I do not feel like talking about right now,” she began.

  “I know,” I cut her off. “Listen, I got you something.”

  She looked surprised. “Oh?”

  “Yes, here,” I thrust the package at her.

  We had all sorts of people milling about us, but oblivious little Anabel was lost in her own world of unwrapping my gift, blocking the way without noticing. When she got the paper off her eyes widened. “Oh Jared,” she whispered.

  “Does this mean you like it?”

  “I LOVE it!” she practically screamed. “My very own BlackBerry!”

  “Well, you insist on clinging to a keyboard,” I rolled my eyes. She grinned. “Only I have the number, so I guess I’m the only one who can call you at the moment. It’s written on the box,” I said, feeling awkward. “But it’s all activated and ready to go.”

  She hugged me, then seemed to regret it in the same instant and stepped away. Then she frowned. “But doesn’t this cost money?”

  I stared at her.

  She quickly recovered. “Okay, dumb question. But, Jared, you don’t have a job right now.”

  “That doesn’t mean I don’t have money,” I told her. “Look, I wanted to do something nice for you, okay? I needed to. Just allow me this.”

  She looked unsure.

  “Please, Anabel. You can ask Meghan, she’ll tell you I don’t do this sort of thing for just anyone.” I tried to smile at her.

  She stared at me for a moment, biting her lower lip, but then she nodded. “Okay, but I will pay you back as soon as everything gets straightened out with—”

  “Miss Martin?” called a voice through the crowd. Anabel turned from me and beamed at the bespectacled stranger.

  “Mr. Holbrook! I was just talking about you!” She turned to me. “Jared, this is Nathaniel Holbrook, he was my father’s attorney, and now he’s the executor of Jonathan’s estate.”

  “Nice to meet you.” I extended a hand.

  “Quite,” he returned, ignoring the hand. I deduced he probably knew who I was. He was an older man, with thinning hair. He straightened his tie. “Miss Martin, can we meet during your lunch recess? I need to discuss the particulars of Jonathan’s will with you.”

  “Sure! Here, I just got a BlackBerry, let me get your phone number, and I’ll call you when we get out . . .” She grinned at me as they exchanged numbers.

  Mr. Holbrook was on his way when she turned to me.

  “So, we don’t have a lot of time, the hearing is starting in a minute, but I have to say something to you,” she informed me. “About today, Jared, I need to tell you that I just want you to tell the truth.”

  “Can you handle it?” I asked.

  She nodded. “Just be honest. That’s the best way to handle this whole mess.” Then she grinned and took my arm. “You bought me a BLACKBERRY!”

  “Does that make you feel better? After last night?”

  “Did Meghan say something?”

  “Yes, she’s sneaky like that.”

  She frowned. “Yeah, the nightmares are coming back. I haven’t had too many in recent months.” She fell in step next to me. “They’re all about Jonathan’s death—I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “Fair enough.”

  We walked into the hearing room and were accosted by Sam and Alexis. “Where have you been? It’s almost 9:30!” Alexis scowled at me.

  “I’m sorry, traffic was really bad on Massachusetts Avenue,” sang Anabel. “Look!” She held up her new phone.

  Sam blinked. “Where did you get that?”

  She pointed at me. Sam did not look happy. “Do not try and buy my sister’s affections, Sorensen,” he warned.

  “Everyone else tries to,” she shot back. I snorted.

  Alexis took her arm. “Annie, I want to apologize to you for yesterday. I was out of line, and both Sam and I would really like it if you would come home with us this evening.”

  Anabel smiled at her. “That’s very sweet, Alex
is, but I think it is time that I moved out. I will come by later to get my things, but after that I am just going to stay away. Besides, you and I both know that you are telling anyone who will listen that I’m a total slut, and staying with you just destroys my credibility.”

  Both Alexis and Sam looked flabbergasted, and they turned to stare at each other for a long time.

  Anabel looked at me and whispered, “I think they’re having a telepathic conversation. And I think Alexis is winning.”

  I choked back a laugh and turned away. Anabel was grinning at me with a conspiratorial smile, and I had a flash of the girl I used to know.

  It was Sam who spoke first. “Anabel, you can’t be serious.”

  “Oh, I’m quite serious,” she affirmed. “Meghan has offered to let me stay with her until I figure things out. As it happens, I am having a meeting with Jonathan’s attorney today, so I can at least see what my options are with regards to his will, and maybe I can get my hands on my trust fund money early.”

  Sam glared at me. “I assume this is your doing?”

  “It’s news to me,” I replied.

  Alexis scoffed. “Anabel, sweetie, you don’t know a thing about how to take care of yourself. And this is the District of Columbia!”

  “I think I’ll be okay,” she declared, looking at Sam. He looked at her, long and hard, and then nodded.

  But Alexis was getting angry. “You are coming home with us, young lady, and that is that.” She glared at Sam, but his eyes were on Anabel.

  Who, for the record, looked extremely amused. “You have no right to tell me what to do, Alexis, and I think we need some time apart.”

  “Is this because of Jared?” Sam asked her.

  “Oh no, absolutely not,” she told him. With a furtive glance at me, she threw her arms around her brother. “I love and adore you, big brother, but I need to get my life together, and I think it is just best if we make a clean break.” She pulled away from him, looking sad. “You miss your children, and I’m sure that the two of you are anxious to find a house, or something. Besides, it’s just better if we do it now, before the baby is born.”