Tethered (A BirthRight Novel #1) Read online

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  As the sunlight beams in, forcing my eyes open, I find myself not minding it’s time to crawl out of bed. The guilt that usually parks on my chest like a tw0-ton-dump-truck, is lighter somehow.

  Nothing can ruin this feeling—not even Dhelia’s biting sarcasm.

  I inhale the fresh morning air coming through the window—take a steaming shower—then throw on khaki Capri’s and a royal blue tank.

  For the umpteenth time, I replay my mother’s words while I paint on a bit of make-up, finding new strength each time the vision begins. I’m dying to share my vision with my family, but I’m not sure how to approach the subject.

  Like a skilled chess player, I plot various scenarios and strategize the possible outcomes. Each time, Dhelia meets me with disbelief and argumentative behavior. I’m sure there’s no way around it, but I do need to tell her and the others. Whether they believe me or not.

  I grab a rubber band and smooth my hair back into a ponytail, convincing myself I’m sure I’ll know when the time is right. Satisfied after one last perusal in the mirror, I set off on my mission.

  I walk downstairs expecting to be alone this early in the morning, but to my surprise, both Dru and Dhelia sit in the kitchen having their tea.

  The second I spot them my resolve begins to fade. “Hey. Morning, guys.”

  “Hey.” Either Dru didn’t sleep well, or he’s hung-over. His slumped-over posture is a bit out of the norm.

  “Rough night?” I raise my eyebrows in mock judgment.

  “Oh, let’s just say it was a long night and leave it at that.” Dru stares at his cup, playing with his spoon like a toddler.

  If my brother doesn’t say what’s on his mind, it’s cause for concern. He’s an open book by nature. But I won’t press it until later when he’s had a chance to wake up.

  Getting no response from my sister, I greet her again. “Good morning, Dhelia.”

  “Morning,” she replies in a low monotone, with not even a hint of snark.

  Great. This is guaranteed to be a long day at this rate. “I can just get something to eat at the hospital, so whenever you guys are ready, just say the word.”

  Dru flies off his chair like a bolt of lightning. “I’ll drive!”

  I don’t ask any questions as he rushes out the door—I just follow. I make it to the car before Dhelia, but I jump in the back to avoid any potential for an argument.

  After ten miles of awkward silence, tension fills the car like a hitchhiker.

  “Would you stop it already?” Dru shouts at Dhelia.

  “I’m sorry,” Dhelia snaps, but her frowning expression paints the perfect picture of remorse. That’s a new one!

  Did I miss something? “What’s going on with you two?”

  Dru snorts. “Dhelia refuses to control her hormones, and she’s driving me nuts with her negativity. I feel it for us both and I can’t take it right now.”

  Oh, wow. Now I get it. “Well, can’t you calm her? I remember you doing it when we were kids.”

  He scrunches his eyebrows, glaring at me through the rearview mirror. “Not when I’m already upset myself. I can’t focus enough to even try.”

  “Come on, Dru . . . just take a few deep breaths and relax.”

  He obeys.

  Ok. If he’s gonna listen, I’ll see if I can help. “That’s good, Dru, a few more. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel any better?”

  He nods. “Yeah, some.”

  He’s so rattled. I can’t stand seeing someone so sweet, tormented over something that’s out of his control. “Good, now think about what Dhelia’s feeling and try to make it disappear. Can you feel it?”

  “Oh yeah, no question there,” he quips, not even trying to hide his sarcasm.

  “Okay, now focus. Imagine you can physically wrap your hands around it and pull it from her.” I give him a few seconds. “Are you pulling?”

  He focuses. “Yes, I have it. But what do I do with it.”

  I open my mouth to speak, but I’m muted by a revolting sound coming up from his lungs—like the wind is being sucked out of him.

  The car swerves out of control, as panic—and déja vu—overcome me.

  I lean up, putting my hand on Dru’s shoulder. “Pull the car over, Dru. Keep your eyes on the road and pull over.”

  He responds to my command, bringing the car to a screeching stop on the side of the road. Thank god there were no other cars around!

  I rub his shoulder. “Close your eyes and breathe, Dru. Deep . . . slow . . . breaths.” He continues repeating the exercise, his labored breathing normalizes.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I think so. Man, that was wild.” He laughs. “How the hell did you do that?”

  Chapter 4

  THE DECISION