Sophia walks up to me. Her trembling hand rests on my shoulder, and I know I was right. I can’t lie to these people anymore. They have accepted me with open hearts.
“I had a neuroendoscopy in Vienna…due to a brain tumor.” My stomach twists in knots, and I look away. If not for Sophia’s grip, I’d have run away like a coward.
“Oh my God, Vi! And you discovered it while you were on your honeymoon?” Hope, sitting across from me, grabs Zach’s hand as if for support.
For a second, I don’t know how to reply. I hadn’t thought about how many details I’d share today. I just knew I couldn’t lie to their faces anymore.
But before I can think of anything, Kristy takes Chloe away from me, and all the ladies hug me one by one. I can see they’re holding back their tears, and it only adds to my misery.
God, how could I have deceived these people?
“Why didn’t you tell us anything?” Zander asks Zane, who glances at me with worry…and affection.
“Th-things happened very fast. After th-the initial diagnosis and biopsy, it was th-thankfully clear that the tumor w-was benign, but the doctors w-wanted to operate it soon.”
“But you guys could have come back. We’d have been here to support you and take care of Vienna better.”
I tear my gaze away from Zander’s disappointed face. They all wanted to be there for me, but they don’t know I’m not one of them. I’m just a bird who has perched onto their love tree to heal my wounds before I can carry on with my journey to the unknown.
“Zane knows what’s best for Vi, Zander.” Rose slides next to her husband. “I’m sure they’d have come back if that would have been better for Vi’s health.”
“How are you feeling now?” Zach’s face is devoid of his otherwise perpetual mischief. “Do you want to rest?” Before I can reply, everyone’s already readjusting, making more space for me on the couch, getting more throw pillows.
“Please. I’m fine. Really. I…I don’t want to think about this”—I tilt my head to the bandaged side—“more than necessary.”
In reality, I don’t want to feel this pang of guilt at the sight of their concerned faces.
“I want to talk about the holidays,” I add, hoping to change the direction of our conversation.
A beat passes when everyone looks between me and one another with hesitation on their faces, and I hold my breath, hoping they’ll drop the subject of my illness. Hoping I won’t have to lie more than I already have.
And thankfully they listen. Rose shows her plan for the dinner menu and the decorations. She has prepared a presentation filled with images from Pinterest.
I don’t miss the intermittent glances of worry everyone throws at me, but otherwise, the evening goes smoothly without a reference to the horrifying words tumor or operation.
* * *
Zane lights a fire, and I cuddle next to Mystery and Tassels on our porch.
“I can’t wait to see how their house will turn out with all the decorations Rose has planned.” I glance at the distance toward Zander’s estate, where right now there’s only the faint light of garden lamps.
Zane simply hums, and when he saunters toward the couch, Tassels immediately vacates the place next to me. Zane slides down, grabbing Tassels in his arm.
He caresses Tassels’ fur before asking, “Wh-why did you t-tell my family the truth?”
My mouth dries as I form a reply. Because there’s so much I want to say and hear.
The surgery is over, and as soon as Dr. Allen gives me a clean bill of health, there’s no more reason for Zane and me to carry on with this charade.
What am I supposed to do then?
Pack my bags and leave like nothing has happened? Or maybe something did happen and Zane won’t let me go.
I told his family because I want us to be truthful about this thing between us.
“Vi?” Zane places his hand over mine.
“I didn’t want to lie anymore.” To them. To you.