Okay!
Tam? Are you okay?
Tam shrugged. "That's not what I'd been expecting . . . I had a lot of theories, but that was never one of them," she said.
I'm so sorry! I never meant to hurt you-! I would take it all back in a heartbeat if I could, please don't be angry with me-
"Shoe," she interrupted, "I'm not mad about that."
He blinked. You . . . aren't?
"Of course not!" She took his hands in her own. "I understand that accidents happen; I'm still . . . really sad and a little disturbed by it, or course, but I'm not by any means angry at you."
He let out relieved breath. Oh, thank goodness.
"I'm just . . . confused." She got onto her knees and pulled him into a hug. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He shrugged, hugging her back.
"Don't you trust me?"
Of course I trust you, Tam, the words came tumbling out, But I felt so guilty . . . and I was scared you'd be angry with me. I wanted to tell you, I swear, but it's not easy to admit to someone you love that you're responsible for their past decade of misery.
I'm sorry, but . . . I hadn't seen you in ten years, Tam. I just . . . I didn't want to lose my little sister again . . . he squeezed his eyes shut.
They sat there for a minute, then Tam sighed. "It's okay, Shoe. I forgive you."
Tears began to well up in Shoe's eyes. Thank you. That means so much to me.
She sniffled. "I love you, Shoe."
I love you too, Tam.
She stood and helped him to his feet. They laughed at each others' expressions, and Shoe tearfully hugged her again, smiling.
Aaaaaaaand be back later