“Jamie, tell me something,” I asked once I had gotten over the initial shock. “If you get to meet your sister someday, what would you say to her?”

“Wait, I’ll show you something,” he jumped down and scuttled off out of the room.

He returned almost immediately, holding a diary in his hand.

“This,” he held out a piece of paper. “This is what I’ll give to her. Even if I would have known where she stays, I would have sent this to her, how far she may have been. “

My hands shook as I opened the neatly folded page.

Each word seemed to speak from within the letter.

Dear Big Sister,

If you’re seeing this, it means I’ve finally found you after years of loneliness. I have never known you, nor did you know me, but I just wanted to let you know, that you have a younger brother who really care where you are. Please return home for once. I know you must be so angry with mom and dad, but come back for me. I want to see you, to hold you, to be kissed by you. I’ve seen how my friends’ sisters love them, bring them goodies. And each moment I miss you. I don’t know how you are and the silence and denial of mom and dad kills me.

Always know that I’m there for you and I’m always searching for you. If you come back, I’d protect you with everything I have. That is the most I can offer you. Please reply.

Your loving brother,
Jamie.

My hands shook uncontrollably as I folded the letter.

“Can I keep it with me?” I asked. ‘I’d give it to your sister if I could find her address by any chance?”

“That would be great, Phoebe. You’re the best.” he beamed at me.

I looked in wonder at my younger brother. There were striking similarities in our features. The high nose bridges, hazel eyes, brown hair and even the setting of the lips.

“Umm, Phoebe.”

“Yes?”

“I know I shouldn’t be too nosey, but do you have a boyfriend?’

“I had forgotten all about Daniel in the melee. He must be dead worried. Oh my God. I need to call him,” I exclaimed.

‘It’s okay. Your mother must have called him, right?” Jamie was almost afraid of my sudden outburst.

“I’m so sorry,” I grinned sheepishly.

“Come down to breakfast. Mom has your feed ready.”

I felt nauseated. No way was I going to accept any food from the mother who had arranged a memorial for a daughter who is alive. Disgust and hatred coursed through my veins.

My mother was right. They could cause nothing but pain to me. Jamie’s letter came to my mind. I had a plan. I would write a letter back to him. I know it would never fill the hollow in his life, but it would be better than to live in a constant dilemma. He has the right to know that his sister is alive, still.

“I don’t feel like eating. I’ll have a shower to drive away my sleepiness,” I mumbled.

“As you wish,” he scampered off.

I let the warm water flow lightly over my wounds. It stung at places where the wounds had opened up, but I still stayed for longer than required, simply to buy me some time before mom came by.

Mrs Stanton had my dresses all washed and dried. I quickly changed into those without any word and dropped the others for washing.

I took out the bandages from the first aid box and wrapped those around the wounds. I needed to get home fast to get my foolproof silver hydrofibre.

Just as my feet touched the last stairs, I heard the horn of a car.

It was my mother’s old Honda.
I ran to the front door and threw it open.

My mom was staring at the nameplate, her eyes widened. I knew why she was astonished. Seeing me, she tried her best to hide her surprise and managed a small smile.

I ran to the porch and she met me midway, wrapping me into a hug, kissing every inch of my face.

“My most precious darling. Why didn’t you tell me?” her warm tears wet my dress.

“I’m sorry. I’m really so sorry, Mom,” I couldn’t hide my tears anymore.

“Come inside Mrs. Wellesley?” Jamie’s mother’s voice rang out. “We’re just sitting down for breakfast.”

My mother stiffened.

“Umm… I’m so sorry but I need to go for an urgent visit to the doctor. Besides I need to put my bandages. These wounds are killing me,” I tried to sound convincing.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I won’t hold you back then. It’s just that Jamie is upset. He got really attached to you,”

“Convey my goodbyes to him. We’ll keep in touch,” I mumbled.
I knew I wasn’t ready for a formal goodbye with Jamie. I knew I wouldn’t see him ever again. That made it a lot harder, knowing that the person I’ve been searching for really exists.
I turned away before they could see my tears.

I got in and slammed the door.
My mother did the same.

I managed a small wave to my real mom before we sped off.

A/N Early Update especially for you guys.