“Lesley!” Fredrinn jumped up fast, like he’d been rehearsing this. His face lit up, guilty and hopeful at the same time. He shoved a small gift box toward me. “I got you something. If you take this, it means you agree. You’ll let me stay with her for a while so she can help you. Just say yes. Please.”
I stared at the box. Didn’t move. Didn’t reach for it.
“I don’t need the gift,” I said. My lips were shaking but I kept my voice flat. “I’ll agree even without it.”
He froze. “You really mean that?”
“Yes,” I said. Each word hurt coming out.
My twin was up in a second. She grabbed my arm like we were sisters again, like she hadn’t been slowly killing me. Her smile was bright and fake.
“Good,” she said sweetly. “Then let’s all be nice, okay? No jealousy. Fredrinn’s just helping me live my dream. He promised me one month. After that, you’ll be fine.”
I pulled my arm out of her grip. Slowly.
“I won’t be jealous.”
Fredrinn finally relaxed. He rushed to the kitchen, came back with a bowl of soup like this was some happy family scene. He smiled at me, proud of himself.
“I made this for you. It’s good for your blood. Eat a little.”
It smelled warm. Familiar. I wanted to trust him. I took one sip.