Chapter 61

MELANIE “Hi, Mel, how are you feeling? I called a couple of times, but you didn’t answer. I figured you were still feeling sick as a dog.” My little sister’s excited voice fills my ear, and I choke back a sob. It’s taken me four days to summon the courage to call her. How do I tell her she’s not going to be an aunty after all? I guess the easiest way is to spit it out. “I lost the baby, Ash.” I say it quietly, afraid to say the words too loudly because they’re too painful to remain in this room. I hear her sharp inhale. “Oh, Mel. I’m so sorry.” She sobs the last word. “Yeah, me too.” “I’m coming home. I’ll catch a bus tonight and be in New York by tomorrow.” “No, you will not,” I insist. “You’re not missing any classes.” She huffs. “I can catch up on classes. Tyler’s away, right? I’m not leaving you on your own with this.” “I’m not on my own. I’m staying with Nathan for a few weeks.” “Oh.” Her tone softens. I told her we separated but left out most of the details. My sister, being who