“That’s not the ... only thing we’re worried about.” Danielle said, like she wanted to carefully hint at something.
“Well then, please enlighten me.”
“Tim ... we’re sorry.” Maggie started. “But when Daddy called Mom last night, Ava and I woke up too. And we ... kinda ... listened in on you and Mom.”
“I didn’t mention it last night.” Danielle continued. “But Ava told us what happened last week.”
“Last week?” I asked, shaking my head, signaling that I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.
“The evening she took your painkillers.” Danielle tested.
“Evening? She was here in the morning.” I supplied, but it seemed like I just confirmed their concerns by not knowing what they were on about. Ava decided to fill me in.
“That day, after you had talked to Mom, she was really out of it. She was worried about you. We couldn’t just come check, because you told us to absolutely stay away from the house, but you also didn’t pick up your phone! So ... I thought I could just sneak in here and ... check on you for her.” Until then, her voice was borderline embarrassed, but as she continued, her voice became quiet and thoughtful, and she was wringing her hands. “But when I found you, you were totally out of it. You were lying half on your bed, and didn’t react to anything I said. Even when I took your clothes off and pulled you completely onto the mattress, you just grumbled. It ... scared me. And then I found your painkillers next to all the alcohol, and that scared me more. That’s why I was still here in the morning. I couldn’t just leave you like that.”
“And I have to agree, you seem to be drinking quite a lot. And not just for someone who isn’t supposed to drink at all!” Claire added.
“Tell me, apart from the two glasses I had yesterday, how much am I drinking exactly, that you feel the need to stage an intervention?” I asked, incredulously, looking from face to face. I didn’t hear an answer for a while, so I pressed it. “That wasn’t a rhetorical question, people. Come on, tell me. I’d just love to hear how you all would even know about what I do.”
“It’s not about how much you drink, Tim.” Danielle deflected. “It’s that you drink at all. Regularly. Mixing it with medication. You started smoking. And, while I know now that it was necessary, I’m still somewhat concerned you so readily stepped in front of three men you knew were armed. Tim, your behavior is self destructive. And last night made it clear that it’s too much for you.”
I blinked at her. So, that’s what I get for opening up to the bitch. While I did thank her for the talk we had last night, and I actually really did appreciate her help and assurances, this went too far.
“Well, thanks for your concern.” I started, while secretly concluding that this was only because my exhausted mind had allowed them to know how much cash I stole. “Since we all know what, or better yet
I wasn’t sure whether I should be happy or angry when Claire actually closed her mouth instead of saying something else.
“Tim, I know I’ve been a shit excuse for a sister. I’m sorry for that! But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t care if you ... did something to yourself.” Ava explained quietly.
“Wow. Deja Vu.” I commented, causing quite a few confused gazes coming my way.
“What?” Danielle asked. It seemed she was the one in charge of this little session.
“Ava!” I called out, drawing her attention. “Remember your last birthday, when I gave you that little purse you so desperately wanted? You were so happy, you and your friends jumped around squealing like little girls, apologized for forgetting my birthday, and allowed me to stay for your party. How long did that last before you went back to treating me like crap again?”
“I...” Ava started to respond, but apparently wasn’t sure how to explain that.
“Truth is, I gave you expensive shit for your birthday, so you allowed me to stick around for a day. Now look at this situation. I gave you expensive shit for your birthday after solving your problem, so you want me to stick around for ... How long’s it going to last this time?”
“Is it so hard to believe that we actually care about you?” Grandma asked in a disappointed voice.
“How was your breakfast, Granny?” I asked calmly, surprising her with that sudden change of topic.
“It ... it was good. You’re an excellent cook.” she answered hesitantly.
