26| red dress

D I A N E

My head was spinning and I didn't know what to think. Here I was, rushing to see someone who may have betrayed me.

I'm not sure how much time had passed when I heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up outside. The driver stepped out, smiling at the man who emerged from the back seat. But I could only muster a fake smile, as my thoughts were still consumed by my sister and her condition. What was I going to do, what was I going to tell Roseline herself.

"Diane, we're back," Luka said, his voice cheerful. "I've found someone who can take us home." I couldn't muster any enthusiasm as I followed him to the car, my body feeling numb. I just wanted to go home and forget about everything. But I knew that was impossible, as the weight of everything I was feeling threatened to crush me.

"What about your car?" I asked Luka, forcing the words out. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I'll get it back later." I didn't know how he was going to do that, but I didn't have the energy to ask. I handed him his phone back and looked out the window, watching the trees blur by. I felt like I was in a daze, unable to focus on anything.

"Are you doing alright?" Luka asked, putting his phone down and turning to me. I felt his eyes on me, and I forced a smile. "I'm fine," I lied. He looked like he didn't believe me, but he didn't push it. "I'm glad you're okay," he said, his voice gentle. I appreciated the concern, but I just wanted to be left alone with my thoughts.

"Viktor texted me," Luka said. "And what did he say?" I asked, my tone urgent. I had made sure to delete the last message so I hoped Viktor didn't carry on from there. "He... he wants us to have dinner with him, Luciano, Claudia, Isaak, and Yulia," He managed to get out. Luka's expression was unreadable. "But I'm telling him no because we've had a long day as it is to have such a dinner tomorrow. "

I opened my eyes and looked at Luka. "Tell him we'll be there at whatever time he desires," I said, my voice firm. Luka studied me for a moment. "Are you sure?" I nodded.

"I'll text him then," I felt a surge of anticipation and a flicker of hope. Maybe tomorrow I will get some answers.

□□□

I put the phone on speaker and placed it on my bed.

"How was school?" I asked as I thumbed through my closet, trying to find something to wear. "It was great!" came the enthusiastic response. Even without seeing her face, I could imagine her beaming smile. That smile was my most treasured possession, and I wished I could store it in a box and keep it safe forever. But I knew that even though it might change and grow over time, it would always be there.

Some days, she was in the best of moods, chattering away about her classes and friends. But on other days, Roseline would retreat into herself, becoming a shell of her usual self. I always did my best to be there for her, no matter what kind of day it was. I loved her unconditionally, and I wanted her to know that she could always come to me with anything.

"How's your new job?" Roseline asked, and I could hear the interest in her voice. "It's okay," I said, trying to be as honest as possible without spilling too many details. "But the bride doesn't seem to like me too much." I could feel Roseline's concern, and I knew she was going to ask more questions. I wasn't sure how much I wanted to share, but I knew I could trust her.

Roseline knew Isaak, and she had always seen him as a big brother figure. I didn't want to tell her that he was the same person I had been with the night of her accident. Part of me wondered if he could've caused it, and I felt a sickening wave of dread at the thought. But I refused to believe it. He was a good person, and he would never do anything to hurt anyone, let alone my little sister. I had to believe that.

"Why? Tell me more!" Roseline said, but I could tell she was starting to pick up on my discomfort. I knew I had to change the subject. "I'm sorry, I can't talk much longer," I said. "I've got dinner tonight, and I need to start getting ready." I could hear her frustration, but I had to end the conversation. I couldn't share any more with her, not now.

"Dinner with who?" Roseline asked, her voice sounding slightly hurt. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I had disappointed her. "A friend," I lied, my stomach twisting. "What? You never tell me about your friends!" she exclaimed. "I'm busy, I can't always tell you everything," I said, my voice a little too sharp. I immediately regretted it, knowing I had hurt her feelings.

"And with that, I have to go," I said quickly, trying to end the conversation. "But-" she started, but I didn't let her finish. I hung up the phone, immediately feeling guilty. I knew I had hurt her feelings, and I hated myself for it. But I couldn't share what I was going through, not with her. It was too much.

I pulled out a red dress with a slit up the side. It was a statement piece, and I needed to make a statement tonight. I was determined to get answers, even if it meant there would be daggers in my back. I wasn't going to let anyone stop me, no matter what. I was going to get to the bottom of this, and I was going to do it no matter the cost.