“If you’re looking for Hannah, I think she’s up at the house.” Brody’s deep voice sent a longing shiver down her spine.
“You’re the one I wanted to see,” replied Beth coyly. “It’s been so nice having a man around here even if Hannah doesn’t seem to appreciate it. I for one sure do. It must be lonely for a hot guy like you. I’d be more than happy to take care of that loneliness.”
Hannah’s gut twisted-rage at her sister for unknowingly hitting on Brody making her jealous beyond belief. But even in the midst of her anger there was hurt that her sister would hit on the one man, the only man Hannah had ever and still did love.
Maybe we should have told her the truth.
“Listen, Beth, you’re a nice girl but-” Brody’s words seemed to be abruptly cut off.
She couldn’t stop herself. She whipped around the corner of the shed and caught them kissing or, more accurately, Beth trying to kiss Brody. To his credit, Brody was shaking his head and attempting to push her gently away, but Beth kept trying to wrap herself around him.
Hannah gasped. Instantly Brody’s eyes met hers and filled with panic as he finally and firmly pushed Beth away, causing her to stumble.
“Bethany Anne Winters, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Hannah's voice was low with shock. She knew who the guilty party here was. It’s my fault for letting Beth think Brody and I weren’t involved.
Beth turned around and brazenly smirked at her. “Just because you don’t want him doesn’t mean I don’t. I have no intention of being an old maid like you. I want a family, and I want to get out of here. Brody can take me.”
“I’m sorry, Beth. You’re a nice girl, but you’re like a little sister to me. I love Hannah still, and I haven’t given up hope that she’ll return that love.”
His words turned Beth back into the young girl she was. “But she hates you,” said Beth petulantly.
“I’m hoping to change her mind about that.”
Beth’s eyes filled with tears, but her words were scathing. “I hate it here. And I hate you!” she screamed, running back to the house.
Brody shrugged and Hannah, biting her lip, followed her sister. They needed to clear the air.
She caught up to Beth at the house. “I think we need to talk,” she said to Beth’s rigid back.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“Oh really.” Hannah felt the ire from seeing her sister mauling Brody all over again. “How about we start with your behavior with Brody?”
“That’s none of your damn business,” said her sister, whirling around. “You’ve made it pretty clear you don’t want him. And I meant what I said. I want out of here, and he’s the only person who can do that ‘cause you sure as hell aren’t in any hurry.”
“It’s dangerous out there, Bethie.” Hannah wondered if they’d done the right thing hiding the violence she’d faced from her sister. Perhaps if Beth knew what Hannah had been through she would understand that they just couldn’t leave the safety of their home without preparation.
“You’re just saying that ‘cause you’re scared to leave.”
“Listen, I want you to find someone you can be happy with, but we need to plan this and not go off halfcocked.”
“Blah, blah, blah,” said Beth, rolling her eyes. “Fine. You want to wait, then wait. But in the meantime, if I want to flirt with Brody, I will. Just because you don’t want him, doesn’t mean I do.”
“You can’t have Brody.” The words and their possessive tone slipped out without volition.
Beth opened her mouth to reply, then her eyes widened. “Oh my god, you’re fucking him, aren’t you?”
“Watch your language, young lady.”
“Stuff it. You’re not my mother. And you didn’t answer me. Are you sleeping with Brody?”
Hannah could see the storm brewing in her sister’s eyes, but she nodded anyway.
“Unfucking believable. No wonder you didn’t want me to hit on him. You’re already banging him. When were you going to tell me? Huh?” Beth raged and Hannah let her, knowing she had a right. “God, I am so fucking stupid.”
Beth’s foul language sounded so crude, and Hannah winced. She might be used to her sister’s temper, but she’d never seen her lose it like this.
“I’m sorry, Beth. I promise, we’re going to take a road trip as soon as we can find a way for all of us to-”
“Like I’ll believe you. You and this stupid house and town. We should have left as soon as we realized everyone was dead. But no, Hannah’s afraid of the big wide world.” Beth’s tone and words mocked her. Hannah cringed at the pent-up bitterness her sister spewed. “Let’s hide here in the house we grew up in because god fucking forbid you should leave your safety blanket.”
Hannah couldn’t help herself. She flinched. I am not afraid to leave. I happen to like it here. Why is it I’m the only one who does? “I’m sorry you feel that way. I promise we’ll find somewhere with people for you. I want you to be happy, Beth.” Hannah’s voice broke.
“Don’t bother. I don’t want your help.” Beth pushed past Hannah, almost running into Fred in his wheelchair.
“Whoa girl, where you going so fast?” asked their uncle.
“Nowhere apparently,” Beth said bitterly before disappearing from sight.
Fred turned to look at Hannah with his brows raised. “What the heck was that about?”
“Beth found out Brody and I are involved and freaked. I don’t blame her.” She ducked her head in sorrow, waiting for Fred’s rebuke.
“About time you and Brody patched things up. As for Beth, she’ll get over it. You always did coddle her too much. You’ve done the best you could, Hannah girl, and don’t you forget it.”
“She just wants someone to love. I can’t blame her. And I want to give her what she wants. She’s right. I am chicken to leave home. I don’t know anything else.”
Fred snorted. “Beth’s just impatient. She doesn’t understand that some things have to be taken slowly. The girl is young yet. A few more weeks or months ain’t gonna kill her. Don’t you let what she says bother you none. There’s nothing wrong with loving one’s home. Don’t forget, just because we go on a trip or even if we find somewhere that’s better for us, doesn’t mean we can’t come back.”
Hannah smiled at her uncle. He always had the right words. “Yeah, I know. I love you, Uncle Fred.”
“I love you too. Now stop this pity business and hold yourself straight. Beth will get over it.”
I sure hope so. I’ve never seen her this mad.
But Beth didn’t get over it. She acted impulsively as usual, something Hannah only realized when they couldn’t find Beth the next morning and discovered Brody’s bike missing.
Chapter Eight
“Calm down, kitten. I’ll find her.” Brody lied, not knowing what else to say with Hannah so crazed with worry over her sister’s disappearance.
“How?” wailed Hannah. “She could be anywhere. What if she’s hurt? Oh god. This is all my fault.” She collapsed on the couch, her face buried in her hands while her shoulders shook.
Brody wanted to shake Beth ‘til her teeth rattled for doing this to her sister. Ungrateful, little brat. “I am pretty sure she’ll have headed to that Amish settlement. I’ll hunt around for another bike and go looking for her. I’ll bring her back, I promise.”
Brody rode Hannah’s pedal bike into town, glad no one could see him on the pink bike. He had a vague idea about who might own a motorcycle and headed straight for Joe Franton’s home with its large two-car garage. Brody remembered Joe had talked about getting himself a Harley.
Bingo!
Opening the garage door with a noisy creak, Brody sent up a quick amen. Covered by a tarp, he found a motorcycle and not just any bike: a Harley Ultra Classic. He ran his hand over the fat tank and shook his head at the oversized seat for the driver and the just as comfortable one for a passenger replete with arm and backrests.