I pretend not to hear her, humming a little. I hope I seem casual enough.
From the doorway she calls out: "Morning."
"Oh." I turn my head. "Morning."
We don't say anything else, but I hear her feet shuffling over, and then she's behind me, watching me stick up the photos. I spread my fingers and try to cover Harry's face, even though I know she's gonna ask.
She doesn't ask what I expect her to ask.
"You married or somethin'?"
Shoot. I forgot to take off the ring. But… I don't want to. It sorta ties me to Harry in a way, doesn't it? I know he doesn't know whether or not I have it on, but…
"What? No." I keep sticking. "Where would you get an idea like that?"
"Come on." I hear the bed creak as she sits down. "We may have money but not enough to buy that."
"Buy what?"
She stands and grabs my wrist to show me my ring. I grin.
"This. You blind or somethin'?"
"No."
"Does mum know? What about dad? You know they're gonna ask if they see it." I watch her face droop from a cheeky grin to a frown. "You're supposed to tell me how much it cost and where you got it from now, Tasmin."
"Who made such an unreasonable rule, George?"
"Don't call me George. Now tell me about that boy." She points at a photo of Harry. It was a selfie I took with him at the Isle of Pines. "He get you that? Must be loaded."
"He's a primary school friend."
"Ohhhhh. A friend, I get it."
Then she skips out the room. I stare at the door. She pops her head back in.
"Oh, I'm making pancakes. If you want a stack, come down in, like, nine minutes."
I raise an eyebrow. "That's oddly specific."
"Don't question it. Who's the chef here?"
I grin. "Obviously George."
"BYE."
After breakfast, my parents go out. Georgia and I are left to do the chores and have some sister-time. I'm not complaining, but there's so much more on my mind.
Namely: Harry.
I have a million questions for him and no way of contacting him. I mean, I could text him, but…
Did you mean it, Harry? When you said that you didn't want to seek revenge anymore?
Can I trust you, even after you planned to destroy us?
Why didn't you tell me anything? Why couldn't you tell me the truth?
Will you ever tell me the truth? How would I know?
Did we kiss yesterday?
Will I ever see you again?
Will you come back to Australia?
"Aw, dammit!" Georgia jumps up, almost knocking over the popcorn she popped for the movie. "I forgot to get the mail."
I smile. "Sit, I'll go get it." I stand and head out. I'm still thinking about Harry after I pull out the envelopes, and I let the slat close. Then I notice the note stuck on it, and I wonder how I missed it earlier.
Suddenly, my heart skips a beat. Because it's so familiar, and it throws every memory of the cruise rushing back.
I drop the letters on the kitchen island before tucking the note in my pocket. I tell Georgia I'll be right back before sprinting up to my room and closing the door. I know it's only a note, but even Georgia's not allowed to know about this. Harry may have kept the worst sort of secrets, but I'll keep his, as much guilt I feel from doing it.
I read.
Tasmin Kelly
I'd like to see you
If you want to see me...
1616
Hedge
A green pathway leading to my (our?) haven
When my dad gets back from grocery-shopping, I ask if I can head into town for a walk. He allows it but I have to be back at five-thirty to wash up before dinner. I'm okay with that. Georgia asks if she can come, and I tell her no with no explanation, but somehow, she doesn't question it. Just grins like I said Of course, dear sister, come along!
She knows?
I take my leave just before four, 'cause the park may just be in town, but I don't know what Harry means by 'A green pathway leading to my (our?) haven. I try to close my eyes and picture the entirety of the park in front of my eyes, and I wonder if I've ever taken this supposed green path. Then I question whether the path is real, and whether it's smart to do this; meeting him on my own, him being the one who almost killed me.
When those thoughts come around to greet my mind, I feel a little bad for bringing my favourite blanket and snacks in my favourite backpack. If I'm going to die today, I'd rather not get my favourite things all bloody.
Our neighbourhood is just around the corner from the main part of town, but the park's further along, so I walk a little slowly, still unsure, still weary. I wonder which street he's coming from, whether he's already there, waiting for me.
He probably is.
I reach the park at 4:08, meaning I have eight minutes left till 1616. I hope he meant Hedge Park and not Hedge Street, which would be a lot farther than the park.
After walking around aimlessly, I stomp my foot on the ground, whining internally at how vague Harry's instructions were. But then again, he's a spy, he writes these notes for other spies, and I'm no spy. And if he's going easy on me, it's even worse to think about.
I shouldn't be here.
"Tasmin."