“Oh, my best friend,” she sighed dramatically. “I missed you so much. Scott told me everything, about how you’ve been taking care of me, and my brother, the house… thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done while I was gone… and now I’m here.”
The words tasted rotten.
My hand moved before my brain could stop it. I pushed her shoulder — not hard, but enough for her to stumble back against the pillows.
She gasped. “Sister… what did I do? Why did you push me?” She looked at Scott, wide-eyed.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Scott rounded on me, fury making his neck flush red. “Didn’t you see she’s still weak? She could’ve fallen! She’s hurt!”
I laughed dryly. “I’m hurt too, remember? Or did you forget? I didn’t push her. She pressed against me. It hurts.”
Scott’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t even say sorry nicely? Jasmine’s always been good to you—”
“Scott, don’t say that to my best friend,” Jasmine cut in with her soft, trembling voice, tears brimming like an actress on cue. “I didn’t know she was hurt. Nadine, I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me.”
Scott folded his arms, the decision made. “Apologize to her, Nadine.”
“No,” I whispered.