Read Online Losing Her by Mariah Dietz - Free Book Online

neither of the girls says a thing. They’re lost in their own worlds, worlds that Jameson and I don’t fully understand the language, customs, or expectations of. As we get closer, Ace begins fidgeting, a telltale sign that she’s nervous, which makes it that much more difficult for me to not reach out and try to comfort her.
    When we pull up to their house, Ace is the last to get out. She almost looks like she’s in physical pain as she walks toward the front door, and I feel my throat constrict. I don’t know if I’m feeling her pain or my own at this point. I just hurt.
    I wrap my arm around her shoulders and feel her body tense below me, but she doesn’t make a move to get away from me as we reach the front door.
    Kendall pushes the door fully open, and we all step inside, not sure of the proper protocols for this situation. I automatically notice that Zeus isn’t greeting us as he usually does, and I can tell Ace notices too as her eyes silently dart around.
    “Kendall, do you recall that woman’s name that catered that charity gala you attended with me a couple of months ago at the museum? She made all those really delicious bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.” I’m shocked to hell when I see Muriel dressed in a skirt and blouse, her hair and makeup done.
    I feel when Ace sees her. Her muscles become more strained and her hands ball into fists at her sides.
    “Mom?” Kendall asks.
    “Hi, sweethearts,” Muriel greets us. Her voice is slightly strained and her eyes avoid looking directly at us. I’m sure it’s because she’s on the edge of breaking, but seeing her fight to remain normal seems to make it even worse.
    Jenny appears from the study and the sight of her face is enough to make anyone cry. Her chin trembles and her cheeks, which are stained with tears, grow a bright shade of red as she approaches us, seeking out her sisters. Kendall reaches for her and ties her arms around Jenny’s neck.
    Hearing the front door open, I turn and see Kyle and Mindi walking in, both of them look exhausted and crushed. Mindi begins crying, it’s a ripping cry, like a feral cat. Kendall and Jenny react instantly, moving to her and all three embracing. Ace doesn’t turn to watch. I’m not sure if she’s seeing anything right now with the way her eyes are glazed over as she stares toward the kitchen.
    “Oh, Ace,” Kyle says, looking past me.
    I think he’s also sensing that something is eerily wrong with the girl he loves as a sister. He walks over to her, completely unfazed by her lack of acknowledgment, and wraps his arms around her. I feel a little better as I watch her barely tolerate Kyle’s affections.
    Savannah and Caulder are the last of the family to arrive. Savannah starts explaining in a garbled voice about nursing and babysitters, which doesn’t fully make sense, but it’s irrelevant.
    My mom comes over around nine. I can tell by her dazed expression that she must have just heard the news. Her eyes survey the house, looking more pained with each face she passes. When she finds me, she crosses the short distance and gives me a hug. “The hospital just called,” she whispers.
    Abby and Jesse arrive within seconds of her, followed by Landon and Wes. Abby is like the sisters and doesn’t hesitate going to Ace, ignoring how her body folds further in on itself as she hugs her.
    Adam, Ace’s Philosophy professor from last term, that began dating Jenny in December shows up shortly after, his hair still wet and his eyes anxious as he examines the mass of crying blonds. He’s been attending Sunday night dinners for the past couple of months, but I can tell he feels way in over his head by the amount of emotions erupting around us.
    My mom tries to heat food, and follows behind Muriel, trying to assist her in organizing things. I still haven’t heard how David died. I don’t know how to ask. I’m not even sure if anyone even knows yet.
    The guys and I take turns answering the door as flowers and food are