Forever Breathing (Just Breathe #3) Read Online Free Page B

back?”
    I shrug my shoulders, “I guess tonight.”
    He rests his elbows on his knees and stays silent.
    I can tell he is thinking about something so I ask, “How are things here? How are mom and dad?”
    He doesn’t look up but answers, “They are good, not home right now, lucky for you.”
    Nonchalantly he adds hesitantly, “Ever, he’s here.”
    I ask for clarification, “Who’s here James?”
    Under his breath he mutters, “Alex.”
    I suddenly can’t breathe. I gasp for air after a few seconds. Oh my god, one minute I think he is dead and a few hours later, I find out not only is he still alive, but on land with my brother.
    I leap up and stand in front of James not sure what to do with my hands. I want to cross my arms to shame him but I also want to hug him for telling me the truth.
    He looks up worried. I can tell just from that look there must be more.
    “What is it James, don’t keep things from me. By now you know better.”
    He shakes his head, “No, I was always against that, you’re a big girl and finally making decisions.”
    I smirk at his remark.
    “Then tell me, why is he here?”
    “Ever, I’ll tell you but truthfully, if you aren’t in a hurry to go back, I think you should hear everything from him.”
    My heart starts beating a thousand beats a minute at the thought of seeing Alex again. I’m not sure it’s a good idea.
    I plead, “James, I really need to go back, can’t you just tell me?”
    He shakes his head looking down at my worn, brown carpet.
    “I really shouldn’t. He needs to tell you. He knew you’d come back. I don’t know how he knew but he said that
    This makes every alarm go off in my head but I turn a blind eye to them. If James won’t tell me then I will just have to see Alex. He’s never denied the answers to my questions before, why would he start now?
    I walk toward the door, “Can you check and make sure no one’s home so I can get a shower?”
    He gets up and leaves; coming back a few seconds later to let me know the coast is clear.
    ***
     
    As James drives the jeep toward the lake, I relax with the familiarity of the trip. It’s been awhile since I made this trip. I glance out the window at the dense growth surrounding the road. Small sage brush bushes grow along the road. Wildflowers are blooming across the fields in every color. They remind me of the ocean’s version of wildflowers, the beautiful coral dotting the bottom of the sea. It’s amazing how I can feel at peace in both surroundings when they are so vast and different. The engine halts and I realize we have arrived at the lake. I scan the lake and surrounding grassy field noting that we are the only people here.
    I turn to James and ask, “Does he know we’re coming?”
    He nods, “I called him when you were in the shower.”
    I look away unsure about how I feel about that. James seems awfully close to Alex suddenly.  I peek over at my brother again and realize how much he has really changed yet again. He’s taller, his seat is pushed way back so his legs can fit. He’s also let his dirty blonde hair grow out a bit. It’s longer, reaching the nape of his neck.
    We sit there for a few minutes silent, each of us in our own thoughts. I can tell he is still hurting over Sara. His approach to things doesn’t seem like the usual upbeat James. A bit of sadness seems to tinge his voice when he speaks.  I hope he finds someone new soon, if for nothing but to take his mind off of Sara.
    “Hey, how is the band? Have you been playing?”
    He nods, “Yeah, I really missed it. It’s one of the main reasons I came back.”
    He turns to me more serious this time, “Ever, I’m not sure I want to go back.”
    This doesn’t surprise me but it does make me a little sad. I guess with the changes, now that the Erebus are in charge, we will still be able to see each other.
    I nod in response. Before I can say anything a black truck pulls up beside us. Memories concerning that truck flood back to