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phinalexander · 5 years ago

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Connecting Again ~ @EvieAlexander_ @BranCrisp

I checked the address of the library one more time, making sure I was going the right way. Uncle Rick had said his wife was at work today. I chuckled a little to myself. Uncle Rick? It still seemed so weird to me that I had finally met him. And now here I was going to meet his wife, Aunt Bran, for the first time. He assured me that she wouldn’t be upset with me showing up, but I couldn’t help being a little nervous. After all, I was the nephew who never came around. I looked at the GPS, I was only five minutes away. I could only hope this went as well as it did with my uncle.

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After stopping by Staci’s storytime, I headed back to my office to go over the payroll. It was only biweekly, but it always seemed to sneak up on me. Luckily my employees were great about signing their timecards on time. I was just logging in when Amber messaged me to tell me there was a gentleman asking for me at the Reference desk. I told her I would be right there. I locked my computer and then headed out front.

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When the woman behind the desk smiled and said Aunt Bran was on her way, I thanked her and took a seat in one of the empty chairs. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say yet. I was still a little worried that once she knew who I was she wouldn’t talk to me. My dad didn’t have the greatest track record with his side of the family.

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I approached the desk and asked Amber where my visitor was. She gestured to a tall young man sitting off to the side. I thanked her and walked over. ”Hello. My colleague said you asked for me? I’m Brandee, the head librarian.” I smiled and offered my hand.

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I stood and took her offered hand. “Hi, Brandee. It’s nice to meet you. I was wondering if you and I could talk? Your husband said I could find you here and that you would be able to help me find my sister.” At her confused look, I chuckled a little. “I’m sorry. I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m looking for my sister Evangeline. I’m Phineas. Uh, your nephew.” I realized I was still shaking her hand and let it go, “Sorry.”

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I looked up into his eyes. When he smiled, the crinkles at the sides were just like his sister. “Of course you are,” I laughed. “I can see the resemblance already. Let’s step into my office.” I gestured for him to follow me and then let AMber know that I wasn’t to be disturbed for a little while. “So Evie doesn’t know you’re here?” I asked as I held open my office door for him.

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I followed her to her office and shook my head as I walked in. “No, she doesn’t. We lost touch for a little while. The last thing I heard from her was that she was thinking about moving back home.” I waited for Brandee to come into the office and take a seat before sitting down. “I’m not sure what happened between now and then, but I found out that she was back home and have been trying to reach her. I just want to make sure she is okay.”

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“She did move back here a few weeks ago. She and her son are staying with me.” He seemed so nervous that I couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to his story. “They’re both fine. She’s thinking about getting her own place. Forgive me, can I offer you something to drink? I have water, iced tea, soda, and coffee.”

——————-

I let out a sigh of relief and shook my head, smiling, “No, thank you. I’m just so happy they’re okay. After everything they’ve been through, I was worried. When I lost contact with her, and she didn’t show up back home, I thought something had happened. I went to see Uncle Rick, and we talked about a lot of things. He told me she was living with you, I was glad. I know things were never easy between her and our father, he’s not the easiest to get along with. I really hadn’t expected her to come back if she came home. He would have made it harder on her than necessary. I’m glad here she doesn’t have to worry about that.”

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I listened as Phineas talked about his father. I actually didn't know much about him. I don't even think I had ever met him. ”Is he something that you have to worry about, Phineas? Evie has said very little about your parents. I can't remember ever meeting them, to be honest.” If her father was going to be a problem, I might be better off finding a public place for Evie and Phineas to reconnect. Someplace not connected to my home.

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That was the million dollar question, did I have to worry about our dad? I smiled as I shook my head, “I’m not worried about my dad. I can handle him, it’s sort of my talent.” I laughed a little. “And, granted he is my dad, you aren’t missing much by not knowing him. Things haven’t been easy with him. But that’s another story for another time. I’m sure Uncle Rick could fill you in on most of it.” I leaned back in the chair and sighed, wondering if anyone in this family really did know the full truth of it?

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As he spoke, I studied Phineas trying to pick up on anything I needed to be worried about. By the time he finished speaking, I felt more at ease. ”I’m not sure what you were looking for when you came here, Phineas. Did you want me to call your sister? Arrange a meeting perhaps?” I would not simply show up at home surprising Evie with her brother. If she wanted to see him, it would be her choice.

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I sighed and shrugged, “I’m not sure really. I thought I had a plan when I came here to find her, but now? I’m not so sure.” I ran my hand through my hair and looked at my aunt, “I love that you’re protecting her, I really do. I failed at it. I tried so hard, but life got in the way. Really, I just want to know that she’s okay and I’d love to see her and Kayden, but I don’t want to surprise her. She has her reasons for going quiet on me and I respect them. I’ve just been so worried about her.”

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I didn’t pick up anything unusual from Phineas. I think he really did just miss his sister. I was a little surprised when he said he failed to protect her. Protect her from what? “Why don’t I call Evie and see if she’s busy? There’s a cute little cafe not far from here. I know she loves their chocolate chip croissants.” I gave him a reassuring smile and reached for the phone on my desk.

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I smiled, “I’d really appreciate that, more than you know. If she doesn’t want to meet, or would rather wait, I completely understand. I’m not trying to pressure her or anything. Honest.” I sat back while my aunt made the call and waited.

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“I know that. She will, too.” I gave him a smile and called Evie. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say, but I’d think of something. At least Kayden was in school. One less thing to worry about. “Hello, Sweetheart. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time. I needed to ask you about something.”

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I grinned as I picked up my phone and saw my aunt’s name. I quickly picked it up, “Hey Aunt Bran, everything okay?” “Hello, Sweetheart. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time. I needed to ask you about something.” “No, not at all. I was just working on my application for this one place. Is everything alright? Are you okay?” I wasn’t used to her calling unless it was important. “Did something happen to Uncle Rick?”

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”Everything is fine. I didn't mean to scare you.” I gave Phineas a slight shrug with a grin. ”I have an unexpected visitor and was wondering if you would like to meet us at the cafe. If you have time.” I looked over at my nephew and tried to pick up on his mood while I waited for Evie’s reply.

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I let out a sigh of relief, “An unexpected visitor?” Looking at the time, “Sure, Kayden won’t be home from school for a few more hours. When did you want to meet?” I was curious as to who the unexpected visitor was, but I wasn’t going to push about who it was. I knew she would tell me eventually.

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I gave Phineas a thumbs up. “How about 15 minutes? I’ll grab a table and order your favorite tea and croissants.” I was a little surprised that Evie didn’t question who the visitor was, but I didn’t want to tell her over the phone.

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I laughed, “That sounds great, Aunt Bran. I’ll see you, I mean y’all soon.” I hung up and saved my work. Once that was done, I shut down my computer and gathered my things. After changing clothes and brushing my hair, I headed to the cafe.

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After ending the call, I hung up the phone. “She’s going to meet me at the cafe. I’m not sure if you want to be there with me when she walks in or wait for me to call you perhaps? After I tell her you’re here?” I honestly wasn’t sure what their relationship was like or what Evie’s reaction would be.

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I thought for a moment before answering, “I’m not sure which would be the best either to be honest. I mean we didn't fight or anything that made us stop speaking. She just sort of faded out I guess you could say. What do you suggest is the best way to do this? I’m sorry. I don’t mean to put you on the spot or bring you into the middle of this.” My intentions had never been for Bran or Rick to be caught in the middle. I just didn’t know how else to reach Evie.

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”Why don't we err on the side of caution? You can wait in the gift shop across the street. If you give me your number, I can text you after I tell her you’re here. Then you can join us. Would that work for you?” I got my purse out of my desk and placed it on the floor beside me.

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I smiled and nodded, “I think that sounds like a good idea. This way, if she doesn’t want to see me, she doesn’t have to. I��m hoping she does, but I don’t want to push her.” I gave my aunt my number and stood, “Would you like to lead the way? I haven’t figured out where everything is in town.”

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I stood and picked up my bag. ”Right this way.” I held the door open for Phineas and, on our way, stopped at the desk to tell Amber I would be gone for the rest of the afternoon. Once we were outside, I stopped to give Phineas a brief rundown on where things were in general. Then we walked over to the shop across from the cafe. ”Across the street there is where we’ll be. I’ll try for a table towards the side away from the windows. Ok?”

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I nodded, “Alright, sounds great. Bran, I really appreciate you doing this. You don’t know what it means that you’re willing to help me, even though I haven’t been around. It means the world to me.” I smiled awkwardly and shrugged, “I guess I’m just trying to say thank you.”

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I reached over to give Phineas’ hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’re welcome, dear. If we can reunite you and your sister, it means a stronger family for all of us. We all win. I know the next few minutes will be hard while you wait, but hopefully I’ll be texting you soon.” I gave Phineas a last quick smile before heading across the street to the cafe to grab a table and order Evie’s favorites before she arrived.

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I found a parking spot and headed inside to look for Aunt Bran. I smiled when I saw her, a little confused that she was alone, but walked to the table. “Hi! Sorry, I’m late. Is your unexpected visitor not coming after all?” I sat down after giving her a quick hug.

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“You’re right on time,” I smiled as we sat back down. “I’m not sure whether or not this is someone you want to see. This was the easiest way I could think of to let you decide for yourself.” I wasn’t sure that I was making any sense to Evie. We sipped our tea silently before I came to the crux of the matter. “My visitor, Sweetheart, is your brother. Phineas came to see me. Looking for you.”

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I looked up from the table and looked at my aunt, “Phin is here? Where?” I started looking around the cafe for my brother. When I didn’t see him I turned back to my aunt, “My...my dad isn’t here right? It’s just Phin?” I tried not to show any emotion on my face when I asked, but I wasn’t sure I pulled it off. Not that I could hide anything from my aunt anyway. She always had her ways of knowing.

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“He’s across the street waiting in the shop. I told him I would message him if you agreed to see him.” Her reaction was so odd that I couldn’t help but ask. “Evie, do you want to see him? We discussed it and he won’t be angry if you don’t want to.” I was curious about her comments about her father, but decided not to press it. “Whatever you want to do is fine. It’s completely your choice.”

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I took a sip of my drink and sighed, “I want to see Phin. I haven’t seen him since Kayden and I left. I..I just don’t want to see my father. But if it’s just Phin, I’m perfectly okay with seeing him. If he really wants to see me. I thought he was mad at me too.”

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I reached for my tea. “I’ll text Phineas if you’d like to see him, but I am concerned about how upset you are when you mention your father. You never have to see anyone you don’t want to. Rick and I will do everything we can to keep you and Kayden safe.” Sipping my tea, I waited to see if this was still something she wanted.

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I looked out the window, then back at my aunt. “Our father didn’t approve of me leaving home to start with. When Kayden’s dad and I met, he really didn’t approve. Kayden’s dad never let that bother him. He always said my dad would come around.” I couldn’t help but smile a little. “After he passed, my dad demanded I come back home. I didn’t want to go. When I decided to leave and then left, he found out. He overheard Phin and I talking. He was so mad. He ordered me home. Said I had no business being where I was. We got into a huge argument. That was the last time I spoke to either of them.” I took a sip of my drink and sighed, “It wasn’t fair to Phin, I know, but I knew that if I talked to him, my dad would be right there. I was dealing with enough. I didn’t need him to add to it.”

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Her story was disturbing. It reminded me of Rick’s father though, so I should not have been surprised. ”I can't begin to understand what you have been dealing with, Sweetheart. I didn't pick up anything but an honest desire to see you and make sure you’re ok when I spoke with your brother. Would you like me to text him and have him come over?”

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I took another sip of my drink and nodded, “Yeah, I would. I’d really like to see him. I owe him an apology.” I sighed as I sat back against my chair, worrying my bottom lip.

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I nodded and pulled out my phone. After I texted Phineas, I took a brief sip of my tea. “I’m going to go meet him out front and bring him back here. I’ll be right back.” After getting up, I walked over and smoothed Evie’s hair before kissing the top of her head. “Just breathe.” With a smile, I turned and headed out to meet Phineas by the entrance.

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I smiled as I watched my aunt go, I couldn’t help it. She never made me feel horrible about the way I felt or my thoughts. She always had this way of making everything better. I took a sip of my drink and settled back to wait.

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When I got my aunt’s text that Evie wanted to see me, I wasn’t sure I had read it right. I slipped my phone back in my pocket and made my way across the street to the cafe. I waved when I saw my aunt walk out front. “Did she change her mind?”

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I shook my head. “Not at all. She wants to see you, but at first she panicked that your father might be with you. I just wanted you to know that she was feeling apprehensive, but not about seeing you.” Phineas nodded and exhaled softly as I lead him back to the table where Evie waited for us. “Here we are.”

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As we walked inside and to the table, I couldn’t help but think I wasn’t surprised when my aunt said she panicked thinking that our dad might be here too. It would be like him to show up and try to take over the whole situation and play it out to his benefit. When we reached the table, I didn’t sit down, I couldn’t. I stopped by Evie and smiled, “Hi.” She looked up at me and, at first, I couldn’t read her thoughts. It scared me. We used to be so close and could always tell what was going through the other one’s mind, but not now. Not anymore.

She didn’t say anything for a few moments, but eventually, she smiled up at me, “Hi.” She moved over so I could sit down. I hesitated a little at first, but eventually sat down beside her. Neither of us said anything for a few moments, I guess each waiting to see what the other would say first. Eventually, she looked over at me and sighed, “I’m sorry, Phin. I know I should have called you, but I...I just didn’t want to hear dad and his demands again.”

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I waited for a few moments, but Phin didn’t say anything. He had a right to be upset. After all, it’s not like either of us could control our father. I was about to say something again, but he spoke first. “Evie, you have nothing to be sorry about. You did what you needed to take care of yourself and Kayden. I’m not mad at you at all. I’ve just missed you. And I’ve been a little worried about you. That’s all.” I was quiet for a moment and then threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. “I missed you too, Phin. But you’re here now, right?”

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As the siblings spoke to each other, I quietly sat down and dipped my tea. It gave me the perfect opportunity to observe them and their relationship. When the waitress came by to see if Phineas wanted anything, I wasn't sure if they could hear her. They were so wrapped up in each other. Such a typical twin moment. I smiled thinking of a younger Gwen and Jules.

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