Free All of These Things by Anna De Mattea Page A

talking.”
    I flinch.
    “I’m out on the porch, and the coffee’s fresh.” She rises.
    She did not just say that. My inner child is roused, and she’s glowering daggers at me in a petulant huff of bad temper. No, I am not letting Sofie get away with that. Not this time, you can count on that.
    How dare she?
    Don’t I have enough to deal with today? Bath time is so over. I fly up and spring out of the tub, slipping on the robe and stomping to the staircase. I see her exactly where she said she would be.
    “You’re a real piece of work, you know that! How dare you? What exactly are you trying to insinuate, Sofie?”
    I watch her pull in a breath and release it straight away. Her lips press together, and her arms cross under her breasts.
    “What are you going on about?”
    I don’t notice Alec behind me during my rant until now. I move away from the threshold, allowing him to exit onto the porch.
    “Hello, Caroline. I hope you slept well.”
    “Yes, thank you.”
    My bare feet shuffle in place, and I’m embarrassed by my seething and somewhat childish display. I pull at the collar of my robe, assuring nothing escapes it, and my chest caves as I clear my throat.
    “I’m sorry. I forgot you were still here.”
    “I left earlier but returned just after one o’clock. May I bring you tea… or coffee?”
    “No, that’s alright. I’ll grab a cup on the way up,” I assert, turning on my heel and stalking off to the kitchen.
    I find a large mug in the cabinet above the coffee machine, prepare myself a cup, and snatch a banana from a bowl. As I march past the front door, Alec watches me head for the stairs.
    “Caroline, come out here!” Sofie yells from the porch swing. She hasn’t even budged—like I’m the one that’s in the wrong.
    “Later!” I holler back, looking forward to clothing my damp and almost naked body.
    I finish my fruit as I poke around in the drawers and head to the closet, choosing a belted paisley shirt dress. I wobble as I dress, and my movements make me lightheaded. I slip my feet into flip flops, and free my hair from a high ballerina bun. It’s not completely dry from my late night shower, but the subtle waves make it seem like I could have tended to it.
    I pat a faint, pink-bronze eyeshadow on my lids before applying lip gloss. My pout looks larger in luminous nude, and I imagine my mother challenging that. My alabaster skin is rosier than usual from yesterday’s tan, and I finish my coffee as I study my reflection.
    The colour drains from my face when the asshole’s words echo through my mind. I was so close to being totally violated. The idea that his voice will irk me until I die makes me sick and furious. But I’m in control of how far that goes. I am in control—not him , I repeat to myself. I must remember that, but for right now, I need to speak to Sofie and clear the air.
    I see her as I descend, composed and talking to Alec. He’s not in my vision, so I assume he’s still seated on the top step. The main door is ajar, and I approach it but stand immobilized behind the screen separator.
    “What happened to her was scary, Alec, and I just don’t want her pulling back,” she says. “Caroline spent a long time like that—in her own world—a bubble that just popped one day, and she slowly started talking again. How could I not worry that it wasn’t happening for a second time?”
    That sour taste in my throat is back. I should walk away to regain my composure, but I can’t move. My bottom lip and chin quiver, and I’m not sure if I’ll cry or scream. Maybe I need to do both.
    “How dare you!” I growl, heat flushing through my body. “You’re telling a stranger about my life. What business is it of his? I can’t believe you. I can’t believe you, Sofie! I’m so mad at you right now, I can’t even look at you. You’re such an inconsiderate bitch, sometimes.”
    Sobs trap in my throat, but my eyes gush uncontrollable tears. It feels like time has stopped,