43: Kicked Out

CHRISTY:

I almost had a heart attack when Everette suddenly talked. My heart beat wildly against my ribcage as I clutched my chest. In my irritation, I slapped him on his shoulders.

“You nearly killed me. Do you hate me so much that you want to kill me?”

He flinched but did not move away.

He looked at me with a knotted forehead. “It was not my intention.”

“It is your intention,” I answered. “Don’t do that.”

He chuckled. “Rest easy, okay? I promise I will not scare you again.”

Everette sat and yawned. “Are you done talking to your brother?”

“His name is Ben.”

He thought for a moment and said, “Ben? Why did your parents never mention him?”

It was no longer a surprise after what happened. During the first family dinner with the family, Ben was not there, and the Watson family believed that I was an only child.

“Isn’t it obvious? They did not want anything to do with him. They already disowned my brother after he ran away from his supposed obligations in the company. He ran because Mom