Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 39

Sasha always hated answering this question because she never knew what to say. She had even managed to avoid answering it for Brian and she had worked for him for 6 years. "I have an older brother and an older sister." She hesitated.

"I didn't know you had a brother Sasha." Brian stated. "I'm learning all kinds of things about you tonight!"

"I had another brother but he died when I was 5."

"I'm sorry Sasha." Hannah said putting her hand on top of Sasha's. "What happened?"

"Hannah, Sasha may not want to talk about that." Brian cautioned.

"Its OK." Sasha turned to Hannah. "My brothers and sister are quite a bit older than I am. Danny was 17 when he died. He was coming home from his Senior Prom when another car crashed into his. He and his date were both killed."

Brian's mouth fell open. He didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry Sasha. I had no idea."

"There is no way you could have known Brian. It is not exactly a subject that comes up in the course of a normal conversation."

"Was the other driver drunk?" Tyler asked.

Sasha nodded. "Yes, he was Tyler."

"Just like the commercials say. You shouldn't drink & drive!"

"You've got that right!" Brian said reaching over and messing up his hair. He looked across the table and noticed Sasha looked uneasy. He assumed she was uncomfortable with the conversation taking place. "Why don't we change the subject guys." He suggested.

"OK." Hannah said taking a drink of her juice. "Tell us about your other brother and sister."

"Hannah!" Brian scolded. "This isn't the Sasha inquisition!"

"What's an inquestion?"

"Inquisition." Tyler restated. "Dad means you are being rude and asking Sasha too many questions!"

"Oh." She looked at Sasha. "I'm sorry Sasha."

"Its OK Hannah. What do you want to know?"

Hannah thought for a minute. "I don't know. What are their names and where do they live?"

"Kelli lives in Cocoa Beach with her husband Max and their son, Brad."

"I actually knew that part!" Brian laughed.

Sasha smiled. "I think you have met Kelli haven't you?"

"Once or twice."

"How old is she?" Hannah asked.

"Kelli is…35. No, 36." Sasha replied after a bit of thought.

"Wow! That's old!"

"No it's not!" Brian replied chuckling. "Your mom is 38!"

"Well it sounds old!" Hannah replied. "And what about your brother?" She persevered.

Sasha took a long drink of her water. She put her hands in her lap. She pressed her nails into the flesh of her palms, feeling the pain shoot up her arms. The pain immediately calmed her down. She took a deep breath. She continued to dig her nails into her palms as she began to talk about her brother.


Chapter 40O

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