All Fall Down by Erica Spindler Read Free Book Online

possible.”
    Ashley narrowed her eyes. “This isn’t about me and my dating habits.”
    â€œNo, it’s about helping our sister. Something you don’t seem interested in doing.”
    For a moment, Ashley was completely still. Then she rose to her feet. Melanie saw that she was shaking. “I love our sister as much as you do, Melanie, so don’t you even think about going there.”
    â€œI wasn’t suggesting—”
    â€œYeah, you were. In your way.” Ashley looked her straight in the eyes. “You want the truth? You’ve made her too dependent. You’re always taking care of her, rushing in to save the day. You’ve been doing it since we were kids. What does she expect you to dothis time? End her marriage for her? Arrest him? Shoot to kill?”
    â€œVery funny, Ash.”
    â€œI’m not laughing. You’ve got to let her grow up.”
    Melanie stiffened, fighting to keep her temper in check. “So, you think I should just stand back and let her be victimized. Very nice, Ash. Sisterly.”
    â€œUntil she does something to help herself, yes, that’s exactly what I think you should do. Be there for her, sure. Offer advice. But stop trying to save her.”
    â€œMaybe you can do that, but I can’t.”
    Ashley sucked in a sharp breath. “Cut the sanctimonious act. The reason you’re so protective of her is because you feel guilty.”
    â€œGuilty?” Melanie repeated, arching her eyebrows in exaggerated disbelief. “What do I have to feel guilty about?”
    â€œSilly question, Mel. You feel guilty because Mia was Dad’s whipping girl.”
    â€œThat’s nonsense. Why should I—”
    â€œBecause even though the two of you looked exactly alike, he picked her to hurt.”
    Feeling her sister’s words like a blow, Melanie took an involuntary step backward, then swung away from her sister. Legs shaking, she crossed to the door to the family room, listened for Casey, then carefully eased the door three-quarters of the way shut. “That wasn’t my fault,” she said finally, heavily. “It was Father’s. I have no reason to feel guilty over it.”
    â€œOf course not. But you do. You’re still trying to make up to her for you being the golden child.”
    â€œYou don’t understand. You’ve never understood.”
    Ashley’s mouth thinned. “Because I was never a member of your little twin’s club. Right? Not Ashley, the one who was different.”
    â€œMia and I don’t have a club and we’ve never excluded you, Ash.”
    â€œOh, please.” Her voice thickened. “I was the third sister. The third wheel. I still am.”
    Melanie made a sound of frustration. “You make me crazy when you’re like this.”
    Ashley took a step toward her, then stopped. “Has it ever occurred to you that it’s because I’m different that I see so clearly? You, Mia, Dad…everything?”
    â€œMia needs me. She’s more sensitive than either of us. More vulnerable. That’s why Dad singled her out, he knew she wouldn’t fight back. And that’s why I had to stop him.”
    Ashley opened her mouth to respond, but the phone rang, cutting her off. Melanie answered. “Oh, hello, Stan.”
    Ashley made a face and grabbed her purse. “I should go.”
    â€œStan, could you hold a moment?” She put her hand over the mouthpiece. “Please stay.”
    Ashley shook her head, her expression—for one fleeting moment—lost. “I’ll call.”
    Melanie held a hand out, regretting their argument. “Coffee on Friday?”
    â€œI’ll try. No promises.”
    â€œI love you.”
    Ashley smiled. “Ditto, kiddo.” She started out the door, then stopped and looked back, her expressionwicked. “Tell the prick I said hello and to burn in hell.”
    Melanie watched her