Sins of the Flesh (Exposed Series Book 1) by Hazel Kelly Read Free Book Online

wrists against the table. “Surely
the doctor told you what your options were?”
    I glanced over my shoulder at the café behind me and turned back
to face her. “Of course he did,” I said. “There just weren’t any good ones.”
    “Then you have to go to another doctor.” She sat straight up.
“I’ll get you the name of the one Ed’s mom went to. He was great. She’s been in
remission for five years.” She reached for her phone.
    “No. Tina, don’t. Not now.”
    She put her phone down on the table. “But you have to get a
second opinion.”
    “I know, okay. I’ll get a second opinion. But I need you to
understand that this isn’t the same. Ed’s mom had Breast Cancer. If all I had
to do was get my breasts removed then that’s what I’d be telling you right
now.”
    Her eyes darted back and forth between mine. She swallowed and lowered
her voice. “How long do you have?”
    “I don’t know,” I said, “but it sounds like trying to slow the
cancer’s growth would only destroy my quality of life. It might even make me
sicker faster.”
    She pursed her lips. “Promise me you’ll get a second opinion.”
    “I promise,” I said, “and I don’t want you to worry. I almost didn’t
tell you because I knew you’d worry, but… but I had to tell someone, ya know?”
    “I’m glad you did.” Her mouth forced a smile but her eyes stayed
sad. “You know I would’ve killed you myself if you hadn’t told me.”
    “I know.”
    “Have you told Carol?”
    “No.”
    “Dawn, you have to tell her.”
    “I’m not sure I do.”
    “She’s your sister.” Tina’s face was stern. “You can’t not tell her.”
    “She’s got enough to worry about. Besides, it’s not like we’re
going to suddenly get along just because I’m sick.”
    “You don’t know that.”
    I cocked my head. “C’mon, Tina. My body is sick. Not my head.”
    She leaned back and folded her arms.
    “Look, I know you don’t approve, but I kind of like the idea
that she doesn’t know. Maybe she’ll remember me more fondly if my death is
tragic and sudden.”
    “That’s fucked up.”
    I shrugged. “I don’t really mean it. I’m just not ready to tell
her yet. There’s too much shit between us as it is without stirring my cancer
into the pot.”
    “Dawn?”
    “Yeah?”
    “I’m still in denial about this right now, but your being
nonchalant isn’t going to make it easier for me. Or anyone else.”
    I tucked my hair behind my ear. “I know.”
    “And I get that your job requires you to tell people that it’s
all going to be okay even when it’s not.” She shook her head. “But you don’t
get to do that with this. It’s not okay.”
    I nodded and spoke softly. “I know.”
    “So don’t bullshit me. And just this once, grow up and don’t
bullshit your sister. Seriously, Dawn. After everything you guys have been through,
she has a right to know.”
     

Chapter
9: Kate
     
     
    I was lying on my back, watching the wobble of the ceiling fan,
and hating myself.
    There was a light layer of sweat on my forehead, and my stomach
was stretched so full it felt like it was going to burst open.
    A few hours earlier, I went to see The Secret Life of Walter
Mitty with Annie and Danielle. It was really cute. I loved it. Especially the
joke about the Poetry Falcon. And the twist at the end.
    And it was the first time I ever understood what people see in Sean
Penn. Cause he was actually pretty hot in it. For an old guy. Obviously.
    Anyway, I was really good during the movie and didn’t get any
popcorn or candy because I knew it would set me off. Turns out I was only
delaying the inevitable. As soon as the movie was over, the girls wanted to get
some pizza.
    I started with one slice. Nothing that would kill me. Nothing I
would have to feel bad about eating. If only I had stopped there. But I didn’t.
    Once I’d had two pieces the wheels were set in motion. And I had
no choice but to stuff myself.
    Okay, that’s not