Repercussions

‘I lied,’ Kieran said. ‘You were never a substitute.’ He gathered me into his arms. ‘I approached you first. I fell in love with you first. I…I let go of Sarah first. It’s not your fault. None of this is on you. I’m the one to blame.’ I buried my face in his chest. ‘We just need time. Mia, Eimile, they both need time.’ Kieran stroked my hair. ‘They’ll eventually realise that you are innocent. Sarah’s death was unfortunate, but you are not guilty of anything.’ I nodded, and hoped Kieran was right about time curing all wounds. Mia returned a week later. She seemed quieter than before. Though she hugged Kieran with passion, she still glared at me with hatred. I stayed out of her way. Carole took over most of the duties of caring for the eight-year-old. Mia glued herself to Kieran’s side and followed him around like a second shadow. He tucked her in, told bedtime stories, took her to the playground. But he had to get back to work, and Mia had to go to school. Kieran picked a private school