Mark (Next Generation Carter Brother #9)

CHAPTER TWENTY

Freya

Breakfast on a cruise is louder than it is at dinner time. Aside from those hungover, everyone seems to have more energy. Loud chatter and laughter bounces off the walls as I move down the buffet counter. It makes me feel better about missing breakfast yesterday. I would have died slowly inside at the sound. Just like I am today. I might not be hungover but being exhausted feels no different.

A small child races past me, screaming at the top of her lungs as a worn-out mum chases after her.

“Good morning, sweetie,” Mum greets, stepping up beside me. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence this morning. You can tell us how your night was over breakfast.”

“Good morning, Noodle.”

I slide my tray further along the counter, picking up some bacon, before addressing my parents. “Morning,” I greet. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be eating breakfast alone this morning.”

“Can you at least sit with us for a moment. Everyone is eating outside this morning to give us privacy. Please,” Mum pleads.

I glance at my dad, whose expression is also pleading. I sigh. “Five minutes.”

“Thank you. We are sitting in our normal place,” she replies.

I grab a large orange juice before leaving them to dish up their food. I’m already digging into my bacon when they arrive at the table. Placing their plates down, they take a seat opposite me.

“We’ve been thinking, honey. Our time has been monopolised with so much of the wedding arrangements and making sure everything is perfect for Esther. Because of that, we’ve not really spent much time with you. We want to change that,” Mum begins.

I glance to my dad, who nods in agreement. “We want you to know that you have us too.”

“I know I do,” I admit. Even though there are times when I feel like they pick Esther over me, I know they love me. I know they would drop everything if I ever truly needed them. I just haven’t, not in the same way Esther has needed them. Still, hearing they want to spend some quality time with me does take me by surprise. “I’m not feeling left out if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Still, we would like to spend some time with you,” Mum replies.

My brows pinch together as my conversation with Esther last night runs through my mind. “I’m not complaining, but what has brought this on?”

Dad glances at Mum, who looks away. “Don’t get mad,” she warns. Which means I’ll most likely get mad. “Esther mentioned how badly she feels that we’ve barely spent any time with you or together as a family. She made some good points, which got us thinking. It’s not good for you to be alone whilst we are all together.”

“I’m not alone,” I point out. “I have Nanna, and I’ve made friends.”

“But those friends aren’t family,” Dad points out. “We want us to do something today, together. Maybe this can be the first step of mending the tension between everyone.”

“What tension?” Mark asks, dropping down beside me in the vacant chair. I gape at the pile of food on his plate. There’s enough to feed a family of six on there. He leans over, pressing a kiss to my cheek before bringing his lips to my ear. “Stop sneaking out on me.”

“I didn’t sneak. It’s not my problem you can’t hear anything over your snoring,” I whisper.

“I do not snore,” he snaps, rearing back.

“Funny, because there’s a video on my phone that says otherwise.”

“You recorded me when I was sleeping?” he asks, then turns to my parents. “She has no boundaries, your daughter.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “What are you doing here, Mark?”

The flesh between his eyebrows creases. “I’m on holiday.”

I point to the table. “I mean here. At this table. Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“No. Not really,” he replies, then digs into his food. “Continue with your discussion.”

I roll my eyes and turn to my parents. My dad is trying to hide his amusement, but my mum is watching Mark like he might pull a knife out and stab one of us.

Always judgemental.

“We were just discussing about spending time together as a family,” Dad explains.

I drop my toast back onto my plate. “Dad, I would love to spend some time with you and Mum, but only if it’s you two,” I reply.

“Honey, your sister is family too,” Dad replies softly.

“So you don’t want to spend time with me?” I question. “You only want to spend time with me if Esther is there?”

“Of course not,” Mum denies. “We just want our girls back together. We want to fix this between you.”

I push my plate away, having lost my appetite. Mark growls low in his throat, dragging the plate over to him. “We don’t waste food.”

“Have at it,” I mutter before turning to Mum. “I know you don’t want to believe this, but Esther manipulated you.”

Mum’s eyes widen. “Why on earth would she do that? If you want the drama to stop, you need to stop creating it.”

I sigh, expecting that reaction. I want to keep the peace. I am far too exhausted to be arguing. Mark, however, doesn’t have the same issue. “Freya is right. Why you automatically assume it’s her causing the issues is honestly baffling to me. You can’t really be that blind to your other daughter’s attitude.”

“This doesn’t concern you,” Mum snarls. “You do nothing but make the situation worse.”

“Why? Because I stand up for Freya instead of Esther? As far as I can see, you have a daughter who has done nothing but try to avoid drama. Some might state she does it for herself, but I reckon she does it so she doesn’t upset you two. She loves you. But your other daughter makes it hard for her. I’ve witnessed how catty Esther can be. I’ve seen her manipulate all of you. And watched her smile whilst you laid into Freya.”

“Son, maybe you should leave until you’ve calmed down,” Dad warns.

“I am calm, and I am not your son,” he declares calmly. “My dad would never pick sides with his children. Esther came up to our table last night. She is so desperate to try and get Freya to react, she will do just about anything. That includes forcing Freya to spend time with you all. She’s got no one to bully if Freya isn’t there.”

Mum meets my gaze. “Is this true?”

“Yes,” I breathe out. “She told me I was being ungrateful, that you guys didn’t pay for my ticket for me to spend time with other people. She used you two to get me to do what she wanted.”

“We will talk to Esther,” she assures me.

Surprise hits my chest. I never expected her to react like that. She normally jumps on the Freya is lying parade. I don’t have high hopes that Esther will listen, but it’s the thought that counts. “Um, thank you.”

“But we would still like you to spend some time with us,” she adds, and my shoulders drop.

“Mum,” I begin.

She holds her hand up. “We want this sorted between you two. What better place to do it than on a beautiful island? We will talk to Esther, make her agree to stop with all this nonsense. It’s gone on for too long.”

“I’m not trying to be difficult, but that isn’t going to happen, Mum. I know how badly you want us to fix things but it’s too late. Too much has been said and done.”

“She’s your sister,” she replies sadly.

“Like Mark told Esther yesterday, you say that like it means something. No one said it to Esther when she announced she was dating Danny. I didn’t hear, ‘but she’s your sister’.” I take a breath, not wanting to get choked up. “I know you two knew about them before that night. None of you protected me. It hurt that no one considered my feelings.”

I watch as shame fills their expressions. “We didn’t think you would care,” Mum admits.

Dad reaches over to try and take my hand, but I pull back. “You were fine the day after you broke up.”

“So what, because I’m strong, everyone thought I’d be okay with being blindsided about their relationship? I meant it when I said I was over it that next day, but it still didn’t make what she did to me okay. What you guys did to me, it hurt. I felt so alone. Every time she caused an argument, I felt more alone. And every time you took her side, the knife dug a little deeper inside. That is what hurt me the most. Summer is the only reason I still live close by. Did you know that?”

“What do you mean?” Mum questions. “Honey, where is this all coming from?”

“I planned to leave. I wasn’t planning on coming back. I was going to stay near Nanna and be done with all of you.” I wipe at the tear that slips down my cheek. God, I hate feeling weak. But they need to know. They need to understand that what they did hurt me more than anything Esther did. They need to understand that me being done isn’t a rash decision. It’s something Esther has been pushing and pushing me towards. Mark places his hand on my thigh, giving me a gentle squeeze. “It was more than feeling I disappointed you. I felt invisible and unloved. Every time we had an argument, it was all about Esther. I couldn’t do anything right because I always upset her. Yet she got to do as she pleased, regardless of what it did to me. I don’t need to be showered with love and affection. I hope I’m not that needy. But I needed something. Something to let me know I was wanted. And the only reason I am telling you this now is because you are doing it again. You don’t want us to fix things because it’s time; it’s because Esther wants it and you want to give it to her. I’ve given her chance after chance, hoping for a different result. It never happened. So please don’t make me do this. I’ve never asked you for anything, but I’m asking you for this. I’m not saying it’s forever, but for right now, I want space from her. I need for you to understand what this is doing to me, and stand by me for once.”

“We didn’t know,” Mum chokes out. “Why didn’t you come to us?”

“I tried,” I declare. “Remember when I asked you to meet me for coffee after Aunt Alley’s birthday?”

Her hands fall to her lap. “Esther came along,” she whispers.

“I tried so many times, Mum. I even made sure Esther would be at work one time, but it’s like she knew I asked you to delay your plans with Alley so I could talk to you. Because she stayed home sick and never once left your side until you left.”

“I got mad at you for making me delay plans for nothing,” she agrees, her head bowing. “I’m so sorry, Freya.”

“And I bet she is the reason you called me about the cruise ticket. She already knew I wasn’t coming. I had already declined the invitation. But she went to you knowing I wouldn’t say no. I’m not saying this to upset you. I just need you to see where I am coming from.”

“We will talk to Esther,” Dad promises. “And we promise to do better. We didn’t realise we were treating you like that. It won’t happen again. Can you forgive us?”

“Yes, as long as it stops now. I don’t need you to take my side, but I do need you to consider my side.”

“We will,” Mum assures me. “But will you still spend the day with us?”

“She’s joining us today,” Mark interrupts. “My dad has paid for us to go snorkelling, but you’re welcome to join us. We won free tickets at last night’s Trivia. We came in second. We planned to give the remaining four tickets away, but you’re welcome to them.”

“Your dad has paid for Freya’s ticket?” Mum asks.

“Yes. She helped my sister, Lily,” he replies. “Lily had a panic attack, and your daughter was amazing with her. Freya rushed on deck with my niece in her arms to find my parents so my sister’s husband could stay with my sister. My parents are grateful to your daughter. We all are. Everyone will at some point do something for Freya.”

“Mark, they really don’t need to. Lily already said Jaxon paid for me to join them when they go swim with the turtles. I don’t need anyone to thank me.”

“Babe, you know what Lily has been through. She told me she told you. She doesn’t talk about it with anyone. But you also know how protective we are of her. You saw her strength whilst so many see a weakness. All of us are grateful,” he states.

“Thank you for the offer, but snorkelling isn’t for us,” Mum declares. “But maybe we can join you both on deck for drinks after dinner.”

“He won’t be there,” I declare.

“I’d love to,” he replies.

“Seriously?” I ask.

“They invited me,” he points out. “Plus, we will be there anyway.”

Like they were summoned, Jaxon is rushing over towards us, Lily right behind him. There’s a small cut on Lily’s chin and elbow. “Are you okay?” I ask, sitting up.

“No,” Jaxon bites out.

Lily places her hand on his arm. “Let’s go back to Rose,” she pleads.

He meets my gaze. “I get your relationship with your sister is tense, but if she touches my wife again, I will take my anger out on her husband. I don’t care if we get removed from the cruise.”

“Esther did that?” I ask, my lips parted.

“It’s fine,” Lily assures me.

“Our daughter did that?” Dad questions.

“It’s really okay,” Lily swears, but I can hear the quiver in her voice.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, feeling dejected when Mark’s hand slips off my thigh.

“Where is she?” Mark spits out.

I get to my feet when I see Esther walking over to us. “Why would you hurt her?” I ask.

She rears back, glancing at Lily. “What have you told them?”

“She didn’t need to tell us anything. A member of staff did,” Jaxon snaps. “You come near my wife again, and your husband will spend the rest of his honeymoon being tube fed.”

“Why don’t we calm down,” Dad offers, holding his hands up.

“It was an accident,” Esther cries.

“What did you do?” Mark snaps.

“I was about to get up and ask if she had seen my sister. She tripped over my foot. It was an accident,” Esther replies, staying close to my parents. She glances at Lily. “I said I was sorry. I really didn’t think you’d trip over my feet. There’s no need for things to get heated.”

“It’s okay,” Lily whispers.

“See, it was just a misunderstanding,” Mum declares.

Jaxon glares at my mum. “I don’t care what she says. My wife has been hurt.”

“She could have been holding my niece,” Mark adds.

“It was an accident,” Esther cries.

“Funny, because the member of staff said you waited until she was close before sticking your foot out,” Jaxon snaps.

“They’re lying,” Esther states, sniffling. “I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Why don’t we all calm down,” Maverick declares, joining the huddle.

“Calm down?” Jaxon repeats. “She’s been glaring at us since we arrived on deck this morning.”

“Please, Jaxon. Let’s go. I need to feed Rose,” Lily pleads, shaking.

Maverick cuts his gaze to Jaxon. “Take Lily back to Rose,” he orders.

Jaxon takes Lily’s hand, but not without cutting a sharp look to Esther. “You’re lucky her cousins weren’t there.”

When they leave, Esther begins to cry. “I thought he was going to hurt me, Mum.”

Mum gives her a stern look. “You should be more careful of your movements.”

“It was an accident,” she cries. “Why don’t you believe me?”

“Maybe because everything that comes out of your mouth is bullshit,” Mark snaps.

“Son, calm down,” Maverick warns.

“No. She picked an easy target. I bet Lily even apologised to you even though she didn’t do anything,” he remarks sharply.

Esther’s shoulders slump. “It really was an accident. I didn’t realise I stuck my leg out that much. I will apologise again.”

“Don’t go near my sister again,” Mark warns.

“Honey, why don’t you go and find Danny and maybe stay out of everyone’s way.”

“You believe them?” she accuses.

“She had grazes,” Mum points out. “You’ve not exactly made the situation better when you’ve done nothing but treat them so poorly.”

Esther glares at me. “Let me guess, you’ve been trying to turn them against me. I knew you would at some point,” she accuses. “My honeymoon is ruined because of you. She probably tripped up on purpose so he would have an excuse to ditch you, like all the men in your life do.”

“Freya hasn’t done anything,” Mum scolds sharply. “Now leave. Give people space to calm down.”

Esther bursts out in tears before leaving. Dad scrubs a hand down his jaw. “We’re so sorry about your daughter. If it wasn’t an accident, we will make sure nothing happens again.”

Maverick nods. “Please make sure nothing else does. I can’t promise my nieces won’t retaliate if she tries something again. We are protective of Lily.”

“We promise,” Mum replies.

He glances at Mark. “I’ll be with your mum and sisters when you’re ready.”

He leaves, and Mum and Dad step closer to each other. “We are sorry about your sister, Mark. She looked pretty shaken up. I hope she will be okay.” When he doesn’t reply, Mum turns to me. “We will go find your sister and talk to her. We’ll also issue a warning to stay away.”

I nod, but my gaze falls on Mark as they leave. I’ve never seen him like this. His hands are still clenched into fists at his sides and his breathing is heavy. I’m scared to breathe, to talk to him. I’m afraid he hates me now. I’m the reason Lily was targeted after all. I wouldn’t blame him.

“I’m so sorry,” I choke out.

“She didn’t deserve that.”

“No, she didn’t,” I whisper.

He drops down in the chair, and I follow, sitting back in my own seat. “It wasn’t an accident.”

“I don’t think it was either,” I admit softly.

He meets my gaze. “You do realise no matter what my dad and uncles say, my cousins won’t let her get away with it. They won’t beat her up, but they’ll make her wish they did.”

I realise then that he’s waiting for me to stand up for her. I shrug, tilting my head. “Just let me know if there’s something I can do to help.”

He nods, like he’s pleased with the answer. “We should go up and make sure everyone is okay.”

“I don’t think they will want me there,” I reply. “I’m surprised you’re still here. You don’t need to be nice about it. I won’t hold it against you if you want to leave.”

“One, my family love you. Of course they want you there,” he argues. “Secondly, it will take more than your sister to scare me off.”

I tilt my head to the side. “That was before Esther hurt Lily. I’m technically the reason Lily was targeted.”

“That’s stupid. You have nothing to do with the choices Esther makes.” He places his hand on the chair between us, and my breath hitches when he tugs me closer. “But you did have a choice about leaving me to wake up alone. Again.”

My lips twitch at the change in subject. “Puh-lease! Like you sleep the night at a hook-up’s house.”

He runs the palms of his hands up my thighs. “I told you this wasn’t a hook-up. I would have proved that this morning if you didn’t do a disappearing act.”

“Maybe next time,” I tease.

“Maybe I’ll tie you to the bed next time.”

I shake my head at his comment. “Eat your food.”

As he shovels down his breakfast, I can’t help but try to figure him out. He’s such an enigma. Each time I think I have him all figured out, he goes and surprises me.

I guess I need to take this one day at a time.

Or if I take Summer’s advice, one fuck at a time.