‘I guess I can see how something like that would scare you and you’d want to believe your parents and cling to that. I just … I’m still reeling from the fact that my parents did lie to me, and now I have this with you. You guys are the people I trusted to be completely honest with me. And now I feel alone in this.’ Suddenly a thought hit me and my eyes flashed back to Andie. ‘Is that why you gave me the 23andMe kit? Were you trying to make this all come out? You acted so surprised when you weren’t one of my matches, but—’

‘Oh Liz, no, that wasn’t my intention at all. I just thought it was this cool thing that everyone was doing and I wanted to share it with you. Honestly, I’d pushed the memory of that photo down years ago and didn’t even think about it again until the kit results came back and you found out you were adopted.’

She sniffled and shrugged one shoulder. I gave a small reluctant nod, doing my best to calm my anger and understand where Andie was coming from but my hands continued to shake as my heart pounded rapidly.

‘I understand you’re furious with me and I’m so sorry, Liz. I should have told you the minute your parents came clean. It’s been killing me. I wish so badly that I’d told you way back then. Things would have been so different for you. Maybe you could have met more of your bio-family before it was too late. I can’t help but feel like some of this is my fault.’

Exhaling long and slow, I finally replied, ‘I’m not mad at you, really, I’m … sad, I guess.’ I shook my head. I could tell Andie regretted keeping the secret and I didn’t want to get wrapped up in a fight with my closest friend when I already wasn’t speaking to my parents. But I wasn’t quite ready to forgive her. Finally, I said, ‘I think I need to take a walk. Get some fresh air and clear my head for a bit.’

Abandoning the half-chopped tomatoes on the counter, I wiped my hands on the kitchen towel and walked to the door.

‘Lizzie, let me come with you. You shouldn’t be alone right now. I’m still your cousin and I love you. Please don’t shut me out.’

I paused with my hand on the doorknob. ‘I think being alone is exactly what I need right now. I’ll be okay Andie, I just need some space,’ I said as I opened the door. ‘I’ll be back soon.’