TWENTY
Jaxson
The sound of the bell ringing sends a flood of memories through my head.
Leaning up against the locker, I think about Madelyn and all the time we shared in this hallway. Passing notes. Holding hands. Kissing while I pinned her against the lockers.
God, what I wouldn’t give to go back to those days.
A loud squeal interrupts my thoughts and I look up just in time to see my sister running toward me. She jumps into my arms, wrapping hers around my neck as I lift her from the floor.
“Oh my God! Jax, I can’t freakin’ believe you’re here!”
With that, Henley tucks her face into my shoulder and bursts into tears.
Squeezing a little tighter, I try to console her. It’s been too damn long since I’ve seen my baby sister. Three years too long. I rock her back and forth until she calms, then gently set her back on her feet. Tears still swim in those pretty eyes, but she’s smiling now.
“I’ve missed you, Henny. Let’s go grab some lunch.”
Wiping her eyes, she nods, settling her hand in the crook of my elbow. Side by side, we head for the cafeteria.
Blackwood High hasn’t changed a bit. Fuck, it’s weird to be back here.
We grab some food and find a relatively private corner. I don’t miss the looks and hushed whispers. Neither does Henley.
“They probably think you’re my boyfriend or something,” she says, rolling her eyes as she slides onto the bench. “Anything to gossip about. I can’t wait to get out of here.”
Chuckling, I sit across from her.
“I’m proud of you for sticking it out.”
“Yeah, yeah. I thought about dropping out and getting my GED, but I wanted to keep my options open for college and a diploma looks better than a GED. But seriously Jax, did mom and dad not consider this crap when they decided to hold me back a year?”
I give her a look and she rolls her eyes again.
“Of course they didn’t. That would require them to think of someone other than themselves, I know. It sucks so bad. I’m four months into my senior year of high school and I’m already nineteen. I’m older than like...everyone.”
“Older and wiser.” I tease. “Tell me how you’ve been. I’ve tried so many times to come by and call…”
“I know. I thought it would be easier once I turned eighteen...God, Jax. I’ve wanted to pack a bag and come to you so many times.”
“Why didn’t you? You’re a legal adult, Henny. You don’t have to stay there. And my door is always open to you.”
“College,” she says simply. “They told me as I long as I stayed under their roof and followed their rules they would pay for my education. I know college didn’t interest you, but it’s different for me. I finally decided what I want to do, and culinary school isn’t cheap.”
“Half-pint…” I sigh. “I’ll help you pay for school. The bar is doing really good. I ca—”
“No, Jax. Look. That’s a sweet offer and I love you to death for it, but it’s not your responsibility. Mom and dad...well, we both know they suck. But if they’re willing to offer me a full ride, I’m gonna take advantage of that. It sucks not being able to see you, or talk to you whenever I want, and I love you—you know I do—but the way I see it...it’s a small sacrifice. This is my last year at home. They’re going to pay for everything while I’m away at school. I can work, save money, and when I finish the culinary program, I can walk away free and clear. I’ll have no debt, money saved up, and I can do whatever I want.”
I let my frustration deafen me to the truth behind her words. Another three years seems like a lifetime without my sister. I don’t want that for either of us. College aside, I want her out from under their tyrannical rule. I want her safe and happy. With an irritated huff, I open my mouth to argue, but snap it shut when I see the devious smile on her face. It finally clicks.
“You’re using them.”
She nods rapidly, her smile widening.
“Holy fuck, Henny. You devious little shit.” I bark out a laugh, shaking my head.
“They did us dirty, Jax. The crap they pulled with you? The way they’ve treated us our entire lives? They suck as parents. They owe us, especially you. I know you enough to know you’ve moved passed it, but I’m still there. It’s not as bad for me as you probably think it is, but it still sucks. I’m going to take them for all I can before I disown them, cast them aside exactly the same way they did you.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal, popping a fry in her mouth. “I know you’ll be waiting with open arms when I walk away. I know that I always have a safe place with you. You’re the only family I need.”
I stand and move around to her side of the table. Dropping down beside her, I wrap my arms around my little sister and pull her close.
“I love you so fuckin’ much, Henny. I’m glad that you haven’t let the years come between us. And you’re right. I will always be there for you in whatever way you need me. I’m only a phone call away.”
“I’ll never let anything come between us. I know who my real family is, always. I’m just biding my time.”
The bell rings, signaling the end of our time together.
Reluctantly, I release her from my embrace. She grabs her bag, and I can tell she’s hesitant to walk away. We both know that me coming here today was a risk, but it’s one I had to take. It probably won’t happen again because now that I know her plan, I don’t want to mess anything up for her.
Tears well in her eyes again, so I pull her back into a hug.
“Remember, Henny. Only a phone call. Love you, half-pint.”
“Love you too, big brother.”
While she’s distracted, I slip a small, wrapped box into her bag for her to find later. A late birthday present that I hope she loves.
I pull back and kiss her forehead.
“Now get your ass to class.”
Shaking her head, she laughs and finally turns to walk away.
The sound of her happy laughter will stay with me until I can see her again.
Leaving the school, I decide to walk around town for a while. Seeing my sister brought up a ton of bad shit that I ignored while I was with her. Three years may have passed, but just like things with Madelyn, time hasn’t dulled the pain. I’m still raw inside from my parents casting me out. Being kept away from my sister is a soul-deep hurt that will never lessen.
I wander aimlessly for a while, trying to drown out some of the negative shit rolling through my head. I don’t really want to spend the rest of the day by myself, so I head toward the Brewhouse. A hyped-up crowd is just what I need after the emotional visit with my sister. I held it together, but having her cry on my shoulder when she saw me? That shit cut deep.
It’s gonna be hard respecting her wishes. Leaving her in their hands for another three years doesn’t sit right with me, but she’s an adult now. We both had to grow up fast, so I know she’s mature enough to make the decisions she’s made. She knows what she’s doing, and I have to trust that.
Lost in thought, I’m not paying attention to where I’m going until I accidentally plow right into someone. “Oh shit! I’m so sorry!”
Reflexes have me reaching out to prevent the person from falling. I don’t have to see a face to know who I bumped into. The electricity that zings up my arms at the touch is a dead giveaway.
Madelyn.
Ignoring the thumping of my heart in my chest, I steady her. I wish I could hold her closer, never let go. That line of wishing and want ends when I notice her wince from my touch. Releasing her, I drop my gaze. It hurts too much to look at her. Lowering my eyes, I see something that makes me do a double take.
Bruises. Her biceps are covered in black, purple, and blue bruises. Handprint and finger-shaped bruises.
What. The. Fuck?
She moves to pull her sleeves down, but it’s too late. I already saw that shit.
“Mads...who the fuck did that to you?”
It’s a rhetorical question. She doesn’t need to answer. I already know the fucking answer, but I want to hear her say it. I want to hear her admit it. Then I’m going to go make sure he never does it again.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jaxson. I’m sorry I ran into you. I need to go.”
Not giving me time to object, she ducks her head and rushes away. I watch her go, hands curled into fists at my sides, anger vibrating through my entire body.
Madelyn glances back at me and what I see makes my heart drop to my stomach. Her once beautiful, vibrant green eyes are dull and lifeless. Haunted.
I want to kill the man that put that look in her eyes.