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~Kris~

Corbyn pulled me through the front door of his family household, down the long hallway and into one of the lounges. "Mom's not rummaging through the kitchen as usual, so she might still be at work."

"Why'd you want me to come?" I inquired. "And what was that about you not being safe at school?"

He ignored my questions, taking me up two flights of stairs to his large room instead. "I'm sure nobody can hear us, is that what you're worried about?"

He faced me and put his arms around my neck to draw me close. "My dad isn't very fond of me," he shared. I nodded, pleased that he trusted me enough to tell me this.

"Does he... hurt you in any way?"

"Oh no, no he doesn't. Please, like I'd ever let him close to my precious face." Corbyn smiled, kissing my cheek. "We just don't get along. I'm a difficult person, as everyone knows."

"And why do you think that is?" I lifted one of my eyebrows and he shrugged.

"It's just me."

"But you weren't always like that. Or did you completely fake your personality when I met you last year?"

He blinked at me, slowly nodding. "I see. I get it; you fell for the boy I used to be and you can't stand who I am now."

"No, I just want to know what changed. If something awful happened, I wanna help fix it. You were this bubbly person who made me laugh, who made me feel comfortable in a school filled with teens who obsessed over me, 'the new kid.' Or... at least tell me, if you're a boy of many faces, which one is real?"

Corbyn stared into my eyes for the longest time that I started to feel intimidated and uncomfortable. "No comment?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I'm wary of this conversation."

"Then give me an answer and we'll drop it."

"I don't have one, Kris, for goodness' sake." He stepped closer. "Can't we just do something else? I mean, when's the last time we... you know, had some fun?"

I removed his arms from my neck and moved back. "We're not having sex," I deadpanned with a frown.

"What, I told you what you wanted to know! My dad and I aren't on the best terms, isn't that all you needed to hear? And it's not my fault you thought I was a bubbly little kid. People change. You don't like me anymore, just admit it."

"Fine. If we're going to be honest, I miss who you used to be. Because this... personality or attitude--whatever you wanna call it, I'm not interested in it."

Corbyn walked over to his window bed and sat down on it. He kicked off his shoes and propped his feet up. "Do it then. Break up with me."

His calmness was unsettling, but I didn't let it get to me. "We both know this won't work," I quietly said. "I do care for you, but it's over."

I started to leave his room, but right before I was out the door I turned back to look at him. He was staring out the window, his fingers absently playing with the fabric of the little bed.

"Will you be okay, Corbyn? With your dad?"

He gazed at me, his eyebrows pulling together in confusion. "Why are you still here?"

I let out a breath, grabbing the door handle and closing the door behind me. And strangely enough, I felt a massive weight lift from my shoulders.

🎻🎻🎻

~Jaden~

I didn't have the strength to rise from my bed that Friday morning. I didn't want to go to school. I couldn't take anyone's bullshit at the moment.

I had to relive my mother leaving all over again. It was just like last year, almost worse. How could she do this? How could she give us hope and then rip it away so cruelly? Did she ever plan to stick around?

My room door was pushed open and in trudged Raina in her little onesie pajamas, grabbing onto a plush toy that she liked to sleep with. I sighed and slowly sat up as she approached my bed.

"You're not sleeping?" I asked, picking her up to sit her down on top of my covers.

"I thought mommy would come back." I watched her rub her sleepy eyes and I pouted.

"No, I don't think she is." For some reason, I always assumed that Raina didn't remember our mom. But I was foolish to have believed that. Love was a real phenomenon, and she must've felt the motherly love that she was so accustomed to suddenly disappear. I knew I did.

"Where did she go?"

"I don't know, Raina. I'll find out, okay?" I had an idea she went right back to Jett, and I definitely intended to pay a visit to find out. I gave my baby sister a hug and she laid down to fall asleep right next to me.

🎶🎶🎶

"Homecoming dance is next Saturday," Kari said, tickling my side. I squirmed and slapped her hands away, burying my head in my locker.

"I'm not going," I mumbled with disinterest.

"Oh come on, J. I mean, I couldn't care less about the dance either but... I care about seeing you happy."

"And you think a stupid dance will make me happy?" I lifted my head to glare at her and she pouted her lips with a shrug.

"For a couple of hours, yes. Kris will be there--"

"Like I care," I snapped, and I wanted to believe that I didn't. I was convincing myself more than my friend. "Everyone can do what they want. Mae can kiss Tiana and Corbyn's ass, you can be with your Sage crush without having to worry about me, Kris can pine after a boy who manipulates everyone he comes in contact with... I'll be in the orchestra room getting ready for recitals next month."

"Jaden. Look, I'm sure Mae has a reason she's been MIA. Remember, she's going undercover for us to help get rid of Corbyn. She's just trying to keep up the image."

"Oh really? You believe that?"

"Psh, I mean... I- I..." She gazed up at the ceiling with pursed lips.

"Exactly." I shut my locker. "I'll see you in class later. And you should go to homecoming with Sage. If he really likes you back, then it'll be more than worth it."

She smiled at me sadly. "Thanks. I'm so sorry about your mom. If you need a ride to go see her, I'm all for driving, okay?"

I nodded, striding off toward the orchestra hall. When I got there, it was quiet as usual during this time of the morning. But I stopped in my tracks when I saw someone floating around restlessly, someone I'd never catch standing around here.

"Oh thank god," Kris breathed when he noticed me. He was wearing his football jersey and casual dark jeans. His sandy blond hair had been whisked out of his face and his eyes brightened up.

As much I wanted not to care about him anymore, my stuttering heart would never let me.

"Why are you here?"

He put his phone in his pocket as he walked toward me. "I thought it'd be the best place to find you."

He'd been waiting for me. Kris Hamilton knew where to find me. Interesting development. "Well here I am. I wonder what Corbyn would say about this rendezvous?" I folded my arms, giving him a pointed stare.

"Doesn't matter. I broke up with him yesterday."

The few walls I'd managed to build up came crashing down, and my eyes went wide. "Are you serious?"

"I've been wanting to do it for a long time, if you'll even believe it."

"Wait, no, why are you telling me this?" I shook my head.

"Because. There's no invisible string tying me to Corbyn, and there never should've been one in the first place."

I glanced at the floor, a soft breath fleeing my lips. "I'm happy you came to that realization." Then I smiled, looking up at him. "It was about time."

"Not exactly very punctual, but I try." He quietly laughed, shrugging his shoulders as he stuck his hands in his pockets. He was so boyish and endearing, I didn't think I could get enough of that.

I twisted in my spot, biting my lip. "I have to practice."

"So do I..." He agreed with a short nod, gesturing at his jersey. "Big game. One that I sincerely hope you come to."

"I know I promised I would but... I'm going through something and a part of me really wants to stay home for a long time."

"Aw." His eyebrows furrowed in concern as his eyes searched mine. "I'm here to talk if you need someone. What about the other part of you; what does it wanna do?"

I sighed. "It wants to maybe come support you at the game."

"Does it maybe wanna go to the dance too... with me?" He rubbed his lips together as his brows rose up, and I laughed, feeling myself blush wildly. He laughed as well, the sound captivating me all over again.

"Smooth," I remarked, looking away as my shyness overcame me. I didn't see that question coming. But the idea of dancing with him was an impossibility that I'd been dreaming of for an entire year. One would think I wouldn't dare to hesitate, that I'd jump through the roof and accept.

And I really, really wanted to. The word yes was practically on my tongue, waiting to be spoken and carried to his ears like music. Then I thought of my mother and I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the cruel tears. I couldn't let him see me cry. "I-I can't do this right now," I whimpered, covering my face as I rushed away, ignoring his call.

I left rehearsal as soon as it was over, giving nobody the chance to talk to me. Like Kris for example, even Tiana was close to stopping me but I walked right past her to meet up with Kari near the parking lot.

I entered her little car with her and she immediately drove off. "What're you expecting when you get there? I feel like we should be prepared, you know?"

I bit the inside of my cheek in thought. "I have no idea. That's if she's even with that guy again."

"You wanna talk about something else, at least until we get there? To get your mind off of it. I don't know, I just wanna help however I can."

"Thanks, Kari. You're a good friend," I sincerely complimented. She smiled at me.

"Are you lowkey throwing shade at Mae?"

"Very lowkey." We laughed at that.

"I texted her but I don't think she's seen it yet. I'm sure once she reads it, she'll probably stop by your house. That girl loves you, J."

"Yeah, maybe. Ooh, I have something to tell you. It's incredibly juicy."

She smirked. "Shoot."

"Nico kissed me," I blurted.

She screeched and gasped. "Shut the front door, bend me over and fuck me sideways! Jaden had his first kiss?! With a demon no less, I'm a proud mother."

I giggled. "I'm surprised you're not asking why my first kiss wasn't from my crush?"

"Oh, honey, we all knew that wasn't happening. I mean, no one's first kiss is ever the person they really like, unless you're one lucky motherfucker which you aren't."

"Gee, thanks."

"Any time." She lightly punched my arm. "So how was it?"

I shrugged. "It was... He did it so I'd stop whining over Kris, but... I dunno; it was good. For a first kiss, it wasn't bad at all."

"Nico's lips have been everywhere; what brand of bleach did you drink afterward?"

"I forgot, but I mixed it with ammonia so I should be good, right?"

She gave me a thumbs up with a proud nod. "Perfect. Inhale it deeply after each meal."

"For sure."

I chuckled, gazing out the window. "Kris asked me to the dance."

Kari swerved left, steadying the car. "Interesting. Did you say yes? I mean, you were always breaking into poems about what it'd be like to dance with Kris Hamilton."

"Yes, I remember."

"I miss that. I can't believe I'm saying it, but those were simpler times almost."

"They were," I agreed. "But Kris didn't know I even existed. I just... I wanna go, I do. I just need to think about it. This whole thing with my mom is really getting to me."

"No, that's understandable."

I just stared at my hands, falling silent for the rest of the ride. I only sat up when she entered the trailer park and drove along the dusty road all the way to Jett's home. "Alright, well... we're here." She came to a stop and I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt.

"Thank you. I'll be right back." I opened the car door.

"Yeah, take your time," she said as I stepped out and walked up the steps of the trailer. I raised my hand in a fist and knocked very firmly and loudly.

I tapped my foot as I waited, and I impatiently knocked again. On my last thump, the door swung open and revealed a very annoyed Jett in his usual get up: a white tank top and tattered jeans held up by a large belt to fit the stereotype perfectly. He gave me a blank stare, his cigarette stuck between his two fingers.

I frowned, looking up at his tall frame. "Where is she?"

"You again," he sighed.

"Yes, me again. Where's my mom?"

"I don't know, kid. She didn't come round here."

I swallowed. "Bullshit." I moved his arm out the way, barreling inside as my anger bubbled.

"Hey! Kid!"

I walked into his trailer, my eyes searching every space that I could. I tried to move toward the back, but he caught me by the arm. "Hey, listen to me for a second."

"No!" I refused, jerking my arm free. "I mean, did it ever fucking occur to you that she is a mother of three children who only want her to be okay? To get help so she can be in our lives again?"

His nostrils flared but he kept silent, rubbing his hand across his slightly wrinkled forehead. "Of course not!" I continued to vent. "You just shoot her up with all kinds of drugs until she loves it more than her own family. Can't you just--I don't know--be a decent person and help my mom!" I pushed him in frustration, tears blinding my eyes.

He maintained his balance and grunted. "Alright, look, she's in the back okay? I'm not the one who asked her to come back here; I give her a place to stay. You should be thanking me!" He pointed to me, his brown eyes accusing me. "I put a roof over her head. Otherwise she'd be in the streets."

"She had a roof," I spat, wiping my eyes. I shook my head. "I need to speak to her. Please just... let me go back there."

He let out a breath and moved aside so that I could pass. I wasted no time in heading to the very back, moving the curtain aside to find my mom sitting on the small bed, staring at a picture in her hand. She looked up, a very unreadable expression on her face.

"Why are you here, Jaden?" she calmly asked.

I folded my arms, trying to think of what I wanted to say. Scratch that; I knew exactly what to tell her. I was just debating if I should utter the words. Would it be worth it? Would it mean anything to her?

"I saw the charm bracelet," I informed. "You didn't want it anymore? Are you letting go of us?"

"That's... that's not why I left it on your bed."

"Well, I tossed it so far into oblivion that it practically doesn't exist anymore. Why'd you leave again; I thought everything was getting better."

She huffed, looking back at the picture. "You think this is easy."

"No. Hell no, of course not. Let's be real, Mom, you're addicted to drugs. I never expected it to be easy for you to give that up. By all means, take your time, but it doesn't even seem like you want help."

"Jaden, you need to go. Does your father even know you're here?"

"I don't care. You're my mom; he can't stop me from seeing you."

"I-I don't want you coming here," she said, tucking her picture close to herself. I couldn't tell what was on the front of it since she was across from me. "You shouldn't harass Jett either. Just go home. Please."

"Fine. I won't be coming back to see you. Oh and you don't need to come to my recital or the opening night of my play; we both know you never wanted to in the first place."

"I promised I would be there and I will."

"No thank you. I rather you not, now that I think about it. Maybe you could do the rehab program Dad found for you; it's really great." I shrugged. "If you want to, of course. If there's anyone you can count on, it's him. He'll help you. Goodbye, Mom." I turned around and strode away from her, past Jett, and right out of his trailer.

"Jaden!"

I whirled around, seeing my mom standing at the door. Her lips pressed together for a moment, as if she was hesitating. "I love you, okay? You take care of Emery and Raina, and look out for each other. I'll come visit you guys soon, I promise."

I stuffed my hands in my pockets. "Okay." Without another word, I approached Kari's car and she looked frantic as I entered, her face etched in worry. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. You can drive, please. I wanna go home." I watched my mom head back inside of the trailer.

"I honest-to-god just saw this car speed off. I don't know, it was at a far distance, but it was a porsche." She started her car, looking through her mirrors in alert.

"So? What's got you scared?"

"Jaden. Hello? Who in this trailer park owns a fancy, silver porsche? No one."

I blinked in realization. "What're you saying, you think it was Corbyn's?"

"It couldn't have been anyone else's."

I felt my body fill up with dread as I tugged my seatbelt and fastened it. "It's okay. He was probably just dropping Nico off; I think he lives around here somewhere, according to one of our conversations."

She huffed, revving her engine. "Yeah. Let's hope so."

🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗

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