6. Jared

6

JARED

AGED 16

E laine and dad chat, while I push food around my plate. Their voices fade in and out, but one word catches my attention—accident.

"It's such a tragedy," Elaine says, her voice heavy. "Poor Aaron. They're saying he must have slipped off the bleachers."

Dad nods. "Terrible thing. No foul play is suspected, though. Just a freak accident."

I fight back a smirk. They have no idea. No one does.

"Jared, are you alright?" Elaine's gaze locks on me.

I blink, feigning surprise. "Yeah, sorry. Just thinking about Aaron."

"Of course," she says, patting my hand. "It must be hard, losing a classmate like that."

If only she knew. I'm not mourning. I'm fucking celebrating.

"It's okay to be upset," Dad adds. "These things are never easy to process."

Dad knows I don't process stuff like normal kids do. I've been diagnosed with a personality disorder since I came to live with him, and I'm on meds for it, so why he thinks I'd be upset, I don't know. Emotions are just different for me.

I nod. "Yeah, it's just... shocking, you know?"

They buy it. Hook, line, and sinker.

As they talk, I think back to that night—the satisfying crunch as Aaron's body hit the ground, the rush of power I felt.

I feel no remorse. Aaron crossed a line. He put his dirty fucking mouth on what is mine.

"Has anyone checked on Aria?" Dad asks.

"I'll check on her," I say. "I'll even take her some food."

Elaine's eyes narrow. "Will you be kind to her, Jared? She's going through a lot right now."

I put on my most convincing smile. "Absolutely. We haven't always gotten along, but I want to be there for her. She needs support right now."

Elaine's expression softens. It's almost too easy.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Jared," she says warmly.

I stand, grabbing a clean plate from the cabinet. As I pile on some lasagna, my mind races with possibilities.

Aaron's out of the picture now. Permanently. No more competition, no more distractions for Aria. It's perfect.

The weight of the plate in my hands feels like victory as I climb the stairs. Each step brings me closer to Aria, and I can't help but think of the future I've been planning. Once we're both adults, once I can finally claim her without interference, it'll all be worth it.

I pause outside Aria's door, listening. There's no sound from inside.

Knocking softly, I call out, "Aria? It's me. I brought you some dinner."

After a moment, I hear a quiet, "Come in."

I enter Aria's room, balancing the plate. She's curled up on her bed, a small, fragile figure huddled beneath her comforter. My heart skips a beat when I see her, vulnerable and beautiful.

"Hey," I say softly. "I thought you might be hungry."

Aria lifts her head, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy from crying. She looks at me, then at the plate, before nodding.

I place the food on her nightstand and sit on the edge of her bed. The urge to reach out and touch her is overwhelming, but I resist. I can't risk scaring her away. Not now.

"How are you holding up?" I ask.

Aria shrugs. "I don't know. It doesn't feel real."

I nod. "I know. It's... it's a lot to process."

She searches my face. "Were you there? Did you see what happened?"

For a second, I panic. But I'm prepared for this.

"No," I lie smoothly. "I wish I had been. Maybe I could have... done something."

Aria's lip trembles, and she starts crying again. Without thinking, I reach out and pull her into my arms. She doesn't resist, burying her face in my chest.

The feeling of her against me is intoxicating. I've dreamed of this for so long, imagining how holding her would feel. The reality is even better than I ever imagined.

"Shh," I murmur, stroking her hair. "It's okay. I'm here."

As I comfort her, I feel triumphant. Aaron is gone. He can never touch Aria again. She's mine now, just like she should be.

I know I should feel guilty. I know I should regret what I've done. But I don't. Not even a little. Because holding Aria like this, I know it was all worth it.

I hold her until she stops crying, enjoying every moment of her vulnerability. As she pulls away, wiping her eyes, I feel protective of her.

"You should eat something," I say, pointing at the plate of lasagna. "Your mom's worried about you."

Aria nods and reaches for the food. Her hand trembles, and I steady it with my own. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something—gratitude, maybe?—in her gaze.

"Thanks, Jared," she murmurs.

I watch as she takes a small bite. I'm taking care of her. Protecting her. Like I should.

"You know," I start casually, "if you need anything—anything at all—I'm here for you."

Aria looks surprised. "Really? I thought... I mean, you've never really..."

"I know," I cut in. "But things change. You're my sister, after all."

The word ‘sister' tastes bitter on my tongue, but I force it out anyway. It's what she needs to hear right now.

Aria's lips curve into a small, hesitant smile. "That's... nice of you, Jared."

I shrug. "Don't get used to it. I still think you're a pain most of the time."

Her smile falters, and I immediately regret my words. Old habits die hard. But I can't let her see how much I truly care. Not yet.

"But," I add quickly, "you're my pain. And nobody else gets to mess with you, got it?"

Aria's eyes widen, and she nods. "Got it."

As I leave, I feel mixed up inside. I want to protect her but must act like I don't care too much. But one thing is clear: Aria is mine to protect. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe from everyone but me.