Jay's POV:
Kally and I might not be that different. She had a similar story to mine. Sadly, she has consequences. I can't believe he left her pregnant. Betrayed is not enough to describe how she felt back then. The problem is that he is back. I have no idea what he wants from her. I'm sure she won't give in. As I see it, there are still some wounds in her. It looks like she moved on, but I can't be sure. The whole story terrifies her. As if she expects him to do something to her. I'm here. It's not like I can do anything. That is between them. If I mess with this, it might be worse for her. I believe he has stalked her. I don't see another way that he got her phone number. I asked my mom. She doesn't have it. I was mad at Stacy, but it doesn't mean I'll go after her for revenge. Sometimes, you have to move on. I'm trying. After hearing the story, I started looking at Kally from the other side. I don't want to get rid of her. It's enough what he did to her. I hope that she can deal with this.
Kally should be home soon. Mom is waiting for her. Me too. I want to see how she feels today. Of course, she won't show anything in front of my mom. She can't hide in front of me. I can't help her, but I can be here for support. It's still something. Mom left when she came. Dad goes early because he has more work to do in the office. Kally left her stuff and went straight to the kitchen. It's too early for lunch. There was no sign of her smile. He might have done something.
- What did he do? - I asked
- Nothing.
- Kally.
- He keeps sending me fiend's requests from different accounts. I blocked more than twenty.
- Does he want only a talk?
- I don't know. I'm afraid that it will turn into something else.
- Meet with him.
- What?
- Go talk with him in a public place. My brothers and I will come with you.
- He can't find out about this.
- Don't worry. We'll walk in after you and go away before you. He won't suspect anything.
- I don't know.
- He won't leave you in peace. Hear what he has to say, and that's it. No one said that you have to agree.
- What if he does after you or Toby, and Blane?
- We can take care of ourselves. - Toby said
- I can't risk it. Boys, I can't do this to you
- Relax. Nothing will happen. I promise you. - I said
I understand Kally's concerns. I don't think something will go wrong. The final decision is hers. We left her to make lunch. I still don't know why she is doing it. I will eat whatever I find in the fridge. Toby went to play video games. I passed this time. I'm not in the mood for that. I can't stop thinking about this. Is he capable of hurting her? I hope not.
- Why are you alone? - Blane asked
- Why can't I be?
- I.
- Relax. You can stay here. I don't mind.
- Can I know why you are so worried about her? That's new.
- I don't know. I feel bad. The same story is repeating.
- She doesn't know it.
- It's better that way. I can't tell her. Not yet.
- You can help her. I'm sure she will appreciate it.
- I believe she wants us away from this.
- You never know.
- I do.
- Did you notice that Toby seems a bit off?
- I do. Something must have happened.
- When? We don't go out.
- Maybe that is the issue.
- What do you mean?
- He likes to go out and party a lot. We haven't done that in a while.
- So? I don't think he is that addicted.
- Should we check on him? I feel bad. We left him alone.
- I'm afraid he is at that stage where he won't talk to us.
- Sad.
- Let's give him some time. Maybe he will open up.
Toby went out of his room for lunch. We tried to ask him gently, but he didn't say anything. Kally let him go out if he is home before our parents. The same goes for us. I chose to stay inside. Toby and Blane went out. That lifted his mood a little bit. She knows what he needs better than we do. I don't know what to say. I'm surprised.
- How did you know?
- I have powers.
- Really?
- Yes. I also heard you and Blane talking about it.
- Now it makes sense.
- Why aren't you out?
- I have nothing to do there. Also, I didn't want to leave you alone like a guardian.
- Thanks.
The rest of the afternoon, I was with Kally. I tried to avoid the specific topic. I know how she will react. Since she doesn't want my help, I can't do anything about her. We went to drink coffee by the pool. That might become a habit. It's not like I mind. I wanted to tell her my story, but I gave up. I can't do this. I can't talk about that.
- Are you ok? Your head is somewhere else. - she said, chuckling
- I'm sorry. I was thinking about something.
- I guess it wasn't me.
- What?
- I'm kidding.
- No, I have other things in my head.
- Are you sure your brothers will come back before your parents? I don't want to get fired.
- I'll text them.
- No, no. Leave them alone.
- Did someone say my name? - Toby asked
- See? Thank you for keeping your word.
- No worries.
- I thought you would stay outside longer. - I said
- That was the plan, but it was almost empty everywhere. Also, it was too hot.
Kally went to make coffee for my brothers. Toby went with her. Blane will start with the questions. No, I haven't told her. No, I won't do it. I wonder if I will ever be able to do it.
- To understand that nothing happened.
- No. I avoided talking about this.
- You can still help her.
- Will you stop? Please.
- I'm sorry. I thought. You know. She. And you.
- What? I won't date her or anyone else.
- Why not? She is not like you know who.
- It doesn't matter. I want to be her friend, but nothing else.
- Are you sure about this?
- Yes, I am. I'm sure about everything.
- You two have the same story.
- That doesn't mean anything. I didn't tell her, and I won't do it.
- Will you stop getting mad at me whenever I try to help you?
- Your help is not helping.
We dropped it when Kally and Toby came back. I already had a coffee with her. I don't want another one. She stayed with us for about the usual time. The girl was home for dinner, and so were we. Our parents have bought food on the way home. It was good. I liked it. Everyone was eating without talking. That is weird.
- I have a question. - Toby said
- What is it? - our mom asked
- For how long does Kally have to stay here? We haven't done anything.
- How can I be sure you won't start after she leaves?
- Don't you trust us?
- I wish I could, but I know you. The three of you can't be trusted.
- Give up, brother. Whatever goes into her head doesn't go out until it's done. - I said
- I can say the same about you.
- I have told you what I think about comparing me with our mom.
- No offense, Jay, but I will agree with him. - our dad said
- Then you wonder why I don't back up for anyone.
- We are not saying to make fun of you. - Blane said
- It's still a harsh offense. I have nothing in common with this woman.
- You know I'm sitting in front of you. - our mom said
- Yes. That's why I'm saying it. I'll be in my room. - I said and left
I'm tired of people comparing me to my mom. We are different people. I have my ways of dealing with people, and so does she. I don't understand why they think we are identical. I can gladly sneak out of the house. Sadly, I have nowhere else to go. There was a knock on the door, but I didn't open it. I'm not in the mood to talk with anyone. It was my dad. I didn't say he can walk in.
- I didn't let you in.
- You never will.
- What do you want? If my mom is upset, I don't care.
- It's not about this. I wanted to check on you. We don't talk much.
- That is because I have nothing to tell you.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, I am. Why do people have to question every single thing that I say?
- Because many things have happened to you. For how long will you keep Kally?
- What do you mean? She is here because of you and my mom.
- But you didn't make her quit.
- I have no choice. I won't let Toby and Blane suffer because of me.
- At least you think about them.
- It was a bluff the whole time. Wasn't it?
- No. Your mom has called the school to ask about it. She has some questions in mind.
- I can't believe it.
- Why don't you talk with her?
- For what? I have nothing to tell her. Yes, I'm sure. - I said, madly
- Alright. If that is how you want it to go.
I decided to watch a movie. It was already 11 pm, but I didn't care. It's summer. I can do whatever I want. Mom was in the kitchen when I went there. Great. I don't want to talk with her. I'll take what I need and leave. Mission failed. Let's see what she wants from me. Hopefully, she is quick.
- What?
- Will you pass by means if I'm a traffic sign?
- Do you care?
- Yes, I do.
- I won't apologize.
- Why are you avoiding me? Did I do something to you?
- Are you seriously asking me this after everything you did?
- I said if I had done something to you, not to you and your brothers. They talk with me.
- You never did what I wanted.
- What do you mean?
- Nothing. It doesn't matter.
- Yes, it does. For me.
- Growing up, you have never looked at me the way you looked at them. I was only a trouble for you.
- That is not true.
- You left when it was my turn to present the project in third grade.
- I had to go. Something happened and.
- Excuses. You are good at this. Now, you don't love even more.
- That is not true.
- If it hadn't been, you would've never let me be who I am today. It's your fault. - I said and left
I have a lot more to tell her, but I won't. The bomb will fall another day. I don't have the nerve to deal with her today. Mom is history. Dad might get mad at me for this, but I don't care. He didn't do anything for me, either. Growing up, I was the odd one. Now, I'll be their worst nightmare. Maybe I would've cared more if they had done the same. Sadly, it's too late. I won't go back there. That is part of the past. I'm a new person, a better one. I care only for myself and my brothers. They are the only thing that has left me. Kally is a temporary occupation. I hope that she will go home soon.