Laced with lies

Chapter 1: "Kim! Kimmy! Did you see my car keys?" Kayden's voice echoed through the house like a fire alarm. I groaned and dragged my pillow over my head, desperately hoping it would block out the human megaphone living under the same roof as me. It didn't. "Oh, thanks a lot! Found them!" he shouted from the hallway. I threw my bedsheet across the room in frustration. It was Christmas break the time of year when normal people woke up to the smell of cinnamon rolls, soft music, or the peaceful silence of a cold morning. Me? I woke up to my brother screaming about missing keys. I'm Shannon Kimberly Parker. In my own head, I'm a ten out of ten. In the real world, I'm a tech genius who can crack complex code faster than most people can remember their passwords. At least, that's what I tell myself. "My love from my womb." I looked up to find Mom standing at my bedroom door, a soft smile on her face. Despite my mood, I couldn't help but smile back. That was Mom's magic, she could walk into a room carrying pure sunshine, even when everything around us felt dark. She was unpredictable sweet as sugar one minute and a fire-breathing dragon the next but she was my queen. "Good morning, Mama," I said, standing up. "How did you sleep?" She walked over, wrapping me in a warm hug that smelled like vanilla and home. For a second, everything felt okay. Then the emptiness returned. The house just wasn't the same anymore. Not without Dad's terrible jokes. Not without his loud laughter filling every corner. People say nothing lasts forever, but grief doesn't feel temporary. It feels carved permanently into your chest. A tear escaped before I could stop it. I wiped it away quickly, hoping Mom wouldn't notice, but mothers always do. She didn't press; she just rubbed my back gently and handed me a warm mug of coffee. She understood. "Sis, you have to toughen up." I looked toward the door. Kayden was leaning against the frame, arms crossed. My annoying older brother. The same guy who used to fight off schoolyard bullies for me was now looking at me like I was made of glass. "We all miss him, Kim," he said softly. "But it is what it is." I looked down at my mug. "The world doesn't care if you're hurting," he continued. "There are people out there who will take advantage of your weakness. They'll break you, and I'm scared you won't survive it." "Weakness?" I whispered. His expression softened slightly, but his tone stayed firm. "You have to accept that life isn't fair and move forward." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a silence heavier than before. Weakling. The word echoed in my mind. Was it weak to miss a father who was taken away from us? My father didn't just pass away. He was murdered. And no matter how much Kayden wanted me to sweep it under the rug, I couldn't. I needed answers. A few hours later, a shadow blocked the light over my bed. I opened my eyes to see Kayden peeking through the doorframe like a thief. "Enter at your own risk," I muttered. "Maybe I should put up a sign reminding you how doors work." He flashed that irritating, charming smile—the one that somehow got him out of trouble every single time. "No need, sis. Just checking on you." "I'm used to your annoying self." He pressed his lips together, and I knew instantly he wanted something. "Spit it out." "We're going out." I stared at him. "You and who?" "My sister with the biggest heart in the world." I narrowed my eyes. "I hate you." "Love you too. Five minutes—get ready." By the time we reached the mall, I looked like I'd given up on effort entirely: denim shorts, a oversized t-shirt, messy hair. Kayden, on the other hand, looked like he'd stepped off a magazine cover—tailored jacket, pristine shoes, and an absurd amount of confidence. Typical. As we walked through the concourse, he grabbed my hand. I tried to pull away. "Just watching over you," he murmured. "I'm not five." "I know." "Then stop treating me like I am." He smiled softly. "I missed hanging out with you. Is protecting my little sister a crime?" I wanted to argue, but I couldn't. The truth was, I missed this too. Kayden had always been my protector, my biggest headache, and my best friend. We grabbed a table at the food court, and he spent twenty minutes cracking ridiculous jokes until I was actually laughing. And then, everything shattered. "Babe?" A girl stepped up to our table. She had a gorgeous, full afro and eyes burning with rage directed straight at Kayden. The smile wiped off my brother's face instantly. "Are you cheating on me?" she asked, her voice trembling. My stomach dropped. Kayden stood up fast. "Amelia, wait-" "Who is she?" She glared at me before snapping her attention back to Kayden. "You promised me. A promise is supposed to mean something! Why do you keep doing this to me?" Tears spilled over her lashes. Watching her, I could tell this wasn't a first-time argument. She wasn't just mad she was completely exhausted. She was beautiful, genuine, and clearly loved him, yet Kayden was wrecking her. "Amelia, calm down," Kayden pleaded, reaching for her arm. She yanked herself back. "No!" Half the food court was staring now. "You don't get to tell me to calm down!" Her voice cracked, echoing across the open space. "Not after you got me pregnant!" The world stopped. I turned to look at my brother. For the first time in my entire life. He looked terrified.