The Theory of Love Ch. 03

Author's Note:

Welcome back to The Theory of Love.

Originally, this was planned as a three-chapter story, but as I wrote, it grew. Some scenes ran deeper, new characters demanded a voice, and honestly, I was having too much fun to stop.

Chapter 3 became something much larger than expected, so much so that I had to split it, refine it, and let the story breathe. This version reflects the direction I believe is right for the series, and I hope you enjoy it.

As I did with Chapter 1, I made some light edits to Chapters 1 and 2 when preparing this release. I start each chapter from scratch, so some small adjustments to names, timestamps, or minor events were necessary for consistency. Don't worry--Chapter 3 isn't dependent on the new updates, and these tweaks shouldn't detract from your experience.

I post updates every Saturday on my profile. Follow me there to stay in the loop about upcoming chapters, projects, or any delays.

Now, without further ado...

Here's Chapter 3.

Happy reading.

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?????

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Everything around me looked big. Not skyscraper big, just big in that "the world has just opened up" kind of way. I took a deep breath, grabbed my overstuffed bag, and stepped out of the car. I was so focused on taking it all in, I nearly missed the soft "ahem" behind me.

I turned to see Mia standing there, arms outstretched, her baby bump clearly visible. In the passenger seat, Matilda--her girlfriend--waved with a soft smile. I nearly forgot myself as I turned and threw my arms around Mia without thinking. I waved toward Matilda mid-hug, both of us shedding a few tears as we pulled apart.

"I'm going to miss you so much, little sis! But just you wait--uni life will be the best thing that's ever happened to you! You might find someone special, or better yet, find out who you are."

She ruffled my hair and gave one of my twin tails a playful tug. I smiled, brushing my fringe back over my eyes and pulling the hood of my hoodie up.

Later, I wandered through what I thought led to the dorm entrance, but it turned out to be the campus library. First-day jitters were hitting hard. I turned towards a bench to sit down and reorient when a confident, friendly voice spoke from behind me.

"Heya! You look a little lost. Guessing you're also new here and looking for dorm reception?"

I turned around to find a group of girls with a variety of hair colours. One stood out in front, her platinum blonde hair shone just like the confident smile on her face, she was clearly the one who had spoken. I gave a nervous laugh and dropped the now-heavy bag to the floor.

"Yeah... you could say that. First day--just commuted here from four states away."

The lead girl approached, slinging an arm casually around my shoulders and pulling me closer.

"I can help you there. The girls and I are heading that way anyway. Don't be shy! We might seem intimidating, but we've been tight since high school. We don't bite."

As we walked toward the dorms, I could feel her eyes on me, studying me like a puzzle she already knew how to solve.

"I'm guessing you're the quiet, mousy type. Let me guess, you looked around and thought everything feels big, huh?"

Before I could answer, she tugged down my hoodie, revealing my fringe and twin tails. I heard soft murmurs from the others: "Oh wow!" and "Poor girl."

"Oh damn! Why is someone as good-looking as you hiding behind all this?" she asked, gesturing to my clothes and hair. "If you want, we can help you out--maybe even give you a makeover?"

My teeth sank into my lower lip. My brain screamed "run!" but loneliness held me still.

"Why..." I hesitated, eyes flicking to the other girls. "Why are you being nice to someone like me?"

The head girl sighed, tilting her head slightly, eyes full of false pity.

"Honestly? I just can't help but see that you need a real friend. I--well, we--can be those friends, if you're okay with that. I can see the fierce woman hiding under the fringe and hoodie. So how about it?"

She smiled warmly. "I'm Hannah Monroe, by the way. That's Rachel Adams, and that's Katherine Evens, but she goes by Kat." she said, pointing first to the brunette, then to the fiery redhead.

Hannah extended her hand towards me. "I don't think we got your name?"

The logical side of me screamed, Don't do it! But the lonely side--the side aching for connection--whispered, What harm could it do? They seem nice enough.

The lonely side won.

I took her hand and smiled.

"I'm Jessica. Jessica Mason. Freshman like you lot! Nice to meet you!" Our hands reached out and grasped as we shook hands. The excitement of making some new friends made me miss how Hannah's face slowly morphed into a grin that didn't belong on a new friend's face, but a hunter.

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Jessica

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My eyes snapped open, memories of my first day on campus yanking me from sleep. I lay there, my head resting on a fluffy pillow, as memories from that first day began to bleed into everything that came after. What a whirlwind of a year that turned out to be.

With Hannah's guidance, I slowly came out of my shell over my freshman year, and I blossomed. I went from the shy, introverted girl who hid behind a hoodie to become the confident, sassy woman who oozed sex appeal.

I still remember the week I lost my virginity. My birthday had just passed when Hannah orchestrated the whole thing, first setting up my first kiss with a varsity player, then 'borrowing' Nathan, Kat's closest guy friend, as a belated gift. It was the day after sleeping with Nathan that she and the girls officially inducted me into the group they'd formed back in high school: a pact they called "The Rule of Four."

I remember asking what it meant--It sounded like it was meant for four people, like D'Artagnan tagging along with the Three Musketeers. They assured me it was just a set of four rules they'd lived by since they started high school.

The rules, as they told me, were:

1. No attachments. No boyfriends. Friends before flings--no guy is worth the fallout.

2. Always protect the circle. What happens with the four stays with the four. Loyalty is everything.

3. Always be seen. Never be soft. We don't chase. We don't cry. We make them want us.

4. Share and share alike. If he's good enough for one, he's good enough for all.

They laughed when they said it. I laughed along, keeping with the flow.

Still, I went with the flow. Sophomore year became my coming-out party--I made myself known, racked up an impressive headcount. Not Hannah-level stats, but enough to leave a mark.

It wasn't until I met Tom in Junior year that I...

I flung myself upright, clutching my chest as I gasped for breath. After a few seconds, I managed to calm down, but my cheeks were wet with tears. The memories were catching up to me fast.

"Tom..."

My face scrunched up as every. Single. Moment. hit me in waves--shame, rage, sadness. My shaking hands moved up to cover my eyes, and I started to cry.

Not the soft kind. The ugly kind where the tears come with snot and drool, where your body folds in on itself and all you want is to disappear.

I had something amazing. I had found love.

It was just like Mia said on my first day: 'Maybe you'll meet someone special.' I had. I'd found love. And now it was gone.

I wanted to curl into a ball and waste the day away. There was no reason to move. No reason to try. Just sit in my room and--

Wait... my room?

My hands dropped from my face. The pity party screeched to a halt. I blinked and looked around.

I was... back. In my dorm.

I glanced toward my dresser. My disguise from our first date--wig and glasses--still sat there. And perched right on top, like a mocking little gremlin, was the rogue figurine I'd "stolen" from Tom. I reached out and cradled the figurine against my chest, looking down at it as a tear dropped on the deformed head.

"How did I get here...? I'm pretty sure I collapsed from exhaustion. Who--?"

"It was me." I jumped and turned, sharp and ready to confront whoever it was. "I brought you back here, couldn't leave you in the middle of nowhere." I froze as I saw Kat. She stood uncertainly in the doorway, her posture stiff, face torn between sadness and guilt, like she hadn't meant to be seen.

"Jessica..." she said softly.

"What are you doing here, Katherine?" I cut her off, every syllable sharpened by rage. "Haven't you, Rachel, and that bitch Hannah already wrecked my life?"

I stood, the sheets falling from my lap as heat surged through me.

"You came to see the fallout? Well, congrats! Mission accomplished! Tom's gone. You broke us. I told you all--I was done with the Rule of Fucking Four."

Kat flinched but didn't speak. Her silence just made it worse.

"You think I don't remember the rules?" I spat. "No attachments. No boyfriends. 'Friends before flings.' I agreed to that shit when I was younger and stupid and desperate to belong."

I paced as I spoke, the words tumbling out like venom.

"You remember that night I had my first kiss? Varsity guy? The very next night, I was on the couch... watching you snuggle up to Nathan."

Kat looked down, but I wasn't finished.

"Don't you dare deny it, Katherine. He wasn't just some guy. The way you were with him on the couch? That wasn't casual. That wasn't friendly.

So what the hell, Kat? Why did I have to fuck the one person you cared about just to earn my place?"

Her lips parted like she might answer--but nothing came out. She looked like she was warring with herself, emotions flickering behind her eyes. Then she looked up. Her face steeled.

When she spoke, her voice was so quiet I almost missed it.

"Nathan is..." she swallowed. "Nathan's my cousin. I'm in love with him. Or rather... I was in love with him. Nobody else knew. We kept it quiet. He was my first... and we promised we'd only ever be with each other."

She let out a long breath, one laced with realization more than regret.

"Ah, who am I kidding? I'm still in love with Nathan. And yes, you're right... the morning after you two had sex, and we inducted you into the Rule of Four? You were correct in your assumption. There's more to it than we let on."

She paused. Her eyes dropped.

"As far as Nate goes... I was upset. Angry. Pissed off. At both Hannah and you."

The thought stung, sharp and sudden. I pushed it down. My jaw clenched.

"Me? Why me?"

"Because you picked him," she said softly. "You had the choice. But Hannah... she made it a rule. She made it impossible to say no."

That stopped me cold.

"Wait... I picked him?" I asked slowly. "What are you talking about? Hannah said Nathan was on loan from you for my first time," I added, voice rising. "I never picked anyone! I almost backed out. But then Hannah told me you were fine with it--that you'd given your blessing."

Kat staggered slightly, like something inside her had just shifted--like a puzzle piece had finally clicked into place.

"We were both played," she whispered.

"I thought you picked Nathan. You thought I was okay with it. But it was all Hannah... that fucking bitch...

"Even if I never showed it,. "I tried to act like it didn't bother me. Like if I ignored it long enough, it would stop hurting. I told myself to just grin and bear it. And honestly, we even got along sometimes. But every now and then... I'd look at you and feel this weird tug, like I was staring at the girl who stole my future." she quietly said.

She turned away for a moment, her voice falling to a whisper.

"Sometimes I wonder if the Rule of Four was ever worth it..."

I stepped forward, gentler this time.

"Katherine... Kat... please. Tell me what's really going on. What is the truth? What is the REAL Rule of Four about?"

I waited for Kat's response--but she stayed silent. I wanted answers. I deserved them, after everything that happened. I pressed her for more.

"The way those rules were worded... they rolled off Hannah's tongue with such precise ease, like she'd been saying them for years before I joined. Like they were always meant for four people."

I paused, my voice shaking.

"Please, Kat. I know I fucked up--not telling Tom about the forfeit when I had every chance. But none of you had the right to let him find out like that. What did Simon tell him? And more importantly... why is Hannah doing this?"

Kat stood there for a long moment; eyes fixed on me--but not really looking at me. It was like she was staring through me, at something only she could see.

Then, finally, she moved.

She pulled out her phone and began swiping. I clutched the rogue figurine tight to my chest, fresh tears slipping down my cheeks.

Kat paused mid-swipe, her eyes catching on me, clutching the rogue figurine like a lifeline. Her expression softened, a flicker of understanding crossing her face.

"You actually love him, don't you?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"Tom," she repeated. "You weren't faking it, were you? The whole month after you sent us the forfeit pic--the semi-ghosting, the distant looks whenever we met up, the forced giggles when Rachel or I told a lame joke. Us meeting you and Han.. I mean Tom" she let off a small giggle at that.

"He sure looked extra handsome when he dressed up, didn't he Jessica? I didn't even realise "nerds" had muscles under their baggy clothes! Tom must have been the exception, eh?" She offered a soft smile, a weak attempt at levity.

I didn't answer. I didn't need to. I knew she was trying to break the ice--and she wasn't wrong. Tom was hot, especially when we tricked the girls with his Hank persona. A loving smile adorned my lips at the memory, a smile Kat saw.

Kat nodded slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "That smile right there, I've only seen that once before."

She crossed the room and perched on the edge of my bed, as if standing was too heavy for what she needed to say..

Then she turned her phone to face me.

On the screen was a photo of a girl, maybe sixteen. Long blonde hair, bright green eyes, a soft smile. She looked like--

"Kat... who is that? And why does she look like me?"

"Her name is Lily," she said. "Rachel and I met her in our first week of high school. Hannah already knew her--even before any of us came into the picture. Thick as thieves. Practically inseparable. Kind of a no-brainer since they were childhood friends. Rachel and I joined them not long after. The four of us clicked instantly."

She glanced at me.

"And that's when we made the Rule of Four."

I sat still, letting the words settle. Urging her to continue.

"It wasn't... like what it is now," Kat went on, her voice distant, like she was unspooling a memory she hadn't touched in years. "The rules were jokey. Stupid. Stuff like 'steal a guy's hoodie' or 'see who can get the most Insta likes on a thirst trap.' Even back each other up if one of us needed help. It was all harmless."

She swallowed hard. "The one rule that remained consistent, even back then, was no attachments, no boyfriends. But it was more of a soft boundary than some twisted 'use guys for their dicks' manifesto. We were just figuring things out. Hannah, however, was different. Even with Lily as her best friend, she always had this... intensity. Like she was determined to be ahead of everyone."

Kat glanced away, then back.

"Lily was the romantic. Said she'd wait for Mr. Right, no matter what. Not even Hannah could pressure her. She used to tease Lily all the time--said she was dreaming. Meanwhile, she bragged about losing her V-card not long after her 16th birthday. Rachel and I held out for a while, but eventually lost ours at 17. Well... You know how mine happened. But Rachel? Sometimes I wonder. Hannah was... persuasive. If I had to guess, I'd say she probably orchestrated Rachel's first time as well, but Rachel never talked about it. And I never had the nerve to ask. But Lily? She stuck to it. Never cared about peer pressure. Never caved."

Kat paused for a moment. I saw her close her eyes before she continued.

"Then Lily surprised us all. It was prom night--our final year of high school. We were planning to go together, the four of us, having one last hurrah before heading off to uni. Hannah, Rachel, and I were waiting at the entrance, ready to set the town on fire. That's when Lily showed up... with a date on her arm."

She took a breath.

"That was the first time I saw Hannah lose it. None of us were prepared."

I raised an eyebrow. "I take it Hannah didn't approve of him?"

Kat gave a rueful smile. "That would be an understatement. In fact... you and she have something in common. Lily's man? Total nerd."

My eyes widened at that, this was becoming way too freaky, I looked exactly like Hannah's childhood friend, and we both fell in love with nerds?

"That wasn't all," Kat said. "While Hannah was mid-rant, demanding to know how long this had been going on, Rachel unintentionally escalated Hannah's anger. She pointed at Lily's hand and shouted, 'Lily! What the fuck is that?!' We saw it--her ring finger. Typical Lily smiled with that sparkle in her eye and told us he proposed on Pi Day."

My breath caught. That sounds like something Tom could've done.

"Hannah snapped. Launched herself at Lily, yelling that she was betraying the group. That she was breaking the rules--our rules. But none of us remembered making those rules. Not the way Hannah recited them."

"So what happened?" I asked.

"She left," Kat said. "Lily left the group. She told us she was moving states to go to uni with her fiancé. Hannah never forgave her."

Kat took a shaky breath.

"And that's when everything changed. The Rule of Four stopped being about fun. It became doctrine. Punishment.

No Attachments -- No Falling in Love.

Obey the Circle -- Loyalty Without Question.

Always Be Seen -- Always Be Desired.

Share Everything -- Even Partners.

We didn't agree to the new rules. We just... followed them."

"The version we gave you--the one with the stupid 'be seen, don't cry' stuff? That was a half-truth. We kept it light, on purpose. But after Lily left... Hannah rewrote the rules. She twisted them into commandments. No room for small jokes. Just complete control."

My heart pounded in my chest. Everything was clicking into place. Every unspoken glance. Every uncomfortable moment I had brushed aside, why was Hannah so desperate to... then it clicked.

"I was Lily's replacement," I whispered.

Kat nodded slowly. "You reminded Hannah of her. Same energy. Same spark. Rachel and I knew she missed Lily. So she'd shape you before you had a chance to get away. That's why she was so adamant about you losing your virginity quickly. But the process had to be done without breaking you fully... and without you falling in love."

"But I did fall," I said, voice cracking. "For Tom."

Kat looked at me, eyes wet. "Yeah... the Monday after you sent Hannah that pic, we saw your face. You said you were fine, but we knew. That was the face of someone falling in love. And Hannah? She lost it. Rachel and I just froze--she was that irate. Eventually, she calmed down, but she didn't have to say it out loud. We knew she was thinking about Lily. She tried so hard to keep our group together after Lily went away, even going as far as breaking me and Nathan up... to the point of making Nathan..." Her voice cracked.

I stayed silent as I watched Kat bring her hands to her face, wiping away the tears.

"Kat... are you still...?"

She cut me off before I could finish.

"Yeah. I never stopped loving him," she whispered. "He couldn't even look at me in the eyes after what Hannah made him do. That's why he transferred to a new campus before sophomore year, without even saying goodbye." She took a shaky breath.

"He never liked Hannah. He warned me, over and over. But I was so deep in it... I couldn't get out without burning the whole thing down."--She slowed down, gathering herself before she carried on.

"We promised we'd be together, only having each other. But that night... he went off and had sex with you. I thought you'd chosen him. And he... he went along with it. It was like a dam broke, and..."

She broke down in front of me. I crawled to her, arms open--not as an enemy, but as someone who finally understood. And maybe--just maybe--someone who could help her heal, too.

She wasn't just heartbroken. She was betrayed by Hannah, by me, by the rules that forced her to give away the one person she truly loved... all because of some sick initiation.

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Tom -- Sunday Afternoon

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I didn't even remember how I got there. One moment I was outside, walking away from Jessica--the weight of her silence still ringing in my ears. The next, I was swiping the keycard into Harry and Charlie's dorm.

They'd given me a spare months ago. "Just in case," Charlie had said with a grin.

I closed the door and sank, back against it, slowly sliding down until I was sitting on the floor. I stared up at the ceiling.

Alone.

Never thought I'd end up back at square one after tasting a moment of happiness.

I forced myself to stand. Forced myself to step further inside, past the pizza boxes, hoodies, and scattered game controllers. The familiar stench of stale energy drinks, body spray, and reheated takeout--normally disgusting--was oddly comforting. It didn't smell like her. No hint of her signature scent of vanilla and roses.

I sat on the edge of the sofa, slowly sinking into the cushions, trying to disappear. Just trying to escape everything. I took a deep breath and unlocked my phone.

The photo stared back at me.

Just looking at it brought the memory flooding back. That night, over a month ago. My first time. Most people don't forget theirs.

But when Simon sent this image, his message turned something private into something ugly. It stopped being mine.

Now, without Simon's poison in my ear, I could finally see it for what it was... or at least what I thought it had been.

I studied the photo, letting my eyes drift over the curves of Jessica's body. Her hair was a blur of motion, her expression wild--not just lust, but something else... something I couldn't name. My eyes drifted towards my head in the background, awkward and vulnerable. My o-face. Every guy hates theirs and I was no exception.

I looked further down. Her breasts caught mid-heave. A thick arc of white frozen in motion. My cock...

"Wow... am I really THAT big?" I muttered tonelessly.

Anyway.

My cock rested against her stomach. Her thighs parted. The detail was that crisp, you could almost see the heat radiating off her. And under it all were the blurry words: "Forfeit complete."

Usually, just looking at Jessica's body would've been enough to make me hard. She'd sent more than enough nude selfies to tide me over when we were apart--those teasing panty shots, those playful breast presses where she somehow made them look even bigger than they were.

But now?... there was nothing.

I cupped my crotch--out of reflex more than desire. Tried to coax even a twitch. But there was nothing. Not a single stir of arousal. It was like something inside me had been shut off.

As if that photo, those words, had killed any trace of libido I'd ever felt for her.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway. Voices.

Startled, my hand jumped and the phone fell from it. I lunged to grab it with my other hand, but in the process, slipped on a pillow and mid-air slapped it, sending it clattering toward the door.

The handle turned, and Charlie's voice came first, loud and laughing:

"... I swear, Hannah had a literal red handprint on her cheek. Looked like someone finally put the queen bitch in her place, I heard it was Jes--"

The phone stopped at his feet.

Goddammit.

He stopped mid-sentence and looked down. Silence. Then up--eyes meeting mine, half on and half off the sofa, then down again.

He bent closer. His eyes widened as he saw the graphic detail of the picture.

"Goddamn, Tom! You've got to be more careful if you don't want us seeing your naked pics of Jessica. But if you're gonna have a solo session, maybe save it for your own room, man."

Harry peered over Charlie's head. Looked down--then let out a rare, full-volume shout.

"DUDE! Where the hell were you hiding THAT?!"

Charlie looked again. finally noticing two parts of me on display.

Now both of my friends had seen how well-endowed I am.

Charlie looked at my embarrassed state, clearly clocking that something was wrong.

He whistled in appreciation.

"Damn, dude. In the future, whenever we're walking side by side, give me ample warning before you're about to turn--I don't want to get slapped by that monster."

I could tell he was trying to cheer me up. He always knew how to spin an embarrassing moment into a "look on the bright side" one. And despite his small, pudgy build and shameless sense of humour, Charlie was a good friend.

"Heh, I'll let you know," I muttered. "Don't worry, Charlie. And I dunno, Harry--I somehow managed to hide it really well, don't you think?"

Charlie handed me back my phone. I turned and walked towards the sofa, my eyes falling back on the image. The wounds were still fresh.

Call it impulse--or pure, bitter rage--but I started going through every social media app where Jessica and I were connected. One by one, I blocked her. I didn't want to see her name. Her smile. Or worse, her with Simon.

"Erm... Tom?" Charlie asked, a hesitant edge to his voice, noticing my rapid swiping and blocking. "Did something happen between you and Jessica? You're blocking her on, like... every platform?"

I didn't answer. My thumbs kept swiping. My jaw tightened. Each tap was like scratching a scab, and with every press, the pain flared worse.

It wasn't until I felt a hand grip my left shoulder that I snapped out of it. My phone was slapped from my hands, clattering to the floor.

I barely had time to register the crash before I felt arms wrap around mine from behind--Harry. He yanked me back into the sofa like he was afraid I might bolt. His lanky legs wrapped around my waist, hooking his ankles together, locking me in place like some kind of submission hold.

Charlie stepped in front of me, his face devoid of his usual jokey self. He placed his hands on my shoulders, firm and steady, like he was trying to ground me.

"Tom," Harry said from behind me, his voice showing concern and worry. "What's going on? Did something happen in the last hour that made you nuke Jessica from your life?"

My face collapsed. I looked down at the fallen phone, screen side up. "We've broken up... She... she used me as a dress-up project, just so she could get a month-long get-together with Simon. She never cared about me at all."

Charlie looked stunned, locking eyes with Harry, whose grip loosened slightly. Neither could believe what they'd just heard. Charlie moved back into view, studying my face.

"Bro... are you sure about that? Jessica doesn't seem the type to be that cruel. Did she say this herself, or did you hear it from someone else?"

I blinked, where is Charlie going with this? "Does it matter where I got it from? That Image and what Simon told me were more than enough. Plus, Jessica's silence when I confronted her said it all. She and Simon planned it."

"So that's a no then... Simon said it all. I take it you got the image from him as well?"

"Simon sent it," I said flatly. "Said it was a forfeit. A joke. A game. I thought she was different," I whispered, my voice breaking "I really thought I caught a break this time."

That old ache crept back in--the one I thought I'd buried in high school. Being the quiet one. The one who got used while the girl I thought loved me was already searching for her upgrade. I became the safe option until someone louder or flashier came along. I'd seen the cycle enough to recognize the pattern.

But with Jess... Jessica, it felt different. And I let myself believe it was different.

She looked at me like I mattered, touched me like I wasn't invisible.

And now... this.

"She played me. Just like the others."

Harry rested a steady hand on my shoulder, his legs still crossed holding me in place "You don't know that for sure."

"But Simon..."

"Simon's a dick, you know he's always had it out for us." Said Charlie as he crossed his arms. "We never trusted him. Hell, Jessica always seemed like she was pulling away from that whole group. Maybe there's more to it."

I wanted to believe them. God, I did. But the photo burned behind my eyes. Her smile. My vulnerability. Turned into proof of betrayal.

"Just... give me time," I muttered. "I need to think... I'm sorry, I know we had plans today, but I won't be able to focus."

Harry nodded. "Understandable." He finally let go of my arms. For a quiet guy, Harry had a hell of a grip.

Charlie picked up my phone. He hesitated before handing it back. "Tom... I want your permission. Can I have a copy of this? I'll blur out your parts out of respect, but there's something not right about it."

I just wanted to get out of there, clear my head. So I nodded. "Do whatever you want. I'll delete it all anyway. I need to go back to my dorm and sort my head out. You understand, right?"

Charlie and Harry nodded, both watching me as I made my way to their front door.

"We'll be here, man. No questions, no pressure. But please don't do anything stupid until I've had a look at this. Something about the whole thing doesn't sound right. No one goes two months deep just to hook up with Simon."

"You clearly haven't experienced my bad luck with girls," I deadpanned, closing the door behind me as I walked toward my dorm. My mind was running a mile a minute--spinning through possible scenarios and strategies. But every outcome agreed on one thing: I couldn't stay here. Not with them still on campus.

But before that, I had some packing to do. I wasn't about to keep anything in my room that reminded me of Jessica.

Starting with those damn clothes...

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Jessica

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Kat's crying had slowed to quiet sobs after a good 10 minutes, but she was still curled tightly against me on the bed, her arms locked around my waist like a lifeline. I kept stroking her hair, eyes half-lidded, mind spinning in slow, exhausted circles.

Both Kat and I jumped as my phone buzzed sharply on the nightstand, dragging me out of my haze. It was my alarm--for Monday lectures.

I blinked and silenced it, frowning. Monday? As I reached for the phone, an old calendar notification lit up the screen:

Yesterday: "Ask Tom about Thanksgiving plans -- 'Meet the family ????#ThisIsReallyHappening.'"

I stared at it like it had slapped me.

"Wait... what? It's Monday? I thought it was still Sunday..."

My chest tightened. My mind started to spiral. No. No no no. This can't be happening. Everything's going wrong... Why did she have to interfere? Why couldn't Hannah just leave me the fuck alone?

A gentle touch landed on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Jessica. But yeah--it's early Monday morning. Just after six. I brought you back here after you collapsed yesterday."

I turned toward Kat, trying to focus. My thoughts were scrambled--how had I slept through everything? How much damage had Hannah's bombshell done in just twelve hours?

"I hadn't told Tom yet. After Hannah wanted to meet with me... I was supposed to ask him yesterday if he wanted to come to mine for Thanksgiving. To meet my sister. Her wife. Their daughter. To show him the family who supported me, even after everything I became."

My nails dug into my palms.

Goddamn that bitch Hannah. She ruined everything.

I saw a lot of notifications on my phone, mainly missed calls and messages from Charlie and... ugh... a lone slimy text from Simon. But it was Charlie's chain texts that really shook me.

Yesterday: 12:05 PM -- Charlie: 'I heard you were the one who gave Hannah that red mark on her cheek! Pretty sure I saw the side of her face swelling up! XD'

Yesterday: 12:32 PM -- Simon: 'Hey babe! Now that the geek has been removed from your life, let's say you and I hook up so you can have a real man between your legs? ; D'

Yesterday: 3:18 PM -- Charlie: 'Hey. Have you heard from Tom? He's not answering me or Harry. Can you just let us know if he's okay? He was supposed to be at his flat. He's not there.'

Yesterday: 6:47 PM -- Charlie: 'Jessica I'm worried, did he come to you? I need to know what happened between you two. He's totally MIA...'

Yesterday: 9:14 PM -- Charlie: '... Is this what you wanted? Was this just about Simon? Because it sure as hell looks that way right now.'

Today: 00:06 AM -- Charlie: 'Look... Regardless of your reasons, we need to talk. Please. Today.'

What the hell happened? Tom's gone? I was out of it for less than a day--how did everything unravel so fast?

I fumbled out a reply to Charlie with trembling fingers:

Today: 6:37 AM -- Jessica: 'Charlie, I don't know what Tom told you, but it's not true. I'm not into Simon--God, I'd rather swear off sex entirely than let him near me. What time should we meet?'

Not a few minutes after hitting send, Charlie replied:

Today: 6:39 AM -- Charlie: 'That's good to hear. I knew it was all bullshit. As for time? Midday if possible. I've got a morning exam before Thanksgiving break. Can Harry and I meet you outside your dorm complex? I'm worried about Tom, Jessica. I had to stop him from blocking you completely on all social media. Try to reach out to him if you can. See you later!'

I scrambled through my apps--Instagram, Snap, WhatsApp, even Discord--trying to reach Tom. Every attempt was hitting a similar wall:

'Your message could not be sent' or 'This user has blocked you'

I stared at the screen, frozen. The longer I looked, the more it felt like something was tearing open inside me.

This wasn't just a breakup--he'd erased me from his life.

A soft thud, followed by a familiar three-knock pattern on my door, jolted me upright.

Tom?! He's here?!

Fresh tears welled up as I lunged for the door. I didn't care how I looked, still in yesterday's jeans and crop top, barefoot, hair tangled and face blotchy from crying.

I just wanted to see him. My hands trembled as I unlatched the lock and threw it open.

"Tom?!"

The hallway was empty.

The only sound was hastily fading footsteps echoing down the stairwell.

I stepped forward, ready to chase after them, only to stumble as my foot hit something solid. I looked down.

A box?

That could wait. Tom was more important.

I bolted barefoot toward the stairs, taking them two at a time. I heard the main entrance doors shut just below. I turned the corner sharply and leapt down the last few steps--nearly barreling into a group of girls rounding the hallway corner.

I shouldered my way through them and shoved open the dual glass doors, hearing the faint cry of "hey!" as I stepped into the cold November air.

The campus was still cloaked in darkness, lit only by the soft orange glow of the walkway lights.

I looked left, then right, desperately searching for any sign of him. But there was nothing.

A trembling breath escaped as I turned back, rubbing away fresh tears. I retraced my steps in defeat, offering a half-hearted "sorry" to the girls I'd brushed past.

I was turning the first part of the stairwell when I heard one of them whisper, forcing it just loud enough to be heard: "Was THAT Jessica Mason?"

One of the other girls replied, not bothering to hide her voice, "Looks like it, since when does one of the bad bitches of campus offer apologies to normies?"

I paused mid stride, their talking and laughter fading as they went outside the dorm complex, Was I really considered a bad bitch? Well, after what happened with Tom, it might as well be true.

I made my way back to my room and found Kat standing in the doorway, staring down at the box.

I knelt, looking at it, breath caught in my chest. I made a passing glance at Kat as I picked up the box and brought it inside.

We returned to my bedroom in silence. She gently closed the door behind us while I sank onto the bed, the box on my lap.

Taking a deep breath, I opened it.

The contents made my throat tighten. Folded neatly--heartbreakingly-- were all the clothes I'd ever bought him.

My hands trembled as I picked up the shirt he'd chosen himself. I brought it to my face, breathing in--hoping to catch his scent. Hoping it would calm me. But it didn't. It wasn't really him. Just fabric now.

Then I noticed something else: an envelope, resting on top of the other folded clothes. There was a bulge inside.

I opened it slowly. Inside was a small, familiar figure--the mutant-blob with googly eyes. My fingers clenched around it, heart twisting.

Inside the envelope, there was also a short note.

Only one line:

"I no longer need these. Maybe Simon would put these to better use."

Rage exploded in my chest, primal and hot. Tom mentioning Simon yet again! Simon fed Tom a bunch of bullshit, bullshit that was given from Hannah.... Hannah... that bitch.... That fucking bitch... I lost my composure and let loose a howl of anger.

"GODDAMN IT, HANNAH! FUCK YOU! I SHOULD'VE SLAPPED YOU EVEN HARDER, YOU MANIPULATIVE FUCKING BITCH!"

I scrunched the note into a tight ball and hurled it against the wall, barely missing Kat's head. Kat flinched, her body tense with shock. I probably woke half the damn dorm but I didn't care. All I could think of was Tom and how stupid I was handling the whole thing.

I should've told him sooner. I should've told him everything the moment it started to feel real. But I let it fester. Let it rot. Let Simon and Hannah twist it into a joke, a punishment, a game I never meant to play.

And now Tom was gone. And there was no hint at all to where he disappeared.

Kat rested a hand on my back. I tensed up, my emotions running ragged. I was pulled into a hug that wasn't forced or performative--just human.

"Jess... I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry," she whispered. Her voice was soft, brittle. "I see how much you loved him. We shouldn't have done any of it."

I stiffened, listening.

"I-I'll admit it. The reason I helped you outside campus, stayed by your side... it was to bring you back to Hannah. She said she'd forgive the slap and let you back in, under heavy supervision and a punishment fitting what you did to humiliate her in front of everyone. That was the deal. But now? I see you're not going back. And maybe... maybe you shouldn't."

The ache in my chest twisted sharper. Tears welled up again, threatening to overflow. I couldn't hold them in this time as I sobbed into her shoulder, full-body shaking, until I felt her trembling too. Kat was crying with me.

Both of us were burned by Hannah's toxic web, her Rule of Four. I didn't know where Rachel stood anymore. Probably tending to Hannah's cheek still. Kat was remorseful at least, as for me? If i wasn't done before, I was now, fuck her!

"Tell Hannah something for me," I muttered between sobs. "Tell her that I reject her generous goddamn offer. Tell her she can shove her rules, her punishments, and her 'forgiveness' straight up her fake blonde ass. And if I see her again? I'll slap the other side of her face so the first one has company."

Kat gave a wet laugh--half a sob, half a gasp. I felt her nod against my hair.

Then I pulled back and stared her dead in the eyes.

"Also? Tell her thank you."

She blinked. "What?"

"Yeah. Thank her." I laughed bitterly. "Because of the forfeit, I found someone worth more than her whole little empire. Someone who made me believe in real love. Someone who didn't try to remake me into a doll."

Kat's eyes widened as I stepped back.

"And you can tell her this too," I added, voice soft but razor-edged. "Now I see why Lily hid falling in love from her."

Kat gasped--a sharp inhale like I'd just landed a hit she wasn't ready for.

"And you?" I said, pointing gently at her chest. "You love Nathan. I can see it. I saw it back then. Don't waste it. When all this shit is over? Move to another state and marry him. You two would make the cutest redheaded babies."

She flushed crimson, and for once, didn't have a sarcastic comeback. Guess I was right.

"Jess," she murmured, wiping her eyes, "what will you do now? Thanksgiving break isn't for another four days. You can't hide out in here forever."

I didn't answer at first. I had no idea what I was going to do--or where to go. Then I noticed an old notification buried under the flood of texts from Charlie.

Yesterday: 11:20am -- Mia: Heya Jessie! Oh my god!! Has my cute little sister finally fallen in love??? Of course they're welcome to spend Thanksgiving with us! We can't wait to meet him--unless it's really a her and you're being shy about it? ;) Either way, they better be ready for a full Mason-style grilling! : P When shall we expect you? xxx <3

I saw the previous message between us, one I had sent before leaving to talk to Hannah.

Yesterday: 10:55am -- Jessica: Mia.. If it's ok with you and Matilda, when I come to visit for Thanksgiving.. could we have an extra seat at the table please??? I... I think I may have found the one... my 'special person.' My heart's doing somersaults just thinking about him! What I'm trying to say is... I would love for all of you to meet! I haven't asked him to come yet, but I was hoping you two would give the ok for an extra invite?"

The painful irony? My 'special someone' had broken up with me not long after I sent that. But as I stared at Mia's message, a thought stirred--maybe that was my out. I could only hope she and Matilda wouldn't mind me showing up early, alone.

"You're right, I can't stay here, Kat. Not with Hannah prowling around. I need to breathe. I need to think. I need to be somewhere that I know I won't feel hounded."

Making the decision, I pressed "Mia". The phone rang. A soft chime echoed through the quiet dorm.

Then, a cheerful voice, already wide awake, answered through the receiver. I could hear the soft sounds of cartoons playing and a toddler babbling in the background. It wasn't Mia who picked up However.

"Jessica?! It's so good to hear from you, sweetie!" Matilda chirped. "Mia forgot to take her phone with her, she's out on an early shift--she's picking up some extra hours before the break. We were just talking about you this morning! Did you ever ask your special friend if they wanted to join us for Thanksgiving?"

A lump rose in my throat, sharp and unrelenting. My voice cracked as I spoke.

"Matilda... hey. It's good to hear your voice too," I said, the words barely more than a whisper. "I... no. I didn't get the chance to ask him. Not really."

There was a pause. I swallowed hard.

"If Mia checks in soon... please tell her I need her to come get me. Like--soon. Just... as soon as possible, okay?"

"Of course, love," Matilda replied gently. "I'll make sure she gets the message. Is everything OK? You sound like you've been crying."

I bit my lip, fighting back another sob.

"Thanks. I'll explain everything on the ride. I just... I want to start the week early. Before I fall apart again."

----------

Tom -- Monday Morning

----------

It took every shred of willpower not to run to Jessica and hug her as she stood outside the female dorm complex. My mind was split--part of me wanted to stop overthinking and just go to her, to believe that what we had was real--and that Simon was full of shit. But the other part--the one still damaged from past rejections, the one that had only just begun to heal--screamed at me not to fall for that sunken face. Her dimples, usually so full of life, were gone. Her smile was absent. Was that sadness I saw? Was it because she missed me, or because her "dress-up project" had fallen through?

I shook the thoughts out of my head and looked at my phone.

06:46.

Plenty of time to get to the station.

Exhausted and running on energy drinks, I slung my backpack over one shoulder and dragged my suitcase to the station. The 07:00 coach was waiting. Hopefully Dad and my stepmom wouldn't mind a surprise visit.

---------

It didn't take that long for the bus to fill up and depart the station.

I stared blankly out the window, not focusing on anything, just feeling the steady vibration of the bus engine beneath me. It had only been thirty minutes since we left campus, but already I could feel the tension begin to slip away. No one here knew me. I could finally lower my guard. The last surge of adrenaline drained, finally allowing my mind to shut off.

My eyes had just begun to droop when a flicker of movement in the window's reflection snapped them open again.

Familiar blonde hair. Green eyes. A smile with those cute dimples...

How did she find me and get on this bus without me knowing??

I turned my head toward the source of my heartache--only to see... nothing. The chairs were gone. The engine's hum vanished. All that remained was blackness. Deep and oppressive. Almost madness-inducing.

Then came the whispers. That hauntingly familiar voice--

"Tom... Tom!"

"Jessica!"

Suddenly, I was in my dorm. I was lying on my bed, naked. Arms and legs strapped to each post. I thrashed, trying to escape, but my body refused to respond. Then the door creaked open.

She entered the room, slowly sauntering towards me, she had on one of my favourite jumpers with the hoodie up that hid her eyes, only a cold smile was showing, It was clear she wasn't wearing anything else due to her pussy lips and ass on display. Her body on display like a twisted mockery of seduction. As she reached me she lifted the hoodie to show her eyes, they were cold, ruthless.

"You were just a challenge," she said while sneering down at me.

I blinked and she was gone, I looked around and saw the restraints were gone, but I still couldn't move. A sudden weight settled on my lower body. I looked to see Jessica straddling me, enveloping my cock in her pussy. She rode me in a warm, familiar rhythm. Her moans echoed off the walls. She arched her back, her phone in her hand, snapping selfies like there was no tomorrow.

In front of her stood Hannah, recording everything with a grin.

Jessica turned to me, never breaking her rhythm. My cock buried inside her, her voice dripping with venom.

"You really thought I wanted you?" she whispered. "You were just my current project, Tom. Another notch on my bedpost. And when I'm done with you? I'm going to Simon. He'll know how to really fuck me."

I pulled away, horrified. The bed was gone. I was standing on stage. A lecture hall. Everyone from campus was there. Simon, Charlie, Harry. Even Jessica.

They were laughing.

The image that showed both Jessica and I appeared, projected on a screen behind me.

"Project: convert the nerd -- Completed & Humiliated."

The hushed whispers, murmurs and mocking sounds of "Loser. Beta. Nerd" permeated the air, Each word a knife to the gut.

I turned. Jessica was sitting on the arcade machine, wearing her brunette twin-tailed wig and those glasses.

Only now... her body was twisted, disfigured. The busty rogue figurine in one hand, the googly-eyed slime in the other.

"Awww poor baby. You gave me your heart," she whispered mockingly. "And I gave you a performance."

The screen behind her flashed again, this time it was Jessica in front of the girls dorm, in nothing but her Jeans, tank top, searching around for me.

I tried to run to her, screaming, reaching, but I couldn't move. My feet were cemented in place.

The world started to spin. I felt myself falling--deeper and deeper, with no end in sight. Jessica's image faded. But just before she vanished, I swear she looked at me, Her green eyes were wet with tears. Her beautiful face--twisted in pain. Real pain. Not the nightmarish face from before.

"I'm sorry, Tom. Please don't hate me. I love you!"

I landed face-first into the cold, hard ground, my face exploding into pain.

I jerked awake, chest heaving, forehead pounding. The concerned face of the guy in front of me came into view, his seat had broken my fall. The bus had made an abrupt stop that caused my sudden awakening. My hoodie and t-shirt clung to me, soaked with sweat. I only realized I'd been clutching my phone when my hand throbbed from the grip.

Without thinking, I yanked it out, unlocked it, and checked the time: 11:23 ... My fingers trembled and I accidentally touched my gallery. The photo from the arcade date popped up--Jessica and I flashing victory signs. My brow furrowed as I swiped to another photo, this time of Jessica with Harry and Charlie. That's when paranoia kicked in. I killed my data and disabled any GPS tracking. If Charlie was trying to find me... I'd just made it harder.

That photo reminded me--I hadn't seen Charlie or Harry since I told them everything. Charlie would come looking, I was sure of it. But I couldn't face him. Not yet.

After taking my hoodie off, feeling the cool air against my skin, I leaned my head against the cool window. The nightmare still clung to me. And her voice--those words--kept looping in my head.

"Please don't hate me. I love you!"

God, I missed her.

A nagging thought scratched at the back of my mind. Had I been too quick to judge? I hadn't really given her a chance to speak. The whole confrontation was just me--angry, blindsided--throwing accusations instead of talking to her. Charlie might've been right. Simon definitely had it out for us--his party made that clear. He mocked me to my face. But Jessica... she didn't stop him. Didn't even try. Our talk after helped--somewhat. But something still lingered. Something hidden.

I shook my head, brushing the thoughts away. I had a week left before classes resumed. A week to analyse, plan, and figure things out.

Outcome? Stay... or flunk uni.

I settled into my seat for the final stretch of the journey to my dad's.

---------

It was nearly midday as I stood outside a familiar house, hand raised to knock, and I hesitated. What could I even say? I'd been gone for over two years, and now I was just waltzing in without warning?

Before I could even knock, the door burst open--and I was tackled by a curly black blur that sent us both sprawling onto the concrete, me on my back and her on top of mine.

I winced, seeing stars as I rubbed my jaw. She groaned, clutching her head. Angelina always did have a hard head.

faint footsteps made their presence known from inside the house, followed by a flurry of concerned voices.

"Fuuuuck, my head! Hey! Who the hell just stands in front of a door like that?!"

She groaned, rubbed her head, then looked up and blinked in shock. A grin broke through the pain.

"Tom?! Is that you, big bro?!"

She got up from the ground and looked me up and down, eyes gleaming as she sized me up.

"Damn, Tom. You ditched the mop? I almost didn't recognize you. You actually look... hot. Weird. I feel like I need therapy now."

I sighed, reminded once again of Jessica--she'd insisted on the haircut. A semi-permanent reminder of her.

I got up and took a quick glance at Angelina. I'll admit, she turned heads--including mine, not that I'd ever admit that out loud. Her curly black hair framed her face perfectly, and those hazel eyes always sparkled with mischief. And judging by the grin forming, mischief was already brewing.

Angelina and I have a... unique relationship. I'm 10 months older than her. Our parents got married about ten years ago. Angelina's dad ran off with his mistress after getting her pregnant, leaving her mom to pick up the pieces on her own.

My dad was a widower--Mom died after a misdiagnosis. She had early signs of an autoimmune disease, but they brushed it off as stress and put her on hormone therapy. The meds masked the real problem until it was too late.

I used to tell people I picked medicine because it let me interact with people without the pressure of socialising. And that was partly true. But the real reason? I never wanted anyone else to go through what we did. Losing Mum because of a clinical fuck-up... that kind of pain doesn't go away. It just hides under the surface.

When we first met, we were both 11 years old, the prime age for sibling rivalry or passive-aggressive cold wars. But that wasn't us. Instead of clashing, we clicked. Kindred spirits, both craving warmth and comfort.

Despite having different parents and no blood relation, we looked oddly alike, so much so that people joked we were Irish twins, made even more "funnier" as we had that under a year gap between us. She was my best friend, my support beam. She'd been there every time I got overlooked or rejected. Honestly, if not for her constant reassurance that there'd be someone out there for me, I might've sworn off women a long time ago.

"Angie! Everything okay, sweetheart? You're not... Tom!"

The voice belonged to our dad, Raymond, barrelling toward the door after hearing nothing but a loud thud. Strict but fair, with a killer sense of humour and a library of dad jokes, he'd always had our backs--even when I decided to live at uni full-time.

"We're okay, Daddy! Tom's chin may have concussed me though. What is that thing made of, granite or..."

She cut herself off mid-sentence as her gaze locked on mine. Her eyebrow arched.

"Actually... Daddy, you don't have to take me shopping. Something else came up, something my brother needs help with. Right, Tom?"

It took me only a second to catch on--Angelina never cancels a shopping trip, especially if it's Dad offering to take her. Was I that transparent, or do I have a sign over my head screaming, 'Heartbroken again'?

"Yeah, sure. Just wanted your help with something I saw earlier in town. Care to help?"

She laughed, then nodded at my duffel bag and suitcase, "Of course! Let's get you set up at home first, then we can go. Here, give me your bag so we can get going ASAP! No one's touched your room since you left--just a little dusting."

I made my way into the house, watching as Angelina disappeared with my bag up the staircase two steps at a time, leaving me with my suitcase.

My dad stood there smiling. He offered his hand, and I took it--we shook briefly before pulling each other into a hug. "We missed you, son, hope you've been taking care of yourself while away."

"As good as I could. Sorry for dropping by unannounced--I just thought I could be a pleasant surprise for Thanksgiving. Hope that's okay?"

Over his shoulder, I spotted my stepmother, Hilda. She'd never replaced my mom, but she'd carved out her own place in my heart. She never imposed or forced her way in. She was just... present. Listening. Offering comfort. Especially when Angelina escalated my love-life drama to a "higher power."

I could see why Dad had fallen for her. I guess that's the kind of love I'd been searching for. Closest anyone ever got was Jes--

I felt a hand on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts.

She must've seen my expression, just like Angelina had, because she joined in on the hug between me and dad, whispering in my ear:

"Don't worry. Ange can handle this one on her own. You're almost twenty-one, so you won't get it in both ears from us anymore."

"But I'm always here if you need another shoulder to lean on. We love you, Tom. Never forget that."

I smiled and leaned into her hug, then gently stepped away. With my suitcase in one hand and hoodie slung over the other, I headed toward the stairs.

Before my foot touched the first step, I could hear Angelina's voice calling, "Hurry up, slowpoke! I said ASAP! we're wasting time here bro!"

Dad chuckled and gave my shoulder one last squeeze before heading off toward the kitchen. Hilda winked at me, then vanished down the hallway.

I hadn't taken more than a few steps into my room before Angelina crushed me in a hug. The handle of my suitcase slipped from my grip as I hugged her back--like it'd been decades since we'd last seen each other.

She nuzzled into my chest, breathing in deep and clinging tighter.

Her closeness like this always got a few raised eyebrows, but that's just how she was--affectionate, unfiltered. Sure, we heard the gross step-sibling jokes growing up. But the truth was simple: it was just pure, genuine affection.

We grew up together. Yeah, there were a couple of awkward bathroom accidents and the usual "play doctor" nonsense kids do, but nothing ever crossed that line. We weren't like that and we never would be.

"God, I missed you! While I'm not complaining that you're here for Thanksgiving, you're about a year and a half early. Something major must've happened. More girl troubles? I'm surprised you even lasted this long. C'mon now! You can tell your cute widdle sister, can't yoooou?" She said, clasping her hands together and blinking at me with the most exaggerated puppy-dog eyes I'd ever seen.

"Sorry, Angie. That didn't fly back when we were hitting puberty, and it's still grounded in our early twenties."

I stifled a laugh as she pouted. My step-sister definitely has an older brother complex, but she knows her limits. I gently pried her out of the hug and gestured toward the door.

"Come on. Let's head out. I'll fill you in at the arcade--I need to talk to someone. Hilda offered, but... well, there's a reason I passed."

I saw the intrigue on her face, but she nodded, her black curls hiding her face where only one eye and a smile showed. I gently slapped the back of her head, earning a playful yelp. We both laughed as we made our way out.

----------

Jessica -- Monday Afternoon

----------

I stared blankly out the window, the rogue and slime figures swinging gently from the necklace around my neck--strung together with trembling hands just hours ago, like I could hold onto what we had if I kept them close.

The university buildings blurred past the window as I tried to tune out Mia's off-key screeching of "Barbie Girl." Normally, I'd join in, singing badly as we always did on long drives, which was part of our sisterly bonding moments. Matilda often joined in too whenever she sat with us. We would become a trio, harmonizing like idiots on the highway. The last time I sang along was when they dropped me off for my first year.

When I returned after freshman year, the look on Mia's face when I walked through the door said everything. It was only a few months, and she barely recognized me. She was so shocked that she nearly dropped Jill, my newborn niece. That moment hurt more than I expected. I hadn't realized just how much I'd changed until I saw it in her face.

I visited for Thanksgiving and Christmas but stayed on campus from New Year through summer. I didn't know how they'd react to the new look, the new attitude, the new... well... me. Of course, Mia sussed out the truth pretty fast. I still remember the lecture she gave when she figured out I'd had sex right before coming home.

Mia was my anchor. We lost our parents when I was fourteen--she had just turned twenty. It should've been a celebration, her big milestone. We'd gone out for dinner for Mia's 20th. Mom was big on celebrating "round years"--something she picked up from her Scandinavian grandparents. Didn't matter if it was 10 or 60, you celebrated like it was golden.

After dinner, Mia said she wasn't feeling well and was going to head back early, while offering to take me home. Mom and Dad stayed out a bit longer to celebrate on their own. When the next morning came, there was a knock at the door. A drunk driving crash. The worst part? It wasn't some stranger behind the wheel--it was Dad.

He never drank and drove. Ever. But I guess the joy of the moment made him careless. Just once was all it took. He died on impact. Mom survived but was in critical condition; she held on long enough for Mia and me to arrive at the hospital to say goodbye. We held her hand as she passed. Her last words were a promise we both made--to always take care of each other.

After that, I shut down. I stopped talking to anyone. Friends from middle school kept their distance, especially after I lashed out at a bully in the hallway. We had to move states--couldn't afford to stay--and honestly, that suited me just fine. High school was just another place to survive. I never made friends. But I promised Mia and Matilda that I'd try when I started uni. They didn't expect this version of me to come back. I wonder what Mom and Dad would think if they saw me now. God, I miss them...

The sudden jolt of the car stopping snapped me out of my thoughts, the figurine duo bouncing off my chest. I looked around and saw we were in an emergency lane. Puzzled, I turned toward Mia, who looked back at me with an annoyed expression. Uh-oh. I knew that look. It was the one she gave me when I was being stubborn or refused to open up.

"Jess... Matilda made the choice not to come with me to pick you up," she said, looking in the rear view mirror to see a joyful toddler in her child seat, giggling while playing with her teddies--blissfully unaware of the tension between her mom and me. The little munchkin had been asleep when Mia picked me up, but the scream of joy she let out when she saw me had put a smile on my face. My first real smile in the past 24 hours of hell.

"She wanted to come, but said you and I needed sister time. It was her idea for me to bring Jill, for 'extra ammo' to chisel at whatever's bothering you. Now, tell me what's eating at you. We've been through so much. What kind of sister would I be if I didn't help my biggest supporter?"

She wasn't wrong. Mia broke down not long after mom died. She blamed herself for a long time. She cursed herself for becoming ill, convinced that if she'd felt better, she would've been our parents' designated driver.

While Mia was there for me, Matilda was there for her. If it weren't for Matilda keeping her grounded, I honestly think Mia might've followed our parents. It took a combined effort for Matilda and me to stabilize her. And out of that came something none of us expected, a budding spark that grew into something real. Childhood friends became lovers, wives, soulmates. Even Jill--she was their miracle.

The idea started half-jokingly--a "maybe one day" kind of thing. But then came Daniel, Matilda's younger brother. He'd always had a quiet crush on Mia--and on Matilda too, though he didn't realize Matilda had known all along. She found it both cute and flattering.

It took weeks of coaxing to convince Daniel. He didn't want things to get weird, even though Matilda had told him she was okay with him "knocking up the wife." He finally relented when Matilda made him an offer: she wanted to be part of it too. She confessed that she shared the same quiet crush, and that if they did this, it would stay a secret--something wild and taboo, just for the three of them.

Daniel changed his mind after that.

Nine months later, Jill was born--named after our mother. Technically, Daniel is Jill's biological father. But by intention, by love, and by the life they built together, she belongs to Mia and Matilda just as much.

Some people say it doesn't work like that. But honestly? Who the fuck cares.

I'm not into the incest kink, and yeah, their dynamic's unconventional--but two consenting adults chasing a shared dream? You do you.

"Yeah, Mia. I'm sorry I've been... moody since I got in the car." I glanced at Jill, remembering how fast she picked up new words, and softened my tone. "It's just--so much has happened. I'm a mess right now. I'm really sorry, sis." We leaned over to give each other a hug. A loud 'Hug! Hug!' burst from the backseat, sending both of us into laughter. There in her chair, stretching her arms toward us, was Jill. It seemed she also wanted in on this sisterly hug.

"Aww, you want a hug too, sweetheart? Tell you what, let's stop off at the next service station and we can get a drink or something to eat, and you can hug Auntie Jess all you want. "Sound good?" I asked. Jill responded with a full-cheeked cheer from the backseat.

It took ten minutes to the next service stop, followed by sixty minutes more for Mia to crack my shell open, and I bared my soul to Mia, all the while holding a happy Jill in my lap.

I told her everything--from freshman year, sophomore antics, the first messy weeks of junior, and that goddamn forfeit. I explained how I met Tom. How it started as a simple dare that somehow became the most real thing in my life. I even showed her the original forfeit photo--making damn sure Jill couldn't see it.

Mia raised her eyebrows and let out a low whistle. "Well," she said with a smirk, "as weird as it is seeing my little sister naked in a pic that would make porn stars jealous, at least your taste is solid."

I couldn't help but smile. Then I told her the rest--the hesitation, the fallout, the way everything spiralled until I slapped Hannah like a scene out of a soap opera. Mia tried to hold in a laugh and failed.

Then came the most recent events--waking up, Tom blocking me, the box of returned clothes, closure with Kat, the call. Fresh tears welled up. I tried to hold them in, but it took a small hand gently patting my cheek and a kiss from Jill to finally break me. "Love you, Auntie!" I let it all out. Everything. A full three-way hug followed.

My phone buzzed, breaking up the emotional hug. I glanced down to see Kat had sent me a message.

Today: 13:24 Kat - "Small update--Hannah didn't take kindly to your declaration. But it was worth seeing her face when you mentioned Lily. It was like she'd seen a ghost. I got an earful after I let her know I told you about Lily and that you were her replacement. I also told her she should've seen this coming once you started to develop actual feelings for Tom. I took your advice and talked to Nate. It was awkward at first, but I think our connection is still there. He, along with my aunt and uncle, are gonna be at my parents' for Thanksgiving as well! It's... weird. I'm terrified. But maybe a little hopeful too? I'll tell you how it goes."

A second message followed with an audio file attached:

Today: 13:26 Kat - "Also... I believe you should probably listen to this. I took this when Hannah told Rachel and me to witness Simon talking to Tom. We intended to use it for roasting night laughs when you calmed down, but... after our talk, I don't think that's happening. Best of luck, Jessica. <3"

Hands trembling, I tapped play.

I hooked up my headset and gave Mia one of my earbuds. Simon's voice spilled through them as we listened. A few pieces of truth, maybe--but most of it? Complete and utter bullshit. I'd never heard someone lie so confidently in my life. All I wanted to do right then was rip Simon's balls off for even suggesting I'd spend a month with him.

But the sound of my arrival on the recording snapped me out of my violent thoughts, and then came Tom's verbal lashing.

Mia winced a few times, especially when she couldn't even fault him for some of the things he said, as much as it hurt to hear them again. She groaned at the "nerd picked at random" line, especially the part about me not even knowing his last name.

Mia sucked in a breath. "Oh, Jessica... you didn't..."

There wasn't much I could say to that. It was embarrassing--painfully so--that for nearly two months, I hadn't even known my own boyfriend's full name.

We both visibly cringed when the sound of my slap landed, loud and clear. The audio cut off right after Rachel's stunned, "Holy fuck!"

----------

The rest of the ride home was much livelier now that everything was out in the open. I even sang along with Mia as we listened to Barbie Girl for the fifth time--at the request of a certain toddler.

Jill eventually fell asleep; the road trip had tired her out. Mia gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "So, little sis... what's the plan? I presume you're trying to apologise to Tom properly?"

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I was. I am. Bit difficult when he's blocked me on all platforms... Charlie and Harry tried to talk to me right before you picked me up."

Mia's eyebrows rose. "Are they the ones who were standing with you as I arrived? they're Tom's best friends, right?"

"Yeah..." I exhaled slowly, letting the moment replay in my head.

----------

I was waiting outside the dorm, bags in hand, ready for my extended stay with Mia, when Charlie and Harry approached. I froze, unsure if they were there to talk or to confront me.

Charlie's eyes caught on the suitcases by my side. He raised an eyebrow.

"So... you sure you're not just off to shack up with Simon?"

Harry nearly choked on his coke mid swig, doing a full spit take.

I could only stare in horror--I'd forgotten how blunt Charlie could be. Shaking my head, I fired back without thinking:

"If I had to spend time with Simon, I'd make good use of it--by dismembering him one ball at a time."

Both boys immediately winced, their hands darting to protect their crotches.

"But seriously," I sighed, "I can't stay on campus right now. Not with Hannah on the warpath after what happened. Plus..." I smirked, "that red mark on her face? A nice little reminder of what I did."

Charlie and Harry cracked up. Harry was the quieter one, but Charlie had no restraint--his body shook with laughter.

"I guess the rumours were right--you did knock the queen bitch down a peg. Last we saw, Hannah was at the campus physician's office, freaking out about a loose tooth."

The mental image gave me a rare flicker of satisfaction.

The mood subtly shifted when Charlie started fidgeting, looking like he wasn't sure if he should speak or run, while Harry kept glancing away like even being near me was awkward now.

Charlie pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward me.

My heart stopped. It was the forfeit picture.

Rage flared through me. Had Hannah--or Simon--started spreading it?

"Relax," Charlie said quickly. "I asked Tom for this. We blurred it before he sent it to me."

I exhaled shakily, finally noticing the blur censoring the most explicit parts. But then I saw the text overlay, and a cold fury began to rise.

"Wait! I never wrote that!"

"We figured," Charlie said, his voice rougher now. "Sorry for being blunt, Jessica, but no one wearing the face you're pulling would have had the clarity to type anything. But Tom thinks you did. We need proof otherwise. For him."

I searched Charlie's face, terrified this was some cruel prank. But he looked serious. Harry too.

"I swear," Charlie said, softer now. "We just want to help. Tom's hurting. If you have anything... show us."

I nodded, throat tight, and pulled up the original. The one I had sent to Hannah.

My cheeks burned as I handed Charlie my phone, showing him my fully exposed body, uncensored. I felt so small that I wanted to disappear. I only ever meant for Tom to see me like this--not the whole damn world.

"This is the real one," I whispered. "I know I was a bitch for not telling him sooner. But I was going to. Today. I wanted him to meet my family--not as a dare, not as some project, but as... the man I fell for. I've never felt this way about anyone."

Harry smiled gently and stepped forward, pulling me into a hug. He was tall like Tom, and for a split second, it almost felt like being held by him again.

"We know," he said quietly. "We saw how you changed him. How he changed you. No one could fake that, and until yesterday, we thought nothing could break you two up."

I clutched Harry tighter, grateful beyond words.

Charlie, meanwhile, was muttering under his breath, comparing something on my phone and his. Then he scoffed and grinned wickedly.

"Bloody Amateur..."

"What?" I asked as I saw him pumping his fist like he'd just scored the winning goal.

"Thanks for this, Jessica. You just gave us enough ammo to start the revenge tour. Operation Bring Down Douchebag is officially a go."

I blinked at him. "What?"

"Tom doesn't know it yet," Charlie said, laughing, "but he's about to get the closure he deserves. You're off to your sister's house for Thanksgiving, right?"

I nodded as he pulled out his phone, raised it to his ear a few times, then looked at the screen. He tapped a few more times before starting to frown.

"Clever son of a bitch," Charlie muttered. "He turned it off. Must've known I'd try to track him."

My stomach developed a knot. "Is it bad?"

"Nah, Tom is playing the "Off grid game" right now." Charlie said. "It just means he knows I could've tracked him. But that won't stop us. Right, Harry?"

Harry nodded solemnly. "He deserves a happy ending after everything he's been through... at least, that's how he told it to us."

----------

Thinking back, part of me regrets not asking more when Harry said that. What had Tom been through? What pain hadn't he shared yet?

Maybe... if I was lucky... I'd get the chance to find out.

It wasn't until an hour later that we made it to my sister's house. The front door opened to reveal Matilda standing there--glasses perched on her nose, arms crossed, her face set in that classic "resting bitch face" Mia and I always teased her about. But the second she saw me, it melted into warmth. Without a word, she pulled me into a hug, and I clung to her tighter than I meant to.

We shuffled inside, each carrying a suitcase. I let the familiar sights and smells of home soak into me as I walked through the hall and into the living room.

On the mantle were many family photos--some of Mia and me, some of Mia and Matilda, and a few of all three of us. But two, however, stood front and center.

The first was from when I returned after freshman year--me cradling Jill, still so tiny, with Mia and Matilda on either side. Their hands tangled around one another without even thinking, a messy knot of family.

And the second...

The second was older. It was Mom, Dad, Mia, and me. We were sitting on a sunlit terrace bench. I was curled up in Mom's lap; Mia in Dad's. Our heads leaned together, smiling. Matilda had taken that photo. It was the last photo... the one taken before Mia's birthday dinner. Before everything changed.

My throat tightened. I kissed the photo frame gently before setting it back in place. I looked about while heading out of the living room and towards the stairs.

As I dragged my suitcase upstairs, a warm, cinnamon scent hung thick in the hallway--not from the kitchen, but from the light dusting across the floor. Mia caught my puzzled look and laughed.

"Jill wanted to bake. She was so excited, she ran around the hallway spilling half the box before we even started."

I laughed too, tension easing as my eyes drifted to the hallway walls. Jill's colorful scribbles were pinned up like a tiny art exhibit--crayon castles, smiling stick figures, an owl with sparkles.

I had missed so much, it seemed. After returning for Sophomore year I hadn't visited Mia or Matilda for any of the major holidays. Instead, I had spent those holidays with the girls at a private retreat that Rachel's parents owned. It felt like an opportunity to bond more with the girls at the time, especially since that was the first year since "coming out of my shell".

Now in hindsight, it felt like a betrayal.

Even though I was keeping contact with Mia and Matilda via facetime, it wasn't enough; the disappointment on Mia's face told the whole story. Eventually, she made me promise to spend at least Thanksgiving and Christmas with them during junior year. She really wanted me to bond with Jill, I was lucky she recognised me, despite being just a face on the phone.

At least now I had kept part of my promise, when I started my relationship with Tom I thought I could make it up to them in spades, but not everything went how I imagined it, but now, being here for an extended stay, maybe I could start to heal those wounds--including the self-inflicted ones--with people who actually loved me.

Once inside my room, Mia and Matilda quietly closed the door behind me, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I unpacked slowly, stacking my textbooks neatly on the dresser and hanging up the few clothes I'd managed to grab before fleeing campus. The last things I set on the bed were the gifts I'd bought for Tom--and my old "disguise" set. I twirled the glasses in one hand, the brunette wig limp in the other.

It was Monday. I had a full week to get my shit together before classes resumed.

I was at rock bottom--but from here, there was nowhere to go but up.

"You've got this, Jessica," I whispered, placing the glasses on my face. I forced a smile as I tugged gently on the rogue and slime necklace around my neck.

"It can't get any worse than it is... right?"

----------

Tom -- Monday Afternoon

----------

Our walk to the arcade, which normally was a ten-minute stroll, instead took nearly twice as long.

I tried to tell Angelina everything that had happened. From that awkward first lab session with Jessica, to the failed seduction attempts in the library, even the party at Simon's--where I left after a night's worth of verbal abuse. How Jessica slowly, genuinely started slipping into my world... and how, before I knew it, I was slipping into hers.

When I mentioned game nights with Charlie and Harry, Angelina grabbed my arm.

"You've got a picture, right? C'mon--don't lie. I know you do."

I hesitated, then pulled out my phone and thumbed through the album I shouldn't have kept. I avoided the more intimate ones--hell, I don't even know why I haven't deleted them. Guilt? Hope? A part of me too afraid that letting them go would mean she never mattered?

I showed her a photo of Jessica laughing beside Harry, the corner of her lips still glossy from a stolen kiss I'd given her just seconds before.

Angelina stopped dead, yanking on my hoodie so hard I nearly stumbled.

"Wait, wait, wait! You and her? Nah. You're messing with me."

I nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Well... yeah. Believe it or not." She stared at the screen once more, then let out a low whistle.

"Damn, Tom. I remember the girls you dated back in middle school. She blows them out of the water. And look--I don't swing that way, but damn, she's hot! I'm impressed. The only one who came close was--"

"Camilla," we both said, grimacing at that painful chapter of my past.

Before Jessica, Camilla was the last girl to "upgrade from" me in high school--right before graduation, no less. To make it sting even more, it happened during prom season.

The day before prom--after a lot of Angelina's strategic grilling--we found out Camilla had only dated me to make the school's football star jealous. Let's just say her prom photos didn't turn out great--thanks to the scabbed scratch marks over her eyes she received, courtesy of Angelina.

"Well, it seems her fairy tale didn't end the way she hoped," Angelina sing-songed. "Guess who ended up pregnant just after you left for uni, had a shotgun wedding, and is now expecting again--all thanks to our dear football star--who suddenly decided to apply to the English Rugby team, leaving her a single mother?"

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "Karma," I muttered.

Still... I couldn't ignore the familiar sting creeping in. History repeating itself.

"A school football star with the school's hottest girl," I muttered. "Story of my life."

Angelina snapped her head toward me.

I hadn't told her about Simon yet--just mentioned his party. Nothing more.

"What do you mean?" she asked. Then her face fell. "Oh... again, Tom? You can't be that unlucky."

"At this point, Ange, I'm not sure. My mind's still processing it all."

I perked up as the arcade came into view, neon lights buzzing in the distance. And behind the counter--yep, the person on shift was someone I knew all too well.

"Come on. Let's play a few rounds, and I'll fill you in on the rest. Consider this your handicap--I'll be too distracted to win. Maybe you'll finally beat me."

----------

Angelina and I made our way deeper into the arcade, pausing briefly to greet the guy on shift--Joe. We weren't exactly friends. More like fellow social outcasts in middle and high school. Acquaintances at best. After graduation, he skipped college and landed here as a shift regular.

Angelina pointed toward the ball toss lane, hopping up and down in excitement. "Tom! Can we start here before we hit all the games you'll probably crush me at? I really want a shot at the prizes before anyone else gets here!"

I nodded and watched as Angelina, with the three balls provided, landed a direct hit on all three towers--leaving not a single can standing. She earned the arcade's top prize for a perfect game.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she broke into a celebratory dance.

"Well, well, well... seems like someone's been practicing while I was away."

Angelina stopped mid-strut, red creeping into her cheeks as she shifted from toe to toe.

"Oh, shut up... someone wasn't here to keep me on my game, so I had to step it up somehow."

Joe arrived with a ladder to reach for her prize, but she stopped him.

"No, no, Joe!" she said, pouting with a hand on her hip.

"I want the runner-up prize--the one for knocking down two towers."

She pointed toward a meter-tall winged unicorn plush, complete with rainbows and the works.

I glanced up at the prize she passed on and froze. This had to be a cosmic joke. Sitting on the top shelf was a 1:6 scale model of the busty rogue figurine Jessica and I had won from a capsule machine, only this time it was in proper proportions instead of the deformed, cute figurine.

For a moment, I'd forgotten Jessica. Just a guy and his sister in their old haunt--until that damn figurine snapped me back. I tried to keep the mood light, to distract myself--maybe coming to the arcade wasn't such a good idea after all.

Was I really going to let her ruin the arcade too? One of the last safe spaces I had left?

'Tom?'

NO! I won't let that happen.

'Tom...'

If I had anything to say about it, I would NEVER let that lying bit--

"THOMAS!! Yo! You in there, bro??"

I blinked, snapped out of my spiraling thoughts by the familiar sound of my full name--Angelina's fail-safe override.

I tried to stay serious, but seeing her with that massive, winged unicorn plush perched on her head made it almost impossible.

"I'm sorry, Ange," I said with a weak smile. "It's safe to say I've had a VERY shit 48 hours. And seeing the prize you passed up reminded me of Jessica."

She raised an eyebrow and looked back towards the prize stand, then nodded toward a row of fighting machines.

"Well, let's get you talking while you let off some steam. You're projecting some anger, and I'm guessing I haven't heard the full story with you and Jessica. Shall we?"

----------

Angelina -- Monday Afternoon

----------

As the cute, supportive younger sister, it wasn't just my unofficial role--it was my DUTY to fix my step-bro's love life. After all those bitches at school, and especially that whore Camilla, I figured the universe owed him a break. That girl weaponized mascara and daddy issues like a war crime. That's when she's not busy trying to hide those scars on her face. Hehe!

His relationship with Jessica looked perfect on the surface. But based on what he told me? That first week? Total red flags. This Simon guy Tom mentioned? Total douche nozzle. Grade-A manipulator vibes.

He started to spiral in the middle of my winged unicorn victory. He couldn't even hear me. So I used the emergency override--his full name. Thomas hates when anyone uses it... unless it's a serious moment. Like this one. I squeezed my unicorn plush and grinned. I knew just the place to shake him out of that funk.

We were midway through a best-of-five on the fighting games--one of Tom's comfort picks--when he started telling me about catching Jessica snooping on his PC. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the DDR machine.

Jackpot!

Maybe I could even get him to dance with me! I wondered if we could finally break the high score and get our picture on the leaderboard.

Woah woah woah. hold up. What did Tom just say?!

"Tom... could you repeat that? I thought I was hearing things..."

Tom looked at me and shyly nodded his head.

"You heard right, Ange, I... I had sex with Jessica."

I nearly dropped my plushie. Tom admitted he'd lost his V-card. I was happy for him! He'd been down on his luck so many times--it was great to hear he finally graduated from virginity!

"Nice one, bro! And here I thought you were never going to pop it!"

"Thanks..." he said, smiling at first, but his face quickly dropped with a hint of sadness.

Wait, what? How could someone be sad about losing their virginity? There had to be more to this...

"You make it sound like it was a bad thing or something?"

It took a bit more prodding, but Tom eventually told me the rest--the morning after, the month that followed. He'd started dressing better, even got a new haircut.

Wow! Jessica must've meant something to him. I mean, no girl in high school ever got him to dress like he hadn't fallen out of his wardrobe. And then came the story about their date night. The capsule machine. The photo. No wonder he reacted to that top-prize figure earlier.

I don't know why he told me all that. Maybe it's because he was pouring his heart out to someone he trusts without a doubt--me. But he told me about his and Jessica's love making, I mean... I normally find it cringy as hell when blokes boast about their sexual exploits to me in an attempt to woo me, but this was my brother, hell! I even told him about my exploits! Not that I was waving the fact that I had gotten laid before him or anything...

"You can't expect me to just believe you at face value, Tom. There has to be some evidence--like, say... a nude pic or two?"

Before he could even react I swapped his phone with my plushie and held it as far away as possible, I shook my head in disbelief as his pin code was the same as always... now let's see... what treasures.... OH MY! My eyes nearly popped out of my skull.

"Angie! No! Don't look at that one! Oh, for god's sake...."

I ignored Tom's protests, my one hand and foot firmly pressing my plushie against him. There in front of me was a high-quality nude shot of Jessica--everything on full display. I grimaced as I saw Tom's head behind Jessica, orgasm face on full display.

I felt a surge of envy looking at those milkers. She had to be at least a DD cup while I was saddled with high B's... I squinted, looking south. Nice tuft of pubic hair too... cute pattern. The girl had taste. Maybe I should let mine grow out? Nah! I liked it bare. But the thing that got my attention, and I'm ashamed to admit I spent a bit too much time staring at Tom's impressive cock. If only we weren't related by law. Ugh. Brain, what the hell?

Tom must have seen my attempt to reboot my senses as he called out, "Angelina! Come on--do you really want that mental image of your step-bro in bed?"

I reluctantly agreed and swiped. I saw what I believed to be an honest-to-god cute image of Tom and a different girl, almost looked like his ideal.... wait... was that Jessica?!

"Tom! Is this?"

"Jessica? Yeah. She did that for me... for us that night, disguised herself so we wouldn't get noticed. She looked amazing."

He loves her. I could hear it in every word. What the hell happened to have him like this? He'd hinted earlier about some football player being involved... please don't tell me this was another Camilla situation.

"So... What happened for things to go tits up?"

Tom sighed. His resistance against my mighty winged unicorn plush gave out.

Oh shit--wait... he was hugging it?!

"You've already seen it, so go ahead--pull up the nude pic of me and Jessica. I apologise for the cum shot, but you'll see why."

I swiped back. Once again, the nude image of the two of them popped up--and, for lack of a better word, it was one of the best selfie shots of two people fucking I'd ever seen.

Damn. He really did shoot that high.

No wonder I missed it the first time--Jessica's cow tits were doing all the heavy lifting. Unfair.

Still, something bugged me.

The angle was weird. Like the phone was slipping, or maybe being forced into position.

And... was that text over the bottom corner?

Is this what Tom meant?

"The fuck? 'Forfeit completed'?! Who the hell writes that in the middle of a good fuck? I'm sorry, Tom, but what the actual fuck? Did this bitch really screw you over like that?"

I didn't notice that my rant was affecting Tom until he clenched my plush even tighter. The fighting game's music kept looping in the background, the computer sprites just standing there, waiting for either of us to do something.

I stared at the screen a moment longer. Something about this didn't add up.

That caption... it didn't feel right.

I've seen that kind of face before--mid-orgasm, completely gone to the world.

If she was faking that? She deserved an Oscar.

But something in me... didn't want to believe she had.

"Wait, Tom! There's something sketchy about this pic. If I were fu...."

I stopped and looked around--what I was about to say needed zero eavesdroppers. I grabbed him in a headlock and leaned in. Then I shifted the plushie's head out of the way, blocking anyone's view as I whispered in Tom's ear.

"Tom... seriously. Sorry in advance--this is going sound gross--but if I were getting railed by that cock? Even I wouldn't be able to breathe properly, let alone type out some smug 'forfeit completed' bullshit. And look at the angle--this photo's tilted, like she could barely hold the phone straight. She was in the middle of crashing, Tom. That caption? No way it came from her. Someone else added that. I'd bet my unicorn on it."

He didn't even argue. Just staring dead-eyed at me. I swear I saw a flicker of sense appear in Tom's eyes, only for it to disappear. Don't you dare, Tom!

"But enough about that! Give me my plushie back! That's more than enough of an advantage I want from you! Just finish off your thrashing me at this game. Forget all about uni and your girlfriend problems for now. Please, Tom? For me?"

That seemed to do the job, as light flickered back into his eyes.

"Yeah. I guess you're right--I was bringing the mood down, wasn't I? Let's move on. You were eyeing that DDR machine earlier--let's go and play. I know you've been badgering me for years to help you hit the high score."

I sighed with relief. One crisis averted! The last thing I want is to bring Tom back to Mom and Dad's more broken than when he arrived.

Thanksgiving week's just getting started, so I've got time to help him recover from his latest love interest gone sour. I have a feeling however that this one's going to be harder than the last--he looks properly heartbroken.

On the other hand I couldn't help but wonder what I'd say to Jessica if I ever met her. Would I yell? Hug her? Or punch her in the boob? Jury's still out. But enough of that for now--time to break a record!

-----------

Jessica -- Wednesday Morning

----------

"It can't get any worse than it is... right?"

God, how I hated myself for saying that. A few days later, those words came back to haunt me like a curse.

I paced my bedroom, panic clawing through me like wildfire, each step heavier than the last.

How could I have been so stupid?

It was Friday when Tom and I had sex--the one and only time someone had ever came inside me. And here I was, the Wednesday after...

My period hadn't arrived...

My cycle worked like clockwork. Always had been. Even during finals week or brutal all-nighters, it never missed a beat. But the whirlwind--Tom, the fallout, Hannah, Simon, being exiled from my old life--had thrown everything into chaos. I'd been so deep in survival mode I didn't even realize I was late until today.

My hands moved instinctively to my lower abdomen, cold dread sinking into my bones.

All it took was one reckless night. One stupid wish to feel Tom's cum inside me. One moment of wanting to feel closer, to feel loved. And now...

"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit," I hissed under my breath, pacing faster. My breathing grew shallow. Erratic.

Gripping handfuls of my hair, I leapt onto my bed, curling into a ball and hugging a pillow like my life depended on it. The scent of my shampoo--usually calming--only made me feel smaller, younger, completely unprepared for what might be growing inside me.

Was I about to become one of those "uni moms" you see in viral TikToks? The kind who balances a baby on her hip while attending lectures? Could I even go through with it? Could I survive it--alone? Would I even get the chance to tell Tom? Or worse... would he hate me more for it?

Would he think I did it on purpose?

Tears welled up, hot and angry. I blinked them away, but my hands were trembling so badly that I could barely swipe open my phone.

A barrage of text messages lit up my screen.

I snatched it up, heart hammering, praying--stupidly--that maybe Tom had texted. Maybe he changed his mind.

But the first notification wasn't from him.

It was a name and number that I knew very well... Hannah.

"Oh, great. What now?" I muttered, swiping at my eyes. Before I could open it, another lone message blinked in.

Today: 08:54 - Simon: Babe, why have you left me on read? come on! Don't be shy! Just hit me up and I can show you a better time then that nerd ever could!

I scoffed out loud, an ugly sound. Seriously? After everything? The bullshit he fed to Tom? He still thought he had a shot?

I'd told him when the forfeit started. I told him again at his party. I ignored his desperate texts all week. How thick could someone be?

"And delete. Bye-bye, bitch," I jabbed the delete button hard enough to make the phone case creak.

Maybe I should block him... but knowing Simon, he'd probably escalate to something worse. And the last thing I needed was more drama.

With a frustrated sigh, I turned back to Hannah's thread. My thumb hovered--hesitant. What kind of bullshit is she going to try to spin this time?

I tapped the message. And then I froze.

"What the fuck?!" I gasped, sitting bolt upright.

There was no snide remark. No bitchy comment. Just media.

Video after video began to load--each one autoplaying a preview. The thumbnails were graphic. Two people having sex.

And the girl front and center, moaning, sweating, legs wide open?

Was me.

The quality was crystal clear. You could see everything--faces, bodies, even the tiniest details.

My stomach flipped. I recognized the lighting. The angle.

I'd filmed them, or rather I placed the camera and just pressed play. And I remembered every single one.

Sophomore year was a blur of parties and hookups, sure. But I wasn't reckless--I always knew their names, always made sure it was mutual and consensual before we parted ways.

Unlike Hannah, who practically whored herself out to every jock with a six-pack and a frat jacket.

Before I could even click into one of the files, a new message from Hannah popped up.

No video this time.

Just text.

From the bitch herself.

Today: 09:58 - Hannah: - Now that I have your attention. You can deny it all you want, and think of yourself as a innocent girl who thought she got her fairy tale ending, but you'll always be the slut I moulded. While you didn't have the body count that I have, those whom you did sleep with always over exaggerated to the point where the whole campus knows YOU. You just signed up for a war you can't win Jessica, I hope you enjoy your stay of execution, as I won't be lil' miss nice bitch when you return. Maybe I'll send these to your former big nerd cocked boyfriend, maybe he'll get a kick out of these!

I stared at the message for a few more seconds, then hurled my phone at the full-length mirror, shattering it. The Pandora's box of my sex life--and Hannah's declaration of war--had finally taken its toll.

The crash echoed through the room, sharp and final. I slumped onto the bed, numb, broken shards twinkling on the floor like cruel stars.

My reflection splintered into a thousand versions of myself--none of them someone I recognized.

Time slipped past in a haze. Minutes, maybe hours.

At some point, I heard the front door open downstairs. Laughter floated up--Matilda's soft voice, Jill's bubbly giggles. It all sounded so normal... like a life I wasn't part of anymore.

I couldn't even find the motivation to move. My hands stayed tangled in my hair, pulling without thinking. The mess still lay around me, untouched.

I heard soft footsteps padding up the stairs. Tiny ones. I heard them come closer, stopping then fading away back down the stairs. It took a few minutes for those tiny footsteps to make their way back, only this time they were closer than before.

"Auntie?" a small voice chirped from the doorway.

I lifted my head, letting go of my hair and letting my hands sink to my lap. There was Jill--arms full of colorful stickers, a purple stuffed owl trailing from her hand.

She tiptoed in, careful with every step. I glanced toward the broken mirror--thank god, the shards were far from the door.

She climbed up beside me without a word.

"Happy face!" she chirped with a smile on her own.

Without another word, she carefully placed a bright smiley-face sticker on the back of my hand.

Then another. And another.

I let out a broken laugh, so soft it barely made it past my lips.

Jill smiled proudly, thinking she had fixed me. Like I was a scratched-up doll that just needed extra love and glitter.

I ruffled her soft hair, offering the best smile I could manage. It probably looked more like a grimace, but Jill didn't care. She beamed at me anyway, completely convinced that everything would be okay.

"Thank you, Jill... I feel a little better now. Love you," I whispered as she nuzzled into me, trying to soothe me in her own small way.

"Love you, Auntie," she mumbled, her face still buried in my chest.

Soft footsteps approached, I couldn't see who it was but I heard a low gasp, followed by retreating steps and then hurried whispers.

I heard Matilda's voice, soft but certain: "She needs her sister... just like you needed yours on the worst day of your lives."

Then the soft sound of a kiss and murmured "love yous" followed

Moments later, Mia appeared at my doorway, taking it all in--the shattered mirror, the broken look on my face, the parade of stickers up my arm.

Her expression tightened, but she didn't say a word.

She crossed the room towards us, gently scooped Jill into her arms, and kissed the top of her head.

"Hey, munchkin," she said quietly. "How about you and Mommy Matilda go make some cookies?"

Jill squealed with excitement and wriggled in Mia's arms as they left to go downstairs.

A few minutes later, Mia returned--arms full with a black bin bag, dustpan, and brush.

She shut the door behind her.

Just the two of us now with the broken glass on the floor, and pieces of my life scattered across the room.

I looked up hesitantly and saw Mia staring back at me--her face full of patience and the kind of warmth I didn't even realize I needed.

Everything was so fucking messed up.

I realized she was waiting for me to speak, or just to take my time if I needed. I was so tired of it all that I pretty much told her everything that had happened hours earlier. Hannah, her "I'll fuck you over if you return" threat...

My period not showing up and what it could mean.

It was as if she knew what I was going to say next as Mia engulfed me in a bone-crushing hug, her hand stroking my head in that familiar soothing gesture she had done for me when I was little.

Her voice was steady, but gentle.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Jessie. But for now? We're going out tonight," she said.

"Just you and me--a sister's night out, if you will. We'll have fun, get your mind off everything. You've been through enough shit as it is. Time to let loose--like only Mason girls know how."

I couldn't help but smile at her comforting gesture.

Maybe Mia was right. Maybe I just needed some time to breathe... and stop overthinking everything.

As we chatted about random things while clearing the glass shards from the carpet, a thought crept into my mind...

I wonder...

"Mia... I... I have a place I wouldn't mind us visiting for our night out. That okay with you?"

Mia smiled and nodded. "Sure, Jess. You lead the way. Tonight is all about the healing."

As soon as she gave the green light, plans started forming in my mind.

I'd spotted a specific place on the ride here--a place I never imagined I'd enjoy last week.

I just hoped it would still feel like fun, for both of us.

----------

Mia -- Wednesday evening

----------

When Jessica suggested a place for our fun night out, I really didn't expect we'd end up at the local arcade.

Matilda and I had come here on a date once, but I'd cut it short--I got cold feet being away from Jill.

"Of all places, an arcade, Jessie? Didn't think I'd see the day! Weren't you the one who said, 'Gaming is for nerds and geeks'? Did Tom really have that much of an impact on you?"

I looked over at Jessica as we stood in front of the entrance. She blushed at my comment, trying to play it off.

"Yeah... it was Tom. At first, I was just pretending--just putting up with the whole 'nerd' thing for the forfeit. But the more time I spent with him... the more I actually started to love it. He... changed me. I felt happy, in a way I never did with the girls.... I didn't realize it back then, but I was falling in with the wrong crowd--Hannah, Rachel, the drama. But at least Kat's trying to make up for it."

I frowned at the mention of Hannah. That toxic, manipulative little... Always stirring up drama wherever she went.

To this day, I harbored a smoldering hatred for that girl--and I'd never even met her face to face.

Everything I knew came from Jessica's stories, her photos during spring and summer breaks... and the way Jess started slipping from my reach.

No one just flips from shy introvert to "hey! I just became a party girl and fucked my first boy" in half a year--unless someone's pushing them.

She'd changed so much between Christmas and the summer of her freshman year.

When she came home--flashy clothes, thick makeup, and that hollow smile that never quite reached her eyes--I barely recognized her.

I remember the way she held Jill, and I couldn't help but worry--was she becoming one of those girls? The ones who drifted from guy to guy, chasing validation.

Was this her way of coping with losing our parents?

But that summer, watching her with Jill, my doubts faded.

Beneath the flashy clothes and forced smiles... she was still my little sister.

"Well, this is your healing. It's been years since we went to an arcade--remember that family trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach? You were nine, maybe ten. You dragged me to every game, laughing the whole time."

For this healing to work, we needed to be away from everything.

And by everything, I meant the toxic friends, that unwanted boy... and, as cruel as it might sound--away from Tom. I know she loves him. It's written all over her face. But maybe... just for tonight... she could be Jessica again. Not the broken girl clinging to heartbreak.

"I guess you're right, Mia. I really need this after the shit that was thrown at me today... anyway, let's have fun--Mason sister style!"

As we stepped inside, her laughter filled the air--pure, carefree.

But even as I smiled, a part of me stayed on edge, watching for signs of the girl who had nearly lost herself.

---------

It was great to see the Jessica I always knew still there beneath the glitz and glam. She really needed this.

Between watching her bounce from machine to machine, we took pictures--some selfies, and some of each other when we weren't looking.

Hearing her laughter echo through the arcade felt like watching her younger self come to life. It brought back so many great memories.

I closed my eyes as memories of the Pleasure Beach trickled back. I chuckled at one moment in particular--Jessica yelling out...

"Mia! Mia! They have a dancing machine here! We need to dance!!!"

My eyes flew open. That wasn't a memory--this was now.

Jessica stood there, fidgeting with excitement.

For a moment, I could almost see the ten-year-old and twenty-year-old versions of her overlap.

I nodded, and both versions of her giggled and sped off toward the Dance Dance machine.

We danced like we'd never danced before. We laughed, we fell--but most of all, we had fun.

We didn't beat the high scores, but we still managed a respectable third and fourth.

Jessica and I looked up at first and second place. The scores were insane--whoever those two were, they had to have landed perfect runs.

Maybe they were sisters too, like us.

1st: TEW 15,973,229

2nd: AEW 15,509,290

3rd: ___ 10,400,204

4th: ___ 09,988,405

"Jessica, what should we put down for our names?"

No response.

I looked over--her eyes were locked on the screen, brow furrowed. I could just about hear her whispering to herself, deep in thought

"TEW... TEW... where have I seen..."

"Jessica?" I touched her shoulder and she jumped.

"Yes? Hello! I'm here! What's up, Mia?"

"Was just asking what we should put down for our scores. You got third, so you decide, sis."

She looked back at the screen, scrunching up her mouth in thought. Then she turned to me with a smile.

"How about JMM for mine, and MJM for yours?"

I smiled back. "Let me guess... Jessica Mia Mason, and Mia Jessica Mason?"

She nodded, and we entered our initials.

Our scores, while nowhere near first or second, would still take a lot to beat--especially if the best after ours was...

5th: JAO 07,049,102.

Yeah... I don't think ours will be beaten anytime soon.

Jessica beamed, and for a moment, it was like the world made sense again.

"C'mon Mia, lets take another selfie in front of our scores! something to brag about to Matilda?"

We posed in front of the dance machine, our arms draped over each other's shoulders, cheek to cheek, smiling as our dishevelled, sweaty hair blended together.

I snapped a photo of us mid-laugh, amused by how unkempt we looked.

That's when Matilda decided to ring. I looked over at Jessica.

"Is it okay if I take this? Shouldn't be long--promise!"

She nodded while walking toward a row of games.

"Okay, I'll just be here at the claw and capsule machines. I'll see if I can win something cool for Jill."

I smiled and turned to answer the call.

A pair of massive wide eyes and a scream of "MOMMY!!" greeted me--followed by lips smooched against the screen as Jill started kissing it. I heard Matilda's voice in the background become clearer the closer she came.

"Jill? honey? are you OK? You're not hurt, are you? Oh! you cheeky monkey! That's where my phone went. Can mommy have it ba... Mia!"

The lips on the screen quickly vanished, followed by a few moments of a hand over the camera and giggles from a hyperactive toddler. The screen became clearer, both Matilda and Jill in full view.

"Well, what's the occasion, love? Did you miss us that badly you had to check in on us?"

"Always missing you! But I picked up thinking it was you who rang, both Jessica and I are having fun at the local arcade. We're just finishing a round on a dance machine when Jill called."

I turned the camera around to show Jessica, who smiled and waved back.

Matilda looked at Jill and let out a gentle, "Awwww... it looks like someone missed you, Mia. She's not even two yet, and she already knows how to call you!"

"Night-night kiss!" Jill whined, her bottom lip sticking out. This girl, I swear...

"Okay sweetie, I'll give you a good-night kiss. Sleep well, my little angel--and be a good girl for Mamma. Mommy and Auntie Jessie will see you tomorrow."

I blew a kiss at the screen. That seemed to do the trick--Jill wriggled out of Matilda's arms, giggling all the way.

Her laughter echoed until it faded, and I guessed she toddled off to bed like always after her kiss.

"By the looks of things, Mia, this night out is doing you both some good.

The only time I see you out of breath and sweating like that is... well, our nightly activities," she added with a sly grin. I blushed, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.

"If you don't stop being such a minx, I'll make you sweat and be out of breath."

"Promises, promises. Just remember who the sub is in bed," she purred--our gazes lingering until a quiet shout cut through the moment.

"Mamma! Bed!"

Matilda giggled as she looked toward Jill, then back at me.

"Anyway! I won't keep you from Jessica. Don't come home until she has everything out of her system--but don't be too late! We've got a busy weekend starting tomorrow--Mom, Dad, and Daniel are coming. Send my love to Jessica! Good night, Mia! Love you, babe!"

"Good night, Maddy! Love you!"

We blew kisses to each other as I ended the call.

It occurred to me--this was the first time I'd been away from Jill since she was born and not felt anxious about leaving her.

I guess with Matilda looking after her, I had nothing to worry about.

As much as I missed her, Jessica needed me tonight. And I wasn't going to let her face this alone. I looked at my phone, the time showed 18:50, we've been here for at least an hour, time was flying by!

"Jessica?" I called out over the hum of the arcade machines. "Where do you want to go next?"

No answer.

I glanced back, expecting her to be right behind me--maybe still hovering near the claw machines or checking out one of the rhythm games.

But she wasn't there.

I slowed, turning in place.

"Jessie?"

Still nothing.

A light frown tugged at my brow. I scanned the rows of cabinets and booths, half-expecting her to pop out from behind a retro shooter or reappear with a grin like it was some kind of prank.

But the space where she'd been was empty.

She was just... gone.

I took a slow step forward, my voice quieter this time.

"... Where did you go?"

----------

Jessica -- Wednesday evening

----------

"Okay, I'll just be over by the claw machines. I'll see if I can win something cool for Jill!"

Mia nodded as she placed the phone in front of her, already chatting animatedly with Matilda and Jill.

She turned the screen toward me, and I waved back with a smile.

I zoned out, staring at the rows of claw and capsule machines.

My mind drifted back to that date night with Tom.

I knew it was my idea for Mia and me to have our 'sister's night out' at the arcade, where I hoped to forget everything shitty about my life right now and just have fun... But it's hard to enjoy anything when every memory of Tom still hits too hard.

The sound of a fighting game went off beside me--yet another reminder of Tom.

I glanced at the screen and felt another wave hit me: all those moments with him, all that fun.

God, I miss that dork. The way he'd casually decimate high scores... always leaving his gamer tag on the leaderboard.

... Wait a minute--TEW?

It was right there--on the screen of the fighting game.

1st: TEW -- 13,488,239.

That high score... those three letters...

I turned back to the dancing machine, waiting for the leaderboard to appear again.

1st: TEW. There it was--again.

My mind raced back to our date night. He did it then too!

I was about to ask Tom about it, but I got interrupted by the employee--he wanted a photo of me and Tom for the Winner's Wall.

A small trickle of hope started to blossom, my mind bringing up scenarios. Did this mean that Tom traveled this way after disappearing from campus? A stray thought crept in: was he still nearby?

My heart started to thud harder in my chest. I had to know. I needed to know. If Tom was nearby... well I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!

I scoured through every game I could find, like a madwoman possessed. The smell of popcorn, sticky seats, and the flash of neon lights all blending together as I checked screen after screen.

Always the same name at the top: TEW.

All of them: TEW.

I'm 100% convinced this was Tom's tag--but I had to be sure.

I started looking for the Winner's Wall... and slammed into something solid.

"Ow! damn sorry about that, you ok?"

I blinked and shook off the daze. The guy I'd run into wore an employee badge--his name tag read "Joe."

"Yeah, sorry--my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going."

Then it hit me--if anyone knew who TEW was, it'd be the staff, right?

"Actually... could you help me, please? I'm curious about the high scores on all the games here.

I keep seeing the name 'TEW.' I knew someone who used that as a gamer tag."

"Oh, TEW? Yeah, that guy used to be a regular before he left for uni.

He was in on Monday night--went through the place like a speed-runner, smashed all his old scores."

Desperation settled in--I had to... no, I needed to know.

"Can you tell me who it was?" I pulled out my phone and opened the Winner's Wall picture from that date night--me and Tom, standing together.

I turned it toward Joe.

"Please. Was it him? Was it Tom who was here?"

He hesitated, eyes flicking between me and the phone.

Then he scratched his head and sighed.

"I'm really not supposed to reveal customer identities or anything... but you seem to know him.

Come on--I'll show you our Wall of Fame."

I followed him, anxiety bubbling in my gut, What if it wasn't Tom? What if it was someone who just looked like him? Oh god--this isn't doing me any good!

We stopped beside what looked like a game alley--a row of cans stacked in a pyramid, with three balls next to them.

There was a podium with three prize spots, with one of them empty.

"Here you go--he's right at the top."

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up where Joe pointed above the alley, I looked up and I saw him, front and center of many pictures taken over the years, Tom!

Oh my god...

I started tearing up. It was technically the first time I'd seen him since Sunday.

Even though it was just a picture--I was a wreck.

He wasn't alone.

There was a beautiful girl beside him--curly black hair, soft features, both flashing peace signs at the camera.

They stood in front of a massive winged unicorn plushie, nearly half the size of them both.

My eyes narrowed at how close she was to him.

Jealous? Me? Damn right I was. I hated that I felt it, but right now, do I have any right to be?

Underneath their picture, I read:

Angelina Emily Walker.

Then I glanced at his--

Thomas Ethan Walker.

TEW.

Of course. It wasn't a clever tag. He'd just used his actual name. He always had,

I'd just never noticed, or took the time to ask him.

Relief swelled in my chest. Walker... they both had it. They had to be siblings.

Tom--Thomas--never told me he had a sister.

And maybe I'd have been upset about that... if I wasn't so guilty of hiding my own secrets too.

Off to the side of the siblings' photo was another picture--Angelina alone, holding the winged unicorn plush in a victory pose.

The caption read: "Ball Toss Alley -- Perfect Game Winner: Angelina Emily Walker."

I blinked, then looked toward the prize shelf--and there it was.

The top prize for a perfect game was still there.

I was about to ask Joe about it when I looked closer. I gasped, tugging at my necklace.

The prize... it matched my busty Rogue figurine.

Only this one was bigger. A full-scale model.

A fire of determination lit under me.

I turned to Joe and asked him point-blank.

"It says 'perfect game winner'--but the top prize is still here. What's going on?"

He groaned, glancing at the two remaining prizes.

"That's Angelina for you. She's never liked the sexy game or anime figures--total plushie addict. She got a perfect game, yeah, but asked for the second prize instead. You're welcome to try if you wa--"

I slammed money on the counter, scaring him--and myself.

"I'm in."

Tom had sparked something in me the moment I 'won' the Rogue figurine.

And seeing this model, my inner geek refused to stay buried any longer.

I grabbed the three balls, took aim... and fumbled every throw. Not a single can fell.

Growling, I slapped down more cash.

This time, I focused--picturing Hannah's smug face on one can... Simon's punchable smirk on another...

Three throws.

Three perfect hits.

Every pyramid clattered to the floor.

I jumped up and down in triumph, letting out a loud hurrah. I pulled out my phone, set it to selfie mode, and beamed at the screen--had to capture this moment while the cans were still clattering on the floor behind me.

I was mid-snap when a pissed-off, worried voice rang out behind me--turning my victory into panic in a single breath.

"Jessica freaking Mason! I expected this kind of chase from Jill in a few years--not from my grown-ass sister!"

*Snap*

"Oh shit."

----------

Tom -- Friday Morning

---------

I slowly woke to the sound of my phone vibrating.

Instinctively, I reached for my chest--where I usually kept it--only to remember I hadn't touched it for the past two days. Our family always had a strict 'no phones' policy for Wednesday and Thursday of Thanksgiving week.

I fumbled trying to reach for the phone a few times as my eyes adjusted. Damn, I was still groggy from yesterday.

Thanksgiving dinner had never knocked me out like this before. After two and a half years of campus food, I guess my body wasn't prepared for the full-force assault of Hilda's cooking.

I looked at the screen and had to rub my eyes. There were numerous missed calls and texts.

From Joe of all people.

Wednesday: 19:05 pm: Joe - DUDE! ring me when you get this! IMPORTANT!!!

Thursday: 12:10 am: Joe - C'mon bro! ring me! I know it's Thanksgiving and all but this shit is life changing important here!

Today: 06:15 am: Joe - You there? c'mon man! ring back I'm about to go to work! You're killing me here!!

I hadn't seen him since Angelina and I hit the arcade Monday night. But these messages were from the past few days. Why was he trying to contact me so urgently?

Sighing, I tapped his name and pressed the phone to my ear.

I sank into the pillow, listening as the line rang a few times before Joe picked up.

"Yo! Tom! About time you answered, I got something to ask you!"

"Well, good morning to you too, Joe. What's going on? Did Angelina try and scam you out of another prize like she did on Monday?"

"Eh? What? No--nothing like that! I need to know, when the hell did you get so damn lucky?"

I rolled my eyes. That could mean anything.

"Erm... you're going to have to be more specific, Joe. Fighting game luck? Dancing luck? Or how you still can't lace up a pair of boots against either me or Angelina?"

"Cute... but no, you asshole! I mean, when did you become lucky with the ladies? You're currently Mr. Popular."

Mr. Popular? I knew he smoked on and off, but this was off-key even for him.

"Joe, just stop beating about the bush and get to your point."

"Dude! Two blonde bombshells--sisters, I think--showed up Wednesday night. They were having a blast, taking selfies, and trying out many games. The younger blonde with the biggest tits I've ever seen got really competitive at the DDR machine, even outscoring most regulars. But things got interesting when she started asking about some high scores."

"I mentioned Monday, when you and Angie came over and smashed some old records. Didn't give your names at first, but then she asked about your initials--'TEW'. She was oddly focused on it. I was hesitant, but she kept pressing. Even showed me a pic of you two together. So, I showed her your Wall of Fame picture with Angie... and dude, she looked like she was about to cry. I couldn't tell if it was jealousy or something else. But then, she went straight to the ball toss game--like she was on a mission."

"She fumbled a few times, but on another go, just like Angie, she nailed a perfect game! Three for three, without even breaking a sweat. But this time, she had a gleeful look on her face when she held that model she won. Like it actually meant something to her."

"But that wasn't the craziest part. No, no! her sist..."

I let Joe ramble a bit longer before I ended the call--his mouth still running a mile a minute.

I needed to focus. To process everything he'd just said.

His rambling wasn't helping.

My grip on my phone loosened slightly. What the hell is he talking about?

Some of his earlier words finally caught up to me--blonde hair, big boobs, green eyes?

That sounded like... no. No way.

Why would she be here?

I thought she was off with Simon, as her reward for what she did to me. I was just a forfeit target for her, wasn't I?

What the fucking hell is going on?

Angelina's words cut through my dark, spiraling thoughts:

"Even I wouldn't be able to breathe properly, let alone type out some smug 'Forfeit completed' bullshit."

Was she right? Was I so blinded by hurt that I couldn't see the truth?

I recalled my thoughts before getting on the bus--the ones trying to tell me that Simon was doing this just to fuck with me.

I really don't work well when my mind's tired.

But now, with my mind fully rested--and given time to process everything from the past few days--I decided to finally open the wound. To do a deep dive, without any emotional outbursts or adrenaline-fueled reactions.

First, I enabled all permissions, GPS tracking, and apps on my phone.

When I opened Instagram, I found Jessica's name in my blocked list, my thumb hovered over the unblock button, but I paused. Part of me didn't want to know what I'd find. It would've been easier to just leave it.

But that nagging voice in the back of my head kept whispering that Jessica still mattered.

So I unblocked her.

I hovered over her name, heart pounding, and then tapped her profile--expecting to see the familiar "Private Account" screen. Just a profile picture and a blank wall.

Her account was public.

I blinked, surprised. Did she always leave it open? Or... was this intentional?

The first image wasn't some sultry bikini shot or her wrapped around a new guy.

It was Jessica--cheek to cheek with another woman.

Both were flashing matching victory signs and playful grins.

The resemblance was unmistakable--same eyes, same dimples.

Sisters, no doubt.

But my eyes didn't linger on the new face. They locked on Jessica. Those dimples, the twin tails... just like our date night, only this time, she wasn't hiding behind a brunette wig.

The caption read: "Letting loose with my sister at the local arcade #SNO #healingheart"

I swiped to the next image--Jessica wore a mix between a genuine and nervous smile, her eyes wide.

In the background, her sister was storming toward her, face twisted in fury.

"Whoops! About to get chewed out by my big sis!

Guess the longer time goes on, the more some things stay the same!

#I'mSorryMia #DumbBlondeMoment #TotallyWorthIt"

I stared at that image for a moment too long.

It seemed out of character for her, then again do I really know anything about Jessica?

Another swipe --Jessica stood in front of the ball toss lane, holding the small busty Rogue figurine in one hand, and the model Angelina had passed on in the other.

"3/3 perfect throws! Now my mini Rogue has a BIG sister! Her boobs might rival mine, but at least mine are real! ????

#BigBoobsFTW #MyPEAKMoments #RivalryInPlastic"

One more swipe--Jessica sat curled up in a comfy chair, a mug of steaming cocoa in her hands, her eyes distant as she stared out the window.

If I could turn back time, I would. Maybe then I wouldn't be stuck with this broken heart. #pleaseforgiveme #remorsefulblonde #Imissyou

That stopped me cold. Why would she be missing me?

I lost track of time as I scrolled deeper into Jessica's Instagram, tapping like on post after post.

Her photos all followed the same pattern--long captions, quirky hashtags.

The ones I didn't tap like? Her "after sex" pictures.

They were always heavily censored.

One in particular stood out--a post from the end of our sophomore year.

She was in bed next to Jason Russel, an NCAA football champ who'd graduated that summer.

He was sleeping next to Jessica, she had the sheet over her body--not a hint of skin showing.

No dimples. Just a small, quiet smile.

The caption read: "Rewarding the local campus champion. #congratulations #Justanothernight #emptymemories"

Every picture told a story. A mix of humour and honesty--always her style. Thinking back to her forfeit image, there was... nothing. Just 'forfeit finished' It was Cold. Empty. It didn't match her at all. Speaking of which, where was that image? If Jessica was showing all her conquests, then why wasn't mine pasted on here?

My thoughts were disrupted by an audio call notification flashing across my screen--Charlie and Harry. I knew I was in for it.

Well... I can't say I was shocked that Charlie noticed I was back on the grid and tried to grab my attention.

I sighed, knowing I was about to get an earful. Oh well--time to face the firing squad.

I tapped accept and braced myself.

"YOU GODDAMN IDIOT! Do you even know how freaked out we've been?! I thought you'd gone and done something stupid!"

I was prepared--but I still jumped as I was verbally assaulted on a joint call from both Charlie and Harry.

I was glad this was only a voice call--otherwise, I could imagine Charlie practically foaming at the mouth, ready to chew me out. Harry? He'd still be calm. Maybe a bit annoyed, too.

"Harry's been trying to calm me down while I dug through everything--this whole week's been a nightmare!"

"Charlie, I--" I tried to speak, but he cut me off.

"No! I don't wanna hear it yet! Never EVER do what you did again, Tom! If we weren't friends, I wouldn't have bothered to keep digging. But I did. And you won't believe what I found--Jessica isn't with Simon. And get this--she's with..."

"Her sister... yeah I know." I said, stopping him mid-rant. "I just found out, was looking through Jessica's Instagram.."

"Oh... well, way to take away the thunder from me... dick... anyway! Bro! Remember the forfeit picture? Yeah... well, bad news first--the picture itself is real. 100% legit. I figured as much, but I got it confirmed straight from Jessica before she left with her sister."

"Good news? The caption is fake--completely fabricated. The metadata doesn't match the image. The text was added later, and I'm pretty sure Simon did it--he wanted it to look like Jessica wrote it."

Charlie paused to catch his breath. I'd never heard him this pumped up before.

"So now you know, Tom. You can keep thinking she lied, or you can talk to her and find out the truth."

I muttered out a simple "Yeah, sure."

Charlie seemed to accept my response as his tone shifted into a more positive one.

"Good! Now that we have that sorted--Tom, you still good for the convention? Please tell me you haven't forgotten your cosplay."

I froze.

Shit--Charlie was right.

With all the drama involving Jessica, Simon, and that damn picture, I'd completely forgotten about the gaming convention happening near campus.

"I may have forgotten about the convention... but can you blame me with everything that's happened? As for my cosplay--I've got a few things left to grab before I'm done."

I could picture Charlie grinning on the other side of the phone.

"That's great! I have a feeling this convention's going to be unforgettable--even with the drama! Anyway, gotta get going--Black Friday sales have started, and I want to take advantage of the campus being a ghost town! Don't ghost us again, please, bro. We said it before and we'll say it again: we've got your back in this.

Remember that! Cyas!"

With that, Charlie disconnected, leaving just Harry and me, I wondered if he forgot to disconnect as well--until he spoke.

"You know I'm not good with words, Tom. You know that I'm the shy guy of the three of us... but please, at least try to talk to Jessica. What Charlie said was true, we met her before she left for her sister's."

"She looked... completely broken, Tom. In the short time we've gotten to know her, she has never showed that side of her. She even swallowed her pride and showed us the original picture--the caption wasn't hers, Tom."

"C'mon, Harry! Black Friday sales are calling! Tabletop deals, here we come!"

"sigh... Gotta go, Tom. You know how Charlie is with Black Friday--tabletop prices are his kryptonite."

"Sure, talk to you later, Harry. Also, make sure he doesn't buy the whole store--he's got enough crap in his room as it is!"

I let out a laugh as Charlie's indignant shout rang through the speaker.

"OI! I heard that!"

Then the line disconnected.

Sitting there in silence, I had a massive decision to make. The "evidence" from Simon was discredited by what I saw on Instagram, along with confirmation by Charlie and Harry. Do I keep hiding, pretending I'm fine? Or do I take a chance and try to talk to her?

Another of Angelina's statements from Monday crept in: 'That caption? No way it came from her. Someone else added that. I'd bet my unicorn on it.'

My decision made, I opened Instagram and began typing a message to Jessica.

I typed. Deleted. Retyped. Again and again, nothing felt right. Each message was either too desperate or too cold. Finally, I settled on one that felt... honest.

Me: - "Hey... I'm sorry. I've been emotional, an idiot, and I judged you too quickly. I'm still hurt that you kept the Forfeit a secret, but I want to understand. I need time to sort my thoughts. I'm not back at uni until Friday. But... would you meet me the day after so we can... talk?"

I looked over the message before taking a deep breath and hitting send--my chest tightened afterward, doubt creeping in at once.

Was this a mistake? Was I setting myself up for more pain?

It took only a few minutes for her reply to come through.

Jessica: - "Tom... oh my god. Thank you. Yes--yes, I'll wait. For as long as it takes. Just knowing you're even willing to talk to me again means more than I can put into words. I promise I'll be there Saturday. I'm not giving up on us. <3"

A love heart, Jessica is smart and she knows I can see through bullshit, that was evident when she tried to seduce me back in the library, so what was she playing at? She hadn't mentioned Simon at all--was that a good thing or a bad thing?

Either way, that was an olive branch. And she'd accepted.

This was going to be a loooong week.

I was brought out of my thoughts when my phone vibrated again, another message from Jessica.

Jessica: "Tom... I know we just agreed to talk on Saturday, but... I need to hear your voice. Please. If you're not ready, I understand. I'll wait. I just... I need something to hold onto."

I wasn't sure how to process this. Jessica was thinking about my needs--despite having needs of her own?

I wasn't sure what I should do, send an audio message? maybe I could call her?

My thumb hovered over the call icon.

My chest tightened, my breath catching.

Did I want to hear her voice? Or was I just setting myself up for more pain?

I jumped, not realizing I'd hit the call icon--right as my door slammed open.

Goddammit, Angelina.

"Rise and shine Tom! Time to get your lazy butt out of bed and lets--"

"Tom???? Are you there??? sniffle... please let me hear you... Please?"

My mouth opened, but nothing came out. My chest tightened, my heart racing. Her voice was right there--so close--pleading for me. But I couldn't speak. I couldn't breathe. Why was I so scared?

Seeing my plight, Angelina made a brave move--she took my phone.

She looked at me for permission. I nodded, all while hearing Jessica whimpering on the other end, on the verge of crying.

"Ahem... is this Jessica? You're talking to Tom's sister, Angelina. He's... he's here, but he's a little overwhelmed right now."

"Oh no... Tom? Please... please talk to me. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I... I should've told you about the picture. I was just scared of losing you, Thomas. I..."

My heart leapt into my throat as my head whipped toward the phone.

Angelina looked just as shocked--maybe because Jessica ignored her completely.

But the main point was... Jessica... did she just say...

"Jess?"

"Tom?!" I heard a sigh of relief from Jessica's side.

"It's... It's so good to hear your voice again. You have no idea how much I needed this. And now, as promised, I'll wait until Saturday. But know this... I never stopped loving you, Thomas. Not for a second."

And with that, she disconnected.

Angelina stared at the phone, her jaw slightly open.

"You okay, bro? That sounded... intense. She really loves you, doesn't she?"

I stared at my phone, my heart fluttering. Hearing Jess say my name... I usually hate it when people use it, unless it's to grab my attention. But coming from her lips?

It was like a choir of angels.

Do I dare get my hopes up and believe her?

A ping from my phone grabbed both my and Angelina's attention.

Another message--from Simon?!

Simon: "Just thought I'd drop a video showing you what a great time Jessica and I are having abroad. Cheers for warming her up for me! This was taken just now, don't feel too bad : P"

Angelina and I exchanged a look before she tapped the message, curiosity gnawing at her.

"Taken just now? Weren't we just on the phone with her? Is this that douche--

What the--Tom! What the hell is this?!" She screamed and dropped the phone in disgust.

I looked at the fallen phone on my quilt.

There was a video of Jessica, naked on all fours, being taken from behind by Simon. I had to thank Charlie for the heads-up--he warned me the picture Simon sent was fake.

It didn't take long to notice Simon was superimposed over whoever was actually with Jessica.

Another detail stood out--her eyes, there was a blank, bored expression...

I'd seen her face during sex before, and she did NOT look like that.

Angelina eventually got over the shock and nudged my shoulder.

"Tom... is this... is this that Simon guy you mentioned? Oh, I'm going to be sick...

This is not something I wanted to see first thing in the morning."

"Yep, that's him. The asshole. I know this is faked but there's a few things I want to do with this. First, I'll send the video to Charlie--he's the one who noticed something was wrong with the original image in the first place. If anyone can expose Simon's tricks, it's him. Second, I'll tell Jessica. She deserves to know someone's using her image like this--even if it's old."

"Good call! I'd want to know too If that happened to me, wait? What do you mean that's an old vid? How can you tell?"

I debated whether to answer Angelina as I forwarded the message to Charlie.

She wouldn't stop until I told her anyway.

"Her chest is smaller in the video."

Angelina cocked her head.

"How could you possibly get that just by a quick glance?... Never mind! You've had sex with her, so you would know! I'm going to go wash my eyes from seeing that prick Simon's badly made porno."

I shook my head as she quickly made her way out of the room. Her head reappeared not even a second after she left, her eyes looking at mine as she shot a grin.

"Oh, before I forget! The reason I came up here in the first place was to get you up for breakfast. Mom's making the waffles I know you love! I can't guarantee there'll be any left if you don't hurry up!"

She let out a mad giggle as her head disappeared again, her feet thudding across the landing and down the stairs.

I finished sending Jessica a quick message, warning her about the video.

Not long after, I got a reply.

Jessica: "Oh my god! I can't believe him... Thank you for letting me know, Tom. I have NEVER had sex with that slime-ball. Please, believe me. I have a collection of those--I got them from Hannah the other day.

Tom, I swear--I'll tell you everything. I'll SHOW you everything on Saturday.

Please believe me. <3"

I leaned back against my bed, staring at the ceiling. My chest ached, my mind racing. Even now, Simon was still trying to break me, to turn my pain into a game--but Jessica... Jessica still loved me. Did I dare believe it? Did I dare... hope?

My phone buzzed again. A text from Charlie:

Charlie: "Got the video. We're on it. Don't worry, Tom--we'll get to the bottom of this."

The smell of waffles drifted up the stairs, followed by Angelina's voice.

"MMMMMMM, THESE WAFFLES ARE THE BEST! THANK YOU, MOM!"

I let out a shaky breath, my lips twitching into a weak smile. At least some things never changed. Now I need to go and make sure Angelina has left me anything.

----------

Jessica -- Friday Morning

----------

I placed my phone gently on the coffee table, exhaled a few calming breaths, then reached for my mug and took a sip of cocoa before setting it down again.

I couldn't contain my excitement anymore.

I leapt out of my chair, knocking over the cocoa as the mug shattered on the floor. A high-pitched squeal burst out of me--the one that had been building in my throat for the past five minutes.

My apologies to everyone asleep in the house... but this was officially the most incredible day of my life.

"Oh my god... oh my god! OH MY FUCKING GOD!"

Out of all the things that could've happened this weekend--this was it. Tom had contacted me. Apologized. He actually wanted to talk to me.

OH!

MY!

GOD!!!

Even just hearing his voice for a few seconds... granted he said one thing... "Jess" that alone was enough. He actually called, my beautiful dork called me!

Another squeal bubbled up--louder this time--and was promptly answered by a toddler's distant wail, the thunder of hurried footsteps, and a flurry of muffled voices.

Mia burst in, hair wild, nightgown clinging, Jill sniffling in her arms.

"Jessica?! Are you okay? What happened? We heard a scream, and now I come down here to find the kitchen a mess!"

"Mia! I'm so sorry--I didn't mean to wake you. But Tom... he contacted me. He actually talked to me!"

Mia blinked.

"What? Now?"

I nodded, trembling.

"Yeah. A few minutes ago, my phone lit up--I thought it was just Kat liking our SNO posts, but then I saw a text message. This early in the morning! It was Tom.

Oh my god, Mia--it's him. It's really him. He doesn't hate me... I--"

My vision blurred as I threw myself into her arms, hugging her with everything I had. Before, all I could do was cry tears of sadness. But this time... they were tears of joy.

A small hand started patting my head, I looked up to see a red-eyed Jill, freshly recovering from her own tears. She nuzzled against me, head to head.

God, I love this kid.

Mia hugged me back, whispering soothing words to ease my fragile state even further.

Those ten-tonne weights I'd been carrying on my back since the split finally crashed to the ground with a soul-saving thud. Tom's voice had given me hope.

Now I just needed to win him back.

I pulled out of the hug and showed Mia the message from Tom--her face lit up when she saw it.

"This is good, Jessica. Tom hasn't cut you out--he's even admitting he was wrong where he should've let you explain. This is a big opportunity, little sister."

"Mia? I'm presuming everything's okay down there, since it's gone quiet?" came Matilda's worried voice, echoing from the stairs.

"Everything's fine, love! Jess just got the best news she could ever hope for. Tom called her. They're going to patch things up."

Matilda made her way in, followed by Daniel--armed with a baseball bat. Mia arched an eyebrow.

"Really, Dan? Come on, Mr. Macho. Crisis is over. Put the bat down."

My phone buzzed again, cutting through the moment. My eyes widened as I glanced at the name, Tom again? along with a video attachment.

Tom: "Just thought I'd let you know--Simon sent me this. Looks like he's trying to convince me you're still with him, having a good time."

I tapped open the video--but had to kill the volume instantly as I saw the contents, I felt sick to my stomach as the video played. The girl in that video was me. But the man? It was Simon, but that's impossible.. I've never had sex with him.

My eyes narrowed in realization as anger began to boil.

"For fuck's sake! I'm going to kill that motherfu....."

Two simultaneous death glares from Mia and Matilda stopped me from saying anything else.

My eyes drifted to the innocent one giggling in Mia's arms, and I instantly blushed at my blunder.

"Oops... sorry Mia, Matilda, Jill--I mean, four-foot snake!"

Jill blinked at me... then gave my head another soft pat.

Mercy granted.

"Tom just let me know he got another message from Simon--this time, it was a... naughty video. One I'm ashamed to admit ever existed. But the man in it? It's the wrong person. Someone's trying to frame me, to drive an even bigger wedge between Tom and me."

Mia started to hand Jill over to Matilda--but Matilda gently stopped her.

"Let me see it. You're her sister first and foremost--I don't want to embarrass her more than necessary. Is that okay with you, Jessica?"

Well... It's not as if Mia hasn't seen me naked before, thanks to the forfeit picture.

But that was just a still image. A moving version? That was a whole other level, so I agree with Matilda in that sense.

I nodded to Matilda and she slid to my side. She looked at the video and visibly cringed.

"While I'm not a tech wizard, I've seen enough bad CGI in movies to know--he's not the one you're doing the bent-over ballet with."

Matilda always did have a way with words, then again, being a parent forces you to change up the language.

"Yeah, the thing is--I know I went... crazy during Sophomore, that I'll admit, but I wasn't "that" out of control that I would forget every night like it didn't matter. I remember those nights because... there was no connection, Simon, I've never been with him, he had always rubbed me the wrong way. I'm lucky that Tom let me know about this otherwise things would've been very awkward at uni when I return."

"Speaking of Tom! I need to send a reply. I don't want him thinking I'm not grateful for the heads-up!"

I sent my reply, then glanced again at Tom's first message. On the outside, I looked calm... but inside? I was floating. I had so many thoughts and questions!

Would he send another text?

What would he say when we meet on Saturday?

Hell--what would I even say??

I had so many thoughts bursting to get out, I was terrified I'd just blurt out gibberish.

Mia and Matilda tried asking questions, but I couldn't tell you what they said as I didn't hear a word. My thoughts wandered, unintentionally zoning everyone and everything out.

My mind had locked onto something else--something I had to know.

Swallowing an uneasy lump, I opened Instagram and tapped on Tom's profile, quickly scanning for his name. I exhaled in relief as I saw his name. Just "Tom." No full name. His tag was @TEW.

For once, the universe was giving me room to breathe.

I was tempted--so tempted--to send him a friend request. To reconnect.

That's the curse of Instagram... blocking someone wipes you from their followers list. That part still stung.

But I left it as it was. For now.

My profile was public. He could see everything if he wanted to.

Instead, I moved to the living room and plonked myself on the sofa, letting the world blur around me. Everything just felt... brighter now that Tom was somewhat back in my life.

I didn't even notice Mia and Matilda sit down beside me. I didn't feel the couch dip on either side as I scrolled through the tagged photos of Tom on his sister Angelina's profile. That girl was a firecracker--her posts were all over the place: chaotic moments, bursts of laughter, silly selfies.

Some showed just her--one in particular was a selfie (well, half her face), with a pretty girl behind her in a dress, her face a crimson mask.

The caption? #BitchDeservedIt #JusticeForTom.

Others were of her and Tom--most of the recent ones were from Monday at the arcade.

And then there were the ones of Tom alone. He looked unaware the photos were being taken: one had him down on one knee, holding a camera, snapping a photo of a mountain-top sunset.

The more I looked through her timeline, the more I understood Thomas--and, by proxy, the more I found myself liking Angelina.

My cheeks ached from smiling. I hadn't even realized it.

A soft snore pulled me out of my hyper-focus on Tom and his family. I glanced up to see Mia and Matilda flanking me, Jill fast asleep in Mia's arms.

"Oh, don't mind us, Jessie," Mia teased with a grin. "We just came to see the boy who's got you all scatterbrained and looking hopelessly in love."

Matilda leaned in slightly, her gaze drifting past the screen to land on me."One thing's for sure--the girl in that video? She's nowhere near the woman I'm looking at right now. That face you're wearing? That's love."

I felt warmth creep into my cheeks--but I didn't shy away.

"I can't help it. He just makes me feel... safe. Like I can finally breathe again. These feelings I have for Tom--I've never felt anything like this. I really do love him, Matilda."

Mia smiled softly, brushing her thumb along Jill's cheek.

"Then hold onto that feeling. It's rarer than you think. You'll understand when you're looking at the one person who makes you feel whole--like you can't imagine life without them."

Both she and Matilda turned to each other, smiling like the person in front of them was the only one who existed.

----------

The house gradually quieted as the morning stretched on into the afternoon.

Matilda and Daniel's parents came downstairs with their suitcases in tow, smiling warmly and thanking Mia for her hospitality.

Mia convinced me to help Daniel carry a few of their things out to the waiting taxi, which somehow turned into me loading the luggage into the boot. They stood there for a while before they hugged while saying their goodbyes, Daniel took off back inside the house, I lingered behind, hoping for a chance to apologize for waking them so early with my love life drama.

Thankfully, they didn't mind. They said they were glad to see me, and that my parents would be proud if they could see me now. I couldn't help but smile at that.

Once the taxi drove off, I made my way back inside.

I reached the hallway just in time to catch Daniel, Mia, and Matilda in a hushed conversation--one that ended with him kissing them both.

Not quick friendly pecks. Not sibling-like affection.

Slow, lingering kisses.

I blinked, uncertain if I'd imagined it.

Mia looked... calm. Happy. While Matilda's cheeks carried a faint red tint.

I didn't say anything as I passed by. They were clearly trying to play it off--to save face--but I didn't press. I just played along and pretended I hadn't seen a thing.

Later that evening, once everything had wound down, we were curled up watching a film. Poor Jill--just like her namesake--fell asleep halfway through.

At some point during the movie, I offered to tuck her in and quietly excused myself.

On my way out of the living room, just as I reached the stairs, I heard the soft shuffling of bodies behind me.

Turning my head, I saw Mia and Matilda, their heads resting on Daniel's shoulders.

After settling Jill into her bed, I paused for a moment to look at her.

It was amazing how much she looked like Mom.

"You'd be proud of her, Mom. I miss you," I whispered, gently stroking Jill's cheek.

She let out a tiny snore, and my heart squeezed just a little tighter.

I made my way to my room, The day's events still haven't completely left my system yet as I flopped onto the bed and opened my phone. A message from Kat lit up the screen, along with an attachment.

Today: 20:40: Kat - I thought you might want to see this. Thank you for convincing me to talk to him, Jess... <3

The attached image showed Kat and Nathan, wrapped in a deep, hungry kiss, their arms around each other in an unscripted, intimate embrace.

This wasn't like the usual staged selfies we used to send back in university.

This was honest.

Today: 20:43: Me - Aaaawww Kat! I'm really happy for you both! <3 But who took the picture? C'mon girl! Fess up! Which of your family members is supporting you two? =D

Today: 20:45: Kat - He he! You caught that, huh? Believe it or not--it was our moms. They knew early on that Nate and I weren't... "normal cousins."

We were always more like friends than family. So they sat us down one day and just told us to go with our feelings.

I think they figured something was up when we started pulling away from each other near the end of freshman year.

A warm, involuntary smile spread across my face--so wide it made my cheeks ache. My eyes welled up--not with jealousy, but joy.

If Kat and Nathan could make it work--after everything--then maybe...

Maybe Tom and I could too.

That giddy feeling refused to let go, the hours of texting back and forth with Kat couldn't settle me.

It wasn't until she texted me "goodnight" that I noticed the time: midnight.

Sleep wasn't coming, not for lack of trying, either.

I really did try. But my heart was singing.

I kept reminding myself that Tom and I still had a long road ahead before anything could happen, but my body wouldn't listen.

A few hours passed in restless limbo--tossing, turning, the sheets tangled around my legs. My throat was dry, my mind spinning.

Maybe a warm drink would help.

The kitchen was still and quiet, lit only by the soft glow of the fridge light.

I poured a glass of milk, the silence broken only by the steady tick of the wall clock.

Kat's kiss photo lingered in my mind.

Tom's message too.

Oh how I wanted things to go back to how they were before everything went wrong, to be in his arms again.

I placed the glass in the dishwasher and padded quietly toward the stairs.

Halfway up, I froze as I heard rhythmic, feminine moaning echo faintly from the hallway.

I giggled as I realised that those sounds could only be of Mia and Matilda having sex.

My gaze drifted toward the master bedroom. The door was cracked open--just enough. Without thinking, I leaned closer... trying to steal a glance. It wasn't something I wanted to see, just curiosity getting the better of me.

The only time I'd seen anything close to two women having sex was during spring break, when Hannah and Rachel had their infamous threesome with that divorced thirty-year-old. Hannah was getting eaten out while Rachel was riding him cowgirl-style, both girls kissing while rubbing their boobs together like it was a contest.

I managed to look into the bedroom--then froze.

What I saw on the bed made my eyes widen. It was something entirely different from what I'd expected.

Matilda lay on her back, Mia on top--breast to breast, thighs locked together. Their bodies rocked in a slow, sensual rhythm, the soft moans slipping from their lips as they rubbed their clits together. I could see they were on a soft towel-blanket spread across the center of the mattress.

My breath hitched as Mia leaned in, capturing Matilda's mouth in a deep, unhurried kiss. From my angle, I could see the warmth in Mia's expression--eyes half-lidded, lost in affection. Matilda grinned against her lips, eyes bright with love.

Their soft moans were suddenly joined by a deeper grunt. Curious, I shifted slightly to peek through the crack in the door--and nearly flinched backward in surprise.

Daniel was behind Mia, making short, powerful thrusts. His hips slapped against her ass with each movement. I caught a glimpse of his cock--and promptly lost interest.

Tom was bigger.

But that wasn't what mattered. It wasn't the sex that kept me watching--it was the way they held each other. The way Mia and Matilda smiled at one another through the haze of pleasure. Their movements weren't rushed or desperate, just... connected. It reminded me of what I had with Tom.

That warmth. That trust. That terrifying, stupidly fragile feeling that made me feel like I could finally breathe. I knew what that felt like. I'd had it--once. And I'd thrown it away.

"Hold onto that feeling," Mia had told me earlier. "It's rarer than you think." She was right. And the worst part? I hadn't held on. I'd let it break.

But maybe... just maybe, we could have it once more.

Daniel gripped Mia's hips, driving deeper and harder. Her moans built to a soft cry as her body arched and shuddered--she came first, pushing back against him with need.

A moment later, I watched Daniel tense. His thrusts faltered, then slowed, his body pressing into Mia's as he buried himself deep and came.

They collapsed together onto Matilda, whose legs lifted instinctively, toes curling, her body shaking beneath them.

Daniel was the first to move, easing himself back and gently lifting Mia upright. She sat back on her heels, catching her breath, then turned to Daniel. Their lips met in a slow, intimate kiss.

Matilda untangled her legs, scooted forward, and leaned in, wrapping her arms around Mia's waist. She pressed her lips to Mia's chest, trailing soft kisses over each breast, alternating between slow licks and teasing bites.

My jaw went slack. I should've backed away, but I couldn't. It was nothing like what I saw on spring break. Was this what Mia and Matilda meant earlier? That look they shared on the couch? That softness in thier eyes?

Because that's what I saw now--as Matilda looked up at Mia and Daniel.

Love.

The real kind.

A flicker of motion caught my attention--Matilda's gaze shifted toward me.

Shit. I was caught.

But she didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. She just gave me a slow, knowing smirk before trailing kisses up Mia's body until their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss.

They pulled apart, then glanced toward Daniel in perfect sync. Mia lifted herself off him, his cock slowly sliding free before flopping against his stomach, glistening with her juices. She gave him a playful push, easing him onto his back, then draped herself across his waist. Her upper body lowered until her face was level with his cock, her head beginning to bob as her legs kicked gently behind her, feet in the air like a blissed-out schoolgirl.

Matilda followed. She pressed a soft kiss to Mia's shoulder as she joined her, sliding into position. One hand found its way toward Mia's slick entrance, where Daniel's cum had already begun to drip from her.

Just as I turned to flee, Matilda looked up--caught my gaze--and smiled. That same glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes.

Then she mouthed a single word.

Shoo.

I bolted--heart pounding, cheeks burning, my brain flooded with way more questions than I was ready to face. I slipped into my room and closed the door as quietly as I could, pressing my back to it like that might somehow stop the heat from spreading across my skin.

I could still see her smirk behind my eyelids.

I can't believe I just saw that.

I was hot and bothered now. That familiar ache was back between my legs--an ache I hadn't felt in over a week--and it wasn't shy about making itself known. It screamed for attention, vengeance almost, demanding that I do something about it.

I tried to ignore it. Tried to distract myself. I thought about Tom.

I had a chance. We were going to talk in just a week.

I couldn't stop picturing it--seeing him, hearing him, touching him again.

The heat between my thighs surged--unbearable now. My nipples stiffened under my top as the ache deepened, refusing to fade. It felt like my body and my feelings for Tom were finally in sync--screaming the same message.

I needed release. And I needed it now.

As I made my way to the bed, I unbuttoned my top and let it slip from my shoulders, my breasts spilling free. Turning around, I hooked my thumbs beneath the waistband of my PJ bottoms and panties, sliding them down in one smooth motion as I sat. The cool sheets felt nice on my bare ass. I let the garments pool at my feet, then flicked them aside.

I settled against the headboard, legs spread, a folded pillow at my back.

Okay. I was ready.

I began massaging my breasts, letting out a soft moan as my fingers danced across them, teasing my nipples until they stood stiff--but it wasn't enough. I needed more. I needed... him. But he wasn't here.

I needed something to fill that gap. Something to feed the ache.

I crawled to the foot of the bed and grabbed my phone and a folded towel, slipping the rest of my PJ top off as I moved. Now fully naked, I settled back into position.

Just like the towel-blanket I'd seen earlier beneath the throuple in the master bedroom, I spread it out beneath me. I wasn't about to leave any evidence behind--not with a little one in the house.

I reached for my phone and, with a sigh, tapped one of the many videos Hannah had sent me. Maybe one would get me going.

I propped it on a pillow between my open thighs. One hand teased a breast; the other began its descent as the video started.

The video showed me riding Jason Russel--full cowgirl, back arched, moaning like I cared. He'd just bagged an NCAA title and decided the best trophy was me.

But I wasn't even interested. I didn't even like him.

Not that it mattered to Hannah.

Her words? "Give the campus champion a night with the future campus queen."

That night with Jason was a bust--not because of his size or performance, but because there was no connection. The pleasure was there, sure--the friction, the heat, the release.

But the feeling was missing.

I wasn't seen. I wasn't wanted. I was just an object--a prize to be shown off. Another story for Jason to brag about around campus. But my mind flashed back to the threesome--Matilda's quiet adoration, Mia's joy, even the way Daniel cradled Mia's head like she was something sacred. There hadn't been a single face twisted in lust. It was soft. Radiant. Something deeper. Love. Was that why they looked so complete?

On a whim, I swiped to the forfeit picture. Tom's cock rested against my mound, thick and proud. But it wasn't the way we fit that held me--it was my face. My expression. Was it the same look Matilda had? Was that love I was feeling?

My body reacted before I could think--heat pooling between my thighs as my fingers drifted lower, brushing against my folds, a jolt of pleasure shooting through me. But this time, it wasn't just the touch--it was the memory. The feeling of being wanted. The feeling of being his.

On a whim, I swiped back to Jason's video. The arousal dropped instantly.

I tried a different video--same result. Another--still nothing.

My expression in each one was the same as I felt now when watching them.

Empty. Disconnected. Just going through the motions.

Then, in a moment of reckless courage, I opened my video gallery.

There was one video I hadn't looked at.

I'd meant to show it to Tom--something intimate we could explore together: watching ourselves make love while making love again.

But after he broke up with me, I'd buried it. Forgotten about it.

Until now.

My thumb hovered, and then I tapped.

A myriad of sensual and erotic pleasures flooded the screen--Tom and I locked in a perfect, messy tangle of limbs, mouths exploring, bodies entwined in a passionate 69. His gentle hands holding me, my lips wrapped around him, his tongue teasing my most sensitive spot. But unlike the other videos, this wasn't just sex--it was a raw, unfiltered connection. Our gasps, our moans, the way his eyes found mine even from below--this wasn't just sex. This was me being seen, touched, and loved. I wasn't an object. I was his.

I couldn't hold back any longer. I sank a finger into my folds, and my walls clamped down instantly, hungry, desperate. A week without release, and now my body was demanding everything all at once. I was so damn sensitive--my pussy throbbed, begging me to keep going.

I pulled one breast to my lips, tongue flicking over the nipple, swirling around the areola before suckling gently. A soft bite. A moan. My other hand slipped in a second finger, and then--God--I needed more.

On screen, Tom and I shifted positions. That night--our Friday date--when he went in me raw for the first time. I saw his cock sink into me, thick and deep.

I slipped in a third finger, stretching to match what only he could give me. My body ignited.

Slowly, I started thrusting them in and out. It wasn't Tom's cock--but it was all I had. I matched the rhythm of the moans in the video, syncing my fingers to the tempo of his movements.

My arousal surged. My fingers grew slicker with every stroke.

All I could see was his face. The way he looked at me. The way he touched me--like I was the only thing that mattered.

A rush of heat crashed through me. I felt my juices running freely onto the towel beneath me. This feeling. This is what I'd been starving for.

My breath hitched. My fingers plunged faster, my thumb flicking over my clit, teasing it in tight, needy circles. My eyes fluttered shut, legs twitching, jolting with each ripple of pleasure.

Then--thump. I'd kicked something. The phone. It tumbled off the bed, but I didn't care. I didn't need the video anymore. I had the sound of us--Tom and me--etched into my mind.

In my mind's eye I saw him touching me. Kissing me. Caressing my breasts with such reverence that it made me ache.

Another jolt of pleasure surged through my chest and cunt. I cupped my breast, rolling the nipple between my fingers.

My toes curled in the sheets. My back arched. My hips bucked. My fingers moved faster, slick and urgent.

The wet slosh of my arousal echoed in the room, louder with every thrust. I was close. So fucking close.

I could feel him. The heat of his cock driving into me, the way his balls would slap gently against my ass with every thrust--it was all there in my mind. My body was burning up, trembling. My orgasm was coming fast. I was going to crash hard, and I was ready for it.

"Yes! Yes! YES! Make me cum, Tom! Oh God, that feels so good, babe! So... so good!"

A low, broken moan tore from my lips as my body began to shudder. I was right on the edge--just one step away. But something was missing. Something pure.

And then, in the perfect silence of my fantasy, Tom whispered five words that tipped me over the edge in the best way:

"Jessica Mason, I love you."

I started frigging myself with reckless abandon.

"I'm cumming! I'm cumming! Please, Thomas--I love you! Cum with me! Please..."

I screamed his name through clenched teeth, every nerve in my body lit like a flare. My body convulsed in a full-body quake of pleasure. My juices spilled out in a tidal wave, soaking my hand and the towel beneath me.

I collapsed into the bed, limbs limp, breath ragged and shallow. Slowly, the haze began to clear.

A soft moan slipped from my lips, one word whispered like a prayer.

"Oh, Thomas Ethan Walker... I love you, babe."

Before Tom, boy after boy came and went--each one leaving me emptier, never satisfied. I faked it just to end it faster. I thought I was wild, free... but I was just lost.

During sophomore year, I started experimenting with one-night stands. At first, it felt empowering--fun, even. But after a while, they left me hollow. Most couldn't finish the job, and worse, I had to finish myself off afterward just to feel something. The thrill faded fast, and eventually, I stopped altogether--not because I was shy, but because I was tired of pretending. That's why my body count was lower than Hannah's, Rachel's, or even Kat's. I just couldn't keep chasing satisfaction from people who only ever saw me as a trophy.

No one else ever made me feel this way. Not even close. Every touch, every heartbeat--it all came back to him. Tom wasn't just another boy I used for release. He made me feel complete. Loved. Seen. He was... my everything.

God... I love him. I always have.

On instinct, I reached for my phone, flipped the camera, and snapped a selfie. I was already halfway through typing a message--

"This is to tie you over until Saturday, my love <3."

My finger hovered over Send. But then my heart stuttered, a single, sobering thought crashing over me.

"No. Not like this. I won't win him back with my body. Not again."

I deleted the draft and stared at the picture I'd just taken--my juices glistening between my thighs, legs bent haphazardly. My chest was flushed, my breasts marked red with over stimulation, nipples still stiff. My hair clung to my face in wild, sweat-drenched strands, and my expression... pure bliss. I looked like a fool in love.

And honestly? I was. No complaints from me.

I was readying myself for another round when I noticed something odd--my fingers were slick with more than just arousal. Confusion twisted into panic as I stared at the faint red staining my fingertips. Then it hit me.

My period.

Relief crashed into me like a wave.

"Oh, thank God," I whispered, half-laughing, half-crying. Relief poured through me--I wasn't pregnant.

Then the actual reality hit.

"Oh... fucking gross."

I cleaned up, slid on a pad, and pulled on fresh panties. As my head finally hit the pillow and sleep began to take me, one last thought echoed in my mind.

'Please let Saturday come faster.'

----------

Tom -- Monday morning

----------

"Are you sure you're ready to head back? You told Jessica you'd be back Friday, but now you're leaving four days early?" Angelina leaned against the doorframe, watching me pack.

"Yeah," I muttered, shoving another shirt into the suitcase. "Just... got a lot on my mind. But I'm done hiding. I need to figure this out. Now if only Charlie could get back to me--"

My phone buzzed--group message from Charlie and Harry.

"Speak of the devil," I muttered, bringing it up.

Charlie: Tom! We found something huge. I mean, you won't believe this.

Me: Tempting, but it can wait. I'm getting the coach back to campus tonight. Show me when we meet up at yours tomorrow, OK?

Charlie: Fair enough. But trust me--this is the final nail in the coffin for Simon's lies. And you owe us twice over! First for helping you with Jessica and second for the literal gold mine we dug up! Totally legal!

Harry: Charlie...

Charlie: OK, OK! Slightly against the IT department's rules... as in, we're not on an FBI watchlist. Yet. ^.^"

Harry: Just a matter of time. >.>

Me: OK OK, how about I treat you both to two nights of pizza, booze, tabletop games and Netflix?

Charlie: Deal!

Harry: Deal.

Sighing at the antics of my best friends, I set the phone down and returned to packing. A moment later, Angelina slipped in behind me, wrapping her arms around my stomach.

"I just want everything to work out for you, Tom. Since you started talking to Jessica again, it's like a weight's been lifted off you."

My hands covered hers, and I patted them in gratitude.

"There's so much to figure out... but I can't lie--I'm excited. And terrified for Saturday. But I owe it to both of us to hear her out. As a wise friend once said: 'No one goes two months deep just to hook up with Simon.'"

She giggled into my back, then slid around to my side, arching a brow.

"Just make sure you don't get blindsided again, or make any stupid snap decisions like you did before. You're my big, dumb brother for a reason, y'know. And I'd rather you stay dumb than get hurt again."

I snorted. "And you're my silly little sister." I ruffled her hair, earning a mock scowl, and gave her a small smile.

"Thanks for having my back, Ange. Always."

----------

A few hours later, I stood in front of the coach station. It was busier than I expected, but it was the Monday after Thanksgiving, after all. I adjusted the strap on my shoulder, my suitcase dragging behind me. But I wasn't alone.

Dad and Hilda were standing a little back, still exchanging awkward looks, like they weren't sure if they should laugh or keep apologizing. Knowing them, they'd probably settle for a bit of both.

Angelina stood right beside me, her hand gripping my sleeve. Her earlier sass had faded, replaced by something quieter... almost scared.

"Promise me you won't just shut her out, okay?" she whispered. "I don't care how mad you are... just hear her out."

"I promise." I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "And you? Try not to turn my room into a shrine for your plushies when you run out of space in your room. I'm still shocked how many you own! That unicorn clearly wasn't your first "conquest"..."

Her laugh was muffled against my chest. "No promises."

Dad stepped forward, his usual tough-love grin softened. He pulled me into one of his patented back-slapping hugs. "You've got this, Tom. Don't let anyone walk over you, but don't be afraid to fight for what matters."

"Got it, Dad." I tried to sound confident, but there was an uneasiness in my stomach that wouldn't go away.

Hilda's hug was next--warm, tight, and a little longer than I expected. "Text me when you get there, okay? I don't care if it's midnight."

"I will," I whispered, my throat tightening.

The coach doors hissed open, and the driver called for boarding. I grabbed my suitcase, gave them one last smile, and stepped on. I found a window seat, threw my backpack beside me, and leaned back.

The engine rumbled to life, and as the coach pulled out, I saw them still waving--Hilda holding onto Dad's arm, Angelina bouncing on her toes like she always did when she was anxious.

The city lights blurred past, fading into the darkness of the open road. I leaned my head against the window, my reflection staring back at me.

I promised myself, no more running. No more hiding.

This time... I was ready to face the truth.

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End of Chapter 3

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As I said at the start, this chapter was only supposed to be a small section, probably 3-4 POV's worth, but just like Blizzard did with World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, I ended up making an entire expansion out of what should've been a short content patch!

Some might slate me for expanding this or making it seem like content bloat, but I feel that the characters of Angelina, Mia, Matilda, Daniel and Jill were needed. Will they show up in later chapters? That's something I can't give a definitive answer to! Just a case of "wait and see" unfortunately.

No full blown detailed sex in this one, just a brief FFM threesome and a dash of incest/taboo with Daniel, Mia and Matilda, along with a masturbation scene for Jessica.

I might do a side chapter detailing with Daniel, Mia and Matilda's unique relationship and how that came about.

Some might call bullshit on how I managed the pregnancy scare but my wife assures me that periods can be late if stress is involved, and they could come back just as quick when said stress is reduced significantly.

Below is a quick scene I originally had for the ending, but changed it as I was just adding more content, plots and the like just for the hell of it. I couldn't let it go so I present to you this deleted scene/omake. It will not be referenced at all in any upcoming future chapters.

Please enjoy! =)

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OMAKE!!!!

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She giggled into my back and then let go, she slid in from the side and looked at me with an arched eyebrow "Just make sure you don't get blindsided or make quick stupid decisions like you did before, You're my big, dumb brother for a reason, you know! And I'd rather you stay dumb than get hurt again."

I snorted in response "And you're my silly little sister, at times like this I wonder if dad had an affair with your mom while he was with mine, we're too alike it's crazy!"

The sudden crash of glass and a sharp gasp drew our attention. Dad and Hilda stood in the doorway, wide-eyed and pale. Angelina and I looked at each other, then back at them, then we answered at the same time.

"Wait, Seriously?!"

"no no! it's nothing like that!!" Hilda said, shutting our outrage down, she carried on, calmer, "Sorry for the reaction... but you weren't wrong. The two of you are blood-related half-siblings. Raymond is your biological father, sweetheart."

"but.. what about.. him? I thought that deadbeat was.."

"He was shooting blanks, Angie--refused to believe it. His years as an amateur kickboxer left his swimmers... well, let's just say they weren't in fighting shape."

"But what about him leaving us due to knocking up that woman?"

Hilda laughed menacingly, "Not his either, But that didn't excuse his cheating on me--sleeping around while I stayed 100% faithful to that backstabbing, cheating bastard! In the 10 years since I haven't heard from him, so he's living in ignorance bliss!"

I turned to my dad, so many questions! he looked nonchalant as I was staring a hole through his head.

"What? When your mom, Annie, announced she was 2 month's pregnant with you, we needed money. So I made a quick deposit at the sperm bank--win-win. I get money and you eventually have a random half sibling walking around waiting to reunite with you."

"but the timing.. we're 11 month between each other, that doesn't make sense."

"It is if you don't use a typical sperm bank, Thomas" proclaimed Hilda, her hands on hips looking at me with a stern glare

"It wasn't the usual sperm bank process. I went to the same clinic at the same time Raymond arrived to make his donation. The doctor said it was a rare case of an insemination straight from the source. And besides, I wanted payback on my then dirtbag of a husband, I'm so glad we kept in contact Ray."

I zoned Hilda out as the realization hit, half-siblings... Angie and I were half-siblings. The thought should've felt weird, but somehow, it just made sense.

Angelina made a catty grin as she turned towards me, said grin turned into a full-blown toothy smile.

"All these years and those jerks at school were right all this time! We are Irish twins!"

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END OMAKE

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