Blinded by Hate | a.hotchner

Chapter 40

After a few days of unpacking boxes, you started to notice Jack's odd demeanor. He would leave the room if you entered, generally mumbling something rude under his breath. At dinner, when he couldn't leave, he was silent towards you and only spoke a few words to Aaron. It wasn't uncommon for him to be quiet, he was a very reserved kid, but for him to completely shut out you and Aaron was very uncharacteristic for him.

"Aaron, I'm worried about Jack. He's been very cold toward me, and he started to turn that way toward you." You told Aaron one night, while laying in bed, "Do you think he's unhappy that I moved in?" Your tone carried worry.

"I'm not sure, but I do agree that he's been acting differently. He didn't express any discontent when I asked his permission to have you move in." He rolled to pull you into his arms, "He's probably just in a mood, he gets like that sometimes."

"I don't know Aaron." You said, snuggling into his warmth, "It started right as I moved in. What if he doesn't like me?" You asked quietly, glad that your position kept you from making eye contact with him.

"I doubt that's it, I truly think that he's just adjusting to having another person in the house." Aaron mumbled, sleep starting to tug at him.

You sighed, trying to take his words to heart, "I should talk to him tomorrow."

He hummed in response, "Take him to ice cream or lunch, that way you can butter him up." He said, a grin evident in his voice.

"As long as you're buying." You said through a yawn.

He only chuckled in response, tightening his arms around your body, "I love you, y/n." His lips placed a kiss on the top of your head.

"I love you too, Aaron." You mumbled, letting your hand rest on his chest.

-

The next day, you anxiously waited for lunch time to approach. Luckily, it was Saturday, so you wouldn't have to wait longer for the weekend. The mid April air was warm, only a slight breeze blowing. You put on a pair of jeans, a short sleeve tee-shirt, and a pair of converse, before letting Jack know that you and Aaron were taking him to lunch.

At first, you considered doing it alone, but you were worried that Jack would get very upset or you would say the wrong thing. He was there more for moral support, but it was still a good idea to have him there. For your comfort, and Jack's.

"Hey, Jack. We're going to get lunch out today, why don't you go get dressed real quick." You put on your nicest voice you could muster, but Jack wasn't amused.

"Whatever." He mumbled, turning to walk to his room.

It was obvious that he was struggling with something, but it was hard to not take his words personally. You let out a frustrated sigh once Jack was out of earshot, trying to maintain your composition.

"Y/n, it's going to be fine. We're going to talk to him and figure out what's going on, and we're going to help him however we need to." Aaron ran a comforting hand up your arm.

"What happens if he doesn't want me here, I can't be the reason your son hates you." Your bottom lip wobbled dangerously and your voice wavered.

Aaron didn't hesitate, "That's not going to happen." But you didn't believe his words. Even so, you let him pull you into a hug, waiting for Jack to finish getting ready.

Once Jack was ready, Aaron drove the three of you to Jack's favorite sandwich shop, hoping his favorite food would help him open up.

The ride was quiet, almost silent, with the occasional cough or comment about something passing the car. At the restaurant, Jack quietly ordered his food and kept his eyes on the table. Once the waitress walked away, you couldn't take it anymore.