Sacrifices

An Understanding

Jason heaved a sigh when he closed the door behind him, taking a moment to collect himself by leaning against the white wooden door, closing his eyes to reminisce in the usual silence that fell upon his home. His chest raised and fell at a steady beat, steadying itself with his heart beat. 

    “There’s my favorite brother!” A voice called out, startling Jason out of his thoughts, causing him to choke on air. 

    His electric blue eyes bugged out of his head when he snapped them open, catching sight of his older sister, Thalia, in her usual outfit. Her black leather jacket cupped her muscled arms perfectly, and gave off the same goth vibe as her skull earrings. Thalia wore a Death to Barbie T-shirt that she was oddly fond of, and threw off her punk look with a cheap silver circlet she had found at Claire's with her friends. 

    “Oh please, I’m your only brother.” Jason rolled his eyes, scoffing at her usual joke she liked to make whenever she was looking for him. Thalia grinned at him proudly.

    “Won’t stop you from being my favorite.” She replied, before uncrossing her arms and walking towards him, waiting to get close enough for a hug.

    “Whatever.” Jason mumbled, trying to hide his amusement as he welcomed his older sister into his arms. They stayed in the doorway for a few moments, taking the time to comfort one another with body heat and the acknowledgement that the other was there for them. 

    “So,” Thalia started, releasing the hug first. “What took you so long? You’ve been gone for like three hours.” 

    “We got carried away.” Jason shrugged off his jacket, hanging it on one of the many hooks that poked out near the doorway. The two made their way to the dining area. 

    “Carried away with what exactly?” Thalia poked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. 

    “Well, for one, Piper has a girlfriend.” Jason replied, trying his best to not smile as he remembered his friends teasing the poor girl about it. Thalia clapped her hands in happiness, which sounded like a clap of thunder to Jason. 

    “That’s amazing! I’m glad she found someone.” 

    “Yeah. She said she was getting sick and tired of hanging around at her house, just waiting for her dad to come home or for school to start.” Jason rounded the corner to the long hallway, taking a step into the dining area. 

    “Well she does know she’s always welcome over here, right?” Thalia asked, before walking up to her chair to pull it out from under the table as Jason made his way around to the other side. 

    “She does. But I think Piper’s kind of scared to come over.” Jason added, silently trying to explain to his sister that their dad scared Piper. 

    “Ah.” Thalia only said, understanding perfectly what he was trying to imply. It was one of the things he liked so much about his sister. She could always understand unspoken words, reading inbetween the lines to find the real truth. It was a talent he was rather envious of. 

    Jason only nodded along, looking down at the table in front of him while he waited for the maids to bring out their dinner. Even though he was rather stuffed from all the french fries and milkshakes he had consumed, he would rather eat himself undoubtedly full over witnessing the horrible disappointed glare his father would send his way. 

    “He’s eating in his study tonight.” Thalia pointed out, knowing the expression on her younger brother’s face well. Jason’s shoulders sagged. 

    “Again?”

    A small hint of pity powdered her face, only enough for a talented person to be able to even see. Jason just so happened to be one of those talented people. One gift he had that his sister doesn’t. She can read inbetween the lines, he can read expressions in excruciating detail.