Reincarnate | ✔️

Chapter 3

I wonder what Owen's been up to? I hope he didn't get bored.

I walk in after a long day's work and stomp up the stairs to my room. "Pst..." I call quietly in the darkness after closing the door. "Are you okay, Owe-" I stop and look at his messy black hair in the darkness. He looked so tired and was curled in my blanket like a burrito.

Was this how he really looked when Layla was alive? Was he happy in his past life?

I sighed as I set my handbag down on my open desk and look at his empty plate.

At least he ate all of it. I hope he'll remind me on the weekends to make lunch. It wouldn't hurt to let him explore the town.

I grabbed the plate and headed down stairs to do the dishes before going to bed.

Best to let him sleep. Today's been a stressful day for him and he probably hasn't had as much exercise as he should be having.

"Hey, Laine, welcome ba-"

I jump and elbow the person in the stomach by accident.

"Ack—okay, I get it, no need to hurt me for it."

It was Gavin. I could tell by his deep voice and cocky remark.

"You scared me." I rolled my eyes and kept washing a plate with the sponge I surprisingly didn't drop into the sink.

"I can see that." I could tell he had an amused look on his face without having to look at him.

"Hey, Sis, what's happening in here?"

My eyes widen as I turn my head and stare at Gavin on the couch.

"But then who's-" I turn to look at Gavin, who was currently behind me, but all I saw was a tossed blanket and squished pillows.

He chuckled in a teasing, yet curious tone; the one behind me. "What are you talking about, El? No one else is down here except us."

My face paled. "T-then who did I just see?"

"Sis," He leaned down to look me in the eyes with his hands on my shoulders for reassurance. Or at least that's what I thought until he said the rest. "I think you're just being stupid and imagining thi-ow!"

I smirked as he went to punch me and missed, but it immediately disappeared as I ended up behind him at an impossible speed shoving him harder than I normally do.

He hit the dark wooden counter hard before turning around and rubbing the sore spot I gave him. "Woah, Laine, what just happened? You never dodge my punches that fast. And what in the actual hell was tha-"

I slapped a hand on his mouth and sighed before walking over to the sink to wash my hands and put the sponge away. "Come on, he should be awake by now, but I'm not completely positive."

"Wait-what? Laine, what are you talking about? Who's 'he'-"

I shushed him as I slowly opened the door a crack.

His eyes were wide and awake just like I thought. I assumed I woke him up with the dishes. They could be heard from second floor.

"Hey, Owen, I want you to meet someone." I said quietly making sure my parents didn't hear our conversation as I closed the door behind us.

Gavin's eyes became wide and face pale as he stared at Owen after I turned on the lights. "You-you shouldn't be here."

I stared at my brother for a few moments in awe.

"I know why you did it, Gavin, but it's not your fault. It's not any of our faults. It's your fathers'." He sat back down on the bed and pat the spot next to him. "Come on, I have a feeling you need to sit down. You're as pale as a sheet."