Made in the Dark

A Single Drop (10)

New york city, new york

Present-day

"You have to talk to Elijah," Jackson said once she was finished. Amity shook her head.

"No," she said simply.

"What do you mean No?"

Amity shrugged, gesturing vaguely to the air. No, She just told him. She really said no. Jackson scoffed.

"I'm sorry, what?" Jackson found himself getting angry. "Why not? He is a part of this too. God! Come on, Amity!" He stood, throwing his arms out. Bowie was quick to step in.

"Alright, tough guy, take a seat." She said, nudging him back slightly. Amity stayed silent on the couch, her posture rigid.

Jackson took a deep breath, settling back into his chair. "Amity." he said, softer this time, "Why won't you call your brother?"

Behind his anger, Jackson was just confused. Amity and Elijah had done everything together. Despite their age difference, they were joined at the hip. Eli refused to leave his sister out of anything, knowing it was just the two of them (and whatever nanny their parents hired that week) at home. They stood up for each other, and never left the other hanging. Years ago, Jackson could remember being jealous of the younger girl. He knew he was Elijah's best friend, but he also knew the other boy would choose his sister over him every single time.

So why won't Amity call him?

"I don't-"

"I swear to fucking god Amity if you say it's because you don't like the phone I-"

"I don't want to hurt him."

Jackson was expecting her to say a lot of different bullshit, but he didn't expect her to try to make it about herself.

"Hurt him? That is total crap, Amity! You aren't protecting him by lying to him."

"Jackie, I-" She tried.

"God, stop fucking calling me that! My name is Jackson." He yelled. Bowie opened her mouth to interject, but Amity laid a hand on her arm.

"Stop interrupting me." Amity snapped. Jackson fought back a smile. Finally, he thought. It's about time.

"I don't want to talk to Elijah, and he doesn't want to talk to me. I called you because I knew you wouldn't shut down the moment I mentioned Devin!" Amity ranted, her voice on the rise.

"I spent 5 years getting ignored by my brother. Five fucking years. 5 Easters, 5 thanksgivings, 5 birthdays, and 5 Christmases. He wouldn't talk to me, Jackson." She spat. Jackson hated the way her lips formed around his name.

"I gave up! But sure, I'll call him!" She cried, half hysteric. " I'll leave another hundred voicemails for him to ignore. Will that make you happy?" Bowie put her arm around her friend.

Nobody said anything for a while. The silence was broken when a timer went off from the kitchen.

"I uh- I made cookies?" Bowie forced an awkward laugh. She stood up, leaving the pair behind.

Amity wiped her face quickly. "I uh- yeah. I'm going to go... I'm going to go help, Bo."

Jackson wasn't going to let her go easily, not this time.

"Amity, wait," he grabbed her arm as she passed. "Sit back down." He demanded. Amity shook her head.

"Please, Amity, please." Jackson tried again, softer this time. As the words left his mouth, Jackson found it impossible to meet her eyes.

"Jackson, I can't do it. I'm sorry," She apologized, her eyes beginning to water. Amity cursed herself for being so weak.

Jackson stood up and pulled her close, angry at himself for giving in so easily. "It's okay, Amity." She clung harder to him. "It's all going to be okay."

They stayed like that for a while, neither wanting to pull away and face their next steps. Jackson was the first to let go.

"I think... I have an idea." He smiled at her softly, but Amity wasn't looking.

A devastating flood starts with a single drop.