A/n; Jackie is your younger sister. After the family accident, the two of you came to live with the Walter family. You and Cole get along very well, in fact, it didn't take long before the two of you started dating. However, you weren't the only one who had her eyes on Cole, Jackie, your younger sister, had also developed a crush on the blond boy, you didn't want to hurt her feelings, and that's why you decided to keep your relationship with Cole hidden from her.
---
You stumbled down the stairs, barefooted, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as you entered the kitchen. You grinned when you noticed Isaac cooking pancakes on the stove.
"Since when do you cook?" you laughed, leaning against the kitchen island as you watched him.
"About since you were in love with Cole," he winked.
"You don't know what you're talking about," you blushed as you tossed a grape from the table at his head.
"Oh, sweet y/n, of course, I do," he grinned over his shoulder. "She doesn't have a claim on him, you know."
"I know," you sighed heavily. "But you know how she feels about him, Isaac, she'd hate me forever."
You wanted to confide in Isaac about what was going on, but then Jackie suddenly stepped into the room. Your heart sank slightly at the sight of her, knowing what you were doing to her was wrong.
Not a day went by where you didn't consider ending things with Cole just so you didn't have to hurt your little sister. Despite this, you couldn't let him go. You knew you couldn't keep living like this, you either had to tell Jackie soon, or end things with Cole.
-
You lay on your bed, resting your eyes gently, basking in that feeling of relaxation when you lie down after a long day of chores at the ranch. You were startled by a slight knock on your door frame. You opened your eyes to see Cole, smiling at you sweetly.
"Finally finished?" he asked, noting how comfortable you looked.
You nodded sleepily and sat up, patting the bed for him to sit down.
"I think I have to tell Jackie, like, today," you told him, already dreading it.
"You're probably right," he agreed, grabbing your hand gently. "Do you want me to be there with you?"
"No," you groaned. "She's my sister, I should be the one to tell her."
Cole wrapped his arm around you, pulling you closer and pressing his lips to your forehead. He knew you were anxious, but that he couldn't mend the situation.
"She loves you," he reassured. "Even if she's upset, she'll come around."
-
You looked out your window and saw Jackie make her way towards the pool. You knew this was your chance, and you needed to stop putting it off.
You went outside to meet her, taking a second to breathe in the cool night breeze. You could do this.
"Hey, sis," you said cheerfully as you sat next to her, putting your bare feet into the water.
"Hey," she smiled. "What's up?"
"I, uh," you started. "I have to talk to you about something."
"Okaaaaay?" she sang, raising her eyebrows up at you tentatively.
"So," you breathed. "Cole and I have sort of been... seeing each other since the beginning of the summer."
You couldn't look in her eyes, your gaze rested on the pool. You tried to let the water and the reflection of the moon comfort you.
"What does that mean?" Jackie asked.
"We're dating, Jackie," you confessed. "I was scared to tell you because I know you like him too, but it just sort of happened. I really, really like him."
Jackie's eyebrows went from raised to furrowed as if she was trying to make sense of what you just told her.
"Are you doing this on purpose? To hurt me or get back at me for something?" she accused.
"What? No! I would never do that to you," you defended yourself.
"You know I've liked him ever since we moved here, y/n," she cried, voice raised. "Out of everyone, why does it have to be him?"
"Jackie," you sighed. "Please don't do this. It just happened, okay? I'm not trying to hurt you."
"Well, you are," she deadpanned.
You were trying to stay calm, and be the rational one. You weren't trying to hurt her more or make things worse. Despite the fact you were frustrated with her immaturity, you were determined to be the bigger person.
"I'm sorry," you sighed. "But Cole and I are together, you'll have to accept it. Trust me I thought about ending it because I didn't want to hurt you."
"Then why didn't you?" she yelled, startling you.
"Because I love him, okay?" you exclaimed. "I'm stupidly in love with him, and I can't just throw that away."
Jackie's face softened, and it gave you a glimmer of hope. You knew she adored a good love story.
"You are?" she asked.
"I am," you confirmed. "It's not just a fling, I wouldn't do this if it was."
"I guess I can't come in the way of love," Jackie admitted, reaching her hand over to rest it over yours. Jackie's hand was warm and comforting.
"I love you, Jackie," you told her. "You know that. If you'll hate me forever, I won't be with him."
"I can't do that to you," she said, shaking her head. "You deserve an epic romance, and if Cole's the guy, I just have to accept that. Maybe it was always you that was meant to be with him, not me."
"Ever thought about Isaac ... or Alex?" you smirked, nudging her with your shoulder.
"Shut up," she laughed. "Or I'll throw you in the pool."
"Only if you join me," you teased before you grabbed her hand and pulled her in with you, both of you squealing as the cold water hit your bodies.
"We're okay?" you asked, wiping the water from your eyes.
"We're okay," she smiled. "I'm freezing,"
"Race you inside!" you screamed as you climbed out quickly, her screams of protest behind you.
The sound of her laugh in the cold air made you feel whole. You knew things were going to be okay now.
