A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter 17- Old Flames and Familiar Habits

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(Kalston's POV)

Not taking much longer to head back over to the girls' place, I run into Jonathan before I do. A charming smile is plastered on my face to keep things calm. I don't want him to think that my opinion of him has soured. There's no reason it should have besides, you know, hearing things I wasn't around for. Even less do I want him to think Madison has been talking poorly about him when she's been so keen on keeping things quiet instead. It will only put more bad blood between them when she seems to be wanting to put it behind them. Even if I don't think she should. Manipulating her the way he did is far from okay, and no one should be in her life who's just going to do that.

'Isn't that exactly what you're doing?'

Not anymore. I never wanted to do that, and I'm far from doing it to her again. The only manipulation will be to keep her safe, but never towards her.

"Oh, hey, sorry we didn't get to talk much earlier. Madison's always spoken fondly of you, so I'm glad to finally meet the big brother."

His gaze tightens, but I keep myself from acting as if I'm weary of him. Keeping my calculations of him far from readable.

"She has? I figured she'd not talk much about me at all."

"Of course, she's spoken well about all of her family. She told me that you guys had it rough growing up, but she couldn't imagine going through it without you and your other siblings. I have to say, it's nice to hear that she had someone to rely on growing up."

His eyes dart down for a quick moment before back up as if he's shifted his thoughts of some sort. Now he seems more chill instead of tight like he's been.

"Yeah, having each other made things a lot easier..."

Jonathan pulls out a small box from his back pocket before slipping a cigarette and lighter out of it.

"Do you want one?"

I'm not one to smoke, but I also know how doing so can make things feel more connected with the person you're smoking with. Like a shared interest, but oddly more. It's a strange thing, but people open up more to those they smoke with.

"Sure, thanks."

Taking the cigarette out of his hand, it's like second nature. I slide back into old routines that have a tainted lens as I light it and take a draw. Letting the quick burst of calm settle before it's gone without much of a goodbye. It's what always leads to chasing it once more.

"So... You and Maddy? You're a thing?"

I lean against the railing of the porch, settling into a rhythm we share as I try to use the moment to get what I can out of him. Giving fewer answers than asking.

"I hope so, but she wants to take things slow. A bad history with someone else will do that to you."

I leave just enough dead air where it's not anxious in the hopes that it's not obvious that I'm leading him into the direction of the answers I'm seeking. Jonathan takes the bait as he takes a drag on his cigarette before speaking.