Dark Paradise

Twenty-Four

Third Person POV

"So, you never told me, how was Bill's?" Jaxon asked Caroline as they exited the car and walked side by side to school, with Rebekah on his left.

Caroline shrugged before responding, "It was fine, nothing special." Jaxon nodded before glancing at Rebekah, who suggested, "You should tell her about our developing relationship."

Jaxon rolled his eyes, but it seemed Caroline had overheard Rebekah, as she then inquired, "With everything that's been happening, we haven't discussed the blonde-haired woman who haunts you."

"Well, she shared her name and mentioned her siblings, and she also said her brother is a dick," he explained, carefully omitting the supernatural aspect.

Caroline uttered an 'oh' before inquiring, "What's her name?" Jaxon allowed a small smile to form as he replied, "Her name is Rebekah." Caroline studied her brother's expression. She noticed the spark in his eyes and the subtle smile that appeared at the mere mention of the woman.

"Oh my God, I knew it" Caroline said with her eyes wide as she stopped and pointed at him with her mouth wide open.

Jaxon paused to glance back at her, his eyebrows knitted together as she appeared to have made the greatest discovery in the world.

"What did you find out?" he inquired, and Caroline replied, "that you're falling in love with your imaginary girl."

Jaxon promptly denied it with a shake of his head, while Rebekah sidled up next to Caroline, gazing at Jaxon with a subtle smile, leaning towards Caroline as if to share a secret.

"I've tried to make your brother understand, but he's somewhat oblivious to his own emotions. Don't worry, everything will become clear once we meet in person," she said, causing Jaxon to shake his head again.

"No, no, I am not in love with some the girl," he stated firmly, attempting to sound convincing, though neither of the girls seemed persuaded. "It makes sense; it's why you're not genuinely interested in other girls, and you seem to only date blondes—" Jaxon interrupted her as he noticed everyone's attention was on them, "Okay, can you please be quiet now?"

Caroline let out an "aww" and playfully ruffled his hair, prompting him to swat her hand away as she said, "Don't worry, big brother, I'll keep your secret."

Jaxon shot a glare at both girls, though he masked it as if he were only looking at his sister. Rebekah's sly smirk was directed at him until her gaze shifted behind him, and her expression fell.

Her glare intensified at the newcomer approaching Jaxon from behind, and without looking, he knew who it was. "Bonnie!" Caroline exclaimed, pulling the girl into a tight embrace. Jaxon released a soft sigh before turning to face Bonnie and Caroline.

As Caroline stepped back, she gave Jaxon an expectant look, prompting him to awkwardly admit, "I already knew she was back."

"Of course you did," Caroline murmured under her breath. Just then, the school bell rang. "Great, we're late. I'll catch up with you later, Care. Come on, Bon," Jaxon said, striding away with Bonnie at his side.

"What, no, come on, Rebekah," Rebekah sneered slightly as she continued to glare at Bonnie from the other side of Jaxon. Jaxon leaned in slightly, so he was closer to Rebekah than to Bonnie and he muttered under his breath, "Don't be like that, Rebekah."