Fractured Tides

Chapter 1: The End of One Chapter

The final bell echoed through the halls of West Anchorage High School, signaling not just the end of the school day but the end of Alex Larkin's high school career. He sat at his desk, staring at the last graded paper of his senior year—a solid A.

"Good work, Alex," Mrs. Reynolds, his History teacher, said as she handed him back his final project. "It's not every day we see a student in the top 10% of their class. You've got a bright future ahead of you."

"Thanks," Alex replied with a small, polite smile. He slid the paper into his backpack, his mind elsewhere.

The school had been his refuge for years. It wasn't perfect—he had to work hard for every achievement—but it was the only place where he felt in control. Now, as he walked through the halls one last time, the reality of what lay ahead hit him.

At home, the smell of freshly cooked salmon greeted him. His mother, Amelia, was setting the table when he stepped inside.

"There you are," she said, glancing up with a tired smile. "How was the last day?"

"It was fine," Alex said, dropping his backpack by the door. "Do I have time to shower before dinner?"

"Make it quick. Your dad's almost home, and I don't want dinner getting cold."

Alex nodded and headed upstairs. The sight of Aiden's room made him pause. The door was ajar, revealing his little brother humming softly as he lined up his toy trains. Aiden's world was so simple—just toys, patterns, and his parents' doting attention.

Alex shut his door and leaned against it, exhaling. One more dinner. Then I'm done.

When the family finally gathered around the table, the tension was palpable. Alyssa slumped in her chair, swirling her fork in her mashed potatoes.

"Could've helped your mother with the dishes," James grumbled, sitting down heavily.

"Could've asked," Alyssa muttered without looking up.

"Enough," Amelia said sharply, giving them both a look. "Let's just eat."

The silence stretched until Alex finally spoke. "I got the UA scholarship."

Amelia looked up quickly. "You did?"

"Yeah. Top 10% of the class."

"That's amazing, Alex!" she said, her smile genuine but fleeting.

"Good for you," Alyssa mumbled, though there was warmth in her voice.

James set his fork down, his brow furrowing. "Scholarship or not, college costs money. What's the point of getting your hopes up?"

Alex stiffened. "It's a full tuition scholarship."

"Full tuition doesn't mean full cost," James said bluntly. "There's still housing, books, and everything else. How are you planning to pay for that?"

"I'll figure it out," Alex said evenly.

"And what about Aiden?" James continued, leaning forward. "Who's gonna help him when you're gone? You think you can just leave us to deal with everything?"

Alex clenched his fists under the table. "I've done enough. It's not my job to raise him."

James's voice rose. "He's your brother!"

"And whose decision was that?" Alex shot back, his voice sharp. "You didn't ask me if I wanted siblings. You just dumped them on me and expected me to deal with it."

The table fell silent. Even Aiden, who was usually oblivious to the tension, looked up with wide eyes.

"Don't talk to your father like that," Amelia said quietly, her tone shaky.

Alex pushed his chair back and stood. "I'm done. With this dinner and this house."

"Alex!" Amelia called after him as he walked toward the stairs.

"I mean it!" he shouted over his shoulder. "You want me to act like I'm part of this family, but all I've ever been is the extra pair of hands you needed. I'm not doing it anymore."

The sound of his bedroom door slamming echoed through the house. Upstairs, Alex threw himself onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. This wasn't the life he wanted. It wasn't the life he deserved.

Two weeks, he thought. Then I'm out of here for good.