Fractured Tides

Chapter 2: Breaking Point

The morning sun peeked over the snow-capped Chugach Mountains, casting a pale glow over the streets of Anchorage. The Larkin house was quiet except for the faint hum of the heater and the occasional sound of Aiden chattering to himself in his room.

Alex zipped up his duffel bag, the faint whirring of the zipper breaking the silence in his room. He'd been up since dawn, going over everything in his head—his job in Boston, the scholarship that wouldn't cover all his expenses, and the endless fights with his dad.

There was no turning back now.

His door creaked open, and Alyssa slipped in, her hair a tangled mess from sleep. "You really doing this?"

"Yeah," Alex said, not looking up as he folded a flannel shirt and stuffed it into the bag.

"You're just gonna leave me here?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Alex sighed. "I don't have a choice, Alyssa."

She scoffed. "That's what they always say, isn't it? Mom, Dad—they never have a choice. But you're different, right? You do have a choice, and you're choosing to leave."

"Alyssa," Alex said, his voice firm but gentle, "I can't stay here. You know that. It's suffocating. I've done everything they've asked—more than they've asked. But this is my chance to start over."

"Must be nice." She leaned against the doorframe, her voice dripping with bitterness.

Alex closed his bag and turned to face her. "Look, I know it sucks. But you're strong, Alyssa. Stronger than me, maybe. You'll get out too. Just... not yet."

Before she could respond, their dad's voice boomed up the stairs. "Alex! Get your ass down here!"

Alyssa muttered, "Good luck," before slipping out of the room.

———————-

Downstairs, James stood by the dining table, arms crossed, his expression a mix of anger and frustration. Amelia hovered by the kitchen counter, clutching her coffee mug like a lifeline.

"You're really doing this," James said, his voice low and dangerous.

"I am," Alex replied, keeping his tone steady.

"Do you even know what you're walking into?" James demanded. "Boston's no place for someone like you. It's expensive, it's cutthroat—and you've got no one to fall back on."

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

"And what about us?" James stepped closer, his voice rising. "What about Aiden? You think we can handle him without you?"

Alex's fists clenched at his sides. "You've got Mom. You've got Alyssa. You don't need me."

"You selfish little—"

"Stop it, James," Amelia interrupted, her voice shaking. "Just stop."

James turned on her. "You're just going to let him walk away? After everything we've done for him?"

"Done for me?" Alex snapped, unable to hold back anymore. "You mean making me babysit Aiden every weekend? Or expecting me to do Alyssa's chores because she's too busy with her 'attitude'? Or never listening to a damn thing I want because Aiden needs you more?"

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw.

Amelia looked down, her eyes glistening. James opened his mouth to respond, but Alex held up a hand.

"No. I'm done," Alex said, his voice firm. "I'll send money when I can, but I'm not staying here."

He grabbed his bag and headed for the door. Amelia's voice stopped him.

"Alex."

He turned, and for a moment, he thought she might beg him to stay. But instead, she said softly, "Take care of yourself."

Alex nodded. "I will."

He didn't look back as he walked out the door, the cold Alaskan air biting at his face. The path ahead wasn't clear, but it was his to walk.

———————-

Two weeks later, Alex stood at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, staring at the departure board. His flight to Logan International Airport was boarding in thirty minutes.

Alyssa had come to see him off, her arms crossed as she leaned against a nearby column. "So, this is it," she said.

"This is it," Alex replied.

She hesitated, then said, "Don't forget about me, okay?"

"Never."

He pulled her into a quick hug, then turned to see Amelia standing a few feet away with Aiden, who was clutching her hand. James wasn't there.

"Bye, Alex"