Splitting Image

Chapter 1

1 year later

"What do you mean I'm being transferred?" I questioned,my posture straight and my brow raised. I had been in this foster home for only three days they were already shipping me off somewhere else. Not that I was surprised. The only question was why. I did my chores, I made my bed I behaved well. I was only 8 months away from being 18, I didn't need any more unnecessary strikes against me.

"I mean you're being into a different foster home, it appears that you weren't mean to be her to begin with." Ms. Snow said, properly. Her words resonated in my head like a terribly catchy song

"It appears you weren't meant to be here to begin with." Nonetheless I packed my bags like I was told. I tried doing that sort of thing quite recently. A little after Liam got put away I threw all of the secrets and lies and stealing behind me, my worst fear being right where he was going to be for the next 2 years. I wanted him to be proud of me. I looked down at my small light luggage;  two tee shirts, a tank top, a pair of shorts and acid washed jeans. Oh and I couldn't forget my switch blade, for protection of course. What can I say? I'm glamorous.I grabbed my bag by it's strap, walking down the steps and towards the front waiting to be shipped away to the next place. My eyes immediately went to the window where I knew at any moment a car would approach. Just then a car no older than a year and a half pulled into the drive way, a man in his very early twenties stepping out and towards the door. From first glance, one thing I made sure to notice was his tailored suit made just and only for him. He knocked on the door, a hard pound quaking the whole house damn near. My foot tapped in anticipation, something I always did when days like this would come. Some absolute stranger taking me into his home and having complete custody without my input always put me on edge, naturally. Ms. Snow answered the door slowly as his figure appeared in front of me, no taller or shorter than 6'0 with dirty blonde hair and solid blue eyes to match. He gave me a soft smirk, turning his chin to Ms. Snow as they spoke on their own while my eyes gave the house a final glance. Before  I was even done with my once over his eyes landed on me, taking me in. He reached his arm out, his warm welcome coming off entirely too fake for my liking.

"Hello, I'm Mr. O'Connor but you can call me Jacob." He said, all smug.

"Mr. O'Connor is fine for now. I'm Rylie. You can call me Rylie." I made sure to expose all the uninterest in my voice as possible, my face blank and my grip firm after I shook his hand. I glanced at Ms. Snow giving her a final nod before heading to the door, giving the strap of my bag a reassuring grip.

I felt him follow me, the door closing behind us as we walked to the car. I saw a figure sit in the passenger seat and I couldn't help but furrow my brow at this, another boy or a girl with a mannish figure and a nice line up. I slowly climbed into the back eyeing the back of the strangers head as he sat quietly, Jacob now in the car and driving off onto the road.

"Rylie, it's been too long." The stranger spoke quietly. Who is that...I know.. I know that voice.

"How do you know me..?" I asked slowly leaning forward to sneak a peek, but before I could he spoke, his head turning in the same rhythm.

"How could I forget?" 

"...Liam?" And In that instant..my heart broke.