Little Miss Nosy

Chapter Thirty-Two: Somewhere in an Alternate Universe

- Edited -

Winter break began like the climax of a rollercoaster; fresh and exhilarating. Before it hit a wall and crashed before I could get more than three days in. It's been nice not having to confront bullies, stress over assignments, and proofread essays but the relaxing part that comes with a break is hard to enjoy when your personal life is a mess, too.

I'm face down on my bed, arms splayed out on either side of me while a recommended 'Sad Girl' playlist drifts through my speakers when I hear a noise at my window. Shaking it off as something falling on my desk—or my brain conjuring unfortunate flashbacks—I continue humming to the music.

Though I lift my head and grab a weapon, a thick textbook I forgot to return last semester, and inch towards the window after it happens a second time. "Logan I swear to God you're really brave for showing your face again."

But it's not Logan staring back at me when I yank back the curtain. A pair of cold eyes flick between me and the textbook in my hand. "Someone's tense."

"And someone's grouchy," I shoot back, noting the frown etched on his face. I open the window and welcome the cool fresh air as cricket chirps mingle with the soft sound of pop music. "Why are you here, Jacob? I'm already moody. There's not enough room for your moodiness, too."

"I just came from work." I snort. He makes it sound like he just clocked out of a regular nine-to-five. "Here."

I don't notice the gift bag until he grabs it from his other side. How I didn't see the white bag topped with a light purple bow is beyond me, but a sound of shock escapes me as he sits the surprisingly well-packaged bag on the windowsill between us. "They were out of pink bows." He offers a small, tired smile. "Happy belated birthday. Merry late Christmas, and whatever else I've missed."

I cautiously peek inside. Just because the outside is pretty doesn't mean what's inside isn't deadly. I expect a weapon. Some sort of 'gotcha!' But my shoulders relax when I spy a familiar pink box intermixed within tissue paper.

"I remember this. I think I saw it at the mall a few weeks back." I really wanted the sweet smelling perfume when the candy cardboard display caught my eye in the makeup department but it was above my price point. "Thank you," I say with a soft smile.

"One of my men saw you eyeing it."

My smile drops. The reminder that he's got eyes everywhere are like hands clasping around my wrist, shackling them together. "That's creepy, Jacob." But I perk when a thought comes to me. "Do you watch Dad, too?"

He smiles tightly. Presses his back against the side of the house, pulls his legs up to his chest before setting his wrists atop his knees. Hmm. So, Dad gets under his skin as well. "Last time I checked he was living about three hours from here. He had a girlfriend and a dog and seemed really, really happy." I almost tell him about the text I received a few days ago, but think twice at his dark expression. "It's not fair."

"Don't-"

"He's fine. I prefer to use my resources when it benefits my organization." I nod. I can agree with him on this one. It's not fair that someone can leave their responsibilities, their flesh and blood behind and be satisfied with a few texts exchanged during the holidays. I wonder if he thinks of me on the days that aren't special, or if I pop into his mind when he sees something that reminds him of me like he does for me.

Although I don't think too highly of Dad, I wouldn't want Jacob to harm him.

I place the box of perfume on my dresser. The empty gift bag goes on the floor. It's too pretty, and special, to toss out. I catch Jacob staring into my bedroom when I turn back to the window. We had a strict no-entry policy for our bedrooms when we were kids. A policy set and enforced by him, at least. It hasn't changed much since the last time he saw it, but he eyes the walls like he notices the pop idol posters taken down and replaced by corkboards filled with photos of me and my friends. Although the stuffed animals are still present. There's years of memories and evolving he missed out on.