Forbidden Match

Jared:

It's a cold midnight of winter. I am sitting in an outdoor garden at my house and soundlessly staring at the sky.

I hear the sound of footsteps and turn to see my sister making her way to me holding two steaming mugs.

"I made coffee for us,"

I take the mug from her hand.

She settles down on the empty chair beside me.

"Drink it before it gets cold. It's not that hot."

I take the sip and look at her with a frown.

"Where's Avery?"

"She took Peyton to the bathroom,"

"What are you thinking, Jared?" My sister asks with raised eyebrows.

"Nothing ... I think I'm just going crazy."

"You're crazy, brother. Not everyone gets the job offer and an apartment in New York, but decide to stay behind in this scrawny town."

"It's a beautiful town. City life is chaotic; especially New York's. Also, Avery and Payton need someone to look after them."

I realize that I shouldn't have said it in front of her.

"You have been taking care of them since our brother died. You don't need to hold yourself back for them."

"I'm not holding myself back. I'm happy here,"

"You're lying, there has to be something else,"

She looks at me with wide eyes.

I look away.

"Jared, you told me those feelings are gone. You lied to me."

"I'm sorry. I can't stop myself,"

"You're twenty-six, go on dates and live your life like a normal man of your age. Leave this town before things get out of hand."

Suddenly we hear a sound of someone coming and stop talking.

I see Payton running to us.

"Uncle, mommy is making me walk home, but I am tired. Will you give me a piggyback ride?"

"Sure, princess,"

She jumps in excitement and hugs me.

I ruffle her hair lovingly, then she runs back inside the house.

My sister glances the retreating figure of our niece with a soft smile.

"She loves you, "

"I love her too. She's the sweetest kid I've ever met,"

"I know it's hard, but you need to remind yourself that Avery is your sister-in-law and Payton is your niece. You can't develop any other relationship with them; it's forbidden."