𝚁𝚄𝙽𝙰𝚆𝙰𝚈 ° racetrack higgins

Confessions

I felt myself being roughly shaken, waking me from my sleep. As I opened my eyes, they adjusted to the darkness and I was able to make out three figures in front of me; Davey, Les, Sarah and....Jack.

I jumped up suddenly, launching myself at Jack. However, before I could get very far, Davey intervened. "Woah, Pockets." He whispered. "Take it easy, alright? He's trying to help."

Shaking my head, my icy glare never left Jack's face. "I don't care. He's nothing but a scabber."

"Let's go outside and talk; don't wanna wake any of the fellas."

After a moment's hesitation, I climbed down off my bunk and quickly pulled my shoes on. I followed the Jacobs and my brother outside before stopping abruptly and crossing my arms. "Explain." I said flatly.

Jack took a deep breath before turning and facing me. "I was blackmailed, Tate. That's why I did all doze things. Why I betrayed yous. If I didn't do or say any of dat, Pulitzer would have made sure yous, Davey, Les, and all the fellas were stuffed into the Refuge. For good." My brother paused, a look of regret on his face. "I couldn't let that happen to all of yous."

My expression didn't change as I looked at my brother. "And what about the lies? All of them?"

The brunette boy was silent for a while as he thought about what to say. "I did it to protect you, Tate. That's all I've ever tried to do. I didn't want you to suffer what I did; about losin ma. So, I thought if you thought everything was alright, that they were just away, it would be easier on you. As for da name, I thought we could start fresh, ya know? Not have to be hangin on to the past."

"Where did Tatum even come from?" I asked him, genuinely curious.

"It's your middle name." He admitted. "Annabelle Tatum Sullivan."

I took a moment to process everything he had told me. In some ways, Jack did have a good point; a good reason to do what he did. But other things were just plain stupid. Like changing my name, and then lying to me about it for years.

"I'm sorry, Tate. I truly am. But now, I'm actually here to help; to win this fight. If you'll let me, that is."

After a great debate in my mind, I finally stepped forwards and wrapped my arms around my brother. As mad as I was at him, he was all I had. The only family around.

"I forgive you, J." I said softly into his chest.

Jack released the breath he was holding as he heard my words. He hugged me back, squeezing me tightly. "That's a relief. For a second there, I thought you might punch me."

"Don't tempt me." I said playfully.

My brother laughed before pulling away. "Please...don't."

Davey cleared us throat, causing our attention to turn to him. "Sorry to break up this tender brother-sister moment, but we really have to get to Denton's. Like now."

Word Count: 515