Afterlight (Fanfiction) ✓

chapter twenty-eight

Jay

     THE hum of the air conditioning created a steady rhythm in the background, a fragile kind of calm before the storm. The doorbell echoed sharply through the house, shattering the stillness. I already knew who it was—Brad had arrived. His presence was practically tangible, a weight pressing on the air before he even stepped inside.

I leaned against the wall, keeping myself partially hidden, watching Chloe. She sat on the couch, her hands nervously fidgeting in her lap. Her quiet demeanor had only grown more subdued since she returned from my room earlier. She wore a simple t-shirt and jeans, yet even her casual outfit couldn't mask the unease in her movements. She glanced toward me, her wide eyes silently asking the question: Should I answer the door?

I nodded slightly, motioning for her to go. As much as I wanted to intervene, to shield her from whatever venom her brother was sure to spit, I knew this had to start with her. Brad didn't need to see me first—not yet.

Chloe hesitated, her movements slow and deliberate as she rose from the couch. She walked toward the door like a soldier stepping into enemy territory, her hand trembling slightly as she turned the doorknob.

When the door opened, Brad stood there—tall, imposing, his dark hair disheveled as if he'd stormed all the way here. His eyes scanned her face, narrowing with what I could only describe as disdain mixed with hurt. His presence was magnetic, in the way a riptide pulls you under.

"Hi, Brad," she greeted him, her voice soft, tentative. She tried to smile, but it faltered, as if even her lips didn't believe the gesture.

From my position against the wall, I could see her shifting uneasily, clutching her arm as though trying to hold herself together. It broke my heart, seeing her like this—so small in his shadow.

"B-Brad?" she stammered again, her voice cracking.

Brad's expression hardened, his jaw clenched tightly. "You're sleeping here?" His voice was low and scathing, though it carried enough weight to fill the entire house. His eyes flicked past her and landed on me.

The look he gave me was nothing short of murderous. If looks could kill, I'd already be six feet under.

Chloe flinched, stepping back slightly but still trying to hold her ground. "Come inside," she offered, her voice trembling.

Brad laughed, a cold, sharp sound that made my fists curl involuntarily. "You're really doing this behind my back, huh?" He shook his head, the laugh tapering off into something darker—something almost broken. "Unbelievable."

My blood simmered beneath my skin, but I forced myself to stay silent. I could feel the fury building in my chest, ready to erupt, but I knew better than to jump in now. This was Chloe's fight.

"Stop assuming things and just get inside," she snapped, her voice steadier this time. She sniffled, her glare locking onto him. "The least you could do is give me a proper greeting."

The tension between them hung heavy in the air. For a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the crickets outside. Brad finally sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Chloe," he said, his voice softer but no less pained. "You can't be here. You know that."

She squared her shoulders, though her voice wavered as she replied, "But I want to be here. With him." She glanced back at me, her eyes filled with defiance and vulnerability all at once. My chest tightened at her words, and I couldn't help the small, encouraging smile I gave her in return.

"I did everything I could to protect you!" Brad's voice rose suddenly, the raw emotion in it startling even him. He stepped toward her, and she instinctively stepped back, her feet fumbling against the tile floor.