6.

MIA

"How could you do that?"

Both doors slammed as Maya and I got into the car.

"He's like 29. It'd be crossing a few things off the bucket list, but not now. I did that for the plot."

She winked, searching for keys in her pocket.

"That's not what I meant. You left me alone with him!"

"Oh sweet Mia, that wasn't your main character moment. You'll know it when you see it."

Her nonchalant self might as well earn a smack on the head. For now, I'll let it slide. I snort as we fasten seat belts.

"Plus he was hardly a threat. He seemed like such an innocent soul. A good judge of character if you ask me."

She bobs her head, pursing her lips in contentment.

"I doubt it. He was with me. The slut who was willing to fuck him despite dating his brother."

She sputtered the engine, swerving her head to glare.

"The only dignified slut in the room here is me. Don't compete when you don't compare"

A half grin formed on my face. Only Maya would think a slutty competition was worth it.

"And you're not a slut. Sure it's singlehandedly worse than half a dozen of the shit I've done—"

I face-palmed myself, jerking my head in resignation.

"But in your defense, I do a lot of stupid shit, so you're good "

A small pat on the corner of my shoulder and she finally got the car to start.

"I mean it babe. You're good "

"I'm not. They're brothers. Blood related. And he didn't know, so even though Nick flares, Logan is all good in the end. "

"Hol up."

She turned back, trying to get the car out of the driveway.

"I'm sort of lost. This bad girl era of yours is still trying to dawn on me, so forgive my slowness."

"One more comment."

"Apologies."

She giggles. "It's just why would you think he'd share the blame and make you feel less shitty. He couldn't have known you and Nick were together. It's so random. He just got into the city."

"I know, it's just he kept making—"

"Wait, how do you know he just got in."

She grinned. "Maya!"

"Hey, I'm trying to drive. Unless you'd rather go back to the hospital in a stretcher."

"How do you know?"

"When he walked over to use the restroom, I may have blackmailed your father into giving me some files. Sorry."

"Oh my God. My father cannot be suspicious."

"He just thinks it's one of my shenanigans. Oh the plot twists are just so juicy."

"This isn't a game."

She took her eyes off the road for a split second, making a point by arching her brow as she cocked her head. "Beg to differ. "

She swerved onto the highway.

"Speaking of which, that brings me to the second issue. All of this is because of Nick, right?"

"Y-Yes."

I mumbled, uncertainty laced in most parts.

"You may relate to my reluctance seeing as we're worked over a guy who fucked you over so many times."

"Maya."

"What? You two were broken up."

"Not necessarily."

"Oh please."

She took a turn, getting closer to her house.

"That's beside the point."

"Maybe it shouldn't be. The way I see it, your boyfriend is a shitty ass dude. You dumped his shitty ass, went to a club, looked for a rebound, and humped on a much better-looking guy. That's a level up if you ask me."

This is why I hardly ever ask her.

"I didn't hump him."

I cringe as the words leave my lips.

"That's beside the point."

She mirrors my earlier words.

"No seriously, we didn't have sex. He confirmed it earlier."

"Wait. Back up. You didn't indulge in that?"

"How are we best friends?"

"I thought maybe I forgot, but he was in the restroom and he confirmed we didn't go that far."

"You two are sneaking into restrooms now?"

"Maya!"

"I'm messing around. Okay I'll stop."

"Just one more. Why didn't you fuck him again?"

"Maya!"

I couldn't resist the urge to smack her hand on the wheel. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just curious."

"I don't know either. I thought we did, but I guess I passed out maybe and we just didn't do anything after. "

"Plenty of time to fix that."

She mumbled incoherently. I ignored that last bits.

"Again, Nick is an asshole. You're better off without him. Sure maybe hooking up with Logan right after the unconfirmed breakup was not your best choice, but hey we all have our moments."

We pulled up to her parents estate.

"What do you think I should do?"

We shared a look. "Don't answer that."

"Yup."

Silence reigned for a few seconds while we waited for her to get the gates open using the remote control, I leaned on the glass, exhaling.

"No one deserves that treatment. I'm turning into my father after all."

I voiced out and the lump in my throat grew slightly smaller. That's the truth. My irritation towards the issue is greatly linked to my fears.

It was never confirmed, but I think I've seen this film before. I starred in it with my mother, Gianna, and my dad. The scenes are blurred, but the ending remains unchanged.

To actively perform a remake to someone else, fully aware of the consequences was just cruel.

Maya heard my exact words, she understood most of what I meant. But she didn't push it.

"Come on, I need to hear the breakdown. In details please."

****

LOGAN

I got an email from the university confirming my one year exchange program which coincided with my internship at Life Beyond Care. It's killing multiple birds with pebbles.

Mom and Dad are insistent on family dinner since my return last week, so the rumours of my death subside a little. People can't help but gossip about the family. Dad owns a formula 1 company and Mom is a reporter, she made it her job to talk about everyone else, it seems fair they return they favour.

I didn't help so much either. Not in the family photo. I moved father away for college, and I'm not in the articles.

That's because I try to distance myself from the Jackson name.

I love the life I got, but it's messy. It's hard trying to convince people you're not a piece of shit when you get everything handed over like a piece of shit would.

I needed to prove that I wasn't some entitled rich kid.

Which is why after leaving the hospital, I return to my condo, take a bath, and change into clean clothes.

Today I've decided to honour the Jackson residence with my presence.

I'll tell you a secret. One worth millions. I learned it early enough so my life didn't turn out so poorly, maybe if you hear it too, you'd be great.

For everything you say or do, always have an ulterior motive or at least more than one objective.

Now I know what you're thinking — He's a rich, entitled, piece of shit.

You're probably right.

****

Nick is at practice, I checked up on my little brother when I got back into the city. I wanted him to arrive after I was inside.

I fancy the dramatics, sue me.

"Mother, I'm home."

I chuckled, knowing she was in the kitchen. Her idea of a welcome party was cooking food herself. Not the maids. There were no fire trucks outside so I guess we're good. For now.

"Logan!"

She squealed, appearing from one of the rooms. Apron tied around her waist and a beaming smile.

"I missed you. Never call. No checkups."

The woman sniffled. Can't tell if it's her on-demand mood shifts, or if she cared.

In her mind forties, Yvonne Jackson had no wrinkles or signs of aging. She cleaned up well. Her British accent is thick as ever. Mine began fading a few years ago when I stopped visiting England with her.

"Hello, mother."

"Come on. I'll show you everything I made. It's delicious."

I grumbled, knowing the next few delightful moans leaving my lips would be fake.

"Your father is at the office, but I'm making him leave early. He'll be here."

She affirmed, smiling to herself. Brent Jackson. The man of the hour. Of course he's working.

"I called Nick. Your brother was being difficult, but he'll be here too."

A smirk tugged my lips behind her. That's exactly why I texted to confirm out of the blue. I needed to disrupt his perfect little day.

That's what all big brothers did right?

I assure you, I'm not usually like this. Lies. It's my personality.

But I'm getting better. The alternative was making an entrance at Crestwood High, take the spotlight away for weeks. That would be immature, correct?

"So is messing with his girlfriend."

A present voice reminded. We don't talk about that.

"Logan! You're not listening."

"Huh?"

"I was telling you about the report I gave without teleprompts."

"I watched it mom."

"You did."

She beamed, blinking continuously.

In all my faults, I'm not a bad son.

"Yes, I noticed your eyes weren't darting to the screen every two seconds."

I popped a cookie, cringing visibly.

"It's been worse."

"Logan!"

"I'm kidding. This is dark humour"

Not really. It's terrible.

"It's okay."

I took another bite.

"So good."

I'm throwing up later.

"I'll help set you table. You told the servers they could go home early?"

"Yes. Figured they deserved a day off. I need tonight for us."

No witnesses. I see what you did there mother.

"Perfect. I'll put the plates out."

****

I knew the exact time my brother pulled in. Not in some Joe from YOU way, lurking by the windows, although that would've been cool, but his car gave him off.

For someone who supposedly has so much knowledge about horse power and hemi, he sucks at getting a good ride.

I drive a motorcycle, but I could do better. You're thinking the bike fits the selfish bastard persona, another misjudgement.

I got it to piss my father off.

It worked.

**

"Hello, Brother."

I've always wanted to do that.

"Logan."

I swear the keys nearly fell from his palms.

"You're here."

"Not the reaction I was expecting."

I traced the edge of the knife, his eyes watching me. Then I dropped it on the table, making my way towards him.

"Don't you have something for me?"

His eyes bounced from the living room to me and back. Guilty bastard. Mother's not here.

"Huh?"

I arched both brows.

"Nothing?"

"We don't get to hug? It's been almost a year. I missed you lil bro."

I patted his back. As softly as I could mutter. No heated smile in my eyes or a firmer shake than I would have if things were different.

I had so much composure and made certain he let the guilt eat every part of him because he thinks I had no clue.

That's the best part. He never got to see it coming.

I'm going to have so much fun fucking him up.

Too much? This is just the beginning

****