CHAPTER 13

When I arrived home, I spotted Dad sitting silently in his chair. I cautiously made my way past him, heading straight to my room.

But as soon as I reached my room, he called my name.

"Jessica!"

I rushed down the stairs and stood before him. His empty eyes stared at me, and then he abruptly stood, grabbing a handful of my hair. He dragged me and slammed my head against the sharp edge of the wooden drawers.

My head began to bleed, but he didn't stop. He pulled me up again, this time brandishing a knife.

"I've had enough of you. Why don't you just die? Why did you have to be here, reminding me of her every single day? I hate you. I hate that you look so much like her. I HATE YOU."

He raised the knife, ready to slit my throat, but something or someone intervened. Dylan had pulled him away from me, and now they were struggling on the floor.

"Call the cops, Jessica!" Dylan shouted.

Shaking and with my head bleeding, I couldn't move.

"Get yourself together Jess"

It was like his voice had awakened me. I reached for the phone and called the police.

***

My dad was arrested, and I was taken to the hospital to treat my head injury, with Dylan by my side.

After my treatment, Dylan rode me into the woods to a serene and beautiful spot. How did the brothers know about all these hidden places?

Sitting on the grass, I rested my head on his shoulder, surprised that he didn't object.

I lifted my head to gaze into his piercing blue eyes.

"You feel it too, don't you?" I asked. He turned his head away.

"What are you?" I continued and he quickly turned back.

"How did you know about my father? Just how much do you know about me?"

"I know everything there is to know about you," he replied, his blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Given that you've discovered I'm not like you, I can't tell you that I'm normal, nor can I disclose what I am to you," he added, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.

I don't know what came over me, but I kissed him. It was unlike any kiss I'd experienced before, setting my body ablaze. My heart raced loudly.

He pulled away and remained silent throughout the ride back home.

I was in love with him, and I could sense that he felt the same way, but for some reason, he couldn't admit it.

Shortly after I entered the house, I received a text from Jeremy, wanting to plan another date. I knew I had to do something about this. I couldn't continue a relationship based on a lie.

I was in love with Dylan, not Jeremy.