I went to the kitchen counter to pour him a glass of water.
“Here, drink this.”
He stayed in his little world for a few moments until he decided to open his eyes again and take a sip.
“Better?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” I nodded, but I froze a moment later. Did Jasper just say something? I whirled around when I saw Jordan join us in the kitchen.
“Sorry, June. I was sure my son wouldn’t be here today. He just came by for a change of clothes. He won’t bother you.”
I nodded. Sure.
“I’m going to take care of something while you’re here with Jasper. I’ll be back in an hour,” he added.
“No problem. I’d be happy to stay here with Jasper,” I reassured him.
Jordan said goodbye, and as soon as I heard the front door close, James came into the kitchen for a glass of milk, as if what had just happened was just like any other day.
I stayed in the chair, frozen and unsure of what to do.
His cologne was everywhere, and the vibe in the room seemed hostile.
“Jordan left,” announced James, unwrapping a lollipop.
“What do you want?” I scowled when I noticed him leering at me.
“I’m eating. What the fuck do you want, White?”
“Shh!Do you not know any other words?” I exclaimed, motioning toward Jasper.And please get the hell out.
I couldn’t concentrate anymore. I felt his presence all around me even when I wasn’t looking at or talking to him.
Suddenly, I lifted my head and met his gaze.
“How am I bothering you? Just keep helping him with his homework. Go on,” he challenged as he leaned against the kitchen counter, scrolling on his phone.
I watched him snicker, intent on sucking on the little red ball between his lips.
“We’re almost done, can we go on the couch?” I asked, feigning a bare minimum of manners that he didn’t deserve.
James shrugged nonchalantly and went back to looking at his phone. Jasper and I left the kitchen and went into the living room.
“Do you like living with your dad and brother?” I asked, remembering the redhead in the photo.
Jasper nodded listlessly, turned on the TV, and went back to staring at the floor.
I shouldn’t have pried, but my curiosity got the best of me.
“Or maybe, it was better before?”
Jasper didn’t answer, but he tensed. It was clear that the subject hurt him.
But why show me the picture?
He must have others. Why’d he choose that particular one with other people? And why Brian and Amelia?
