Even my high school sweetheart, Claire, was
concerned about him.
But around me, he was a different person.
I tried to tell my family that he was fake, but
they just thought I was jealous.
Four years ago, Justin was kidnapped.
After he was rescued, he had nightmares.
One night, he was outside my door, begging
and crying.
“I won’t take anything from you, please leave
me alone!”
L
He said he heard the kidnappers talking to
me.
I was a minor, and there was no proof, so I
couldn’t be charged.
I tried to explain, but no one believed me, and
Claire stayed away.
Justin was diagnosed with depression and
tried to commit suicide.
I was blamed for everything.
I thought I could clear my name if I just tried
hard enough.
Then I found out the truth.
My folks told me I was adopted
く
My folks told me I was adopted.
At sixteen, I was sent to hell with my “real”
parents.
Those four years were nothing short of
torture.
Justin, surrounded by attention, smirked.
“Ashley, don’t. I’m sure Jake’s changed his
ways, right?”
Brittany ruffled his hair.
“You’re too nice, that’s why he picks on you.”
My folks gave me another disappointed look.
It was always like this.
Г
Any time they gave me attention, he’d find a
way to get them focused on him.
I gave up trying to prove him wrong.
The Thompsons would believe what they
wanted to.
And as far as I was concerned, I was guilty
before even having a chance.
3.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Thompson, I’m only staying for
the night, I’ll look for a job tomorrow…”
Before I could finish, Brittany cut me off.
“Give it a rest, will you? You are home, so
ston causing probleme ako!!
My mom looked hurt.
“Jake, why are you always being dramatic?
Do you have to make us all uncomfortable
before you’re satisfied?”
I looked at them, confused.
“I’m not family, I shouldn’t be staying here.”
My mom hesitated, but didn’t say anything.
My dad scowled.
“Alright, stay here for now, we’ll deal with it
later.”
I didn’t argue.
They just wanted me to do what they said.
く
I didn’t understand why they wanted me to
stay.
No one here wanted me around.
My old bedroom was Justin’s art studio, and I
had to stay in the maid’s quarters.
I was thrilled; I finally had a bed.
For years, I slept in a barn or pigpen.
I had to pay my so–called folks rent for the
rare nights I got to sleep in a bed.
Those nights were just as miserable as the
others.
Despite my pleas, they tied me to the bed and
beat me.
く
If I resisted, I’d get thrown in the cellar.
I had no food or water until I was nearly dead.
I tried to get help from the Thompsons, but
my real folks caught me and tied me up.
They burned me with a hot iron, laughing at
me for being so stupid.
“The Thompsons said you’re too spoiled, and
we’re supposed to teach you a lesson!”
“You’re going to stay here and earn us
money! If you run away or call anyone again,
I’ll kill you!”
The clean sheets felt foreign to me, and I
couldn’t sleep.
I got dressed and went outside, sitting with
my back against the wall until I fell asleep.
A hand shook me awake.
I thought my folks were here with their friends
again.
I started taking off my clothes automatically.
I would get hit if I was too slow.
Ashley gasped.
“Jake, what are you doing?”
I woke up with a start.
I was away from that hellhole.
く
I was about to go back to my room, but
Ashley stopped me, looking strange.
“I just got back from band practice.”
I stared at her.
Then I remembered.
She was into rock, and always snuck out to
practice with her band.
The band members were older guys, and
Ashley was a teenager.
So I would wait up for her, nagging her to be
careful, then I’d make her tea to soothe her
throat.
She always rolled her eyes and threw it away.
く
“You’re so annoying! Justin supports me, he’s
not like you!”
Even though that happened, I always waited
for her.
But all that got me was her ignoring my cries
for help.
With that in mind, I just said “okay” and
turned to leave.
Ashley grabbed my arm, her face dark.
“Where’s my tea?”
I blinked.
“Justin can make it for you.”
Г
She scoffed, letting go of my arm.
“What’s with you? It’s your fault Justin got
hurt, going to that farm was your karma.”
“If my brother hadn’t forgiven you, you
wouldn’t be here. You shouldn’t be mad at
him!”