The Perfect Family

SIRI

Keep a straight face, Siri. 

Do not waver. 

Do not let this English, good-looking man, with huge biceps that even the large hoodie can’t hide, and with thick, strong thighs that his jeans highlighted, distract you. And with messy hair and those bedroom eyes, distract you.

Do not let your STEPBROTHER distract you. 

Yap, and that did it.

“I’m at work, Jackson,” I said, making sure to push enough irritation into my voice to throw him off. “If you’re not going to order, then leave.”

He wasn't thrown off. He kept staring at me, leaning against the counter, and I could feel the eyes on us. Eyes that I wanted to avoid, the way I have always avoided eyes. 

He straightened suddenly. 

“An americano. Two shots.” 

And just like that, his face was closed off.

I nodded. “Coming right up, sir.”

After his order was served, he took it, paid, and left without a single glance my way. Why did that… sting? Now, I was just being ridiculous. But I couldn't help but think about how he was going to get laid.

Who will she be? Maybe tall. Skinny, with a tight ass. Yeah, that was what men like him go for. I know it was a joke when he said those things to me. Men like him didn't look towards girls like me. And when they do? Run the other way. 

Whoever that girl is going to be, I was fucking jealous of her. 

~.~

I got home later than usual, and a single light was on. My heart sank before I even permitted it. I slowly made my way upstairs, hoping he wouldn't notice I was back, because I knew I was the reason that light was on, but who was I kidding? He always noticed.

“A word, Siri.” His voice came from the kitchen, cool and calm like it always is, and a cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck. 

“Breathe, Siri,” I whispered as I made my way to him. “Breathe.” 

He was standing by the counter, a mug in his hand. His eyes were cold and empty as they were fixed on me, nothing like the way they were when he was looking at Lillian. But of course I knew that look was fake, too. This man felt nothing for anyone but himself.

“You’re late today,” he said, sipping from the mug and looking at me from the rim.

“I had to pull a double shift.”

He said nothing, his eyes fixed on mine. I’ve come to know that this was a show of power, and every time I looked away first, I let him know he held power over me. I’ve learned how to hold his eyes.

He looked away first. “Lilian is beginning to ask questions.”

“About?”

“Your job at the café.”

Ah yes. I remembered Jackson had asked me the same thing. 

So let me explain the picture to you. The image my father has set up was a doctor who was doing well for himself. I wonder why nobody has ever asked which hospital he was working at. Why has no one ever thought to see him at his workplace? Then they’ll know that everything about him was a lie.

It would affect me, I know. The way it affected me four years ago, but I will survive the way I always did. 

So back to the picture. For a doctor who was well off, it would seem strange to anybody who looked that his daughter was working in the café. 

“I see,” was all I said. 

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s all you have to say?”

“Yes, Father. That’s all I have to say. I have a student loan I need to pay, bills that keep piling up and I don't even know where they come from, and I have a life. So yes, that’s all I have to say.”

Calm, Siri. Be calm. Be like him, stonefaced, and emotionless. 

He hummed, raising the mug to his lips again. Was there even liquid in that cup? 

“We’ll think of a solution to all that,” he said finally. “I can’t let you ruin this for you. Good night, Siri.”

My shaking hands clenched into fists, but I kept my face blank as I nodded. “Good night, Father.”

When I got to my room, I stood still at the center for a good five minutes, staring at nothing in particular. 

Ruin this for him? Ruin what? His lie? His fake life? He was the one who ruined things for me! Four years ago, he made my life harder than it already was!

“Don’t cry,” I muttered, clenching my hands so tightly that my nails dug into my palms and pierced my skin. The pain woke me up. “You are no longer that little girl who cries because of him. You’re not her anymore.”

~.~

Jackson had a game the next day, and unfortunately, I had to be there because we were playing the perfect little family. 

I scoffed. What bullshit.

“What’s funny, Siri?” Lilian asked with a bright smile, and I almost felt guilty.

“Nothing,” I said softly. “I just remembered a joke.”

The game was about to start, and the arena was alive with the screams and cheers of thousands of fans. I already had my earplugs in, but they did nothing to dull the noise, so I played music. The cheers faded, the screams dying down, and I just… breathed.

Finally, the game started. As soon as he skated into the rink, I knew it was him even though he was wearing a helmet. It wasn't the C on his jersey that gave away his position as captain, or the number seven printed boldly on it. It was just… him.

I don't know when I started being so aware of him when we’ve barely spent time together. He stood tall, rolling his shoulders, his stick tight in his grip. The world was quiet, and he was the only one I saw on the rink. 

And then, almost as if he felt my eyes on him, he raised his head, and from across the arena, his eyes found mine.