chapter 5

Jessica's POV. 

The tension in here could be cut by a knife, it was so palpable that one couldn't even believe their ears. I was ready as anything else for Nate and Seth to trade blows. 

"I know that this is a bad time, but can both of you just chill out for a second?" My mother intervened, placing her hands akimbo, giving no room for disobedience from father and son. 

It was quite a huge surprise because I would never have imagined in my entire life that I would be watching a real life drama happening in my very eyes. 

"What did you call me here for? It's not certainly because you love me that much, is it?" Nate said dryly. 

I knew that he could be arrogant and pompous when he wanted to be but this was borderline disrespectful. 

Curiosity dispelled my initial anger and I couldn't wait for the cat to be let out of the bag. 

"Will you please just take a seat, son?" My mother spoke again. 

"I'm not your son. When you're done with this sham of a marriage, you can call me." Nate spat out. 

I ran through my veins. 

He didn't just speak to my mother in such a condescending manner. I didn't care if he spoke to his father like trash, but when it came to my own mother, he had to learn some respect. 

I snapped my fingers in the air, "watch your tone boy. I don't care about you as much as you think I do. If everyone is trying to be civil around here, then you better reciprocate. You are not better than any one of us!" 

"Can you just sit this one out nerd? This is not one of your book stuff that you think you have an idea about and want to weigh in." Nate bit out, growling slightly in annoyance.

"I can see how protective you are of him simply because you do not know what he has done. Do you think I chose to hit my father if he hadn't done something to deserve it? Spare me the act." He hissed out. 

The air went completely still. 

It was almost as though everyone was scared to utter a word because it could potentially back fire and we wouldn't want that. 

My stubborn streak decided to rear its ugly head, refusing to give up. "You have such a nerve to try and shame me because I am what? A bookworm? We all have our interests and you do not see me speaking ill about your career because I know that what puts you in the limelight." I went straight for the jugular. 

If he was going to insult my intelligence, then I would also insult his physical strength. 

Nate's eyes narrowed at me, holding a depth of disgust in it, it was almost as though he could not fathom why he was even here in the first place and that was exactly what I wanted from him. 

I wanted him to be confused to a point where he could no longer breathe, and then I would have a field day. 

"Darling..." My mother pacified, "you shouldn't be arguing with him especially when we have a very important discussion right here. I know that both of you do not see eye to eye but, you would have to learn it because no matter what, You Are Family." She stressed the last three words. 

I would have been mad at her on a normal day, but I decided to rub it in this  jerk's face. 

If he thought he had something on me, I was going to crumble every inch of pride that he had swelling inside of him. 

"There you have it, golden boy. You are my family member so I deserve every inch of respect that you can scramble, Dear brother." I smirked. 

Seth let out a frustrated sigh, "I sincerely do not understand what the deal is between both of you. I called you here because like I said, I wanted to show you a few things. I know that you need closure even if you try to act like you don't." He pointed at Nate.

Nate let out a mirthless laughter, sending chills down my spine. His eyes looked soulless, and at that moment, I felt cold. 

"Oh, you really think I'm going to do this with you huh? You really think I'm going to start playing house with your new family? No offense to you darling, but if the both of you knew who this man was and not who he is parading as, you will be out of this house before I can say Jack." 

My mother and I looked from father to son, waiting for Seth to counter the accusations. "I'm not going to sit here and banter words with you especially when you have decided to fly with your own narratives without looking back. If you think that's what happened, then I cannot do anything to change your mindset." 

My eyes widened at the coldness in Seth's voice. "You don't have to worry about me, I certainly would not make you my manager but the time I start playing for the world at large. I don't care if you try to brandish my image, if you try to show up as my father because I do not recognize you as one." Nate laughed, folding his arms in displeasure. 

I felt like smacking him across the cheek because how should he even disgrace a man who was trying to seek closure. 

"You are going to be living with me. I don't want you experiencing life because you do not know anything about it. I know that you have convinced yourself not to allow me into your life. I'm not even begging for that opportunity, you owe it to me to stay here until you are done with college." Seth stated, standing his ground. 

Nate let out a sigh, "I would meet you at the grave site. Nothing else matters to me except that." 

"Oh, not even your scholarship being taken away?" Seth countered, watching Nate's face become crestfallen, "I thought so."