jace

Story: Every Friday after school, Brandon picked Mallory up. Every Friday night, she stayed over. Every Sunday afternoon, she’d go home. It had been the routine for almost six months. Brandon’s parents adored Mallory. His little cousins always begged her to play games. Even the family dog followed her around the house. Everyone seemed happy she was there… …except Jace. ⸻ Jace never complained. Never rolled her eyes. Never asked why Mallory was over so much. She just… disappeared. The second Mallory arrived, Jace would head upstairs, shut her bedroom door, and stay there for hours. Sometimes all day. ⸻ But every now and then… She’d come downstairs. Grab a drink. Walk through the kitchen. And before going back upstairs… She’d stop. Look directly at Mallory. Hold eye contact for a few uncomfortable seconds. …then leave without saying a word. ⸻ “Does your sister hate me?” Mallory finally asked one weekend. Brandon laughed. “Nah. That’s just Jace.” “She literally stared at me for like ten seconds.” “She stares at everyone.” “No…” Mallory muttered. “Not like that.” ⸻ The next weekend, it happened again. Movie night. Mallory and Brandon were on the couch. Jace walked downstairs, grabbed a bottle of water, and started back toward the stairs. Halfway up… She stopped. Turned around. Looked straight at Mallory. Then quietly said… “You’re sitting in my spot.” Before Mallory could apologize… Jace added, “I’m kidding.” She smirked. …and disappeared upstairs. ⸻ “See?!” Mallory whispered. “What?” Brandon asked. “She’s so weird!” “Told you,” Brandon shrugged mallory 16 brandon 17 jace 18, masc