I N S T I N C T | Jackson Whittemore

42: brothers be good to your sisters

Brothers be Good to Your Sisters
Chapter Forty Two

That night, Annie drove home, scared for her own well-being. Matt was stalking her. There was no doubt about it, yet she didn't feel the need to protect herself... and that scared her.

Annie hadn't grown up like Allison. She grew up knowing about the supernatural, knowing about the creatures lurking in the night, knowing that to survive in this world... you had to protect yourself. But ever since she met Jackson, things had changed. Jackson gave her sanctuary, made her feel safe. Jackson protected her, but where was he now? Full of worry and despair, Annie gracefully drifted to sleep.

The next morning, or afternoon, Annie had awoke to her phone ringing. She had slept until 3:00 PM. It was Jackson, go figure, in which she disregarded the phone call promptly after it went to voice mail.

He called seven more times.

After getting dressed, Annie picked up her phone to see her reminder to call Lydia. It was her birthday – her sweet sixteen to be exact – and Annie wanted to wish her a happy birthday.

After listening to the dial tone for a solid minute, Lydia finally answered the phone with a... "Where are you!?"

"Um... Happy birthday?" Annie furrowed her eyebrows together. "But I'm at home, why?"

Lydia sighed, "Get to Allison's now. I need help for my party!" and with that, the phone call was ended.

After changing, grabbing shoes and a jacket, Annie stopped at her the exit of her house. Feeling shivers go up her spine, she quickly turned to around to see Sam standing there.

With eyebrows raised and arms crossed, he smiled, "You should really remember your blade next time." Sam reached into his back pocket and took out a ring-dagger.

Annie looked at her brother incredulously, taking the dagger and safely tucking it in her boot. Looking up at her brother, she scoffed, "Thanks, Dad," she mocked.

Grabbing her house keys off the small hook by the door, she reached for the doorknob only to be stopped once again by Sam. "Where are you going?"

"None ya," she gave her brother a thin, cool smile.

Sam stared at his sister with narrowed eyes. He was just trying to help her. Recently, he learned about his mother, and as much as it hurt him knowing his mom was going to die... he had to handle it professionally. The way he was trained to.

"Have you talked to Dad?" Sam asked, arms crossed and head held high.

"You mean, have I talked to Dad since ruining the whole plan?" Annie scoffed, "I'm trying to stall that confrontation for as long as possible. Now, excuse me..." She reached for the door knob. "Adios, amigo!" without waiting for his response, Annie rushed out the door and began the journey for Allison's house.

* * *

Allison sat with wide eyes on her bed as Lydia stood in front of her with various shopping bags, accessories, and hair products.

Lydia was thrilled. With a wide smile on her face, she turned to see Annie walking into the room and jumped up and down, "Clear your schedule. This could take a while."

Annie scoffed, jumping onto the bed next to Allison, "How many outfits do you plan on wearing tonight?"

"It's my birthday party. I'm thinking host dress," she held up a silver one, "evening dress," then a blue one, "then, mm, after-hours casual," she held up a sparkly skirt and ruffly top.