Double the Trouble

-running out of options-

Jack's POV

I stared down at the small paper my sister held in we hand. She swallowed hard staring at me.

We didn't have to say anything. I turned around heading back into my room and Emmersyn followed me. She sat down on my bed in silence and I sat beside her.

We switched papers.

Emmersyn,
Heard you were coming back early. Looks like we beat you here. I can't believe you haven't told Jack about the many visits we've had the past few months. It's best not to tell anyone in your new little 'family' so maybe no one gets hurt. Shall we go after Ashton first? He's your dad, right?
-You're REAL father and mother

I looked up at Emmersyn, suddenly feeling light headed.

Why hadn't she come to me?

Is that why she's been acting so weird?

"I'm sorry, J." She mumbled, looking down at the note I had handed her.

Mine didn't say much, but just enough to make your stomach turn. Reminding me of things I just wanted to forget.

"What if we-if we go back to the orphanage?" I asked softly, not wanting to ever have to say those words. Especially now that I felt at home with everyone around me.

Emmersyn squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head. "I finally like it somewhere." She mumbled softly, "And Ashton loves us, he won't let us leave."

My sister rested her head on my shoulder, setting the paper down on the side of her.

My door opened a few seconds later, Ashton's curly headed self peeking in. "Ja-oh, you're both in here." He smiled, waltzing into the room. Emmersyn and I slipped the notes behind our backs, keeping them hidden from Ashton.

"I was coming to find you guys because we're gonna go for a dip in the pool. Probably the only time we'll get to go in before summer ends." Ashton was still cheery and smiling.

I looked at Emmersyn then the two of us looked back at Ash and shook our heads. "No, we're fine."

Ashton's smile faltered, he seemed to finally read our facial expressions. "Wait, what's wrong?"

I contemplated telling him. Maybe he could help. Maybe he needed to know.

"Hello? Earth to Jack and Emmersyn." Ashton waved his hand in front of our faces. I looked up at him, suddenly feeling like I was going to cry and I hate crying.

"Nothing." I spoke surprisingly strongly, though I thought my voice was going to crack.

Ash, of course, didn't believe me and looked to Emmersyn who kept her head low because she was crying. I wrapped my arm around her, giving her shoulders a tight squeeze.

"I don't think she's feeling well." I stated. My sister nodded in agreement.

Ashton sighed, standing up and telling us he was here if we needed him. As soon as the door closed behind him and we heard him go down the stairs Emmersyn turned to me.

"We need to leave. The boy's aren't safe with us around and we're easier to find with them. We can go off on our own, it wouldn't be the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last." Emmersyn had determination clear in her voice, all though I couldn't tell she was upset.

"Pack a backpack, that's all we'll need. We can leave tonight."