My shoulders tense. “Forget about it.”
He stands when I begin turning. “I’m not dismissing what you’re saying, Emery. I just think it’s important to know that you two get along. You’re not actually siblings, but you both could find comfort from the past.”
The past.
In order for Kaiden to seek comfort, he has to accept he lost someone. I know Lo is dead and not coming back, no matter what I need to tell myself to cement that she’s better off than she was. Kaiden isn’t that strong. He’s latching on to a could have been situation that doesn’t even exist.
He’s delusional.
“He gave up his room, you know.”
His words stop me again from walking further away. I want to go to my room, change into my pajamas, and go to sleep.
“What do you mean?” I ask instead.
Dad walks over to me. “When Cam and I told him you were moving here, he moved into the spare bedroom. It’s smaller than the one you have and doesn’t come with its own bathroom.”
My lips part in shock. The room’s colors are mild enough to fit Kaiden. All dark tones. I’ve seen his bedroom before to know he’s got all black bedding and sheets, posters of people I don’t know on his walls, and dark furniture. I wouldn’t have guessed my room ever housed him, much less that he’d be willing to give it up for someone he dislikes so much.
“Kaiden is troubled,” he tells me when I make no move to answer. “But there is far more to him than any of us gives him credit for. We try giving him space thinking it’ll help, but I know we might be giving him too much. I don’t think he’d accept me trying to build a bond with him at this point. But you…”
He gave up his room for me?
“I can’t offer him anything.”
“That isn’t true.” His tone is firm, confident in the statement I’m sure is false. “If there is anyone in this world who can break past his shell, it’s you. You’re strong, Em. Stronger than me and your mother combined.”
I don’t say anything.
I go to my room.
Or…not my room.
Kaiden’s room.
But before I can enter, I’m pulled back and pushed against the wall. I’m too startled to make a noise and freeze in the grip Kaiden has on my upper arm. My elbow aches despite his palm barely squeezing me, but my joints are tender, and he isn’t exactly being gentle either.
“You don’t know shit about me,” he hisses so low I almost miss it. His hot breath hits my face and makes me wince further into the wall behind me. “Don’t talk to your father about me, and don’t assume you know what’s best. You don’t and you never will.”
Holding my breath when he lets go of my arm, I count to five before letting it out. The area he grabbed me stings, but I push it away. “I know you gave up your room for me.”
Nothing.
“And I know your father passed away.”
Still nothing.
“I’m—”
“Don’t,” he warns.
“—sorry.”
His nostrils flare as he steps back. “I don’t want your fucking sympathy.”
“Then what do you want?”
“For you to go home.”