Chapter 3
D
The second those words left Janie’s mouth, the Jenkins family went quiet. They all looked embarrassed, except for Zion. “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” He snapped.
Janie’s smile was razor–sharp. “Plain old human speech. You get it or what? How impressive:
Zion’s face turned beet red. He spun around to the others like a whiny little kid. “You guys all see that She’s really being shady here!”
Frank and Kathy exchanged a look, clearly uncomfortable, but didn’t bother backing him up. They were too busy trying to figure out how to deal with Janie.
Zion? Mad as hell throwing a tantrum, and totally getting ignored. But before he could explode again, Xena piped up, all wide–eyed and guilty. “This is all my fault. Im so sorry, everyone,”
Janie tilted her head with a faint smirk. “Glad you know”
The room collectively cringed, with Ryan shot her a look that could kill. “Hey Janie, can’t you just knock
“Look, Janie, we–thas whole situation, it’s on us. Kathy tried to smooth things over, “But please, don’t take it out on Xena. L’
Frank cut in with a sigh, clearly trying to play diplomat, Janie, about the triplets thing…”
Janie raised a brow; her voice icy. “Triplets? You really think anyone’s buying that?”
“You’re just refusing on purpose, aren’t you?” Zion blurted our
“Yes Sure I am” Janie didn’t even hesitate. “Seriously, who’d be up for that?”
The Jenkins winced again. Her words hit like a slap, leaving everyone–including Frank and Kathy–looking awkward and impatient.
But Janie was unbothered. “Let’s be real. She shrugged, “With siblings like you two, I’d be embarrassed to claim the connection”
Her gaze flicked to Xena. “And honestly, knowing what I know, would you want to buddy up with the kid of someone who stole your life? Didn’t think so. If you don’t want me here, just say it. I’ll bounce right now. No need to throw shade at me,”
“Nu, we would never “Kathy tried to explain, but paused in the mix of guilt and pity.
Janie’s words hit Xena like a punch. Bitterness and resentment surged in her chest, she wiped her tears, trying to look all sorry and pitiful. “I—I know I messed up
But Janie wasn’t buying it. Her voice was ice cold. Then stop talking about it and actually do something for once. I don’t see you giving a damn about changing, though”
Xena hit her lip, looking utterly defeated. Zion, though? He was ready to blow a gasket. “How dare you look down on us!”
even hard
Jane didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, I dare. It’s not even
“What the Zion looked seconds from combusting. The rest of the Jenkins Family? Speechless. Uncomfortable. Sharing awkward glances all
around
Frank tried to take charge, throwing on his “dad voice.” “Janie, look, we get it, okay? But you’re all our kids now. Hope you can get with that? Janie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “And if I don’t? What then? You’re going to change your mind?”
That shut everyone up really quick. Finally, Frank sighed, looking almost ashamed. “No. We’re not backing down?
Zion Bually felt like he’d scored a win for once. He smirked, looking way too pleased with himself. “Hear that? You’ve got no choice.”
Janie didn’t even bother to respond. What was the point? It would just make things weird.
She stayed quirt unul Kathy started stifling, wiping her eyes. “Janie, I know you’re not feeling this, but it’s just for now. Trust me, you’ll see. You’ll per alung eventually. You’re all such good kide”
“That’s right. Don’t worry, everyone, I’ll tell people I’m the elder sister, and Janie’s the little one.” Xena also chimed in. “Janie, I promise, we’ll all take good care of you”
Zion muttered something under his breads, dearly anyt
no one paid him any attention,
Ethan nodded, looking satisfied. “That’s settled then. Jaisle, you’ve got three brothers and a sister now. We’ll make it up to you. Promise.”
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Chapter 3
Without asking for Janie’s opinion, they just declared it like it was low. The air in the mom fel sitting there like she was in a whole different world
Sensing the tension. Ethan coughed awkwardly. “So, Janie, what are you thinking about your undergrad?“.
ful but Janie was the total outlier, just
Hearing that, Ryan also drawled, Theard you’re killing it with your grades. Why not come to University of Ashford? Me and Ethan went there—he’s already finished up, but I can totally back you up
Xena grinned and tossed in. “Right,
and I are also heading there this fall. We’ll all have each other’s back”
Zion scoffed. No way in hell he was sticking around to babysit hert
Janne just brushed it off. Tl figure it out later. She said.
Zion wasn’t feeling Janie’s vibe. After a beat, he perked up, smirking. “What’s up? Figure it out you’re not going to cut it? Didn’t peg you for someone who knows their limits!”
Kathy shot him a sharp look, giving him a discreet nudge, then turned back to Janie, “If you need anything, Janie, just let us know. Could be studying abroad or whatever, we’ve got you covered.”
Janie cut her off with a faint s
Ismile. Thanks, but I’ve got it covered myself”
“Yeah, sure.” Zion rolled his eyes, “Just keep pretending!”
Ethan’s voice dropped, cold and threatening “Zion, one more word, and you’re gone?
Zion had always been low–key scared of Ethan. This time, he shut the hell up really quick.
The art was thick with tension–so t
so thick one could cut it with a knife, until Xena tilted her head toward Zion.
“Hey Zion quit giving our Janie a hard time. She’s just caught in the middle!” She pouted, all sweet and syrupy. “From now on, you better be nice to her, or I’ll stop talking to you!”
Zion’s face twisted into a storm of emotions before he finally gave is, grinding his teeth. “Fine. You’re always way too soft–hearted, Xena, I’ll back off this time.
Then he shot Janie a sideways glance like he was doing her some grand favor. Just don’t step out of the line, and we won’t have any problems. You hear me?”
“Zion” Frank pounded his fist on the table, the bang echoing through the room, “Watch your attitude!”
Everyone, except Janir, flinched at the shout. Zion straightened up like a scolded puppy, but the way he glared at Janie said it all.
He was stewing Before she showed up, he was untouchable. Even if he screwed up, with Xena sticking up for him, he wouldn’t get trouble. But now! One wrong word, and he was public enemy number one.
into
any real
He was stewing in his own anger when, out of nowhere, Kathy spoke up, desperate to shift gears. “Anyway, Janie, tomorrow is Tyler’s 18th birthday. You probably don’t know him yet–he’s from the Kriegers, our family friends for ages. You should come with us.”
Zion’s eyes lit up like he just got handed a golden opportunity. “Oh yeah, and Tyler’s Xena’s fiance already. So don’t go getting any funny ideas, alright
Xena’s face went been red, “Oh, come on, Zion, don’t talk to Janie like that!”
“It’s just something I was joking around with Tyler’s mom about Kathy shot Zion a look before turning back to Janie, her voice going all soft, “Don’t Jake it to hirant. Nothing official”
The shift in Xena’s face was subtle, but Janie caught it.
That little crack in her periert facade! Golden. It was like she finally realized that none of this was ever really hers to begin with. Bet she was probably complaining in her head about how the Jenkins acted all sweet to her face but talked behind her back
low that you mention at Ryan chuckled, “If it were official, wouldn’t the engagement technically be Janie’s? She’s the real daughter, after all” “What’s that supposed to mean? Zion blurted, “Tyler al Xena are totally meant to bel What’s Janie got to do with it?”
Xena, ever the picture of fragile grace, despite being secretly pissed, lowered her head. “You’re right. The engagement should be Janie’s. I’m just…a nobody who stal into her place?
“Come on, Xena,” Ryan’s smirk faltered, Tm just kidding. Don’t take it so seriously
But Xena was already dabbing at her eyes, her voice trembling with the perfect mix of regret and humillay. “I know my p
place, I’d never try to take
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Chapter 3
what’s hers. Tyler belongs to her. I swear. won’t step
in the way..
Here we go again, Janie thought. She let out a short laugh, all sharp edges and ze foot pole.
humor. “Relax. I wouldn’t touch your precious fiancé with a ten-
“Ha! That’s rich.” Zion sneered. “Ditched that Lindsey Carter first, and now you’re here acting all high and mighty with us!”
“Oh please,” Janie rolled her eyes. “I won’t even bat an eye if that Tyler hand me a million bucks. I just couldn’t care less.”
Zion’s face twisted in outrage, “You bener bite your tongue before getting yourself in hot water!”
Ethan cleared his throat, trying to mediate. Janie, maybe dial it down a notch”
But Janie wasn’t about to let it slide. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s a friendly little tip. No need to thank me. Unless you’re feeling really grateful. then. I don’t know, maybe toss in a bow or two?”
Zion choked on air, his anger rendering him speechless. It was Xena whose voice quivered next, “Janie, that’s not what I meant…I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Janie’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Then say what you n
you mean for once. How hard is it to just spit it out?”
I’m sorry!” Xena covered her face and burst into tears, her sobs echoing through the room.
The Jenkins stunned, hustled over to comfort Xena. Zion snapped back again, “Look what you did! You made her cry! Are you happy now!”
Janie stayed ice–calm, her voice steady as steel. “You were all here. You saw what happened. Don’t play dumb. If you’re so worried, go poor little Xena”
In an awkward silence, she stood, not waiting for permission or approval, and walked out without a backward glance.
