Chapter: "Going Back"
Keifer's POV
I knew it was coming.
She couldn't stay here forever.
Even if I wanted her to.
Even if Aries wanted her somewhere safer.
Even if she looked smaller every time someone mentioned going back.
Aries stood near the staircase, car keys in his hand.
Silent.
Jay was in my room, packing the few things she used.
She wasn't talking much today.
Not crying.
Not laughing.
Just… quiet.
I leaned against the doorframe.
"You don't have to rush," I said.
She folded my hoodie slowly.
"I'm not rushing."
"You can stay another day."
She shook her head.
"If I stay longer, I won't want to leave."
That hit.
I walked inside.
"You act like you're moving countries."
She gave a faint smile.
"It feels like it."
I stepped closer.
"Are you scared?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Then softly—
"Yes."
Not of Angelo.
Not of the house.
But of being alone with her thoughts again.
I understood.
I pulled her into a hug without asking.
She wrapped her arms around me instantly.
Too instantly.
Her face pressed into my chest like she was memorizing it.
"I'll call," I said quietly.
"You better."
"I'll come."
"You better."
Her voice was trying to sound strong.
But her grip was tight.
Too tight.
Jay's POV
Leaving feels wrong.
Not because I don't want to go home.
But because this house felt… safe.
Too safe.
And I'm scared that once I leave, the nightmares will come louder.
Aries knocked lightly.
"Ready?"
I nodded.
Keif carried my bag downstairs even though it wasn't heavy.
Why does that small thing hurt so much?
Keiran ran toward me.
"Don't forget us when you become famous."
I laughed softly. "For what?"
"For breaking my brother emotionally."
Keigan smirked. "We'll monitor him."
Yuri hugged me dramatically.
"If he acts stupid, call me."
Cin nodded. "We'll bully him into behaving."
Aries rolled his eyes.
Then it was just us near the door.
Me.
Keif.
Too many things unsaid.
He looked at me like he wanted to memorize my face.
"I'll text you when we reach," I said.
"Send location."
"I will."
He stepped closer.
Not dramatic.
Not possessive.
Just close enough.
"You're not alone when you leave here," he said quietly.
I swallowed.
"I know."
"Even if your mind tells you otherwise."
That line almost made me cry again.
But I didn't.
I just nodded.
Aries cleared his throat slightly.
Time.
Keif touched my forehead gently.
Not a kiss.
Just contact.
"Go."
I walked out.
But it felt like I was leaving something behind.
In the Car
Keifer's POV
I stood there until the car disappeared.
The house felt louder now.
But emptier.
I went back inside slowly.
Keiran immediately looked at me.
"She'll come back."
I nodded.
"She will."
But that wasn't what worried me.
It was whether she'd be okay until then.
Jay's POV – In the Car
Aries drove quietly.
No music.
No jokes.
After ten minutes, he spoke.
"You okay?"
I looked outside the window.
"I don't know."
He nodded slowly.
"You don't have to act strong with me."
"I'm not acting."
Silence.
Then—
"I feel like if I'm not around him, my thoughts get louder."
Aries' grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
"That's normal after trauma."
"I don't like depending on someone."
"You're not depending."
"Then what is it?"
"It's feeling safe."
I looked at him.
"And what if that safety disappears?"
"It won't."
"You don't know that."
He glanced at me.
"I had the same fear when you were fourteen."
That surprised me.
"What?"
"I was scared I couldn't protect you."
His voice was calm.
"But you grew up. You survived. You're not that girl anymore."
I stared down at my hands.
"Sometimes I still feel like her."
Aries softened.
"That's okay."
He reached over briefly and squeezed my hand.
"But you're not alone anymore."
That word again.
Alone.
I checked my phone.
A message from Keif.
Keif: "Text me when you start overthinking."
I smiled slightly.
I typed back.
Jay: "Too late."
His reply came immediately.
Keif: "Then I'll start overthinking with you."
I laughed softly.
Aries glanced at my screen.
"He texted?"
"Yeah."
"Good."
I leaned my head back against the seat.
Maybe going back doesn't mean going backwards.
Maybe I can carry safety with me.
Even if it's just through a screen.
Even if it's just through someone who stayed.