"I asked, what's in your hands?" I said sternly.
Jace brought out the gimmick and clutched it tightly.
"It's this, sis… please don't throw it away. I really love it," Jace said softly, looking at me with wide eyes.
I glanced at him as I took the gimmick.
"Don't bother. You better cut off that love, because you aren't seeing it again," I said coldly.
Jace sniffled and looked down at the ground. I glanced at him and sighed. "Look up, kid," I said softly.
He continued staring at the floor. I squatted down and gently raised his chin.
"Jace…" I said.
He turned his face away. I dropped my hands and clenched them. "Listen, kid. If you keep ignoring me, I will leave you right this instant," I said coldly.
Jace froze, then shot his hands up, clutching my robe tightly. I smirked and pried his hands off gently.
"Big sis, don't… I'm sorry. I'm not ignoring you. Don't leave," Jace said anxiously, snapping his face up.
I smiled and ruffled his hair. "I'm not leaving, okay? Don't be so nervous."
Jace tilted his head and stared at me. I sighed and gazed into his eyes.
"Jace, do you mind telling me why you love this costume so much?" I asked softly.
He twisted his hands nervously. "I don't… it's just… it's my first one, and Mom told me it's special and important since it's from Dad, so…" Jace trailed off.
I scoffed coldly, clenching my hands. That woman and her rubbish teachings, I thought as I glanced at him.
"Big sis, are you angry?" Jace asked softly, looking at my face.
I smiled. "No, I'm not. It's just that… okay, is it alright if I get you another costume? One from your favorite big sis?" I grinned softly.
Jace's eyes sparkled. "Really?!" he asked.
"Yeah. When has your big sis ever lied to you?" I said softly.
"I would love that, but… what about Mom?" Jace asked nervously.
I scoffed. "Don't mind what she says. Mom's delusional at the moment. This costume isn't anything special… in fact, don't bother listening to anything Mom tells you about our imaginary Dad, okay?" I said coldly.
"Why are you filling his head with bad thoughts about his Dad, Lexy?" Mom said suddenly.
I turned and saw her standing at the doorway of the dining room, arms crossed. I scoffed and stood up.
"Jace, go up to your room," I said.
"But…" Jace glanced between me and Mom.
"Upstairs. Right this instant," I said coldly.
"Okay," Jace said and ran upstairs. I waited until his footsteps faded before turning to Mom, who was still standing there.
"You haven't answered my question yet, Lexy," Mom said sternly.
"Mom, I call you my mom because you gave birth to me. I respect you and I pity you, but please do not push me. I'll tell you for the last time: that man is neither mine nor Jace's father," I said coldly.
"But…" Mom stepped forward.
"Nothing, Mom. Nothing. Me and that man aren't related, and it would do you well to stop filling Jace's head with your delusions," I said sternly, turning away.
"And the moment you try to bring that man near Jace, you won't want to see what happens next. So please, don't try it," I said coldly as I walked upstairs.
Mom stared at my back until I disappeared from sight.