“Well, look who it is, boy wonder,” Jessie said rolling her eyes as we walked into her living room to see you and Jack sitting on the couch, listening to Blink-182. You ignored her comment and gave me a smile that made my chest feel like it was on fire.
“Hannah!” Jack exclaimed standing up, pulling me into a brotherly hug. “We never see you around here anymore.” I smiled at the boy who was like a brother to me
“Yeah, well,” I replied leaving it at that. Jack ruffled my hair and I tried to remember a time when he was the innocent Jack Barakat we all missed.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The day Jack Barakat become someone completely different from the boy with a smile in his eyes. The day Jack Barakat became Jack Barakat.

Three Years Ago

The week after Jessie killed the bird, I walked down the cold Baltimore streets to her house after my therapy session with Dr. Armstrong; my black combat boots slapping against the wet pavement. I breathed in the smell of rain, replaying the way Dr. Armstrong leaned against his knees, staring at me with those green eyes. I felt bad for him, honestly. He was forced to sit with a fucked up teenage girl for an hour who refused to talk. But, his patience was comforting for some reason.
I walked up the stone path to Jessie’s house, wanting to tell her all about Dr. Armstrong. I knew she would like him. Just like I knew you would, Alex.

I opened the door, not bothering to knock, since I knew the only people who were home were Jessie and Jack. I also think part of the reason Jack and Jessie are who they are because, well, Joyce and Bassam Barakat weren’t exactly the best parents. They had always left their children alone for work. But, I knew they were good people, and they only wanted to make sure Jessie and Jack had a secure future.

Anyway, I walked into the familiar living room, the comforting smell of their home filling my lungs. “Jess?” I called up the stairs. When I got no reply, I walked up the stairs, fearing Jessie had left me just like Samantha had. I heard Blink-182 blaring through the door with posters covering it. I kept walking, knowing it was not unusual for Jack to be listening to music so loud the floor vibrated. When I got to Jessie’s door, I opened it, seeing her clean room empty.

“She’s not here,” I heard a voice say from behind me. I jumped and spun around to see a bloodshot eyed Jack. His hair messier than usual.

“Oh,” I replied simply. Jack stared at me, like he could see right through me.

“C’mon,” He said, putting an arm around me, walking me to his room. “It’s been awhile since we’ve talked.” I let him lead me to his room.

Don’t worry, Alex. It was nothing like that. I think you know how close Jack and I were. He was my brother. Jessie and I looked at him with the same bright admiration.

“So, how’ve you been, Han?” He asked, turning off the music. I sat on his desk chair and shrugged.

“Eh, been better,” I said. “My parents forced me into therapy; just got back from my first session.” Jack chuckled, sitting on his bed.

“Ugh, I hated therapy,” He muttered. We smiled at each other for a moment until Jack’s smile fell, and he looked at me with serious eyes. “Can I ask you something?” I nodded.

“Do you believe in demons?” He asked looking at the ceiling. “Not spirit demons that possess people. Those demons that live inside of us, slowly eating away at our sanity?”

I frowned and looked down, knowing exactly what he was talking about. “Why do you ask?”

“Do you?”

“Well,” I began. “Honestly, yes. I do.”

Jack stood up. In a flash, he was in front of me, pinning my wrists down onto the chair’s armrests, his eyes clouded with something--something dark that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I felt his breath hit my face, but I didn’t dare move. “I’m not normal, Han. I’m insane. I can’t even feel. The demons got me.”

“Jack,” I whispered in fear. I wasn’t sure whether I was staring into Jessie’s eyes or Jack’s. The glint of insanity was so similar, I didn’t know whether Jessie was the one pinning me down, or Jack.

I don’t know what happened after that, I repressed that memory, too. Honestly, Alex, I’m glad I don’t remember.

Notes

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. School .-. To make up for it, I'll upload another! :D