Page 15 of Love Under Siege

CHAPTER SIX

Jacob

I pull into the driveway and immediately shoot Anya a text.

Jacob: I made it home safe.

Anya: I’m glad and thank you for being there for me today.

Jacob: I will always be there for you, baby.

Anya: I know, but I can still say thank you.

Jacob: Always, my love.

Jacob: I love you.

Anya: I love you too.

I walk into my house and find my mom and Marissa in the kitchen, cooking.

"I'm home," I call out as I drop off my stuff in my room.

"Hello, dear," my mom says over her shoulder as she kneads dough in her hands.

"How was your trip? Is Anya feeling better?" Marissa asks.

"Trip was good, and yeah, she is okay," I reply, keeping my voice neutral. I don't want to divulge Anya’s secret to my family. I may have overstepped when I was talking with her parents, and besides, it was in the heat of the moment. I cannot believe how parents can treat their own daughter that way. I mean, I have had my fair share of family drama; my sperm donor left as soon as I was born and never looked back. But at least he made his intentions known from the beginning. Anya’s parents give her false hope that maybe one day they will treat her better, but they disappoint time and time again.

"Jacob, is everything alright?" my mom asks, staring at me with a hint of concern.

I force a smile, trying to shake off the heaviness that's settled over me. "Yeah, everything's fine, Mom. Just a lot on my mind."

She eyes me skeptically but doesn’t push. "If you say so. You know you can talk to us, right?"

"Yeah, I know. Thanks," I say, giving her a quick hug before heading to my room.

As I close the door behind me, I let out a sigh. The weight of the day’s events presses down on me, making my chest feel tight. Anya’s situation with her parents gnaws at me, a constant reminder of the pain she carries. And then there's the stalker. She has so much on her shoulders, and I want to protect her, to shield her from all the hurt, but sometimes it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle. The frustration and helplessness bubble up inside me, making it hard to breathe.

I flop down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I can’t get the image of Anya's tear-streaked face out of my mind. The way her voice trembled when she talked about her parents, the way she confided in me about the stalker. How can her parents be so cruel? How can they keep breaking her heart over and over again? And the stalker, leaving cryptic messages, knowing I’m not there to protect her. I clench my fists, wishing there was something more I could do.

A soft knock on my door pulls me from my thoughts. "Jacob?" Marissa’s voice comes through the door.

"Yeah?" I reply, sitting up.

She opens the door and peeks in. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I nod, trying to muster another smile. "Just tired, Marissa. It’s been a long day."

She steps inside, closing the door behind her. "You know, you don't have to pretend with me. I can tell something’s bothering you."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... Anya is going through a lot with her parents. They treat her so horribly, and it kills me to see her hurting. I want to help, but I don’t know how." I tell her, not wanting to mention anything about the stalker. There are some things my family doesn’t need to know...yet.

Marissa sits down beside me, her expression softening. "Sometimes, all you can do is be there for her. Let her know she’s not alone."

"I know," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just wish I could do more."

"You’re doing enough, Jacob. Just keep being there for her. That’s all anyone can ask."

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