The Failed Reunion

Three years. Three years since the Blackwoods claimed me as their long-lost son, and all three of my welcome-home galas had ended in disaster.

The first year, I was publicly accused of stealing a watch, becoming the laughingstock of the citys elite.

The second year, I was shoved into the swimming pool and left to drown, battling a fever that kept me unconscious for three days straight. I nearly died.

The third year, a forged paternity test was thrown in my face, and my mother, Mrs. Blackwood, announced she was disowning me on the spot.

And every single year, the fiasco ended the same way: with Justin, the son theyd raised, tearfully admitting hed made a mistake.

But the familys response to me was always the same.

Justins just scared youll take our love away from him. Hes just acting out.

Youre a Blackwood now. Why are you so hung up on these little things?

Then came the fourth gala. Justin staged a dramatic suicide threat from a high platform.

I rushed to save him, but in the process, I fell. My right leg was shattered.

As I lay there, my family swarmed around the terrified Justin, cooing and comforting him. They sent the butler to deliver a single message to me.

Know your place. Dont disturb Justins rest.

Lying in my hospital bed, I touched my broken leg and laughed until tears streamed down my face.

It wasn't that Justin was afraid Id steal their love. It was that the Blackwoods never wanted to love me at all.

If that was the case, then I didnt need to be a Blackwood.

With my mind made up, I started the discharge process.

But then, I overheard them in the corridorJustin and my sister, Sera.

Justins eyes were red-rimmed, his voice laced with worry. Sera, what if Orions leg actually heals? Mom and Dad will still favor him, wont they? I mean, hes their real son

Dont worry. Ive already spoken with the doctor. His leg hell be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Sera, my sister who had always been so cool and distant with me, now comforted him with a voice full of aching tenderness.

Justin still seemed anxious.

But he only got hurt because he was trying to save me

Youre just too soft, still thinking about him at a time like this.

Sera cut him off, a note of indulgence in her voice. Who do you think helped you pull off the stunts at the last three galas? Hes just some backwater kid who grew up in the dirt. How could he ever compare to you, the son whos been with us for twenty years? Hes not worthy.

My legs nearly gave out. A roar filled my ears.

I had thought Justin was the sole architect of my misery. I never imagined that my sister, the one I respected most, was the sharpest knife in my back.

I turned, dragging my casted leg with me, and walked away, step by agonizing step. With every move, the searing pain from my fractured bones was a brutal reminder of my own foolishness.

Three years ago, the Blackwoods had plucked me from Havenwood, a town that was poor but filled with love.

My name was Asher. They told me I should be Orion Blackwood now.

The true heir, switched at birth two decades ago.

But my return to the family was met with nothing but one of Justins cruel melodramas after another.

Each time, Justin would cry and apologize, insisting it was just a moment of weakness.

And each time, my so-called family would use the same tired excuses to pressure me into being the bigger person.

Weve spoiled Justin since he was a child. He doesnt mean any harm.

Youre the real son of this family. Why lower yourself to his level?

I compromised again and again for them, only to have them plot my ruin.

A suffocating weight pressed down on my chest, and tears welled in my eyes.

My phone buzzed. A new post from Sera.

[Our dear Justin had such a scare. Your big sister will always protect you.]

The picture was of Justin, pale and fragile, nestled in her arms.

The irony was so bitter it made me want to laugh.

I scrolled through my contacts, my finger trembling as I dialed a number.

The moment the call connected, my adoptive fathers familiar, worried voice came through. Asher? What is it? Is something wrong?

I couldnt hold it in any longer. I collapsed onto the curb outside the hospital and sobbed like a lost child.

Dad, I choked out. I want to come home.

It was pitch black by the time I returned to the Blackwood mansion.

The living room was ablaze with light, echoing with laughter and cheerful chatter.

I stood at the doorway, a ghost with a broken leg, watching the happy family inside.

Justin was the center of it all, sitting on the sofa like a prince holding court.

A massive cake sat on the table, inscribed with the words: Wishing our treasure a speedy recovery.

They were celebrating his recovery from the "fright" hed had.

Meanwhile, I, the one who had actually fallen and nearly died, hadn't received so much as a single word of concern.

Their light had never been meant for me.

A bitter smile touched my lips, but it was shattered by a cold voice.

Orion, where have you been? Dont you know the whole family has been worried sick about Justin after his scare? And you just vanish without a word!

Sera stood there, her brow furrowed, looking down at me with disdain.

I pointed to my cast. Sera, take a good look. I broke this leg saving your precious little brother.

Her eyes flickered with a brief, startled uncertainty.

Just then, a choked sob came from the sofa.

Sera, dont blame Orion, Justin cried. Its all my fault. If it werent for me, he wouldnt have gotten hurt Orion, are you still mad at me?

Seras expression immediately hardened, her voice turning sharp. This wouldnt have happened if you didnt have to compete with Justin for everything!

So, in her eyes, even saving a life was just another competition.

So, I brought this on myself?

Didnt you? she shot back, pointing a finger at my face. Each word was a dagger twisting in my heart. I warned you. Keep your head down and be grateful youre a Blackwood. Stop trying to compete with Justin. Hes been with us for twenty years. You cant compare to that.

No, I couldnt.

Twenty years of shared memories made blood worthless.

Mr. Blackwood shot me a look of deep disappointment. Orion, you need to learn some gratitude. We took you out of that miserable town, gave you a life of luxury. What more could you possibly want?

It was always like this.

No matter how deeply I was wronged, the moment Justin shed a tear, I was the one at fault.

Seeing my silence, Sera pulled a credit card from her wallet and tossed it at my feet.

This is more than enough for your medical bills and compensation. From now on, just try not to cause any more trouble.

Clack.

The card hit the marble floor, and my heart and my dignity shattered right along with it.

I met her eyes, my throat raw. Sera, if it had been Justin who fell from that platform yesterday, would you be saying the same thing to him?

She froze, as if shed never considered the question.

After a long moment, she answered, her voice like ice. Justin isnt manipulative like you.

Ha.

I closed my eyes, the last bit of warmth in my heart extinguished.

Ill be out by tomorrow.

With that, I began the difficult journey to my room.

Behind me, I faintly heard Sera mutter, Ungrateful little brat.

I sat on my bed, numb, curling into a ball as a raw ache tore through my chest. It felt like I was suffocating. I dont know how long I sat there before a distant roll of thunder startled me back to the present.

Was this all a dream? I wondered dully.

I had spent so many nights dreaming of what it would be like to finally find my real family.

Not once did I imagine it would be like this.

I forced myself up and looked around the room.

It was mine in name only. Traces of Justin were everywhere.

The old model kits he no longer wanted, the worn-out sneakers hed discardedthey filled my closet.

The only thing that was truly mine was a small suitcase.

Opening it, I carefully took out an old wooden music box. My adoptive mother had made it for me on my tenth birthday. On top was a small, dancing figure.

Our Asher, shed said, is going to be the most dazzling dancer on stage one day.

It was my most precious possession.

I was about to place it in my backpack when the door creaked open.

Justin stood there, holding a glass of milk, an expression of pure innocence on his face.

Orion, youre awake. I couldnt sleep, so I warmed up some milk for you. Itll help you feel better.

I ignored him, continuing to pack.

He walked in, setting the milk on the table with a show of false concern. Hey, dont be mad at Mom, Dad, and Sera. Theyre just really worried about me. I know you saved me, and Im so, so grateful.

His words were poison.

Save your gratitude, I said coldly. Just stay the hell away from me.

The smile finally slid off his face. He leaned in close, his voice a venomous whisper.

Orion, who do you think you are? Some country bumpkin who thinks he has the right to compete with me?

My eyes widened in shock.

He smirked, enjoying my reaction. A cripple. Lets see you try to compete with me now!

Suddenly, his hand slipped, and the entire glass of scalding milk splashed onto my arm.

A searing pain shot through my skin. I grunted, my crutch clattering to the floor.

Losing my balance, I crashed down hard.

A wave of agony exploded in my leg, and a cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

But the thing that truly broke my heart was the music box, which had tumbled from my grasp.

A sickening crack echoed in the silent room.

I struggled to look up, just in time to see Justin bring his foot down on it.

The wooden box splintered into pieces. The little dancing figure snapped in two.

Ah!

Justin let out a sharp cry. Then, with practiced calm, he picked up a shard of wood and drew it lightly across his own arm.

He dropped the piece and collapsed to the floor, wailing.

My arm! It hurts so much Orion, why would you do this to me? I know I was wrong, please dont hurt me

His cries were so piercing they brought the entire family running from downstairs.

Sera was the first to burst in.

She rushed to Justin, fussing over him and inspecting his arm.

Justin, what is it? Where are you hurt?

Im okay, Sera, he sobbed, shaking his head. Orion didnt mean it. He was just he was just angry

Orion!

My mothers shriek could have shattered glass. You vile creature! What did you do to Justin now!

My father strode over to me. He looked at the mess on the floor, his face a mask of disgust and disappointment.

Orion, youve disappointed us beyond words. Justin brings you milk out of the kindness of his heart, and this is how you repay him?

I was still on the floor, the throbbing in my leg a brutal reminder of what had just happened.

But no one cared about my fall. Their eyes were fixed on the trivial scratch on Justins arm.

Suddenly, none of it mattered anymore.

Seeing my silence, my mother grew even angrier and slapped me hard across the face.

Im talking to you! Are you deaf? How did we raise such a vicious, cold-hearted son! Apologize to Justin, now!

I cupped my stinging cheek, my gaze defiant.

What did I do wrong? Why should I apologize?

You dare talk back to me! She raised her hand again.

Sera stopped her, then turned her icy gaze on me.

Orion, this is your last warning. If you ever pull a stunt like this again, you can get the hell out of this house.

Before I could respond, she was gone, cradling Justin as she rushed him to the hospital.

I waited at home for a long, long time, clinging to a ridiculous sliver of hope.

My phone screen lit up and dimmed, over and over, but never with the call I was waiting for.

No one came back.

Fine, I told myself repeatedly. This is for the best. But my heart felt like it was drowning in acid.

It wasn't until the sky began to pale with the first light of dawn that I finally stirred.

I rose numbly, packed my things, and bought a bus ticket.

Suddenly, the door was thrown open with violent force.

Sera stood there, dark circles under her eyes, her face etched with fury.

When she saw my packed suitcase, her gaze turned glacial.

Orion, what kind of game are you playing now? Trying to run away to get sympathy?

I didnt answer, just placed the last shirt in my suitcase and zipped it shut.

My silence enraged her. She strode forward, snatched the suitcase from my hand, and kicked it over. My belongings scattered across the floor.

The music box, which I had painstakingly glued back together, rolled out with a fragile, hollow sound.

Did you really think saving Justin once gave you the right to do whatever you want in this house?

She grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at her.

Justin had nightmares all night because of you. Tell me, how should I punish you for that?

I jerked my head up, my face a mask of disbelief. What are you talking about?

Sera let out a cold laugh and signaled to the bodyguards behind her.

I warned you. You didnt listen. So dont blame me for being cruel.

At her nod, one of the men kicked my right leg.

I crumpled to the floor, my leg screaming in agony.

I struggled, but Sera leaned down, her voice a frigid whisper in my ear. Orion, Ill make them stop. Just promise me youll never bother Justin again.

My eyes were burning. I gritted my teeth. You believe anything he says, dont you?

Should I believe a liar like you instead?

You made a mistake, she said, her voice devoid of emotion. You have to pay the price.

She ordered the guards to grab my ankle and twist it outward.

AGH!

A blinding, white-hot agony shot up from the fracture, as if a thousand needles were grinding into my bone marrow.

My vision went black, and my body convulsed uncontrollably.

Please stop My voice was a broken, strangled gasp. Sera it hurts

For a fleeting moment, I saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes. Her voice was stiff. This time, Ill let it go. But if theres a next time

Her phone rang, cutting her off. The screen lit up with Justins name.

That brief moment of hesitation vanished.

She violently shook my hand off, stood up, and answered the call, her voice instantly laced with concern.

Justin? Are you not feeling well again? Im on my way.

Sera turned to leave.

Sera, I called out.

She paused, looking back with impatience.

If you ever find out you were wrong about all of this will you regret it?

Her eyes darkened, her voice sharp as a razor. The only thing I regret is not stopping my parents from bringing you back from that dump in the first place.

The door slammed shut, sealing away the last flicker of hope in my heart.

I lay on the floor and began to laugh.

And laughed, and laughed, until the laughter turned into a flood of tears.

When I finally regained some strength, I struggled to my feet and began, piece by piece, to pack my scattered belongings again.

It was time to go.

Sera was jolted awake by a sharp pain in her chest.

Shed had a nightmare. She dreamt Orion was lying on the floor, covered in blood, whispering over and over again.

Sera, it hurts so much

She shot up in bed, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

It was four in the morning.

On a strange impulse, she got up and walked to Orions room.

She opened the door to find it empty.

Sera frowned. As she turned to leave, her eyes fell on a piece of paper on the desk.

A cold dread washed over her.

With a trembling hand, she picked it up. It was a letter. He was cutting all ties. Permanently.

The paper slipped from her fingers, fluttering to the ground.

Sera stood frozen for a moment, then bolted from the room.