Rise of the returned sister (by Isla) novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

quiet.

in

Lon

The second thor words left Janie’s monah, the Jenkins family went is. They all booked embered except for m “What the hell’s that supposed to mean? The snapped.

Janie’s simile sons tapor sharp Plain old human speech. You get it or what Howe impressive?

Zion’s face turned beet red. He spun around to the others like a whiny linde kid “You guys all are diver she’s eatly laring shundy here!

Frank and Kathy exchangeil a look, clearly uncomfortable, for didact feother hacking him up. They were too busy trying to figure out how to deal with Janie

Zion? Mad as hell, throwing a tantrum, and totally getting ignored. But before he could explode span, Xeno piped up at wide–eyed and guilty. This is all my fault. I’m so sorry, everyone.

Jane tihed her head with a faint smirk. “Glad you

The room collectively cringed, with Ryan shot her a look that could kill. “Hey Janie, can’t you just knock it off?

“Look, Janie, we–this whole situation, it’s on us: Kathy tried to smooth things over, “But please, don’t take je oor on Xenia 1.”

Frank cut in with a sigh, clearly trying to play diplomat. “Janie, about the triplets thing

Janie raised a brow, her voice icy. “Triplets? You really think anyone’s buying that?”

“You’re just refusing on purpose, aren’t you?” Zion blurted out.

“Yes. Sure I am” Janie didn’t even hesitate. “Seriously, who’d be up for that?”

The Jenkins winced again. Her words hit like a slap, leaving everyone–including Frank and Kathy–looking awkward and impatient.

But Janie was unbothered. “Let’s be real.” She shrugged, “With siblings like you two, I’d be embarrassed to claim the

connection.

Her gaze flicked to Xena. “And honestly, knowing what I know, would you want to buddy up with the kid of someone who stole your life? Didn’t think so. If you don’t want me here, just say it. I’ll bounce right now. No need to throw shade at me”

–

“No, we would never… Kathy tried to explain, but paused in the mix of guilt and pity.

Janie’s words hit Xena like a punch. Bitterness and resentment surged in her chest, she wiped her tears, trying to look all sorry and pitiful. “I–I know I messed up…”

But Janie wasn’t buying it. Her voice was ice cold. “Then stop talking about it and actually do something for once. I don’t see you giving a damn about changing, though.

Xena bit her lip, looking utterly defeated. Zion, though? He was ready to blow a gasket. “How dare you look down on us!”

Janie didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, I dare. It’s not even hard.”

“What the-!” Zion looked seconds from combusting. The rest of the Jenkins Family? Speechless. Uncomfortable. Sharing awkward glances all around.

Frank tried to take charge, throwing on his “dad voice.” “Janie, look, we get it, okay? But you’re all our kids now. Hope you can

get with that”

Janie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “And if I don’t? What then? You’re going to change your mind?”

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Chapter 3

That shut everyone up really quick. Finally, Frank sigheid, looking almost ashamed. “No. We’re not backing down”

90%

Zion finally felt like he’d scored a win for once. He smirked, looking way too pleased with himself. Hear that? You’ve got no

choice

Janie didn’t even bother to respond. What was the point? It would just make things weird.

She stayed quiet until Kathy started sniffling, wiping her eyes. “Janie, I know you’re not feeling this, but it’s just for now. Trust me, you’ll see. You’ll get along eventually. You’re all such good kids

“That’s right. Don’t worry, everyone. I’ll tell people l’in the elder sister, and Janie’s the little one” Xena also chimed in. “Janie, I promise, we ll all take good care of you.”

Zion mattered something under his breath, clearly amoyed, but no one paid him any attention.

Ethan nodded, looking satisfied. “That’s settled then, Janie, you’ve got three brothers and a sister now. We’ll make it up to you. Promise.”

Without asking for Janie’s opinion, they just declared it like it was law. The air in the room felt weirdly cheerful, but Janie was the total outlier, just sitting there like she was in a whole different world.

Sensing the tension, Ethan coughed awkwardly. “So, Janie, what are you thinking about your undergrad?”

Hearing that, Ryan also drawled, “I heard you’re killing it with your grades. Why not come to University of Ashford? Me and Ethan went there–he’s already finished up, but I can totally back you up.”

Xena grinned and tossed in, “Right, Zion and I are also heading there this fall. We’ll all have each other’s back.”

Zion scoffed. No way in hell he was sticking around to babysit her!

Janie just brushed it off. Tll figure it out later.” She said.

Zion wasn’t feeling Janie’s vibe. After a beat, he perked up, smirking, “What’s up? Figure it out you’re not going to cut it? Didn’t peg you for someone who knows their limits!”

Kathy shot him a sharp look, giving him a discreet nudge, then turned back to Janie, ‘“If you need anything, Janie, just let us know. Could be studying abroad or whatever, we’ve got you covered.”

Janie cut her off with a faint smile, “Thanks, but I’ve got it covered myself.”

“Yeah, sure.” Zion rolled his eyes, “Just keep pretending!”

Ethan’s voice dropped, cold and threatening. “Zion, one more word, and you’re gone.”

Zion had always been low–key scared of Ethan. This time, he shut the hell up really quick

The air was thick with tension–so thick one could cut it with a knife, until Xena tilted her head toward Zion.

“Hey Zion, quit giving our Janie a hard time. She’s just caught in the middle!” She pouted, all sweet and syrupy, “From now on, you better be nice to her, or I’ll stop talking to you!”

Zion’s face twisted into a storm of emotions before he finally gave in, grinding his teeth. “Fine. You’re always way too soft- hearted, Xena. I’ll back off this time.”

Then he shot Janie a sideways glance like he was doing her some grand favor. “Just don’t step out of the line, and we won’t have any problems. You hear me?”

“Zion!” Frank pounded his fist on the table, the bang echoing through the room, “Watch your attitude!”

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Everyone, except Janie, flinched at the shout. Zion straightened up like a scolded puppy, but the way he glared at Janie said

He was stewing. Before she showed up, he was untouchable. Even if he screwed up, with Xena sticking up for him, he wouldn’t get into any real trouble. But now? One wrong word, and he was public enemy number one.

He was stewing in his own anger when, out of nowhere, Kathy spoke up, desperate to shift gears. “Anyway, Janie, tomorrow i Tyler’s 18th birthday. You probably don’t know him yet–he’s from the Kriegers, our family friends for ages. You should come with us.”

Zion’s eyes lit up like he just got handed a golden opportunity. ‘Oh yeah, and Tyler’s Xena’s fiancé already. So don’t go getting any funny ideas, alright?”

Xena’s face went beet red, “Oh, come on. Zion, don’t talk to Janie like that!”

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“It’s just something I was joking around with Tyler’s mom about Kathy shot Zion a look before turning back to Janie, her voice going all soft. “Don’t take it to heart. Nothing official.”

The shift in Xena’s face was subtle, but Janie caught it.

That little track in her perfect facade? Golden. It was like she finally realized that none of this was ever really hers to begin with. Bet she was probably complaining in her head about how the Jenkins acted all sweet to her face but talked behind her back.