"Nico, honey."

I awoke to Mama's soft smile and her hand on my shoulder.

My eyes fluttered and adjusted to my surroundings. It's daylight, and I'm in Mamma and Papà's room.

I sat up groggily, "Hmm?"

Mama laughed lightly, "You fell asleep. Come on, let's go eat dinner."

I blinked a few times and stretched my arms. I glanced at the clock, 5:34PM.

I looked back at my mother and nodded. She left the room gracefully, and I followed with weak knees.

"Jacie, phones away at the dinner table please." Maria chided.

I sighed, "Sorry." I stuck the phone in my pocket, feeling it vibrate thrice. I quickly ate my rice and chicken and left the table, excited to be texting my new boyfriend.

Boyfriend. I giggled at the word.

Edgar: Are you there?

Me: sorry, had to eat

Edgar: you eat this early?

Me: Hades and Nico have health conditions

Edgar: who's Hades

Me: my biological dad

Edgar: what health conditions? If I may ask.

Me: of course!! Hades has diabetes (though you wouldn't notice by just looking at him), and Nico apparently doesn't know but when Maria took him to the hospital he was diagnosed with some eating disorder so Maria and Hades keep him on a schedule.

Edgar: why won't they let him know?

Me: he can be really stubborn, if he finds out he'll flip

Edgar: who's Maria?

Me: biological mom

Edgar: oh, okay. Sorry to hear about the health conditions, though.

Me: it's no worries!!
Me: what time do you eat?

Edgar: around 8:30

Me: I used to eat at around 9 when I lived with my other family
Me: I'm still unsure what to call them

Edgar: foster fam??

Me: I guess, yeah :)

I heard a knock on my door. "Jacie? Can we talk?"

"Just one moment, Nico." I reply cheerfully.

Me: sorry, igtg, but I'll text you back later
Me: thanks for talking with me

Edgar: no problem, dove, talk to you later ♡

I stood, setting my phone on the bed where I sat, and opened my door.

Nico stood at the frame, looking glum. I brought him over to my bed, closing the door behind him. I noticed my bedroom walls, and made a mental note to finish them with Nico once the whole Leo situation died down.

"What's going on?" I ask lovingly. He folded his arms, examining the floor and the tips of his socks.

After a moment, "I don't know. I'm sorry." He sighs, beginning to stand, but I stop him.

He's so used to having Leo. Now that he doesn't, he needs a new support system. "It's okay. Let's talk."

He's still staring at his feet when he rests his head on my shoulder. It's nice having a brother, I think.

Nico takes a deep breath, "I miss him. And I hope he's okay. He really does deserve the best."

"Yeah, he's awesome, from what I can tell. He'll be okay."

He replies half-heartedly, "Yeah."

I lay my cheek on his head.

"Are you going out with Edgar soon? I still have to meet the dude. Not anybody can date my sister." Nico lightens the mood.

I giggled. "We haven't planned anything yet, but maybe he can come over soon."

Nico nods, "I'll have a long talk with him."

Hahaha.

I felt my phone vibrate from beside my leg. I picked it up and checked it.

Dad: I need to talk to you later, honey. In person.

I frown, and Nico notices. "What's wrong?" he asks, sitting up.

Me: why?

Dad: you'll see. Can I pick you up tomorrow night around 5?

Me: yeah, see you then

I set my phone down, but felt it vibrate again immediately after.

Dad: love you, sweetie

Me: love you too, dad

Nico waits for my reply patiently.

"Um, nothing, just my dad."

I see him think about that for a second, noticing him look down at the word dad. Only then did I realize how much his family has been torn apart. I'd heard from Leo that when he was ten someone really close to him died, someone he considered family. It must be hard for him, to think about me, his sister, deprived and loving a different family more.

It is strange, to me, but. . . just gotta be optimistic. That's all.

I smiled, "Hey, wanna watch a movie."

He looks up at me, realizing his eyes wandered, and puts up a fake smile, "Yeah. Let's do that."

I nod, wishing his fake smile wasn't so full of pain.