I Rejected You, Alpha

ARLEN’S POV

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I could hear Cleo cry in her room again, so I turned up the music in mine. She’s such a cry baby, acting like she has the worst life ever. Mom and dad told me that she wasn’t my real sister, but I grew up with her. She’s sort of my best friend even though I do find her annoying. To me, she’ll always be my sister.

My fingers are all over my Xbox controller as I play a racing game, but no matter how loud my music is, I could still hear her cry.

I sometimes wonder how mom and dad doesn’t hear her, but I guess it’s because they are always on another floor. I sigh, pausing my game before I leave the room, I don’t knock on hers and just barge in. I freeze when I find her shirtless, but before turning away, I notice the bruises on her back and sides.

“Arlen!” she g****s, “Get out!” she yells and it kind of hurts. She has never thrown me out of her room, not even when I accidentally broke her jewellery box.

“Relax, I didn’t see anything.” I snort, not wanting to leave her.

I felt very protective of her for some reason, Felix might be my real brother, but he’s so distant, so rude and has no remorse when he makes someone feel bad.

“You can turn around.” she scoffs and I turn to face her, closing the door behind me, “Why were you crying?” I ask, getting straight to the point. She blankly stares at me, tilting her head all innocently like she’s confused.

“I can hear you Cleo, the walls aren’t very thick.”

She plops down onto the bed, pulling her long sleeves over her palms, “I…I miss my dad.” she murmurs and I couldn’t help but frown in confusion, “I sometimes still dream of them, my real parents.” she clarifies, “But how do you remember them?” I ask confused, “I don’t, not really…I only have a picture.” she sighs, her bottom l*p pushed out in a pout. “Then how could you miss someone you don’t remember?” I ask.

I don’t mean to hate on her, but it feels like attention seeking. Like she wants my attention.

“I…I have a lot of dreams where I imagine this life, this great life…and I miss them. It doesn’t make sense.”she sniffs, wiping her cheek with her sleeve.

“I get it.” I lie, I don’t get it at all. She is not making any sense, but I love her, she is my sister and I’ll always protect her, from everyone and herself. All this sadness, this heavy weight on her heart is her own fault, but I couldn’t do anything about it.

Maybe I could talk to mom…maybe she knows what to do.

“Thanks.” she scoffs, smiling at me. “I can go make us some sandwiches.” I wink before leaving and I wonder if the roles were resevered if she would do the same for me.

She would, I know she would.

I run into the kitchen where mom is, “Mom.” I offer a small smile. “Arlen, what do you need my love?” she asks and I cringe at the way she addresses me. I know I am the youngest, but yuck.

“Two toasted cheese sandwiches.” I smile brightly and she giggles, “Alright.” she walks over to the fridge and I glance over my shoulder before leaning forward onto the island counter, “Mom…” I start, already knowing that Cleo would hate me if she found out I was spilling her secrets.

“Arlen.” she uses the same tone I used just now, “Can I tell you something? But it has to stay between us.” I wet my lips and she turns with the butter in one and and the cheese in the other.

My mother raises her eyebrow at me, putting the things down and she mirrors my stance from the opposite side of the island.

“Of course.” she gives me all of her attention.

“Cleo has been crying, she said she misses her parents…Her real ones.”

The way my mother’s face falls hurt, I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have said anything. My mom loves her like her own and I just threw in her face that she was not good enough.

“Oh.” she says, her eyes scanning the island counter like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

“I’ll have a chat with her.” she stands upright, suddenly looking very uncomfortable, “No.” I say loudly, sighing, “She can’t know I told you.” I whisper, “She won’t.” the fake smile on my mom’s face makes me feel guilty. I shouldn’t have done that. “But you know she loves you..” I add, hoping to bring back the light into her eyes.

My mother is the best, she is kind and is sometimes a friend too. I hate to see her hurt.

“I know sweetie. Don’t worry.” she winks and grabs the bread.

I feel really bad now, the guilt is eating at my heart and stomach, “Mom.” , “Arlen.”, “You’re the best.” I smile and her eyes flick up, a smile crossing her face, “Thank you.” her cheeks heat up and she looks so shy.

I’ve never seen my mom shy before.

After she made the sandwich, I ate mine while she took Cleo hers and I pray that she doesn’t mention my name or the fact that Cleo was crying about her parents because she’d know I said something and that is the last thing I want.

Felix calls me a snitch, but I worry about my family sometimes and mom and dad always said that whatever happens, they will always help us and fix whatever they can.

I don’t see myself as a snitch…more like a helper and Felix can say whatever he wants. I believe in keeping the ones I love safe, just like our mother taught us.