Chapter 5: Brothers, Karaoke, and Close Calls

That night, Jamie finally came home.

The front door slammed, and I heard his familiar heavy footsteps. I grinned, already planning my ambush. My heart did a little leap.

Jamie Reese was my brother. In my last life, he was the one most against my marrying Dylan. But I was young and even fought with him over Dylan. Now, I knew better.

He’d always been the overprotective type, the kind of brother who’d threaten to beat up anyone who made me cry. I’d hated it then, but now I saw it for what it was—love. It made my chest ache.

Seeing him now, my chest tightened. I ran over and jumped on his back, laughing.

He staggered a little, but caught me easily. "Jeez, Autumn!" He pretended to be annoyed, but I could tell he missed me too.

"Bro!" I squealed, hugging him tight.

I squeezed him tight, grinning ear to ear. It felt good to act like a kid again. For a second, everything felt right.

"How old are you? Get off." Jamie looked at me with doting eyes. I stuck my tongue out, refusing to let go.

He tried to sound annoyed, but his smile gave him away. I stuck my tongue out at him, refusing to let go.

"No matter how old I am, I’m still your little sister." I slid off his back and pouted, arms crossed.

He ruffled my hair, rolling his eyes. "Always the drama queen." I grinned, loving every second of it.

"Why’d you come home? Work not busy anymore?" He took my backpack as I flopped onto the couch, munching on an apple. I eyed him, waiting for an answer.

He tossed my backpack onto the armchair, kicking off his shoes. "Still busy. I’m prepping a new show." He sounded proud.

"What kind of show?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. I loved hearing about his projects.

"Not telling you." He looked smug, a little too pleased with himself.

He grinned, knowing he was getting under my skin. I huffed, grabbing a pillow.

"Tch." I rolled my eyes, tossing the pillow at him. He dodged, laughing.

I threw a pillow at him, missing by a mile. He stuck his tongue out.

"Come here, listen to this." He handed me an earbud. I took it, curious.

I popped it in, expecting some pop hit, but what blasted through was raw, gritty hip-hop. My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

The beat was infectious, the lyrics sharp. I bobbed my head, surprised by how much I liked it. It was different—and I liked it.

Picked it up recently. This underground stuff isn’t mainstream yet, but there’s a real market for it.

I grinned, feeling proud.

Having lived through it, I gave him my stamp of approval: "Bro, trust me, this stuff is gonna blow up."

I said it with conviction, remembering how these songs would top charts in just a couple years. The future was already written.

Let me see the producer’s page.

He handed me his phone. I scrolled through, searching for the name.

The screen showed a SoundCloud profile—Big Mike, with a handful of tracks and a grainy photo. I grinned, recognizing him immediately.

"Big Mike." I read aloud. In my last life, he was a breakout star. The universe really was giving me a second chance.

My heart raced.

"Bro, why not sign him?" I nudged his arm, grinning. "You’ll thank me later."

He looked skeptical, but I just nodded, mouth full of apple. I could see the wheels turning in his head.

"Yeah, I see big potential! Gotta act fast!" I said with conviction, waving my arms for emphasis.

"Potential, huh! You just focus on your studies!" He flicked my forehead, pretending to scold me.

I yelped, rubbing my head. "So violent." I stuck my tongue out, but he just laughed.

He just laughed, tossing the apple core into the trash. The sound was oddly comforting.

After school, I didn’t go straight home.

I had plans—a secret mission, really. My brother’s birthday was coming up, and I wanted to surprise him. The excitement made me giddy.

I wandered the mall for ages. I grabbed dinner, browsed every store, and by the time I left, it was pitch dark.

The mall lights glowed neon, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. I checked my phone—late, but not too late. I decided to walk home, savoring the cool night air. The city felt alive.

Home wasn’t far, so I just walked. The night was crisp and clear.

The streets were quiet, just the hum of distant traffic and the buzz of a streetlamp overhead. I breathed in, feeling the tension melt away.

I bought an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. Just as I took the first bite, someone called out.

The cold sweetness melted on my tongue. I was about to take another bite when I heard my name—sharp and clear.

"Autumn!" It was my desk mate. I turned, surprised.

She waved, her arms full of shopping bags, a big grin on her face. I couldn’t help but smile back.

"You’re not home yet? We’re going to sing at karaoke—come with us!" She looked so hopeful, I almost caved on the spot.

Her excitement was contagious, but I hesitated. I wasn’t in the mood for crowds. My feet stayed planted.

"It’s late, and my mom’s coming to get me soon." I didn’t want to get involved, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

I tried to sound apologetic, but she just pouted. Her puppy eyes were almost too much.

"Come on, Autumn, we’re all classmates! Just hang out for a bit. I’ll bring you down when your mom gets here." She tugged on my arm, her grip surprisingly strong. I sighed, giving in.

Before I could say no, she dragged me off. There was no stopping her.

I shot her a look, but she just grinned wider. Some people just don’t take no for an answer. I resigned myself to my fate.

Fine. I’d sit for five minutes and then bail.

The karaoke lounge was packed. People I knew, people I didn’t. The room pulsed with music and laughter.

The lights were dim, music thumping through the walls. A group of guys shouted over each other, someone already off-key on the mic. I cringed.

"Whoa! Autumn! Sarah, you’re awesome!" a guy yelled. I frowned, wishing I could disappear.

I barely knew him, but he acted like we were best friends. I sank into the couch, wishing I was anywhere else. The noise was overwhelming.

I sat on the couch by the door, Sarah next to me. I kept my bag close, ready to bolt.

She nudged me, whispering, "It’s fun, right?" I just gave her a look.

"Didn’t you say it was just classmates?" I eyed the unfamiliar faces. Some looked older, definitely not in our grade.

"Oh, Autumn, I didn’t know they’d show up. But they’re all from our school, so just make more friends!" Sarah looked innocent, but I wasn’t buying it.

She fluttered her eyelashes, but I wasn’t buying it. I pulled my arm free.

I pulled my arm free. "My mom’s here. I’m leaving." I didn’t wait for her to protest.

I grabbed my bag and stood, not waiting for her to protest. I was done.

I stood up and walked out. I didn’t owe anyone an explanation.

The room buzzed behind me, but I didn’t look back. I just wanted out. My head pounded.

"Must be nice to be a rich girl—so stuck up," a girl sneered. This was exactly why I didn’t want to come. I clenched my fists.

Her words stung, but I kept walking. People love to judge what they don’t understand. Let them talk.

"Think whatever you want." I left without looking back. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

I tossed my ice cream in the trash, the sweetness gone bitter in my mouth. Some nights just don’t go your way. I sighed, feeling the weight of it all.

The wrapper crinkled in my hand. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the sour feeling. I could do this.

Ding. The elevator chimed. My heart thudded.

The elevator doors opened. Before I could step out, someone shoved me inside. My breath caught in my throat.

The sudden shove knocked the air out of me. I stumbled, catching myself on the railing. Panic flared.

A wave of alcohol hit me. I gagged at the sight of a greasy, beer-bellied man pressing in. My skin crawled.

His shirt was stained, breath reeking of cheap whiskey. I wanted to scream.

"Hey, pretty, come party with us." The words slurred, thick and gross. My stomach turned.

He leered, his hand reaching for my shoulder. I shrank back, heart pounding. Fear shot through me.

I glanced at the elevator panel—almost at the first floor. Just a little longer.

I counted the seconds, willing the doors to open. My palms were slick with sweat. I braced myself.

I shoved his hand away. He didn’t like that.

I gritted my teeth, using all my strength. "Back off." My voice shook, but I meant it.

Another ding, the doors opened, and I kicked him hard in the crotch, squeezing out of the elevator. Adrenaline surged.

He doubled over, groaning. I darted past him, adrenaline surging. My legs shook.

He didn’t get out in time. I ran, glancing back, and crashed straight into someone. Pain shot through my shoulder.

My head snapped up, and I saw a flash of dark hair before I hit the ground. My vision blurred.

Caught off guard, I hit the ground, blurted a quick "Sorry," and scrambled up to escape. But that little delay let the greasy guy’s group catch up. My heart raced.

Their footsteps thundered down the hall, voices raised in drunken anger. I froze, searching for an escape.

"Damn, you got some nerve!" Someone yanked my hair. Pain exploded across my scalp.

Pain shot through my scalp. I clawed at the hand, panic rising. Tears pricked my eyes.

Suddenly, a figure flashed by, and the hand in my hair was forced to let go. Relief flooded me.

I heard a grunt, then the sound of fists hitting flesh. My vision blurred, but I recognized the shape—Mason. He was here.

It was Mason. He jumped right in.

He moved fast, fists flying, not holding back. The guys didn’t stand a chance. I stared, stunned.

I grabbed my phone and dialed 911. But before I could finish, someone grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a run. My breath caught.

Mason’s grip was strong but careful. We tore down the hallway, dodging people and furniture. I held on tight.

Wind and the sound of our pounding feet filled my ears. I didn’t know how long we ran until the shouts behind us faded. My lungs burned.

My lungs burned, but I kept going. When we finally stopped, I bent over, gasping for breath. My legs shook.

He let go of my hand. My wrist was red. I rubbed it, grateful for the escape.

He noticed, his eyes flickering with concern. "Sorry." His voice was rough, but sincere.

"You okay?" I looked at Mason, searching his face for any sign of injury.

He nodded, brushing hair out of his eyes. "Yeah. You?" His voice was gentle.

"Yeah. Sorry." He nodded at my wrist, guilt flashing in his eyes.

I shrugged and gave him a reassuring smile. "All good."

"All good. Thanks for saving me—again." I grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

"Why did you…" He hesitated. "Where do you live? I’ll walk you home."

His offer caught me off guard. I nodded, too tired to argue. The night felt safer with him beside me.

Under the neon lights, the usually cold boy seemed almost warm. His features softened in the glow.

His shadow stretched long on the pavement. I found myself stepping on it, just to see if he’d notice. He didn’t.

The city felt different at night—quieter, lonelier. But with Mason beside me, it wasn’t so scary. I let out a slow breath.

I stepped on his shadow, one step at a time. It felt like a secret game.

I smiled to myself, remembering silly games from childhood. For a moment, I was just a kid again.

"Mason, you saved me again." His shadow paused, then moved on. I wondered if he heard the gratitude in my voice.

He stopped for a moment, then kept walking. His silence was answer enough. I didn’t mind.

"Again?" His voice was low and magnetic—he’d be amazing at singing. I smiled, thinking about it.

I laughed softly. "Yeah, again. You’re kind of my hero, you know." My cheeks flushed.

At least he didn’t get hurt because of me tonight. That was what mattered.

We walked the rest of the way in silence. But it wasn’t awkward. Just comfortable. Like we understood each other without words.

Sometimes words aren’t needed. I was grateful for that.

At the gate to my building, he turned and left, his lonely figure swallowed by the night. I watched him go, wishing I could do more.

I watched him go, wishing I could do more. But some battles you have to fight alone. My heart ached.

"Mason, thank you. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but none of that should stop you from doing the right thing. You’re a good person. Don’t give up on yourself." I called out, voice trembling.

My voice echoed off the concrete, probably waking up half the block. I felt my cheeks burn, but I didn’t care. I meant every word.

I shouted like an idiot, then ran off. So embarrassing—he didn’t even look back. My heart pounded.

I ducked into the lobby, heart pounding, hoping no one saw. Relief and embarrassment warred inside me.

After that, I ended up with a new desk mate.

Her name was Hannah, and she was obsessed with astrology. She kept trying to guess my sign based on my handwriting. I humored her, mostly.

Mason started coming to school more often. Each day, he seemed a little less guarded.

He slipped into class just before the bell, eyes a little brighter than before. Sometimes, I caught him humming under his breath. I smiled every time.

We became friends. Slowly, but surely.

It started with small talk—music, movies, the occasional sarcastic comment. Before I knew it, we were texting late into the night. It felt easy.

Funny how life can change in an instant. One day, you’re strangers; the next, you’re sharing secrets. I never saw it coming.