Chapter 5: Boundaries and Family Chaos

"Jeez, why did I hear a guy screaming?" Em shuffled out of the guest room, hair a mess, one sock on, one sock off. She blinked at me, then sighed in relief. "What are you doing here so early?"

I smirked. "You thought it was one of your little brothers, right?"

She rolled her eyes, grinning. "Yeah, okay, smartass."

"Uncle Ben’s family is here. Dad says you gotta come home for dinner."

Her eyes widened, and she groaned, stretching like a cat. "Couldn’t reach you by phone—you’re definitely getting chewed out."

While we talked, Lauren emerged from the master bedroom, already dressed in a white-and-gray lounge set. She nodded, polite but a little guarded. We exchanged awkward glances, both pretending nothing had happened.

Em introduced her casually, then disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me and Lauren alone. Lauren started cleaning up bottles and ashtrays with quiet efficiency. I tried to help, but she waved me off. "Sit, I’ll handle it."

She explained, "Yesterday was my birthday. We celebrated too late and didn’t clean up. My place is being renovated, so I’m staying here for now."

She glanced at me. "Sorry, I forgot you might come over. About just now...I’ll be more careful next time."

Her cheeks colored slightly. I shook my head, embarrassed. "It was my fault for barging in."

A memory flashed up: when Lauren was a sophomore, I’d tried to scare Em with a ghost mask, only to spook Lauren instead. Her scream was epic. Em laughed for days. Now, thinking back, even I found it funny.

Seeing the half-eaten cake, I said, "Happy birthday."

Lauren held out her hand, wiggling her fingers. "Where’s my present?"

I fumbled. "Didn’t bring one. Can I make it up to you next time?"

She laughed. "Just kidding. Your birthday wish is the best gift."

I awkwardly changed the subject. "So, uh, what made you crash in the master?"

She shrugged. "Your sister said you only sleep in the guest room, and your stuff’s still there. Figured I’d stay out of the way."

Lauren finished cleaning, then pulled out a first aid kit and squatted in front of me. "Let me see your injury."

I shrank my foot back, embarrassed. "It’s fine, I can do it myself."

She smiled, calm and reassuring. "I was pre-med for two years, but after my hand injury, I had to switch majors. Guess I’m better with Band-Aids than scalpels now."

Her touch was cool and clinical, but my heart was pounding like I’d run laps around the block. She rolled up my pant leg, revealing a nasty bruise, and dabbed ointment on gently.

My sister came out, towel on her head, frowning. "What’s going on?"

Lauren answered evenly, "He accidentally kicked the bed frame."

Em squatted down and took over, pushing Lauren aside. Lauren moved away, arms folded, lips pressed together. Em’s touch was brisk and a little rough; I stifled a laugh and finished up myself.

Em narrowed her eyes. "Why’d you scream?"

I blinked. "Saw a cockroach."

Lauren hid a smile. Em didn’t buy it, but let it drop.

On the way home, Em drove, tapping the wheel, voice sharp: "You can’t just let any girl patch you up, Zach. Boundaries, ever heard of ‘em?"

I frowned. "What are you talking about? She said she studied medicine. I didn’t think anything of it."

She scoffed. "You’re too trusting. Just remember, you can’t have weird thoughts about Lauren."

"Aren’t I your brother? I’m a decent person, okay? Don’t worry."

She started grilling me about girlfriends, even bringing up that girl from high school who’d followed me north. I groaned, sinking lower in my seat, wishing for a radio commercial to drown her out.

The closer we got, the more the scent of fried chicken and cornbread filled the car. Someone was yelling about the Braves game on TV as we pulled onto our old oak-lined street.

As we pulled into the driveway, I braced myself for whatever fresh chaos was waiting inside. Home, sweet home—God help me.