Their Sister, Their Strength

Chapter 3: Strangers

After Xander's sudden departure, Mason followed him, leaving me alone in the presence of Elijah and Cole. As Cole withdrew slightly from our embrace, his gaze fixated on me without a trace of shame. My brother. The familiar lump that formed in my throat was swallowed down, a mix of emotions swirling within me.

"So, that was, um..." I hesitated, trying to find the right words to break the tension.

"That was Xander," Cole interjected, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "My less-than-charming twin."

"Right," I replied, my self-consciousness still lingering. "Did I say something?"

"No, Maddie," Elijah chimed in from near the door, his voice soothing. "It's just an adjustment for him. Well, for all of us, but Xander has had a particularly difficult time with it."

"Oh." The realization slowly dawned on me. I hadn't fully grasped how deeply this situation had impacted them all. But as I recalled the photograph Mason had shared with me, the truth struck me. They remembered me, even when I couldn't recall them. Xander was just a boy back then. The weight of guilt settled in my chest. I instantly regretted my inability to remember them. I knew I was just a toddler, barely able to articulate my thoughts, but if I could remember something, anything, maybe I could connect with Xander a little better. Or connect at all would be a good start.

Elijah's gaze lingered on me before he approached and placed a hand on Cole's shoulder. "My turn, brother," he said softly.

"You had her yesterday," Cole argued.

"It was under less than ideal circumstances," Elijah responded, his tone gentle yet firm.

Cole huffed, a hint of possessiveness in his voice. "I want more time."

"You'll have the rest of our lives."

"I'm not a doll," I protested weakly, although I couldn't help but find their back and forth endearing. My stomach fluttered at the realization that they were arguing over spending time with me. It was... sweet .

Cole turned and flashed me a mischievous grin, his hands cupping my cheeks and playfully squishing them together. "But you are," he teased, his eyes dancing with affection.

I couldn't help but grimace in protest, sticking my tongue out. However, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Cole possessed that unique quality—the ability to spread laughter even in the face of tragedy. It was a stretch, but I'd go so far as to say he could make Snape himself crack a smile.

"Bad baby," Cole teased, squishing my cheeks until I resembled something akin to a blobfish.

"Cole," Elijah warned, though I could see a glimmer of amusement in his emerald eyes.

"I'm going," Cole rolled his eyes, rising to his feet. "Are you coming downstairs for dinner, Maddie?"

"Can you bring it upstairs?" Elijah responded on my behalf. "Then she can get some more rest."

"Good thing she's awake so she can decide for herself," Cole remarked, casting me a playful wink.

Caught between their gazes, I felt the weight of decision-making press upon me. I never enjoyed making choices, but I also didn't want to miss out on anything by returning to sleep. Besides, it hadn't been long enough, and the thought of slipping back into the nightmare I had just escaped from sent shivers down my spine.

"Maddie?" Elijah's gentle voice broke through my contemplation.

"I think I want to go downstairs," I murmured softly. "If that's alright?"

"Are you sure you're feeling up to it?" he inquired, concern etched in his features.

I nodded, mustering my resolve. "Don't I have more brothers to meet anyway? Mason mentioned I had six."