Falling Embers

Until the house fire. Isaiah Bently goes back into a burning building for a trapped kid. I go back in for him. We both come out. I come out with two broken arms, and Isaiah comes out having decided he's not leaving my apartment until I can manage on my own.

I've never been into guys. I've always been sure of that. So I don't know what to do with Isaiah showing up every morning, cooking breakfast I didn't ask for, fixing my pillows without being told, and looking at me like I'm worth the trouble. Like I'm something he actually wants to be around.

He's patient in ways no one's ever been patient with me. Funny in ways I don't see coming. And every time my father's voice starts up, every old word he had for men like me, Isaiah is right there. Quieter than the noise.

Then my brother shows up. I already took a felony charge for Tristan once. Gave up my clean record so he could keep his future. Now he wants me to end things with Isaiah, or he tells our mother the truth. She's never known, and I've made sure of it.

I've paid his debts before. I don't know if I can do it again. Not when Isaiah is the first person who's ever made me feel like I'm worth more than what I've already given away.