Bury Me Alive

By YD La Mar

Melanie

My life isn't perfect, but it's better than being moved from family to family in the foster system.

But when Jaiden shows up on the scene, my whole existence turns into a desperate fight to understand why he looks at me the way he does...and why it makes me feel things I have no business feeling for my foster brother.

 

Jaiden

Something's not right about me.

My psyche is fragmented, I'm losing time, and I'm not myself.

My control is slipping, especially around Melanie, the foster sister I have no business wanting as much as I do.

It's anyone's guess who's more confused in our little game of cat and mouse, but when shit hits the literal fan, will I be a casualty of the darkness in my own head? And what secrets are hiding beneath the surface, lying in wait to strike when the moment is right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: YD La Mar
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223834281

Book preview

PROLOGUE

You’re going to have to learn how to share our attention now, Melanie.

I stand there, staring at the older boy in front of me. I’m only seven. I wonder how old he is. He looks so different from all of us. I don’t understand why my parents needed to bring anyone else into the family when they already have me.

Well, don’t just stand there. Introduce yourself. We’ve taught you better, my father barks out.

Hi.

The boy’s dark eyes bore into mine, a blank expression on his face. Is he dumb or something? My mother pinches my arm from behind, making me wince.

Hi, my name is Melanie. What’s your name?

He quickly looks to the floor for a few seconds and then brings his attention back to me. His dark eyes become more intense, and it makes me feel weird. I lean back a little against my mom for some form of comfort.

He’s a little shy. His name is Jaiden, and he’s going to be staying with us, mom fills in.

My mother pinches my arm again and I want to kick her in the shin, but I remind myself of my manners.

Hi, Jaiden.

He looks at the ground once more and my father huffs in displeasure. Jaiden is going to have a hard time here if he’s going to keep acting like that. Dad likes things to go his way, likes for everyone to follow the rules.

Alright, now that introductions are done. Jaiden, grab your bags and come with me. I’ll show you to your room.

My eyes dart to my father’s. The only room in the house that he can use would be the office. Is that where he’s staying? Turning to look at my mother, she has that nice-person smile on her face as they both escort Jaiden up the stairs. But the office is downstairs. Why are they going up there?

I run after them to see where they’re headed. Do we have another secret room I don’t know about? The only rooms up here are my parent’s room, the restroom, and my room. Where are they going?

I gasp when they enter my room. What is going on? I almost run into my mother’s back from how fast I was following them, not anticipating their abrupt stop in front of my door. I’m so mad. Are they kicking me out? I got here first! This isn’t fair!

Jaiden, you’re going to be staying in this room. I have a mattress coming in tomorrow, so for tonight I’ll get you a sleeping bag, alright?

What? He can’t stay in my room!

Melanie! I’m only going to ask you once to mind your damn manners in this house, my father snaps.

Shit, did I say that out loud?

But—

Dad’s eyes bore into mine, sending a chill down my spine, and my mouth clamps shut. Looking at the floor, I try to rein in my anger that’s probably showing on my face. Grinding my teeth, I listen as my parents set up his sleeping area on the opposite end from where my bed is.

Who the hell is this kid to come in and ruin my life?

1

MELANIE

Hey, isn’t that your brother? Alyssa throws out.

Fuck, what is going on now? I told him to stay the fuck away from me while we’re at school and he can’t even do a simple thing like that. I swear he does this to me on purpose.

Turning my head, I’m already scowling at what I might see when my sights land on Jaiden walking our way, head bent down in his black hoodie.

The hood is up, shadowing his face completely, and his hands are in his pockets. You don’t look suspicious at all. What the hell did he do now?

Yeah, ignore him. He’s off doing whatever he does. I just hope it doesn’t come back on me.

Gosh, he’s such a freak. Did you see what he did when that girl Ivy asked him to help her cheat on her exam? Claire’s always had a thing against him. What gossip is up her ass now?

How would you even know what happened if you don’t have any classes with him? Yesenia retorts.

"I know people, duh."

Eyeing her skeptically, my mind is already answering my questions for me. She must be fucking one of the juniors in that class. She only recently had her sixteenth birthday.

Anyway, before you rudely interrupt me again— She turns back to our little group of misfits sitting around the metal table and continues, lowering her voice like it's the biggest scandal in the world. So, Ivy–being the dumb bitch she is–leans in and asks him if she can cheat off his paper, right? The next thing you know she’s screaming bloody murder because he stabbed her with his pen so fast, no one even saw what happened—no one except for Cody, who was sitting on his other side.

"Dude, that guy is a certified freak, I tell you. Claire turns her eyes to me and I’m already internally groaning at what she’s going to ask. Is he like that at home? How do you even live with that? I hope it doesn’t rub off on you."

Shut up, Claire. Jaiden is Jaiden wherever he is. Tired of the attention on my family, I quickly change the subject. What are you bitches up to after school today?

You want to hit up a burger joint? I heard Ozzy’s crew is hanging out there later.

Where the hell do you hear this stuff? Yesenia asks, refusing to let it drop.

I got eyes and ears everywhere, baby.

Right. More like you being a ho everywhere you go. I smooth down my curls so she can’t see what I’m thinking—what we’re all thinking.

You fucking one of them?

Claire throws her half-full cup at Yesenia, who voices the exact question on all of our minds.

"I knew it. Why are you getting all defensive and shit if you’re not?"

Shut up, Yesi.

The bell rings, signaling the end of our lunch period. We all groan and grab our stuff, clearing the tables and walking together towards class, departing one at a time when we reach our specific doors.