family ties

Amy's words fell away, and still, you stayed,

In the midst of the chaos, you never betrayed.

Amy wasn't used to being second in Paxton's life. For years, their friendship had been her anchor, the one constant she could count on. But things had changed since Joanne entered the picture. No matter how much Amy tried to mask her jealousy as concern, she couldn't shake the feeling that Joanne was taking something away from her.

The realization that Paxton was standing by Joanne despite her warnings gnawed at Amy's pride. She'd tried everything—subtle remarks, outright sabotage, and emotional appeals. Yet here she was, watching her oldest friend drift further away, holding someone else's hand.

She couldn't let it go without a fight.

It happened one evening when Paxton returned home after a long day. The moment he stepped into the kitchen, Amy was waiting for him, arms crossed and a storm brewing in her eyes.

"Paxton, we need to talk," she said sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Paxton sighed, setting down his bag. He'd been expecting this. "What is it, Amy?"

"What is it?" she echoed, her voice rising. "Are you seriously asking me that? After everything I've done for you, you're just going to throw me aside for her?"

Paxton leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Amy, I'm not throwing you aside. But I'm not going to let you keep attacking Joanne."

Amy's eyes flashed. "I'm not attacking her. I'm protecting you! You're too blind to see it, but she's not right for you. She's going to hurt you, and when she does, don't come crying to me."

Paxton shook his head, frustration evident on his face. "That's not what this is about, and you know it. Joanne hasn't done anything to deserve the way you've treated her. This is about you, Amy. You can't stand the idea of not being the center of my life."

Amy recoiled as if he'd struck her. "That's not true," she said, her voice trembling. "I've always had your back, Paxton. Always. And now, because of her, you're treating me like I'm the villain."

"I'm not treating you like a villain," he said firmly. "But I won't let you control my relationships anymore. Joanne is important to me, Amy. And if you can't respect that, then maybe we need some distance."

The room fell silent. Amy stared at him, her expression a mixture of hurt and disbelief. "You're choosing her over me."

"I'm choosing to stand up for myself," Paxton corrected. "And for Joanne. This isn't a competition, Amy. You're my best friend, and I love you, but I won't let you dictate who I can care about."

Amy felt like the ground had been ripped out from under her. For years, she'd been Paxton's closest confidante, his go-to for everything. Seeing him with Joanne felt like losing a part of herself. She couldn't understand why he didn't see things her way. In her mind, Joanne was the problem, the reason why everything had changed.

But now, standing in the kitchen with Paxton's words ringing in her ears, Amy began to question herself. Was she really trying to protect him? Or was she letting her own insecurities drive a wedge between them?

She turned away, unable to meet his gaze. "I just don't want to lose you, Pax."

"You won't lose me," he said gently. "But things are going to be different. They have to be."

Meanwhile, Joanne was sitting with Emily in the student lounge, sipping on a cup of tea. She'd been trying to stay calm, but her anxiety about Paxton's confrontation with Amy was eating away at her.

"You're overthinking it," Emily said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Paxton knows what he's doing. He cares about you, Jo. He's not going to let Amy come between you two."

"I know," Joanne said, stirring her tea absentmindedly. "But it's hard not to worry. Amy's been such a big part of his life. What if he can't let go?"

Emily leaned forward, her expression serious. "Let me tell you something about my brother. He's stubborn, yes, but when he cares about someone, he's all in. He's chosen you, Joanne. You just need to trust him."

Joanne smiled weakly. "I'm trying."

After Amy left, Paxton sat alone in the kitchen, replaying the conversation in his mind. It had been one of the hardest things he'd ever done, but he knew it was necessary. For too long, he'd let Amy's influence overshadow his own feelings. It was time to set boundaries, not just for Joanne's sake but for his own.

The next day, he found Joanne waiting for him outside the library. Her face lit up when she saw him, but there was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

"How did it go?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Paxton smiled, taking her hand. "It was tough, but I think we finally cleared the air. I told Amy that things have to change."

Joanne looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly. "For standing up for us."

Paxton squeezed her hand. "You don't have to thank me, Jo. You're worth it."

Amy spent the next few days avoiding Paxton. She needed time to process everything he'd said. Part of her wanted to cling to her belief that she'd been right all along, but another part of her couldn't ignore the truth. Paxton had changed, and it wasn't just because of Joanne. He was growing, finding his own path, and Amy wasn't sure where she fit into it anymore.

One evening, she sat on her bed, scrolling through old photos of her and Paxton. They looked so happy, so carefree. She missed those days, but deep down, she knew they couldn't go back.

With a heavy sigh, she closed her phone and stared out the window. Maybe it was time to let go.

For Paxton and Joanne, the days following his confrontation with Amy were a turning point. Joanne began to open up more, letting Paxton see the depth of her feelings. She told him about her insecurities, her fears of not being enough, and he listened, offering her the reassurance she needed.

"I've been scared too," he admitted one evening as they sat by the campus fountain. "Scared of losing Amy, scared of messing things up with you. But I'm done letting fear control me."

Joanne smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I'm glad you're here, Paxton. With me."

"Always," he promised.

Emily continued to play a crucial role in helping her brother navigate his new dynamic with Amy. She encouraged him to stay patient but firm, reminding him that relationships—whether romantic or platonic—required effort and boundaries.

"You're doing the right thing, Pax," she said one afternoon as they walked through the park. "Amy might not see it now, but she'll come around. And even if she doesn't, you have to live your life."

Paxton nodded, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Em. I don't say it enough, but you're pretty great."

Emily smirked. "Don't get mushy on me, big brother."

Though the road ahead was still uncertain, Paxton and Joanne felt stronger than ever. They knew there would be challenges, but as long as they faced them together, they believed they could overcome anything.

As for Amy, she remained distant, but Paxton held onto hope that their friendship could heal in time. For now, he was focused on the present—on building a future with Joanne and finding balance in his relationships.

It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And for Paxton, that was enough.