The Uninvited Guest

Jay Bilzerian wandered aimlessly down the sidewalk, his stomach growling with hunger. He hadn't eaten since breakfast, and his parents had left him home alone for the week without providing him with any food or money. It wasn't the first time they had abandoned him, and Jay had learned to fend for himself. As he walked, Jay's eyes scanned the neighborhood for any signs of food or shelter. He had always been drawn to the Birch's house, with its nice pool and backyard. The family seemed so perfect, and Jay often found himself daydreaming about what it would be like to live with them. The Birch's house was just up ahead, and Jay's eyes landed on Mr. and Mrs. Birch, who were lounging by the pool. They looked up and caught his eye, and Jay felt a surge of embarrassment. He had been caught. Mr. Birch, a kind-looking man with slicked-back salt and pepper hair, stood up and walked towards Jay. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Jay Bilzerian," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "What brings you to our neck of the woods?" Jay shrugged, feeling a bit ashamed. "I was just looking for something to eat," he admitted. Mrs. Birch, a tall, blonde woman with a kind face, stood up and walked towards Jay. "Oh, Jay, you poor thing," she said, her voice full of sympathy. "Why didn't you come to us sooner? We would have been happy to help you out." Jay looked down at his feet, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I didn't want to bother you," he mumbled. Mr. Birch placed a hand on Jay's shoulder. "You're not bothering us, Jay. Why don't you come in and we'll get you something to eat?" Jay's eyes lit up at the offer, and he nodded eagerly. As they walked towards the house, Jay caught sight of Nick, Leah, and Judd watching him from the windows. Nick looked particularly unhappy to see him. As they entered the house, Mrs. Birch led Jay to the kitchen, where she made him a sandwich and got him a glass of juice. Jay ate ravenously, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the Birch's. Just as he was finishing up, Nick walked into the kitchen, looking sulky. "What's going on here?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at Jay. "Jay's parents left him home alone for the week, so we're letting him stay with us for a bit," Mr. Birch explained. Nick's face fell, and he looked like he was about to protest, but his parents just smiled and told him to make room for Jay. As Jay finished up his snack, he caught sight of Judd watching him from across the room. Judd's eyes were fixed intently on him, and Jay felt a shiver run down his spine. There was something about Judd's gaze that made him feel uncomfortable. Leah, on the other hand, smiled warmly at Jay. "Hi, Jay. I'm so glad you're staying with us. We can hang out and get to know each other better." Jay smiled back at her, feeling a bit more at ease. But as he glanced over at Judd, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, and that Judd's gaze was more than just curious...