《RockStar》 Running The streets are dark aside from the occasional nightclub lights or street lights. She''s alone for now, in this tiny space. If one can consider an alley as such. It''s safer here than it is at home. There, everyone is a threat. Here she can stay curled up as long as she wants and no one will ask her questions. Until police find her, that is. After that, she''ll be interrogated and dragged back. For now, however, she is calm, with her legs pulled up against her chest and eyes closed. No, she''s not trying to sleep, but rather trying to stay conscious for the time being. It''s the only thing she can focus on. Determined to evade authorities for as long as she possibly can. That and as long as she''s awake, her demons can''t torture her with nightmares. They''re here almost every weekend, if not every day. Drawn in mostly by the alcohol and heavy music. Although, the half-dressed girls, strobing lights, and sweaty bodies are an added bonus. Half the men of this group are almost always drinking. One more than the others. This place is their home away from home. Two out of the six are so drunk their faces are plastered to the cool tabletop. Another pair has disappeared into the crows, most likely making out with someone. One is in the bathroom leaned over a toilet spewing his guts and squeezing his eyes shut. This is practically their daily routine at the moment. Mostly because none of them have enough motivation to take their band dream seriously. Right now, they''re all dealing with demons and some type of past they want to get away from. The only real sober member of the group pulls himself from the table. As always he''ll be the one to take them home. After all, he''s the most responsible one out of all of them. He nods to the bartender on his way out. Their way of communicating that it''s time to cut the others off. As he steps outside the night air picks up, slightly tousling his dark tresses. It stops every now and then as he makes his way to the parked van. One hand tucked in his pocket, the other running through his hair. From time to time light catches on his fair skin. He watches for police because his friends are rather incapable of staying out of trouble when intoxicated. Finally, his eyes spot the van and with a sigh of relief, he moves faster to get to it. Once inside and it''s started up, he pulls from the parking lot and over to the club''s entrance. He''ll have to pile them in one by one. She''s not concerned about anything. Not even the fact that she''s worrying her brother and possibly driving him up a wall. Or the cold air that nips at her exposed legs as she runs through the night drunk and laughing at the top of her lungs like a free spirit. Her eyes are bright with some type of electricity deep in her soul. She''s all he has right now in this hell he calls life. It''s why he does what he does. It''s the sirens that have her up and running. Forcing her to find another spot to hide. That signature red, white, and blue flashing in the dark. The potent wailing in the background as she tries to run down narrow passages into darker areas where no one will notice her. Except, it leads her to a brighter area where doors open up to loud exciting places. Places she avoids because they remind her too much of home. Behind her, she can hear multiple pairs of feet and dogs barking. They''ll find her if she isn''t careful. Without a second thought, she runs into the street. It''s tires screeching, the feeling of her body being thrown back, and people screaming. Briefly, the world stops and grows hazy before turning black.He tried not to hit her. Really tried. But he hadn''t seen her to be honest. Wasn''t even expecting anyone to run out into oncoming traffic. With a single fluid movement, he''s clambering out of the vehicle, some of the others following suit. "Shit Mitchell, just fucking kill everyone." Mitchell''s not paying attention anymore. Leaning over the unconscious girl and trying not to freak out. "She alive?" "Yeah, fortunately. Mitchie didn''t run her down. She''s lucky to just be unconscious." "Aaron, you''re not even over here. How would you know?" "You worry too much, Mitch. But if you must know her chest is still moving a little." Sure enough, Aaron is right. The girl''s chest is still heaving and stuttering as she struggles to breathe. Mitchell sighs and glances at the others with another worried look. All of them can hear the sirens. They now have an even bigger problem. Besides Aaron peeing on the side of a building. "This is... this is... going to ssssound shtoopid, but lesh jusss take her." "Eijinn, we''re best friends and all, but will you shut your drunk ass up!" Aaron of course knows that his overly drunk red-headed friend is right about what he''s said. Leaving her would make it look like a hit and run. And none of them want to deal with police while he''s around. So it''s no surprise that he moves quickly to toss the injured girl over his shoulder and climbs back into the van. His friends are quick to follow suit. Mitchell steps on the gas, wanting nothing more than to get the van out of the roadway. She''s still running and giggling when he finally catches up to her. At the least, she''s enjoying herself. Though, he''s sure there are people who think she needs to seek professional help. A frown graces her face as he throws an arm around her. "Ella, my darling sister, if you''re not careful you''ll get hurt. Let''s just go home already." The younger girl shakes her head as her smile returns. Before he can ask her what she''s thinking, Ella is off and disappearing into the night. He''s left yet again trying to catch up to her. She''s a blur of motion and giggles tonight. He''s thankful to be fast enough to not lose sight of her in the darkness. She''s the most important thing to him in this world that''s cursed and poisoned. Her existence keeps him going. Keeps him alive and happy. Or some semblance of the latter emotion. After all, she is his only sister. When she slows he looks at her with a raised eyebrow. They''ve entered an area with no rules. Everywhere is dark. Not a single side lamp or street light to illuminate their location. This isn''t what catches the siblings'' eyes. It''s the painted mural on the opposing wall. A delicate detailing of spiraling flames engulfing a city of lights. "Mama would have loved this. She would''ve come up with a great story for it too." "We can always show it to her, Ella. When we can Mama will come here. And I promise we can show her this. She''ll love it." "You''re an amazing brother, Sebastian." "And you''re an amazing sister. Now please, can we go home?" Finally, the girl sighs and allows him to lead her back home, although, she''d much rather run through the city, she knows it''s also in her best interest to turn in for the night. Mitchell''s somehow managed to keep from getting pulled over. Doesn''t exactly help that Aaron has brought the unconscious girl with them. To top it off, she hasn''t woken even once since being hit. He''s beginning to worry that he may have done some serious damage to her. In the passenger seat is Alex, mumbling about how they should just dump her somewhere and be done with it. Not that he has room to talk tonight. If not for the simple fact that Aaron is too far in the back to do anything to him, he''d probably have a busted lip or sore head. Unless one of the others is willing to switch seats with him, Alex is in a sense, safe for the time being. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Alex, I suggest you shut your mouth before Aaron finds a way up here. I can''t drive and pull him off you at the same time. So, until I have that capability, shut the hell up or you can walk home." Alex''s light blue eyes widen as he looks over at his companion. Mitchell only catches a glimpse of it before slamming on the brakes at a red light. From the back of the van fly several swears from the others. "I swear, if I didn''t know better, I''d think we let Eijinn drive. Thing is, he''s back here being a weirdo, so it can''t be him." "Aaron, for a drunkard you sure sober up really quick. Next time I slam on the breaks I''ll make sure you smack your head on the window. Might put you out cold. Now if you don''t mind I''d like to not get pulled over tonight." "Sucks to be you then, because I''m pretty sure Bryant just stuck his tatted ass out the window for all the world to see. And I drank more than him." A groan and a yelp later the van is slowing to a stop beside a side street and Mitchell is fishing out the vehicle''s registration as well as his license. Meanwhile, Bryant hiccups an apology that no one seems to understand. "Do you know why I pulled you over?" "Would it have something to do with one of my drunk passengers sticking his rear out the window while I''m driving?" "At least you''re aware. How many of you are in here?" "There are seven of us. My five brothers, my sister, and myself."Alex lifts a brow as Mitchell hands over the license and registration. Before he can speak, someone smacks him upside the head. "Jason! Leave Alex alone will you! Now is not the time!" "Wasn''t me." "Aaron is in the far back of the car! Who else could it have been?!" "Aaron. Who else would smack Alex in the head with police around." Mitchell huffs and turns his attention back to the officer. In the back, Aaron smirks and leans back in his seat. Bryant follows suit, eyes cast down towards his feet. Jason returns to silent, trying to block out everything else. Eijinn is either passed out or just being quiet for once. No one can tell. And Alex... Well, Alex is still rubbing the spot on his head where he was hit. The officer shines his flashlight over them. Inspecting them. "Is everyone here of drinking age?" The light lingers on their unconscious guest, making Mitchell nervous. "My sister isn''t, but she and I didn''t drink anything. We''re coming from a house party." "Right, well, I''ll let you off with a warning this time. And maybe seatbelt your passengers. You all have a good evening." The officer goes back to his car and Mitchell waits for him to drive off before pulling back into traffic. He''s well aware of the childish snickering of a couple of the others. The awake ones. Shaking his head he ignores them. He just wants to get home safely and decide what to do with the girl he hit. Nothing bothers his conscious more than thinking he may have done something irreversible to a stranger. Or anyone for that matter. It finally goes quiet as everyone passes out one by one. Including Bryant. With them quiet he relaxes a bit. They''re almost home. Just two more lights and they''ll be in their neighborhood. Upon arrival to their destination, Mitchell gently shakes Alex awake before getting out and sliding the back door open with caution. Jason is the first he wakes, tapping his leg and then stepping back. As Jason climbs out he smacks the back of Bryant''s head. His own head lowered slightly so black bangs cover blue-gray eyes. Bryant simply looks at him with sleepy dark blue eyes before turning slightly to shake Aaron and Eijinn awake in the far back. Aaron''s head snaps up, green eyes dark and brooding. It takes him a moment to gather himself. After which, he kicks Eijinn''s leg to wake him before grabbing the young woman and climbing out. Eijinn finally manages to wake, copper eyes half-lidded and sleep-filled. With everyone out, Mitchell locks up the van. Excluding Mitchell, they all stumble in the house behind Alex, who''s surprisingly managed to open the door by himself. Immediately, Mitchell ushers Aaron to the spare bedroom. It''s the only room left with all the others being claimed or shared. The design is simple with a queen-sized bed set center of one wall, double windows on another, and a full bathroom across from the bed. The bedding is lavender which is a vibrant difference from the bathroom''s deep purple tiles on the floor. The walls of both rooms are pastel purple. The consequence of letting Alex pick the color scheme for the room. Aaron wastes no time in placing their injured guest on the bed and exiting the room behind Mitchell. The pair head straight for the living room where everyone else has managed to not land on a couch. "For now we wait for her to wake up. Assuming she''s not dead. Either way, there''s not much we can do. She should be out for a bit. It''s not like I hit her that hard, but considering she looks underweight and extremely sick there''s no telling. If she doesn''t wake up in a couple of hours, we take her to the hospital. Or rather I will." "That would mean someone has to keep an eye on her." "Shouldn''t be too hard since several, if not all of you, will be vomiting all night. We''ll take turns. Or figure something out." Everyone groans at Mitchell''s proposal, but as he said almost all of them get up to hurry to the nearest bathroom. He shakes his head and sits on the couch, tossing his head back against it attempting to let sleep take him for a while. Tonight might just be the longest night of his life. He''s no longer certain that the dream they have is the best one for the way they live. He clenches his eyes tighter as the sounds of gagging and vomiting fill the house, tearing apart his thoughts. Surprised the girl doesn''t wake to the noises. Himself, he would not be able to sleep through this, even if he''d been hit by a moving vehicle. Ella and Sebastian make their way quietly through the alleyway leading to their house. Theirs is the only one on this street. It''s decorated with various solar-powered lights in a multitude of colors and sizes. The porch light to their not so humble abode is on and they can see the silhouette of their father as he waits for their arrival. She sprints ahead of her brother, up the steps, and into her father''s arms. Sebastian takes his time approaching the house. Knowing that the man may possibly be harsh with him for having Ella out so late, but also because being here makes him uncomfortable. Especially without his mother. He waits for Ella to go inside before stepping onto the porch. The man doesn''t look angry. Then again, he''s never been able to tell. "Do I even want to know what the two of you got up to?" "Nothing. She just ran around town despite the cold weather." The older male sighs and shakes his head. He''s used to this behaviour by now and at this point no longer has anything to say about the way they behave. He knows for certain that his daughter has a tendency to run around in the cold weather in short clothes. It''s a wonder she hasn''t gotten sick yet. The only thing he''s more sure of his is step-sons ability to keep an eye on her. Although, he and Sebastian have never really seen eye to eye. Still don''t, actually. Been that way since the boy was merely four years old. His father had left his mother by then and he''d just shown up in the boy''s life. It may not have helped that he''s part of the reason Sebastian''s father left. Maybe if she had not gotten pregnant with Ella things would be different. That''s in the past now. Regardless, he loves the boy as his own. It''s unfortunate that the tension will most likely always be there. Still, he''s grateful that he looks out for Ella. "Thank you, for looking after her." "I don''t need to remind you that I''m not doing it for you, right?" "When will you come to terms with what''s happened? You were four. You can''t hold onto it forever." "And why not? Why shouldn''t I? Because of you, my own father does not acknowledge my existence! You knocked up my mother and I have to suffer because of it! I was a child! A child! You think because you brought me here that I should just forget about it?! It changes nothing! I don''t even remember what he looks like!" Sebastian has had several outbursts over the years, but nothing quite like this. Nothing so real and undoubtedly true on a fundamental level that would hurt him. No everything has been said in passing with a sugary coating on top of it. Not tonight; tonight it''s raw emotions and boiling blood. This is probably the first time he''s been so outspoken about his life at all. Taken aback he lets Sebastian storm into the house. There''s nothing he can say that will make the boy feel any better about his situation. From inside he can hear the door slam to Sebastian''s room and Ella''s startled screech. He sighs, looks around, and then up at the starry night sky. Something has to be done about the home''s tension. Especially since he intends to bring their mother here. Long Night It¡¯s dark when she opens her eyes. She also feels very warm, as if she¡¯s lying underneath something. Slowly, she tries to sit up, but a pain like nothing she¡¯s ever felt before races along the front of her body, forcing her to lie back down. In place of sitting up she allows her eyes to scan the room she¡¯s in. This definitely isn¡¯t home. Not with all the color in it. Or the new and fresh bedding. Every inch of the room is bare except for the basics. No decorations. Definitely not her room. ¡°Where am I?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not dead. So definitely not heaven or hell,which ever you were expecting.¡± She startles, eyes widening. Sitting at her feet, appearing both sick and tired is a blue-eyed blond male. There¡¯s a look of agitation on his face. This isn¡¯t someone she¡¯s seen before. Except she knows her brother may have friends, friends who either don¡¯t know she exists, or know and will take her right back to him. ¡°I know you can talk. But since you¡¯re being quiet¡­ the next time you decide you want to die, maybe don¡¯t do it by getting hit by a moving vehicle. Maybe, and this is a suggestion, throw yourself off a bridge or building. Hell, you can even drown yourself if-¡± ¡°Who let Alex out of their sight. Jesus fucking christ. Get out Alex. You¡¯re being a piece of shit.¡± Alex scoffs, cast his baby blue eyes on her again and then she gets up and leaves. He slips right past her new intruder without so much as a glance at him. Much like the first one the second also has blue eyes. These ones darker than the previous person¡¯s. Panic rises higher in her chest. Just what had she gotten herself into? ¡°Sorry about him. I¡¯d say he¡¯s usually friendly, but that would be lying. It¡¯s good to see you¡¯re awake at least. How do you feel?¡± Confusion etches onto her face. Enough to say that she¡¯s not aware of what happened to her. At least not entirely. To him she looks terrified. More than Alex ever has, anyway. Behind him the others are trying to get in. The look on her face progresses. Most likely because the others have pushed him further into the room. Bryant has always wondered what someone with eyes as wide as dinner plates looked like. Deeming it an over the top exaggeration. Now, he completely understands. The look on her petite face is eerily similar to what he imagined it to be. She¡¯s also backed herself against the headboard. Why? He can¡¯t say, but he knows she¡¯s not going to talk when she feels threatened. ¡°Do you remember anything?¡± ¡°Great, not only did I nearly kill her, I gave her amnesia.¡± ¡°We sort of hit you with our van a couple ours ago.¡± Not a word. Just the petrified fear carved on delicate features. Sure they¡¯d been the ones to hit her, but this kind of reaction speaks volumes one of the other members doesn¡¯t pick up on as Bryant has to trip said red-head before he can go any further. ¡°The fuck, Bry.¡± Maybe if he spent a little more time understanding social cues he¡¯d understand now is not the time to do whatever he wants. Then again, it¡¯s not like he follows general rules anyway. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. Lets give our guest some space. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s had a long night, as have we.¡± Eijinn rubs his sore nose as he shoots a glare at Bryant. Grateful, that the appendage isn¡¯t broken. He doesn¡¯t see why he should be stopped from interrogating her. After all she did run out in front of their van. Not only nearly killing herself, but possibly traumatizing them all. He¡¯ll just come back later, when no one is around to injure him with their feet or the floor. So, at Bryants urging, he and the rest exit the room. The door closing quietly behind them. ¡°No one goes in there. Not for awhile. We don¡¯t know her and she doesn¡¯t know us. I¡¯m sure no one wants to end up in a body bag before dawn.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the only violent one among us.¡± Aaron¡¯s palm connects with the back of Eijinn¡¯s head. Being a smart ass isn¡¯t going to help them any. At the very least he¡¯s happy that a joke wasn¡¯t made. Nothing is more painful than listening to their high school dropout friend make awful jokes. They definitely don¡¯t need that right now. ¡°Aaron¡¯s right. Stay out of there. She¡¯s terrified of us. There¡¯s no telling how she¡¯ll react if one of us goes near her.¡± All eyes turn towards the quietest member of their group. He rarely talks and the fact that he¡¯s spoken more than just one sentence astonishes them. ¡°Jason, shut up. You talk too much.¡± ¡°For the record, Jason is right. She looked freaked out at the sight of us. She may look innocent, but we don¡¯t know what she¡¯s capable of. Give her space and when she¡¯s properly recovered we can send her on her way. Anything else?¡± Now they all look at Mitchell as if he¡¯s grown seven extra heads in the past five seconds. He merely sighs and walks off to go do something that won¡¯t get him looked at as though he¡¯s suddenly become hydra. Read. Eijinn, on the other hand turns back to the spare room. Not surprised to find that the only obstacle in his way is the drummer. He knows for certain that Aaron¡¯s position on the drums is for everyone else''s safety: more specifically Alex. That doesn¡¯t mean he won¡¯t turn that angry aggression on someone other than Alex. One just has to be willing to piss him off. ¡°Don¡¯t even try it. Walk your ass in the opposite direction or there really will be a body to carry out of here. Ans it sure as hell won¡¯t be mine.¡± Eijinn shrugs and as he¡¯s been told, walks off. Normally he¡¯s all for invading people¡¯s privacy. At least when he¡¯s in a good mood. Today is just not one of those days. Not to mention it means pissing off Aaron. No, today is one of those ¡®let¡¯s go lay out in the living room¡¯ kind of days. That¡¯s exactly what he intends to do. After he kicks Alex out of it to keep the blond from picking a fight with the aforementioned drummer. She stares at the closed door, eyes never wavering, panic still in her chest. There isn¡¯t just one or two of them. No, she¡¯s seen six of them. Six different guys who can easily overpower her. Her mind tells her she can¡¯t stay here, that she needs to get out and as far away as possible. That¡¯s what she starts doing. With as much strength as she can muster, she climbs from the bed, forces her way to the window, and stars undoing the lock. Slender fingers fumble several times and by the time she¡¯s gotten them undone the door swings ope, revealing one of the men from earlier. Mitchell looks at her properly for the first time since he¡¯s run her down. Dark brown hair wild around her face, making her eyes brighter and skin paler. Her clothes are practically tatters and she¡¯s filthy from head to toe. There are no shoes on her feet, making him wonder if she actually intended to run into the street. If maybe she¡¯s running from somewhere, someone, or something. It would explain her trying to climb out of the window and her sheer terror. ¡°I was going to ask if you were hungry or wanted something to drink. But if you want to leave you don¡¯t need to leave through the window. We just wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± She¡¯s still tense. Appearing ready to jump from the window at a moments notice. He¡¯s a little hurt that she feels the need to leave in such a manner, but figures there¡¯s a good cause for her to feel that way. ¡°H-how long have I been here? Wh-who are you people? Why are you trying to take care of me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been out for a couple of hours, actually. It¡¯s almost 4am. I¡¯m Mitchell. The others are Bryant, Alex, Eijinn, Aaron, and Jason. I sort of hit you with our van. It only seems right to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± She still hasn¡¯t relaxed. Watching him with cautious eyes as brown as her hair. One hand still on the window. Making him wonder just what kind of life she has that would put her on edge. Even give her the idea that she needs to desperately escape. When she doesn¡¯t say anything he simply nods his head and exits the room. One thing is certain: something is terrifying her and she doesn¡¯t trust people. ¡°Before I forget, would you like something a little more comfortable to wear? Or at the very least something lean?¡± The petite girl nods slowly. Her eyes seem to bore into him. Assessing every move he makes. Satisfied that he can do at least this much he heads off to go look for clothes for her. ¡°She okay?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not really an answer.¡± ¡°Shut up Alex. Will she eat anything?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think she will. She¡¯s definitely terrified. Was going to climb out the window. Still might.¡± Aaron nods and Alex tilts his head. Bryant, Jason, and half-asleep Eijinn mumble an inquisitive ¡®huh¡¯ as if something sounds off about what¡¯s been said. Slowly, she eases from the window, spotting the bathroom. It doesn¡¯t take much effort for her to go and have a look. She finds her reflection in the mirror. Unable to recall what she¡¯s supposed to look like. Sort of. Her eyes she recognizes, but everything else seems so foreign to her. None of it feels like it really belongs to her. Does anything belong to you anymore. Aren¡¯t you someone¡¯s toy? Imagine what will happen when he finds out you¡¯re with other men. Maybe you deserve it. Dark thoughts are interrupted by someone knocking on the bedroom door. Anxiety is high. Along with the terror that fuels her. ¡°I know it¡¯s not much, but I made you a sandwich. If you¡¯re hungry.¡± It¡¯s just as he thought. He can see it in the way she keeps her distance and how every muscle in her body coils tight. He¡¯s made people feel that way before. It¡¯s hard to miss. Not to mention her l appearance. Someone put her in such a position to be terrified of people. Even the way her eyes watch him tells him everything. She won¡¯t even move from the doorway of the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m Aaron. Can I ask your name?¡± ¡°M-Marie¡­¡± She sounds almost unsure of herself. Or as though giving her name is a dangerous thing to do. The more he watches her, the more he notices. Like the bruises forming under the holes of her clothes where skin is visible. How some of her skin is covered in scratches or dried blood. It almost feels like she got into a fight, but he knows better. Fighting wouldn¡¯t make her act like this. She¡¯s in flight mode. What she¡¯s afraid of he¡¯s not entirely sure, but he knows it¡¯s a person. Only people can create the kind of fear she¡¯s radiating in others. ¡°I¡¯ll let you be. If you need anything just holler.¡± Not a word leaves her lips. He doesn¡¯t expect her to say anything. Where she¡¯s concerned it¡¯s expected. After setting the plate where she can reach it, he cautiously steps out of the room. Gently closing the door. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.¡°We might as well go to bed. She¡¯s not going to say much. Not to us anyway. Mitch said he¡¯ll take her clothes, but other than that it¡¯s best to just leave her alone.¡± He ignores the protests of both Eijinn and Alex. Everyone has their own idea of what to do with their guest. In Eijinn¡¯s case it¡¯s demanding to interrogate her. As for Alex, well, he wants her gone. While understandable, he kind of wishes Alex would think of others. Thankfully, they head up to their rooms it¡¯s been a long night and by the looks of it, it¡¯s only getting longer. ¡°She still here?¡± ¡°For now. Though I can¡¯t really say I blame her. Just be cautious.¡± ¡°Did she say something?¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t have to. If you pay close enough attention to the way a person moves. Tells you a lot. Good night Mitchell.¡± Aaron¡¯s gone before he can say a word. Sighing Mitchell goes to the spare bedroom. Knocking gently on the door before entering. The petite girl jumps to her feet and darts to stand against the opposite wall. He holds up the clothes. ¡°Sorry if they¡¯re a bit big. Don¡¯t really have anything smaller.¡± She waits. Watching him set the garments on the bed. Even waits for him to leave the room before relaxing. Once her heart settles in her chest she quietly picks up the clothing material. Bare feet padding into the bathroom. She catches her reflection in the mirror again. This time noticing the emptiness in her own eyes. The very same emptiness that has become her mind. In this very moment she enters a world that no longer allows her control or peace as she so desires. All around her are the faces of people she passes by on a daily basis. People she fears because of the threat of her own flesh and blood poses. Her vision blurs and two more prominent faces take shape. That of her older brother and his wicked girlfriend. Lines like a blurry haze fill a room with no walls.they¡¯re like open wounds with no eyes. Screaming only excites them and makes them stronger. No amount of burning fire or rage can make these foul creatures turn back to where they come from. The heart that beats inside her chest, now hollow and drained of whatever could be her life force. It¡¯s both her end and beginning. She¡¯s screaming when he gets into the room. Her voice echoes in the room, bouncing off the walls and coursing through his veins. He¡¯s thankful that she didn¡¯t lock the door when she went in. The condition she¡¯s in frightens him more than anything. Nails digging into her own flesh, head tossed back, bruises covering her exposed skin, lacerations set in bright reds and pinks. Tears on a dirt stained face and eyes bloodshot to the point of looking painful. Panic settles in and he¡¯s not sure what to do. He¡¯s only ever had to look after himself and the others. None of the guys ever acted this way. His hesitation keeps him in the doorway, until someone shoves him aside and swears. ¡°God fucking dammit, Jason! At least help me get her in the fucking tub!¡± Jason blinks and then moves to quickly assist Aaron in putting the girl in the tub. He doesn¡¯t expect to be kicked, which is exactly what happens when he goes to lift one of her legs. He swears as he crumples to the floor in agony. ¡°Will someone come fucking help me!? Before she deafens the whole fucking house!¡± ¡°What the actual hell is going on?¡± Bryant, you blue-eyed bimbo, just fucking help me!¡± A scoff later Bryant is helping lift and toss the tiny female in the tub. By now everyone is in the bathroom; all eyes on her. Jason moves so that he¡¯s not within arms or legs reach of her. Eijinn and Alex stand in the doorway. Eijinn looking drunk and tired. Alex looking both tired and disgusted. Bryant sits on the closed toilet while Aaron tries to run hot water. Meanwhile, Mitchell just stares shocked from the center of the room. ¡°Does she know how disgusting she looks?¡± ¡°ALEX!¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s true. She¡¯s gross to look at.¡± ¡°I did not get kicked in the nuts for you to joke about this shit, okay! She¡¯s obviously not in any good shape!¡± ¡°Well maybe she should do something about that, because it¡¯s really hurting my eyes.¡± ¡°Then get the fuck out! You¡¯re in my mother fucking way!¡± Mitchell immediately starts ushering people out of the room as Aaron works to pry the already torn material of her clothes from her paled skin. ¡°I¡¯m going to look for a first aid kit. If I don¡¯t find one I¡¯ll head out and get some first aid supplies.¡± Aaron barely nods his head as he tosses the ragged material aside. Locking the door, Mitchell hurries out of the room and out into the kitchen to look for a first aid kit. Even checks the other bathrooms upstairs for anything that will help take care of her wounds. Nothing turns up for him, not even a small package of band-aids. He frowns, not really wanting to leave the house, but knowing he has to. Jason, Bryant, and Alex are all in the living room. Both Jason and Bryant are giving Alex dirty looks for his earlier comments. Jason¡¯s lower region pain ignored for the time being. Alex being who he is, pays no attention to them. Writing them off as being immature. Bryant, however, isn¡¯t having it. He¡¯s been here long enough to know that Alex needs to understand when to keep his mouth shut. ¡° I swear Grace; you get stupider every time something bad happens in the house. Do you realize that more than half the problems here are because you open your stupid pathetic little mouth and say unnecessary shit? That girl doesn¡¯t even live here and all you can do is insult her for something she can¡¯t control. You¡¯re fucked up in the head.¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she can control her screaming. It¡¯s damn near six in the morning and the whole neighborhood can hear her. I¡¯m not going to jail for a stupid bitch like her.¡± ¡°For fucks sake she doesn¡¯t even know you. And from the look of it she¡¯s having a melt down. Those aren¡¯t usually things you can control. They just happen.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not buying that for a second. Oh, and the next time you call me by my last name you stuck up piece of ass, you better be ready for me to knock all of your ugly teeth down your throat.¡± Bryant¡¯s swift and so the smaller petite male doesn¡¯t see the fist that comes flying at him until it¡¯s already hit him in the eye. Jason is still in too much pain to care what happens to Alex at this point. Not that Alex doesn¡¯t have it coming in the first place. The blue-eyed blond pisses almost everyone off at one point. Aaron being his usual victim. And everyone knows the kind of temper Aaron has. Knowing to keep their distance and not make him angry. Yet with Alex, it¡¯s as if he¡¯s walking on the thin line between safety and having his spine torn out through his ass. There are no regards for who he pisses who he pisses off or when. For this reason alone, when they added Aaron as a member of their still untamed band he was placed on drums. This is just how they survive in the house. Obviously, if you¡¯re Alex it doesn¡¯t seem to matter. He has to piss off everyone before he¡¯s satisfied with himself. Alex startles, hand coming up to his face to cover the throbbing area. Glaring hard at Bryant with his uncovered eye. ¡°The fuck was that for?!¡± ¡°For being an inconsiderate piece of shit who has no fucking compassion. All you do is threaten people and talk shit on them. One of these days your mouth is going to do more than piss Aaron off. And either you be ready for the beating you¡¯re going to get or learn to shut the hell up and keep your negativity to yourself.¡± Green eyes stare at the tiny female trembling in the tub. She flinches every time he reaches to help her or get her to clean herself up. He¡¯s silently praying that Mitchell hurries back with the bandages for her. Once more he tries to assist her by pulling back her hair. A slight flinch, but other wise she lets him continue. Brown eyes darting across his ink adorned arm. His ears catch the way her breathing settles then picks up. There¡¯s a fear of something more and he can tell. Not only that, he¡¯s aware of the way his presence can affect those around him. This girl is no exception, despite the fact that he can tell she¡¯s trying to do what she can. Another minute passes and instead of trying to assist her, he begins to lightly drum against the edge of the tub. A habit developed for stress, especially if he wants to keep calm. Lost in the gentle sound, he doesn¡¯t notice her rest her head against the side of the tub closest to him. Or Mitchel coming it with a first aid kit. Doesn¡¯t catch sight of her eyes following the intricate detailing of his tattoos, slim fingers occasionally pushing the arm to turn. Can¡¯t even hear Mitchell talking to him. Not until the male snaps his fingers in his face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just a little distracted.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to bandage her up then. I have to take a look at Alex because it looks like there was a fight.¡± ¡°Sounds more like someone beat his ass to me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t encourage that. I¡¯ll be in the living room if you need me.¡± ¡°Yeah, okay.¡± Mitchell leaves and Aaron turns his attention to Marie. She cautiously looks up at him and something in him tears at the thought of someone hurting her. He frowns before silently reaching for the soap and handing it to her. He moves to the closet, looking for a towel that she can use when she gets out. Keeping his back to her as she bathes, making sure she knows that he means her no harm in any fashion. She finishes in a timely manner and he hands her the towel. The second she¡¯s dry and clothed he begins to take care of her injuries. ¡°There, that should take care of you for the evening. Get some sleep. Or at least try to. If you need anything at all I¡¯m on the second floor. Last room on the left. Just knock before you enter. I¡¯d hate for you to see something that you don¡¯t need to.¡± He leaves and she¡¯s left with the silence of the bathroom and her angry thoughts. Nothing prevents her from enjoying life more than the demons in her head. Slowly and with shaky hands she adjusts the clean clothes, doing her best to avoid looking at the old ones in the trash, then steps back into the bedroom; where it appears someone has locked the door to keep anyone from getting in. It also appears they thoroughly did a check fro something. Wavering eyes scan everything before she climbs into the bed and lies down. A weak attempt at trying to sleep. The only thought running through her head: the demons get you when you¡¯re sleeping. For What Its Worth It¡¯s cold and raining. The water masks her tears, but not the black, blue, and purple sprouting on pale skin. All she has on is an extremely over sized shirt. Thing is it¡¯s not hers and having it on makes her skin crawl and burn. She hates it. The street lamps do little to provide her with warmth, but she¡¯s not so sure she even wants that. Her eyes scan the vicinity. Hoping and praying for some place dark to hide. For now, she¡¯s managed to avoid the usual places she knows her brother will look. The shirt will give you away. You¡¯re his property remember? She shudders as the thoughts run rampant in her head. Louder and louder until she can¡¯t hear anything else. Not the people she passes whispering about her. Nor the cars on the road as they go by. Unable to hear even her own name being called. Until she¡¯s staring up into familiar onyx eyes. ¡°Get in the car. Now.¡± His teeth are gritted. Yet she can hear the aggression in his words. Can almost feel the burning fury hidden by the way the phrases tumble out. Maybe this time they¡¯ll kill me. Her legs are frozen beneath her. Part of her wanting to scream, the other begging her to run. Then there¡¯s the part of her that blames herself. In a way you did this to him. You turned him into the monster that he is. Just like you killed your parents. Brown eyes catch the way his hand twitches, like he wants to hit her. And she know if this were not a public space he would. Most likely beat her until she¡¯s unconscious. Just to do it again when she wakes up. ¡°Stop wasting your brothers time. Get in the car. We have better shit to do than wait for you to remember where you come from.¡± The woman¡¯s voice reminds her of music. Not harmonic, but rich with something she¡¯s not familiar with. Something that draws people in, but Marie knows better. This woman is no angel. Satan wouldn¡¯t even want her. The kind of danger she poses has Marie on edge. All it takes is one word from her. Remember, he likes her more than he likes you and your his flesh and blood. Heavier tears fall from her eyes. Obscuring her vision. She knows that no one will help her. They never do. ¡°Get a move on little girl. You¡¯re wasting our time.¡± Reluctant, shaky legs move her to the car. Her brother shoving her into the back and slamming the door. Brain reminding her that the child safety lock is on and so is the window lock. Meant to prevent her from throwing herself from the car. She¡¯s done it before. Intentionally tumbled out into oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, it didn¡¯t help her get away. You can always cause an accident. Maybe kill all three of you. ¡°Stupid fucking bitch. Don¡¯t know what the hell you thought you were doing. What the hell did you think would happen?¡± She remains silent and he reaches back, hitting her in the face. Blood instantly spills from her mouth and nose. A laugh comes from the passenger seat. Trembling hands can barely contain the mess that¡¯s become her face. Hot searing pain coursing along delicate features. Salt water and blood mix together, similar to water color paint. Still, she¡¯s silent, internalizing her sobs. After all it¡¯s never done her any good. Not when she would plead for them to leave her be. Not even when she¡¯d beg the police to not call him or take her back to that place. And especially not when her dreams turned to nightmares and menacing demons in her head. Faintly she can hear them talking. The ringing in her ears blocks out most of what is said, but she knows it¡¯s about her. How two people can be so cruel is beyond her. If she had the courage she¡¯d say as much, but she doesn¡¯t. It¡¯s not worth the risk. ¡°Don¡¯t ignore me,stupid. I¡¯m talking to you. Apologize to your brother. He¡¯s allowing you to live with us you ungrateful whore. Making him chase you around the damn city and shit.¡± Apologize? Aren¡¯t you the victim here? Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°Let it go, Lisa. I don¡¯t want to hear her pathetic voice.¡± Once again the car goes silent. No talking, no radio, or anything. Just the sound of traffic. This is usually how it goes. She runs away and they either find her or the authorities do. And she¡¯s asked to apologize to her brother for misbehaving. Except, she doesn¡¯t see how it¡¯s her fault. All she knows is that these two are determined to keep her locked up in the house with them. Keep her miserable for as long as possible. You¡¯ll never get away. He¡¯ll never let you go. Maybe you should just kill yourself. He can¡¯t ruin a dead body. And it¡¯s what you deserve. Imagine sleeping forever. Neither expects the shrill screaming that comes from the back seat. Partially strangled by blood. The sound causes him to swerve thankfully, it¡¯s into an empty field. He cuts the engine and climbs out. So does the woman in the passenger seat. Angrily swinging the back door open. She grabs the younger girl by her ankles and yanks her out of the car. Marie thuds against the ground. Her screaming intensifies. With added coughing as red flows freely down her throat. Is this really how you want to die? Out in the open with them glaring down at you? They¡¯ll just bury you out here. The thought barely finishes when she feels a sharp stiletto in the front of her thigh. Along with her side being kicked in. ¡°You stupid pathetic pile of shit. Shut the hell up.¡± ¡°Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!¡± One of them connects their foot to her head and suddenly she¡¯s quiet. Eyes falling shut a little too quickly for them. They wait, watching her chest stutter with her breathing. Exasperated, Lisa rolls the unconscious girl so she won¡¯t choke on her own blood. All she had to do was shut up. That simple. When both are satisfied that she¡¯s not dead they toss her back into the car unceremoniously. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we buy a leash and muzzle for her. All she¡¯s doing is stressing you out.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just get home please." ¡°I¡¯m serious Joseph. At least chain her to the fucking bed.¡± ¡°We can talk about it at home.¡± Lisa huffs, but doesn¡¯t push the matter. At the end of the day, she always gets what she wants. He¡¯s never been able to deny her. So, she sits quietly the rest of the drive home. Happy when the sleek black vehicle pulls into the open garage. Joseph wastes no time in closing it. Mostly so any nosey neighbors don¡¯t see anything. Instead of carrying his knocked-out sister inside, he drags her by her hair. He dumps her on the floor of her bedroom. Dark eyes look around the space and suddenly he¡¯s angry again. Fury consumes him and he immediately takes all her clothing from the closet. She doesn¡¯t deserve them. Not after tonight. The dresser he drags out into the hall. Even begins removing the bed, propping the mattress and box spring against the wall. Can¡¯t run away if she has nothing to wear. Doesn¡¯t even deserve a bed. You provide her with everything. And this is how she repays you? Eventually, he moves the dresser and clothes to the sidewalk with the trash. And after catching his breath does the same with the bed. Regaining consciousness is never easy, no matter how accustomed to it she may be. It¡¯s always the same sight, too. Two pairs of never-ending anger. What she¡¯s done to deserve such treatment is only known to them. She¡¯d thrash if not for the weight of her own brother¡¯s body on the lower half of her body and Lisa¡¯s vice grip on her wrists. ¡°Look who¡¯s finally waking up and just in time too.¡± ¡°As if I give a shit.¡± An effort to scream is made, but it comes out muffled. Realization that they¡¯ve managed to stuff something in her mouth before she came to. All she can do is close her eyes and pretend it¡¯s not happening. Does her best to try and block out the sounds that come from them. That car accident should have killed you. Death is better than this. Anything is better than this. Maybe next time you¡¯ll come across a serial killer and get mutilated alive. Or shot. Anything but this. Time passes slowly in moments like this. Almost feels never ending. Much like the blooming marks along arms and legs. Demons dance in her mind, a jumbled mess of bleak words and dagger teeth. Muffled screams turn to smothered sobs. Continuing even after her tormentors have left the room. They¡¯ve left her gagged and on the floor. Gently turning her head reveals the missing furniture. No bed, no dresser. He really hates you. Looks like he even took the clothes in the closet. Being left like this, with nothing, wrenches her heart open; what¡¯s left of it anyway. Her sobbing intensifies. Melding with pleas for them to just kill her already. It all falls on deaf ears. Lisa¡¯s cackling filling the building. Until she yet again sees onyx. For just a second she can see disgust on his face. After which her head is slammed hard against the floor she hears ringing in her ears. Yet it¡¯s more than enough to put her out cold. Please don¡¯t let me wake up again. Ever. Dark Secret In the time it took for her to disappear and then show up again they¡¯d all but forgotten about her. At least until three weeks ago. Aaron found her huddled against a wall in an alley. She hasn¡¯t spoken a word since. Mitchell¡¯s tried inquiring about her. Hoping to learn something about the young woman. Sadly, it¡¯s gotten nowhere. Occasionally she¡¯ll make breakfast or dinner. Otherwise she does not associate with them. It often seems like she¡¯s in her own world. Mitchell¡¯s had enough, however, having everyone wait in the living room for when she comes home. Except, Eijinn of course is lying on the hallway floor. It¡¯s him she avoids the most, despite how docile he is. It¡¯s almost as if he has the plague. Which everyone, but Aaron finds strange. ¡°So, we¡¯re pretending she¡¯s not going to freak out with him lying on the floor like that?¡± Alex looks t the others as if they¡¯ve committed some kind of crime. Of course in Aaron¡¯s case he may have. There¡¯s never any telling with him. ¡°She can¡¯t hide in the guest room if he¡¯s there.¡± ¡°She¡¯ll most likely ignore him as she always does.¡± Alex rolls his eyes at the pair. While he couldn¡¯t care less about the girl, he also doesn¡¯t want to deal with her outbursts. The action prompts Bryant to flip him off. It also gets him a dirty look from Jason, who normally wants nothing to do with anyone. Before she can say or do anything the front door swings open and in steps Marie. ¡°Anya¡¯s home!¡± She waves quietly to Aaron, used to him not calling her by her name, but this one that he¡¯s casually changed her name to. Ignoring the others, she starts for the spare room she¡¯s been staying in. But of course, Eijinn is still sprawled on the floor looking up at her. Marie stops in her tracks, eyes wide with terror. ¡°Hi.¡± She nods stiffly, before turning and exiting the house. At this, Mitchell groans and Aaron gets up to follow her. ¡°Eijinn, can you be normal for once. Like can you not terrify her.¡± ¡°All I said was ¡®hi¡¯ and she took off.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying on the hallway floor. That¡¯s why she took off.¡± It takes Aaron a moment to spot her crawled up by the side of the house crying. Thank god she didn¡¯t go far. He hesitates before sitting across from her. ¡°He¡¯s harmless, despite the way he behaves. He means well, sort of.¡± She¡¯s silent, doing her best to stop crying. When she does her head lifts slightly to look at him. Brown eyes searching green ones. There¡¯s nothing there to say he¡¯s lying to her. The again Aaron has only been truthful with her from the beginning. Doesn¡¯t treat her as if she¡¯s a waste of space, but more like a person. Almost like she¡¯s the most precious thing in his. He¡¯s generally the first to check on her too. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Her voice comes out in a whisper, barely audible. But he hears her and smiles a little. Happy that she¡¯s not having a different reaction. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. Maybe watch a movie or something.¡± Another nod as she cautiously lets him help her up and then follows him back inside. No surprise that Eijinn is still lying on the floor. His eyes are half-lidded. Not even paying attention to her. Again, instinct takes over, tempting her to flee. That is until Aaron guides her to sit beside him on the couch. Bryant can feel her shaking in her body. He¡¯s never seen anything like it. Nor has he had to ever deal with this before a girl who¡¯s terrified of the male species. Her trembling rocks the couch. Luckily, Alexander is not on the same couch. Not that the baby-blue eyed blond isn¡¯t shooting dirty looks at her anyway. It is, after all, what he¡¯s good at. Making others feel bad themselves. Internalized self-hate. Sadly, Marie¡¯s his current target. Although, Bryant¡¯s pretty sure she has more than enough reason for her actions. Most people usually do. At least from what he¡¯s seen. ¡°Hey, Marie, can you help me with something in the kitchen?¡± She startles, but nods her head and on unsteady feet follows him to the kitchen. And at first he makes it seem as if he does need her help and then turns to face her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me. It¡¯s literally none of my business. But you avoid us like the plague. We¡¯re harmless. At least, where it concerns you. We wanted to ask as a group, but I feel that¡¯s a bit much. Again you don¡¯t have to tell me, but can I ask what¡¯s going on with you?¡± Wide eyes stare up at him. A frown forming on tiny lips as she tries to come to grips with herself. Still not entirely sure if she can trust them. Despite the generosity most of them, if not all, have shown her. ¡°Like I said you don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± She¡¯s shaking again. A single leaf in the middle of winter. Something is definitely eating away at her. Bryant¡¯s starting to regret asking. Believing he may have pushed too far. Watching as her mouth opens and then closes. At this point she¡¯s in the verge of tears. Definitely should not have asked. I¡¯m such an idiot. Out of habit he reaches to hug her. Stopping when she visibly flinches. ¡°Please don¡¯t say anything to anyone.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not my place to. Unless you did something illegal. In which case we have nowhere left to hide the bodies.¡± He chuckles a little bit, so that she isn¡¯t frightened of him. However, he can still see the tension spilling from her skin and it makes him silently pray that whatever she has to say isn¡¯t too terrible. His heart on the other hand already knows that it¡¯s bad. Her mouth opens to speak, but then stops. She still visibly shaking. It¡¯s upsetting to see someone so broken. Again that feeling of having asked her wasn¡¯t such a good idea resurfacing. Suggesting that maybe he should leave her alone. Until she speaks: If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.¡°I can¡¯t go home.¡± ¡°Okay,but why?¡± ¡°I just can¡¯t.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be anything worse than almost being run over by Mitchell.¡± ¡°Please¡­I just can¡¯t go back.¡± ¡°No one¡¯s going to make you, but we can¡¯t help or at least make sure you¡¯re semi-comfortable if you won¡¯t tell us what¡¯s wrong.¡± She won¡¯t look up at him. Slim fingers tugging at the material of a shirt Aaron gave her to wear. The same Aaron quietly slipping into the kitchen. Bryant¡¯s glimpsed him eavesdropping the whole time, which he finds rude. He didn¡¯t want to startle Marie by saying anything. Besides, it almost seems she¡¯s trapped in here with them and that¡¯s not how he wants her to feel. ¡°I just can¡¯t. I won¡¯t. Not again.¡± For a moment, just a single moment, Bryant is confused. Looking her over before his brain clicks. Jesus! His eyes meet Aaron¡¯s. The other wearing a grim expression. Bryant figures he must¡¯ve already had some idea and this is just a confirmation. Plus, if he¡¯s figured it out who¡¯s to say no one else has. Then why didn¡¯t anyone help her before us? ¡°Please don¡¯t make me go back.¡± There are tears in her voice. She¡¯s shaking even harder than before. However he¡¯s angry. How can one treat their own flesh and blood so cruelly with no remorse whatsoever? It¡¯s still taking his mind a bit to process what she¡¯s been unable to say aloud. With so much more caution than he¡¯s ever had, he leads her back to the spare room. Kicking Eijinn gently and yet still hard enough to get him to move aside. Once the door is closed with her safely inside he goes back to look for Aaron. ¡°They say birds of a feather flock together.¡± ¡°She¡¯s different. The lot of us are only friends because we¡¯re moths drawn to the same flame. We thrive on our own self-destruction.¡± ¡°Yeah, but she¡¯s still similar to us in many ways. Nothing is going to change that. Remember how different we all seemed? I mean, you practically hated my guts when we met.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s to say I don¡¯t still hate your guts?¡± Aaron runs a hand through dark hair. A sarcastic grin poisoning the features of his face. His ears pick up Bryant¡¯s gentle scoff. The two have been friends for a long time. They know what pisses the other off to no end. Yet, they still get along so well. ¡°You can¡¯t say anything about what I uncovered? It¡¯s bad enough I pressured her to tell me anything. You two however, it¡¯s very different. She trusts you more than anyone else. You may as well be best friends. Meaning it¡¯d be best if you kept it to yourself. I know it pisses you off to no end.¡± ¡°It does more than piss me off. To think her own family can abuse her and not one of them has remorse. Or so much as try to help her. How can you look at your own relative and not think, ¡®this is wrong. Should I stop it.¡¯? I¡¯d love to give these people a piece of my mind.¡± ¡°Yeah, well, keep it to yourself. And keep an eye on her.¡± Aaron nods and sighs, knowing full well the consequences of sharing someone else¡¯s private information without their permission. He simply zones out, green eyes dark and brooding. Bryant leaves him be. Knowing the results of being around an angry Aaron. Back in the living room the others look at him expectantly. Except, as usual Eijinn, who is nowhere to be seen. Jason simply points down the hall to the room Marie¡¯s in. With a raised brow, Bryant starts down the hall. Thankfully, the door is still closed. Closed with Eijinn leaning against the door frame. Marie¡¯s sniffling can be heard on the other side. ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything to her did you?¡± ¡°No, she didn¡¯t even open the door when I knocked. Is she okay?¡± Bryant¡¯s aware his friend means well, but she may not see it that way. As far as she¡¯s concerned everyone is a threat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. So long as you didn¡¯t say or do anything to her it¡¯s none of your business.¡± The red-head looks up at him perplexed as he passes into the room. A frown forms on Bryant¡¯s face at the sight of their petite guest. She¡¯s curled up in a ball against one wall of the room. Tears stain her face and her nose is running. ¡°Marie, princess come here.¡± The door shuts gently behind him. He moves to sit on the bed and after some hesitation she sits beside him with her head in his lap. The tears fall heavier and all he can do is wait it out. Her body shudders as each sob leaves her throat, broken and deformed. He never though he¡¯d be doing this. Let alone face to face with someone who did not look the type to be victimized by the world¡¯s evils. Yet here she is like a burning fire. Terror violently mutilated in the form of a girl who¡¯s lost all hope in the world. A part of him realizes now, why she¡¯d been so standoffish the first time. And yet still found a way to have comfort among them. It seems cruelty is everywhere and she got stuck with it. What kind of life is this? Darker Truth The world¡¯s a blur of color and motion. Faces that mean nothing right now, words that won¡¯t be remembered. Emotions that can¡¯t be comprehended or put into words. Every waking moment is torture. New adornments of black, blue, and purple on already marred skin. Crimson paint on a gentle white canvas. Sensations of a poisoned mind. Whatever serenity she once had possession of is no longer hers. It all slips through ghost-like fingers into an ocean of abyss. No more lights of joy, only demons and their shadows. They dance to a sound that¡¯s all their own. Not music, but a cacophony of muffled strangulation that only they enjoy. A dance of sharpened knives. She feels the pressure of a cataclysmic downfall. Eyes sown with pain and lips stained with life¡¯s most poisoned words. She shakes as his fingers wrap roughly around her throat and the claws of her other assailant dig into spindly arms. The pressure of a body that isn¡¯t hers pressed against her own. Her struggle is wasted and energy is drained like blood from flesh. Tendrils of hot alcoholic air caress her as he forces himself on her. Forcing her to remain where he¡¯s most comfortable. Pathetic. Weak. A waste of perfectly good space and air. Shadows scream at her from the darkest part of her mind. It¡¯s her voice that shreds the air into tiny pieces. Another blow reduces the sound to whimpers. Closing her eyes does nothing to alleviate the actual reality of what¡¯s being done to her by her own flesh and blood. The one person she¡¯s supposed to look up to and had until that very moment. A gentle river pools from her eyes. Eijinn gently shakes the girl once more and moves back so as to not startle or frighten her. Also, to not end up like Jason. From what he can tell, her night terrors are getting worse. He doesn¡¯t know what causes them, but he knows that waking up every other night half sober from her screaming isn¡¯t helping anyone. His eyes match hers, copper filled with slight irritation and sleep. It takes her a bit to come to herself. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, that doesn¡¯t really make up for the fact that you woke the whole house. Maybe learn to scream a little less loudly. Or not at all.¡± She doesn¡¯t say anything. Not that she ever has anything to say to him. While uncertain about exactly why , she knows she doesn¡¯t like him. Presuming it to do simply with his alcohol consumption. Although, there¡¯s a part of her that says otherwise. Still, he wakes her when she¡¯s terrified. Whether, it¡¯s because she¡¯s annoying or he actually cares, she¡¯ll never know. The bedroom door opens and instead of Aaron or Bryant as expected, it¡¯s Mitchell. A frown is tossed in Eijinn¡¯s direction. With an agitated groan, the red head gets up from the bed and leaves the room. Mitchell closes the door before turning his full attention to her. Like some of the others he¡¯s not too happy about being woken up in the middle of the night. However, he¡¯s more concerned about what¡¯s causing her to scream in the first place. Mocha colored eyes stare at pure brown ones. He doesn¡¯t say anything. Simply watching her, as though his life depends on it. Both remain silent as he waits for her to gather herself. Sitting not too far from her on the bed. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yes. Where¡¯s Aaron?¡± Mitchell laughs hesitantly, face flushing a deep shade of pink. She¡¯s the only person in the house who doesn¡¯t know about Aaron¡¯s sexuality. Or anyone¡¯s for that matter. Not that it¡¯s a topic one brings up casually. And he¡¯s definitely not sure how to explain it to her. Her head tilts and a frown graces her face when he doesn¡¯t answer her. ¡°It¡¯s a tad complicated.¡± ¡°What¡¯s complicated?¡± ¡°Yeah, Mitchell, what¡¯s complicated?¡± Both Mitchell and Marie look to the door to see two sweaty figures, Aaron and Bryant. Aaron¡¯s dark tresses are matted down and the ink on his slightly tanned skin shines in the dim light coming from the hall. Bryant is also in a similar fashion. ¡°N-nothing, I just thought you were sleeping. Marie asked for you.¡± Almost instantly Aaron laughs. Mitchell¡¯s face darkens in embarrassment and Marie is still clueless. Bryant on the hand isn¡¯t sure who he should feel bad for. ¡°Aaron be nice. I¡¯m sure he meant well. Did you tell her, Mitchell?¡± ¡°No! It¡¯s awlward to explain your situation to a twelve year old!¡± ¡°I AM NOT TWELVE! I¡¯M SIXTEEN!¡± All three males look flusters. Aaron¡¯s laughter ceases and his eyebrows knit together in confusion. ¡°You¡¯re 16?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Mitch, get out.¡± ¡°Aaron, she¡¯s fine. Go do whatever you were doing.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don;t think you heard me. Let me rephrase it a bit. GET THE FUCK OUT NOW!¡± Mitchell flinches, but quickly exits the room. Scurrying past Aaron as fast as he can. Bryant steps into the room after Aaron, closing and locking the door in the process. Both males¡¯ eyes have darkened considerably. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.¡°Marie, do you remember what we talked about?¡± ¡°How can I forget?¡± ¡°Good. Now I have another question and I need you to be honest with me. Very honest.¡± ¡°Be happy it¡¯s Bryant asking you and not me.¡± ¡°Aaron. Marie, sweetheart, how long has your family been mistreating you and you just haven¡¯t said anything to anyone??¡± ¡°It¡¯s not exactly my whole family.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t either?¡± ¡°My parents passed away when I was nine.¡± ¡°So adoptive parents? Foster parents? What?¡± ¡°You have a legal guardian, oviously. Why not report them?¡± She goes silent. The very thing htey don¡¯t want. Eyes lowered to her lap. ¡°You do have a legal guardian, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°S-sort of.¡± Guilt and fear play out a movie on her features. Desperation and avoidance tell a tale meant for a horror book. For a moment, Bryant¡¯s not sure he wants the answer anymore. Still it¡¯d be nice to have some idea of what¡¯s going on. Maybe help her if possible. ¡°We can¡¯t do this all night.¡± ¡°I tech¡­ I technically¡­ umm¡­ live with my older brother.¡± Aaron stops pacing, turning ever so slowly to face her. Almost as though he¡¯s not sure he heard her correctly. The pieces fall quickly into place. How she hasn¡¯t turned to drugs or violence is a mystery. Worst of all, how can someone treat their own-nevermind. ¡°Brother? That constitutes as family, sweetheart.¡± ¡°Not from where I¡¯m standing.¡± ¡°Aaron enough¡­¡± ¡°Bry, for once, put two and two together without it being spelled out for you.¡± Aaron¡¯s skin is turning red with anger. He¡¯s pacing again, mumbling swears under his breath along with insults. Bryant¡¯s still confused, looking between the two. The only indication from Marie that she¡¯s morbidly uncomfortable being her body shaking and tears coming from her eyes. Am I missing something? I get her brother is the one abusing- Oh, god! He looks at her with wide eyes. Her silence is all the acknowledgment he needs. The tension digging further into the room. Marie¡¯s watching Aaron. Something Bryant notices she does often when she¡¯s not sure what else to do. Every time though, he notices a fear in her that¡¯s much different from the fear present any other time. This one raw and stretched dangerously thin. Suddenly, Aaron stops. Fists still at his side. Angry electricity surging through green eyes. He just watches them for a moment. Bryant staying through an angry pacing spell is usual. Generally people try to get away from him when he¡¯s like that. She didn¡¯t. The terror is there, but she hasn¡¯t gotten up to run from the room. Simply keeps her eyes on him. Considering what her life has been all these years she shouldn¡¯t even want to be near him. Let alone watch him as if looking away will make him disappear. Every tense muscle relaxes, hands unclenching and pushing his hair back gently. For fucks sake¡­ she¡¯s seen enough violence in her life. I shouldn¡¯t add to it like this. Worst of all, how can someone treat their own-nevermind. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± The room is comfortably quiet. Aaron sits on the floor as the three of them just zone out completely. Nothing, but their breathing fills the space. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you reported him to the police?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s my fault he¡¯s stuck with me. I have nowhere else to go.¡± ¡°Your parents dying isn¡¯t your fault. They died and you were put In his custody. You didn¡¯t ask for that.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not my fault.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need the details. You¡¯ve dredged up enough tonight. Just know that whatever happened wasn¡¯t your fault, and unless you actually had a hand in what happened you shouldn¡¯t let anyone tell you otherwise.¡± More silence. Decadent almost. Assurance filled. Finally the energy of the room settles. Sinking into everyone¡¯s skin. Nestling neatly in calmed veins. ¡°Try and get some sleep. We¡¯ll check on you in the morning.¡± ¡°Why did Mitchell turn red when I asked for Aaron?¡± ¡°Oh you precious innocent thing. That¡¯s probably not a discussion for tonight or anytime soon. Another time. Good night, Marie.¡± ¡°Good night.¡± The door shuts quietly behind the two as they leave. It doesn¡¯t take long for her demons to return. Howling in her head as loud as they can. Shearing her sanity and making pits in her mind. Pits full of all too similar visions. Blood stained memories burn just as a house does. In parts and all at once. It¡¯s her own voice, shrill and filling the air. Almost matching the sound of the accident she¡¯s witnessing. Tears brighter than the flames engulfing the flipped vehicle. Snapping from the sight is almost impossible to do. Still, she manages to pull it off without making too much noise. The last thing she wants is to explain how being born is the whole reason her brother is the way he is. How he¡¯s why they had an accident. How he¡¯d cut the brakes in the car hoping she¡¯d be inside when the accident happened. SChool Encounters It¡¯s too early for the amount of ringing in his ears that¡¯s happening. Too early for Aaron to be drumming the way he¡¯s been doing for about an hour. Maybe longer. He can¡¯t be sure. Not between the pounding of his skull, the drums, and what sounds like something or someone heading downstairs. With a groan, he stumbles from his bed and to the room¡¯s door. That is, after kicking aside a few articles of clothing that litter the floor. The bedroom door opens almost too quickly for him. As well as too quietly. You¡¯re being an idiot. It¡¯s just a door. The eyes take a moment to adjust to the change in light as he descends to the first floor. Everyone is in the living room except for two people. Aaron being one and Marie the other. No surprise. At least she¡¯s not screaming today. Unless, that¡¯s why Aaron is drumming. After some time it goes quiet again. The reverberating remnants taking their time to settle. No one says a word, looking at the garage door as their friend exits the space. ¡°What we having an award ceremony or something?¡± ¡°No you just have way of waking the whole neighborhood.¡± ¡°Ha, ha.¡± He can¡¯t recall a time where they just had a moment like this one. Although, there¡¯s much he can¡¯t recall. The result of several factors including alcohol. ¡°So, what¡¯s the occasion? Because we know it¡¯s not birthdays.¡± ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just in a mood.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying on the floor. That should be your concern.¡± ¡°News flash, Alexander, you¡¯re not my mother. Not that I listen to her anyway. Plus, Marie¡¯s in her room. As in not out here. Go fuck yourself.¡± ¡°And the day has officially started. All in part brought to you by the great Alexander Peter Grace.¡± Copper eyes turn to Bryant, slit in agitation. He hates being the center of anyone¡¯s bad joke. Especially ones that involve Alex. ¡°Bryant, if you don¡¯t shut your dick-sucking mouth I will personally do it for you.¡± ¡°Who pissed in your alcohol? Lighten the fuck up will you. No one has time for your shit today.¡± ¡°Fuck all of you okay? All of you can suck my¡­¡± He stops short. Eyes catching on their female guest in the hallway. She¡¯s in baggy sweats and an over-sized t-shirt again. It¡¯s all she wears, even to school. He¡¯s not once seen her in anything else. Considering it¡¯s still chilly out, it¡¯s pretty much okay. Except something something about it says there¡¯s more to it than just that. To him anyway. Almost as if she¡¯s something to hide from the world. So, he watches her as if she¡¯s some new species of female he¡¯s trying to learn about. Although, it¡¯s no surprise that when it comes to her, she just may be a new species to him. The real problem is that he¡¯s always too drunk to ever actually take full notice of her. And at the moment he¡¯s far too sober to not actually pay attention. He may as well take the opportunity. ¡°Staring is rude.¡± ¡°So is screaming at nearly four in the morning. For the record, I wasn¡¯t staring, I was observing.¡± She never talks to me. A smug grin takes shape on his lips. Instead of a response, she just sits on the floor close to Bryant¡¯s feet but also for whatever odd reason close enough to Eijinn to run her fingers through his hair. Something¡¯s not right. She¡¯s talking to me and touching me. Pretty sure she¡¯s terrified of me. ¡°Anya, he probably has lice, don¡¯t play with that. We don¡¯t need you catching any.¡± Everyone laughs at Aaron¡¯s snide remark, including Marie. Eijinn on the other hand remains quiet, rather enjoying the feel of someone¡¯s fingers in his hair. He¡¯s already forgotten that either her or Aaron woke him. Or maybe it was the message from his mother about taking over his father¡¯s law firm. Forgotten he¡¯s a high school drop out who will probably amount to nothing. You¡¯ve already succeeded at that. Look at how well your band dream is going. Not that it¡¯s going anywhere. Her hands stop their ministrations. He can hear her and Mitchell whispering over him. ¡°Really? Whispering? Mitchie, shut up, you¡¯re distracting her.¡± ¡°Mitchie, is saving her from your lice infested hair.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry Aaron. I didn¡¯t realize you and I showered together last night. How about you explain why you chose such an awful time to drum.¡± ¡°Not really your business. Shouldn¡¯t you be in bed? It¡¯s your turn to take Marie to school.¡± ¡°Son of a bitch. Man, do I really have to take her?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the only one who hasn¡¯t ever taken her. Besides, think of the bonding you two could do. And you guys really need to get along. Especially, if she¡¯s going to be here awhile.¡± ¡°Then can we at least get her some decent clothes? I mean she dresses like she¡¯s homeless, which she¡¯s not despite the fact she¡¯s a run away.¡± ¡°When she gets home, certainly. Until then, Marie, you may as well go shower and get dressed. Eijinn, same for you. And actually wear clothes, not just a pair of jeans and that sweater shit made out of faux fur.¡± ¡°Well fuck you too.¡± Eijinn, however, lowers his head back onto the floor. Allowing Marie to continue playing with his hair. Until she gets up to go shower as Mitchell has suggested for her to do. It takes him a few minutes, but he too soon trudges up to his bedroom to shower. His room isn¡¯t fancy despite the massive size. It¡¯s probably more simplistic than the one Marie¡¯s using at the moment. The dresser is pushed up against the wall next to the walk in closet in the far corner. Both of which are conveniently located near the bathroom. His bed is pressed against the opposite wall, unmade. With an agitated sigh he goes to the dresser, grabs a pair of faded jeans, and a tank top a long with clean underwear before heading off to shower. Once the water in on and steaming, he strips down and climbs in. This is the only place where he feels safe from the world¡¯s problems. Not that he doesn¡¯t like the others, he just prefers not dealing with his demons around them. Unless of course it involves drinking. They all drink for various reasons. Mitchell being the only exception. He knows for a fact Mitchie only drinks when they are home. Which is rarely ever. One of us has to remain sane, I guess. After some time he sighs, shuts the water off, and gets out. It¡¯s now that it occurs to him he didn¡¯t grab a towel. Just as he decides he wants to get one from his room, the door bursts open. Standing there with a large grin on her face is Marie. Completely oblivious to his nudity. ¡°You guys have a show later!!! You¡¯re welcome!!!¡± She sprints out just as fast as she came in. Leaving Eijinn, bewildered and flustered. Not a second later Aaron and Mitchell are standing in her place. ¡°We tried to warn her. She¡¯s just so happy that she¡¯s gotten us this gig that even Aaron couldn¡¯t grab her. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if she realized I was naked or not. She announced her news and took off. Who told her where my room was by the way?¡± ¡°No one, she heard the shower and came running. She¡¯ll realize it later. Don¡¯t say anything to her about it. Let her be happy. Oh, and if you try anything with her, I will personally emasculate you with a pair of scissors. Fuck with me today, I dare you.¡± Both Mitchell and Eijinn flinch as their green-eyed drummer storms out the room. They know him to be violent, but descriptively violent. This is something new to them. Finally, Mitchell shakes his head and laves, a small smirk playing on his features. Eijinn stands there wide eyed for a moment trying to process everything that¡¯s happened. Why was I threatened when she¡¯s the one who ran in on me. Wait¡­ His mind finally wraps around the idea that the band he¡¯s a vocalist for has an actual performance. He rushes to get dressed, stumbles out of his bedroom, and down the steps to the living room. ¡°You¡¯re serious? We have a show?¡± ¡°What, you have water in your ears? Did you not hear her when she burst in on you. Don¡¯t fuck it up for the rest of us you piece of shit.¡± A smile brightens the red-heads features, making him less intimidating than he normally appears. In but a few short strides he¡¯s over by Marie and hugging her tight to him. She stiffens in his arms and everyone takes notice. Including Jason who has spent as much time as possible ignoring them all since she got here. ¡°Thank you so fucking much.¡± She¡¯s quiet as she nods, heart pounding in her chest and terror coursing through her veins. Every part of her is aflame, wanting nothing more than to scream and hide. Still, he holds her, the only person he¡¯s ever known besides the guys who¡¯s done something not for herself, but for them. That and this may be the only chance he gets to be this close to her before she shuts him out again, like she has the past several weeks. Slowly, he lets go of her, putting her at arms length before running back upstairs to his room. No one says anything, scared of how Marie might respond. Except Jason he quietly pats the spot beside him on the couch. She¡¯s hesitant, but with shaky legs she moves towards the spot. Practically falling into it and lying on her side. Her breathing catches in her throat briefly and then she¡¯s screaming, her mind lost in the dark chaos that is her thoughts. Aaron¡¯s is the first to move towards her in an attempt to calm her down. Only to end up pinned neatly beneath Jason. It¡¯s not the best idea on Jason¡¯s part considering the drummer¡¯s temper has become worse, but it¡¯s for the best. At least just this once. Until he sees a flash of movement beside him and a second glance reveals Mitchell and Alex swiftly moving Marie from the couch to the floor. He¡¯s not certain of what¡¯s going on anymore and seeing Eijinn come down the steps doesn¡¯t help figure out what¡¯s wrong or make the situation better. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°Get the hell off of me!¡± ¡°Not really an option, Aaron. I mean really.¡± ¡°Jason, when I get from under you I¡¯m going to murder you and hide the body. No joke.¡± Jason shrugs, but otherwise remains where he is. Eijinn moves forward his eyes glued to Marie¡¯s petite form. . He¡¯s cautious and the others watch him warily as he crouches near her head. One hand supporting him the other hesitantly being placed on her head. She stiffens entirely. Struggling to breathe. Jesus, please don¡¯t get worse. Don¡¯t make it worse. Please. The vocalist is pretty sure he has no idea of what he¡¯s doing, but right now he needs her to calm down before the neighbors report them for murder. Her pupils are dilated from what he can tell, at least he assumes so. The hospital¡¯s not an option if she has a more freaked-out reaction than what¡¯s already happening. Please, please, please. It was just a hug. There has to be another reason. A black canvas dipped in red ink. Darkness in Darkness. Nothing to ease the burn that remains on tainted skin. A fire incomparable to the blazes that take up California¡¯s forests. Heavy hammering that doesn¡¯t cease echoes in the shadows. Again it¡¯s the same thing. A new scar or bruise to ruin what can no longer be ruined. Whatever soul she once had is long gone. No longer a person, but more a hollow shell of what used to be. Spiteful words bounce off of the empty walls and the inky recesses of her mind. She¡¯s nothing without the ones who took care of her before. Sleep will never come to this frail body of hers. Hiding only makes things worse and far more terrifying. The shower is her only comfort, the water turning turning pale skin violent red, blending with the new tally marks carved into soft flesh. A silent scream for all the word to hear. Eyes puffier than the clouds in the sky. There are no words for the way she feels right now. Now even to properly explain what she never imagined possible. So, instead, she makes friends with the devils in her head. The voices that would see her fall her only comfort. Someone¡¯s trying to resuscitate her when she comes back to her reality. Someone is swearing at the top of their lungs and two others are yelling at that person to calm down. Somewhere else she hears feet scurrying around as if they¡¯re frantically looking for something. There¡¯s a weight on each of her legs and arms as if to say she needed to be held down. ¡°Welcome back.¡± There¡¯s a smile on the person¡¯s face and she soon comes to realize that it¡¯s none other than Eijinn leaning awfully close to her. Yet, before she can freak out, he moves back just enough so that she can sit up on her own without the excess weight of another person. She takes in her surroundings, eyes still adjusting to the light. Sitting off to the side of her is Alex, those blue hues of his bright with fear. This is a new sight for her, after all he¡¯s done nothing but make sure her life with them is as miserable as he can make it. For what reason she¡¯s not sure. The only thing she ever really did was run into the middle of the street into oncoming traffic. He¡¯d already been harsh enough about that she is certain that she hasn¡¯t said anything to offset the blond haired man in anyway. In fact, she makes sure not to set anyone in a bad mood. Not Aaron, who has a violent temper. Nor Jason, whom she is sure is impossible to piss off as he speaks to literally no one unless needed. Neither Mitchell or Bryant, both of which show her nothing but utter kindness and do everything in their power to make sure she¡¯s okay. Especially not Eijinn, although, not talking to him may upset him. Alex on the other hand is just cruel to her. She avoids as best as she can. Only for that to turn into a problem. There¡¯s no winning when it comes to the slender male. And just like that it¡¯s gone. ¡°Go kill yourself somewhere else you stupid bitch!¡± The words hardly finish leaving his lips when there¡¯s a loud cracking sound just after the sound of flesh hitting flesh. A thump of someone¡¯s head hitting the floor and a scream filling the air. She barely registers Eijinn pulling her back from what¡¯s happening. Somehow, brown eyes recognize Bryant¡¯s arms around Aaron¡¯s neck, and Alex holding his face. Tiny arms reach out and a single menacing glance draws them back. There¡¯s nothing she can do at the moment, besides wait. Her fragile heart hammers in her chest, pressing against such frail ribs. Two pairs of very blue eyes with two different looks upon them. One holding shock and hurt, while the other burns with an ocean of rage. One set remaining brighter than the other. It¡¯s not so much the looks in their eyes that forces everyone to keep their distance, but more of the raging energy that they¡¯re carrying. ¡°I¡¯m taking Marie. She doesn¡¯t need to be around all you violent people. Especially Aaron. She¡¯ll see the rest of you after school.¡± ¡°Fuck off. Bryant let me go so I can beat Alex¡¯s ass. Fucking stuck up piece of shit. Not worth the goddamn air he¡¯s breathing.¡± Eijinn tugs Marie out of the house before Bryant can respond to Aaron. The second the door closes behind them he releases her. She¡¯s silent as she heads to the van. Inside she¡¯s stashed the book bag full of school supplies Mitchie got her. Her door closes a little harder than she intended. Brown eyes adorned with some emotion he cannot read. He hums to himself, runs a hand through his still damp hair, and lower his eyes briefly to the ground before getting in the driver seat of the van. Door closing with less force than hers. Setting the key in the ignition he steals a glance her way. Yeah, she definitely doesn¡¯t like me. And something really isn¡¯t right with her. Not really my place to say something about it to her. She doesn¡¯t trust me enough to tell me anything about it. Quietly he starts the van. It¡¯s been a long time since they let him drive. Reason being that he is always drunk beyond comprehension. None of them want to have to bail him out of prison for reckless driving and driving while under the influence. Once on the road he tunes out everything, including the crappy radio signal. This she appears to enjoy, the quiet that¡¯s left between them. And it has more to do with the fact that she has yet to feel properly comfortable around him. Before either knows it they¡¯re at the high school. ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need me to tell you, but stay out of trouble. They¡¯re not going to call us if you don¡¯t. We¡¯re not your emergency contact, unfortunately.¡± She nods and climbs out, heading straight for the double doors. Her eyes barely spot the figure approaching her until they¡¯re right in front of her. Both feet stick in place, legs numb, and fear carving itself onto her face. It¡¯s taken him a while to find her, that much she knows. How he found her, she¡¯s uncertain. Honestly, she wishes he hadn¡¯t. In fact she wishes she hadn¡¯t left the house. Wishes that at least Aaron were here to keep her safe. Unfortunately, he¡¯s not and the one person she doesn¡¯t want to be near is. Brown eyes stare up into inky black ones. ¡°Just where the hell have you been? And where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± She¡¯s silent and prays that someone notices her for once or at least that he¡¯ll leave it for now. Hopes that someone does something she can benefit from. Eijinn¡¯s eyes catch the way she freezes up, the way her body yells at her to run, but remains in place. Until that very second where she slips the small backpack off her shoulders, turns, and starts sprinting. He¡¯s never seen her move this quickly. Whoever this person is, she obviously wants nothing to do with them. With the ease of a cat, he slips out of the car and is by her side before she can stumble and hit her face on the concrete. ¡°Jeeze, you must really love getting hurt. Come on.¡± Her nails dig into olive flesh, drawing blood, but he says nothing. ¡°Who the hell are you and what are you doing with my sister?¡± Eijinn¡¯s copper eyes settle on the other male. A smirk etches itself on his face. ¡°I think you¡¯ve mistaken my cousin for you sister. This is Maya. She lives with me. No other family. Not even siblings.¡± ¡°Bullshit, asshole, I know my own fucking sister.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯d also note that she doesn¡¯t want to be within a thousand mile radius of you. I mean really, how stupid are you? She fucking ran from you dumbass.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know who the fuck you think you are, but you¡¯re going to take your sorry ass back to where ever the fuck you came from.¡± Eijinn¡¯s eye twitches slightly. He¡¯s too sober to be dealing with an asshole like this. Marie¡¯s got a tight grip on his arm, which is now bleeding more from her nails digging in. He¡¯s got no idea how he¡¯s going to get her into the building. She¡¯s not going to go on her own. He frowns, but keeps his arm firmly around her waist. Although, the little altercation he¡¯s in has drawn some attention, it¡¯s not enough for anyone to come and grab the girl attached to his side. ¡°Look, I¡¯m in a really good moos. As in an I¡¯m-not-going-to-jail-today kind of mood. I suggest you turn your ass in the other direction. As far as I¡¯m concerned you¡¯re wasting your time.¡± Pulling Marie with him, he heads for the doors of the school. His eyes scan the area around him, looking for someone to leave her with. Behind him he can hear the footsteps of her unwanted brother. She¡¯s still shaking against him. Her steps not as steady as his are.. Again he frowns. ¡°You going to give me my sister?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to give you something and it¡¯s not going to be her.¡± The red-head doesn¡¯t stop until he¡¯s by the doors and even then she doesn¡¯t pry away away from him. He sighs knowing that getting her to go in this building is going to be hell. Until he spots someone coming out. A girl, presumably around the same age as Marie. The girl is dresses in such short pants it¡¯s hard to believe that she may go to school here. Ella knows confrontation when she sees it. She¡¯s been sitting in the cafeteria just watching like everyone else. She knows she¡¯s never seen either of the two men before. The girl, however, is a different story. Pretty sure she¡¯s in a couple of my classes. Or I¡¯ve at least seen her in the hallway. Suddenly, she¡¯s on her feet. Sprinting to the main entrance, ignoring the dirty looks she receives. I put a boy in the hospital because I stood up for what¡¯s right. This should be no different. Even though, it¡¯s also not my business. Even as she opens the door to help her fellow classmate, she can feel all the eyes on her. Without a word she grabs the girl¡¯s arm and tugs her inside. ¡°Thank you. Here¡¯s her bag. Marie, don¡¯t go anywhere until you see one of us. You stay in the school until then. If not me or Aaron one of the others. Not including Alex. Okay?¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± He waits for the doors to shut and they¡¯re out of sight before turning to leave. Noting the fact this guy is still watching him with an agitated expression. Nothing bothers him more than knowing this prick may or may not be why she¡¯s the way she is. He doesn¡¯t say anything, but goes back and climbs in the van. The second he¡¯s in, his phone¡¯s going off. ¡°What?¡± ¡®Damn, what crawled up your ass? Anyway, why aren¡¯t you back yet? It doesn¡¯t take that long to drop her off.¡¯ ¡°I¡¯m fine. On my way back now. Something came up. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡®Like what?¡¯ ¡°You minding your own business. Maybe we ran into someone she didn¡¯t want to see. Maybe we didn¡¯t it¡¯s not that serious.¡± ¡®You¡¯ve said more than enough. Bring her home. Now.¡¯ ¡°She¡¯s safe where she is. One of her classmates is with her. She¡¯ll be home later. I told her to wait inside until one we come get her. Unless it¡¯s Alex.¡± ¡®Why is it, every time I give someone an order where it concerns her, you all seem to be hard of hearing? It¡¯s obviously not genetic. Bring her home! Now!¡¯ ¡°No. It can wait. If I don¡¯t listen to my mother why would I listen to you. She¡¯s fine for now.¡± There¡¯s grumbling and swearing on the other end before the line goes dead. A scoff later he pulls out of the school and starts back for the house. Hopefully, the band¡¯s fuming drummer is calm by then. If not, then they¡¯ll figure it out. The same way they¡¯ve been trying to figure out Marie. Definitely hate today. Reminder to never tell Aaron anything using the phrase maybe. Not when it comes to her. Or he¡¯ll kill you. Still, I¡¯d love to know what he knows that I don¡¯t. The Thing About Siblings They¡¯re arguing again. Raised voices reaching upstairs. Words clear as day. She watches her reflection change. The girl in the mirror sad and wanting everything to be different. And she¡¯d change things if she could. Except she can¡¯t go back in time. Can¡¯t undo the things that have made her brother resent her father. Nothing can make the situation more bearable. No matter how she wishes it so. Instead she finishes getting cleaned up and goes to get dressed for school. There¡¯s a pause in the argument before it picks up again. More heated than it already was. At this rate, things will get physical. Grabbing her backpack she heads straight for the top of the stairs. Put on your best smile. Pretend you heard nothing. You do this every day. She hurries down the steps making sure every step is loud enough for the two to hear. Just as with every day prior they stop. Barely composing themselves. She catches the space between them and the looks on their faces before they look at her. ¡°You ready to go?¡± ¡°Yep.¡± ¡°Have a good day at school sweetheart. Both of you be safe.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t I always safe?¡± Her father kisses the top of her head. Hugging her just a little tighter before she follows her brother out. Her brother who says nothing as he walks out the door. The smile she wears falters, but she¡¯s quick to pick it up. And follow him out into the crisp morning air. They¡¯re quiet as they make their way to the bus stop. While she¡¯d like to ask why they¡¯re always fighting, she¡¯s aware that her brother will pretend to not know what she¡¯s talking about. So instead, she attempts to piece together what little she heard. Still, none of it is enough to give her an idea. The bus stop is empty. Probably a little early for us to be here. Beside her, her brother is scrolling through his phone. His way of avoiding talking about what¡¯s bothering him. Or in this case to get her to not ask about the argument. Typical. He¡¯ll avoid the topic for the rest of the week. A smile is still plastered on her face. It¡¯s all she can do to not fall apart. To keep from having a meltdown where so many people can see her. The only way she can hide without a game of 21 questions. So no one will ask what¡¯s wrong, or if she¡¯s okay. Just like everything else. Pretend you¡¯re okay. Pretend nothing is wrong. You¡¯re fine. Everything is fine. There are people who have it worse. As more people arrive, she manages to pull herself together. None of them need to know anything about what¡¯s happening with her family. She doesn¡¯t want pity or for anyone to use it to make fun of her. They do enough of the latter without knowing anything about her. Kids whose lives aren¡¯t picture perfect either doing whatever they can to feel good about themselves. Aware that they use everything as ammunition she keeps quiet. I can hide in the back of the bus like I usually do. No one will notice. The bus rolls to a stop. Everyone hurriedly tries to fit through the door. ¡°Bye Ella.¡± ¡°Bye Sebastian.¡± She climbs on and goes straight to the back of the bus. Plopping into the empty seat. Anxious eyes watch the retreating figure of her brother as the bus begins to pull away. The joy she usually has in her heart gone. Dissipated. Nothing makes sense today. All she did was follow her usual routine. Yet, today he seems so distant. Almost like being around her bothers him today. Meticulously, her brain goes over the morning. Trying to figure out where she might have made a mistake. Nothing registers. As far as she can tell, she did everything right. She sighs quietly, glancing around to make sure no one¡¯s watching her. The last thing she wants to do is give any one the impression that something¡¯s not right. Not that they haven¡¯t already found something to make fun of. Their eyes glimpse over her. Mocking. The jokes are already making their rounds. No surprise the bus the driver doesn¡¯t say anything. From the sound of it, she¡¯s not directly today¡¯s topic. Rather they¡¯ve chosen to use her brother as a way to get to her. ¡°Funny how you like to target someone else¡¯s family. Joking that he doesn¡¯t know English. And yet half of you have C¡¯s at best in that very same class. And at worst some of you can¡¯t even read. Those of you who can, read at a fifth-grade level. And that¡¯s just from listening to you talk about yourselves. Since you¡¯re so curious. Sebastian got nothing but straight A¡¯s in all classes. That includes English. He speaks not on, but three languages. And if he really wanted to he could get a government job that pays more than what your parents make in a month. If you¡¯re done trying to make me feel like shit you might want to make sure you did your homework.¡± The bus goes silent. No one dares to look at her or say anything. Some of them red with embarrassment or anger. If not both. A few have shocked expressions. Every other week is like this. They¡¯ll leave her alone for awhile, forget she put them in their place and start up again. Thing is, she doesn¡¯t care if they bully her. She won¡¯t stand for them going after her brother. I don¡¯t get why they just don¡¯t ignore someone if they don¡¯t like them. That¡¯s not too hard to do. ¡°Motherless bitch.¡± It only takes a second. Just one, for her to process that the comment is meant for her. Another for her to pounce on the boy who dared to utter the sentiment. Punching him hard enough in the face to knock loose three teeth, bust his, lip and give him a nose bleed. It¡¯s ten minutes before th police arrive and pull her off of him. Best they¡¯ll do is suspend me. She doesn¡¯t say a word to police or anyone as the boy is put in an ambulance and taken away. Her face betrays nothing as she¡¯s taken to the station so they can call someone to pick her up. The two men do their best to try and convince her to explain herself. ¡°You realize his family can press charges, correct?¡± Silence. She¡¯s seen enough shows to know what may happen if she tells them. It¡¯s not really self defense. Plus she doesn¡¯t have anger issues. Doesn¡¯t need counseling. Her father shows up not five minutes later. And he looks both concerned and puzzled. Even more so as the police explain in further detail what happened. ¡°What could that boy have possibly done for you to attack him? Ella?¡± Plenty, but I¡¯m not about to incriminate myself. I know what will happen if I say anything. I know my rights. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°According to the young man she attacked, it was unprovoked.¡± ¡°Did any of the other students say anything. She¡¯s not a violent girl. Doesn¡¯t ever get in trouble.¡± ¡°Not yet. The school may be willing to cooperate, but without information from her, there¡¯s very little to go on.you¡¯re more than welcome to take her home sir. Though, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the family tries to press charges.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind. Ella, car. Now. Thank you gentlemen.¡± She doesn¡¯t hesitate to get in the car. Happy to not be sitting in a police station. She tells herself it¡¯s worth it. That if it were to happen again she wouldn¡¯t change a thing. Just like the walk to the bus stop with Sebastian, the car ride is silent. Uneasy. Not this again. It agitates her. Makes her want to scream. However, she resists the urge. Bottling it up for later. Remaining quiet even as they pull into the driveway. ¡°Are you going to pretend I didn¡¯t ask you what happened?¡± He¡¯s not given a response as his daughter climbs out of the car and goes in the house. For a moment longer he sits before doing the same. In the living room both children are sitting on the floor. Only Sebastian looks as unnerved as he feels. ¡°Ella, what happened? You were fine when you got on the bus.¡± ¡°She¡¯s ignoring you too?¡± ¡°Why is she not at school?¡± ¡°All I know is the police had to pick her up from the bus for violently beating on a boy.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying. Ella¡¯s not violent. Maybe a bit wild, but never violent.¡± ¡°What am I gaining by lying to you? I picked her and her things up from the police station.¡± ¡°Sure you did. It¡¯s always something with you! You can¡¯t use her to get what you want from me!¡± ¡°STOP IT! JUST STOP! It¡¯s always the same thing with the two of you! You¡¯re always fighting and then pretend nothing is wrong! I¡¯m tired of it!¡± Their faces drop. Neither realized that she knew about the constant arguing. The tension that remains whenever they have these heated moments. Didn¡¯t realize that she was even picking up on these things. Or that it was affecting her in anyway at all. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t realize.¡± ¡°Of course not! The only time you stop fighting is when I¡¯m around! And then I get treated like crap because you¡¯re mad at each other! It hurts! But I pretend I¡¯m fine because I know it¡¯ll lead to more fighting. I¡¯m just a kid. I¡¯m not meant to hold a family together. That¡¯s not my job.¡± Tears well in her eyes as she gets to her feet and storms upstairs. The door to her room slamming shut. Both are left staring at their feet. This is the first either have been left speechless in the same instant. That she had kept how she felt from them for so long. Neither can bring themself to say anything. Rather, feebly sitting in the living room with their thoughts. Empty air that¡¯s too heavy to breathe in or left alone. There are no words to describe the way they feel for unintentionally hurting her. ¡°Did they charge her? Or whatever?¡± ¡°Not as far as I know. She wouldn¡¯t even answer their questions.¡± ¡°She¡¯s too smart for her own good.¡± ¡°I would hope so. She has you for a brother. Not that I¡¯d be disappointed if either of you failed at something.¡± ¡°Sure¡­¡± ¡°I mean it. Your mother raised you extremely well. There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t do from what I¡¯ve seen. Ella adores you. To no end, I might add.¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying that to get on my good side. Ella doesn¡¯t need me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying it because it¡¯s true and I know that if anything happened you¡¯d take good care of her. It¡¯s hard to come by siblings who are as close as the two of you are.¡± Sebastian eyes the man. Struggling to understand why this man hasn¡¯t just thrown him out. He¡¯s proven to be more than difficult to deal with. All he knows is that it¡¯s got to do with more than just Ella. Possibly more than his mother too. ¡°She didn¡¯t kill him, did she?¡± ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of. The family may press charges, but as far as I know he¡¯s still alive. Just in a lot of pain.¡± ¡°That bad?¡± ¡°Three teeth, a busted lip, a bloody nose, and several future bruises. That¡¯s all I did. Doesn¡¯t even cover what I should have done.¡± ¡°What gave you enough energy to knock a boys teeth loose?¡± She hesitates. The phrase still stings. Burning her skin and searing her heart. Even thinking about it hurts her. And the what-ifs running rampantly through her head. ¡°He called me a motherless bitch, so I beat him up.¡± ¡°Car. Now.¡± ¡°Wait. What? Ella?¡± ¡°Both of you. Car. Now.¡± They don¡¯t make him repeat himself. Twice is more than enough. He rarely ever gets angry. When he is even Sebastian knows to back off. It¡¯s not that he¡¯s violent. No, it¡¯s something different. Simply put, if he really wants to, he can ruin lives. Not a word is spoken as they head in the direction of the hospital. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything. The car is parked so calmly that if they didn¡¯t know the situation, they wouldn¡¯t suspect a thing. It¡¯s almost impossible to keep up with his long gait, but they do so. His interaction with the receptionist is so brusque, that for a moment he falters before giving the information requested of him. What have I done? The woman in the room jumps to her feet. She¡¯s furious. Dark eyes on Ella. ¡°But of course, an immigrant. Probably doesn¡¯t even-¡± ¡°Your son called my daughter a motherless bitch before she beat on him. And I can see why he thinks that¡¯s okay behaviour. His mother is just as bad, if not worse. Apple really doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree.¡± ¡°The audacity! My son would never!¡± ¡°Your son doesn¡¯t even make better grades than me and ends up in detention every day.¡± ¡°You insolent-¡± ¡°You¡¯ve one time to say something disrespectful to or about either of my children. Ella, tell the nice lady what happened and why her son didn¡¯t end up in a coma instead.¡± Containing her excitement, she explains what happened on the bus. How instead of just keeping his mouth shut he said something that nearly got him killed. Sebastian clenches his fists at his sides. This is the first he¡¯s hearing bout her being bullied by school mates. She always smiles so he never guessed this was going on. She smiles through everything. Not only did she defend him and their mother, she allowed herself to be picked on just to spite kids like this. If the boy wasn¡¯t already in a hospital bed and badly beaten, Sebastian would deal with him himself. The boy¡¯s mother¡¯s face falls. From the bathroom comes her husband. And he looks as disappointed as she does astounded. All he can do is shake his head. Something tells Ella this is not the first instance of their son doing something terrible to someone else. ¡°Did I not tell you he¡¯d probably done something.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me! That doesn¡¯t mean she had to beat him up! What if she¡¯d killed him?!¡± ¡°Be happy she didn¡¯t. You can attempt to press charges if you want, but let me just warn you. It¡¯ll be a hard battle to win on your part. Both emotionally and financially. I¡¯ve nothing but time on my hands.¡± Before leaving he hands the family a business card. Scrawled across the front in perfect elegant golden letters is the name, Michael Carson. Satisfied when the woman blanches before turning to her son. Her screeching anger at his behaviour slowly fades as the elevator doors close. ¡°Am I still in trouble?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let this one go. Since you¡¯re probably suspended for a bit you can help you brother with his chores. And the next time I say be safe, that also includes not getting arrested.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± ¡°Other than that, I¡¯m proud of you. I know how much it can suck to be in your brother¡¯s shadow. And on top of it you¡¯ve been dealing with a lot. There are some who wouldn¡¯t have done anything hearing someone talk bad about their sibling. And you chose to defend him. Despite everything you¡¯ve been feeling.¡± ¡°He¡¯s my brother. They don¡¯t know us. And never will. All they¡¯ve got are their words. Siblings have to stick together. I can¡¯t expect someone else to speak up for him when he¡¯s not around and I am.¡± ¡°Smart girl.¡± New Friend Ella stares at the girl next to her. She knows something isn¡¯t right and she knows there¡¯s not much she can do to get the girl to talk. Or even eat some semblance of a breakfast, even if the school has shitty breakfast choices. Instead she tells the girl about herself to an extent. She tells of her nightly adventures. How she runs through town not just admiring the lights, but the people who inhabit the city. How she drowns drink after drink until every color blends together and she¡¯s a blur of motion against a darkened canvas of buildings. All the things she considers amazing about her life. Including her recent suspension. Eventually the bell rings and she leads the girl to her first class, or follows her. She¡¯s not sure which is happening. We¡¯re in homeroom together? I really need to pay attention more. Then again I¡¯m not sure she comes to school all the time. Both seat themselves in the back. Marie sits with her legs pulled up to her chest and head lowered so her hair falls in her face. Occasionally, Ella tries to speak to her, but to no avail. It¡¯s like talking to a dead person. When World History ends they go their separate ways. At least until third period Chemistry. This time they¡¯re both forced to sit in the front by seating arrangements. Marie¡¯s grateful that at least this period she doesn¡¯t have to deal with the energetic vibes Ella gives off. She understands that the girl is just trying to be friendly, but she¡¯s not in the mood for someone to suddenly notice her after all these years. Not when she¡¯s been dealing with what¡¯s happening her whole life. The boys are a different story. After all, she only ended up with them because she survived being run down. That and the second time Aaron insisted she stay with them. Despite her not wanting to. Maybe she has no right to be mean to Ella. The girls is only trying to help her. At the least she can be grateful. Except, it¡¯s hard to do that when everyone has let her down. Trust no one. They don¡¯t love you. No they love watching you fall. You¡¯re the last person they want to be around. Aaron and the others pity you. Alex knows though. He knows how pathetic you really are. How much of a waste of space you are. He¡¯s not afraid to tell you to kill yourself because he knows just how worthless you are. She¡¯s not aware that she¡¯s screaming in the middle of class. Or that Ella is trying to calm her down. Unaware of the teachers trying to pull her arms from around each other to stop her clawing. Doesn¡¯t notice the dozens of kids freaking out as she¡¯s dragged into the hallway. An attempt to get her to the nurse is made, but fails. Ella panics, not sure what to say. The person who left Marie with her didn¡¯t give a name for himself. Her fear is that the school will call the other man. The one that terrified her classmate half to death. A frown distorts the her face as the younger girl thrashes against the cold hallway floor. The only way for her and everyone else to be safe. By now the whole school is aware of what¡¯s happening. Staff and students alike lingering to try and see what they can. Eijinn¡¯s trip back to the house is uneventful except for his growling stomach. He arrives home only to find Alex and Aaron fighting in the yard. Well, in Alex¡¯s case getting his ass beat. So, why hasn¡¯t Bryant stopped our mass murderer? Laid off to the side and barely moving are two different bodies. Jumping out of the van he rushes over. Only for the two bodies to turn out to be Mitchel and Bryant. Both men struggling to breathe and looking as if they¡¯ve been in a WWE vs Raw match. Before anything else he yanks Aaron up off the smaller, much more petite male. He¡¯s pissed. ¡°Someone is going to tell me what happened to Mitchie and Bryant or so help me bodies really will hit the floor! I¡¯m not fucking playing!¡± Alex scoots himself as far back as possible, bright blues terror filled and on the verge of swelling. The man¡¯s face is bloody, his lip busted in two places places, his peach colored tee is torn and stained. Signature pink jeans have holes on every side of them. Aaron¡¯s only injuries include a few bruises some scratches, and a gash that cuts through his tattoo of a phoenix swallowing the moon. Eijinn knows he¡¯s going to be angry when he sees it. Entirely pissed. ¡°If you must know, Alex is a piece of shit and maybe we should replace his dumb ass. Little fucking cock sucker. ¡°That¡¯s not answering me Aaron.¡± ¡°After you Called this waste of space started talking shit about Marie. So, and much to my surprise, Mitch says something to him. And instead of being quiet like a good boy, he flips out, resulting in Mitch cussing him out. Right here in the yard. Amazingly beautiful, if I might add. The moment Mitch finishes and turns to leave, and I¡¯ve no idea why he hought he¡¯d get away with this, Alexander here yanks Mitchell back by his hair. Bryant comes out to see what¡¯s going on to find Mitch curled up on the ground coughing up blood and looking like he¡¯s been struck by a truck. Bryant literally loses his shit and does what I normally do. Beat Alex until he gets it. Well deserved. Except, I end up coming to separate them and dumb-dumb here jumps straight to choke Bryant. And then you know the rest.¡± ¡°And just where the hell is Jason when all of this is happening?¡± ¡°He¡¯s smart. He stayed the fuck out of my way this time.¡± As the sentence finishes, Jason comes out of the house, eyes set on Eijinn in what looks like a silent plea for assistance. ¡°Aaron, help Mitchie and Bryant into the house. Let Alex patch himself up. And speaking of . I am sick and fucking tired of your shit, Alex! I¡¯m too fucking sober to deal with this shit! You need to learn when to fucking step back! Marie got us a fucking show and all you can do is talk shit to her and about her! The girls is struggling to live! Same as me and you! Go fuck yourself!¡± Aaron sidles off and with Jason¡¯s help totes both Bryant and Mitchell inside the house. Jason quickly comes back out, to Alex practically sobbing as Eijinn starts for the house. With a frown he walks up to Eijinn, a written note in hand and the color slightly draining from his face. Copper irises scan the note and he turns back to the van. An angry sigh leaves his lips . Before he can make it back to the vehicle, Aaron bolts out the front door and down the porch steps. Neither of the two say anything as they both go and climb into the van. Leaving Jason to deal with the mess made by Alex. Eijinn pulls out the driveway before Aaron can close the passenger door. The van moves swiftly down the road. Neither says a word to the other. Not that Aaron has anything good to say at the moment. Even if he did, Eijinn won¡¯t bother to listen to anything. Jason eyes his three companions sprawled about the living room. Bryant is laid out on the floor, auburn hair matted to his swollen face and breathing heavy. Dark bruises are on his arms, scratches on his throat, a couple scrapes, and fairly deep cut in his thigh. Mitchell is also out of commission, laid gently on the couch with his dark hair pushed up and away from his forehead revealing a nice sized lump above his eyebrow, a couple of deep cuts, and some scrapes. His arms are lightly bruised , shirt torn across the chest, and a bite mark on his left hand. This is not what he pictured them to look like ever in their lives. At least not when he met them. And maybe some part of it has to do with Marie, but even that isn¡¯t enough to set everyone off. Well, unless you¡¯re Alex he figures. A sigh leaves his lips as he begins tending to his injured friends. Starting with Mitchell. Bryant he knows could care less about any injuries he has, considering what he¡¯s heard about the aforementioned male¡¯s nights out. Alex may as well be used to the pain, considering the number of times everyone has had to pull Aaron off of him. It¡¯s best to let the drummer do his thing before getting involved. At least from Jason¡¯s perspective anyway. This isn¡¯t what either male is expecting when they get to the school lot. There are at least four police cars and an ambulance out front. The van isn¡¯t even parked properly before the two climb out and head over to the scene. Immediately the petite girl Eijinn left Marie with comes up to him. There¡¯s anxiousness on her face. Beside him Aaron eyes her curiously, green eyes trying to process what he¡¯s seeing. He¡¯s sure that the way she¡¯s dressed shoudl warrant a suspension or an expulsion. Especially since his fighting had gotten him expelled. She doesn¡¯t acknowledge him. Instead, staying focused on Eijinn. ¡°She started freaking out and I don¡¯t know why.¡± ¡°Panic attack¡­ Where is she?¡± Finally, Ella¡¯s eyes land on Aaron she takes a physical step back. Eyes raking over him in terrified fascination. He doesn¡¯t even respond to it. Merely waiting for her to answer his question. At least until a stretcher comes out with the aforementioned girl strapped to it. Screaming at the top of her lungs. With haste he moves towards the stretcher. None of the officials move to stop him and the paramedics halt as he approaches. It takes everyone a moment to realize what¡¯s happening as he leans over, unstraps her, and gently lift sher into his arms. However, she doesn¡¯t stop screaming. Far from it actually. In fact she¡¯s louder now, practically tearing eardrums. The green-eyed male doesn¡¯t let up. Doesn¡¯t pull his head back to save his hearing, or yell at her to shut her mouth. Not a single threat leaves his lips in her direction. Her body violently shaking doesn¡¯t deter him from sitting on the ground with her molded to him. Each time she jerks he gently whispers in her ear. Ella is shocked as she watches them. She herself couldn¡¯t get Marie to calm down. Not that he has either. Just he¡¯s managed to hold her without hurting her or getting hurt himself. Still, all she can see is a man who is constantly in trouble or always looking for it. Much like the other students always fighting here at the school. He radiates violence, the bruises that are visible tell her that much. It¡¯s hard for her to fathom how someone like him can even remotely try to be a gentle giant. Eijinn watches his friend closely. He¡¯s never seen him this way. Yes, he knows Aaron is volatile and full of boiling anger issues. But not this. The way he holds Marie makes it seem like that part of him doesn¡¯t exist. Not once since meeting Aaron has he seen him this docile. Mostly because Alex is always being a smart ass and pissing off anyone within a 100-mile radius. So, with a silent cocky smirk he watches. Nothing amuses him more than knowing he¡¯s not going to let the drummer live it down. Not that he will care much. Aaron¡¯s far from caring what anyone thinks of him. So long as no one says anything bad about the people he cares about. That¡¯s the last thing anyone should do. There have been plenty of fights because of that. It takes some time, but slowly and surely she calms down. Eyes remain closed as tears flow freely. Listening as her heart hammers an imprint of itself onto the inside of her chest. Shallow breaths fill what little space is left in her lungs. Each muscle aching from the spasms she¡¯s had. When her eyes finally open she¡¯s met with a pair of hazel ones. Instead of speaking the person continues to check her vitals. Instinctively, she jerks back and away from him. At least she attempts to. In the process, she startles the medic and Aaron, who tries to hold her in place before realizing why she¡¯s reacting in such a fashion. ¡°If it¡¯s okay with you I¡¯d like to just take her home and let her get some rest. Today¡¯s been eventful, to say the least and I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t want people watching her get poked and prodded. She¡¯s not cattle after all.¡± ¡°We¡¯d like to get her to a hospital. Check for any possible injuries besides the visible ones, she may have given herself.¡± ¡°Look if we find anything, we¡¯ll check her into the nearest hospital. Right now, I¡¯d like to just get her into something warm and into bed for some much needed rest.¡± The man simply stares Aaron in the eyes as the broader male lifts himself and Marie from the ground. Like she did with Eijinn earlier she clings desperately to his arms as he leads her to the van. Once she¡¯s inside both he and Eijinn turn to look at Ella. Something has been bugging the red-haired male for a fews minutes now. ¡°How did the school know to call us?¡± Ella¡¯s face goes beet red as she fidgets under his intense gaze. ¡°They asked if there was anyone I could call for her and I kind of went through her bag and saw a name beside a number and called it.¡± ¡°Well, considering Jason handed the note to him and not me I¡¯m assuming you either got frustrated or gave a very accurate description of the drunk. Either way, it¡¯s probably best the school didn¡¯t call themselves. Although, I¡¯m sure they made a call we¡¯re not going to like. That much I know.¡± For a moment Eijinn is confused, before swearing under his breath. Realizing now what Aaron is referring to. ¡°Thank you though. Don¡¯t know what would¡¯ve happened if you hadn¡¯t been there for her.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I would want someone to do the same for me if I were in her position.¡± Both males nod in understanding. ¡°Even so, thank you. She¡¯d be in a worse situation now if not for you. Especially considering we¡¯re no her emergency contacts.¡± Aaron nods again beside Eijinn, green eyes bold and daring in this moment. To Ella he¡¯s still largely intimidating. All broad shoulder s, tattoos, well structured jaw line hidden beneath baby-like features, well toned arms, dark hair, and eyes set like stone. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s waiting to pounce. Waiting to tear apart anyone who would dare to oppose him. A warriors look if you will. Although, judging by the way he treats Marie, she assumes there¡¯s more than meets the eye. For now though, she plans to keep her distance. Whether either of them have noticed, she¡¯s not entirely sure. Her frazzled mind silently prays that they haven¡¯t. Aaron kicks the dirt slightly, before turning to go back to the van. That is until his eyes catch on a black car rolling into the school lot. Lifting a brow he watches as the vehicle parks behind theirs. Almost touching, haughty nature kicks in. He goes over to stand just beside the rear of the van as two people climb out. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The driver a male with a striking resemblance to Marie. He¡¯s taller with jet black hair and eyes.. Slender in figure but built well enough to defend himself. Or overpower a younger sibling. The passenger a female with auburn hair, light mocha eyes, and a model thin body. Her whole face is caked in makeup. She¡¯s pretty if that¡¯s what you¡¯re into. It takes no time fore her to notice him. A poisonous smile snakes onto her lips. The kind that ruins lives and relationships. Even if they¡¯re familial. Eijinn takes a stand beside him, a scowl tearing his features apart. A growl rumbles deep inside his chest; low and heady. The male¡¯s entire demeanor is threatening to say the least. Still, a subtle politeness and reservation lingers. ¡°Where¡¯s my sister?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Aaron, and you are?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care who either of you are. This piece of shit dropped my sister off earlier and now I¡¯m finding out she¡¯s acting up in school.¡± ¡°No, no. Let¡¯s get this right. I told you to fuck off because she wants nothing to do with your sorry ass. By the way, having a panic attack is not acting up. She had one because you refuse to realize that she¡¯s terrified of you.¡± ¡°Gentlemen, lets be civil. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a very good explanation for her attitude.¡± ¡°Shut your mouth. I don¡¯t know who you are or what purpose you have for being here. What I do know is I have no intention of listening to another word that leaves your sleazy ass lips.¡± The woman looks taken aback by Eijinn¡¯s words. Someone clearly hasn¡¯t told her to shut up before or even ever. He likes the effect it has on her. Right now, he needs to keep her venom to herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but if I¡¯m not mistaken, everyone is taught to introduce themselves when meeting someone new for the first time. It¡¯s simple etiquette.¡± ¡°It¡¯s also illegal to kidnap.¡± Aaron¡¯s jaw twitches in anger as he restrains himself from publicly beating the shit out of someone. It¡¯s taking every ounce of control he has to not do so. There¡¯s only so much restraint one can have and he¡¯s slowly losing his grip. People really like to test me and I¡¯m not really one to be toyed with. This week is going to be hell for so many people. ¡°Look, my friend here has quite the fucking temper. I¡¯d like to not have him arrested for busting your skull open. Besides, I¡¯m sober and trying to be nice. I¡¯m only ever nice when I¡¯m drunk. So, take this as your chance to turn the hell around and not look back.¡± ¡°I think you¡¯ve both lost your minds. I¡¯m not going to let my little sister run around being a whore.¡± ¡°I¡¯d give her more credit here it¡¯s due. I¡¯ve yet to see any of us fuck her. She dresses like we all have the plague or some shit.¡± This doesn¡¯t please their guest anymore than it pleases Aaron to be disregarded. A frown settles on his face as he watches Eijinn with narrowed charcoal eyes. The vocalist isn¡¯t having it, however, and is mentally preparing for a fight. ¡°Look, just hand the filthy bitch-¡± Aaron pounces, grabbing his throat and punching. It¡¯s almost a shame that the cops and paramedics left. Keyword: almost. Eijinn makes no move to stop his friend. Hell he¡¯s one minute from joining in. The dark haired drummer is all fists and red with rage. There¡¯s blood and heavy breathing. Then suddenly, their unwanted guest has the green-eyed male pinned beneath him and is making an effort to beat him senseless. Not a moment too soon, Eijinn yanks Marie¡¯s brother off the drummer. Tossing him aside where his head hits the pavement rather heavily. Without glancing back at Aaron he stalks towards the other male. Grabbing a handful of hair he slams the man¡¯s head against the ground with just enough force to knock him out if the preceding drop hadn¡¯t already done so. Marie¡¯s screaming draws his attention. I¡¯m not against hitting a woman who isn¡¯t defenseless. Neither he nor Aaron are given the chance to help. Instead, the young woman in the shorts grabs a fistful of auburn waves. Forcing the older woman to release Marie in order to keep from being punched and swung around by her hair. Except, even from where he¡¯s standing he can hear the sound of her nose being broken. Terror runs rampant inside of veins filled with the poisonous sting of words that don¡¯t leave the mind. She¡¯s sinking into the bottom of the ocean again. Not to drown, but to be poked and prodded by the vicious sharks that haunt her every nightmare. Merciless laughter etched onto faces that no longer exist. Words fashioned into pointed knives made to carve gentle flesh like a pumpkin. The ocean turns to nothing but empty space where a fire lurks, preparing to turn to dust that which is already ashes. Snakes linger in the nonexistent grass that stretches far beyond her reach. No sound moves from her frail body as she tries to escape the grip she¡¯s found herself in. Jason¡¯s eyes peer over his friends. Alex is drowning himself in the workings of his cell phone. He¡¯s been animate with it since his parents called to check on him. Must be nice. Having parents that check on you. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t mention the ass whooping Aaron gave him today. Bryant¡¯s absorbed by the television, despite the fact that he¡¯s going to have to cover his bruises by this evening. Mitchell is barely even conscious. It¡¯s a wonder if he¡¯ll even be able to perform tonight. Sighing, he continues to finish organizing the kitchen. Considerably easy when only one person uses it. On days like this though, where they have to use it themselves, the upkeep falters. He can only imagine how she¡¯ll react when she gets home. As if on cue, the front door opens. Voices fill the living room. The first being someone screaming and another being a frantic Mitchell. ¡°Why is she freaking out?! What happened?! Why do you two look like you got into a fight?! And who is she?!¡± ¡°Hi Mitchell. Nice to see you too. How¡¯s the concussion Alexander gave you?¡± Aaron rushes by the kitchen entrance, Marie in his arms and a young girl behind him. Quietly, Jason follows, wanting to know why their newest addition to the house is screaming. Just who her set off like that? Gray eyes widen at the sight of her. She¡¯s managed to claw her neck up to the point that it¡¯s bleeding, even her lovely face is scratched up. Not only is it abnormal for her to be home early, but now she¡¯s marked up. It even looks like getting her home was a hassle, what with the fresh bruise forming under her left eye. Her outbursts have been rare as of late, but this is by far taking the cake since she essentially moved in. How the hell are they supposed to take her to a show with them? ¡°Jason, move out of the way. Unless you¡¯re going to be helpful in some way, shape, or form.¡± It¡¯s Bryant¡¯s voice that pulls him from his shocked trance. Making haste, he pulls the strange girl out of the room and towards the living room behind him. There¡¯s way too much going on for Eijinn to be bringing groupies home. ¡°Take her home. Now.¡± ¡°That was my original intention. However, little miss here wanted to make sure Maya got here safely. Although, I¡¯m quite sure our little princess has never spoken to this girl in her life.¡± ¡°Where the hell are the rest of her clothes?¡± ¡°Same place your brain went when Marie moved in. Up your ass.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the last person to talk about someone¡¯s brain being up their ass when your entire fucking head lives in your dick. Surprised you can function at all.¡± ¡°Alex, for once, I¡¯m going to tell you to shut the fuck up. Eijinn, can you not provoke him. I¡¯d like to go to a show with as few injuries as possible. Bad enough Alex wailed on two of the others and Aaron reciprocated by fucking his life up and beating him into submission.¡± Mitchell stares with an open mouth at their quiet member. It¡¯s rare that he speaks more than a few words or even speaks full sentences. They¡¯d written him off as mute by choice. What the reason is no one knows. However, he¡¯s always chosen to not speak unless needed to. Everything around him seems to emanate and eerie silence. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to interrupt your conversation, but just how many of you live here?¡± ¡°All of us¡­ and just who are you anyway?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Ella! I have a few classes with Marie. Is it really okay o leave her with someone with that kind of temper?¡± ¡°You go tell him not to look after her and see what happens. Besides, Bryant is in there. She¡¯s safe.¡± Ella looks taken aback by the harsh way the gray-eyed man speaks to her. Something inside her is set off. Something that tells her to stand her ground and not let anyone treat her different from anyone else. ¡°I only asked a simple question out of concern for her health. You can take the tree from out of your ass and treat me like a human being. Not like some type of disgusting insect. If you can¡¯t manage that, then don¡¯t open your mouth in my direction.¡± ¡°What did I just witness?¡± ¡°Shh, Aaron, let Jason take it in for himself. Let¡¯s just get out of the way.¡± Aaron and Bryant both disappear upstairs, chuckling to themselves as they go. Mitchell, Eijinn, and Alex all exchange quick glances before they too quickly disperse to their rooms. Jason remains unfazed by their behaviour. Rather he¡¯s more perplexed by the fact that this girl spoke to him like she had the right to. It then occurs to him that getting mad at her will accomplish nothing. The best solution is to toss her out on her ass and hope she doesn¡¯t ever come back. Maybe, she¡¯ll learn some respect for those older than her, because it¡¯s quite obvious to him that she¡¯s lacking in that department. Holes in varying shapes and sizes open up across the ground . She peers inside one, curious as to what¡¯s inside. The result is horrifying. A pair of mutilated bodies lie side by side. Their faces unrecognizable to the eye. One female and the other male. They appear to have been hacked by a saw, but there are tell tale signs of it being an accident of come sort. Not far from the bodies is a demolished little Toyota. The license plate of said vehicle bent all out of shape. Why her eyes can¡¯t pull away from the scene she¡¯s unsure. Still her eyes watch the scene play out before her, as a pair of figures that look like her and her brother appear. The tinier version of herself begins to scream and cry. Begging for the lifeless forms to move. And suddenly she realizes what she¡¯s peering into and a terror filled scream rips from her own lungs. Shattering the image and turning it into something darker and more terrifying. No longer are they motionless corpses. They point accusing fingers in her direction along with the tiny child-like version of herself. Stick fingers wrap themselves around her throat and squeeze. Hollow eyes burn literal holes into soft skin. Razor teeth tear at muscle and bone. Everything leaves a bloody mess. Brown eyes snap open, terror illuminating every corner of them. Sweat dances along her face and hides in the strands of her hair. The nightmare lingers on the fringes of her mind, an attempt to consume what is left of fragile sanity. It takes strength she no longer posses to gather herself. As she does so, the bedroom door opens. A head full of red hair popping in. There are scratches on his cheek. Something about the way he¡¯s watching her emanates relief. Not that she can be certain. ¡°How you feeling? Physically, I mean.¡± ¡°F-fine. Why?¡± ¡°No reason. Just curious is all. You know it¡¯s not like you nearly destroyed your own neck.¡± ¡°Get out of my way, pervert.¡± ¡°Go home.¡± ¡°Like hell I¡¯m leaving her alone with a bunch of pedophiles.¡± ¡°Get out of my house while I¡¯m still being nice.¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Marie¡¯s briefly confused. Until the young girl from her class shoves her way past Eijinn into the room. Both look very agitated. An emotion she only associates with Alex. He must be having a field day. First me and now her. ¡°Did Mitchell hit her with the van too?¡± ¡°What? No! Do you not remember me and Aaron coming to get you.¡± ¡°I do, still thought I¡¯d ask.¡± ¡°Ha ha. No wonder you and Aaron are close. For the record Mitchie doesn¡¯t just run people down. He¡¯s more responsible than that. Can you tell her to go home please?¡± ¡°She¡¯s a girl amongst six strange men. Six pedophiles.¡± ¡°They¡¯re no pedophiles and if you feel that way about any of them, you shouldn¡¯t have helped them. Why are you here?¡± ¡°I wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± ¡°I¡¯m safer here than anywhere else.¡± ¡°Can you leave now? Seriously?¡± ¡°Marie up?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Good! You owe me an apology.¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°Hitting me! We¡¯re supposed to be friends!¡± ¡°Alex is your friend too.¡± ¡°And you beat him up daily.¡± Aaron squeezes into the room. Plopping onto the bed beside Marie. Eyes wide and bottom lip stuck out. Pouting like a small child. He only does this with her. Treats her like a younger sibling. At least that¡¯s what Mitchell thinks. She¡¯s not so sure that¡¯s the case. Maybe something else. Possibly pity, but she¡¯s no way to prove it. Besides, why would anyone pity me? ¡°Alex is a piece of shit. I¡¯ve just been trying to beat some sense into him.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t get you. You¡¯re terrified of someone who¡¯s violent and yet hang out with people who are just as violent. If not more so.¡± ¡°What she¡¯s going through isn¡¯t anyone¡¯s business but her own. Yes, I have a temper, but you can ask anyone here and they¡¯ll tell you I¡¯ve never once laid a hand on her. That includes Alex.¡± ¡°Still it doesn¡¯t make sense. Why put yourself-¡± ¡°Please let it go. I don¡¯t want to talk about it let alone think about it.¡± The room goes silent. Aaron sighs, gets up, and leaves the room. He doesn¡¯t want to say something that would create tension. Lest he lose his temper again. Eijinn looks from his friend to Ella. Debating if he should say something. ¡°You should leave. Not just because technically we aren¡¯t responsible for you, but your disturbing our peace. At least for some of us. Marie¡¯s fully capable of deciding who she wants around her. If she thought it wasn¡¯t safe or didn¡¯t feel comfortable being here she wouldn¡¯t stay. It¡¯s not your place to decide if something is right for her.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just trying to be a good friend.¡± ¡°Except she doesn¡¯t even really know you. Nor has she ever talked to you before.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­¡± ¡°If you say so. I¡¯m going to go take a nap. You should too. You look worn out.¡± Neither girl is given a chance to respond. The bedroom door slamming shut behind him. Marie turns her attention to Ella. Why is she still here? They¡¯ve asked her to leave. Marie¡¯s noted that most everyone has avoided her room. More so than when Alex does it. ¡°Why are you still here? They¡¯re pretty sure they want you gone and yet you refuse to respect that. Why?¡± ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s because I¡¯m worried about you. To think we¡¯ve been going to the same school and I never once noticed you. We¡¯re both different and everyone else either thinks we¡¯re crazy or psycho. When I look at you I see someone whose fragility and fear make her strong. Besides, it¡¯s better if the black sheep stick together. Give them something to actually be afraid of.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just a nobody. No one¡¯s ever cared. I don¡¯t see why anyone should start now.¡± ¡°Fear keeps us quiet. Fear can make the strong weak. And fear can make lions roar. It can instill emptiness in anyone. It can draw out the courage in some and the coward in others. Fear will either make us climb mountains or drown ourselves at the bottom of the ocean. Either we let fear control us or we become the fear in the hearts of others. I choose to let them fear me and stay who I am. You have no control over what you¡¯ve been thrown into, whatever it may be, but you have the ability to use that as your shield from the ignorance of others. So why not show compassion to a soul lost in the darkness of a never-ending nightmare?¡± Marie stares wide eyed at the girl before her. They¡¯re close in age, yet she radiates a wisdom of someone who¡¯s been through years of turmoil and strife. She never imagined that the rest of the world could be a dark and scary place, at least not entirely. This is new to her. Maybe, I¡¯m not really alone. "I¡¯m going to call my dad before him and my brother freak out when school ends. Don¡¯t want them to call the police or anything.¡± Marie simply nods, watching the girl exit the room before lying down. It never seemed possible. At least for a long time it hasn¡¯t. Because who wants to be friends with the girl who hardly shows up to school? And when she does she freaks out. Why be friends with the reason her parents are dead? Or the reason her brother is the way he is? No matter what anyone says, it truly is my fault. Yet, for some reason, there are people who think otherwise. People who actually think I¡¯m friend material. Stage Lights 5 Marie¡¯s not sure if Ella¡¯s staying has actually improved the treatment she usually gets from a certain member of the household today. Or just put everyone on edge. They¡¯ve actively avoided her room. Leaving her to deal with her talkative classmate. Until now. Eijinn¡¯s head peeks in. Single eyebrow lifted as he steps into the room. ¡°You feeling better?¡± ¡°I guess. Mostly tired.¡± ¡°You were supposed to take a nap.¡± ¡°Ella¡¯s still here.¡± ¡°All you had to do was tell her you wanted some rest.¡± ¡°You¡¯re all trying very hard to get rid of me.¡± ¡°And yet you¡¯re not taking the hint. Anyway, might as well get up. We can try and stop by the mall.¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°The mall?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not invited. And you need clothes that don¡¯t belong to someone else. Especially for tonight.¡± ¡°Marie will let me go.¡± ¡°Do you never quit? Go the fuck home.¡± ¡°Eijinn, be nice! Just this once. Also, what¡¯s tonight?¡± ¡°You got us a show tonight, remember. We¡¯re not leaving you home alone. Would kind of suck.¡± ¡°Marie I can go too, right? Please?¡± ¡°Not up to me.¡± ¡°No, you can¡¯t. But you sure as fuck can go home.¡± Ella huffs, agitated that they¡¯ve just been trying to get rid of her. Deeming them bot ungrateful and rude. Why shouldn¡¯t she get to hang out with Marie? She¡¯s stopped from making her protest by some of the others coming in the room. Her and Marie take a good look at their attire. Only Marie is impressed. They look like they just stepped out of a music video. Any injuries sustained throughout the day hidden beneath neat layers of concealer and foundation. Two in particular look excited to show off their clothes. The kind of excitement seen in toddlers when given a new toy or something they enjoy. Marie notes their outfits speak volumes of their personality. That and they seem comfortable in them. Aaron¡¯s obsession with his own appearance on display in the form of jet black clothes lightly adorned in forest green sequins. His top has a chain that travels from his left shoulder to his right hip ans vice-versa across the back. His usual black sneakers have been traded for a pair of forest green combat boots with his name etched into the sides. Atop each boot is a fist, meant to represent his temper. The shirt itself is sleeveless, showing off the tattoos on his arms. Some of which meld together if his arms are positioned correctly. A cocky smile lights his face as he allows himself to be looked over. The reaction grants him a scolding from Mitchell. Much like Aaron¡¯s top Mitchell¡¯s is sleeveless. Seemingly to fit neatly on him. A simple streak of deep blue runs diagonal across the bottom and shoulders. Meanwhile, the shirt is a considerable shade of baby blue that appears neon. At least the front of it anyway. On the back scrawling into the shape of a child is a quote Marie¡¯s never seen or heard before: ¡°when we are young, we ask for a world we want to grow into. As adults we strive to create our perfect world, but what does that mean for those after us. Today, I stand to make a world where the youth will be happy and safe to live in. Not one made of my selfish desires and neglect. For as I am an adult now, I too was once a child.¡± Bryant mumbles something under his breath that only Aaron hears. Silencing quick enough to pretend he doesn¡¯t know what the drummer is giggling about. Only one sleeve is missing on Bryant¡¯s get up. Top and bottom spattered in an assortment of colors. The placement random if one doesn¡¯t look close enough. On the top, the spatter creates a broken heat spilling into an empty glass. On the right shoulder is a rainbow colored sun, designed to appear as if it¡¯s peeking out of the shirt to see what the world is conspiring against it. The pattern on the pants takes the shape of a couple embracing. Both articles of clothing have a white backdrop. His shoes contrast Mitchell¡¯s. Where Mitchell¡¯s are a harsh purple, Bryant¡¯s are a sweet and sour pink. They¡¯re both decorated in an exchange of silver and gold bracelets. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little overdressed? At least where it concerns the three of you?¡± ¡°No, we just want to look our best.¡± ¡°So why is he extremely under dressed?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not under dressed. I just don¡¯t feel the need to be flashy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure they¡¯re not going to let you in wearing about 20 dead animals.¡± ¡°It¡¯s faux fur.¡± ¡°Sure it is.¡± ¡°It is. I¡¯m not that cruel.¡± As they argue, Aaron and Bryant exchange sneaky glances that only Ella catches and keeps quiet about. Very quietly the two slip around Marie and out of the room. She glances at the pair before she assumes that they¡¯re going to go terrorize Jason. A habit she finds all too amusing as the oldest never seems to entertain them. Her eyes resume their scan of what Eijinn considers clothing. His usual fur jacket worn over bare skin, a pair of black white-washed jeans spattered in red paint to appear blood stained, and his hair which is usually straight is now slightly wavy. A shirt won¡¯t kill him, but its not my place to say so. Remaining cautious, she nods and steps out of the room to go see Jason. Before she¡¯s even down the hall she hears Alex screaming about Aaron fucking with him. At the bottom of the steps is Jason, a deep scowl etched on sharp masculine facial features. He¡¯s chosen to don a pair of gray pants a white flannel; the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His black hair is slightly pushed back from his face. She doesn¡¯t say much, but even he knows she¡¯s curious as to what¡¯s going on and moves out of the way so that she can peer up the stairs at her favorite trouble makers. ¡°What are you guys doing to Alex?¡± ¡°Anya¡¯s up!!!!¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. She rolls her eyes at Aaron¡¯s stupidity. He already knew that. Bryant tosses a shirt onto her head along with a pair of leggings that look to small to be anyone¡¯s but Alex¡¯s. ¡°Quick, go put those on!¡± ¡°Why? Aren¡¯t these Alex¡¯s clothes? Are you stealing his things again?¡± ¡°YES and YES!¡± ¡°Just do it! Shut up Alex! Learn to share!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think this is okay.¡± ¡°Go before they let him go. Besides, it¡¯s only for tonight since we most likely won¡¯t make it to the mall.¡± ¡°Bu-¡± ¡°GO!¡± Flinching at the sudden rush in Eijinn¡¯s voice, she rushes back to her room to put the clothing on. Ella hot on her heels and locking the door behind them. Marie moves swiftly into the attached bathroom and changes into the skin tight leather leggings and mid-thigh length, on her anyway, neon pink flannel with fuchsia tank top. She stops the buttons partway up before coming out of the bathroom. Ella, who¡¯s been sitting on the bed, looks up from her phone and smile broadly. ¡°They really know how to dress. Most of them anyway. You look great!¡± Both girls stand in silence for a bit, disturbed only by the anxious knocking on the door. Not a moment sooner, Ella swings it open to reveal Alex dressed in the brightest pink she¡¯s ever seen. He¡¯s somehow managed to pull an obnoxiously bright tutu on over a pair of skinny jeans with a t-shirt that reads ¡®Dead Psycho¡¯ in neon green across the front. It takes everything in Ella¡¯s body not to laugh at him. In fact she makes it a point to step around him and out of the room so as not to hurt his feelings. Only complementing his makeup: a purple smokey eye with green glitter dusted across the top and matching lipstick theme. Baby-blue eyes fall on Marie and he tuts her immediately. ¡°You could¡¯ve at least put some makeup on and fixed your hair. Come on.¡± Grabbing her wrist, he drags her out of the room and upstairs to his. Whatever the guys were whispering about they stop as he passes with a confused and bewildered Marie. The second she ¡¯s in his room her eyes latch onto everything. From the lavender walls to the deep pink bedding to the numerous stuffed bears strewn across it. This isn¡¯t what she pictures his room to be like. Not with the way he is with her. There are beautiful paintings on one wall, pictures on another, and whole vanity where he plugs in a straightener and a curling iron. ¡°Your room is really pretty. I wish I had a room like this as a kid.¡± ¡°Thanks¡­¡± ¡°Sorry, I know you don¡¯t like me.¡± He doesn¡¯t respond to her accusation, because quite honestly she¡¯s not wrong. This stigma he has against women he¡¯s had since a young age. That doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t appreciate the fact she¡¯s trying, and to some very minute extent he does. Not very many women try. Once he¡¯s bad-mouthed them they leave him alone. He¡¯s lost count of just how many times it¡¯s happened. Just like he lost track of how often someone had punched him or beat him up for his behaviour. ¡°Just sit there. Don¡¯t talk. Don¡¯t move.¡± She does as she¡¯s told and he wastes no time in starting on her makeup. Going for a subtle yet bold look. Gentle hands move smoothly across her face. From start to finish. After which he starts on her hair. Sectioning it into parts, straightening out her frizzy curls before re-curling them and finger combing it out. The second he finishes he turns her towards the mirror so she can seethe results herself as he unplugs the electric hair tools. Her lips are painted red, eyes decorated in a soft dust of indigo and pearl. He¡¯s even managed to make it as though there¡¯s more color in her face than normal. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. Thank you.¡± He detects a hint of sorrow in the way she says it. It even lingers in her eyes. Suggesting that she¡¯s never seen herself as anything other than disposable. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Let¡¯s go, the others are waiting and I¡¯d like to get there on time.¡± ¡°Right.¡± She nods and follows him to join the others. All eyes are suddenly on her. Making her self-conscious of her scars and injuries. Not that they can be seen. Can they see them? Are the marks that obvious? I should¡¯ve covered up in a sweater or something less showy. ¡°Wow, you look great.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because I did her hair and makeup.¡± ¡°Conceited fucking prick. Let¡¯s just go. Gear is already packed in the trailer.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Excitement radiates off each of the boys as they shuffle out the door and to the van. Mitchell in the drivers seat. A frown crosses Marie¡¯s face as the rest climb in with Aaron further in the back and Bryant in the middle. ¡°Don¡¯t start this shit now! Just get in!¡± To encourage her Ella climbs in first and holds a hand out to her. Her hesitation is obvious and prompts an almost angry response from Alex. The words remaining trapped in his throat as Aaron punches his arm and moves from the back to the center. ¡°Come on. We¡¯ll be late otherwise.¡± The atmosphere of the van changes after some time. With the boys passing jokes around about each other. Even Jason is a bit more communicative tonight. Ella and Marie sit squished between Bryant and Aaron. Especially since Eijinn decided to move from the front passenger seat to the far back. Neither girl appears bothered by it. And even if Marie does, no one will know since she¡¯s near the people she¡¯s most comfortable with. ¡°Hey Mitchie, how far are we?¡± ¡°Around the corner. Why?¡± ¡°Pull over a sec. Someone has to get their ass on the trailer. Last time it was Alex. Offers are more than welcome.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t that because you put his phone on top of it and tricked him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly why. I thought you were over that whole thing.¡± ¡°Hardly. In fact I¡¯m just getting started. I mean we can put the girls up there.¡± ¡°Now I know you¡¯re insane. Did you hit your head in that fight or when you were getting dressed?¡± ¡°Well, it would just be Marie, but you don¡¯t know what go the fuck home means.¡± There¡¯s an awkward silence. He¡¯s not wrong, but that¡¯s not upsetting Ella any. She genuinely doesn¡¯t care that they¡¯ve asked her multiple times to go home. Albeit very rudely. And no one can figure out why. ¡°Do I have to go up there?¡± ¡°You got us the show. It only seems right.¡± ¡°Yeah, but-¡± ¡°Sort of like a good luck thing. Not a punishment.¡± ¡°I still think it¡¯s a bad idea.¡± ¡°For once I¡¯m on her side. It¡¯s a terrible idea.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not just agreeing because I broke your nose?¡± ¡°Positive.¡± So, with the help of Aaron and Jason, the girls are hoisted onto the top of the trailer. Even though the pair complained about it being dangerous. Even pointing out that they could fall off. Aaron hands Marie his phone. ¡°Don¡¯t drop it please. I took the lock off so you can record and take pictures. Don¡¯t worry about what you hear some of the attendees say. Keep each other safe. You¡¯ll have to wait until the gear is fully unloaded to be able to get down.¡± The van begins to move again once Aaron slides the back door shut. At the same time Ella pulls up the camera on her phone. The first thing she does is make a recording of them above the street. And it¡¯s the first Marie¡¯s laughed in a very long time. The sound is foreign to her. She¡¯s not sure where the sudden urge comes from, but she pulls Ella close so they can record the crowd outside the little nightclub together. An uproar of approving screams drown out the initial harsh and stagnant remarks being made about them. They wait patiently as the trailer is unpacked before they insist on being let down. Both are as hyper and jumpy as the guys they¡¯re following inside so they can see the stage. It¡¯s not super big, but it¡¯s spacious enough for six people and the equipment they brought. A crew is moving around as quickly as possible to set the stage up. Adding finishing touches and doing sound checks. The boys are just as busy helping out where they can. Or in Eijinn¡¯s case lying on the stage doing vocal warm ups. Not that he should be lying there in the first place. The duo remain off to the side. Watching with mesmerization in their eyes. So much that they manage to ignore the looks and comments they get from the band that the guys are opening for. To them everything is spectacular. ¡°This is probably the best night of my life!¡± Confused, Marie looks at her. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I never really get to do stuff this exciting. Be at a live show. Or even have friends.¡± Marie tilts her head but says nothing. Just turns her attention to where the crowd is filing in and filling every space they can. So many people of varying ages. The lights shift slightly. And to the surprise of the two girls Eijinn is on his feet greeting everyone. They¡¯ve barely started playing when the crowd resounds with cheers. It¡¯s an exhilarating feeling to have both the voices of the people and the music fill the senses. The intensity of the lights shift again and Eijinn¡¯s screamed vocals fill the air. Marie takes a moment to look around. Realizing for the first time that she may not be alone in her effort to survive. That like her there are people looking for a place to call home. And this just may be it. Me, Myself, and Mother Just smile and get through the day. You¡¯ve done this before. It¡¯s fairly simple. He repeats the phrases in his head. Hoping that maybe he won¡¯t have to do this. That maybe his mother¡¯s friend won¡¯t show up. At least until his mother calls up for him. ¡°Coming!¡± With a sigh, and another glance at his reflection in the mirror, he exits the bathroom and heads downstairs. Pearlescent white pumps thunking against the hardwood stairs. They¡¯re meant to match the green dress he¡¯s wearing. Still standing by the front door is his mother. Her dress a slightly darker shade than his own. Although, he made his himself. Of course, she would wear the same color as me. Typical. ¡°Alexandra, you remember Claire-Anne. Shes used to help you with your homework when you were just a little girl.¡± ¡°Hi Mrs. Thompson. It¡¯s nice to see you again. I hope you¡¯ve been doing well.¡± ¡°My you¡¯ve grown up so well. Look how pretty you¡¯ve gotten. Your mom says your still single. I think you and my nephew Matthew would be perfect for each other.¡± ¡°I appreciate the gesture, Mrs. Thompson. I¡¯m just not ready to date at the moment.¡± ¡°She¡¯d be more than happy to go on a date with him. After all, she¡¯s not getting any younger.¡± Instead of arguing, Alex simply smiles. The kind of smile that says his mother is treading on extremely thin ice. Terribly thin ice. It¡¯s the only way to communicate the problem without exposing her lie. Not that she cares. For her reputation I have to keep the lie going. The result of her own selfishness. All it takes is a menacing glare to get him to comply. He knows she¡¯ll force him to go on a date. Especially ones like this. As though it¡¯ll change something when in reality it¡¯s near impossible to keep going with the story that he¡¯s a girl. Satisfied with her son¡¯s compliance, she guides Claire-Anne to the indoor garden. Shooting Alex a look to go get tea and desserts for everyone. Definitely pissed her off. His smile drops as he moves from the foyer, through the maple-wooded dining room, to the kitchen. Sitting at the kitchen island is his father. ¡°You¡¯re mother didn¡¯t tell me you were going to be here. What¡¯s the occasion?¡± ¡°Mrs. Thompson is here¡­¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°If you say do. I know your mother can be stubborn and selfish. I¡¯m here if you want to talk.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± They don¡¯t talk much because his mother generally makes sure they don¡¯t interact. The last thing she wants is for them to manage to turn against her. After all, she¡¯s about control and keeping her image. Therefore, she can¡¯t have anyone find out her son is pretending to be her daughter. Which is why only one set of her friends know he¡¯s truly a boy. If only I had the courage to expose her. Except he knows what she could do to him. He¡¯s only ever seen her angry once. When he¡¯d asked why she suddenly wanted him to be a boy publicly. She¡¯d burned all his clothes and forced him to take ice cold baths for two months. Shuddering he grabs a serving tray, fills a teapot with water and sets it on the stove. From the other side of the counter he grabs a plate of freshly baked lemon tarts. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t pretend to be comfortable with something if you¡¯re not. You deserve to be happy like anyone else.¡± ¡°Like you pretending to love her?¡± ¡°I stay because I¡¯m afraid of what she may do to you if I go. If I knew it wouldn¡¯t put you in harms way I¡¯d leave and never think twice about coming back to her.¡± ¡°Guess that makes two of us.¡± ¡°Alexandra! What¡¯s taking you so long?¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± Both roll their eyes at her impatience. She¡¯s been that way for as long as Alex can remember. They¡¯ve never arrived anywhere late or without a gift of some kind. Without skipping a beat Alex pours the steaming hot water over prepped tea leaves, he¡¯s sure his mother left out, in a smaller tea pot. After properly organizing the serving tray the way his mother likes he goes to the greenhouse to serve his mother and her friend. ¡°What took you so long?¡± There¡¯s suspicion that he saw his father. That maybe they were talking. And Alex knows what type of reaction she¡¯ll have if she finds out that they did communicate. He¡¯s been around long enough to know she¡¯s not afraid to emasculate her husband in front of anyone. ¡°I had something on my mind. Sorry.¡± Both lies, but they¡¯re good enough responses to not warrant her pressing the matter any further. Which he¡¯s thankful for. ¡°Relax Andrea. Give the poor girl a break. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s just a bit tired from her flight back home. School must be very busy.¡± ¡°It is, but it¡¯s no excuse for me to allow myself to get distracted.¡± Claire-Anne gives him a small smile. If she knew my mother is an elaborate liar she might not have that same reaction. As the two women catch up Alex tends to the plants. Anything to not be asked about a school he doesn¡¯t attend. Or how many kids he intends to have. Or rather why he hasn¡¯t given his mother grandchildren yet. After all, as a woman he¡¯s only got so much time before he can¡¯t reproduce anymore. And no man wants a woman who can¡¯t give him children. ¡°Alexandra, darling, when are you free next?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure Mrs. Thompson. I still have a lot things I need to get done for school.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Nonsense, she¡¯s free Saturday. She¡¯ll look for any excuse to get out of dating. How about Noon?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to clear my schedule.¡± Alex¡¯s agitation rises. He¡¯s also aware that so has his mother¡¯s. He¡¯s positive that¡¯s where he gets his stubbornness from. The docile ¡®let-mother-have-her-way¡¯ part of him comes from his father. That¡¯s all anyone does. Let her have her way. She¡¯s your mother. Of course you¡¯d listen to her. Why would you even dare to treat her like Marie? She gave you life, a home, love, clothes, and food. Where would you be without her? Dead. You¡¯d be dead because you¡¯re an abomination to humanity. Alex¡¯s eye twitches. His conscious starting to get to him. It¡¯ll be like this for the next six days at most. That is, if he doesn¡¯t manage to get out of the date his mother is forcing him to go on. He¡¯d give anything to not have to deal with this at all. However, if he doesn¡¯t do these visits once a month, there¡¯s no telling what his mother will do. Vindictive and spiteful may as well be her middle names. And if I tell her that she¡¯ll lose her mind. Might even make a scene. It¡¯s what she does best. A slap on his arm draws him from his thoughts. ¡°Are you ignoring me? Or are you going deaf?¡± ¡°My mind was elsewhere.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t raise you to be a dolt. Don¡¯t dare think you¡¯re getting out of that date.¡± Alex notes Claire-Anne is nowhere to be seen. It¡¯s the only reason she¡¯d be speaking to him in such a manner. She must¡¯ve gone home. ¡°Just how do you intend to pass me off as a woman to the same sex without them figuring it out?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out when the time comes. If you¡¯d been born a girl it wouldn¡¯t even be an issue.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t even ask to be born. How is this my fault?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk back to me! How dare you try to blame me for this! I went through nine months of hell and you turned out to be a boy!¡± She strikes him hard across the face. If not for the fact that his face has been Aaron¡¯s punching bag on many occasions he might¡¯ve snapped. You have. On your own friends and a girl who has nothing to do with your situation. Her eyes are cold. Dead almost. A reminder that she resents his existence. In her eyes he will always be a failure. Despite everything he does to please her.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡± ¡°The hell you will! I¡¯m your mother! You can leave when you¡¯ve apologized to me! I¡¯ve given you everything! Those heathens can¡¯t take care of you! It¡¯s a miracle one of them hasn¡¯t killed you!¡± ¡°Would you like for them to? And what am I apologizing for?¡± ¡°How dare you try to twist my words around! You can start by apologizing for existing.¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t my intention. And again, I didn¡¯t ask to be born.¡± ¡°You know what, just leave. And the only way you¡¯re getting out of that date is if you manage to get yourself killed. Just get out!¡± Cautiously stepping around her, ha makes for the front door. Detouring only to go upstairs to get his phone and keys. When he does exit, he doesn¡¯t look back. Grateful that he was allowed to borrow the van it doesn¡¯t take long to get it going. Hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his palms are red by the time he gets home. It even takes a bit for him to loosen his fingers. He doesn¡¯t register getting out to enter the house. Not the others questioning who he is and how he got in. ¡°I don¡¯t think he wants to be bothered.¡± ¡°He?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t recognize Alex anymore?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a girl, Marie.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s Alex. Let¡¯s just leave him alone. He looks upset.¡± ¡°Did you hit your head when you and Ella put the clothes away? That¡¯s not Alex. I should know. I beat him up all the time.¡± ¡°Just forget it.¡± Aaron and Ella continue to try and convince Marie that it¡¯s not Alex she¡¯s seeing as he heads up to his room. He¡¯s too tired to explain himself right now. Not that he wants to. Especially not with his phone going off every five seconds. She¡¯ll keep going. You know she will. A sigh leaves him. When it stops buzzing he puts the phone on silent . Right now, he just wants quiet. Pure silence. 50 texts and ten missed calls. Just what did I do to deserve this? As he lifts his head, he notices two things. A giant teddy bear on his bed and a bag sitting on the vanity. Gentle hands turn the bear this way and that, looking for a tag or even a note. Nothing. After setting it back down he goes to the vanity. Next to the gift bag he finds a lavender envelope with his name on it. Marie¡¯s delicately frenzied handwriting. It looks as though she struggled really hared to make it both neat and as fancy as possible. The envelope is held shut with a sticker and a sticky note telling Aaron to mind his business. Didn¡¯t think he¡¯d actually listen to her. Then again he likes her more than he likes me. An elegant ¡®Thank You¡¯ card slides smoothly from the envelope. Inside, Marie¡¯s handwriting thanking him for doing her hair and make up along with the others¡¯. Even included an explanation for why she chose the gifts she did. Sure enough when he looks in the gift bag he finds an expensive set of brushes and a new eyeshadow palette. You treat her like literal shit and she went out of her way to buy you gifts. Are you sure you¡¯re not the pathetic one here? The gesture is enough to make him cry. Memory can¡¯t recall a time where anyone got him anything simply because they appreciated something he did for them. Not to mention Andrea never got him anything unless it was to further help her ambition of having a daughter. No gifts during the holidays or on his birthday. His dad wasn¡¯t allowed to buy him anything either. In fact, his birthday was never even allowed to be celebrated. Usually, overshadowed by Valentine¡¯s Day. Maybe your mom¡¯s right. Maybe you being dead would be better. After all, you shouldn¡¯t have been born. Violent thoughts create shaky limbs. His own mind struggling to maintain control. On the verge of having a complete meltdown. Slender arms wrap around the new bear as he lay atop the bed. Head burried in the massive plushy¡¯s material. Silent tears escape to soak into the stuffed animal. Heart emptying itself the only way it knows how. Through rivers of warm salt water. You¡¯re supposed to be the perfect child. No mistakes. Except for your gender. The only freedom you get is here. Where you say what ever you want. Simply because she¡¯s not here. Yet here you are crying, like the girl your mother wants. Just admit you¡¯re not worth the effort it took to bring you in this world. Somewhere along the way he¡¯d come to this conclusion. He can say that it¡¯s partly because of his mother. Somehow, he¡¯s become the very person he hates. Or so he tells himself. All he knows is that he¡¯s just as mean with his words as his mother is with her behaviour. That with the way he is now, he¡¯ll never break free from her. Never be able to just be himself. The kids in high school were- ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on or what¡¯s wrong, but we¡¯re here if you want to talk. Even though Marie told us to leave you alone. Just know we¡¯re here.¡± ¡°You sound stupid.¡± ¡°Are you sure he looked upset?! He just called me stupid!¡± ¡°Because you are! Leaved him alone or I¡¯ll let him shave your head in your sleep!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not fucking stupid!¡± ¡°You are! Let Alex rest! He¡¯s had a long day!¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t even like you!¡± ¡°Leave him alone! He¡¯s had a bad day! He doesn¡¯t need us prying!¡± Despite how mean you¡¯ve been to her; she¡¯s defending your need to be left alone. He can still hear Eijinn arguing his case. Not that Marie is having any of it. He chalks her response up to her being someone that¡¯s just a bit too nice. ¡°Okay, but Aaron said he was wearing a dress and heels!¡± ¡°And he looks beautiful! Mind your fucking business! Who cares what he wears! Now leave him alone! I¡¯ll put hot sauce in your shampoo!¡± ¡°Alright! Fine, I¡¯ll leave him alone!¡± The exchange lightens his mood just a bit. At the very least he¡¯s not sobbing the way he initially was. Still, he remains in his room. Trying his best to clear his head. If he wants to not be manipulated anymore he¡¯ll have to find a way to deal with his mother. I¡¯m an adult, it¡¯s time I behave like one. I¡¯m not a doll or a puppet, but a human being. He decides he¡¯ll worry about it in the morning. Right now he wants to spend the rest of the day asleep. What better time to start than this very moment. Abandoned Life They never imagined that this situation would happen. As far as they knew he was dead. That¡¯s how it was supposed to be. After all, that was the intention when they left him where they did. And yet here he is the spitting image of his younger brother. The brother who refuses to speak to them. Despite all they did for him. They kept him when they really didn¡¯t have to. ¡°You¡¯ve grown up so well. How did you find us.¡± ¡°Pity I¡¯m not dead is probably what you meant. It¡¯s not hard to go through hospital records, adoption records, and other legal information to find out what I needed to. It took several hospitals and a lot of blood work before any thing turned up though. I just want to see my brother.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not here¡­¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not sure¡­ He won¡¯t talk to us.¡± ¡°Ungrateful brat.¡± Both exchange worrisome looks. Looks that say he may know more than they¡¯d like him to. Something that they didn¡¯t want getting out. And whatever it is , he¡¯s more than not going to like it himself. ¡°Does. He. Know. I. Exist?¡± ¡°He was the one that wasn¡¯t supposed to be with us.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°We madea mistke. We were supposed to keep you.¡± ¡°Elaborate.¡± ¡°The boy was always sick. When we abandoned you, we thought we were abandoning him. It was an honest mistake.¡± ¡°You think mixing us up to abandon one was a mistake? Did it ever occur to you that abandoning either of us was a terrible idea. That it was beyond morally wrong?¡± ¡°We wanted you! You were healthy and such a beautiful baby. We didn¡¯t need him!¡± ¡°This is a joke.¡± ¡°Junior, you have to believe us. We had the best intentions. We tried looking when we realized we had the wrong child.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be serious! You can¡¯t! What parent abandons a baby near a flaming dumpster. And as a ¡®mistake¡¯ no less! We¡¯re twins! Literally identical! Best intentions would be giving him up for adoption! Not trying to kill him!¡± ¡°We had to shovel out so much money because he was always sick! We kept him alive! And now after all we¡¯ve done he won¡¯t even talk to us!¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t talk to you either if I found out you meant to kill me and not my brother! I¡¯m fucking glad you didn¡¯t raise me! I can only imagine what you put him through!¡± ¡°Henry Leo Burrell Jr!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me Jr. In fact, unless you can tell me where to find my baby brother don¡¯t talk to me at all.¡± He gets up to leave, eyes raking over the disheveled house. Shuddering at the thought of his little brother having to live in this kind of environment with these people. To have grown up in this place knowing he wasn¡¯t wanted. The door slams shut behind him. He can still hear the pair yelling after him. It¡¯s nearly impossible to fathom two people playing favorites by abandoning one child for dead and not the other. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry. It was a simple mistake.¡± ¡°Get off my car, Jennifer. Abandoning a child is not a simple ¡®mistake¡¯. Especially when the intent was for the child to die.¡± She looks appalled that he¡¯s called her by her name, instead of addressing her as his mother. To him it¡¯s what she deserves. That she even thought he would consider her such creates disbelief. Not more so than what he discovered, but still. He leaves before she can gather herself to attempt to correct him. Eyes focused on the road and mind trying to process what he¡¯s uncovered. Just as fury takes over he¡¯s forced to slam on the brakes. A young girl darting into the street in front of his vehicle. She stops briefly. Brown eyes meeting gray ones. Confused recognition on her face. The moment doesn¡¯t last very long. Something spooks her and she takes off running again. Deadly panic in bruised limbs. After a moment he pulls over to settle his racing heart. Replaying the scene in his head. She definitely recognized me. Or at least thought she did. Fuck! A part of him wishes he¡¯s at least gotten a picture of her. At the best he could¡¯ve tried talking to her. Although, given her disposition, who¡¯s to say she would¡¯ve spoken to him? Maybe I can still find her. Getting out, he locks the doors and starts in the direction he saw her run in. An area that¡¯s mostly dim lights, nightclubs, and bars. Women dressed fora good time, but no sign of the girl riddled with marks of abuse. Not even an inkling as to what she may have been running from. Still, he searches. Hoping that maybe she hasn¡¯t gone too far. And that she¡¯ll talk to him. Every alley turns up nothing. Except one where he walks in on a scene, he wishes he hadn¡¯t. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.¡°You couldn¡¯t pick a new place to hide? Fucking seriously? How stupid are you?all you¡¯re doing is making things harder for yourself. Now get the fuck up!¡± ¡°Every fucking time! Where the fuck are you going to go.?! No one cares about you or likes you! Why else would I be fucking stuck with you?! I don¡¯t even fucking like you! Stupid ungrateful whore!¡± He can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s the girl he¡¯s looking for that they¡¯re addressing, but he knows that this isn¡¯t a family dispute he wants to hear or get involved in. Not at the moment. However, he can hear someone sobbing. It definitely sounds female, but is it her? When the person is yanked up by their arm, he learns it is her. Brown eyes managing to spot him. Presenting that confused recognition again. Despite being identical twins, there¡¯s definitely a difference between us and she knows. Too bad our own parents didn¡¯t know that. She¡¯s still being dragged by her one arm, but manages to shake her head at him. At least, he thinks the gesture is for him. The pair yelling at her don¡¯t notice. And when they¡¯re gone, he drags a hand over his face. Finding his brother may just be the easiest and most difficult thing he¡¯s done. And all he has to go on is a girl whose name he doesn¡¯t have. All he has is a mental image and he¡¯s not sure that¡¯s going to be much use. His phone buzzing in his pocket startles him. Fumbling to get it out, he answers slightly out of breath. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡®Henry, darling. They have the results from the test. I told the doctor we¡¯d be in tomorrow. Did you find your family?¡¯ ¡°Not my brother¡­ Although, I might have a lead on how to find him.¡± ¡®What about your parents? Did you at least find them?¡¯ ¡°Let¡¯s just say those people were never meant to have children. Ever. I¡¯m on my way home. We¡¯ll talk then.¡± ¡®Be careful. I love you.¡¯ ¡°I love you too.¡± The line goes dead and Henry¡¯s heart settles. Everything still confusing and somehow put in place. There¡¯s nothing he can do about finding his brother right now. Especially, without the girl. With a heavy sigh he goes back to his car. Sadie needs me at home. I can go looking another day. Candy Coated Pain He¡¯d hoped to have gotten out of this. Even hoped to just expose his mother for the person she really is, except Andrea Katherine Moore-Grace has other plans. Doesn¡¯t she always have a plan? One such plan just so happens to involve her sitting two tables away, watching with defiant scrutiny. She¡¯s not about to let him ruin what she¡¯s spent years building up. Selfish as usual. Nothing changes. He¡¯d get up and leave if he knew she wouldn¡¯t make a scene. Across from him, Matthew is just as uncomfortable if not agitated. After all, she did follow them in. Thank goodness, she didn¡¯t have any more kids after me. ¡°Does your mom follow you everywhere?¡± ¡°Surprisingly, this is actually the first time she¡¯s done this since I became an adult.¡± ¡°High school too?¡± ¡°I was abroad so no.¡± ¡°I¡¯m surprised it¡¯s her and not like your dad or brother.¡± ¡°My dad isn¡¯t considered capable of taking care of me. And my brother is away for the time being.¡± ¡°Away?¡± ¡°Yeah, he never really says what¡¯s going on though.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sure, because my aunt was adamant I not screw this up or your brother might kick my ass.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how he could if he¡¯s out of town. Maybe she saw someone who looked similar to me somewhere.¡± ¡°But then who¡¯s this?¡± Alex lifts a brow and waits for Matthew to turn his phone around revealing several pictures of Alex after he left his parent¡¯s home and went back home. There¡¯s even a clip of what sounds a lot like Marie and Aaron arguing over whether or not it¡¯s him. What the actual fuck? Did she follow me? What kind of creep? There¡¯s an aggressive smirk on Matthew¡¯s face when Alex looks back up at him. Like he knows something Alex doesn¡¯t want him to. I could say I don¡¯t know shit, but she made a point to get the license plate in the photos. Shit. Something says things are about to get ugly in a matter of seconds. ¡°Kind of weird though, because you never came out after that.¡± ¡°Yeah, ummm, I¡¯m staying with some people who know my brother, but I don¡¯t really come out much since I have my own things to worry about.¡± Some of us have lives. That don¡¯t involve stalking people. Alex is yanked violently from the booth. He¡¯s not even allowed to get his bearing before something cold and stick is poured over him. More than once. As though someone went out of their way to set this up. All he can hear is laughter. Echoing and singing in his head. When he tries to walk his foot slips and he tumbles to the linoleum. This is what I get for living. I fucking knew this was a bad idea. And I¡¯m the one taking the fucking heat for it. It¡¯s never her. He struggles a bit more, gripping onto the diner table in order to finally get to his feet. The laughing sounds like howling now. Like a pack of stupid wild dogs who have nothing better to do than torture their prey. It¡¯s near impossible to get whatever they dumped on him out of his eyes as he heads for the door. Careful of any other patrons or employees. Right behind him are his mother and Matthew with his friends. The latter still insulting him. Calling him a fraud and a liar. They¡¯re also still laughing. It¡¯s a miracle they can see to stalk behind me. He¡¯s not surprised no one¡¯s tried to help him. Not even his own mother. And he¡¯s pretty much decided if this is how she¡¯s going to be then he might as well just be on his way. Making his way to her car to grab his belongings from inside. ¡°Where are you going?!¡± ¡°Anywhere you aren¡¯t! I¡¯m so fucking tired of dealing with this shit! I¡¯m drenched in god knows what and you¡¯re getting mad at me for leaving! You can¡¯t be fucking serious! And you!¡± Alex¡¯s glare turns to Matthew and his friends. ¡°You and your aunt are a piece of fucking work! This little stunt is something children do, which obviously all of you still are! Your aunt needs help because stalking someone home is a crime! That and she can¡¯t dress to save her fucking life! So is aggravated assault! As for the rest of you, you might want to get some DNA tests going because it looks like there¡¯s a lot of inbreeding going on in your families. Maybe even get some other tests done to make sure there were no birth defects besides being ugly. It¡¯s no wonder that all of you are single as fuck! I wouldn¡¯t date baby hyena¡¯s either!¡± If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.¡°You¡¯re the one wearing the dress gay boy.¡± ¡°And your next sentence will cost you.¡±¡¯ Alex blinks in surprise, shocked that not only is Aaron here, but he¡¯s defending him as well. Usually it¡¯s the two of them fighting. ¡°Of course one of you heathens would show up. Don¡¯t you have a prison sentence to be serving?¡± ¡°Not yet. But if the Alabama crew here says something I will. Might even hit you too because, why not?¡± Andrea¡¯s face sours. With limited vision Alex smiles just a little. Someone¡¯s wiping his face free of what was dumped on him with towel or cloth. Other than that, it¡¯s quiet. Dangerously quiet. Aaron can be heard shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Waiting to see if any of them are bold enough to tempt him. That¡¯s been his thing lately. Or so it seems. Alex can¡¯t really tell anymore since aaron¡¯s been pretty angry the last several days. Everyone¡¯s pretty much stayed out of his way. Alex, himself, included. ¡°You¡¯re just going to let him talk to me like that?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re a big girl. Deal with it on your own. Isn¡¯t that what you always tell me.¡± ¡°I gave you life!¡± ¡°Then take it back. It¡¯s rather useless to me. What with not being able to live it how I want.¡± ¡°You insolent little-!¡± ¡°The threat still applies, Andrea. Even if you aren¡¯t part of the I fucked my cousin group.¡± ¡°That¡¯s sweet, you¡¯re bonding. So why haven¡¯t the five of you left? Pretty sure at least two of you got fired. Andrea, we can take Alex home. He¡¯s made himself quite clear on how he feels about you.¡± ¡°He my son!¡± ¡°That you treat like a dress up doll because your chromosomes fucked up. You don¡¯t consider him your son. He¡¯s only your kid when it¡¯s convenient. Alex, get in the van.¡± When attempting to protest, Bryant simply turns him and shoves him towards the van. Aaron waits a bit before following them and getting in himself. The sliding door slams shut as Bryant climbs back into the front passenger seat. They¡¯re halfway down the street when Alex finally bursts into tears. Sobbing hard enough to choke up his breathing every now and again. No one says a word. None of them have ever seen him this upset. Not that it matters to them. It¡¯s not really their job to make him feel like shit. No matter how angry he can make some of them. ¡°Can I just ask why it now smells like lemonade in here?¡± ¡°No you cannot. You can shut the fuck up and keep an eye out for Marie.¡± ¡°For what? She¡¯s the one who keeps disappearing.¡± ¡°Ella said she showed up to school and not even ten minutes in was called to the main office. Was told to bring her belongings too. After that she didn¡¯t see her for the rest of the day. Or week.¡± ¡°She¡¯s legally not our responsibility.¡± ¡°No she¡¯s not. She¡¯s our friend. The same way we just helped Alex is the same way we should help her. She trusts us even though none of us have ever given her reason to.¡± ¡°Still not out problem.¡± She¡¯d d-do the s-same for us.¡± Aaron pats Alex on the head, forgetting he¡¯s coated in layers of lemonade. Probably with added sugar. ¡°Let¡¯s just get you home so you can wash this off.¡± ¡°I want to go with you.¡± He¡¯s not entirely sure why he suddenly wants to make sure she¡¯s okay. Not even sure what prompted him to even come to her defense. Especially, since all he¡¯s done is bully her. Literally putting her down every chance he could get. Maybe looking for someone slightly weaker than you to pick on. She¡¯s always been an easy target for you. Since you don¡¯t actually have the courage to stand up for yourself. Pathetic. The thoughts sting and he can only imagine what she thinks of him. He catches the way they eye him between sniffles. They know what he¡¯s done to her and are probably just as confused as he is about his sudden attitude towards her just as he is. Still, they remain quiet. They¡¯ve no need to say anything. At the end of the day they all know she¡¯d do the same for them. And that¡¯s all that really matters. Shadowy World She hadn¡¯t meant to let her guard down. Hadn¡¯t meant to be caught up in the soothing comfort of people. Yet here she is, back at square one. Charcoal eyes settle angrily on her. Searing pain gnaws at her face. Wrists bound above her head as if she¡¯s some kind of animal that needs restraint. Fear sings in her veins as she struggles against the wire restraints causing them to cut into her wrists. This isn¡¯t what she wants. She¡¯s never wanted any of this. Nothing in her life is making sense anymore. She¡¯s screaming now at the top of her lungs, until his fist connects brutally with her jaw. The sound of it cracking echoing off the walls of her mind. The more she struggles the more he hits her. The blonde standing in a corner of the room laughs, trying her hardest to not shake the camera in her hand. This is routine behaviour for her. One would think that this type of mistreatment would not be acceptable. Not with her. No, she finds joy and amusement in this. Watching him treat his own sister in such a cruel manner puts a sadistic smile on her face. Still, the younger girl tries frantically to escape; only to be repeatedly punched. It¡¯s a back and forth reaction until the world turns black around her. Eyes open to nothing but darkness. An empty room with bare walls. Surprised that she¡¯s able to move. The bruises on her arms and legs dance into view, creating silent tears that soak into her cheeks as the fall. Gentle movements in order to find clothes that don¡¯t have holes in them or aren¡¯t torn in an attempt to prevent further use of them. Not that there¡¯s anywhere she can really look besides the floor of the closet. Which is where she finds a sweater. It¡¯s the only thing she finds. With as much gentle strength as she can muster in her frailty she slips the worn material over her head. She¡¯s not sure who it belongs to, just that it¡¯s not hers and wearing it makes her skin crawl and burn. Without so much as an attempt to leave through the front door, she trudges to the window, opens it, and tumbles out of it as safely as possible for her in this condition. Not to mention quietly. Unfortunately, the bushes beneath said window are of no landing comfort and leave more cuts to speak of. If she survives the night. Moving carefully, she tries hard to stay well within the shadows so she¡¯s not found. At the same time she¡¯s fighting off the demons trying to tear her mind apart. Even in this darkness, she can still feel hands in unwanted places. Keep screaming, no one will help you. You¡¯re a waste to the body you inhabit. Just go kill yourself. There¡¯s a nice bridge not far from here for you to jump off of. She can hear the laughter that ensues from their words. Or are they hers? She¡¯s quickly losing it, her sanity that is. Wait, she lost that months ago. In fact, her memory can only recall that it happened after the death of her parents. Could it have been before that? No¡­maybe? Everything is so distant and surreal there¡¯s no telling what¡¯s what. Already filthy feet trek through muddy grass. Just how long was I there? A week? A month? Possibly more? Soreness follows her like a best friend as she lets damaged legs carry her wherever. Brown eyes don¡¯t register the location until she¡¯s standing at the edge of what looks like a bridge. Hey look, we made it. No one will look for us after this either. How perfect. The water down below is shallow, and she knows it¡¯ll kill her instantly if she takes the plunge. After all, who¡¯s going to miss her? As far as she¡¯s concerned there¡¯s not a single person in the world who cares about whether she lives or dies. What difference will her life make on a world that has no use for a pitiful soul like hers? Slowly her body edges forward, leaning towards the craggy rocks below. One more step and it will all be over. No more dealing with her brother. No more haunted sleepless nights. No more feeling helpless. And no more voices driving her further into the pit of despair. All it takes is that one little leap. So, with one last final breath she takes that step. He¡¯s not sure it¡¯s her. What¡¯s it been? Three weeks? She¡¯s been gone long enough that he¡¯s certain what he¡¯s seeing is all a part of his imagination. That and he¡¯s drunk as well. Consuming alcohol is nothing new to him, but for him and some of the others it¡¯s been worse as of late. He can¡¯t fathom why. Not like he¡¯s concerned. What was I doing again? Oh, right, following after the girl. Please don¡¯t let my eyes be playing tricks on me. Placing one foot in front of the other, he follows her. His own demons weighing him down. Just what good are you going to be to her? Does it matter? Your own parents tried to kill you off. That alone should tell you something. Not everyone is unwanted, just you. Your band thinks you¡¯re mute. Your mother and father thought they opted you out instead of the better twin. You¡¯re a waste of energy. There¡¯s no arguing with his conscious. He will never win. After all, it¡¯s right. What good can he do if he himself is unwanted and unloved by the very people who made him. Suffering, that¡¯s all he¡¯s doing. Doing it in a manner that makes it look like surviving. There¡¯s no way he can survive this though. Not with the tension that rides on it and the constant angry words his own mind throws at him. Still, he follows this girl, hoping that it¡¯s her. Something about her changed everyone. They need this something back, whatever it may be. Gray eyes follow her as best they can. It takes him awhile to register where her leg are leading her, until the bridge clicks into view. She won¡¯t jump will she? No, she doesn¡¯t seem the type to do something like that. He moves closer without her knowledge just in case it¡¯s something she¡¯s thinking of doing. How he hopes it¡¯s not. Dark grays watch her every move. Even the hesitation she has before her feet move her over the edge. Lanky legs move rapidly and despite not being very athletic he manages to catch her wrist just in time. A very vivid mental image of her sprawled and dead at the bottom of the river paints itself across his vision. His heart dead weight in his chest. Slowly, she looks up at him and just as he feared it¡¯s her. Her eyes betray her and she¡¯s much smaller than he remembers. Frantically he pulls her back up and eagerly hugs her to him. She stiffens briefly before breaking down into a mess of uncontrollable sobs. Not one word leaves his lips as he rocks her back and forth. His eyes skim over her. Not noticing the lack of most of her clothing, but rather the way ferocious bruises and scars adorn her skin. The way her body sinks in on itself. How her face looks swollen, particularly around her jaw. Concern is replaced with rage. Setting fire to his bones, tearing his soul in half, turning to charcoal a heart once turned to ice. For just a moment his vision is gone, preventing him from seeing his friends approaching. Doesn¡¯t even hear them calling his name or trying to get an answer from either of the two. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Aaron¡¯s not sure what¡¯s worse. Marie¡¯s condition or Jason¡¯s stoic expression. Green eyes watch his friend. Even he can tell it¡¯s not a good idea to approach him. That it¡¯s not in the best interest of anyone to even try it. Well, unless Alex wants to attempt to do or say something stupid tonight. Which by the looks of it, he¡¯s decided against it. It¡¯s a surprise the blond male followed them all the way out this way. Shaking the thought away Aaron approaches one side of Jason and, despite the dirty look he receives, helps him to his feet while he¡¯s still clutching Marie. Marie shudders and the action is enough to send Aaron¡¯s anger spiraling. Bright greens turn to hunter. Muscles tense and coil visibly. He¡¯s the face of hell in a matter of seconds. The others slow to a stop, knowing to keep their distance from him. Words cannot express what¡¯s going on in his head at this point in time. Instead, he stalks off. Where he¡¯s going even he doesn¡¯t know, but he knows who to look for based off their last encounter. ¡°Jason, let¡¯s just get her to a hospital. I don''t know how we¡¯re going to explain it, but we¡¯ll find a way.¡± ¡°She might not let us at this rate. I mean look at her. She¡¯s in such bad shape that she wanted to jump to her death. Who¡¯s to say that if we try this she won¡¯t make another attempt?¡± ¡°For once in your life can you not be a pessimistic piece pf shit?¡± Alex ignores the agitation in Bryant¡¯s voice. Ignores the look of anger in his eyes. The others don¡¯t so much as bat an eye in their direction. Rather, they walk around the two of them to their mode of transportation. Eventually Bryant storms off to keep up with Mitchell and Jason. A sigh leaves Alex¡¯s lips as he watches them. His moment of hesitation draws no attention from anyone, but their red-headed companion. There¡¯s no telling why he¡¯s hesitated or what¡¯s going on in his head, but the stress from everything is written on his face for all to see. Scratching the back of his head he moves on. Not without Eijinn patting him on the back first and going ahead of him. The small gesture reminds him that despite all the hell he puts them through, at the end of the day they are still his friends and brothers. Smiling just a little when he reaches the van, he climbs in the front passenger seat. As he does so baby blue eyes catch sight of Marie laid across Jason and Bryant¡¯s laps. The heart clenches, nearly caving on itself. Despite the words he¡¯s used to hurt her, seeing her in this state worries him. He says nothing though. Mostly because he fears saying something spiteful or disrespectful and now isn¡¯t the time to piss anyone off. Neither Aaron nor Eijinn are in the vehicle, but Jason alone looks ready to tear apart anyone who so much as breathes in Marie¡¯s direction. And Alex is quite satisfied with where his spine is sitting at the moment. It stays quiet. Not one word. Even though, Alex is positive Mitchell is breaking several traffic laws to reach the hospital. ¡°So, why didn¡¯t we just call an ambulance?¡± ¡°Because, pretty princess, it would¡¯ve taken longer for them to get to us. Plus they¡¯ll alert her family, seeing as we aren¡¯t her family.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t they do that if we take her anyway?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s called lying, dumbass. And since you¡¯re so fucking smooth at insulting people or ruining shit, you better smooth shut the fuck up.¡± Bryant¡¯s dark blue eyes burn with ferocity. The tinier male shrugs, but otherwise resumes his silence before realizing they¡¯re at the hospital. He climbs out just as quickly as Mitchell does. Noodle like legs rush into the emergency room and up to the receptionist. Words tumbling from his mouth without his permission. ¡°My friend¡¯s sister is in really bad shape. We don¡¯t know what happened and have been unable to reach him to let him know, but she needs treatment. Please.¡± The lady behind the desk looks as though she doesn¡¯t believe him. That soon changes when Jason walks in and several people are either gasping or murmuring. The looks the four, or rather five, of them get are far from just being uncomfortable. It makes Alex wonder if the way he often treated Marie is similar. Did I make her feel worse than the dirt beneath our feet? And she still managed to be nice to me? ¡°You can all stop fucking staring. She¡¯s hurt, we know it well enough. Shit happens or you all wouldn¡¯t be here either.¡± Wide eyes fall on Alex and he¡¯s not even remotely surprised. It encourages him more. Especially since he knows he¡¯s not wrong. ¡°Staring at me doesn¡¯t change the fact you looked at us in disgust. Yes, I¡¯m pretty. I¡¯m well aware of it. Find something else to do.¡± At the same time a handful of nurses rush out with a stretcher to collect Marie. And no one says a word to the scrawny mouthy male. They¡¯re still in astonishment for the most part. Wonder shifts in Bryant¡¯s eyes at his friend''s behaviour. The two having forgotten to follow behind Jason and Mitchell for the time being. Realizing their current situation, both make haste to find their companions. It doesn¡¯t take long to find the pair seated in a hallway, screaming coming from the room across from them. ¡°Took you two long enough. Stay with Jason. I¡¯m going to go find Eijinn and Aaron, before one or both of them get arrested for aggravated assault.¡± When no one speaks a word, Mitchell swiftly removes himself from their presence. The other two simply place themselves in the seats around their quietest member. All eyes on the floor. The screaming is starting to die down. However, the nurses still scurry past. And there¡¯s still a cloud of desperation and darkness hanging over Jason. A small child wanders out of their room. Far too late to be up, but something just won¡¯t let him sleep. He can hear angry voices. Desperate voices. They seem to draw him closer. What they¡¯re saying he can¡¯t tell. Their backs are to him, excluding the third person whose dark amethyst eyes catch on him and widen in shock. Was he not to be here? Both parents turn and plaster smiles to their paled faces. His father is quick to usher him back to bed, worry lines and a hidden frown on his features. This is just the beginning of something much deeper. Something he would one day wish he did not know. Badly Broken She tugs again at the restraints. A tad more gently than she had been before. They haven¡¯t noticed she¡¯s awake yet. Her eyes refuse to focus on anything as panic melts into her bones. Soon enough, she¡¯s screaming, or at least attempting to; through a tightly clamped jaw, and violently yanking. Freedom! I can¡¯t do this again! Please! Let me go! Her mind screams for release. Heart screeching through the heart monitor. All six boys are startled awake. Four of which are trying to calm her down. All of them talking at once. The heart monitor only continues to wail desperately. Their voices carrying over the sound. ¡°SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU! JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP!¡± Silence, excluding the heart monitor, Marie¡¯s frantic cries of desperation, and the three nurses who clear their throat as they enter. All eyes are on the quietest member of the six of them. He¡¯s been different over the last four days. Quieter than he normally is, if that¡¯s even possible. The sudden outburst astonishes them. No one has anything to say. Not even a joke. All they can do is stare in silence, until he points for them to leave. There¡¯s some hesitation before any of them move towards the door, curious glances cast back in his direction. Once they¡¯re gone and the nurses have done what they need to, he grabs one of the chairs and moves it closer to the bed. Ever so lightly he takes her hand, holding it with firm urgency. While her head rests easily into the bed, her eyes dart around the room. The shaking even remains and he wonders what terrors fill her mind. What tragedy is she reliving to be so by this environment? Who could cause so much damage that she¡¯s willing to take her own life? ¡°Marie..¡± She flinches, but says nothing. Not that she can to begin with. Her jaw is set in place. Her mind is elsewhere at the moment too. Matted hair, wild eyes , shallow breaths, and frantic sweating. All of these things are evident and yet it doesn¡¯t tell him what caused her such pain. And it doesn¡¯t deter him from what he¡¯s about to do. A hand runs across his tired face as he begins to speak. So low, that for a moment she does not notice he¡¯s speaking to her. It doesn¡¯t help that the medication they injected in her is trying to take its hold. ¡°Did I ever tell you about my parents? What they were like. My mom, she¡¯s a sweetheart. Makes cookies and all the extra crap that you see TV moms do. My dad he used to work at a big pharmaceutical company and had a few other odd jobs that didn¡¯t pay really well. Not for the lifestyle they wanted. Dad¡¯s a gambler and an alcoholic. Mom, she¡¯s losing her mind. There¡¯s not enough money to pay bills or put food on the table with her beloved throwing it down the drain as fast as he makes it. Yet somehow, they managed to always get me something little for either my birthday or Christmas. I was never a picky kid when it came to stuff like that. I was happy as long as they were around. I mean I grew up in an area that felt more like an abandoned or rundown city. They were doing the best they could with what little they had.¡± ¡°Around the time I turned six I started to notice little things. Things I hadn¡¯t noticed them doing before. Like how I wasn¡¯t given medicine or taken to the doctor when I got sick. In fact they smiled more when I got sick. When a terminal illness was spreading I¡¯d hear them wishing that I would catch it. It wasn¡¯t until I turned seven that I understood why. Henry Lowell Burrell Sr. and his wife had a secret. One I knew nothing of until I stumbled upon them in the night. Marie¡¯s fingers twitch just a bit and her eyes finally focus on him depite it being hard to keep them open. Her breathing is still a tad uneven, panic still unsettled in her chest. Jason can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s her demons trying to get her or waht he¡¯s telling her that¡¯s created such a reaction. He continues though, afraid that if he stops now he¡¯ll never get it out. ¡°They sent me to bed early one night. A friend of theirs had come to visit and as fawr ass they were concerned I was in the way. As far as I could tell he was a nice person. Anyway, being the obedient child that I was, I did as told. No sense arguing with my parents, right? Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t sleep. Not for long anyway. And every time I tried to fall back asleep, I¡¯d simply toss and turn. Until eventually I got out of bed and went to see if my mom could help. She always knew the right remedies for anything I seemed to be having trouble with. I unexpectedly walked in on a conversation I shouldn¡¯t have heard. And it didn¡¯t register until I was shooed back to bed by my father. It¡¯s not something any child should ever hear.¡± ¡°At some point there were two of us. Me and a twin. An identical twin. I just happen to be the youngest of the two. They couldn¡¯t afford to raise two kids and it just so happens I was the one always sick. They¡¯d made the decision to get rid of one of us. More specifically me. My brother was healthy and despite being a baby was the perfect child. So they grabbed one of us and left us behind somewhere. I¡¯m not sure where, they never told me and I¡¯m not going to ask them. The kid they grabbed and left was him. He happened to be sick when they went to abandon me. It¡¯s a wonder they ever knew I was always the sick one, since they couldn¡¯t tell us apart for this. Their friend, who just so happened to be in the medical field is the only person able to tell us apart apparently. He¡¯d known from the first time he saw me which twin I was and figured my parents knew what they¡¯d done. Until that night when they asked him about it. Both of them were angry. My mother more so than my father. I¡¯ve never once heard her cuss or yell the way she did then. Six or seven years later they finally realize they had indeed made a mistake. I attended school while sick. And I was always sick at this point. Sometime couldn¡¯t keep food down. It took the school nurse calling for them to take me to the doctor and oddly enough he knew too. He knew I wasn¡¯t Henry Leo Burrell Jr., but rather the younger twin. Jason. They¡¯d only ever called me by that name when I was sick. I mean at some point I should have put two and two together. The name Henry always felt wrong to me. Like it didn¡¯t fit who I was¡± He¡¯s quiet again. And she observes him the way she would anyone who dumped their whole life story on her. Not with disgust, but a sense of wonder for the person he is and had to become from such a situation. There¡¯s more to it. Like the way there are bags under his eyes. How those very same eyes hold no life. No smile lines to show for his youth. Just a dark cloud of anguish, guilt, and solemn anger that hangs over him. Of the six of them he¡¯s one of the three she never expected to hear things like this from. Not when he generally pays no mind to the world around him. She can¡¯t fathom what it must¡¯ve been like to live with these people after such a revelation. He shifts and her eyes follow the movement. In is hand is a wallet which he opens up annd pulls out a folded up picture. When he unfolds it, it¡¯s a simple black and white photo, but she can¡¯t make sense of what she¡¯s seeing. ¡°It¡¯s an ultrasound from before we were born. No one would have ever been able to tell the difference if not for my poor health. If I¡¯d remained healthy, they wouldn¡¯t have discovered they gave up the wrong twin.¡± She¡¯s tired and wants to say something, but knows she can¡¯t. ¡°They were poor. I get it. It¡¯s the stupidest decision ever made. To leave one of us for dead. They wanted a kid, got two, and couldn¡¯t affords to care for either of us.¡± It¡¯s not her place to judge, but something in her hates the idea that someone would have given up on such a tiny life. Maybe because her parents did everything they could to raise her and her brother with what little they had. Then again, that didn¡¯t stop her brother from becoming the monster he is today. It makes her wonder if parental raising has anything to do with the way a child turns out in life. That maybe all the positive and negative reinforcement isn¡¯t all it¡¯s cut out to be. Maybe it causes more problems than anyone can ever truly imagine. There are no words to speak of the evils in this world. Before her eyes finally slide closed she manages to very gently lift her hand and pat his head where it rests on the side of the bed. As of right now it¡¯s the only thing she can think to do. Are you attempting to comfort him? You can¡¯t even do that for yourself. Shouldn¡¯t you be ashamed to have made him talk about something so traumatic? All you had to do was jump. Can¡¯t even kill yourself properly. Just look at you. Hurting people who have done nothing wrong to you. He should¡¯ve let you die. How is it someone weak like you can bring the strong to their knees? Next time you try to kill yourself, do it right. Actually die. A wailing monitor startles him. Head raised, eyes wide at the girl lying in the bed. Nails carve into delicate flesh. Red paints the white sheets, terror resonates around the room. Death himself would be terrified to see her: pale, shaking, hair wild, eyes desperate, heart dancing on needles, and breathing erratic. Several nurses, a doctor, and his friends rush in at once. A mixture of panic and concern. Immediately the six of them are ushered out into the hall, so the professionals can do their job. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.Broken light dances in Jason¡¯s eyes. Held firmly in place by another as the monitor¡¯s wailing heightens. Helpless and worried. It¡¯s a deadly combination for any of them. Inducing more than fear. More of a venomous rage that no person can control. It spreads like a poison for only a moment before a calm silence ensues from the opposite side of the door. Stones fill an empty stomach, pebbles clog up his throat, and for a bit he¡¯s friends with a shadow that takes everything it touches and tosses it away. One of the younger nurses exits first. She wears a weary and relieved smile, approaching them on anxious legs. The woman looks at Aaron first. However, he¡¯s not in the mood to deal with accusations from anyone. ¡°Is my little sister okay?¡± ¡°At the moment yes. Her injuries aren¡¯t that extensive. The new ones aren¡¯t anyway. The doctor feels it¡¯s in her best interest to be admitted into psychiatric care. Once her jaw is healed enough to allow her to speak some.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not something we really want to risk doing. Bad enough we were interrogated when she came in.¡± ¡°I understand, however, given her condition it¡¯s highly recommended that she receive this treatment.¡± Aaron¡¯s not sure the nurse is getting the hint that placing Marie under someone else¡¯s care is going to have the same effect as her being here. That by admitting her against her will is the same as letting her actual brother keep her prisoner. ¡°We appreciate the concern, but I don¡¯t want her to feel like she¡¯s being imprisoned anywhere. It¡¯s why I requested she not be restrained in the first place and no one listened.¡± ¡°She¡¯s a risk to herself. The restraints prevent her fro doing any further harm. This is also why the doctor wants to have her admitted.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a nurse. You can¡¯t possiibly tell me that you imprisoning her somewhere else is beneficial to her. You saw her wrists. What kind of person would recommend institutionalizing her? You can¡¯t be serious.¡± ¡°Alex, relax she¡¯s just doing her job.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, Mitchie. She already feels captive here why move her to another location to be held against her will?¡± ¡°Because she needs the help. We can¡¯t keep doing nothing. Plus she¡¯s safe here.¡± Both Alex and Aaron look at Mitchel as though he¡¯s lost his mind. Sure, Marie¡¯s outbursts are a bit much to handle. However, just letting her get locked away against her will is probably the most absurd thing that¡¯s come out of his moouth. Even, Jason is giving him an angry glare. Mitchell is usually the more understanding one. Lately though, he¡¯s just been agitated whenever Marie is mentioned. Almost as if he no longer likes her presence. Except he¡¯s technically the reason she ended up staying with them in the first place . He¡¯s the one who hit her with the van and instead of bringing her to the hospital then he brought her home. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re an idiot and want to abandon her, but I¡¯m positive there are four of us who literally go and get her if you so much as skip by a mental facility with her in tow.¡± ¡°Make that five of us. And I have my reasons.¡± Mitchell and the nurse look exasperated. Only one walks away. The other flops into a seat. It¡¯s hard enough to make sure the five of them stay out of trouble. I¡¯m not about to babysit her too. She¡¯s a lot more trouble than she¡¯s worth. ¡°Do what you want. I¡¯m going for a walk.¡± They don¡¯t try to stop him. He¡¯s the most responsible one after all. Besides there¡¯s not really anything he¡¯d get up to to end up in trouble. Right now, they just need to figure out what they¡¯re going to do with Marie. They¡¯re not always going to be able to sit with her like this. And yet leaving her with her demons isn¡¯t going to help. ¡°Well, now that we¡¯ve pissed Mitchie off what are we doing about her?¡± ¡°I though that was obvious. Wait until she can speak for herself. Unless she takes off again. In which case, it¡¯ll be out of our hands.¡± Despite knowing Alex is right, none of them like the answer. It takes them a bit to realize they haven¡¯t seen the doctor leave the room. Aaron and Jason are the first to rush in. Eijinn, Alex, and Bryant take their time. Not tto find the former two arguing with the woman. ¡°What¡¯s the issue now.¡± ¡°The same as before. The fucking restraints!¡± ¡°You can¡¯t tell me there¡¯s no other way to do this without making her feel like a prisoner. Anything other than strapping her down like that.¡± ¡°Considering her injuries and the condition in which she was brought in this is the best option for her.¡± ¡°This is a joke. You¡¯re telling me, you looked at her wrist injuries and went ¡®Yeah, lets just strap her to the bed like this¡¯. Because if that¡¯s what you happened you can¡¯t really be a doctor. Someone should take your license from you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Alex, for your vast knowledge of medicine and treatment of the mentally ill.¡± ¡°In Alex¡¯s defense he¡¯s got a point. Her wrists were all dug into when she came in and they put restraints on her. If you weren¡¯t paying attention earlier, Bryant, let me remind you thatt¡¯s why she freaked out when she woke up.¡± ¡°Restraints aside, do any of you know how she got her injuries? Most if not all look to be made by someone clearly older than her.¡± ¡°Alex, take Eijinn and Jason to find Mitchell please.¡± ¡°Why do all three of us have to go?¡± ¡°Because you need to learn when to take a hint. Move it dumb dumb. C¡¯mon Jason.¡± Bryant and Aaron wait a good five minutes, just in case Eijinn thinks he¡¯s smarter than Alex and comes back. The look on the Doctor¡¯s face goes from simple concern to extreme worry. After all she hasn¡¯t finished reporting her findings to the authorities. ¡°She¡¯s not really my sister. We came across her by accident one night. Out of the six of us we¡¯re the only two who know what¡¯s really going on to some extent. And she¡¯s not exactly keen on telling anyone the details of her situation.¡± The room settles into an empty silence. Aaron isn¡¯t good at explaining things and Bryant doesn¡¯t want to talk about it let alone remember it. That and the latter swore he¡¯d tell no one. On top of it she doesn¡¯t want anyone who so much as comes across as an authoritative figure to know. ¡°From what little she told us, someone in her family is abusing her. She won¡¯t say how or who it is. Just that she deserves it for some reason.¡± ¡°And neither of you informed police?¡± ¡°She really doesn¡¯t talk about it. Doesn¡¯t want anyone to know. We can¡¯t force her to do something she doesn¡¯t want to. And even if we did, we have no idea where to send them. We got lucky to find her a few nights ago.¡± The doctor looks at the pair wearily. While they¡¯re correct to some extent, she herself cannot ignore the obvious abuse and as such has to report it. No matter what the young woman in the medical bed wants. ¡°We get you have to do what you¡¯re trained to do, but please pretend you didn¡¯t hear anything you were told. She just barely trusts us enough to even be around us and some of us haven¡¯t been on our best behaviour. It¡¯s just¡­¡± ¡°We can¡¯t guarantee that if she knows we said something she won¡¯t just take off.¡± ¡°Given what you¡¯ve told me and her health at the moment she could still simply take off because either way she¡¯s a minor and her injuries have to be reported. Meaning if police find a lead to her family she could end up right back there. Especially if she¡¯s not willing to talk. As you said, she can¡¯t be forced to do anything against her will. Hopefully she can be convinced to speak to some one. For now, she¡¯s sedated. We did run a rape kit as it appeared she may have been sexually assaulted. Once she¡¯s awake, calm and her jaw is healed enough to allow speech she¡¯ll have a mental evaluation. I¡¯d like to suggest that one or both of you talk her into sharing her situation with the authorities and to allow herself to be admitted into a psychiatric ward. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a lot more to her trauma than she¡¯s shared with you. It¡¯s in her best interest to speak with a professional.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for everything.¡± She simply nods and leaves the room. Aaron sighs heavily, resuming his pacing about the room. Not that it¡¯s helping him calm down. If anything, he¡¯s more anxious now than he was before. Bryant lets him be. They¡¯ve a decision to make. Although, it should be fairly easy, it¡¯s not. Deciding whether or not to convince someone they care about to have themselves admitted should not be this hard to do. It¡¯s a simple matter of wanting what¡¯s best for her. ¡°I¡¯m gonna walk around for a bit.¡± ¡°You should go see them. Might calm you down just a bit. Plus, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s been on your mind for some time now. We¡¯ll still be here when you get back.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± The moment Aaron leaves Bryant sits in the chair by Marie. Worry lines creasing his forehead. Just what the hell am I supposed to say to convince her that it¡¯s the right thing to do? What the hell have we gotten ourselves into? A Brothers Guilt His unconscious mind brought him here. Quietly dragged him to this room. The person inside doesn¡¯t notice him watching. He¡¯s rather grateful that they haven¡¯t. Especially given their condition. Something he¡¯d done left them this way. Left them with a severely reduced quality of life. And he hates himself for it. Hates that he has a temper that he can¡¯t seem to control. He¡¯d take it back if he could. Maybe he would¡¯ve handled the situation differently if he¡¯d been more careful. It¡¯s not supposed to be this way. You made him that way. Him and Simon. Did it ever occur to you that maybe they were right all those years ago? Silencing the thought he turns to leave. Except, the very people he doesn¡¯t want to see are looking at him with bewildered anger. ¡°You don¡¯t belong here.¡± He doesn¡¯t respond to the woman. As far as he¡¯s concerned, she hasn¡¯t hanged a single bit. Still as full of herself as ever. And he couldn¡¯t really care any less about her than he does now. Figures she may have picked up her ¡®high and mighty¡¯ attitude from her husband. Unless, she was that way before they had Samuel, which would explain everything. Including their treatment of him. They were both young when she had Sam, but they were in love and nothing mattered. And his existence is probably the only thing that¡¯s bothered them. ¡°You should go. He won¡¯t want to see you when he wakes up.¡± ¡°He¡¯s been in this hospital off and on since I was 15. Pretty sure he doesn¡¯t care what I do. And if I shouldn¡¯t be here, you shouldn¡¯t have started having kids at 17. In fact, you shouldn¡¯t have had kids at all.¡± Her eyes burn holes into his tattooed arm. Right where his demos are exposed on his skin for all the world to know. Despite the fact that he was already leaving, he stays in place. Refusing to let her think that anything she says to him will get him to just go away. All she¡¯s really doing is making him angry. Very angry. She¡¯ll be lucky if all he does is just cuss her out. She could use some public humiliation. Maybe she¡¯ll fix her attitude. Or we could just hospitalize her for the rest of her life. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything. You got expelled from school. Nearly killed your brothers, and ran away from home. Surprised anyone took you in with the way you are.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know shit about me. Or we wouldn¡¯t be where we are now. I¡¯m fortunate enough to have friends who care about me enough to not let me be homeless or go hungry. Not that it matters. I don¡¯t have to tell you shit. What I do with myself and my life is none of your fucking concern.¡± ¡°You will not speak to me that way! I am your mother!¡± ¡°No, you¡¯re not. The moment you put me out at 15, you were no longer my mother. All you did was help bring me into the world. You don¡¯t get to claim me when it¡¯s convenient or beneficial to you. Or, ya know, when you want to make me look like a monster. And maybe I am one, but the two of you have only yourselves to blame for that.¡± The woman frowns. He knows how much that upsets her, but as far as he¡¯s concerned she needs to be reminded of the truth. He just wouldn¡¯t feel right if he didn¡¯t destroy her illusion of what she wishes happened. Yet here she is demanding respect from me. She can attempt to live a lie if she wants to. At the end of the day I know my worth. There is nothing anyone can take from me without my permission. That includes her. ¡°She gave everything for you.¡± ¡°Fuck you too. Both of you can rot. I don¡¯t need either of you to act as though you care about me now. I didn¡¯t forget you had the police put a warrant out for my arrest. After you put me out too. Labeled me a murderer. Called the authorities when I showed up to grandad¡¯s grave. By the way grandma is the one who told me where it is. She even gave me clothes when it was necessary. ¡° ¡°My mother would do no such thing! How dare you lie on that woman!¡± ¡°What¡¯s sad is she gave birth to an evil bitch like you. She knew even before I did about my sexuality. She knew and still treated me like I was the most precious thing to her.¡± He doesn¡¯t have to look at her to know she is not pleased with his confession. Or rather, what she considers a lie. There are so many things about her that his grandparents told him as he was growing up. With them was the only time he felt safest. Whether he¡¯d gotten in trouble at school or at home. His grandparents showed him the kind of love and affection that his parents saved for his siblings. ¡°Being out there really hasn¡¯t done anything to improve who you are as a person. That¡¯s no way to speak to the woman who carried you for nine months and gave birth to you. We did all we could for you and all you have ever been is ungrateful and useless.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to interrupt, actually, I do. Aaron, they want to talk to us. By they, I mean police.¡± Aaron looks at his friend, noting the agitation. Whatever it is, it¡¯s serious and he can only hope no one¡¯s made a scene. ¡°You could¡¯ve texted me.¡± ¡°I did. We all did. So, I came to see why you hadn¡¯t responded. Thank goodness I did, because this doesn¡¯t look like a healthy interaction. Also, does she know she looks like something a shark threw up?¡± ¡°Bryant, please, let¡¯s just go. I don¡¯t want to deal with them any longer than I have to.¡± ¡°And I wish I hadn¡¯t seen her outfit. Alex would literally cry. Seriously.¡± Aaron shakes his head before grabbing Bryant¡¯s arm and walking off. He can hear his parents yelling after him. They¡¯re following them. Much closer than they need to be as well. Their presence making his blood boil. Walking away doesn¡¯t appear to be helping him much at the moment. And given Alex¡¯s personality, there¡¯s going to be more than a few choice words about it. And then everyone will be concerned about dragging him off the tiny malicious mouthed keyboardist. ¡°I told you Bryant knew where he was. And you said I didn¡¯t know what I was talking about.¡± ¡°If I smack you head against the wall will you shut up?¡± ¡°Now why would you want me in the same hospital as that tacky nurse. If you want me dead, just say that. Don¡¯t drag it out.¡± ¡°I see Alex is in a good mood.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not and people should stop believing that I am. I want to go home. I want to pretend I haven¡¯t been on edge these last few nights. Because if I¡¯m honest I¡¯m scarred for life.¡± Eijinn sighs, making sure to keep a good distance from Alex. Just in case he actually decides to smack his head against a wall. Everyone is tired. Their nerves dancing on high alert. Not too far off are two police officers. Seeing them elicits a groan from Aaron. He knows the moment he goes to talk to them, that¡¯s it. He¡¯ll be cuffed right then and there. The only other thing more bothersome than the police is the expression on Alex¡¯s face. As though someone gave him a grapefruit coated in the worst taste imaginable. ¡°Alex don¡¯t start your shit.¡± ¡°You were saved by the one person who hates you almost as much as he hates me. I can now say that tux Bryant brought home when we all first moved in will never be as tack as what that woman is wearing. My eyes are offended. I don¡¯t know how you got away, but thank goodness you did. I am forever grateful for you not being a tacky dresser. What cemetery did you roll in lady, because you look atrocious.¡± ¡°Are these the kinds of people you hangout with, Aaron? Is this why you have no respect for your mother? Because you hang around deviants like them.¡± ¡°I wish Alex was as bad as you think he is. And I wish you would leave me the fuck alone. Honestly, what could you possibly want from me? I have nothing to give you.¡± ¡°How about apologizing to your mother? Showing up in court when you¡¯re summoned. Paying the medical bills for your brothers. You owe us that much.¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t owe you shit! Maybe the boys, but never you two! Not when you¡¯re what caused all of his pain and suffering! I sat with him the night you put him out! The night he snapped on the only two people in that house he cares about! And every night thereafter, because you¡¯re too fucking selfish to see what that night did to him! You made sure to turn his own siblings against him from the beginning! If anything, you owe him an apology! For years worth of mental and emotional abuse!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think this one¡¯s our fight, Bry.¡± ¡°Not that he¡¯s wrong. The only people getting an apology from me are Sam and Simon. Not you two. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have something to do.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just going to walk away again. Is that what you do now? You run away from your problems?¡± ¡°You¡¯d love for that to be the case. Maybe you didn¡¯t hear Bryant when he came to get me. The police are here. Not in relation to the two of you, but someone I care about. And I¡¯m quite aware I¡¯ll end up getting arrested tonight. Your selfishness and my desire to help someone out of a nightmare situation are going to single handedly put me in jail. Man, that jumpsuit is going to make me ugly.¡± ¡°And what the hell are we supposed to tell her if she wakes up and asks for you?¡± ¡°The truth. If I find out any of you lied to her-" ¡°Drop it. You¡¯re not going to jail. It¡¯s not like you did anything to her.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a warrant out for his arrest.¡± ¡°And they¡¯re not going to hold him if I have anything to say about it.¡± Mitchell¡¯s face is tired defiance. The look of someone who¡¯s been doing too much caring for others and not enough for themselves. He¡¯s officially done with the events of the last few days. Not to mention tonight. That and he hasn¡¯t spent all this time keeping them out of trouble for one to end up in jail over unrelated offenses. ¡°That¡¯s not how it works, Mitchie. Sorry. Before I go, don¡¯t admit her against her will. Or when I get back it¡¯ll be murder.¡± ¡°He heard Alex. And he knows it¡¯s five against one on the matter.¡± ¡°I hope you have nightmares for the rest of your fucking life, Linda.¡± Aaron turns to go talk to the police. Not before taking a mental image of the enraged face of the woman who gave him life. She looks like she wants to tear Bryant¡¯s head off. The only thing keeping her from doing so, being the police. All Aaron has to do is give his name. They know who he is. The boy with the outstanding warrant. Left one sibling in a coma and the other with a lower quality of life. Short temper and a history of violence. It¡¯s practically a miracle that he stayed under the radar for so long. Knowing that he¡¯s a perfect target for blame in what happened to the girl. After letting him explain, not that they believe it, he¡¯s hauled off. Head lowered so no one can see his face. It¡¯s a small price to pay for what you did to your brothers. Personal Choice ¡°You¡¯re still fucking here? Was my ¡®get fucking lost¡¯ not clear enough for you?¡± ¡°The proper authorities have a right to know if he harmed her. I¡¯m sure she¡¯d answer some questions if they came from me.¡± ¡°Fuck off, Linda. For one, her jaw has been wired shut. And two you¡¯re a fucking religious nut who put her best friend in jail. I know she won¡¯t talk to you.¡± ¡°Just move. What happened to the sweet boy your mother raised?¡± ¡°I smothered him. Now leave before I do the same to you.¡± ¡°And here I thought only Aaron wanted to smother his parents. Yikes.¡± ¡°Fuck you. Are you sober?¡± ¡°What? You gonna pull a Breathalyzer out of your pants?¡± ¡°I might be gay, but I¡¯m not gay for you. Explore that with someone else.¡± ¡°Right¡­ didn¡¯t intend it that way. Is she leaving?¡± ¡°Goodbye, Linda! For fucks sake! Go be a bitch somewhere else!¡± A groan from the bed grabs the trio¡¯s attention. Eijinn and Bryant immediately going to stand beside it. It takes some time, but eventually, Marie manages to open her eyes. Both men sigh, but the moment is short lived. Linda¡¯s standing at the foot of the bed, a sickly sweet smile on her face. Lifting a single brow, she looks between Bryant and Eijinn for an answer. ¡°Aaron¡¯s egg donor.¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to just leave when told. Let me make myself as clear as possible. I will leave you a fucking vegetable in this hospital if you don¡¯t get gone. And fast.¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to talk to her. Not you. Bad enough Aaron¡¯s sin has rubbed off on you.¡± ¡°Get out or so help me I¡¯ll have you dragged out.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you either. Marie, right?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t answer her.¡± Against Bryant¡¯s advice, Marie nods her head. She¡¯s still very, very confused. And she¡¯s afraid of what this woman wants from her. ¡°I¡¯m Aaron¡¯s mother.¡± ¡°Egg donor. Don¡¯t confuse yourself.¡± ¡°As I was saying. I am Aaron¡¯s mother. I was hoping I could hear directly from you what that little devil did to you for you to end up here. And-¡° Marie¡¯s heart picks up, she¡¯s struggling to reach for something. Surprising Eijinn and Bryant when, despite all her pain, she chucks her pillow at the older woman. Her face is a cross between angry and panic. The kind where your heart may never really settle. A nurse rushes in in time to stop the young girl from tearing her IV out. ¡°I told you that¡¯s her best friend!¡± ¡°And you¡¯ve made her angry.¡± ¡°No! Aaron!¡± ¡°Be careful! Linda fuck off! Seriously!¡± Marie¡¯s heart is wired, the spikes on the monitor going higher and higher. Eijinn¡¯s doing what he can to talk her down from a panic attack. Bryant on the other hand is still glaring Linda down. Two very different emotions seizing control over his heart. The sound of Marie crying in pain from her jaw of no help. It¡¯s killing him inside, but he knows that if he diverts his attention from this woman she will never leave. And given the situation, he needs Marie as calm as possible. His job would have been easier if Aaron were here, except, there are petty parents in the world. Ones who refuse to accept that they may be the ones to have turned their children into the monsters they¡¯ve become. Shame they don¡¯t realize they¡¯re monsters themselves. ¡°Lady get fucking lost! We have enough shit to deal with!¡± Eijinn¡¯s outburst startles Bryant and Aaron¡¯s mom. Her expression is enough to force the former to choke back a laugh. That and the way Eijinn looks at him. The way people look at those who kill animals for fun, or literal infants. It¡¯s rare to see him in such a state. And right now he¡¯s sober enough to attempt to be polite, but he doesn¡¯t care. That is a deadly combination on its own. ¡°Just who do you think you¡¯re talking to?! Show some respect!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not talking to the nurse or Bryant. And Marie sure as shit can¡¯t go anywhere. So you do the math. You¡¯ve been here every fucking day. None of us, her included, has anything bad to say about him. Let alone incriminating! He was a kid you allowed to be abused by his peers and loved ones. It may have slipped your fucking notice, but he has a heart. Can¡¯t say the same for you.¡± Linda¡¯s nearly charcoal eyes widen. Reminiscent to a pop-eyed goldfish. Her mouth reminding Bryant of a catfish at feeding time. Seeing her put in her place by someone who doesn¡¯t know the situation gives him a joy he¡¯s not felt for a very long time. That and he knows she won¡¯t start an argument with him without her husband present. Along with the fact she can¡¯t humiliate Aaron. Finally closing her mouth, she storms out. The nurse also leaves. Albeit as quietly as possible. And with as minimal awkwardness as she can muster. Bryant feels bad for the poor woman just doing her job. ¡°Is Marie okay?¡± Eijinn almost doesn¡¯t register that Bryant is talking to him. Especially since the question is barely audible. He¡¯s even confused as to why the other is behaving oddly. Until he recalls the scene that just played out. ¡°I¡¯d be able to answer you if you spoke a little louder and not like you¡¯re a child who just got yelled at.¡± ¡°I asked if Marie is okay?¡± ¡°I fucking hope so. She had to be sedated again.¡± ¡°So long as she keeps having these fits there¡¯s nothing that can be done about it.¡± ¡°Since I can¡¯t ask Aaron about it, I intend to ask you. And yeah, it¡¯s none of my business, but¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to ask anyway.¡± ¡°Yeah, so what¡¯s the issue with him?¡± ¡°Aaron-" ¡°No, Marie¡¯s brother. And the tramp that follows him around.¡± ¡°Marie¡¯s brother?¡± ¡°So, what I¡¯m hearing is Aaron didn¡¯t tell you.¡± ¡°Tell me what?¡± ¡°That he and Eijinn were involved in a fight at the high school the day they brought her home early.¡± ¡°Is that who it was?¡± ¡°Yeah. He showed up when I dropped her off and she practically took flight. ¡°Did you ask her?¡± ¡°I would if she were ever calm enough to ask.¡± ¡°Then I can¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to have to disagree. She¡¯s been in our house. The rest of us have a right to that information.¡± ¡°No, we don¡¯t. No one invades your privacy. We shouldn¡¯t do it to her.¡± ¡°SHE¡¯S A FUCKING MINOR IN OUR HOME! AND IF I HAVE TO PRY IT OUT OF HER I WILL!¡± Eijinn¡¯s eyes darken. Raw mineral straight from the mine. He and Mitchell rarely clash on anything. However, the usually more mature of the pair is at his wit send. Feeling he¡¯s losing control of the group he¡¯s supposed to be taking care of. Bryant the only thing separating them from each other. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re just in time to see Mitchell die. Good thing we¡¯re in a hospital.¡± ¡°Shut the fuck up, Alex. I¡¯m not in the fucking mood. I¡¯m literally losing my fucking mind. We can¡¯t keep doing this shit. Either she fucking talks or she¡¯s on her own.¡± The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Fucking. Try. It.¡± ¡°If Aaron doesn¡¯t kill you, I promise you I fucking will. Of all the fucked up things to do to a person. Let¡¯s just start sharing your private information. See how you feel being exposed. Against your will no less.¡± ¡°You¡¯re being irrational!¡± ¡°Dredging up someone¡¯s trauma against their will is wrong. And given the current situation, it¡¯s not something anyone should try.¡± ¡°As someone with a pretty bad childhood, I promise it won¡¯t turn out the way you think. It¡¯s the same as forcibly admitting her.¡± Mitchell¡¯s not used to them ganging up on him. Or rather, siding against him. Right now, he¡¯s had enough of every one of them. As far as he¡¯s concerned, he¡¯s a right to know why this girl is the way she is. Even if it means waiting for none of them to be around. There¡¯s no way in hell he¡¯s keeping her around without knowing why she is the way she is. And if she won¡¯t talk then to hell with her. She¡¯ll have to find somewhere else to fucking be. And since that means they won¡¯t let him admit her, it¡¯ll be back on the streets where they fucking found her. ¡°Have it your fucking way then, but if she doesn¡¯t talk don¡¯t fucking bring her home. Otherwise, I¡¯ll change the fucking locks and none of you will have a key.¡± Open mouths and angry glares as he shoves past Aaron, just released on bail, and Alex. There¡¯s a dead silence that fills the room. The kind that eats away at heart and mind. Leaving violent raging thoughts. A war with ones-self. Blood thirsty with no intention of acting on it. Deafening and demanding attention. And if things weren¡¯t bad enough, Marie¡¯s heart monitor flat lines. ¡°Just what did you think would happen? You didn¡¯t think our grandparents would take you, did you? You killed mom and dad. Why the fuck would they want to care for you?! You did this to us! The fucking moment you were born!¡± The little girl begins to sob. She¡¯d only wanted to spend her birthday with everyone at home for once. Especially, since her big brother has been away at college. She didn¡¯t mean for any of this to happen. Just this once she wanted to do something with her brother, grandparents and parents. Mostly her brother.. She¡¯d even gone out of her way to get him a present. It took a lot of begging her parents to get it. However, with him this angry, she sees no point in getting it out to give to him. It¡¯ll only make him angrier. ¡°It burns!¡± Her pleas for the pair to stop what they¡¯re doing to her go ignored.. Lisa¡¯s one hand holding her child-sized wrists in place while the other holds a camera in her face. Her little legs of no use against her older sibling. She¡¯s not sure what he¡¯s trying to do, just that it feels like she¡¯s being torn in half. Suddenly the pain stops and the room is black. They¡¯re not allowed in the room. However, they can hear the panic and urgency to restart Marie¡¯s heart. It¡¯s the only thing they can focus on. No one¡¯s able to say what caused it. There¡¯s anxiety all through the hall. Daring anyone to let their guard down for even a moment. This kind of fear is new to Alex. Slender fingers gripping tightly to his phone. Part of him wants to call his mom for support, but he¡¯s certain of what will happen if she decides to come up here. For Aaron it¡¯s the same as losing his brothers. A single leg rattling the rest of the seats. Eijinn¡¯s head is thrown back against the wall. Telling himself that if he doesn¡¯t look, it¡¯ll all be okay. Jason¡¯s burying his head in his hands. A multitude of what-if¡¯s running rampant in his head. As for Bryant, he¡¯s not quite himself. Having moved a bit further down the hall to make a phone call. ¡®I really wish I could be there. I hate hearing you so upset. And they still haven¡¯t said anything?¡¯ ¡°N-no, they haven¡¯t even been able to restart her heart.¡± ¡®Jesus¡­ you know what. Fuck it. As soon as Rylin gets home, we¡¯re coming up there.¡¯ ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t make it? What if-¡± ¡®No, she¡¯ll make it. I know we don¡¯t talk much, but you¡¯re my baby brother. You¡¯ve got a heart of gold. I don¡¯t want you to think for one second that none of it was worth it. At the end of the day, you showed her a kind of love no one else did. Both you and Aaron. I¡¯m sure she knows that and the two of you know it as well.¡¯ ¡°But-¡± ¡®No buts. Tons of other strangers had an opportunity to help her and didn¡¯t. She¡¯s taken off more than once, and every time came back to the one place she¡¯s felt safest. Even with your one friend being an asshole to her. That at least should tell you something.¡¯ ¡°That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean anything.¡± ¡®Maybe not to you, but to her. Just trust me on this. Rylin just got in. So, I¡¯m going to go change and pick you and Aaron up your favorites on the way. Hang in there.¡¯ ¡°I¡¯ll try. See you soon.¡± ¡®Bry, I love you.¡¯ ¡°I love you too, Paisley.¡± The line dies, but not Bryant¡¯s anxiety. Dark blues darting to the door to Marie¡¯s room. Has she really given up on life? As the thought fades away, the doctor and nurses come out. All painfully weary. The five males are suddenly alert. Searching for any visible sign that something is amiss. ¡°She¡¯s stable for now, but we¡¯ll be monitoring her closely.¡± ¡°What caused it?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t say at the moment. Some more blood work will be done as a pre-¡± The sound is almost too painful to hear. Turning heads and creating distress. A mix of sobbing and the sound of someone being murdered. Heartbreak so raw and pure it vibrates through the bloodstream and dances in the heart. The sight in the room breaks Bryant¡¯s heart. Dying light in already melted caramel eyes. A face soaked in tears and snot. There¡¯s a hurt inside of her that he wishes he could take away. They all do. He¡¯s not certain if she can see them through the tears. Bandaged arms reaching out in an almost childlike fashion. Bryant¡¯s the only one willing to approach her. Taking her tiny hands in his own. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re okay. Everything¡¯s okay. We¡¯re right here. Even Alex.¡± It¡¯s the way her breath rolls to a stop and picks up. How her eyes don¡¯t really focus on anything, but rather scramble to pick them out. The way tiny limbs struggle to stay still. Behaving more like they¡¯ve been trapped in a freezer. And although the room is rather warm, she herself is freezing. Cold as ice. All he can do right now is hold her and comfort her. Hope that it¡¯s enough to calm her down. Because if not, there¡¯s nothing else her can do. Nothing any of them can do if this fails. He¡¯s just happy Mitchell isn¡¯t here. There¡¯d be no coming back from that. ¡°What do we do?¡± ¡°Give her some well-deserved space, Andrews. Boys. Hi Bryant.¡± ¡°Paisley. Did you bring me anything?¡± ¡°Hi Paisley. Where¡¯s- oh. Hi Rylin.¡± ¡°Why would I bring you anything, Aaron. Enlighten me.¡± Paisley hugs him and the others before approaching Bryant. Leaving dainty Rylin to fend for herself with Aaron and Eijinn. Though, the duo don¡¯t seem much up for jokes. Marie¡¯s eyes dart violently between the two women. Instead of coming closer, Paisley turns her attention to the doctor. Firing off a series of questions none of them thought to ask. At the same time, she¡¯s gauging Marie¡¯s reaction to the two of them. Watching as the younger girl attempts to shrink back into herself. Might be a lot worse than they even know. When she and the doctor finish speaking, she ushers the boys out. Aaron and Bryant are the last out of the room before Paisley shuts the door and sits in a chair a good distance from Marie. ¡°Marie, right? I¡¯m Paisley. Bryant¡¯s older sister. And this is Rylin. My life partner.¡± Marie looks ready to jump from the window. Frantic eyes glimpsing between the two women and the door. Without saying anything Rylin opens it slightly. Shooing the boys away in the process. A request they respectfully agree to. ¡°I heard from Bryant how you tried to jump. The world¡¯s a scary place and no one can fault you for that. I was like that once. Threw myself into oncoming traffic. Our parents aren¡¯t very accepting of being different. When I came out to them, they gave me an ultimatum. I get help for my ¡®illness¡¯ or I never see or speak to anyone in the family again. Bryant wasn¡¯t even old enough to remember it. So, it¡¯s almost like he never had a sister. I hated the idea of leaving him. To not watch him grow up.¡± It¡¯s taking some time, but Paisley can tell she¡¯s paying attention. Hanging tight to every word. ¡°I can¡¯t say my situation is anything like yours. Just that I can resonate with your need to want to die. To not only free yourself, but the world of a wasted existence. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s made you this way. Or even who. I do know that they want you to suffer. They want you to feel bad for whatever reason. Hurting yourself, jumping to your death. It¡¯s amusing to people who are cruel. Had you succeeded they weren¡¯t going to feel bad. Not one little bit.¡± Quiet. Simple and mellow. No agony. No perpetual fear. Just calm. Considering how dark what Paisley just said is, it¡¯s a welcome relief. A nurse sticks his head in. Asking permission to enter before walking over to Marie. Gentle hands inspecting the damage done to the wiring that had kept her jaw in place. Meanwhile, Paisley observes the way the young woman interacts with said nurse. The twitch in her eye. Her grip on the bedding. The subtle shift in her demeanor. ¡°How much longer will the wiring be in?¡± ¡°Not sure. It really depends on how long it takes for her to heal.¡± ¡°Does she have to stay here? Or would it be possible to take her home?¡± ¡°Because she had an incident today the doctor wants to keep her here for a few more days. She¡¯s aware that Marie is wanted at home, but given her physical and mental state she¡¯s asking that Marie be admitted.¡± ¡°What if that¡¯s not something she wants?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re asking if she¡¯ll be forcibly admitted, then yes. That¡¯s a possibility. She¡¯s a minor and her condition isn¡¯t great.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a doctor or a nurse, but I don¡¯t think forcing her to participate in psychiatric care is of any benefit to her. I can tell by looking at her that she¡¯s a flight risk. Her instincts naturally direct her away from whatever is the main source of distress.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not up to me ma¡¯am. I can only relay the information I have from the doctor.¡± ¡°Right¡­ thank you.¡± When Paisley and Marie¡¯s eyes meet again, Paisley offers a small smile. One that slightly darkens the blue of her eyes. And doesn¡¯t match the vibrancy of her hair. Bright neon pink and pastel purple pulled into a ponytail. Rylin, to Marie, is the opposite of Paisley. Neutral colors and extremely quiet. Why are they here? It¡¯s not like they can help me. ¡°I know you don¡¯t want to talk about it. And I have no intention of forcing you. I would however, like to make you an offer. You heard it yourself. The hospital wants to admit you into a Psych Ward. Either willingly or by force. To me that¡¯s bullshit. You shouldn¡¯t be forced into anything. Instead of a psych ward or whatever else they might try, I¡¯d like to work with you. You don¡¯t have to think of it as therapy. I can promise I won¡¯t force you to talk about anything. Everything will be on your terms. And the boys don¡¯t have to know shit about what you decide to tell me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a better offer than what the hospital wants. Given that Aaron and Bryant have been so secretive where it concerns you, I¡¯m assuming that putting you in a psych ward would put you in harms way.¡± Paisley¡¯s jaw drops when Marie nods. She hadn¡¯t expected her to respond in anyway. Her heart leaps with a bit of joy. She knows first hand how hard it can be to trust people. Especially, when people are how you become broken. It¡¯s a start though and that¡¯s all that matters. Being Bryant¡¯s sister might have helped. Even so this girl trusts me. Trusts us. All I have to do is maintain that and show her, there are some things in life worth living for. ¡°As Paisley said, it¡¯s not our place to pry. No one¡¯s really. And I hope that, should you choose to, come to trust us the way you do Bryant and Aaron. They may not say it, but they love you very much. I know it seems like a lot, but this should be a decision you make. You don¡¯t have to decide right now. Think it over. It¡¯s a big choice to make. I know. It¡¯s just¡­ the idea of you being forced, or even coerced, in to doing something doesn¡¯t sit well with me. You¡¯re still a person. No matter your physical, emotional, or mental disposition.¡± ¡°What Rylin¡¯s getting at, is that you should have more freedom to decide your own fate.¡± Comfort Zone It took a lot of convincing, but Paisley is more than happy to have made the effort. Especially, since she¡¯s been able to see how Marie interacts with the boys. Excluding of course, an agitated Mitchell and distant Alex. There¡¯s one thing she can confidently say about what she¡¯s been witnessing. Marie is definitely more comfortable here. Whatever she¡¯s been going through a mere backdrop to what¡¯s going on now. Of course the ones she interacts with the most are Aaron and Bryant. At least when Aaron is home. Paisley¡¯s even more grateful that Aaron¡¯s situation hasn¡¯t affected the young woman¡¯s perception of him. That would¡¯ve been dreadful. After all, the last thing they want is for her to feel unsafe. Which only happens when the drummer¡¯s mother and father show up. Doing whatever they can to get her to blame him for her condition. ¡°Staring at her isn¡¯t going to make her come to you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s called giving her space. And let her decide if she wants to talk to me on her own.¡± ¡°Sure it is.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve clearly been around Aaron too long.¡± Bryant rolls his eyes at his older sibling. Having his head thumped in the process. For him it¡¯s almost as though he¡¯s known her his whole life. A thing he didn¡¯t think was possible. Given the circumstances in which they met anyone would have felt that way. He¡¯d been put out for the same reason she had. Being different. He and Aaron had been stumbling around from one corner shop to the next looking for work or at least seeing if they could find a place to sleep when the siblings ran into each other. He hadn¡¯t even known she existed. She¡¯d accidentally come across them at one of the corner stores. Both looking very distressed. Aaron more-so than her baby brother. After all, they were, in a sense, still kids. They couldn¡¯t really fend for themselves. Not the way adults do anyway. ¡°Has she spoken to you at all?¡± ¡°Not exactly. She does leave us cute little notes on the white board in her room. She¡¯s only just had the wiring removed. Plus, I don¡¯t expect her to just come right out and say what¡¯s going on. However, Rylin and I have at least one guess in mind.¡± ¡°That obvious.¡± ¡°When you¡¯ve been traumatized it shows in the way you interact with others. Take Alex for example. His defense mechanism is to treat women like shit. Or at least make them feel that way. He does this for two reasons. His mother is a spiteful, evil, manipulative, and vindictive bitch. No one can deny her anything. Alex has been her dress up doll all his life. She blames him for anything that goes wrong and because she¡¯s his mother , he doesn¡¯t take it out on her. Rather it¡¯s projected onto any female he crosses paths with. He hates his own existence, but doesn¡¯t have the courage to follow through. So instead , he finds ways to make people hate him. Or in Aaron¡¯s case, someone who will potentially kill him. Also, it¡¯s the only time he feels in control of his own life.¡± ¡°All that just from observing him?¡± ¡°I went to college for psychology. I wanted to be a therapist for those who can¡¯t really talk to therapists. More or less a casual kind of therapy. So many people don¡¯t go to therapy because of cost, fear, or both.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll get there. You¡¯re going to make a good therapist.¡± ¡°Thanks baby bro.¡± Bryant cringes at the comment before walking away. Leaving Paisley to continue watching Marie. The latter glancing back every so often and smiling. For now Paisley can tell she¡¯s comfortable. Not necessarily happy. Masking whatever is going on in her head . The smile falling at the sight of Mitchell. He¡¯s been irate since her return. Rylin having been the one to get him to let the young woman stay. He only relented so they¡¯d stop asking him. The two women would be more than happy to house her, but they¡¯re aware that getting her to go anywhere else may be detrimental to her health. ¡°She¡¯d probably open up to you more if you didn¡¯t try to force information from her.. Or treat her like a nuisance.¡± ¡°I have to look after five other people on top of myself. She is a nuisance.¡± ¡°You chose to look after them. They¡¯re all big boys. Keeping them out of trouble is a courtesy you offered willingly. Or you wouldn¡¯t have taken her in too. I can see why you feel responsible for them though. Just don¡¯t neglect your own mental health in the process. Otherwise, you¡¯ll get comfortable there.¡± Mitchell blinks. Hand stopping a few centimeters from the door to the fridge. Uncertain of how to respond. As long as he¡¯s been around them he¡¯s always looked out for them. Kept them from getting arrested. Or from even causing harm to themselves. Helping people is something that just comes naturally to him. Not once did he think it could be hurting him in the long run. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you tell yourself.¡± ¡°It¡¯s what I know. If not for her Aaron wouldn¡¯t have needed bailing out.¡± ¡°You underestimate his pen-chance for getting into fights over what is right and wrong. And Linda¡¯s ever growing need to paint her son as a monster. Anything could¡¯ve gotten him arrested. It just so happens he was arrested while doing the right thing.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know anything. Since showing up there¡¯s been no end to the fighting and-¡± ¡°You only noticed there being no end to the fighting because she showed up. The dynamic you¡¯re dealing with has always existed. From what everyone else has said you¡¯re the most level headed of the six of you.¡± Again he¡¯s quiet. Eyes watching Paisley. Waiting for her to tell him she¡¯s joking. Her honey colored eyes remaining focused on Marie, however. Chin rested in the palm of her hand. Dyed hair slowly falling out of the messy bun she¡¯s shown up with. Nothing in her posture gives indication that she¡¯s not serious. While she knows he¡¯s watching her, he doesn¡¯t turn to look at him. Doesn¡¯t even side-eye him. Main focus being the teenager he¡¯d unintentionally hit with the van. That had put him in such a situation as to house her to begin with. A part of him wishes he¡¯d left her there or at the hospital. Which is what should have happened this time too. Stubborn asses. Paisley still doesn¡¯t turn to look at him. And if he wasn¡¯t the kind of person to avoid conflict he¡¯d have a few choice words for her. Only because he¡¯s certain she¡¯s wrong. So instead he leaves and goes up to his room. The very second he¡¯s gone Marie quietly enters the kitchen. An envelope in her hand. The deep burgundy telling Paisley that what ever is written inside isn¡¯t anything good. Said item is left on the dining table. Marie hastily retreating to her room. The all too familiar signs of a panic attack following her. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. There¡¯s no urgency to open the letter. Not that that¡¯s what this is. Instead it¡¯s more of a documentation. The color of the envelope telling whether or not what¡¯s inside is good or bad. So far, this works. Although, she hasn¡¯t explained what she¡¯s going through or how she came to be in such a terrible predicament. She does share her nightmares. Sometimes the vicious thoughts that gnaw away at her. Each one dated by when it was written and when Paisley reads it. To top it off, none of the envelopes remain in the house once given to Paisley. Rylin locks them away for safe keeping. Meaning none of the boys have access to what¡¯s inside them. Not even Aaron or Bryant. Which Paisley has discovered that neither knows the severity of the situation. Just what it is and one of the people involved. With a gentle sigh, Paisley grabs up the envelope and leaves the house. She needs a place with no prying eyes or agitated testosterone. And a very strong drink. This one¡¯s not going to be a light read. Nor will it be easy. Ella¡¯s startled by the woman sitting in the living room when she comes in the house. So are her brother and father. The woman, however, looks anxious and uncomfortable. As though she¡¯s under investigation. Given her father¡¯s reputation it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise. Yet seeing everyone in an awkward position tells her that¡¯s not the case. ¡°What¡¯s going?¡± ¡°Ella, this woman says she knows you?¡± ¡°Not exactly.¡± ¡°Do you know her?¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°Then just who are you?¡± ¡°My wife and I are acquaintances with Marie.¡± ¡°Marie? Ella, what¡¯s-¡± ¡°Is she okay?! Did they find her?!¡± ¡°Yes, they did. She¡¯s alive, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking. I actually wanted to talk to you, but if now¡¯s a bad time¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°Ella Leanne Carson what is going on?¡± Ella blanches at her father¡¯s use of her full name. Knowing she¡¯s in trouble. Though she¡¯s certain she spoke of Marie before. ¡°Marie¡¯s a classmate. Remember?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t-¡± ¡°My wife¡¯s little brother and friends have been caring for her. There was an incident. We¡¯re just trying to get an idea about how far, or rather deep, her trauma runs. Ella¡¯s the only female that she interacts with according to them. ¡°So, she¡¯s not in trouble?¡± ¡°Heaven¡¯s no!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not seeing how my daughter could be of any help.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much you know. Or even Ella knows. The one thing I do know is that Marie doesn¡¯t interact with everyone she comes across. Just the boys and Ella.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think I have anything I could tell you.¡± ¡°Is she standoffish with you? That you¡¯re aware of?¡± ¡°Sometimes. To the point she won¡¯t let anyone touch her sometimes.¡± Ella watches the woman frown. Wondering if she said something wrong. Unsure if she should¡¯ve just lied instead of being honest. ¡°How often do you see her? In class I mean?¡± ¡°Rarely. I didn¡¯t even know I had classes with her to begin with. I don¡¯t understand. What¡¯s going on. You said she was fine.¡± ¡°Do you remember the day the boys picked her up from the school? The altercation that occurred just after police and ambulance left?¡± ¡°Yeah. Her brother and some chick. She was really terrified to see them. Why?¡± ¡°I¡¯d hoped we were wrong¡­¡± ¡°You were in another fight?¡± ¡°Her intervention is why Marie trusts her. I¡¯m not entirely certain details, that¡¯s something she only shares with my wife. All I know is that there seems to be quite a bit of child abuse involved. Ella confirmed a suspicion we had about the female Marie¡¯s made mention of. That the woman is at least someone close to the brother. Or familiar enough to help in what¡¯s being done to her.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this something here parents should be taking care of?¡± ¡°They¡¯re deceased. And she¡¯s said herself that no one else is willing to take her in amongst family because of that.¡± ¡°Then she should tell police.¡± ¡°Aaron said she keeps being reported as a runaway. She¡¯s too terrified to say anything.¡± Michael frowns. Something about what he¡¯s hearing sounds off. There¡¯s got to be more to it than just physical abuse. Something this woman refuses to say in front of Ella. That might be much darker than simple domestic violence. Or child abuse if the girl is the same age as Ella. Especially, if his daughter is the only female she interacts with willingly. To have come all t he way out here just to verify a specific detail says a lot. And at the moment, that very dcetail has gone over the heads of both his children. ¡°Can I see her?¡± ¡°Right now, I can¡¯t say. We¡¯re kind of just observing her in the comfort zone she¡¯s created for herself. And Mitchell isn¡¯t exactly in an accommodating mood. I can always ask though.¡± A nod. It¡¯s all she gives. She knows that if Marie wnts her there, she¡¯ll say as much. There¡¯s no real need to press the matter. More than anything she just wants her friend to be okay. That¡¯s important. ¡°Rylin, was it?¡± may I speak with you outside?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Ella takes note of the brief glimpse at her that her father makes. Patient as the two adults leave the room and go outside. She¡¯s curious as to what¡¯s going on. Sebastian gently tugging her back into the living room so as to keep her from eavesdropping. She sighs heavily. If there¡¯s one thing she hates more than anything, it¡¯s when people are secretive in her presence. Her curiosity will eat at her until she knows. ¡°There are some situations you don¡¯t need to know about little sister.¡±¡¯ Rylin leans against the hood of her car. Michael hasn¡¯t said a word. Waiting to make sure the front door doesn¡¯t open. Satisfaction when after five minutes there¡¯s no movement. ¡°There¡¯s something you¡¯re not saying. There¡¯s no way no one¡¯s taken notice of a girl being abused and done nothing.¡± ¡°As I said, my wife is the one with the full details. All she could confirm for me was that it¡¯s abuse. Enough to give her nightmares and make her cry. If not very angry. Everything is done on Marie¡¯s terms. And we¡¯ve agreed no one finds out anything without hr permission.¡± ¡°Ella¡¯s been in enough trouble. I¡¯d like to keep her from getting into any more. Should I be concerned for her safety?¡± ¡°Absolutely not. Marie hates what¡¯s happening in her life enough to not put anyone else at risk. Basically if she were given an ultimatum between her own life and that of the others, she¡¯d sacrifice her own to keep them safe. ¡°Is there a reason she¡¯s not going to therapy?¡± ¡°Because it would put her further in harms way. To what extent is unknown.¡± Michael now realizes why Rylin said there¡¯d been an ¡®incident¡¯ versus saying the girl was hurt. She probably tried to kill herself. Just listening to her explain how the poor girl reacts to those around her and her surrounding situations tells him she¡¯s more likely to avoid explaining herself. Or feeling unsafe. Everything is a hazard. People, spaces, even her own mind. However, he¡¯s gotten a slightly better understanding of why this woman came all the way out here. At the least, his daughter isn¡¯t in any legal trouble. Not yet anyway. He pulls a small rectangle card from his pocket, handing it to Rylin. ¡°Could you give this to her please. I know she may not feel like anyone wants to help her, but should she need legal help I¡¯d be more than willing to offer it.¡± Rylin nods, tucking the card in her wallet. He¡¯s patient as she climbs in her car and leaves. The pit of his stomach knotting itself. His daughter is the kind of person to protect those weaker than her. She¡¯s also the kind of person to try and fix broken situations. Hopefully, she won¡¯t push her luck. There¡¯s no guarantee that it¡¯ll turn out good. For anyone if things continue on this way. For now, he¡¯ll just have to keep a closer eye on his child.