Chapter Five: Behind Closed Doors and Broken Hearts

I looked at CB before stepping into the house and closing the door. Dad was sitting on the couch laid out, and Mom was on the floor lying down. When she saw CB she got up immediately. “Aye, you wanna head upstairs?” He asked looking at me and I shook my head without looking away from Mom.

“Hey kids how was your day?”

“Fine.” I answered.

“That’s good.” She gave us a crooked smile. “I’m glad to hear it because I didn’t want to hear any bad news, you understand?”

“Yes.” I sighed.

“Now you head on upstairs so I can talk to your brother.”

“Can I-“

“Go now little girl.” She gave me a serious face and I just nodded and headed upstairs. I closed my door and saw my little brother Daniel lying in my bed. His right eye was bruised.

“Hey Danny.” I kissed his cheek, after crawling into my bed next to him.

“Hi Vee.” He whispered. He was only 5 and already was self-aware and wide eyed, noticing just about everything around him.

“What happened?” I whispered, laying behind him. He pulled my left hand over him and held it.

“Daddy got mad at Mommy.” Was all he said, and I kissed his cheek again. “I don’t like when you and Chris leave.”

“I know.”

“I never know Vee…what’s going to happen.”

“I know.”

“Why…does it happen?”

“Because our parents are-“

The door slammed open, and Dad was wide awake in my doorway. “Veronica, up…now. I need to talk to you.”

“Daddy…why do you hit him? What has he done to you?” I questioned.

“Get your ass up, and come to my room.”

“Daniel, I’ll be right back, ok?” I reached over for my teddy bear that he loved, and gave it to him to replace my hand. He nodded and squeezed the bear tight. I got up and went with Dad.

Once we got into his room he closed the door and CB was sitting on his bed, holding his stomach, chocking on a deep colored…blood.

“You know, usually I’d be proud of your behavior, but did you really think you two could bribe the principal?”

“…What?”

“Veronica…you really fucked up.” He went to the closet and got his bat. I just watched him dangle it.

“Dad you don’t even…” CB he exhaled but didn’t inhale, and Dad turned to him.

“Son, don’t worry about your sister.” He walked close to me, and looked me in my eyes. “You were better when you hid behind your brother. You aren’t one for attention. Maybe fucking you up will prove to you that doing just that is what’s best.”

“…I…” Heat expanded over my body as nerves began to work, and tears formed in my eyes. “Pl…”

“Close your eyes.” He said.

“…Dad…”

“Dad don’t do this to her.” CB literally cried out, as his body started to shut down.

“Close your mother fucking eyes.” He said again.

I did.

~Six Days Later~

“Justin you seen your girlfriend?” Joey asked, and Justin just looked at him. His jockey ways had really calmed down over the past few weeks.

“No.” He said, surprisingly owning up to the phrase.

“You seen your boyfriend Lance?” JC laughed.

“No, but I do miss that ass.”

“I bet you do.” Amanda laughed.

“Who wouldn’t?”

“Good guys who finish first…” Chris said and frowned.

“Well it’s weird not seeing that boy. Is De’Shawn here?” Jasemine asked.

“Yes I am.” He answered for himself, walking past. “And my dear sweet cousins have not called. I went by the house, and they weren’t there…supposedly.”

“This is weird, as far as I know, they never missed a day.” Joey recalled.

“I know. Even I noticed that.” JC said, and Amanda nodded in agreement.

“It’s pretty quiet without them.” Jasemine added. “I don’t like it. I can’t believe one person really, can make so much noise. He’s always running around singing and shit. It’s crazy.”

“Not as crazy as I am for you.” JC grinned looking at Amanda.

“That was so cheesy.” Johnny shook his head. “It was actually a scary kind of cheesy.” He laughed and Jasemine smiled kissing his head.

“So are you worried about your girl?” Adriana asked, Christian happily holding her from behind.

“Actually…” Justin began. “I am.” As odd as it may have seemed, his heart was breaking. The thing that made him feel whole was nowhere insight and MIA.

“Give it time, maybe their rich ass family went on a summer vacation.” Victoria said, and Steven nodded then shook his head.

“Actually…they don’t do that during the year unless we’re on vacation.”

“How do we suddenly know so much about these people?” Christian asked.

“That’s a damn good question.” De’Shawn added before walking away with a slight smile on his face.

“It’s funny, you don’t even need to talk to anyone to know what they do…” Christian finished and Adriana nodded.

“Well I guess we should get to class before someone get’s salted.” Victoria snickered, and Steven just smiled and kissed her cheek.