Voices

Likes were tied between 'Yes' and 'No' so I went back to the comments in 'Doubts' to break the tie. This is the path.

***

Slowly you surface to the sound of voices, distant but getting ever closer. Female voices, familiar voices, family voices.

“He was so mean.” Elsie whispers. “His eyes…cold and…cruel. I’ve never seen him like that.”

You were rousing but you remain still and silent, listening as the cobwebs gradually cleared.

“But he didn’t actually touch you?”

“No. No. He wouldn’t. He…said…um…he said we were freaks.”

“Shhh.” You hear the rustle of fabric and a soft sob. “He didn’t mean it.”

“He hates us Fiona.”

“No he doesn’t Elsie.” Fiona says in a soft, soothing tone that you had NEVER heard from before. “He’s just an idiot. Something’s gotten into that empty head of his. You know how he gets carried away with whatever the new idea is.”

“Yeah.”

“Remember when he went all green on us? Started lecturing us on carbon and recycling and all that shit?”

“Yeah.”

“He was the worst polluter of all of us! He wouldn’t even walk down the block to grab a pint of milk, he’d get Mom to drive there.” Fiona says. “Remember when he got that ribbon for long jump?”

Through her tears El lets out a gasping laugh. “Yeah.”

“He was convinced he could jump over anything. He was jumping all over the place. He made you and Chloe lie down so he could jump you guys like some motorcycle stunt. It was ridiculous.”

“Yeah. Couldn’t jump over Aunt Peg’s hot tub though.”

“Knocked the fuck out. He’s lucky Chloe was there.” Fiona chuckles. “That boy’s got a glass jaw.”

“Why was he so mean though?”

“Probably got red-pilled or some shit. Who knows with our brother. He’ll get over it.”

“It was something to do with Allison.”

“Oh?”

“I guess he broke with her tonight.”

“HE broke up with HER?” Fiona scoffs. “Pff! Uh huh, I buy it.”

“Well something happened.”

“Allison probably dumped his ass. Bruised male ego. Probably looking to lash out.”

“I don’t know. It seemed…personal. The way he talked, like I did something terrible to him. He was…like a different person.” Elsie’s voice goes softer. “Like you were that time.”

“Aw El.” The sound of a kiss. “If I could go back…”

“I know. I know. I’ve forgiven you. Really.” Elsie says. “But…maybe he’s got that same monster inside of him as you have.”

“Fuck, I hope not.” Fiona says, her tone low and grim. “That shit…it’ll break you if you let it. It’ll tear you the fuck apart and burn everything and everyone you love. If it wasn’t for you El…it would have eaten me up by now.” She sighs. “Hey. Want me to hold him down while you beat him up?”

Elsie giggles. “No!”

“Want me to hold him down while you have your way with him?”

“Ha ha ha! Fiona!”

“Listen El. Give him time to get through whatever this is. No matter what he says, no matter what he does, he loves you. I love you. Mom loves you. Peggy and Chloe love you. You might be a freak, but the you're the finest fucking freak I know.”

“Um, thanks?”

Fiona chuckles. “It’s the best I got, okay? Jesse’s supposed to be the nice one.”

El coos and there’s another rustle. Were they hugging? “Thank you Fiona. I love you too.”

“I got you Sis. Always.”

El sighs. The pair fall quiet for a time before she says. “Look at him.”

“Cute.”

“Yeah.”

“Dumb as a fucking rock, but cute.” Fiona says. “Ready?”

“Yeah. I guess.”

Your leg is struck by a stiff kick. “Hey! Bitch boy. Wake the fuck up.”