Chapter 24

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

"I am worried about him."

"You have nothing to worry about, Marcus. Your nice little friend is doing just fine," I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the mention of him.

"Before the party, he didn't touch alcohol for almost three years, Skylar. Something is off. I can feel it," his 'I know everything' expression made me want to stick my tongue out at him and kick him hard in the balls.

The only thing that is off is the fact that he took me out of history class in the middle of the day, and asked me about someone who I tried to take my mind off for days now.

"I don't know what to tell you, Marcus. I mean, why are you even asking me about his behavior?"

"Don't play dumb with me. I know something is going on between you two."

"Did he say anything?"

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"No, but he seems- what's the word I am looking for?" he wondered out loud, looking at me like I have the answers to all of his questions.

"Bothered? Irritated? Mad? Unhappy?"

"Different."

~~~~~~~~~

If you found yourself wondering what the freak is going on with both of my parents, you should know that I have got the most reasonable answer for you.

They are both serial killers.

We could use some money, and working for the mafia is the easiest way to get the cash each one of us truly desires, the fastest way. Especially if you are having fun doing the dirty work and killing innocent people.

Well, not so innocent, but you get the point.

They needed the house(probably for the dead bodies) and knew that if they physically hurt me, I will leave for good and never look back. My father acted like his weak relationship with my mother is slowly falling apart, when in real life, they cooperate.

Sometimes your love or need for money brings you closer to the people you wish to stay away from.

That explains why my mother didn't offer or even consider taking us back at any point. If she was sharing a house with the nice guy she is currently dating, why are we still living with Noah?

If she lied about seeing someone, I wouldn't be so surprised.

It all makes much sense, right?

Well, I was behind certain that my made-up theory is, in fact, real. However, it only took seven simple words to make me regret the endless time I spent on thinking about the brilliant story.

"I want you guys to meet someone," my mother announced happily to her two children.

"How is dad?" I changed the topic, not enjoying the way she made my theory suddenly sound pathetic and mostly sad.

"I give him some money every week. I am thinking of sending him to an alcohol recovery program, far away from here."

I flinched when I noticed the concerned look on Jacob's angelic face. He shouldn't be hearing things about our father's issues or the possible solutions for his horrible state.

"I will make a reservation for tomorrow night."

"Can Noah join us?" Jacob popped the question, making the pressure on my chest increase. My mother stayed quiet, considering the awful idea, while Jacob's blue eyes shone with hope.

"I think he has better things to do," I managed to pull a fake smile and ruin my brother's plans for tomorrow.

I need him on my side.

"If Noah is not going, I am not going," he announced loudly, reminding me of a true fighter. Although I didn't fancy the idea of Noah joining us, I was proud of my little brother for standing up for what he wants.

"Going where?"

The devil himself, the king of the evil, opened the front door and watched Jacob and my mother suspiciously, looking tired and exhausted. It wasn't the first time I wondered where and why he disappears on Mondays, but this time, I forced myself to let the subject go.

His life is not my business because he makes sure to push me away every single time.

He wasn't even glancing my way ever since he reached home.

"The girls here are going to a restaurant tomorrow night. They will make me eat healthy food, Noah, please join to help me fight them!"

Is my brother being dramatic, or am I missing something?

"I would love to join."

The friendly gentlemen(I am being sarcastic) giggled weakly while his green eyes finally moved to meet my dark ones. His expression turned serious quickly as he watched me, noticing my anger for him.

He opened his mouth in an attempt to break the firm silence between us, but nothing came out.

At least he understands that none of his sweet words will help him fix the mess he created.

~~~~~~~~~

When I walked inside the fancy-looking restaurant, I realized that the guy my mother was dating for months now, was the opposite version of the one she married.

With his elegant grey suit, there was no wonder he had money, lots of it. The most expensive seats in the place were occupied, by him, and people weren't embarrassed to analyze his every move with their piercing eyes.

The four of us moved hesitantly towards him, trying our hardest to make sense of the situation. The handsome man pushed his chair back with a warm, big smile the second he recognized his dating partner.

Moments later, he was standing right next to us, radiating kindness and affection.

"Skylar and Jacob, I heard so much about you," he shook our hands with passion, surprising the both of us.

"And Noah, I am glad to finally meet the man who keeps Ava's children safe," the height difference between the two forced Noah to drop his gaze to his free hand.

He shook it with his typical blank expression, then we all sat down at the table, my mother and her boyfriend facing the three of us, while we waited for their next move.

"Guys, meet Diego, the guy I have been dating for the past few months."

The thought about my own mother being a gold-digger crossed my mind, yet I had to steady my breathing and treat him with respect. 

After all, he is the reason why the woman sitting in front of me can't stop smiling.

"Ava won't stop talking about you, yet I feel like it's far from enough. I would like to get to know each one of you better. Skylar, you are the first chosen victim. Tell me something interesting about yourself," Diego said to me pleasantly.

I couldn't think of anything impressive enough to say. As I grew up and things began to get more and more complicated, I preferred to spend my free time with Jacob, taking care of him and raising him on my own, until there was no room for anything else.

Especially my habits.

"Landler likes reading. She finished reading all the books in the world!" Jacob called out, putting an end to my invisible crisis.

"What about you, Jacob?"

"I love soccer more than anything," he claimed seriously, suddenly sounding much older.

"Even more than me?" 

"Maybe," he grinned at me evilly, just another(unnecessary) thing he learned from his coach.

"And Noah?" Diego moved on to his next victim.

"Can I tell them?" Jacob tried to whisper with no success, staring up at Noah with admiration and appreciation.

"No. It's our secret little-"

The sight of a middle-aged man standing a few meters away from us was the reason why he stopped talking. Something flickered inside his dark green eyes, something that made him shut down completely.

Throughout the rest of the dinner, he was deep in thought, looking down at the food I had to order for him with the most troubled look I have ever seen.

~~~~~~~~~

Please vote and comment❤️

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net