Without Words

33- Uncles

A/N: Italicized are flashbacks.

Trigger Warning: Implied scenes of assault and drug use.

Elle was excitedly running towards the Fortress, trying to balance the books she brought for Noah. Dad drove Matt, Dan and her here to spend time with their friends. They had a family vacation with the Monroe's at Rhode Island and now that they're back, Elle is ecstatic to be reunited again. As soon as the car parked, she jumped out of it, much to the chagrin of the men inside.

She was already close when Violet's scream reverberated in her ears and her eyes widened in alarm. Running faster to her friend, she spotted Noah instead laying on the ground- an unfamiliar man standing over him. Elle's steps faltered, a new emotion she didn't recognize filling her- a mixture of overwhelming terror, shock and helplessness. She froze as the man raised his hand, about to slap Noah again.

"Elle!" Dad's voice shouted behind her and the hand paused midair. Matt and Dan were instantly on her side, Dan holding her little hands in comfort.

Elle's eyes turned to Noah and at that moment, all her mind registered was her friend hurt. Her eyes watered and she ran, falling beside him as she cradled his bruised cheek. "Noah." She sobbed, unsure why she was crying at the moment.

Violet remained standing beside them, looking at the unfamiliar man with fear and disdain at the same time.

"Sorry you had to see that." The stranger raised his hands good naturedly, chuckling lightly to us. "Sometime we have to discipline rowdy boys the hard way."

Elle frowned. Noah isn't a bad boy.

Richard got out of the house and came over to check the commotion. "Charles, I see you brought the kids. I'd like to introduce my boss, Jim Harbour. Jim, these are my daughter's friends."

Noah sat silently beside me, his face pale and eyes glassy with unshed tears. Elle felt protective and pointed an angry finger at the stranger. "He hurt Noah."

The man smiled fondly and squatted in front of her, holding out his large hand. "Hello, pumpkin. I'm Uncle Jim."

I ignored his hand and placed Noah behind me, staring at Uncle Jim bravely. His smile went wider at my actions. "Cute little thing, aren't you?"

"Kids, go up the Fortress." Dad spoke up, going to us and blocking my view from Uncle Jim. He offered his hand to Noah comfortingly. "We'll get some ice for your cheek, little man. Are you hurt anywhere else?"

Noah shook his head slowly and I helped him up and headed to the Fortress, not sparing a glance to the mean man. The others followed them. After a few minutes, dad came back and brought an ice pack for Noah.

"I'll be back in the afternoon." Dad instructed Matt, Dan and I, a stern expression in his face. "I won't honk this time. I'll be at the foot of the Fortress to wait for all of you."

They all nodded obediently. Dad opened his mouth then closed it again, seemingly thinking of his next words. After a few moments, he spoke.

"The five of you stick together, okay? No one leaves here alone." Dad said seriously then, gave Matt and Dan a firm look. "Both of you are the oldest, take care of your little brother and sisters. Take care of each other."

..........................

"Ellie!" Richard greeted as he welcomed me inside. I wasn't able to visit him lately because we had to prepare for the outreach program and do last minute preparations for Matt's birthday. Just now, I can't stay long too. Dan just dropped me here then would come pick me up after an hour to have a last minute shopping for ski equipment and clothing for tomorrow.