Children of Queens: The Story of Peter and Evelyn Parker

The World Turned Upside Down

It had been a long and terrible week of being grounded, but Evie managed to free herself from the prison. Ben finally allowed her free and she had a whole list of things to do. The only problem was time.

And time did not like the Parker family.

Peter had come home late that night, much to May's panic. Evie was in the kitchen, finishing up dinner, a way of relaxing after a stressful day. Flash had been a torment of mental fire and brimstone, causing Peter to go missing at lunch only to return with fresh injuries. After that, the train had broken down, so they had to catch a crammed bus, but Peter's money had gone missing (more likely stolen) and so they decided to walk it. Then it began to drizzle. It was miserable, soaking them to the bone as the slipped and stumbled home, trying not to fall in any puddles. The arrived home late, wet and done with life, got changed and split, Peter going to Ned's while Evie stayed and talked to MJ on the phone.

Now Peter was standing in the living room, getting berated by his uncle for his tardiness.

"You need to be more aware of the time, Peter. Why have you been so out of it today?"

That was the boy's last straw. "I don't know! I've just had to deal with all of this crap at school and so I lost track of time, so I'm sorry! I'm just-" he cut off with a growl, flopping onto the couch.

Evie timidly poked her head around the corner, watching as Ben kept his emotions in check. When Ben got angry, he was a raging fire. So was Peter. It must be Dad's side, she thought.

"Look, I understand you're tired, but you need to calm down!"

"I'm trying! Okay!? I'm seriously trying but it's hard when absolutely everyone hates me right now!"

"Peter-" Ben reached out a hand to stop his nephew, but Peter was already at the door. "Peter, come back!"

Evie jumped slightly as a hand rested on her shoulder. May pulled her back into the kitchen and shut the door. "Just give them time to cool off, alright?"

Evie nodded. "I'm just worried about Peter. I don't want him getting hurt."

May have her a knowing smile. "Let's eat and then we can figure out what to do with your brother."

Dinner was silent. No one spoke, almost scared to break the tension that strung through the air. Ben looked only at his plate, not even glancing up as his wife sneezed. Evie could tell that he felt guilty about the argument.

The rain continued to drizzle on outside, wet and miserable. Time had passed quickly and Peter still hadn't returned. They were starting to get worried.

"I'm going looking for him," Ben said after a while, grabbing the umbrella by the door.

"I'm coming too," Evie said, pulling their coats down. "You coming?" She asked, turning to her aunt. May nodded and they left, Ben holding the umbrella over his wife while Evelyn walked under the rain, the droplets rolling off her hood down her back. She enjoyed the rain, the smell, the feel, the look of the shiny earth. She dawdled a little behind her guardians, skimming the illuminated streets for any signs of her twin. People jostled by, trying to stay dry and shooting odd looks at the girl in the rain, smiling as the rain ran down her face. It was nice, but she wished Peter was there beside her, splashing her jeans as he jumped in the puddles.

Evie's eyes caught an odd figure slip into a store, reaching for something in his coat. Her pace quickened, something not settling right in her gut. She peeped through the window and froze. The shopkeeper was stuck at gunpoint, trying to negotiate with the mugger a peaceful solution.

"Um... Ben? May? Should we call 911?"

Ben swallowed, handed the umbrella to May and kissed her cheek. "I'll be right back." He walked calmly into the store, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture. Evie went to follow but May grabbed her arm. The woman's face was pale as she watched her husband talk with the man.