Sinner's Prayer

I'll Tell You My Sins

"Ya know Jeanie's gonna have yer ass if she catches you smokin' in the house," chides the middle of the Del Mar siblings, fastening his work shirt as he stops by the den, glancing towards the younger who sulks on the sill of the oriel bay window.

Ennis chews on the cigarette between his lips, puffing clouds of white and keeping his eyes on the pane of glass that separates the indoors from outside. He has the middle cracked, allowing the smoke to filter out and dissipate into summer air.

He himself can hear his sister, patronizing in his head, lecturing about the stink of tobacco and how she wouldn't stand to smell it in the house. It's a conversation for later. Right now he couldn't be bothered, unable to move from his position or to even glance at his older brother.

"Little," K.E. tries again, more serious this time. Ennis finally turns his head, removing the cigarette from his mouth between two fingers, smoke lingering as he lowers it down to his lap.

"The hell's yer problem lately?" The older man asks. His questioning is far from demanding. There's genuine need to know in his voice, laden with brotherly worry as he studies the blond.

Ennis sets his jaw, unsure how to answer. Thoughts turn behind his endless eyes, knots twisting in his stomach. It'd been nearly a week, five days in passing where he hadn't heard from Jack. The boy's hat hangs by their front door, mocking Ennis with its presence.

He's still unsure what to make of the situation and K.E. is the last person he can confide in.

Earl's corpse had been heavy on his mind. Nine years old and seeing that body, disfigured and decaying in a ditch- K.E. joking about it days later with their daddy.

His stomach turns a little and he gives a muted sigh, turning back to the window. K.E. tightens his lips, not unfamiliar with his brother's stoic nature.

"Fine, keep yer secrets," he says, keeping his tone light hearted. He moves closer, heavy boots against the hardwood. He takes the cigarette from Ennis.

"I'm off tomorrow. We can take the steeds out, do a lil' ridin' if yer up fer it," he suggests, holding the smoke to his own lips. "We ain't had a day together, jus' you an' me since we moved."

Ennis watches amber bleed into ash as his brother takes a drag, remaining silent. He offers a little nod, dropping his gaze once again.

"K.E., I know you ain't smokin' in here," emits a pointed tone from the archway that separates the den and dining room. Jeanie stands, hair half down half pinned and an arched brow at her brother. K.E. rolls his eyes in a playful show for his brother before he turns.

"Sorry, Mom," he teases. Jeanie raises her brow higher, crossing her arms.

"I gotta go anyway," the middle says, turning from the den. He gives Ennis a final glance before he's out the door. The younger watches him from the window, eyes turning to the road.

Maybe part of him is waiting for Jack's truck to come up the drive, maybe he isn't sure if that's what he wants.

Jeanie sighs, having been watching him. She steps to the door, plucking a matte black hat from the hook it hangs on. Ennis watches her approach, confused but quickly connecting the dots.

"Quit yer poutin' and go talk ta him," she says. Ennis stares into the dark material like it's a black hole, nerves staring in his stomach.

He shakes his head.

"It ain't that easy," he mutters. Jeanie sets it beside him on the window sill.

"Sure it is," she insists, turning on her heel with the final word. Ennis slumps, gazing once more to the head wear that taunts him.