Trust Issues (Book #1 of the Defy series)

Chapter 9: Ultimatum (Aliyah POV)

Trust Issues (Book #1 of the Defy series)

***Mentions of drugs***

Aliyah:

I walk into my house and I'm suddenly hit by the overwhelming smell of cleaning products and warm food. The chemicals are slightly drowned out by the warm smell of roasting chicken; the contrast is pretty offputting.

I had spent about an hour at Skye's house... getting the mandatory best friend pep talk. I had assessed all my options and armed myself with the resolve and determination of a kindergartner at show and tell.

I would get through to Marco and he would listen to what I had to say.

Even if it killed me.

Stepping onto the beige carpet I examined years of old stains. They blotted the light-colored carpet, splatters from various clumsy times in our life. A messy diary that marked the years that we called this place home. I found myself steadily counting the stains and spots; trying to mentally prepare for the new discussion with Marco.

He may give me the silent treatment or throw even more harsh words at me. But I knew he was just hurting.... 

We all were. 

I look up and find Kiara and Marco sitting on one of the couches. I double-take and then pause in slight shock. I barely see them both willingly sit in the living room at the same time. Only on the rare occasion, Gran wants to have a family movie night do we all crawl out of our respective holes and watch whatever chick flick Gran wanted to see.

Kiara was more introverted and preferred being left to her own devices. And Marco was always trying to get out of the house. I on the other hand was either working as a substitute teacher or at my more stable job as a store clerk on Wednesdays and Fridays. On other days I try to find work as a freelance editor.

Kiara sat with a book; studiously avoiding eye contact. And Marco looked me dead on. I could tell that they had cleaned the living room. And by the smell, someone had prepared some food.

Marco stood up and approached me cautiously. Raising his hands as if to say he surrenders.

"Before you blow a fuse at me again. Kiara has already taken care of that," Marco states disgruntled, rubbing the back of his kneck.

Kiara grunted without looking up from her book. Her only sign of agreement.

"But regardless... look - I'm sorry." It seemed difficult for Marco to get the words out but he accomplished it although gruffly. "Here," he hands me his phone.

I stare at him in shock, he was willingly handing me his phone without me asking.

"I've just been going through a lot lately- ahem," he choked out.

"And?" Kiara stated from her spot on the couch still enrapture by her book.

"And, I was wrong for the things I said. And for the... the drugs. I needed the money for something."

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "That's what you have me for. What if the police had found you selling or if someone you gave them to overdose on them? Did you think of these things?" I asked in a more measured voice than I anticipated.

He just shrugged his shoulders.

I was still angry at him for before. But walking into this house I hadn't expected him to be so agreeable; rather combative and angry himself. But he seemed sincere in his confession of going through things. But he wasn't getting off that easily.

"I appreciate your apology," his face lit up slightly, "but I have to ground you. Not that you weren't already grounded for sneaking out. But I really mean it. Do not leave this house unless it's for school." I smoothed down his hair and then placed my hand on his cheek. "And I want you to try therapy or even join a club at school. I know you love music... what about joining a band or something?"

He needed to be in something that kept him from going to parties and running around on the streets.

He nodded his head solemnly. "I'm an idiot sometimes."

"True", Kiara says from her sitting position.

"Shut up," he says smirking at her.

And I find myself smiling too. I miss the times like this; when we actually felt like we were on the same page. Where we felt like a family. 

"And I don't want you hanging out with those "friends" of yours anymore. They are a bad influence on you." I continued on. I could tell that this rule made him the most uncomfortable. But I had a feeling something bad would happen if I didn't step in.

Wrapping my arms around him, I let out a long breath.

We can actually make this work.

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