The Harper Family: Colliding Paths (Wattpad Version)

Anger

Dyson

After my ma's phone call, I focused on my work. I can't believe she would call me about Marty's girlfriend like I care what happens with him. I seethed, let my anger rip, and threw things around in the shed. I didn't hear anyone approaching during the chaos.

"Dyson!"

I stopped, stepped toward the opening, and noticed Gertie standing there with knitted brows.

"Good lord, what has gotten your feathers ruffled?"

I averted my gaze and clenched my fist. "Sorry. I was upset about something. It won't happen again."

"It must have been something to get you all worked up. Would you like to talk about it?"

I looked at Gertie and shifted from foot to foot, contemplating if I wanted to tell her.

Gertie approached me. "I'm a good listener. Perhaps I can offer some helpful advice."

"I don't want to upset you."

"You wouldn't upset me. What makes you say that?"

"The situation isn't good."

"Let me be the judge if it's good or not. Come on." Gertie waved me toward her.

I stepped out of the shed, locked it, and walked with Gertie into the house. Once inside, I sat at the table while she brewed two hot teas and brought them to the table.

Gertie joined me at the table. "Dyson, you can talk to me. I'll listen without interruption."

"I don't want you to hate me." I glanced at her before shifting my eyes to my teacup.

"I can't help you if you don't tell me about the problem."

I took a deep breath before speaking. "A few weeks ago, I visited my cousins with my brothers because a guy got nasty with my aunt. Everything was fine until we got to my cousins' rental house."

"Go on."

"I have an uncle and cousin who are deaf. I used a dog whistle that my brothers gave me. My cousin's brother took exception and beat the hell out of me. When I got home, my dad and I fought. My dad hit me. Afterward, I packed my bags and left."

"I see."

I glanced at Gertie, but she held a neutral expression.

She rubbed her chin before speaking. "It seems you acted out and hurt your cousin on purpose."

I opened my mouth.

Gertie held her hand up to stop me. "You didn't let me finish."

I closed my mouth.

"Why did your brothers give you the dog whistle?"

"My brothers said it would attract the bow-wows I date."

"So, you had misdirected anger with your brothers. Now, why did you use it on your cousin?"

I bit my bottom lip.

"Did your cousin do anything to hurt your feelings?"

"My cousin ignored me when I wanted to show him something."

"Are you sure your cousin didn't know? You said he's deaf?"

"Yeah. Patrick wears special hearing aids like my Uncle Elias so he can hear me."

"But is it possible Patrick's hearing aids weren't working, or he wasn't wearing them?"

"It's possible." I shrugged.