The Fallout | ✓

01 - sticks of cigarettes

M A D D O X

Last week I've been sitting behind bars, counting down the days until I'll finally obtain my freedom.

Today I'm sitting on the porch steps of my sister's house, smoking a cigar as I listen to the neighbor's dog bark at a stray cat.

"Maddox! Can you come inside for a bit?"

That is until said sister interrupts me, of course.

I puff out the last cloud of smoke and watch it as it evaporates in the air before putting the stick in the ashtray Hazel's fiancé had bought specifically for me.

There has been a strict no-smoking policy in their house ever since Ian—Haz's fiancé—found me smoking in my room a day after I'd been released.

I can't say I was fond of it—or him— at the time because I was pissed and on the verge of arguing until I realized where I was and how I didn't have a right on the matter given that I was staying at their place, and doing so without paying a cent seeing as I barely had any.

I climb the porch steps before pushing the front door open and walking into the kitchen where the rattling of silverware indicates where my sister is currently at. It's something I've been picking up the few days I've been here— wherever the noise is coming from, Haze's most likely in there.

"There you are," She closes the dishwasher before turning and stationing her palms on the quartz island top, "Do take a seat until Mr. Ian could grace us with his presence," She says loudly as she looks over at the staircase.

Two minutes later, Ian finally graces us with his presence and decides to join us. He walks to stand behind the island next to Haze, "Sorry about that," He doesn't meet my sister's eyes and she sighs before the two look back at me.

"Why does this seem like déjà vu to every show where the parents are divorcing?"

Ian covers his mouth where's my sister bites the inside of her cheek. "Quiet the opposite actually," She says after a moment.

"Okay..."

"Well, go on and tell him," She nudges Ian.

He blinks at her in disbelief, "W-what— but he's your brother."

"So? He's your brother-in-law."

"Not ye—"

"Guys," I sigh as I rest my cheek in my palm, "Are you sure you're not divorcing? Because if you are just get this bullshit over with."

My sister pinches Ian's elbow and throws a glare at him, "Go on, give it to him."

He winces, "But—"

"You're the one who put your fucking sperm in my fucking puss—"

"Fucking hell," I groan covering my face with my palms, "You guys are paying for my ear surgery and my fucking therapy," I push myself off the stool and walk around aimlessly as I try to erase all the information from my memory file.

"So... Can we call that a success?" I hear Ian whisper.

"Not when you didn't even give him the freaking box Ian, no," My sister hisses back, "It was supposed to be cute not TMI."

"How is that my fault?"

I turn back just in time to see Ian cower back at the deathly glare my sister sends him. "I don't know you tell me."

"Guys, I'm still here," I remind them, "I can't believe I'm saying this but can y'all just makeup or something? I don't want it to have a fucking visiting schedule before it's even born, so get your shit together."

"What's it?" Ian frowns.

"The— the fucking thing in there," I point at Hazel's not so flat stomach. "I'm going out to get a drink, I can't take any more of this."

"It's called a baby you dumb fuck. And don't fucking get shitfaced, I'm pregnant and I don't have the energy to deal with anyone else besides myself right now."

"Yes Mom," I mutter under my breath as I tie my bootlaces.

"Can I open the box aga—" Ian's voice floats in the air before I shut the door behind me and reach for the cig box in my back pocket.

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Hi guyssss,

it's been a little while since I posted anything and I promise I haven't forgotten about this story or just decided to ditch it.

It's just that I didn't like the previous chapters and wanted to rewrite them and make them much better than they used to be just before we got any further into the story.

and a not-so-fun fact— it's been a hell of a struggle that took a few tries —and days— but I eventually have the finished result that you just read and hopefully liked.

So yeah, thank you for your patients and any support you've blessed me with

lots of love and confetti,
—faith

August 12, 2023
SAT - 3:54 PM

Ps. Ian and Hazel are my favs.