She hated him. She hated him more than she ever thought possible. He was a kook- her natural born enemy.
He didn't hate her at all. Not one bit. It couldn't have been farther from the truth. Did she know that? No- and she never would.
-
"You and I...
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Kori's foot tapped anxiously on the floor of Kie's car as it pulled up to a place she hated going back to, a place she no longer considered home. Her light eyes took in the sight of her house, nothing but dread settling in the bottom of her stomach.
She didn't want to do this. She really, really didn't want to do this.
But John B was her brother. And she loved him. If he needed her to get the Phantom, then that's what she'd do. He had always protected her and now it was her turn to do the same.
JJ turned to his right, his eyes pinned on their house. "Home sweet home." He murmured before dropping his gaze.
Kie glanced back at Kori, conclusively letting her gaze stay on JJ. "Do you want me to come? 'Cause I'll come."
He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair, unable to meet her eyes. "No. This will only take a second."
Kori set a hand on Kie's shoulder, sending her a silent appreciation before following JJ out of the car. The two siblings made their way up to the front door, a similar feeling visible on both their faces. Neither of them wanted to be here.
They gave each other one last look before Kori set her fingertips on the handle and pulled the door open. As she stepped inside, the stench of beer immediately filled her nostrils. Her eyes scanned the cluttered sinks and countertops, a sense of hostility surrounding her. She hadn't been home to clean things up so their house looked like a shithole. Figures.
"Dad?" JJ voiced, coming up behind her as she entered the disheveled kitchen.
Kori stepped around the counter, her gaze landing on the couch— the place she'd known her dad would reside. He was snoring on the couch, countless pill bottles littering the floor and table. She didn't move momentarily, unable to take her eyes from Luke's face.
Not until JJ placed a hand on her shoulder, gently stepping in front of her. "I got this." He reassured her.
She didn't nod or even reply to let him know she'd heard him. She just stood there, lifeless in her own home as her older brother took the lead.
"Dad, I need the keys to the Phantom." JJ asked, only receiving the sound of his snores back as a response. "Dad?"
Kori dropped her gaze down to the table, her eyes falling on a pill bottle sitting directly in front of her dad. She had no doubt it was the one he'd taken before conking out on the couch. She picked it up, turning the small bottle around in her hands. Her expression turned hard as she glanced up, tossing the bottle to JJ.
He caught it, immediately doing the same thing she had. After another moment, the Ambien in his hands was set back down on the table and he was turning to their dad. Luke was absolutely wasted— so it was nothing new.
