SIBLINGS

[3]

Indigo Chávez

I didn't get any sleep before work.

I do not think I am able to move. I have welts and gashes in the most awkward and embarrassing places.

This isn't new to me. This feeling isn't new. I can get used to most, but this, this I can never get used to.
It does not matter how long I have had to put up with this. It has the same effect on me. I will never not feel like shit after.

There is not one place where I am not aching.

I feel disgusting. I can feel the bruises already starting to form.

I can barely walk.

I have to go to work, though.

I have to.

I sneak into Annie's room and steal some ibuprofen and Tylenol.

She's not here. I wonder where she is?

I swallow both of the pills and sneak an oxy.

I change into my work uniform and walk to the garage, where I soon realise the car is gone. Annie must've taken it.

I have to fucking bike now.

I take another ibuprofen and get on the bike.

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I get there.

I don't want to talk about how painful that was.

I walk behind the counter to grab my bag.

The other staff know I don't get to eat much, they don't know any other details, but they always make sure to fill a bag of popcorn for me and leave it before they leave.

"Hey! Digo! My man!"

I turn around to see Marty. He is grinning.

We dab each other up.

Digo is the nickname he gave me because he knows I hate the name Indigo. Digo sounds more common.

My mom named me Indigo because she was on too much shit and thought she was poetic or something.

Like, really? Indigo? That's what you named your baby? Sounds like one of those kids who say their gender is like a fish or something. It sounds fucking gay.

"Yo, what happened to your face?"

"What? Do I look hotter than usual?"

"Stop fucking with me. Was it your stepmom again?"

I'd rather him think it was my stepmom than some bitch who paid to fuck me

"Yeah."

"You can't let her keep doing that to you!"

"Yes. Yes, I can. You know what happened last time."

"C'mon mate, what are you, 15, 16! You're a minor! I mean, I believe in discipline, but that's child abuse!"