It's Hard To Be Holy

EP. 52: Chapter V (Cont'd)

Coarse and Offensive Language. Reader Discretion Advised.

Alfonso Ignatius (the Second), more commonly known as Bud and already wrestling with his Alan, might not have been the most naturally empathetic of men, but he could forgive his friend's long and abrupt absences.

The first sign of sickness, of the real world, came shortly after their graduation. Mrs. Towne, a constant victim of seasonal allergies, assumed nothing of the wheezing cough that had continued unabated since the start of the new year. It wasn't until the early summer, when sitting down to dinner, she had coughed up such a thick layer of blood that she finally had to admit something was wrong.

'Lung cancer,' Ed told Bud, and it was clear from his beaten down air that the pessimism of Towne's had fully prevailed; and all anger at mollycoddling was lost, and it was victorious guilt that kept the nephew at the aunt's hospital bed for the next weeks.

But the abrupt truancy in their friendship did have its benefits for the only Carr son. The rooftop conversation on the night of the Stripping had left Alfonso Ignatius (the Second) at a crossroads. For the first time since their alliance was forged in The Woods, a true conflict presented itself to both Bud and Alan. Never before had the personalities disagreed so openly on matters. Bud usually differed to the more dominant opinion, but no issue had ever been as personal, as fraught, as the issue of Edward Towne. Bud, never having expressly wanted more than he already had with Ed, did not take offense to his friend's differing desires, or outward lack of interest. It did not surprise him in the least that his obsessions and wants did not completely align with Ed's. Yet Alan, being a Creature determinedly pitiless to the wants of others, would not tolerate any insubordination.

Carr and Towne. That was how he envisioned it, and that was how it would always remain.

He'd be miserable without Us.

But Bud would not respond, he would not give in. Alan could have what ever he wanted, say whatever came to mind on whomever he so chose to pick on, but he would not have Ed. Ed was his—

You know I'm right. He'll move on from you. He wants to move on from you. You're not enough!

You're wrong!

He just wants to stick it to his aunt and uncle, and he can't even do that right!

You're wrong! The Creature was a paranoid thing, but Bud knew his Ed would never abandon him.

Listen to me—

No! And Bud did what had never known himself brave enough to do before: He refused to yield, and to his surprise, it was the Creature Alan who eventually capitulated.

Ed is mine!

Suit yourself.

But Creatures of Free Reign are not so easily denied, and though Bud was glad of Alan's surrender, he took for granted what the surrender meant:

If he can fight me on this, thought Alan, then what's next? There will be a Reckoning—

BANG!

'FUCK!' Colin Malone, just sat down to enjoy his morning cigar one hot July morning, shouted with consternation as the front door of Apt. 33 was blasted open. 'Ya have a real fuckin' problem, Niamh! A real...' but he caught himself at the sight of Ed barging his way inside. 'You?! Edward Towne, what the fuck are ya doin' burstin' in like ya own the place?! Do ya have any idea what time it is?!'

But Edward Joseph Towne couldn't be bothered to stand on ceremony, nor worry if the King of Discourtesy thought him rude. There was a more pressing matter today. 'I need help!' said Ed, waving cigar smoke out of his face.