Onward: Wilbur

Turn for the Worst

16 years later

I was 18, and Barley was now 19 years old. Ian was going to be 16 soon. He'd only known Dad from the stories we told him. I loved my little brother, even if he needed our help with his confidence. No matter what, we were always there for him. However, he didn't always have the best relationship with Barley growing up. He was kind of embarrassed by him because of he's always going out, protesting against work crews tearing down old monuments, playing Quests of Yore, or because of Barley's broken down van we found. He called it Guinevere. Barley was proud of his van because it was his only success in life, even if not everything about it works correctly. I felt like they both had some issues to work out. One day, I was on my way home from school. I wasn't all that fond of school because I get the occasional questions.

"Are you one of those werewolves?"

"How'd it feel to lose your home?"

"How scary was it?"

I hated being reminded of my past. I wanted to get away from all of it. It was too painful. Like Dad's death. Today was a perfect reminder of that. I walked in, hoping that all's right with the world, but I see the most shocking sight.

Mom was kissing someone I would least expect with my mother.

Officer Colt Bronco.

Me and Barley came across him one too many times before. As a matter of fact, we've been given a police escort back home, after our last few protests, by this officer.

My mouth hang, unable to say anything. Colt's eyes looked up to me and they widened. Mom turned around and saw me too.

Mom: Wilbur. Oh, hey. How was school?

I still couldn't believe my eyes.

Mom: Oh, um. Wilbur, this is Officer Colt Bronco.

Bronco: Oh, we've met a few times. How's it going, kiddo?

He asked me, trying to be friendly, trying to break up to awkwardness.

But here's the thing. We're not friends.

Wilbur: Mom, what the heck is this?

Mom: Wilbur, let explain.

Wilbur: How long has this been going on?

Mom stammered. Trying to come up with an explanation.

Mom: For a while.

I started to get angry.

Wilbur: And when were you going to tell us?

Mom: I didn't want you to get upset. I know you you feel.

Wilbur: No, Mom. I don't think you do know how we feel.

Mom: I'm not trying to be unfaithful. These things happen.

Wilbur: What about your sons? How would they feel?

Mom: Honestly, Wilbur! I don't why you're acting this way!

Wilbur: The dad I knew gave me a home! I'm not comfortable with my new dad being someone who gives me and my brothers a hard time.

Mom: You and Barley give us a hard time when you both start up trouble! How do you think I feel about it!?

I stood back. Shocked at what she just said. She also realized what she just said.

Mom: Wait, Wilbur. I didn't mean that.

Wilbur: No, I get it. You've made your point.

I walked out the door as Ian and Barley just came in.

Barley: Woah. Wilbur, you okay, man?