HOMEOSTASIS

Chapter XI

"This Hell you put me in,
I'm underneath your skin."

⦻⦻⦻

They tried to call him at least 10 times. No one picked up. They were in Madison like promised, but no sign of Helen picking up the phone. They were starting to think this was all a scam.

"Clocky, you said he's not the type to lie!"

"How the Hell was I supposed to know?!"

"You said you knew him!"

"FOR TWO DAYS."

"Y'all are missing the important part." They turned to Jeff with unimpressed looks, as he opened his arms in an obvious manner, "He's an artist. Artists are stupid."

Liu scoffed, "Great. Now you're criticizing people. I really hope you're adopted..."

"Oooh, adoption jokes. So mature, Liu."

"Guys." Masky called, rubbing his temples.

Chaser rolled her eyes, "You're the one who spent the entire trip picking on your lips and painting smiley faces on the van's walls with your own blood."

"I was feeling inspired."

"If you ever feel "inspired" again, don't use blood as artistic material." Said Jack.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Bitch, when did I challenge you?"

"Guys!" Masky called again.

"You guys are derailing from the topic!" Jane interrupted, and Toby nodded.

"Yeah, if someone were to be adopted, it would p-probably be Liu."

"Oi, why me?!"

"'Cuz you're younger! It wouldn't make sense if Jeff came first but he's the adopt-adopted one."

"Are you calling me an accident?!"

"Your face sure is a big one." Jeff thought his brother wouldn't have heard that. But he did. And he punched him. And then Jane joined. And Natalie took a picture.

"Nice."

"Y'ALL!"

But the ruckus continued. Clockwork and Jack were cheering loudly as Chaser and Toby kept their very loud discussion about the adoption case. Some "your mom" jokes were exchanged, but that's okay. Neither of them has a mom anymore. So it's fair!

"MOTHERFUCKER, I'LL TEACH YOU A FUCKING LESSON!"

"STOP SAYING SHIT LIKE THAT, I'M NOT YOUR FUCKING KID!"

"Your mom sure says OTHERWISE!"

Jeff laughed loudly after tackling Jane to the floor, and Liu joined soon after to separate them. He kicked Jeff's face, sending him flying to the tree next to them, and Clockwork gave him a stick.

"Beat him up with this."

"I tried it, before." Toby told her. "Didn't work. He's still talking- that BITCH."

"Hoodie, do it..."

He nodded at Masky's command, and took the gun from his pocket. Through all the screaming and fighting and cheering, he raised the gun up in the air and pulled the trigger. A loud BANG resonated through the entire forest, and all motion came to a stop. Jane let go of Jeff's feet, Jack hid the kidney he was eating, and Natalie put down her phone.

"What do you guys think this is?! A field trip?? We're not your fucking school bus drivers, we have a killer to catch!"

So, all in silence, they went back inside the van with pouts on their faces. As Jeff passed by the masked man, his fist met his stomach, and he groaned loudly. "Heh... fun times. I should do that more often..."