in for the ride

i'm not related to you - chpt four

I don't like him.

———

It's been a week since that last interaction with Jon. We haven't talked since. I'm not complaining, I don't wanna talk to him.

Speaking of talking, the phone was ringing on the wall.

I rolled my eyes and got off of the couch, Jessie still watching the movie we were watching. I trudged over to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello?" I held the phone to my ear, leaning against the wall.

I heard nothing but some crackly static and maybe some light breathing. I exhaled sharply. It's probably some dumb fucking prank call.

"Hello?? Is anyone there?" I pressed on.

I heard the maybe breathing cut out and just heard the crackling sounds.

"Dammit, you're not funny." I hung the phone up and walked back to Jessie, settling down and continuing the movie.

...

Ring, ring, ring.

"Jesus Christ." I got up and walked to the phone, picking it up.

"Hello?" I said in a harsh tone.

"Kim?"

My heart stopped. It was Joey.

"Joey! Holy shit, are you okay?" My eyes darted around the room as I waited for a response.

"Yeah, I'm fine. George just hurt mommy." He finally replied, sounding like he was on the verge of tears.

"What? Is she okay? How badly is she hurt?"

"He just punched her in the face. They're both really drunk. I could smell the beer when I walked in."

"Did he touch you at all?"

"No. He left when he saw me. He ran out. I went to mommy but she won't wake up."

I bit my lip and rubbed my face with my left hand, sighing out.

"Okay buddy. I'll be over in a little, alright?" I looked at Jessie as she watched me, her eyes worried.

"Okay. I'm scared. I don't know what to do." Joeys voice cracked with emotion.

"It's okay, Joey. I'll handle it, alright? I'll be there soon, just close the door and stay by mommy."

I put the phone on the wall and leaned against it, looking at Jessie.

"Is he okay?" Her blue eyes stared into mine.

"I fucking hate my family." I sighed, grabbing my shoes and shoving them on.

"I'll be back eventually. Don't stay up for me." I said to Jessie before walking out of the house, closing the door behind me.

———

I walked up my driveway and got to the front door. I hesitated on opening it. I don't know why. My brothers in there and he needs help, and my mom's on the floor knocked out. Why am I hesitating?

I bit my lip again, something I am realizing i do a ton now. Probably a nervous reaction.

I grabbed the handle to the outside door and opened it, holding the door open with my hip as I opened the inner door. As I opened it, my eyes locked with joeys immediately.

"Hi." I stepped in and closed the door behind me.

"She's breathing."

"Well, I'd hope so. Dying from a punch is lame." I walked over to the two and moved Joey away, picking my mom's head up and examining it.