October 24th
Tensions are high and emotions somehow higher. Arsenio still stands over his parents, demanding an answer or any kind of explanation for what he's seen. The TV just plays quietly in the background, essentially a fly on the wall. The atmosphere in the room increasingly becoming overwhelming. The book lies open, revealing exactly what it was that Arsenio saw in his bedroom. Inside the book, on top of the cryptic newspaper clippings of missing people; is printed out screenshots of text messages. The text messages are between mayor Mendoza and Carmen! The text messages seem to be flirty in nature, containing provocative emoticons and memos. Judging by the dates, these messages go back at least a few months. Arsenio stares absolute daggers at his mother.
Arsenio: What. Are. THESE!?
Carmen just stays quiet, not answering her son and instead just looking at the floor.
Benicio: Look, Arsenio your m.........
Arsenio: You knew about this too!?
Benicio quiets down. He just sits back down on the sofa. Arsenio then realizes something.
Arsenio: Oh my god. Is this why you guys were arguing? BECAUSE OF THESE FUCKING TEXTS!!? Oh my god, it all makes sense now! So tell me.
Arsenio turns to look at his mom.
Arsenio: How long did you plan on keeping this up? A few months, years, or forever? Tell me!
Carmen doesn't even want to look at her son. She continues to stare at the floor. Benicio also avoids eye contact with Arsenio, choosing to instead fidget with his hands. Both Alonso parents clearly nervous and shame filled. Arsenio then turns his attention to Benicio.
Arsenio: How long did you know about this?
Benicio doesn't answer. Arsenio scoffs.
Arsenio: Alright. I get it. To hell with me, huh?
Benicio: Look. The texts are mor.........
Arsenio: They're what!? A lie!? Photoshopped!? WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY, DAD!!?
Benicio: You don't understand, Arsenio.
Arsenio: THEN HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND!! BECAUSE ALL IM SEEING RIGHT NOW IS THAT I HAVE AN UNFAITHFUL MOTHER WHO STILL HAS THE FUCKING ADACITY TO GO INTO A FUCKING CHURCH!!!
Benicio: It's more than that.
Arsenio: YOURE DAMN RIGHT ITS MORE THAN THAT!! MY OWN FUCKING DAD KNEW AND DIDN'T SAY OR DO JACK SHIT ABOUT IT!! NOTHING!! EXPLAIN!
Arsenio violently grabs the book and flings it up to his parents faces!
Arsenio: Who's fucking book is this!?
Carmen: I don't know.
Arsenio: Well look who decided to speak up. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!?
Carmen doesn't answer Arsenio's aggressive question.
Arsenio: Unfuckingbelievable. How could you two keep this from me? How!? Why!? How the fuck do you even know him!?
Carmen and Benicio both remain totally silent, not a single noise escapes their bodies.
Arsenio: ANSWER ME!!
Benicio and Carmen don't answer Arsenio. Arsenio's had enough.
Arsenio: Fine. Fuck you both.
YOU ARE READING
Our Malevolence
Mystery / ThrillerAs if life wasn't difficult enough, high-school senior Arsenio Alonso begins to be tormented by menacing phone calls and violent murders across his hometown of New Sol California. Along the way of discovering who is behind the grisly attacks, Arseni...
