Blood Brothers 🩸

Fractured Loyalties

Two months had passed since the chaotic game, and November had settled in, bringing with it a chill that seeped into the lives of those in Detroit. The leaves had fallen, and Thanksgiving was just around the corner, but the holiday spirit felt distant for Bobby Mercer.

**INT. DANIALLA'S WORKPLACE - DAY**

The fast food joint buzzed with activity, the air filled with the sizzling of fries and the chatter of customers. Daniella stood behind the register, her bright uniform and cap a stark contrast to the heaviness in her heart. She had been trying to reach Bobby for weeks, but he had become a ghost, his absence like a shadow looming over her.

Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Bobby, his swagger unmistakable. He wore a baggy jacket and jeans, and the moment he stepped inside, all eyes turned toward him. Daniella's heart raced as she caught sight of him, a mix of excitement and apprehension flooding her.

"Yo, fast food queen! What's good?" Bobby teased, leaning casually on the counter. His grin was playful, but his eyes were heavy with unspoken words.

Daniella couldn't help but smile, despite the weight of worry that had been building inside her. "Just trying to serve up some smiles, you know? What brings you here?"

"Came to check on you. And to drop off your favorite snacks." He pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket, revealing her favorite chips and candy.

"Thanks! But seriously, you've been MIA. What's going on?" Daniella asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Bobby shifted, the lightness in his demeanor faltering. "Just handling business. Gotta keep it real, you know?"

Daniella's brow furrowed as she studied him. "Bobby, you can talk to me. I'm here for you."

"Yeah? You sure you're ready for all that?" he replied, his tone brimming with doubt.

**EXT. MERCER HOUSE - NIGHT**

Back at the Mercer household, chaos reigned. The air was thick with tension as Bobby stood at the center of a heated argument among his family. Voices clashed, echoing in the cramped living room.

"What the hell is wrong with you people?" Bobby shouted, his frustration boiling over. "Loyalty means something! We're family!"

His brothers, JACK and TOMMY, exchanged worried glances, unsure how to handle his outburst.

"Bobby, chill! We're just trying to—" Tommy began.

"No! You don't get it!" Bobby interrupted, his voice cracking. "I failed HotHead. I wasn't there to protect him, and now he's gone!"

The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on them. Bobby's hands clenched into fists as he grabbed his jacket, the hidden weight of a gun inside it weighing heavily on his conscience.

"Bobby, don't do anything stupid!" Jack pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

"I'm going to Daniella's," Bobby declared, his eyes ablaze. "Her brother had something to do with this, and I'm not letting it slide."

**INT. DANIALLA'S HOUSE - NIGHT**

Daniella paced nervously in her living room, the tension in the air palpable as she waited for Bobby. When he stormed through the door, his anger radiated off him like heat from a fire.

"What's happening? Bobby, why are you here?" Daniella cried, confusion etched on her face.

"Where's your brother?" Bobby demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

"Bobby, he's not here! What are you talking about?" she replied, fear creeping into her voice.

"You think it's cool to play games with me? Knowing my friend is dead?" Bobby's words were sharp, each one cutting deeper.

Daniella's eyes widened, tears welling up. "Why are you saying this? Please, just tell me!"

"Because it's true! You don't know what real love is or what real loyalty means!" Bobby shouted, his voice breaking.

Daniella reached out, desperation in her eyes. "Bobby, don't say that! I care about you!"

"Caring isn't enough! I can't trust someone who's connected to this!" He turned, ready to leave, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Please, don't go like this! We can figure this out!" she pleaded, her voice cracking.

Bobby paused, the pain in his chest tightening. "I can't. I'm done," he said, his voice heavy with defeat.

With that, he slammed the door behind him, leaving Daniella standing in the middle of the room, tears streaming down her face. The echoes of his anger lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of everything they had lost.

FADE OUT.