Serpent scars

Chapter 5

-3rd person-

The dinner conversations eventually diverted from greetings to the announcement. Dinner had been served by Siobhan and everybody looked at her awkwardly. It was very out of character for her, they thought. Never would they have guessed this is how Siobhan Serpent behaved at home behind closed doors. She has been broken down even more since the siblings last came to visit, she had become more submissive to Roger's commands and orders. Everyone started to feel a little sympathy for the women, even Autumn. It was weird to see the woman like this, is she okay? They all questioned.

-Siobhan's POV-

Roger acted as if Winter and Marjorie were non existent, only focusing on his heirs. It seemed as though he had begun to get more and more irritated. Like he was waiting for someone? But everyone is already here. "So as you two know, you haven't exactly grown up into my expectations-" The man was cut off by the door bell, he tutted before telling me to go and tend to it. "Uh, finally. Siobhan, go and fetch the door." In all honesty I was so grateful for this, I just knew he was about to announce the pregnancy. I started to question who else there could be left to arrive? But through the peep hole the red hair I spotted gave it away instantly. Stood at the door was Mia and her girlfriend Charlotte. Mia was wearing her usuals short, black dress and Charlotte was dressed in a simple red dress with black roses patterned on. "Hey, Shibby." Said Mia in her regular, seductive, raspy tone. Charlotte's tone is more soft and sweet. "Hi Siobhan." She said with a forced smile. I know she doesn't like me but at least she made an effort to try. "Mia. Charlotte." The couple walked into the dinning room to join the end of the table. Charlotte sat next to Marjorie to avoid conflict between Mia and Marjorie. Mia had been Roger's spy for many years and was forced to date Reece. Plus Roger's ex wife ran off with Mia's dad. Making her practically part of the family.

"Ah, Mia. Nice of you to finally join us." Roger said lacing his voice with sarcasm so she knew he was pissed at her. "Awh, thank you Rog." She replied mockingly. This made Autumn and her father eye roll. Autumn also had a complicated past with Mia, but that's a story for another day. "Who's this?" Asked Roger pointing at Charlotte. "Mia's latest squeeze" Reece muttered under his breath. For that comment Marjorie flicked him over the head playfully, on the other hand Autumn kicked his shins, not so playfully. Roger's eyes darted towards his son with rage. "This is the person you left Reece for!" He yelled across the table. To be honest I was loving the drama, it takes my mind off things. "Roger lets go and discus this outside okay? Baby I'll back in a minute." She finished exiting the room with Roger but not before blowing her girlfriend a cheeky kiss.

Everyone got busy making conversation apart from me and Autumn. Maybe she could also hear Mia being scolded by Roger. I sat there with hands placed on my knees staring into space. Roger had made it very clear that I would only speak if spoken too, and of course no one wanted to speak to me. Once Mia was finally back she looked teary eyed, and it didn't go unnoticed by the group. I always wondered what Roger and Mia's relationship was like. It was obvious she was putting on a brave face as she sat next to Charlotte. They both looked at each other so lovingly. "Are you alright baby?" Whispered Charlotte. Mia nodded and kissed her forehead lightly.

"Anyway, the reason I gathered you all here today is because-" Everyone looked at him eagerly, anticipating the next words to come out of his mouth. "Siobhan and I are expecting." Everyone's jaws dropped. Shit. What do I do?" A knot had formed in my stomach and it made me feel sick. "WTF SHE'S YOUNGER THEN ME!" Reece yelled, standing up with clenched fists. Marjorie was trying to reassure him but he was livid. Autumn just gave me a dirty look before smirking. "Hm, I think I must throw up now." Winter and her both disappeared to the bathroom, was she actually going to be sick? Mia widened her eyes in response and had her mouth wide open. Charlotte gasped and said "Congratulations?" It was clear she was confused. "Thank you, Charlotte." Replied Roger grinning. I was sitting there looking at my nails before Roger stood me up.

"Now Reece. Stop being so immature and come and give your old dad a hug." Roger demanded with a smug look on his face. From what I've heard the father son dynamic between them was far from healthy. Roger never thought he was 'manly' enough and he liked to torture the poor boy with food. Although Reece was now a grown man, the fear of his father still lingers around his shadow. He now had even more people to protect so it was easier to just comply. Roger puled the man tightly in and gave him a thural pat on the back. This was probably another way to dominate Reece, making him feel small again. I stood awkwardly beside them picking at my nails. They were painted an ethereal, emerald green. Sadly my anxious habits had made me slowly pick away at the varnish.

Reece went to sit back down at the table next to Marjorie. She had whispered something to him causing him to giggle. Was it something about me? "Ah, Mutton chops. Come and give your dad a hug." Roger greeted as the couple came walking in hand in hand. Autumn's lipstick looked slightly smudge and I could spot a faint outline of it on winters mouth. God those two can not keep their hands off each other. "Fine." Huffed the woman, dragging her husband with her. Winter also looked at me funny, pure disgust. Roger tried to embrace Autumn with a hug but the woman is stubborn. Another trait making us alike. Winter stood there rocking on his feet. "Mummy." He said in his jolly accent. I eye rolled at him. "I am not your mum." "Dam right you're not." Piped up Reece. Once again Autumn and Roger sighed.

Mia and Charlotte began to approach us, the two with the most genuine smiles on their faces in awe of each other. "Shibby, Rog. Me and Char better get going." Said Mia, Charlotte staring at me with a fake smile. "Congrats on the baby." Whispered Mia in my ear, trying to get under my skin. I sighed at her but was then struck with pain from Roger tightening his grip on my wrist even further. That's gonna leave a bruise. At around 11pm, everyone had finally left, leaving me and Roger to sit down and relax in the living room. Well, I wasn't really relaxing but still. He kept taunting me with the glass of whiskey in his hands. Repetitively asking me if I want some, then reprimanding me when I said yes. I changed into my silver robe before heading off to bed next to him. He hugged me tight as I stayed still trying to act dead.

AN: Please comment and vote if you enjoy this story as it really motivates me to write more :)