Bitter A Prequel: the Marjorie and Siobhan Backstory

Aileen's Return

Marjorie's eyes fluttered open, but she laid there in a state of dread. Her mother's return was only going to mean trouble for her and Siobhan. The two weeks had gone by extraordinarily fast, and now a decision would have to be made.

Siobhan was already feeling stronger and having fewer nightmares, but she still needed Jorie. She certainly wasn't ready to go home. She dreaded the idea all together. She and Jorie had even wondered if they would be safe at the little house, but after nearly seven months they still hadn't figured out who their mysterious benefactor was.

Siobhan was trembling by the time Marjorie returned from her shower. The brunette quickly pulled her robe around herself and embraced her friend. "Was it a flashback? Are you okay? Is there anything I can do?" She rattled off a million questions excitedly without even waiting for a response.

"Jorie slow down. Your anxiety is making my anxiety worse." She no more than got it out of her mouth before both girls burst out with laughter. It was not last on them that they had little to laugh about, but yet they always seemed to find a way. Always.

"Let's get ready for school. We don't want to be late ... again." Marjorie dragged her off the bed and to the closet to get dressed. Siobhan diverting her eyes from Jorie the whole time. She wasn't worried her friend would think she was being inappropriate. She worried her thoughts would betray her. She hadn't even spoken to Ella since she returned to school. She couldn't and she wouldn't.

Her father may have used a horrible form of communication but the message he sent was loud and clear. Relationships should be between a man and a woman. There was no room in this world for anyone who didn't abide and a fiery outcome in the afterlife. She wouldn't risk it.

After school they made their way back to the house to change before heading to the park. It had become their new routine. Even before they entered the house they knew the atmosphere had changed. Other than a few times when he had brought food home for them or gifts for Jorie, Charles had never bothered them. Today he was on the front porch smoking.

"You're going to want to hurry along and change. Aileen is home. We will be taking Siobhan home soon and having dinner with the Serpents. You both should dress accordingly.

As they rode to the Serpents in the back seat, Aileen glared at them. "Marjorie sit up straight. Slouching makes you look fat. You already have a face of a potato. You don't need people to think you are fat too." Siobhan could see the the sting of the comment in her friend face. She also saw her friend straighten her back. The rest of the trip was made in utter silence save the young brunettes gentle sobs.

When they arrived at the Serpent's home, Marjorie could see how nervous Siobhan was. She reached for her hand, but Siobhan tore it away. "Marjorie don't be so stupid! If he sees you holding my hand, he will think I am at it again with you. I will never let that happen again."

Marjorie pulled her own hand away and spent the evening avoiding everyone. She moved from room to room. She would leave a room the minute someone else past the threshold. Siobhan hadn't even bother trying to get her to talk. Marjorie couldn't blame her.

Who would want to hang out with her?