Bound

Two

The end of Darren's cigar burned brightly, dimly, then brightly again as he drew in deep breaths of oaky smoke. There was something relaxing about smoking a cigar that Darren couldn't quite put his finger on. He didn't even like tobacco, had to take a sip of beer every few seconds to wash away the taste. Maybe it was the fact that the smoke became the singular thing he could feel, filled his senses with a constant, aromatic haze. Or maybe it was the heat from the small fire that burned between his fingertips and the hypnosis that came with staring at the little orange embers.

Whatever it was, it didn't matter; it calmed the storm of anxiety that swirled in his belly. And after the fight with Eric and Susie, the storm was raging. It had gotten worse after Eric left. He and Susie really got into it this time. But, it ended the same way it always did; no seeing Eric, no talking to Eric, and no helping Eric. Darren had to go for a drive, try and clear his head.

Just do it.

"No."

Darren cranked down the window to his old F-150 and flicked the butt onto the ground.

You have to.

"No I don't."

He turned the key in the ignition and the old truck sputtered to a start, mustered up what little life it had left in it. He shifted into drive and the headlights lit up the town pier.

Well, you want to.

"I said no."

The weathered wooden planks creaked under the wheels of the Ford as Darren made his way to the road. He'd been gone for hours, Susie was probably worried. He had to get home.

Don't go home Darren. The night is still young. You could do it tonight.

"Shut up."

He put another cigar between his lips, drove with his knees while he fumbled with the lighter. One wasn't enough, that's all. He'd settle down soon. He always did.

Not this time buddy. I know what you're thinking. You can't ignore me.

Darren slammed on the brakes. Ash tumbled down the front of his shirt and his half-empty beer spilled onto the seat beside him.

"I told you to shut the fuck up!" Darren said.

And I heard you loud and clear. But I won't stop. I'm trying to help. You've been neglecting me lately, Darren. Neglecting us. It hurts.

"I really don't care."

But you do care. You can't help it. He's your brother, you can't just sit idly by and do nothing. It's not in your nature.

"Susie and I agreed. No more killing."

Susie steamrolled you. You didn't agree to shit.

"But she's right. I can't. Not even once. Not ever again."

Grow a pair, man. If you don't do this Eric is dead. We both know it's the only way.

Later that night, Darren stared up at the ceiling from his bed. He had managed to sneak in without waking Susie. She was sound asleep, dried tears streaked her cheeks. She wore one of Darren's t-shirts to bed like she always did. She would never agree with him, but he thought this was when she was the most beautiful.

Darren's chest tightened, his stomach queasy with guilt. He reached for his phone, squinted at the brightness of the screen. He began to type.

Meet me tomorrow night. 11.

Eric replied. Thank you.

Darren rolled onto his side. He ran his fingers through Susie's hair. It was soft and smooth against his calloused hands.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "It'll be okay, I promise."