*I Won't Pretend I Don't Exist* Brian Haner

*Chapter Twelve* Matthew Blows A Gasket

Jimmy

    I heard Shanlie’s door open and I shared a look with my friends. We each stood up and went to a door in the house to head off Matt. I took the front door, Zacky took the back door and Johnny took the garage door.

    My best friend walked calmly down the steps and I frowned. The Matt I knew wouldn’t be acting so calmly if he found out what I know he just found out.

    “Hey, Shads.” I greeted. He looked at me.

    “Hey, Jim.” He said calmly. I tensed my posture, making sure I was ready for his attack. No way this calm lasted. “Would you, uh, would you mind moving out of my way, Jim?” He said casually.

    “No can do, man.” Movement at the top of the stairs caught my eye and I saw Shanlie standing with Krystin. Shan looked like she was beat to hell.

    “Did you know?” Matt asked, his voice dangerously low.

    “’I found out before the party.” I said.

    “You know what he did?” I nodded. “You know what I have to do?” I nodded.

    “I know your sister needs you here, not in jail.” I said. He faltered, but then his face became determined.

    “No.” He said. I glanced up at Shanlie and Matt took the opportunity to try and bolt around me.

    “Matt!” I shouted. I wrestled to keep him from the door. He was putting up a remarkable fight, but Zacky and Johnny joined and helped me restrain him.   

    “Let me fucking go!” He yelled, lunging for the door again.

    “Matt, listen to me.” I said, bracing my hands on his shoulders so that he would try to calm down.

    “That fucking bastard needs to fucking die!”

    “I know that. Don’t you think I know that? Trust me, I wanted to do it the second I found out and she’s not even my sister. I can only imagine what you’re feeling. But I want to show you something.” I said, gesturing for Shanlie to come down the steps. She hesitated, but walked quietly down.

    “What?” Matt growled.

    “I want to show you something much more important than ripping that spineless, gutless worm apart.” I said. Matt scoffed, still struggling against their hands.

    “Nothing is.” He said. I guided Shanlie over so that she was standing between us.

    “Nothing?” I asked. He looked up and went still. A noise escaped and I noticed  her shoulders shake once. Matt closed his eyes and dropped his head forward. I pulled Shanlie’s hands apart gently so she wasn’t twisting her fingers. “She needs you. Not from the other side of bullet proof glass, but here, now. She needs her big brother.” Matt wrenched his arms free from Zack and Johnny and took a step back. Progress-at least he wasn’t lunging for the door.

    “You all knew?” He asked, looking around.

    “Brian doesn’t.” Shanlie said timidly. Matt scoffed and then rubbed a hand over his face.

    “How could you not tell me this?” Matt yelled at her. She flinched, taking an automatic step back. I put me hands behind her to stop her from moving.

    “Because I was terrified that you would look at me like this!” She said, her voice fighting through the tears.

    “Like what?” He shouted.