Finding ( Safe and Sound Trilogy: Book 2 )

Chapter 17: Kris_Attention

It angered me how much attention was focused on Violet. It felt as though Duke and Anne forgot I was even INVOLVED on this quest. They forgot I had feelings. When Hayden and I fought, they didn't even try to break up the fight. They were more concerned about her and never me. Part of me wished that I hadn't of drawn attention to myself. Violet had a look of sadness spread across her face as she flew out of the room. Anne looked at me, locking her eyes with mine temporarily before shuffling off after her. A sigh escaped. My eyes drilled into the ground. It was as if I was trying to find something interesting, but only a spec of dirt distracted me before Duke spoke up. There was a sternness in his voice. It was a bit startling. He had never spoken this way, ever.

"How long have you been feeling this way?"

Silence rang heavily within my ears. My brain was in a rush, trying to assort files, but everything was in shambles. I clenched my fists tightly.

I shrugged.

"You could have just told us-"

"I had to throw a knife, A KNIFE, just to get your attention!" A sense of guilt washed over me. As well as relief. Having to bottle up all these feelings and finally having the cork removed, like champagne, felt much better, but sadly, a thorn was driven heavily into my side and I can't remove it. Not until Bry is back and I can sense her presence. To be able to pull her into a tight hug. My arms were vacant of Bry. She was no longer here to keep my company. I tried to conceal my expression. I pressed my lips together, trying to regulate my breathing. Just the thought of her made me want to curl into a ball and sob. It angered me.

"... Well, Violet-" Duke cut himself off. My heavy breathing was the only sound echoing in the kitchen. Duke crossed his arms. "She-... Look, Kris, she's very important to the prophecy. When it's your turn we'll get to you-"

"No, we're taking care of it now! It's about time I actually received some recognition for some of the work I've done! I saved us, Violet and I, from that damn troll and I don't even get a thank you?" I spun around, pointing my finger at him. I was shaking with anger. Never had I ever been this mad. Duke's unkempt, greasy hair would often tick me off. As well as the rest of the skin on his face, but this was different. "I never got recognition for that! After we came here, it's been all about Violet. Violet this, Violet that. I'm tired of not getting noticed. It feels like back when dad was around. Back when he was home. He barely noticed me. Violet was his prized possession, the jewel of the family. I was just their son. Nothing more and nothing less. Well, maybe for once I want to prove I'm more than just some boy with some sexy hair that flips like an angel!" A tiny smirk played on my face as I said the last bit. It was so true. My hair is like a chinchilla, soft.

Duke breathed through his nose and looked down. He kicked at the black-and-white tiled kitchen flooring. It was great to see him confused. Momentarily, he opened his mouth. Words could not escape. The silence slayed his train of thought, and he turned, and left.

Alone.

I'm always alone.

But that's okay. I have myself. A small chuckle emerged from my throat. I could hear Violet sobbing upstairs. Anne was hushing her. Duke trampled up the stairs. Somehow, the backpack felt heavier on my shoulders, like someone was pressing weights on my shoulders.

Tears began to well up in my eyes. I wiped the tears before they escaped my eye and fell onto my cheeks. Quietly, I sniffled.

Now it's too late. Tears spilled from my eyes in a seemingly copious amount. Inhaling only made me appear weaker. I hated this feeling. It's like you lose all of your armor against threat when you cry. No one should lose their armor before a battle.