Love Doesn't Care

Chapter 5: Strolling through the Woods

~ Nate's POV ~

After dealing with Zach, Mike and I went to grab a few needed things. Clothes, Canned food, Can opener, and the entire first aid kit. We emptied out our school bags and packed all of the things in there, then we waited for the best time to go.
"Nate, I am so sorry for slinging that knife, I didn't mean to." Mike said, obviously troubled with the fact that he harmed me.
"It is just a small cut, it won't need stitches or anything."
"Well, it is almost noon. Shouldn't we go before Mom returns?"
"Uh, doesn't she work a 48 hour shift this time?"
"Yeah, but Dad is also a threat. 'specially when he is drunk."
"I forgot about him. We should also make sure Zach is not free or something."
"Grab the stuff and lets head out. They won't notice us missing for at least a day or until they find Zach. Take your pick."
"I hope they notice without Zach first, but the chances of that are slim. Let's just go."

We grabbed the bags and we exited through the back door, heading into the woods behind the house. We always heard from our parents to not go into woods with the threat of killers, rapists, or even "killer clowns". I always knew that most of it was bogus to keep us near the house so they can see everything we do.
"Uh Mike, don't you feel bad for Zach? He is trapped unable to scream or move inside a dark closet." I said.
"Nope, he hurt you too many times. He deserves it." Mike said while smiling. He really was soulless with anyone but me. In fact, most of the times when he attacks Zach is when he would shove me or just plain out insult me. Every time that happened, Mike would be grounded for at least a month. Funny thing is, he would never think about killing Zach. I do not know what went through him that time, but it might be that he was fed up with all his crap.

Mike spoke again, "Nate, why would you care about him? He tormented you ever since you were born."
"Well, he is my brother and he is family. . ."
"They are not 'family' anymore. Family does not abuse you for being yourself, and they do not threaten you for being different."
"Wow, when did you get so deep?" I teased.
"Shut up, jeez." Mike laughed.

We were about halfway though the woods when we heard something break a branch. We turned around and we couldn't believe what it was. . .