Beginning of the End

XXXIV

I stood outside my house, watching the sun go down. I sighed, thinking about my men out there.

    "They're fine, Jade," I look over to see Aysa walking towards me, "I'm sure of it."

    "I know," I sigh, "But they're my best men. I worry."

    "Let's go have a drink." He motions into my house. We walk in, and pull my bottle out of the cabinet. I grab two glasses and set them on my table.

    "I forgot to tell them to grab more." I say, disappointed.

    "If they know you at all and see some, they'll grab it." He takes the bottle from my hand and begins to pour our glasses. He finishes the bottle and walks over to the cabinet, setting the empty bottle on top of it, beside the other three that were already on top.

    "Thank you." I grab my glass and sip it.

    "So," He sips his, walking toward me, "How are you?" I shrug.

    "I'm alright, I suppose. Just worrysome. You know me." I took another sip of my drink, then turned and walked towards the couch. Aysa grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a hug. I stood there, not hugging him back, drink in hand.

    "I miss you..." He whispered, snuggling his face into my neck, kissing it. I tried to pull away, but he pulled me in tighter.

    "Aysa, stop..." I pulled out of the hug, looking up at him.

    "What the fuck ever, Jade," He shoved me back, pushing me into the back of my couch, "Go back to the fucker who fucked you over for 5 years, see if I fucking care." He smacks his glass off the table, it shatters upon impact with the floor.

    "Get the fuck out of my house. Now." I said, through gritted teeth. He turned and looked at me.

    "Or what?" He stepped closer, his breath on my neck as he leaned into my ear, "What are you gonna do without your men?" I heard the smirk in his voice.

    "I don't need my men," I shoved him away from me, towards my door, "Now, leave. Or it's not going to be pretty." He smiles and walked out. I walk over to grab my broom and dustpan, sweeping up the broken glass. I tossed the broken shards into my trash, then sat back on my couch. I scoffed, thinking back at Aysa's episode.

    "You sure do know how to pick 'em, don't you?" I turned around to see my brother, Kyle, again. I stood up, walking slowly over to him.

    "I know you're not real. It's all in my head." I whispered. He smiled.

    "There's a quote here. I think it went something like, 'Of course it's in your head, by why on earth does that mean it's not real?'" He shook his head, "That's not right, but you get the drift."

    "Why aren't you with mom and Chris? Are you dead?" I asked, hesitantly.

"Oh, I'm alive," He looked around the room, walking to look at things, "And I'm sure you can figure out why I'm not there..." He turned and smiled.

"Chris..." I mumble.

"Bingo." He snapped.

"Jade?" I turn to see Audrey standing in the front doorway.