Sardonic (Discontinued)

II: Home- or lack there of.

Sardonic

© 2014 EncoreDeZiza 

All Rights Reserved

Sardonic

II:  Home- or lack there of.

She breathed in, nicotine staining her lungs momentarily before she blew it out into the shop, watching the smoke twist and turn, speakers vibrating the floor, her brother’s fingers stroking the chords- the melody entrancing. 

She flicked her cigarette, ashes falling into their tray, caged by their destinies. But she... Was she really any different? She chewed her lip subconsciously, snatching a piece of cold pizza from the box, eyes remaining on the ceiling. The shop had been closed for hours, but here they’d sat. Playing, listening, talking, and laughing. She’d missed him. So much. Suddenly, he stopped, hitting a bad note, causing her to wince, before drawing a breath. Fingers hovering just above the chords, taunting her starving soul. “I talked to mom...” She tensed, eyes slowly sliding into his. Of course, he didn’t meet her eyes. If he’d invited her here, she’d kick him out- and he knew it. “She wants to see you, Jace.”

“No.” Her voice was sharp, void of any emotion, and, most importantly, determined. She shoved from the floor, spinning to face him, eyes burning holes in the side of his face.

“Jace...” He pleaded, voice breaking, “Just... Give her a chance.” Her eyes narrowed. Her brother felt too much emotion at times. He was a slave to his own tender heart, and he was foolish to leave it out in the open- without protection. When she didn’t answer, he captured his bottom lip within his teeth, slowly dragging his eyes to meet hers. He flinched at the look on her face, before making an attempt at masking himself. Like always, he failed. Miserably. Leo’d always wanted the perfect family- which, in his mind, was just one that functioned properly, without restraining orders and court dates- it was one he could never have. “Please,” 

She locked her jaw. Watching those blue eyes reach a whole new level of despair, they dampened, but didn’t overflow. Not yet. Too bad she was incapable of feeling. “She chose her path” Jace spit, pushing from the floor and bringing her ash tray with her. He didn’t move, starring at the ground like a forgotten puppy. She felt a familiar pang of guilt, but she knew better. She couldn’t allow that woman anywhere near her. It was a rule she’d set years ago- and for good reason. 

“People make mistakes...”

“So she should fix them,” She snapped, hastily taking another drag before searching the back of the counter for alcohol. Nope. None. Fuck.

“Jace, she’s still our mother.”

“She’s a fucking bitch!”

He stood up, guitar falling, only to be caught by the strap stretched carefully over his shoulders. “Don’t talk about her like that. She tried- for us, she did.”

“Tried?” She snapped, their eyes bore into each others, none willing to back down. Hers burned with hatred while his were cautious, rage slowly bubbling beneath the surface. She barked a laugh, never moving her gaze from his, “She didn’t ‘try’ fuck! We went down to the station, Leo. We testified in court. We sent him away- we did. It was always us, remember? She didn’t give a fuck what he did to us- as long as she was in the clear. Hell! She even kicked me out because I wouldn’t drop my fucking charges!” She brought her fist down on the counter, not even flinching at the sickening crack that echoed from her hand. It wouldn’t be the first time- wouldn’t be the last.