Consequences of a Party (1)

-8- Avoidance and Excuses

While everyone was busy getting a serve of the delicious cake, Mason snuck back to the car to get the manila envelope from the boot of the car. He had taken out the pamphlets and the photos that he wanted to keep, but left the photo for his mum, as promised, and also the print off of how the appointments went. She would probably understand the doctor gibberish better then he did.

Making his way back into the house, Mason quietly walks past the lounge room, which was were everyone gravitated to once the cake was served.

Quickly, Mason hurries up the carpeted stairs and heads to his parents' bedroom, the envelope in hand. He didn't want anyone to see it, especially Ben or Jack. Otherwise he would be ordered to pass it around so that everyone could stick their nose in his business, as per usual.

Heading towards the bed, he slips the envelope under the cream pillow. He wasn't sure which side his mum preferred, but even if his father picked it up, no doubt his boisterous wife would snatch it from his fingers.

Sighing, for what felt like the hundredth time this week, Mason turns to head out the room, only to jump in surprise at the sight of his brother standing in the doorway, his lips draw into a thin line.

Oh shit.

"You should be downstairs." Jack's brow rises. 

Mason swallows, stomach flipping.

"I just needed to give something to Mum. I'm about to head down now." Mason replies weakly, walking towards his brother in hopes to exit the room, only for Jack to block his path.

"Or, we can stay here until you tell me what's going on." It wasn't a question. Jack had that  stern tone of voice that Mason had heard way too many times in his childhood.

"A-actually, I think Mum wanted some help with the..." Mason's voice dies out at the glare pinned on him.

Shrinking, Mason took a step back, feeling his hands shake again. Jack was always the one to find him doing something wrong, before his father came in to dish out the punishment. The glare his brother would send him was enough to make Mason want to hide under the bed and  never ever come back out.

"I've heard some news. Is it true Mace?"

Mason pauses, pursing his lips.

"Mason. Answer me please." Jack pesters again, his voice like stone.

Mason lifts his head and glances into his older brother's green eyes, before avoiding them again,

"Depends on what you've heard..." Mason whispers.

Jack takes a deep breath, stepping closer to his brother.

"How did it happen Mason? I'm trying so hard not to judge you, but it's becoming increasingly difficult."

Mason wrings his hands.

"I-it's a long story Jack..."

"Long story?"

A lump was rising in Mason's throat, and if he were to be honest, he felt threatened. He didn't want to be here. he didn't need the third-degree. He didn't need his brother telling him off like he was a naughty child. He didn't want to even be at his parents' house to begin with! All these questions! It was beginning to stress him out.

"B-ben convinced me to go to a party-"

"-A party?"

A flash of anger rises in Mason, squashing down the nerves that were bubbling up. He was always interrupted!

"Yes," Mason sends his own glare, "I'm an adult Jack, and yes, I do sometimes go to parties. I don't always like going, but I go to be social. It was a one-night thing, I was careless and I understand that."