Kids in the Dark

Chapter 44

Ryder's P.O.V

A rising tangle of nerves and panic was rising in the pit of my stomach as we approached the entrance to the prison yard; it was to my utmost surprise to spot the familiar face and blond hair of Jace, standing just inside the gate. He had a great smile on his face as we approached one another, everyone else forgotten and shared in a sloppy and somewhat awkward hug. Our attention was, moments later, stolen by what was happening between Marc and an older boy I didn't recognize.

"Charlie?" Marc sounded both shocked and unsure.

"Marc?" The second boy sounded equally as bewildered. The 2 boys stood and stared at one another for a moment until the older of the two said: "About damn time. I thought you'd left me here to rot" And he then closed the distance between them and shared in a much more meaningful embrace than that exchanged between Jace and myself.

The attention was in turn seized by the approach of a 6th person. At first, I didn't recognize the figure, but as they drew closer I could clearly make it out as Adam. He then changed his pace and ran up to my brother, beginning to speak in hushed tones, only to be interrupted by Theo.

"Shut up and kiss me," The two sets of lips crashed into one another, both boys clutching desperately at the other, not willing to be the first to let go. This kiss was the center of the yards attention. Every set of eyes was focused on them as though they were under a blinding spotlight. I could see from where I stood how heated and desperate the kiss had become as though Theo and Adam thought they might not get another chance. Finally, the two broke apart, chest heaving for breath, making the only sound in the shocked silence. I was unsure how to react to all this, it being the first kiss I had witnessed the two share.

The silence that had fallen upon the yard was then finally broken by Theo "So now that we're all back together..." But he trailed off when he realized no one was listening.

"Let's move back over to the bleachers." Charlie then suggested, leading the way, carving a path through the watching crowd.

Once we were all seated and Marc and Charlie were sat side by side it was clear to see that they were most definitely brothers. If you overlooked the difference in hair color and took note of the smaller detail the two could almost have been twins. They had similarly angular faces and smiles that, as they spoke, would curve into matching smirks. The emotion controlled eye color too was the same; glacial blue irises ringed in dark blue. Even their ears were alike. The only difference I could see was their noses. Where Marc's was straight and pointed, Charlie's was softer and had more of a ridge in it. Both boys seemed to be happy to have been reunited, regardless of the circumstances, and in some ways I found myself envying them. The events of the past few days had brought about a dramatic and scary change in Theo and the way he behaved.

It was the evil calculating grin that spread across his face; the kind often seen on a villain with a silky British accent. He moved with a certain cat-like prowl as if watching for his next prey. Even the way he spoke, in the soft purring drawl, freaked me out a little. Each day he reminded me more and more of a comic book bad guy. His behavior unsettled me, to say the least, but I hoped Adam would be able to ground him somewhat and bring back the Theo I knew.

I sat back and watched the two together. Theo was sat protectively next to Adam, who was gesturing around the yard, clearly explaining the need to knows of the prison yard. Theo, who had appeared tense up until this point, seemed to have relaxed into things. He had his arm around Adam's shoulders and was whispering down to him every now and then. I couldn't see Theo's face but Adam was smiling up at him and occasionally laughing. Just like Marc and Charlie, the two seemed happy to be back in each other's company once again.

I was sat back sorting through my thoughts when I felt Jace tapping on my shoulder. I shifted in my position, turning to face him and offered him a smile. "Hey," I said as he sat down to my right.

"Okay, what's wrong? You've seemed off since you set foot in here. You mind telling me what went down out there?" He asked cutting right to his point.

"You'd be a little out of it if you'd just seen you brother stab someone in front of your fucking eyes." I suddenly snapped at him, my burst of anger coming out of nowhere. My sudden outburst shocked him into momentary silence.

"Theo killed someone?" Jace exclaimed a little too loudly, those around us hearing him loud and clear. I looked up to see Adam recoiling from Theo a look of alarm on his face.

"Theo?" He asked tentatively.

"And so what if I did? The bastard deserved it." Theo said proudly. That oh so familiar grin had spread across his face, and his loud outburst once again had drawn the eyes of most of the yards occupants. "It felt good," He continued standing up as if about to preach to us. "I enjoyed it: watching the light fade in his eyes, the way he went limp and fell once all the life had left his body, the hot rush of blood that poured over my hands as the knife plunged into his guts." Theo was almost shouting at this point. My eyes were glued on my brother in amazement, watching as the scene unfolded before me. It had seemed like being with Adam was beginning to improve things but it appeared as though nothing had changed.

"Theo sit down," Adam said, trying to calm him down. "Sit down, it'll be better in the long run."

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Theo began to advance on Adam who had backed away. "What right do you possess to command me?" I now found myself getting to my feet as Theo continued. If anyone was to take him on it would be me.

I quickly worked my way along the wooden bleachers towards him. "Theo, calm down," I said quietly as I reached him, placing my hands firmly on his shoulders.

"Ryder, get the fuck out of my way," he growled, eyes locked on Adam.

"Not until you chill out and get out of your own fucking head. This isn't you, bring Theo back, fight the voices." I tightened my grip on his shoulders as he shook his head, scrunching his eyes tightly. "Dad deserved what he got, I agree, but you won't go winning yourself any favors by shouting about it." My voice was smooth and clear as I whispered to Theo. He opened his mouth to retaliate but held his tongue. He closed his eyes once more, his head on my shoulder as I still held him in my grip.

"I'm so sorry," He said his voice coming out more like a gasp. "It's not me, it's them." He said referring to the voices, his voices sounding strained, as though he was battling with something. He then looked up and there were tears rolling down his cheeks. "What's going on Ryder?" Theo sounded almost scared, unsure how to process the situation.

"Theo, we've been over this. Fight the voices. I don't care what they tell you, you should do. If you need to talk, talk to me or Adam about i. Don't let it consume you like this." I said almost hissing the final few words. My brother's erratic behavioral changes now seemed to have a cause, and I vowed to myself that I would do everything in my power to fix things.

Hello, loyal reader, I was amazed to see all the positive responses to the last chapter so here's 44. The fact I have readers in Australia and Sri Lanka is honestly so cool so if that's you feel free to let me know. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you did the last. There is much more excitement to come so stay tuned for chapter 45 - Flora