FREAKS || Jerome Valeska¹

02 || Charisma

Get drinks, find Ed, go to school — the usual monotonous routine. I had walked into the GCPD with two cups in my hand, but today, I couldn't find my brother anywhere. I found myself asking for him amongst the other cops, but they'd shoo me away or tell me without concern they didn't know where he was. Genuinely, I worry that if the GCPD were to collapse, they would leave my brother for dead, either because they didn't look for him or just didn't care.

I rolled my eyes at their indifference and continued my search, alone. I strolled aimlessly through the precinct hallways and entered the room labeled Records Room. This is where they keep files on past cases. If he's working, maybe this is where Ed was.

Upon opening the door, my eyes landed on a woman sitting at a desk. She had a fair complexion and looked around the same age as my brother. Her hair was styled into a ponytail, bangs curled nicely. She wore clear-rimmed glasses and dressed in a style similar to my brother's.

She looked at me, her bright green eyes lacing with surprise and confusion, "Hi, is there something I can help you with?" She slowly made her way over to me. The woman seemed very kind.

"I'm Reese." I introduced myself first. I placed the cup holder on top of one of the many file drawers and outstretched my hand. That's the way my brother raised me. To be polite to someone I've never met.

The woman smiled at me politely and shook my hand before introducing herself back, "Kristen Kringle."

Ah, so this is the famous Miss Kringle. My brother has had a crush on her since she arrived at the GCPD about three months ago. I'd never met her because I barely walked into the precinct; I've only ever really been to the laboratory and my brother's office upstairs. I won't lie, I could see a glimpse of why my brother liked her so much. She's pretty and seems intellectual and professional. Maybe she's funny? I can't tell that far.

I hadn't realized I had been quiet until I noticed the woman give me an awkward stare. I bit my cheek nervously, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm looking for someone... um, I don't know if you know - His name is Edward Nygma."

It was as if I had triggered her. Kristen tensed at the mention of his name, barely restraining an eye-roll, "Mister Nygma? The odd one?"

My mouth fell in disbelief, and my brain immediately retracted every nice opinion I'd had. I remembered Edward mentioning she thought he was weird, but I never imagined she'd be so blunt. So sour. Miss Kringle is horrible, and she doesn't deserve him. His love for her is toxic. How can she be so blatant about it without knowing who he was first? She's probably never even sat to have a decent conversation with him because if she did, she'd realize my brother is down-to-earth and very funny.

My eyebrow arched, "Odd?" My hands balled at my sides for control.

Kristen nodded, "Yeah, he's always doing things that creep me out." She cringed, returning to her desk. "He's very strange. I wish he'd just go away."

My jaw clenched with anger. She had really crossed the line with Edward. Her words made him sound like a disease, and it pained me to hear people perceived him that way. It wasn't fair.

A humorless chuckle escaped my lips, and I nodded dryly, "Yeah, um, I guess my brother can be different." I stated loud enough for her to hear.

I watched as her body seemed to freeze in its spot, "Oh, god." I heard her mumble under her breath before she turned around to look at me.

"It doesn't mean you get to talk about him like he's a disease." I hissed, making her lips purse, "Have you seen him anywhere?" I questioned in a colder tone.

Miss Kringle hesitated and breathed. Her facial expression seemed ashamed, which she should be, "No, I have not seen him. I'm very sorry I said that."

I nodded, enraged, "Well, thanks for nothing." I snapped, completely disregarding the lame apology. My hands took the cup holder, and I exited the room before I made a big scene over the ignorant woman.