Gods and Monsters

Ch. 17 Mr Thomas

Dropping grocery bags onto the counter, Sage glanced out the window over the sink to see everyone outside. It would explain why the house was so quiet.

They were playing with something he couldn't see but Maverick was sitting on the stairs watching them. Maverick was wearing a black hoodie that covered him completely. It was getting chilly out but Sage didn't think it was cold enough to need the thick hoodie. Although he had seemed sick since he'd arrived. Sage just assumed it was his body detoxing from the regular consumption of alcohol and drugs.

Sage put up the groceries before making everyone sandwiches with the crust cut off for Marlo. Stacking them on a plate, he opened the back door, gaining their attention.

"Sage!" Marlo squealed and to Sage's surprise, struggling to pick up a hissing cat that was struggling to get down. The five year old was unknowingly strangling it.

"Put that down!" Sage gasped, causing Marlo to jump in surprise and drop the cat that ran to hide behind a bush. The twins ran after it, shoving each other to get to it first. Sage looked back to Marlo who had tears welling up in his eyes from being yelled at. "I'm sorry." Sage dropped the plate of sandwiches on Maverick's lap and rushed to his little brother.

Marlo sniffled and accepted Sage's hug before pulling back and holding up his arm. "Mr. Thomas hurt me." He pouted. Sage looked at the red scratch that didn't break any skin and gave it a kiss.

"All better?" He asked a giggling Marlo who nodded and ran to Maverick who had the food. "Leave that cat alone!" Sage called to the twins, making Mia let go of the stray's patchy tail.

"We found Mr. Tomas, we have to take care of him now." Aurora declared with her hands on her hips.

Yeah right, Sage thought.

"Is Elias not back yet?" He questioned Maverick, his brows furrowed.

"No." Maverick confirmed.

Sage decided not to get worried just yet, the younger teen still had an hour to get home from Sam's. He'd called last night to let Sage know he'd gotten there safely, so at least Sage knows where he is.

"Is Myla dead like Mavie?" Aurora asked around a mouthful of food. Sage scrunched up his nose in distaste.

"Maverick isn't dead," Sage chuckled. "He's sitting right beside you." Mia rolled her eyes. "No ones dead." He hoped.

There was no telling what their older sister was up to or if she was even still alive. It was the same with their mom. They would only know if one of them turned up on the doorstep.

Sage went back inside to get his uniform from the dryer and ended up folding the clothes that were in there. After he'd finished and changed into his uniform, he started checking the time more frequently.

Elias still wasn't home and Sage had to leave in twenty minutes. He didn't want to leave the kids with Maverick for so long. It was hard enough to leave them with him so he could go get food.

Catching himself biting his nail nervously, Sage sighed and forced himself to stop.

"Sage," Marlo came in the back door pouting. "I don't like cats I want a puppy."

"Why's that?" Sage asked, picking Marlo up to sit on the counter. His little glasses were crooked and he had dirt smudged on the front of his shirt.

"They're mean like Mia and the bad man."

"What bad man?" Sage asked, immediately curious.

"You know." Marlo whispered "Th-"

"Marlo!" Mia shouted from the doorway. "Come outside now. I'll make the cat like you."