The Space Speculation: Book 2 ~Painful Past~

Chapter 5: Chad's Anger

Willie loved both of them and called them "Uncle Chaddy" and "Aunty Vi".

Chad was very gentle and kind to William, and Colin grew closer to his brother as the months went by.

 One month, however, Chad was particularly agitated. He and Violet had had a very serious conversation which ended with her sniffling and him raising his voice. 

Colin got especially worried when Violet wouldn't come out of their room for several days. 

"They're up to something," Colin said, pacing in circles around our room.

 "Maybe Vi is sick. That happens you know," I said, laying sleeping Willie in his bed gently.

"Maybe. Chad's been pretty on-edge lately. He was yelling at the cook earlier for cooking his brizóla twenty seconds too long; he kicked out his servant just because she asked for a break; and he's currently stomping around the hallways. For no reason."

"Hmm. I'm not sure, Col. But you just calm down. Everyone has their off days."

 He put his heads in his hands. 

"I guess." 

Colin was right; Chad had been very very upset lately. And it only got worse. Much worse. 

Will and I had been walking down the hall when Chad came suddenly from around the corner. Instead of his usual, 

"Oh! Sorry, William. Didn't see you there," he didn't stop walking. He stumbled over Bill's arms and almost fell.

 "Watch it! Okay? I am the King! For goodness sake!" He mumbled more unidentifiable words as he turned down the corner.

Curious, I stopped by their bedroom door one evening. I knew that I wasn't being very polite. But, I needed to know what was going on. I hadn't seen Violet for two weeks now. Not even the servants could enter her room. Chad would probably throw them out the window if they did. 

I crouched by the door and pressed my ear against it. Someone else was in there. Another woman, it sounded like. Violet was crying. I could tell it was her. 

"We shouldn't!" Chad bellowed, and I heard something loud crash to the ground. 

"Just calm yourself, Chad! You're going to end up killing yourself in the silliest way!" Violet screeched through sobs. 

 "I'M TRYING TO STOP VIOLET!" This was the loudest I had ever heard him yell. It seemed like the whole castle shook.

"We must carry out my plan," a soft female voice spoke. 

"If we don't, there's no telling what he will do to your family." 

"I agree." Violet said, her voice sounding cold and low. 

I heard Chad pacing frantically.

 "Fine then." His voice was so low it was barely audible. 

My heart pounded as I heard him step towards the door. I quickly leaped up and hid around the corner. 

Chad stomped out and slammed three fists as hard as he could against the wall. Still in the hallway, he called, "I still think there's another way to solve the problem. I will not have my family intimidated by a Martian."

"Chad." Violet sounded like she was at her wit'se end.

"It's not in our control. He'll stop at nothing. You know how he is." She took a deep breath. 

"I wish I could change the past, but I can't. He wasn't always this way." 

Chad breathed a low, quivering breath. 

"I know, Violet. But what if there's another way?" 

"It's too late," the soft voice jumped in. 

"He already knows. He has always known. He's just waiting for you to forget." 

Chad shook his head, then stormed away.

This section was written by Amity