Lay Low 'Missing' Chapters

Powerless/Chris Gets a Glimpse

Tonight's meal had been a tense affair.  Staying quiet never worked.  If you didn't say something in reply to them, then that was considered rude, and of course there was punishment for that.  Of course, there was an equally high chance of being 'rude' with every answer you gave, so I couldn't win really.  I had managed to navigate my way through dinner by virtue of my sound Bible knowledge.  It was imperative to both of them that I was able to regurgitate large passages.   It was just an excuse so they could catch me out but luckily tonight I had answered correctly.

Hannah had then turned the attention away from me by talking about her friend Lydia.  When Hannah spoke, they always listened.  I had thanked her in my head quite a few times for intervening.  I suspected that she was quite astute for her age and could tell when the tension was building, as she had a knack of suddenly finding something to talk about that hadn't already been said when the hostility amplified.

I was upstairs starting on my Physics homework, I heard a familiar screech. "Jacob!"

Her voice cut through me.  Knowing I couldn't leave her waiting, I ran downstairs to the living room quickly.

"You wanted me?" I said politely.

Mum was sprawled on the couch, drink in hand.  Tony was next to her.

"Get us some drinks," she piped up.

"What would you like?"

"Whiskey and lemonade.  Whiskey with ice for your Dad."

I nodded and walked over to the drinks cabinet.  Why they couldn't get off the sofa themselves, I don't know.  Well deep down I did know- they wanted an opportunity to pick on me.  My stomach lurched.  I poured the drinks, and took them over, careful not to spill any.  They each took a sip.   Mum made a face.

"There is too much lemonade in this," she said.

"I'll put some more whiskey in," I said, hurrying to get the bottle.

Before I could pour more into her glass, Tony stood up and yanked the bottle out of my hand.  He smacked me around the back of the head.

"You've had some of this," he said.

"No, I haven't," I said backing away. "You saw me pour them."

"You little liar," he said, grabbing me by the arm. "Stand in the corner.  Nose to the wall."

At least two hours passed this way.  They were watching a film.  In some ways it was a nice change to this punishment.  I got to listen to the whole film, even though I couldn't see it.  I had also been allowed away to make them five more drinks, but other than that I hadn't been able to move.  I heard the credits begin to roll about half hour after my last excursion.  I was desperate to shift my weight, but I knew they would see any movement.  My feet hurt and my leg muscles were starting to tense up.  My neck was stretched out awkwardly so my nose was touching the wall and it ached so badly.

I heard smooching sounds behind me.  It didn't take a degree to realise what they were doing. Yuck.   This carried on for a few more minutes, I could hear Mum beginning to breathe deeply.   She let out a moan.  Oh God, had they really forgotten I was here? Or was this part of my punishment too?  I sang a song in my head trying to block out the noises.  After a few minutes I realised that they were preoccupied and that this was my chance to move slightly.  I very slowly moved, my aching calves pleased for the slight change in position.  I took my nose tip away from the wall and carefully lent my forehead on the wall.  Oh the relief!  

By the time I saw the movement he was on me, he grabbed my hand and twisted it hard behind my back.

"Ah," I cried out in pain.