His reasons are always the same. One slap, because I was a mistake. Two kicks, because he's stuck with me. Three punches, because in his eyes I'm a disgrace, and lastly, the final knockout hit because I'm the reason why his life was destroyed.
• • •...
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" monsters are real, ghosts are real too. they live inside us, and sometimes, they win "
- Stephen King, The Shining
∞
"There's something we need to discuss," he said stoically. I couldn't tell how severe the topic was, as Mason's cold exterior towards me was never-changing, however, I figured it was serious by the way his unwavering glare of hatred remained locked on me.
"About what..." I whispered.
Finally, his gaze broke and he looked out at the sky, crossing his arms. I quietly sigh, my heartbeat slowing as I realize that maybe it's not as bad as I thought.
"I know you're lying."
Oh god he knows, he knows! He found out about my abusive father and he knows the guy who was just threatening me was him and he knows that it's my fault that my mother-
"I haven't figured out exactly what yet, but I know you're lying." he declared, "And I will figure out what it is you're not telling us."
"Why does it matter to you so much?" I ask, this time my voice louder and more harsh.
He returned to his menacing glare as he turned his gaze towards me once again, "Because you're keeping secrets."
Anger surged through my body, an unfamiliar feeling. I don't know what compelled me to snap back at him, maybe it was because I was fed up with his attitude, or maybe it was because I knew no matter what I say, he has to tolerate me because of Gemma.
"Yeah, I have secrets. But so do you guys!"
He scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically, "Like what?"
I mocked his childish eye roll, "Hmmm... well first of all, why did Noah react the way he did to that fire? Or why Jackson and Noah both live with you instead of their parents?"
Mason went silent, glaring down at his hands in his lap. He knew that I'd made a good point - and I could have stopped there. I'd bested him, and effectively rendered him speechless, but I was riled up and of course I had to run my mouth.
"Oh! I also can't seem to find out why you're always such a jerk-" I started but got cut off when Mason's head snapped in my direction.
"Don't." he seethed, glaring at me with so much hatred I was momentarily caught off guard. I turned my head towards the outside of the cart so he couldn't see me desperately trying to contain my tears.
