Despite All Obstacles Part V

Aftermath

WARNING: BLURRED LANGUAGE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

MATTHEW'S STORY

Thursday, September 27th

This morning.

This morning is the same as last night. I take a shower first, and that is when little bro decides to brush his teeth, so he won't see me.

After I take a shower, I brush my teeth. After I brush my teeth, I step into the empty hall. He usually waits for me, just like we usually brush our teeth together. I step into my room, and I hear him leave his to use the bathroom to shower. It's a good thing I used the toilet before I shower, or I'll pee on myself while locked out.

We got dressed at the same time for school, and he steps down first. I'm usually first.

"Good morning, boys," our parents greet us, gleefully and simultaneously.

"'Morning," I immediately respond as I join them.

"'Mornin'," he responds after me. I think that was intentional. We usually say it simultaneously.

Once again, our parents converse throughout breakfast after saying good morning to us, because we aren't talking, and they feel its tense awkwardness.

It's his turn to drive us to school and doesn't want me to hog up our car, so he drives us, without looking at me, or talking to me. I tolerate listening to rock music once he changes the station. It's like he's driving himself to school.

Once we leave out of our car, I stop him to talk. He looks at me for once, without being interested in what I'm about to say, but willing to let me.

"I know why you are upset with me. I shouldn't had fooled around with Barbara at the wrong time," I blurt out, failing to keep him engaged.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have," he quickly says and starts walking. I walk beside him. He lets me.

"Do you hate me, little bro?" I ask, not identifying what he's feeling, for the first time.

"No. I just don't want anything to do with you, anymore. Neither does bro. Bye," he ends our, my, conversation. I stop walking as he continues walking, meeting up with bro and Shortcake waiting for him at the entrance from breakfast.

I gladly watch how they are true friends with one another. How two marching band members from different cliques wait for one more marching band member, who is known as neutral to the whole school system.

They both spot me from behind him, and they immediately stop smiling. Little bro's back is still facing me. I stand here frozen, like I just got out-casted by a friend group less popular than me but have strong love for. Nothing can be lonelier than this.

They walk inside together, not one of them choosing to acknowledge me.

"Hey, Matt! Get over here, buddy," Isaac acknowledges me, with the rest of the football team. I quickly put back on my social mask and join them.

"'Sup, Isaac? How's it with ya!" I chant to him.

"Not much," he coolly responds back, and I smack fives with him. I smack fives with the rest of the team, masking my pain, once again.

PATTHEW'S STORY

This afternoon.

I still cannot believe what Barbara told me yesterday. She screwed my brother? Really? What's worse is she let him lie for her about why they were both all sweaty when coming back to the campfire.