General Warning:: Abuse. And some more abuse. And sprinkle some nasty dreams and all. Trigger warnings for abuse, rape, cutting, drinking, idk, I like to cover almost all areas. No drugs because at 17 i didn't know what those were.
Second Warning:: So i started this story back when i was 17-19 years old, and it's cool because you can see how my writing progresses over the years, and as much as this story has been loved as is, I'm updating and editing it. The story though isn't typical movie-story line, so keep that in mind too. But i'm trying to make it better. So, updating as I remodel the chapters. Hoping to come out with a sequel soon, since it's been...a decade... Anywho. I hope the chapters are still enjoyable. On that note, have a good read!

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

-1

He was hurting again, but it was only in his mind, in his memories. At least it wasn't as bad as it used to be. If his uncle had left him alone, left him to learn his powers at his own pace...he probably wouldn't have turned out like this.

He heard his phone ring, causing him to stir and become fully conscious. He rummaged around the top of his nightstand, his other arm lying across his eyes. He found it and saw it was Caleb, answering and placing the phone on his chest, hitting the speaker phone.

"Hello?"

"What're you up to?"

Reid opened his eyes, glancing around his room. "Reorganizing my posters."

"I'm sure you are. Sarah, Tyler and I are heading to Nikki's. Pogue's not going to join, so naturally neither will Kate. Wanna keep Tyler company?"

Reid paused, trying to ignore the fact that sleep was coming to him. "Around what time?"

"Eight or so."

"I'll think about it."

"Okay. And Reid?"

"What?"

"Lighten up. You've been acting kind of pissy lately. If you need to talk about something, we'll listen."

"I'm fine. If I need a therapist, I'll ask." Reid hung up, sighing. He knew what Caleb was talking about though. He had been acting like a bit of a brat lately, but he couldn't help it. With Caleb and Pogue ascended, Tyler's birthday was in two weeks, Reid having to wait another month still. He wanted the full dose of his powers. He was tired already of Caleb's lectures and Pogue's bragging. At least he had spring break to himself, and could do whatever he wanted, get it all out of his system before pushing for the rest of the school year. He wouldn't have to deal with the two brothers for long.

Reid looked over at his clock, reading 7:23. He sat up, sleep threatening to consume him once again. Already he had slept the weekend away, staying secluded to his room, only eating late at night. Reid finally dragged himself out of his bed and walked over to his closet. Let's get this party started. Comfy in his sweats, he grudgingly flipped through the shirts in his closet. He settled for a navy blue t-shirt and black pants, digging in a drawer for his gloves and his black and white beanie. He cleaned himself up in his bathroom before grabbing his wallet, phone, and keys off his nightstand. He looked around, not hearing his mother or father. "I'm going out with the guys," he said loudly, grabbing a light jacket from the coat closet. He opened the door, pausing in his step.

A white Ford Expedition was parked at the end of the driveway, near Reid's Tacoma. He recognized it quickly, causing him to take a step back. "Mom?" He called back, trying to hear a response. "Mom!"

"What Reid?" She asked, coming from down the hall.

"Why is Jarrod here?"

"He's coming to stay for a week or two. I'm surprised he came so quickly. I thought he'd be here later this week, after your father came home tonight."

"What a surprise," Reid muttered, walking down the steps slowly, knowing his uncle was watching him carefully. Reid unlocked his truck, tossing his jacket in.

He kept his head down, taking in a deep breath and carefully let it out. Hearing a heavy door shut, he raised his eyes to the man stepping around the front of the SUV. "Hello, Reid. It's good to see you. Why don't you help me carry my things? I'm getting old, you know." Reid met the frosty eyes, the cobalt capturing his attention. He shifted his eyes down, feeling small. His uncle was broad, a strong six foot four, never allowing Reid to forget it. The man was built, his green polo clearly one size to small. He placed a large hand on Reid's shoulder, tapping it heavily a few times. "I'll take my beloved sun room. I'm sure the air is fresh in there."

Reid watched him walk up the driveway, seeing a slight hobble. Reid didn't buy his story. He was nowhere near old. When you can lift a full grown adult by their neck and throw them hard across the room, that's not old. Reid went to the driver side passenger door, feeling like a child again. He grabbed the suitcase and side bag, hauling them inside as quickly as possible. He saw his mother walking away, saying, "I'll be in the library, Jarrod, whenever you're settled in and wanting to catch up. Let me know if you need anything to eat!"

"Thank you Mary."

Reid went up the stairs, not thrilled that he was left alone with his uncle. He brought the bags into the room, setting them down at the end of the bed, on the tan chest. He looked around for his uncle, seeing the private bathroom door shut. He turned to walk out, not caring to let his eyes stray over the walls and pictures. He knew what silly flower and tree pictures lined the walls and windows. The light orange walls were still bright and great for early morning wake ups. He reached the doorway, before a gruff voice spoke. "Where do you think you're going?"

Reid stopped, but didn't turn around. "I'm going to town. With some friends."

He felt the figure come up behind him, his uncle's breath nipping his ears. "Oh really," he growled, a hand placed on his left shoulder. "But I've missed you. I've missed your sweet aroma. I need to breathe your scent."

Goosebumps rose over his skin, his uncle not noticing yet, thankfully. "I have to go, please. My friends are waiting on me." At least he could hold strength in voice.

"But I want you waiting on me." He quickly grabbed the back of Reid's head and met his lips with Reid's, turning the smaller boy towards him. Every time, every single time he was caught off guard when his uncle did this, the first time was always the worst as his uncle cherished it the most. Reid became weak, losing his balance. He hated not being prepared. He should've known better. His uncle grabbed in between his legs, attempting to get Reid into it. Reid couldn't move until his uncle was through, the man pecking his lips. "Is it too early?" The man asked, drawing away for a moment, his breath warming Reid's cheek.

"Just a little, sir," Reid whispered, afraid the man was going take his chance and shove his tongue in his mouth.

"Well, then we'll just have to try again later. You have a good time with your friends. Remember, I'm expecting you here tonight. It's disrespectful to skip out on your parents like you do, especially when your father will be here too."

"Y-yes sir."

A chuckle met his ears as he wiped his face, the goosebumps not leaving his arms. He ran down the stairs and out the door, jumping in his truck and driving towards town.

XXX—X—XXX

Reid needed something to calm his nerves down, whether it be alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, whatever. He chose the first two, being the quickest to consume. He knew Caleb hated his habits, Pogue didn't seem to care, and Tyler just chose not to smoke. Reid rarely smoked though; the habit only seemed to show itself when he was stressed. With drinking though, he knew how to party it up, as well as wash away his life.

Caleb noticed the difference in Reid when he walked into Nikki's, and wondered why he was arriving closer to nine. Reid usually was never that late. And, he was trying to get alcohol and cigarettes as soon as possible. Caleb hung back with Sarah as Tyler went to Reid.

"Yo, Reid! You're later than normal," Tyler said, Reid turning around in surprise.

"Oh, hey Ty. I just ran into some problems at home."

Reid noticed Tyler eyeing the beer. "Problems?"

"Yeah. It's nothing though. I...just don't want to be completely sober when I go home." It might help numb the pain. "Caleb said he and Sarah were going to be here. Where are they?"

Tyler led him towards the back, Reid opening the bottle, the smooth liquid running down his throat being what he needed. He saw Caleb, then noticed he was eyeing the beverage. "Any other time for the lecture Caleb, but not tonight. I don't think I could stand to hear it."

Caleb didn't say anything, but nodded. Reid sighed, thankful, slamming the beer as quick as he could. He saw his helper, slipping her another five, waiting for the second beer. Sarah joined the table a moment later, surprised to see Reid. Reid didn't care though, continuing to look around the room, joining in on the conversations every now and again, collecting his bottles quickly. After an hour, Reid felt himself warming up, beginning to enjoy his friends. He flirted with the ladies, his personal bartender making bank off of the beers. They stayed late, Reid stepping outside for one of his last cigarettes, not even feeling the spring cold. He gazed out at the night, his smile beginning to fade. He knew what was out there, patiently waiting for him to arrive home.

He heard the door shut behind him, feeling Tyler come up next to him. "What's going on, Reid."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're wasted, bro. There's something wrong."

"This is going to be the only night I can hang out, I'm sure. So, don't try calling me or anything. Save yourself the worry." Reid put his cigarette butt in a can and walked back inside, his bartender bringing him one more beer. He sighed, his vision going fuzzy and straightening out. He helped clean up the bar a little, trying to waste time.

Caleb finally looked at him, sighing. "Reid," Caleb said, as he put up a chair. "You've never stayed this late, unless you were trying to get a girl's number. You've been out of it, as drunk as you are. What's wrong?"

Reid looked at him, eyes slightly unfocused, face a little flushed. "Nothing, oh great leader. Nothing is wrong. Quit asking. I'll be seeing you guys when school starts. Got it?"

Tyler stared at him. "So, you're still saying that all of our plans that we made for this week was for nothing?"

"Yeah, sorry man. I should go. It's late. See you guys at school," he said, turning away. "Hopefully," he added quietly.

Reid tried his best to try to focus on the wavering floor, knowing Caleb, Tyler, and Sarah were watching him, the door shutting behind him. He stumbled over to his truck, managing to get in. He put his forehead on the steering wheel, the cool air calming him down. Even through the cloud his mind was in, he still knew what he was going home to. He started his truck, rolled down his windows, and left in a hurry. The soft hum of music was in the background, helping keep him calm. Finally, the mansion came into view, porch lights softly lighting up the area, the stars finishing the clarification. He rolled up, switching the truck into neutral and turning it off, cruising into his spot. Quietly he shut the door, stumbling up the pathway, the stairs catching his leg sooner than he expected. Banging his knee on the steps, he swiftly stood back up and rushed to the front door, trying to sneak the rest of the way up.

He made to his room, shutting the door carefully before turning on his light and leaning his back against the door, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh of relief. The drunk was beginning to course through his veins again, bringing a slight smile to his face. His heart began to calm down, and feelings escalating. He opened his eyes, looked over to his bed, but slid over to the left, wondering why this scene was wrong. "Jarrod, what are you doing in here?"

The older man smiled, standing up. "You forgot the title. One strike. You were out after curfew. Two strikes. You are obviously not sober. Three strikes. You're just asking to be punished, aren't you? You have lost everything I taught you. I put sleeping pills into your mother's tea, and Joseph won't be home until a little after three a.m. You are about to experience the most brutal ninety minutes in quite a while."

Reid pressed himself against the door as his uncle came towards him, Reid wishing he didn't come home at all. His drunken stupor began fading as his heart picked up its pace, the nicotine still in his system making his vision slide. His uncle put a hand around the teenager's throat, sliding him up to the door so he was eyelevel with the brute.

"You reek, you are filth. You bring nothing but disgrace to this family. I hope you realize what we sacrifice to hide your powers, for you to live here, to send you to that school."

"We? You have nothing to do with this. You were adopted, and then my father happened to come along. You're just jealous the powers were never able to come to you somehow."

The hand pressed tighter, the airflow cutting off. "You don't know how it was. You weren't there. If it weren't for me, your father would most likely have died. He was almost addicted to the power by the age of fifteen. His father never bothered teaching him how to control it. He was left to figure out how to control it, how to use it without abusing. That's why your father left you to me when you turned thirteen."

"Was abuse mentioned though? You ever abuse my dad when he wouldn't listen to you?" Reid choked out.

Face turning red, his uncle threw him across the room, Reid crashing head first into his wall, feeling his skull crack. His uncle waited and listened for a moment before he was convinced Meredith wouldn't come up. Reid was in a world of pain, managing to pull his beanie off and feel the blood that was slicking his blonde hair. He hoped this would be the worst of it, so his uncle didn't have to worry about waking Reid's mother. He felt himself lifted by the back of his neck, and was pushed onto his bed. Something was placed under his head, him thinking it was a towel so blood wouldn't get on his covers.

"You ready to have your punishment?"

"Bastard. If my father finds out—"

"You're asking for it, Air. He thinks he knows what type of punishment I give you, so if you say anything, he wouldn't believe you. I know my brother. Don't forget, I helped raise him. Now...I think I need to stop your talking."

Reid opened his eyes, a blurry picture of his uncle grabbing something meeting his line of sight. He soon felt something pushed into his mouth, then...tape, he realized, wrapping around the gag and his head a couple of times.

"Now, hopefully this will keep you silent. Where to start... Oh yes. A little slapping should do. I'll keep this swift. No one should notice the marks, but if you get in trouble for not being able to walk, you'll be punished even more."

Reid felt his uncle spread his legs, Reid instinctively pulling them back together. His uncle won sitting on his legs near the ankles to hold them open. He felt something slap his inner thigh, hard, the sting reaching through the fabric of his pants and spreading. "This is for forgetting the title." A few more slaps with what he guessed a board. "This is for coming home after curfew." This time on the other leg, harder slaps. After so many, his uncle said, "And this is for not being sober at seventeen." His uncle released his fury, Reid biting the rag just as hard as the board was biting his legs. When his uncle was finished, he couldn't feel the majority of his legs. The pain spread all the way up his abdomen and past his knees, causing his muscles to contract, everything feeling singed and raw.

"Now... We need to do something about your attitude, clothes, and manner. I'm going to ask you questions, and each one you get wrong, you'll be punished."

Reid soon learned that it was hard to answer with only nodding and shakes of his head. Shrugs didn't count. The punishment began with punching along his shoulders, chest, and thighs, progressing into slashing Reid's left arm with a butterfly knife he found in Reid's drawer. Whenever Reid felt weak, ready to pass out, his uncle thunked the crack on the back of his skull, arousing the boy quickly.

"I see we're running out of time. It's almost three, and your father is supposed to be home sometime soon," the voice called out to the barely conscious teen. "I recommend you take a shower; you've created quite a mess. I hope I refreshed your memory. I'll leave you to get the gag off yourself and to the bathroom. It's only across your room."

Chuckling, his uncle left the room, Reid barely able to move. He wrestled the gag off of his mouth, taking in deep breaths, the alcohol in his stomach causing him distress. When his stomach settled, he grabbed his pajamas and went to the shower, avoiding his reflection. He had a hard time walking, his muscles weak, but he hoped he could find a happy medium in the water to relax and help. As he turned on the water, he threw up into his toilet, finally crawling under the stream of the shower and allowed the tears to mix with the blood heading for the drain.