Disclaimer: I still don't own em.
Author Notes: This is actually probably my favorite piece to date. I'd like to thank everyone who's reviewed my stories up to this point. Thanks you guys, I hope you like this story!
He Screams
In his head, Geoff's screaming. In his head, he screams for as long and as loudly as he can. He screams until his throat is raw and his voice is gone. In reality, Geoff seems solid, and unshakeable. One thing that had always gotten him some respect was how unflappable he always appeared. No matter what was going on, Geoff could shrug it off, nothing got under his skin. It was like Geoff was superman, there was nothing he couldn't handle. People marveled at how he stepped up and accepted the responsibility he shouldn't have had to shoulder.
It never ceased to amaze Cory how his big brother stepped up and took charge when their parents fell apart. Geoff had become completely selfless in a matter of moments. His brothers, and their needs came first, and Geoff came far after. Cory was amazed that his big brother was still standing after all they'd been through. He was not blind, he could see the moments when Geoff looked so tired it almost hurt to look at him. He saw the times when Geoff was visibly frustrated with their situation. Those times seemed so far and few between however. Geoff took control of their family, and he was doing it much better than most in their situation would.
Toby always knew that Geoff would help. No matter what his problem was, whether it be the homework that was becoming more difficult for him, or the bully during recess, Geoff always had the answer. He could always explain things in a way that Toby understood. Geoff was always there to make sure Toby made it to every birthday party. When Toby joined little league, Geoff made sure he was able to attend every practice, and came to every game. Toby once asked how someone could have so much energy to spend on other people. Geoff had laughed and adverted his attention.
Eli knew Geoff would make the bad stop. Whether it be from the thunderstorm, or the nightmares he would awaken from, Eli knew Geoff would never turn him away. Eli couldn't be sure why, but Geoff was the only one who could make the bad stuff seem less bad. Geoff never once complained when Eli woke him in the dead of night. He never said anything about how exhausted he was, he simple scooted over in his bed and let Eli slid in with him. Geoff was the only one who did a really thorough monster check for him. Eli felt safest with his oldest brother.
Geoff would never admit there were times he wanted to throw his arms up over his head and shout that he quit. He would never actually tell anyone how exhausting it was to deal with Eli's frequent nightmares, or Toby's never ending parade of little league events or birthday parties. He wouldn't let people know how much guilt he carried over what happened with Skylar. He knew logically his brother being taken to a home to help with his problems was the best thing for him. Geoff could not help but feel that it was partly his fault for not being able to help him himself.
It was quite tonight, Cory was doing his homework upstairs and Toby and Eli were already asleep. Geoff lay back against the couch and shut his eyes. On the outside he seemed calm and relaxed.
In his head he screams.