Discordant Hearts
An: This story is a Sequel to Oblivion. For less confusion I would take a look. Thanks and enjoy!
One.
A week ago Jerry Brewer was a Martinez. On the weekends, the people he thought were his family, gathered around a Latino American Breakfast. Sugary sweet pastries accompanied scrambled eggs on a platter in the middle of the kitchen table. One Saturday a month, his extended family crammed into their modest kitchen, boisterous laughter filling the atmosphere. Cousin Stephen stole churros from his plate every time, because he wanted seconds and thirds. His mother wrapped her arms around his shoulder, whispering 'Mi Hijo' with a twinkle in her eye, trying to get his attention amongst the cacophony by running her fingers through his hair.
"My son."
He snapped to attention when the sound of familiar yet unfamiliar words reached his ears. Fingers ran through his locks as he turned toward his mother's warm eyes, guilt settling in his heart. He had been going over familiar memories in his head. Yet, his family sat right in front of him. He shouldn't be stuck in the past.
"Did I miss something?" he asked.
Jack snorted on his right and then forked a generous helping of pancake into his mouth. Jerry eyed him, brows raised. He had to work on zoning out less. It was something he did in his classes often and he knew his grades suffered because of it.
"I was just reminding you of your appointment this afternoon," his mother stated.
He gave her a firm nod and a salute. She smiled as a result of his gesture and then the family went back to a silent breakfast. Jerry didn't have the heart to tell her that he didn't remember having a appointment. He guessed he would find out after school.
After stirring his meal around his plate, he finally brought the fork to his mouth. He looked to his side and his mother's eyes brightened as soon as he made eye contact with her. He hadn't realized she had been watching him carefully.
"Food's great mom," Jack said, pushing his empty plate aside. "Jerry we need to hurry. The parking lot is a mess in the morning. I'm not going to be late the first day of school."
"You sound like Milton."
"Your brother is right, Jerry. Finish up quickly." she stated, waving a fork in the air. "I packed lunches for you both. You know? I never thought I would have the joy of packing two lunches. I'm so thankful for the miracle over the summer."
Jerry accompanied Jack to the kitchen where he set his plate in the sink. Jack pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek before he headed to his car. Gentle fingers took a hold of his wrist before he could head toward the door. He glanced at the warmth in the pair of brown eyes and smiled.
"Have a nice day," she said, voice laced with affection as she took a hold of his hands. "It'll be a new start. A good one."
"Yeah," he smiled. "Thanks."
He bid both his parents a farewell before he climbed into the passenger's seat of Jack's car.
Jerry tried to keep his eyes open as he reclined in the passenger's seat. At a red light, Jack turned to him, lips pressed into a thin line. Jerry averted his eyes from the imploring gaze. All he wanted was to catch a few more minutes of sleep before they reached Seaford High.
"Hey, you are dozing off. Did you get any sleep last night?"
Jerry straightened up from his slouched position against the car door. He eyed Jack's soft gaze and shrugged. He rather not discuss his occasional sleepless nights. There was nothing to talk about. He yawned, gaze fixed on the dashboard.
"No, didn't get much sleep. Could you turn down the volume?" he questioned, resting his head against the window again. "I'm going to get a little sleep before we get there."
Before Jack could ask further questions, the red light changed to green. The elder teen turned his focus to the road ahead and Jerry was grateful. The low thrum of the car engine lulled him to sleep.
"Come on, Jay."
Jerry awoke, eyes wide, searching around himself. He recognized the packed parking lot of Seaford High and realized they arrived at school. He rubbed the last seconds of sleep from his eyes as he trailed behind his brother. Jack pushed opened the double doors and let him enter first.
Jerry couldn't ignore the curious glances of the Seaford student body. He had no problems with the stares. No attention was bad in his eyes. He always believed in grabbing the spotlight when it shined on him. Despite the heat of the glances, he was pleased. He could see all the attention being used for good.
He opened his locker, located three lockers down from Jack's. His first day of class was History and he dreaded the subject just as much as he dreaded most of his subjects. He shoved the book under his armpit and waved goodbye to Jack. A hand grasped his wrist before he could disappear.
"Hey, man, your sneakers," Jack said.
Jerry glanced at his feet for a brief second and then shrugged. Jack blocked his path when he tried to head toward the school steps. He tilted his head to the side as he watched Jack get on one knee. Jack reached for his shoes and he recoiled.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Jerry asked, trying to move away. "Hey ladies!"
Jack looked over his shoulder as a few pretty girls strolled past. Jerry narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms after the girls passed. One of the girls had a Spanish course with him last fall. He tried to escape Jack while his reputation was still safe, but he had no choice. Jack held his shoe laces hostage while he finished up. Jack laced up his shoes with ease, ignoring the stares in the hall. The elder teen gave his laces an experimental tug and got up with a smile on his lips.
"I don't know why you are so ashamed now," Jack said. "Milton always ties your shoes. By the way, you should really learn how to tie those sneakers. I'll be willing to teach you, if you want."
"Yeah, okay. You didn't have to embarrass me. We are in the middle of the most public place in all of the school, Jack. All the prettiest girls walk through here."
"Everyone walks through here."
"Exactly, everyone."
Jack rolled his eyes and then gave Jerry a pat on the back. "Well, learn to tie those sneakers and you won't have to worry about older brother doing it for you. Honestly, I'm not really surprised."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Jerry asked. "Are you calling me stupid?"
"No, you didn't exactly have a conventional childhood," Jack stated, voice soft and hesitant. "I mean, with the kidnappers and all. I wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't bothered to teach or help you with anything."
Jerry frowned, brows furrowed. He wanted to protest and provide evidence, but decided against it. He stuffed his right hand in his pocket and thanked Jack for his assistance. He walked around the elder boy, ignoring the question in the other's eyes. Just like the conversation about his sleepless nights, he didn't wish to talk about it. Instead he headed up the steps to his next class.
Jerry fiddled with one strap of his backpack as the other hung off his shoulder. Andrea Sanford stood inches away from him in the front of the school. The wind picked up a few strands of her dark brunette locks. .
"Look, Andy," he stated, testing out the nickname for her. "Don't listen to what those other girls say."
"Really?" she asked, raising a brow. "I shouldn't listen to them when they say stay away from you? I mean I shouldn't be talking to you. You are a player. Even Taylor warned me."
Before he spoke, he spotted Taylor over Andrea's shoulder. Taylor crossed her arms and shook her head at him. He gave Andrea a warm smile and then narrowed his eyes at Taylor. Yes, he had scored one date with Taylor. After their first date, they decided to stay friends. He guessed he had been blinded by love at first, but the truth reveal itself soon enough.
"Don't listen to Taylor," Jerry responded, signaling Taylor to leave. "We broke it off not too long ago and she is bitter."
Andrea looked away and pondered while Jerry waved his arms above his head. Taylor shook her head before she disappeared from sight. Taylor insisted Jerry had wandering eyes during their first and only date, but Jerry was a noble guy. She must have imagined it all.
"Andy," he stated, taking a hold of her hand. "I really think there could be something awesome between us. And I'm not just saying that because I've said it a million times before, honest."
She giggled, rolling her eyes at his statement. She opened her mouth to speak, but a buzzing sound interrupted. Jerry frowned, glancing at his vibrating pants pocket. He ignored the distraction and turned his gaze to her, dismissing anymore text message sounds from his cell phone.
"Well, Jerry," she began. "I think that—."
His cellphone jumped and buzzed in his pocket. His Surfing the Lightning ringtone drifted from his cell phone before he picked up the call. He apologized to Andy, and then gave the person on the phone his attention. He frowned at the hurried voice of his mother on the other end.
"Hey, Andy, sorry," he stated, running his fingers through his hair. "Can I take a rain check?"
She smiled, eyes twinkling. "All depends on my mood next time."
"What? Really?" he asked.
Andrea gave him a warm smile and then walked away without a single word. He watched her join her friends before he headed to the buses. He almost wished he hadn't rejected Jack's offer of a ride home. He wasn't a huge fan of the public school bus.
Jerry's heart lodged within his throat at the sight of a cop car parked in the driveway. He itched the back of his hand, brows furrowed. The last time he saw a squad car was when he left his former family behind. Less than a month ago, he had been certain he was a Martinez. As he walked passed the cop car, he understood what the appointment was about and he wasn't happy. Their front door opened and Jack stuck his head out.
"Jerry, didn't you get Mom's text and call?" he asked, brows raised. "What are you doing standing on the lawn. I can't believe you are late. This was scheduled and everything. Hurry up!"
Jerry nodded, eyes focused on the cop car as he traveled toward their front door. He licked his lips, playing with his backpack straps as he headed through the door. Nothing could have interrupted his dreaded walk toward his front door. He wished something would interrupt. He wouldn't mind a stampede of wild monkeys.
"Jerry, honey. This is Officer Michael and Dr. Kelly New," his mother said, gesturing toward a burly cop and slender brunette. "Officer Michael is just here to get a statement that is all, just like we discussed earlier. And Dr. New just wants to have a chat with you."
"I already talked to the police," he stated, brows furrowed. "I don't know why we have to make a big deal out of this when I told you I already talked to them, Mom."
His gaze fell upon Jack sitting in the kitchen. Their eyes made contact before the elder male averted his gaze. Jerry narrowed his eyes at the strange action. He scratched the back of his head, eyes focused on his brother. Part of him wondered if Jack had said anything about him. He didn't know much about the police, but he never heard of them getting more than one statement from someone.
"Hello, Jerry, as your mom stated, I'm just here to talk," Dr. New remarked, moving her hands as she spoke.
He eyed them both, a lump in his throat. They didn't want to just 'talk'. No one ever just wanted to talk anymore. He remembered the girl he went out with before Taylor. She had just wanted to talk for ten minutes, but it was more than a talk. The result of their talk ended with him alone and confused by what he could have done to deserve such a cold rejection. He wasn't ready for any more talks. He was supposed to be out with Andy.
"Can we not do this?" he asked, eyes on his shoes.
"Oh," Dr. New stated, interrupting the officer. "Well, we could always reschedule."
"No, I don't mean do this another time," he stated, fists clenched. "I mean can we not do this at all. I mean I already told you what you wanted to know a few days ago."
"Jerry, honey, don't be rude," she stated, voice stern. "I'm so sorry. Can I fix you both a cup of coffee? My husband just bought me a CoffeTime Machine for my birthday. You know the one's with the little cups for single serving? I have French vanilla."
Dr. New glanced over him, her eyes warm and understanding. He narrowed his eyes at her not interested in her. Sure, she was pretty, but he could tell she would annoy him real easy. He was even less interested in Officer Michael.
"That sounds delightful, Mrs. Brewer," she stated.
Officer Michael eyed Jerry for a second before agreeing to a cup. While they were conversing in the kitchen, Jerry turned his attention to the stairs. If he locked himself in his room, then they would be forced to leave. They would have to abandon their plan. On his way, Jack blocked his path.
"Move, Jack."
"Jerry, what is the big deal?" Jack questioned. "They just want to talk."
"No one ever wants to just talk, Jack," Jerry said. "Plus, I don't want to talk with anyone. Now, hurry and move. I want to leave while mom distracts them with expensive coffee."
Jack shook his head, arms crossed as he refused to move. Jerry wondered if he could kick Jack in the shins. He had tried it only once before during one of their sparring sessions gone wrong. Despite his own black belt in Karate, he decided against it. His brother had acquired a lot of muscles over the years. He ran his fingers along his own insignificant bumps and realized he better not try his luck.
"Fine."
Jack smiled, reaching out and squeezing Jerry's right shoulder. The younger snorted at the affectionate action and turned to the living room. Jack nodded and made his way toward the kitchen. Jerry stuffed his hands in his pants, smiling within his mind. He made a quick sprint up his house steps, ignoring Jack's last minute shout. He could always pretend he was too exhausted from a hard day of work at school.
Dr. Kelly New introduced herself with bright twinkling eyes. She discussed her fascination for modern art, her interest in old black and white movies, and her secret love for surf boarding. Jerry scoffed at the memory as he traveled down the steps. Jerry remembered her warm voice prompting him to share some things about himself. He hadn't meant to be rude about it. He maybe shouldn't have dismissed her lighthearted behavior. He maybe should have been just as kind.
He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes focused on the fridge. Silence drifted throughout their home and he could no longer ignore the grumble of his stomach. After speaking with the psychologist he headed up to his room, insisting he wasn't hungry. It was all a lie and he shouldn't have tried a hunger strike.
He spotted a tiny Tupperware dish with a pink sticky note attached with tape at the top. He read over the note, a frown on his lips. He removed the dish from the fridge. His mother saved him food and he wondered how she knew him so well. They had only interacted over a few days. He expected her to be nothing but awkward in his presence. After all, the last time they truly interacted was apparently when he was four years old or something.
"Can't sleep?"
Jerry paused and then turned to face the owner of the voice. He hugged his meal to his chest as if he feared for his food's short life. Jack shook his head, heading over to the fridge and got himself a cup of water. Jack's shoulders were relaxed and his hair was tousled from sleep. He almost wished he seemed as comfortable as Jack did. Jack had spoken with Dr. Kelly New a day before him, because his schedule was packed. He seemed even less unsettled after their chat.
"What did you both talk about the day before?" Jerry asked, eyes set on Jack leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Who?"
"Kelly."
"You mean Dr. New?" Jack asked, head tilted.
"No, Jack, Dr. Frankenstein, the monster."
Jack smiled at the name and then he took another sip of his water. He placed the empty glass in the sink and walked over to him.
"You do know Frankenstein was the scientist right? Or at least that is what Milton told me," Jack commented, voice soft. "I don't remember actually. I sometimes don't understand when he goes on his long winding tales."
Jerry narrowed his eyes, gripping the Tupperware in his hands still. He placed his meal in the microwave and pressed START. The food rotated within and then he turned his attention to his older brother. Jerry crossed his arms and leaned forward into the other's space.
"Why are you avoiding the question?" Jerry asked, brows raised.
"I'm sorry detective," Jack said, amusement in his voice. "I'll stay focused."
"You think this is funny, don't you?"
Jack gave him a light shove and headed around him. The elder bid him a goodnight and headed up the steps. Jerry kept his gaze on the stairs for a second longer before the beep of his meal grabbed his attention. His stomach gurgled and he pushed his encounter with Jack to the back of his mind. He retrieved his meal and took a place at the kitchen table, ready to partake in a super late dinner.
As he shoved cheese stuffed ravioli in his mouth, his mind wandered back to the afternoon. He lied. He lied to the nice lady, but part of him wondered if she knew. He frowned, eyeing the last few ravioli pieces in the container. There was a recorder in the corner of his father's office during his time with Dr. New. Dr. New joked that her handwriting was atrocious, but Jerry knew better. He watched many crime shows in his day. Not to say he thought he was a suspect, but he knew she wanted to analyze his voice in her office later. She had to have known he was lying.
He left his dish in the sink and trudged up the stairs to his room. He wondered if he was being unnecessarily difficult. In his defense, he had already spoken with the police and given a statement. He didn't understand why he had to talk with a psychologist all of a sudden. He wasn't insane and he knew he wasn't losing his mind. It wasn't fair that he wasn't being taken seriously and he didn't appreciate the disregard from his own mother. He thought she heard him when he asked for no police meetings. He found it strange that she thought he didn't listen enough to her.
He stretched out on his bed, mind returning back to his father's office. He didn't like being interviewed closely. Despite, Dr. New's comforting nature, she was still working with the police. Jerry only hoped he would see the last of her and Officer Michael. He ran his fingers across the soft linen of his bed as he drifted into a troubled sleep.
Hello Everyone!
Well there you have it! The start of the Sequel to Oblivion. It has been such a long time since my last story. I know I stated I wouldn't write a sequel, but I found this story/idea wouldn't leave me alone, so I quietly worked on it. I'm excited! After all, I couldn't leave the other story like that because I couldn't stop thinking what happens next?
The next chapter is 6% (estimated) of the way done. Yes, a low percentage. I wanted to get this first chapter out so bad, so I did. Hopefully, the next chapter won't be too long. If you want, you could check my profile. I'll have announcements about this story there from here on out.
I want to thank everyone for reading this story! I appreciate any feedback about all aspects of the story. Feel free to let me know in a review.
Until Next Chapter,
Bye
