Warnings: Mentions of child of abduction, spoilers fro TW 3x06, involves an OC.
AN: This was a reactionary one-shot from Monday. Thoughts would be very much appreciated.
When Vernon first heard of Zuri, he was petrified. Actually, Zuri was a surprise to everyone. After Alicia was...well...let's just say things weren't the same anymore. His mom micro managed everything that he did. His father was gone most of the time. He would go on these...searching binges.His father would be gone weeks at a time. Every time he would come home Vernon made sure to stay out of his way. Not out of fear. It was the look on his face he couldn't stand. Disappointment...sadness...fear. His dad wasn't afraid of anything. No matter how many times his parents told him it wasn't his fault it still felt like it was. He was supposed to be watching her. He was in charge and he blew it. Vernon couldn't even remember what drew his attention away from Alicia that day. All he wanted was for her to come home.
He didn't want another baby. He couldn't handle another baby. Being so young, Vernon didn't understand how Alicia came to be exactly. And Zuri...all he could remember was angry yelling and then complete silence. He would later find out (years later) that his dad used a silencing charm. When mom sat him down, she kept rubbing her stomach.
" It's going to be okay Vernon...everything is going to change...for the better." Vernon wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him or herself.
The next nine months were a whirlwind. Nightmares of the day at the ice rink came in spurts. He would wake up sweating...sometimes crying. As his mother grew bigger Vernon tried his best to be brave. This baby...was going to his responsibility. He was still a big brother. He would be better this time. She wouldn't leave his sight. Whatever she needed, he would be there.
He made that promise to himself and he fully intended to keep it.
Until he was sat down again, by his father, and told that he and Zuri had to leave for a while.
" Just for a little while Vern...your sister...is special. She needs special attention." That "little while" turned into months...which turned into years. His father would write letters...emails and called every once in awhile.
For the longest time Vernon thought it was because his father didn't trust him. It wasn't until Zuri was about 10 and finally called the house herself that he felt slightly different.
"...There was this boy in my class that was making fun of me...said that I didn't have any siblings but I told him about you. That you were my big brother and you were brilliant. I told him that if ever said anything like that again I'd kick him in the face...why are boys stupid Vernon?"
That phone call made him smile for the rest of the day. The night, however, seemed to be reserved for Alicia.
You're forgetting about me Vernon...don't I matter any more?
He would adamantly refute the claims. He could never forget her, she was Leecee. His kid sister...well...one of his kid sisters.
His parents decided not to tell Zuri about Alicia until she was older. Claiming that she wouldn't understand. Not yet. There were moments when he and Zuri talked where he would have to be vague. He knew it frustrated her. She even hung up on him once because of it.
Couldn't he have both without making the other feel bad?
So, respecting his parents wishes, Vernon quietly kept a picture of Zuri in his wallet. The only time he would take it out was when he would be at his night shift clearing off the ice.
He would set the picture of Zuri near the steering wheel, the picture of Alicia already right beside it.
He wanted them both around to hear how his day went.
And how he planned to make himself better.
For the both of them.