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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"emBefore you is a scene so foreign and distant. The characters so familiar, yet acting so alien. You stand gazing at the jewelry store across the street. Walsh stood next to you with a hand on your shoulder. He wasn't gazing at the store, in fact he was wearing a blindfold. Wispy forms of a man and woman danced hand and hand across the street. They're dressed in black funeral attire with small while rose corsages. The jewelry store takes on less of a welcoming form. But looks more like a pesky mirage, teasing you with water always just out of reach./em/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"em From the side of the store, you can barely make out the figure of a truck. Looking like a shark, attracted to laughter instead of blood, the van swims out of the think noise surrounding the store and knocking over the couple. They slipped beneath the great beast's belly. And many blue and white rose petals, melted off their vague appearances. The petals blew away, following the current made by the sharks movements. One swiftly floats in front of your face. Without hesitation, to clamp both hands around the petal in a single clap. But the crack from that clap, silenced everything. Walsh turns to face you, his expression unmoving behind the blindfold. He reaches behind his back removing a set of cuffs from his belt. Your eyes widen and you try to pull away, yet he still swiftly locks your wrists together. Unable to release the petal trapped beneath your fingers, you tell Walsh to release you. 'What are you doing Walsh? I'm not the bad guy let me go!' is what you wanted to say. But when your lips parted, it was as if you were underwater and only bubbles floated out. No noise. The petal that remained wedged in your palms began to heat up. It was burning your hands, imprinting a mark or painful reminder. You shake your arms and scream at Walsh to remove the cuffs. But he can't see nor hear you. /em/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"emWhy does it hurt more to be ignored, than being branded?/em/div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong(Your POV) /strong/div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Your eyelids feel so heavy, as if chained to the floor. You could barely see the light from your desk lamp through the tiny crack you manage to open. Once you were able to pull them apart however, all you could see were Chris Pine's beautiful eyes. 'What the...' curiosity and confusion force you to reach up over the covers and push the Star Trek poster off your face. 'It finally fell, huh. Gah! The room is freezing, I don't want to get up.' you curl deeper into the foam mats, but your socks are caught on the sheets. A searing pain courses up your thigh and into your gut. You hiss then straighten back out as you were before. 'Ow ow ow, Why do my legs sting so badly?' gently, you sit up and remove the sheets to see your shins. The bed sheets fly right off and collect in a ball on the floor. 'Weird, I usually have my sheets tucked-in at the foot of the bed.' you gaze back at your legs. Knee high socks that are stripped pink and white, were prickled and bumpy. Lifting your legs turned out to be more painful then anticipated, as you try to remove your socks. You hiss between your teeth trying so hard not to cry out figuring 'Nama would still be asleep. After a long while, you became able to see under the pink and white strips. There are sets of white fabric wrapped angrily around your shins. The bandages are held together with metal clips, and at some points dried blood seeped through to soil the fabric. 'What happened? Why am I bandaged? Is that MY blood?' You don't know or understand what is going on. Your heart races as you decide to remove the bandages. Gently unwrapping the fabric around your left leg, your heartbeat quickens. 'The fabric keeps getting more and more bloody.' You think while continuing to unwrap. As soon as you saw your flesh, you drop the bandages curled in your fist. Several stitched up gash wounds cover your shins in miss shaped lines. Each two inches or three inches. Some straight or curved; others look like stabbed holes. But all of them were sealed with dry blood. You gasp, eyes wide and full of fear. You unwrap your right leg to find a similar scene of scattered lesions. 'Wha...What is THIS?' You begin to shake, not just because the room was cold, but because you were full of confusion and fear. ''Nama! 'Nama!' You want so hard to scream out but you can't move your eyes away from your shins. And your voice seem caught in your throat. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"Oh how the crow laughs with the reaper./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Your body feels light and your head is throbbing. 'I'm going to pass out. I need to call 'Nama.' You open your mouth to call to her, you give a pathetic wheeze before erupting into a fit of couphs. 'What! Come on, no more fear I need 'Nama!' You open your mouth yet again to scream, however, all you get is hot air and a sore throat. ''Nama! 'Nama! Please! Shawn! Someone please I'm scared!' You think of all the things you want to shout. You want to say something, you need help. /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You fall out of bed, too dizzy to feel the impact of you back against the hard floor. Your shins sear in agony, begging you not to move. But you drag yourself backwards towards the ladder. 'Please, please be awake.' Your arms give out and you fall to the floor yet again. Your room never felt so loney and you could never recall a time the ceiling loomed so darkly. 'No! No no no no no... I'm almost there!' You slam you fist down in anger, again and again. 'Shawn or 'Nama please! Help me...' Your eyes flutter shut again, but not before you caught a glimps of the trap door falling open and hear the ladder clatter on the hallway's wood floor. /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Shawn's alcohol breath was stained on all his clothes. And you regained consciousness the moment you smelt his shirt. Your face was buried in his chest as he carried you bridal style back to your bed. You squirm, coughing uncontrollabley while trying to shout at the drunk. You elbow Shawn in the stomach, he grunts and drops you on you bed suddenly. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oi! Lil' brat! I'm tryin' to help you." Shawn's voice wasn't slurred like when he's drunk. It truth you thought he sounded slightly sincere. 'He must not be drinking as much. Did 'Nama make him quit cold turkey?' /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Shawn! Help me up once your done moving her." 'Nama calls up the ladder. Shawn turned to help her, offering her his hand. You sit up, but too fast. Falling back down again clutching your head. 'Ouch! Bad idea...' You hiss through your teeth. 'Nama and Shawn approach your bedside, both with worried expressions. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Poor baby. Why'd you remove the bandages, Shawn?" 'Nama growled accusingly at him. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Woman, you pickin' a fight with me already? She was like that when I got up here." Shawn reaches for the wads of fabric you had previously ripped off your shins./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well then wrap 'er back up!" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I'm working' on it!" Shawn and 'Nama continue to growl at each other. Your breathing became shaky and broken. You throw your arms down onto the bed, and dig your nails into the sheets. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Quit struggling, child! The doctor said you can't move too much!" 'Nama's anger turns to your thrashing body. You legs sting like dozens of bees are crawling on them. Your lung's deep inhales burn your throat. Tears can no longer be contained, and pour out the sides of your eyes. 'Nama reaches out and holds your hand. While Shawn angerly rewraps your legs. You cry silently, hiccing frequently between sobs. But why was it so hard to scream? Instead of sucking it up and moving on... You've always sucked it up, is change just so easy now? That you can simply change when people tell you? You did expect things to be different, but not this different./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You passed out soon after Shawn rewrapped your bandages. 'Nama had blamed Shawn for you getting hurt, so he was trying his hardest to fix his mess. When you fell on the glass, your legs were covered in cuts, in total you had to get 124 stitches for both legs. You couldn't walk and the doctor said staying in bed was the best way to heal. You missed work too many times, even after spending your vacation days, and you were fired. Whatever cash you had in the bank, was spent on your medical bills. 'Nama did land a job as a waitress and Shaw was taking his job more serious too. But when they both came home, there was no end to the fighting. You couldn't sleep with their racket nor could you go and stop them. You wouldve thought they forgot about you if they didn't leave you a hot thermace, a cup noodle, and ibuprofen. /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"What hurt most isnt being able to walk, losing your job, or 'Nama and Shawn's constant arguing; it hurt most when the doctor said you'd never be able to speak again. That when Shawn had hit your throat, he broke your vocal cords. And when your throat swelled, they were smashed into the walls of your throat. There were surgeries that could fix it, but each with high percentages of failure. And you were out of money./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"The silent aren't stupid, in fact they no the most. And are trusted with secrets only because... Who are they going to tell?/div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong~One month later~/strong/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong(Your POV)/strong/div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You awake on the living room couch, again. You were watching T.V. last night until you were too tired to climb the ladder to the attic. 'Nama's favorite quilt had been thrown over you body too. Ever since your accident 'Nama had grown to you, slowly becoming... well, like a proper Grandma. When she wasn't working she took care of you and your legs. However when she was at work, Shawn wasn't. It was his "free time" and you weren't even on his mind. Shawn got into trouble during theses times, but what could you do about it. He taunts you each time, saying,/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" "What? Ya gunna tattle on me?" then he'd laugh, like punching in your vocal cords was the best thing he ever did. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"He brought home beer by the gallons, and hid them in the fridge downstairs. There were cigarettes left smoking on the kitchen counter, like that was any good for your lungs. And then he'd bring home Tiana, you'd have to leave the house because... lets just say it was very unpleasant.. /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama was humming in the kitchen, it was a bouncy tune. You recognize it as the theme to her favorite game show. You had folded the blanket, now carrying it in your arms. Standing behind 'Nama you click your tounge, quiet loudly too. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oh my... [Name] not so loud, child. You'll make me wet myself." 'Nama jumped then turned to face you. You stare down at the blanket in your arms, thrusting it out to 'Nama, she took a step back. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oh, um... Go put it on my bed. Close the door on you way out." you nod and shuffle of to 'Nama's bedroom. 'I have yet to learn any sign language, so I couldn't tell her thank you.'/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" Nobody knew what you were thinking, even if they asked you couldn't tell them... /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama's room was simple. Flowered walls of white and blue, the bed posts and dresser were painted white, and her sheets were blue. On the back of the door hung 'Nama's jacket. You set the quilt on her bed and look around, on the dresser was a small jewelry box and a notepad. You open the lid of the jewelry box, just to peep inside. The first thing your eyes are caught by, is a large opal drop pendant with silver binding and chain. 'Pretty... It defiantly catches the eye.' you close the lid quietly. The noteworthy yellow paper sits silently, ignored on the edge of the dresser. And some part of you felt... sympathy. 'I know what it feels like to be swept aside and ignored...' you reach into her jacket pocket to find a small blue sharpie. Sliding the notepad closer to yourself, you scribble down the words "Thank you 'Nama." and leave the room before you become more distracted. Closing the door on your way out./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"The pads of your feet thump down the hallway as you walk back to the kitchen, many times 'Nama's suggested you wear shoes that squeak when you walk. To make up for it, you tend to stomp around the house. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You sit at the counter atop a bar stool, then a plate slides across the table to land in front of you. Eggs, bacon, and toast? 'Nama giggles as you look up at her with questioning eyes./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I didn't poison it today. Eat up, so you can get better and back to working. You should start lookin' up who's hirin'." 'Nama's sense of humor was questionable at times but her smile was always a treat. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Never stop smiling 'Nama.' you smile to yourself and happily devour the meal. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well, I'm off to serve breakfast to the rest of the town. [Name], you take care of yourself, ya'hear?" You give a dignified nod, smiling at her. But she hesitates before chuckling to herself. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Come 'ere, kid." 'Nama stretches one arm out to you, you blink, confused./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You gunna give me a hug or na?" Her scowl condenses a bit, but you do run into her arms, wrapping your arms around her torso. She pats you head and leaves for work. Not long after, Shawn babbles his way up the stairs. Not just him but Tiana too, she hid right under his arm. 'Did she stay the night? I would've known because I wouldn't be able to sleep.' You stare at them from the top of the stairs./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Heh heh, Whatcha doin' Mute? Did you wake up early to say bye-bye to the life line?" He snickers, Tiana too except hers is higher and she hics between breaths. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I'd say we could all go out for lunch… hic… but I'm afraid the waiter won't know how to play charades." Tiana's high pitch voice was like nails on a chalkboard, and her breath smelt of alcohol, both of theirs did. Shawn curls inward to laugh, pulling Tiana's stick like form with him./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They're so pathetic. I would push them down the stairs if I didn't have to live with them.' You narrow your eyes at them, mentally imagining how they would look tumbling to the stairwell. You turn you heel to leave, but it must heave been Shawn's turn to pick on you. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Must be nice, not havin' a job an' all. Do ya like it when people have to take care of ya? Heh heh, wonder what would happen if you didn't have nobody watchin' you." They laugh again, more mischievously. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Ya know ba'e, I think your right. When that ol' hag's out of the picture we'll own the joint. And we can just toss that sad mute-ass out on the pavement. HA, then how ya gunna live then, [Name], huh? How?" Tiana was not a smart woman, and 'Nama wasn't dying anytime soon. Let alone would she hand off the estate to a whore./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I hate your voice, woman.' You never once turn to look at them, so ready to rip her voice out that you would do it if she spoke again. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name]! You best be evacuating the premises, cause we gunna be doin' something naughty!" Shawn laughs out loud, tilting his head back to make it echo of the ceiling. /div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You stand in your room with your pillow wrapped around you head. You tried using earbuds to drown out their drunk cries, but you found they were broken while trying. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Great, just great! Did they have to do this today?' You roll over and over. 'No more, I'm done!' Bearing the horrible sound and smell, you pack a backpack quick. Your laptop and its charger, your make up, and a water bottle. You didn't want to risk more of the smoke from downstairs seeping into your room. You open the only window in the attic, its about the size of a dog door and leads straight to the roof. Throwing your back pack through first, then stepping on your nightstand and wedging yourself through. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'FRESH AIR!' You inhale loudly, throwing on your back pack. 'Nama's house was normal compared to any other house, with a tree out front. The attic window was on the other side facing the yard. You walk around the house using quiet steps on the roof. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I hope my legs are game enough to do this…' you reach out and grab one branch of the tree, carefully climbing down, one foot after the other. About the middle of the tree you had to take a break to breath, your throat still not use to the new scratchy form of breathing. Once on the ground, you head towards the library./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You like the library, its quiet so nobody talks to you and you don't have to try to talk back. No one cares what you're doing there or why you stay as long as you do at times, so its just a place to feel like a normal nineteen year old. You sit in the corner of the library, updating all of you internet accounts, for hours. Until it was around the time 'Nama's shift would end. Then you walk home. It wasn't a quiet walk like before, you were scared to turn the corner and see 'Nama's car. or worse, see Shawn's. You weren't allowed to use the attic window as any kind of escape route, but you did anyways. The wind smelt of the sea and fresh ground coffee beans. You flick your head back and forth nervously. When your eye was captured by something quite recognizable. In the window of coffee shop, sat Shawn and Tiana. Not their usual scene to tell the truth, but they weren't drinking coffee either. They both held canteens, more than likely full of beer, and sat shuffling cards. What caught your eyes though, was on Tiana. 'Nama's opal pendant hung low on Tiana's chest. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'No way… Did 'Nama actually let them marry? /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama's been softening, but I wouldn't have ever thought she'd have let them marry!' 'Nama's pendant was given to her from G-Pop as and engagement gift. 'Nama had told Shawn years ago that he could give it to the woman he'd spend his life with. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'But 'Nama hates Tiana! Or thats what I thought…' You didn't want to think of a life were Shawn and Tiana were your guardians, it was horrible enough to be in the house when they were. You rip away your gaze and pick a new way to walk home. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"Little did you know that the sick woman in the window, could recognize your backpack from her perch./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You drag your feet home. If things weren't bad enough, your shins started stinging, again./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I'm old enough to live on my own now, all I need is now is a job. Save some cash, buy my own house, and never have to look at those drunk's faces again.' It sounded like a good plan in your head, but the only set back was… well you were a mute. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Mutes can't talk, mutes can't communicate, how am I going to get a job if I can't communicate!?" That one fact sent you back to the drawing board. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"When you got home, your legs hurt and you didn't feel like climbing the tree. But the window mop would be in the ladder, you wouldn't be able to open the trapdoor from downstairs. Sighing, you decided that fetching more ibuprofen and finding a different way to open the trapdoor was the way to go. You stumble inside to hear nothing. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I must be the only one home…' You take in the painkillers and some toast. Then look for some kind of tool you could use in place of the window mop. Behind 'Nama's door was a cane, G-Pops cane. You wouldn't look at the jewelry box, ashamed that 'Nama would allow such filthy hand to touch her most prized possession. Using G-Pop's old cane to pull the trapdoor open, you were having flashbacks of the old man's smile and how 'Nama's looked just like it. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They were both so charming.' You put the cane behind the door again, then climb into your room. The attic window was left open your room was now aired out so there was no lingering smell of cigarettes, unlike the rest of the house. It was quiet, no arguing, no drunk babbles; it was too good to be true, and you fell asleep./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"You believe good things don't last, remember./div
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div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"There was a pounding from downstairs, somebody's knocks on the ceiling that woke you. You roll out bed, the painkillers helping you to walk and the knocking continues. You kick open the trap door to see 'Nama, behind her is Shawn with Tiana under his arm, she was crying./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name]! How dare you take what is not yours!' 'Nama growled, she was giving you the glare she gives Shawn when they're arguing. You met her glare with a look of confusion, like a deer in the headlights. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You sneaky thief! Are ya trying to get attention? And now that you can't talk you're going to such extremes!" Shawn also gave you the glare he gives during an argument. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You're horrible, mute. Absolutely horrible!' Tiana sobs into Shawn's chest. You still stare confused. 'Nama never removed her gaze from you, she was trying to see if you would give any sign of guilt./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""These two came home tonight confessing to me that they want to marry, I was ready to allow them my blessing. But my pendant was gone." 'Nama still didn't remove her glare./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You never liked us being together, you can't understand our love!" Tiana's pathetic cries were muffled but still audible./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Give it back ya little brat! We're together and theres nothing you can do about it!" Shawn reaches to grab your collar, but you take a step back up the ladder./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name], where is my pendent?" 'Nama's growl stuns you, you can't break her gaze. Your arms shake, but somehow you manage to point at the weeping woman in Shawns arms. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Tiana has my pendent?" You nod, "[Name], what would make you say that?"/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""LIAR! Why would she have the pendent? You've been to only one home all day!" You glare at Shawn who's getting closer and closer to wringing out your neck./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name], go get my pendent and give it to Shawn." 'Nama was pointing at your uncle. You open your mouth to speak, only to cough. You stare wide eyed at 'Nama and shrug your shoulders./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Its in the attic, isn't it!" Shawn pulls you to the floor, and starts climbing up the ladder without Tiana. 'Nama follow suit without giving you the glance of "are you okay." /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Heh, nice try, mute. But she can't read your mind, so we're runnin' the show, enjoy." Tiana whispers in your ear as you try to stand. She kicks your stomach, so you fall over again. You can scream, say ouch, grunt, or even whimper. All you can give to reply is a dusty heave. Tiana snickers as she climbs up the latter. You can hear paper ripping, and drawers clattering to the floor. The pain from Tiana's kick still say on your gut, but you had to move to save your room. You race up the stairs faster than anytime before, but it was too late. Shawn was ripping you posters off the columns, causing them to rip in half or thirds. Tiana was jerking out each drawer and dumping its contents out onto the floor. 'Nama simply watches over the mess they make, scanning for the opal pendent. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'NO NO NO! I dont have it!' The small blue sharpie you snagged from 'Nama's coat was still in your pocket. You reach for a scrap of poster and begin scribbling on the back of "Indiana Jones and the raiders of the lost ark." /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"In all capital lettering you write, IT WASN'T ME! You clap, clap, clap; getting louder and louder. They ignore you. Holding the poster scrap with one hand, you pound your other fist on the floor boards. Until 'Nama finally looks at you, she glares at you like you're a filthy little mouse, but scans her eyes over the poster. You flip it back down and continue writing, IT WAS ON TIANA'S NECK WHILE THEY WERE AT THE COFFEE SHOP! 'Nama stomped right up to you, snatching the poster scrap out of your hands. Shawn and Tiana were too busy ruining your room to notice your poster. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""What did you use to write this?" 'Nama's voice is cold, it pierces your heart. You had started trusting this woman, but she couldn't trust you. You pull out the blue sharpie, and put it in her hand. Her eyes widen, she drops the scrap of poster, and closes her eyes. The snarl on her lip remains unfaded as she exhales deeply./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I want to believe you kid, but there's too much evidence against you. And you just closed the case on yourself." she clips the sharpie to her breast pocket. "[Name], you have one last chance. Where is my pendant? Answer me now."/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Is she serious? 'Nama it wasnt me, please, they're framing me! 'NAMA! The want you gone too, they don't want me to stop them! Please!' You can't scream to her all you know, you can't tell her how you feel. You drag the poster scrap towards your limp body, and circle the second half with your finger. Tears fell onto the poster, you couldn't see anymore. So you just continue to tap the second sentence, while hiccuping silently. 'Nama stands over you, her shoes were just outside your vision. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Pathetic.." Tiana whispers to Shawn. They both chuckle. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Isn't that the same marker that wrote your little "Thank you" card with, [Name]?" Shawn wasn't even trying to hold in his laughter anymore. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Thank you card? Does he mean...!...No way! They didn't, why would they!' your eyes are open so wide that you cant blink anymore. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Smooth move, leaving that calling card in her jewelry box, we knew it was you right away." Tiana whiney voice was as annoying as ever, even when she faked tears she could still giggle. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They put my "Thank you" card... Inside the jewelry box, in place of the pendant...' You couldn't believe this, how could 'Nama believe this? It was such a low move, too good to be true... And she was buying all of it. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well, [Name], how 'bout you sit up here 'til you can find my pendent, then pound on the floor and I'll have Shawn or Tiana come up and fetch it." 'Nama switched back to talking like a normal grandma, but she still glares at you with eyes of a hunter./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"And as the lion has made her kill, the hyenas circle the carcass ready to pick at what remains with greedy smiles./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"They leave you alone in your room, Shawn and Tiana snicker and they descend the ladder. 'Nama was the one to shut the trapdoor, you could hear her slide a wood beam between the handles locking it in place./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'NO, No, no, no… 'Nama how could you believe them? Those slimy, sleazy, wasted, cons!' You wheeze between your teeth, hissing at the darkness. You thrash around the shreds of posters, clawing at the floorboards. Tears ran coldly off your face freezing the tips of your fingers. The lamp's shade was missing and the bulb cracked, but it still works. In the dim light, you dig throughout the pile of junk once stored in your drawers. There was a large felt tip sharpie, the big ones that are as thick as quarters. Your arms weren't yours tonight, you take the marker and on every scrap of poster left by Shawn, you wrote messily everything that happened sense you awoke this morning on the couch. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You stare at the room covered in sharpie, pain of the last few hours marks all four walls and the floor. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'What have I done?' You arms are so tired, your legs are stinging again. Thunder rumbles the room, it snaps you back to your senses. You didn't have the pendent, you didn't have any excuse other than what was on the walls, and you didn't have any idea what to do now. Your mind still unsure of the wisest choice of actions, but you didn't want to be here. Lighting lit up your room through the small attic window, still left open. All you could think of was escape, and this was your ticket out. Your backpack still lay at the foot of your bed. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I can run for it, I can take my laptop and run for it.' Rain began to seep into the room. You look for something waterproof, you did live in the attic there had to be something. In the back of the room behind the headboard of your bed was an old shower curtain, you pull the contents of your bag and put them in the curtain. Wrapping them tightly then putting them back into your back pack. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'No more. They can't control me anymore.' You toss the back pack out the attic window, sliding your body out right after. You turn back to see the bedroom you'll leave behind, it looks more like an abandoned attic then ever before. You stand on what ever your legs will allow, slinging your bag onto your back. Out of the corner of your eye, now soaked with rain, sat the opal pendent. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'This is what became of my life, locked away over a necklace.' You pick up the pendent, sighing. It was more beautiful than the first time you set eyes on it. In the back of your mind G-Pop was giving you the high five of your life, he wouldn't like that skank to wear what his wife wore on her special day. You pocket the pendent smiling to yourself. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I'm not a useless mute, just watch me fight.' /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"emBefore you is a scene so foreign and distant. The characters so familiar, yet acting so alien. You stand gazing at the jewelry store across the street. Walsh stood next to you with a hand on your shoulder. He wasn't gazing at the store, in fact he was wearing a blindfold. Wispy forms of a man and woman danced hand and hand across the street. They're dressed in black funeral attire with small while rose corsages. The jewelry store takes on less of a welcoming form. But looks more like a pesky mirage, teasing you with water always just out of reach./em/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"em From the side of the store, you can barely make out the figure of a truck. Looking like a shark, attracted to laughter instead of blood, the van swims out of the think noise surrounding the store and knocking over the couple. They slipped beneath the great beast's belly. And many blue and white rose petals, melted off their vague appearances. The petals blew away, following the current made by the sharks movements. One swiftly floats in front of your face. Without hesitation, to clamp both hands around the petal in a single clap. But the crack from that clap, silenced everything. Walsh turns to face you, his expression unmoving behind the blindfold. He reaches behind his back removing a set of cuffs from his belt. Your eyes widen and you try to pull away, yet he still swiftly locks your wrists together. Unable to release the petal trapped beneath your fingers, you tell Walsh to release you. 'What are you doing Walsh? I'm not the bad guy let me go!' is what you wanted to say. But when your lips parted, it was as if you were underwater and only bubbles floated out. No noise. The petal that remained wedged in your palms began to heat up. It was burning your hands, imprinting a mark or painful reminder. You shake your arms and scream at Walsh to remove the cuffs. But he can't see nor hear you. /em/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"emWhy does it hurt more to be ignored, than being branded?/em/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong(Your POV) /strong/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Your eyelids feel so heavy, as if chained to the floor. You could barely see the light from your desk lamp through the tiny crack you manage to open. Once you were able to pull them apart however, all you could see were Chris Pine's beautiful eyes. 'What the...' curiosity and confusion force you to reach up over the covers and push the Star Trek poster off your face. 'It finally fell, huh. Gah! The room is freezing, I don't want to get up.' you curl deeper into the foam mats, but your socks are caught on the sheets. A searing pain courses up your thigh and into your gut. You hiss then straighten back out as you were before. 'Ow ow ow, Why do my legs sting so badly?' gently, you sit up and remove the sheets to see your shins. The bed sheets fly right off and collect in a ball on the floor. 'Weird, I usually have my sheets tucked-in at the foot of the bed.' you gaze back at your legs. Knee high socks that are stripped pink and white, were prickled and bumpy. Lifting your legs turned out to be more painful then anticipated, as you try to remove your socks. You hiss between your teeth trying so hard not to cry out figuring 'Nama would still be asleep. After a long while, you became able to see under the pink and white strips. There are sets of white fabric wrapped angrily around your shins. The bandages are held together with metal clips, and at some points dried blood seeped through to soil the fabric. 'What happened? Why am I bandaged? Is that MY blood?' You don't know or understand what is going on. Your heart races as you decide to remove the bandages. Gently unwrapping the fabric around your left leg, your heartbeat quickens. 'The fabric keeps getting more and more bloody.' You think while continuing to unwrap. As soon as you saw your flesh, you drop the bandages curled in your fist. Several stitched up gash wounds cover your shins in miss shaped lines. Each two inches or three inches. Some straight or curved; others look like stabbed holes. But all of them were sealed with dry blood. You gasp, eyes wide and full of fear. You unwrap your right leg to find a similar scene of scattered lesions. 'Wha...What is THIS?' You begin to shake, not just because the room was cold, but because you were full of confusion and fear. ''Nama! 'Nama!' You want so hard to scream out but you can't move your eyes away from your shins. And your voice seem caught in your throat. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"Oh how the crow laughs with the reaper./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Your body feels light and your head is throbbing. 'I'm going to pass out. I need to call 'Nama.' You open your mouth to call to her, you give a pathetic wheeze before erupting into a fit of couphs. 'What! Come on, no more fear I need 'Nama!' You open your mouth yet again to scream, however, all you get is hot air and a sore throat. ''Nama! 'Nama! Please! Shawn! Someone please I'm scared!' You think of all the things you want to shout. You want to say something, you need help. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You fall out of bed, too dizzy to feel the impact of you back against the hard floor. Your shins sear in agony, begging you not to move. But you drag yourself backwards towards the ladder. 'Please, please be awake.' Your arms give out and you fall to the floor yet again. Your room never felt so loney and you could never recall a time the ceiling loomed so darkly. 'No! No no no no no... I'm almost there!' You slam you fist down in anger, again and again. 'Shawn or 'Nama please! Help me...' Your eyes flutter shut again, but not before you caught a glimps of the trap door falling open and hear the ladder clatter on the hallway's wood floor. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"Shawn's alcohol breath was stained on all his clothes. And you regained consciousness the moment you smelt his shirt. Your face was buried in his chest as he carried you bridal style back to your bed. You squirm, coughing uncontrollabley while trying to shout at the drunk. You elbow Shawn in the stomach, he grunts and drops you on you bed suddenly. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oi! Lil' brat! I'm tryin' to help you." Shawn's voice wasn't slurred like when he's drunk. It truth you thought he sounded slightly sincere. 'He must not be drinking as much. Did 'Nama make him quit cold turkey?' /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Shawn! Help me up once your done moving her." 'Nama calls up the ladder. Shawn turned to help her, offering her his hand. You sit up, but too fast. Falling back down again clutching your head. 'Ouch! Bad idea...' You hiss through your teeth. 'Nama and Shawn approach your bedside, both with worried expressions. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Poor baby. Why'd you remove the bandages, Shawn?" 'Nama growled accusingly at him. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Woman, you pickin' a fight with me already? She was like that when I got up here." Shawn reaches for the wads of fabric you had previously ripped off your shins./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well then wrap 'er back up!" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I'm working' on it!" Shawn and 'Nama continue to growl at each other. Your breathing became shaky and broken. You throw your arms down onto the bed, and dig your nails into the sheets. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Quit struggling, child! The doctor said you can't move too much!" 'Nama's anger turns to your thrashing body. You legs sting like dozens of bees are crawling on them. Your lung's deep inhales burn your throat. Tears can no longer be contained, and pour out the sides of your eyes. 'Nama reaches out and holds your hand. While Shawn angerly rewraps your legs. You cry silently, hiccing frequently between sobs. But why was it so hard to scream? Instead of sucking it up and moving on... You've always sucked it up, is change just so easy now? That you can simply change when people tell you? You did expect things to be different, but not this different./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You passed out soon after Shawn rewrapped your bandages. 'Nama had blamed Shawn for you getting hurt, so he was trying his hardest to fix his mess. When you fell on the glass, your legs were covered in cuts, in total you had to get 124 stitches for both legs. You couldn't walk and the doctor said staying in bed was the best way to heal. You missed work too many times, even after spending your vacation days, and you were fired. Whatever cash you had in the bank, was spent on your medical bills. 'Nama did land a job as a waitress and Shaw was taking his job more serious too. But when they both came home, there was no end to the fighting. You couldn't sleep with their racket nor could you go and stop them. You wouldve thought they forgot about you if they didn't leave you a hot thermace, a cup noodle, and ibuprofen. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"What hurt most isnt being able to walk, losing your job, or 'Nama and Shawn's constant arguing; it hurt most when the doctor said you'd never be able to speak again. That when Shawn had hit your throat, he broke your vocal cords. And when your throat swelled, they were smashed into the walls of your throat. There were surgeries that could fix it, but each with high percentages of failure. And you were out of money./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"The silent aren't stupid, in fact they no the most. And are trusted with secrets only because... Who are they going to tell?/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong~One month later~/strong/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"strong(Your POV)/strong/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You awake on the living room couch, again. You were watching T.V. last night until you were too tired to climb the ladder to the attic. 'Nama's favorite quilt had been thrown over you body too. Ever since your accident 'Nama had grown to you, slowly becoming... well, like a proper Grandma. When she wasn't working she took care of you and your legs. However when she was at work, Shawn wasn't. It was his "free time" and you weren't even on his mind. Shawn got into trouble during theses times, but what could you do about it. He taunts you each time, saying,/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" "What? Ya gunna tattle on me?" then he'd laugh, like punching in your vocal cords was the best thing he ever did. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"He brought home beer by the gallons, and hid them in the fridge downstairs. There were cigarettes left smoking on the kitchen counter, like that was any good for your lungs. And then he'd bring home Tiana, you'd have to leave the house because... lets just say it was very unpleasant.. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama was humming in the kitchen, it was a bouncy tune. You recognize it as the theme to her favorite game show. You had folded the blanket, now carrying it in your arms. Standing behind 'Nama you click your tounge, quiet loudly too. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oh my... [Name] not so loud, child. You'll make me wet myself." 'Nama jumped then turned to face you. You stare down at the blanket in your arms, thrusting it out to 'Nama, she took a step back. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Oh, um... Go put it on my bed. Close the door on you way out." you nod and shuffle of to 'Nama's bedroom. 'I have yet to learn any sign language, so I couldn't tell her thank you.'/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" Nobody knew what you were thinking, even if they asked you couldn't tell them... /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama's room was simple. Flowered walls of white and blue, the bed posts and dresser were painted white, and her sheets were blue. On the back of the door hung 'Nama's jacket. You set the quilt on her bed and look around, on the dresser was a small jewelry box and a notepad. You open the lid of the jewelry box, just to peep inside. The first thing your eyes are caught by, is a large opal drop pendant with silver binding and chain. 'Pretty... It defiantly catches the eye.' you close the lid quietly. The noteworthy yellow paper sits silently, ignored on the edge of the dresser. And some part of you felt... sympathy. 'I know what it feels like to be swept aside and ignored...' you reach into her jacket pocket to find a small blue sharpie. Sliding the notepad closer to yourself, you scribble down the words "Thank you 'Nama." and leave the room before you become more distracted. Closing the door on your way out./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"The pads of your feet thump down the hallway as you walk back to the kitchen, many times 'Nama's suggested you wear shoes that squeak when you walk. To make up for it, you tend to stomp around the house. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You sit at the counter atop a bar stool, then a plate slides across the table to land in front of you. Eggs, bacon, and toast? 'Nama giggles as you look up at her with questioning eyes./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I didn't poison it today. Eat up, so you can get better and back to working. You should start lookin' up who's hirin'." 'Nama's sense of humor was questionable at times but her smile was always a treat. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Never stop smiling 'Nama.' you smile to yourself and happily devour the meal. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well, I'm off to serve breakfast to the rest of the town. [Name], you take care of yourself, ya'hear?" You give a dignified nod, smiling at her. But she hesitates before chuckling to herself. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Come 'ere, kid." 'Nama stretches one arm out to you, you blink, confused./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You gunna give me a hug or na?" Her scowl condenses a bit, but you do run into her arms, wrapping your arms around her torso. She pats you head and leaves for work. Not long after, Shawn babbles his way up the stairs. Not just him but Tiana too, she hid right under his arm. 'Did she stay the night? I would've known because I wouldn't be able to sleep.' You stare at them from the top of the stairs./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Heh heh, Whatcha doin' Mute? Did you wake up early to say bye-bye to the life line?" He snickers, Tiana too except hers is higher and she hics between breaths. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I'd say we could all go out for lunch… hic… but I'm afraid the waiter won't know how to play charades." Tiana's high pitch voice was like nails on a chalkboard, and her breath smelt of alcohol, both of theirs did. Shawn curls inward to laugh, pulling Tiana's stick like form with him./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They're so pathetic. I would push them down the stairs if I didn't have to live with them.' You narrow your eyes at them, mentally imagining how they would look tumbling to the stairwell. You turn you heel to leave, but it must heave been Shawn's turn to pick on you. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Must be nice, not havin' a job an' all. Do ya like it when people have to take care of ya? Heh heh, wonder what would happen if you didn't have nobody watchin' you." They laugh again, more mischievously. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Ya know ba'e, I think your right. When that ol' hag's out of the picture we'll own the joint. And we can just toss that sad mute-ass out on the pavement. HA, then how ya gunna live then, [Name], huh? How?" Tiana was not a smart woman, and 'Nama wasn't dying anytime soon. Let alone would she hand off the estate to a whore./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I hate your voice, woman.' You never once turn to look at them, so ready to rip her voice out that you would do it if she spoke again. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name]! You best be evacuating the premises, cause we gunna be doin' something naughty!" Shawn laughs out loud, tilting his head back to make it echo of the ceiling. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You stand in your room with your pillow wrapped around you head. You tried using earbuds to drown out their drunk cries, but you found they were broken while trying. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Great, just great! Did they have to do this today?' You roll over and over. 'No more, I'm done!' Bearing the horrible sound and smell, you pack a backpack quick. Your laptop and its charger, your make up, and a water bottle. You didn't want to risk more of the smoke from downstairs seeping into your room. You open the only window in the attic, its about the size of a dog door and leads straight to the roof. Throwing your back pack through first, then stepping on your nightstand and wedging yourself through. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'FRESH AIR!' You inhale loudly, throwing on your back pack. 'Nama's house was normal compared to any other house, with a tree out front. The attic window was on the other side facing the yard. You walk around the house using quiet steps on the roof. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I hope my legs are game enough to do this…' you reach out and grab one branch of the tree, carefully climbing down, one foot after the other. About the middle of the tree you had to take a break to breath, your throat still not use to the new scratchy form of breathing. Once on the ground, you head towards the library./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You like the library, its quiet so nobody talks to you and you don't have to try to talk back. No one cares what you're doing there or why you stay as long as you do at times, so its just a place to feel like a normal nineteen year old. You sit in the corner of the library, updating all of you internet accounts, for hours. Until it was around the time 'Nama's shift would end. Then you walk home. It wasn't a quiet walk like before, you were scared to turn the corner and see 'Nama's car. or worse, see Shawn's. You weren't allowed to use the attic window as any kind of escape route, but you did anyways. The wind smelt of the sea and fresh ground coffee beans. You flick your head back and forth nervously. When your eye was captured by something quite recognizable. In the window of coffee shop, sat Shawn and Tiana. Not their usual scene to tell the truth, but they weren't drinking coffee either. They both held canteens, more than likely full of beer, and sat shuffling cards. What caught your eyes though, was on Tiana. 'Nama's opal pendant hung low on Tiana's chest. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'No way… Did 'Nama actually let them marry? /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Nama's been softening, but I wouldn't have ever thought she'd have let them marry!' 'Nama's pendant was given to her from G-Pop as and engagement gift. 'Nama had told Shawn years ago that he could give it to the woman he'd spend his life with. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'But 'Nama hates Tiana! Or thats what I thought…' You didn't want to think of a life were Shawn and Tiana were your guardians, it was horrible enough to be in the house when they were. You rip away your gaze and pick a new way to walk home. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"Little did you know that the sick woman in the window, could recognize your backpack from her perch./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You drag your feet home. If things weren't bad enough, your shins started stinging, again./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I'm old enough to live on my own now, all I need is now is a job. Save some cash, buy my own house, and never have to look at those drunk's faces again.' It sounded like a good plan in your head, but the only set back was… well you were a mute. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Mutes can't talk, mutes can't communicate, how am I going to get a job if I can't communicate!?" That one fact sent you back to the drawing board. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"When you got home, your legs hurt and you didn't feel like climbing the tree. But the window mop would be in the ladder, you wouldn't be able to open the trapdoor from downstairs. Sighing, you decided that fetching more ibuprofen and finding a different way to open the trapdoor was the way to go. You stumble inside to hear nothing. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I must be the only one home…' You take in the painkillers and some toast. Then look for some kind of tool you could use in place of the window mop. Behind 'Nama's door was a cane, G-Pops cane. You wouldn't look at the jewelry box, ashamed that 'Nama would allow such filthy hand to touch her most prized possession. Using G-Pop's old cane to pull the trapdoor open, you were having flashbacks of the old man's smile and how 'Nama's looked just like it. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They were both so charming.' You put the cane behind the door again, then climb into your room. The attic window was left open your room was now aired out so there was no lingering smell of cigarettes, unlike the rest of the house. It was quiet, no arguing, no drunk babbles; it was too good to be true, and you fell asleep./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"You believe good things don't last, remember./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"There was a pounding from downstairs, somebody's knocks on the ceiling that woke you. You roll out bed, the painkillers helping you to walk and the knocking continues. You kick open the trap door to see 'Nama, behind her is Shawn with Tiana under his arm, she was crying./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name]! How dare you take what is not yours!' 'Nama growled, she was giving you the glare she gives Shawn when they're arguing. You met her glare with a look of confusion, like a deer in the headlights. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You sneaky thief! Are ya trying to get attention? And now that you can't talk you're going to such extremes!" Shawn also gave you the glare he gives during an argument. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You're horrible, mute. Absolutely horrible!' Tiana sobs into Shawn's chest. You still stare confused. 'Nama never removed her gaze from you, she was trying to see if you would give any sign of guilt./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""These two came home tonight confessing to me that they want to marry, I was ready to allow them my blessing. But my pendant was gone." 'Nama still didn't remove her glare./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""You never liked us being together, you can't understand our love!" Tiana's pathetic cries were muffled but still audible./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Give it back ya little brat! We're together and theres nothing you can do about it!" Shawn reaches to grab your collar, but you take a step back up the ladder./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name], where is my pendent?" 'Nama's growl stuns you, you can't break her gaze. Your arms shake, but somehow you manage to point at the weeping woman in Shawns arms. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Tiana has my pendent?" You nod, "[Name], what would make you say that?"/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""LIAR! Why would she have the pendent? You've been to only one home all day!" You glare at Shawn who's getting closer and closer to wringing out your neck./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""[Name], go get my pendent and give it to Shawn." 'Nama was pointing at your uncle. You open your mouth to speak, only to cough. You stare wide eyed at 'Nama and shrug your shoulders./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Its in the attic, isn't it!" Shawn pulls you to the floor, and starts climbing up the ladder without Tiana. 'Nama follow suit without giving you the glance of "are you okay." /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Heh, nice try, mute. But she can't read your mind, so we're runnin' the show, enjoy." Tiana whispers in your ear as you try to stand. She kicks your stomach, so you fall over again. You can scream, say ouch, grunt, or even whimper. All you can give to reply is a dusty heave. Tiana snickers as she climbs up the latter. You can hear paper ripping, and drawers clattering to the floor. The pain from Tiana's kick still say on your gut, but you had to move to save your room. You race up the stairs faster than anytime before, but it was too late. Shawn was ripping you posters off the columns, causing them to rip in half or thirds. Tiana was jerking out each drawer and dumping its contents out onto the floor. 'Nama simply watches over the mess they make, scanning for the opal pendent. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'NO NO NO! I dont have it!' The small blue sharpie you snagged from 'Nama's coat was still in your pocket. You reach for a scrap of poster and begin scribbling on the back of "Indiana Jones and the raiders of the lost ark." /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"In all capital lettering you write, IT WASN'T ME! You clap, clap, clap; getting louder and louder. They ignore you. Holding the poster scrap with one hand, you pound your other fist on the floor boards. Until 'Nama finally looks at you, she glares at you like you're a filthy little mouse, but scans her eyes over the poster. You flip it back down and continue writing, IT WAS ON TIANA'S NECK WHILE THEY WERE AT THE COFFEE SHOP! 'Nama stomped right up to you, snatching the poster scrap out of your hands. Shawn and Tiana were too busy ruining your room to notice your poster. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""What did you use to write this?" 'Nama's voice is cold, it pierces your heart. You had started trusting this woman, but she couldn't trust you. You pull out the blue sharpie, and put it in her hand. Her eyes widen, she drops the scrap of poster, and closes her eyes. The snarl on her lip remains unfaded as she exhales deeply./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""I want to believe you kid, but there's too much evidence against you. And you just closed the case on yourself." she clips the sharpie to her breast pocket. "[Name], you have one last chance. Where is my pendant? Answer me now."/div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Is she serious? 'Nama it wasnt me, please, they're framing me! 'NAMA! The want you gone too, they don't want me to stop them! Please!' You can't scream to her all you know, you can't tell her how you feel. You drag the poster scrap towards your limp body, and circle the second half with your finger. Tears fell onto the poster, you couldn't see anymore. So you just continue to tap the second sentence, while hiccuping silently. 'Nama stands over you, her shoes were just outside your vision. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Pathetic.." Tiana whispers to Shawn. They both chuckle. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Isn't that the same marker that wrote your little "Thank you" card with, [Name]?" Shawn wasn't even trying to hold in his laughter anymore. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'Thank you card? Does he mean...!...No way! They didn't, why would they!' your eyes are open so wide that you cant blink anymore. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Smooth move, leaving that calling card in her jewelry box, we knew it was you right away." Tiana whiney voice was as annoying as ever, even when she faked tears she could still giggle. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'They put my "Thank you" card... Inside the jewelry box, in place of the pendant...' You couldn't believe this, how could 'Nama believe this? It was such a low move, too good to be true... And she was buying all of it. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;""Well, [Name], how 'bout you sit up here 'til you can find my pendent, then pound on the floor and I'll have Shawn or Tiana come up and fetch it." 'Nama switched back to talking like a normal grandma, but she still glares at you with eyes of a hunter./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"And as the lion has made her kill, the hyenas circle the carcass ready to pick at what remains with greedy smiles./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"They leave you alone in your room, Shawn and Tiana snicker and they descend the ladder. 'Nama was the one to shut the trapdoor, you could hear her slide a wood beam between the handles locking it in place./div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'NO, No, no, no… 'Nama how could you believe them? Those slimy, sleazy, wasted, cons!' You wheeze between your teeth, hissing at the darkness. You thrash around the shreds of posters, clawing at the floorboards. Tears ran coldly off your face freezing the tips of your fingers. The lamp's shade was missing and the bulb cracked, but it still works. In the dim light, you dig throughout the pile of junk once stored in your drawers. There was a large felt tip sharpie, the big ones that are as thick as quarters. Your arms weren't yours tonight, you take the marker and on every scrap of poster left by Shawn, you wrote messily everything that happened sense you awoke this morning on the couch. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"You stare at the room covered in sharpie, pain of the last few hours marks all four walls and the floor. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'What have I done?' You arms are so tired, your legs are stinging again. Thunder rumbles the room, it snaps you back to your senses. You didn't have the pendent, you didn't have any excuse other than what was on the walls, and you didn't have any idea what to do now. Your mind still unsure of the wisest choice of actions, but you didn't want to be here. Lighting lit up your room through the small attic window, still left open. All you could think of was escape, and this was your ticket out. Your backpack still lay at the foot of your bed. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I can run for it, I can take my laptop and run for it.' Rain began to seep into the room. You look for something waterproof, you did live in the attic there had to be something. In the back of the room behind the headboard of your bed was an old shower curtain, you pull the contents of your bag and put them in the curtain. Wrapping them tightly then putting them back into your back pack. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'No more. They can't control me anymore.' You toss the back pack out the attic window, sliding your body out right after. You turn back to see the bedroom you'll leave behind, it looks more like an abandoned attic then ever before. You stand on what ever your legs will allow, slinging your bag onto your back. Out of the corner of your eye, now soaked with rain, sat the opal pendent. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'This is what became of my life, locked away over a necklace.' You pick up the pendent, sighing. It was more beautiful than the first time you set eyes on it. In the back of your mind G-Pop was giving you the high five of your life, he wouldn't like that skank to wear what his wife wore on her special day. You pocket the pendent smiling to yourself. /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"'I'm not a useless mute, just watch me fight.' /div
div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" /div
