Memory Lane

Chapter Three

Jay sat alone in his bedroom, swimming in a pool of different emotions. Plates of un-eaten food littered his desk, mold barely forming on top of them. Heavy bags hung beneath his blood red eyes, his face unshaven for days. Small chestnut hairs sprouted from his face in different places. His eyes were red from his lack of sleep. He refused to speak to anybody, the beginning signs of depression started to show themselves on him. He sighed heavily and continued staring into space, oblivious to anything going on around him.

Cole leaned on Jay's bedroom doorframe, watching Jay in silence. He bit the inside of his mouth sadly, the metallic taste of blood starting to appear in his mouth. Another plate of food was in his hands, hot and steaming. He sighed sadly and set the new plate down, grabbing the many other plates in his hands. He rested them on one arm, placing his right hand on Jay's shoulder. Jay didn't react, his eyes glassy. Cole rubbed his shoulder with his thumb slightly, his sleeve folding with the action. "Jay, are you feeling alright?"

Jay grunted and pulled away from Cole, crossing his arms. Cole raised a bushy eyebrow, in concern for his brother. He set the plates down and pushed the new one towards Jay. He grabbed the chair from under the desk and sat on it, his legs straddling the seat. His chest was pressed against the back of the seat. He glanced at Jay, meeting his eyes. "Jay... How are you feeling? You can tell me."

Jay's lip trembled, his eyes getting watery. He took a shaky breath and nodded slightly. "I'm... I'm fine." Cole snickered in disbelief. He grabbed Jay by both of the shoulders when he turned from him, making him look him in the eye. His brown eyes seemed almost threatening to Jay, he whined slightly and turned his head again.

Cole opened his mouth to say something but closed it a second later. He stood up and grabbed the plates, storming out of the room. Jay bit his lip and collapsed on his bed, he stared at the seat Cole just sat in. After a couple of minutes his closed his eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep. Cole set the dishes in the sink, running hot water over them. Nya walked up behind him, rubbing his back affectionately. He turned off the water and turned to her. He shook his head and threw his hands in the air, "I don't know what to do anymore. He's worrying me."

Nya smiled sadly and curled her lips, forming them into a straight line. She nodded and kissed him on the cheek, whispering in his ear. "I know... Surely you know how he's feeling, though." Salty tears slowly slid down her porcelain face, soon wiped away by the thumb of Cole. Nya rested her hand on his, looking into his eyes. They stood in silence, gazing into each other's eyes. Nya was the first to break the silence, "Edna and I... We found a casket we both liked. Would you like to see it?"

Cole nodded in response, biting the inside of his mouth again. Nya grabbed his hand and pulled him to the living room. Edna sat on the couch, covered in a soft blanket, and staring at a computer screen. Nya and Cole walked over, Edna flipped the screen to a beautiful black casket. A bronze design was engraved on the side. Cole smiled slightly and nodded, "Yes... Yes, I like it. I think we should leave the final decision to Jay, though." Both of the girls nodded in agreement. Nya wiped her eyes again and sniffed, exhaling loudly. Cole hugged her and rubbed her arms.

Nya smiled up at him, hugging him back. He kissed the top of her ebony head and stayed there. She blinked away a tear, "It's okay. We're going to get through this. It'll be alright.." She was interrupted when Jay stumbled into the room, tear stains on his face. She gasps and ran to him, hugging him tightly. He didn't hug bag, just kept walking to the couch.

"I c-couldn't help but overhear y-y-you... I want to m-make his casket." Jay sat on the couch and buried himself in blankets, leaning against his mother. Nya's mouth opened slightly and she glanced at Edna. Edna's eyes were wide but she nodded slowly, smiling. He nodded in response and covered his face with the blanket. Cole slapped his hand on his shoulder, nodding. "I'm glad you're up, buddy."

Jay shrugged and yawned, pouting slightly. He wiped his eyes and hugged his mother, curling up into her. She hugged him back. He fell asleep soon after, again. Edna covered the two of them up and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, sweety."

This chapter wasn't as near as good as the others, but it is still a chapter. Don't nag! I've had my reasons for not writing. This hasn't been beta-read yet. I'm looking for one now. Review your thoughts, good or bad! Thanks for reading!