Hey, sorry I haven't updated in a while but here is our new chapter! Thanks to everyone who reads and leaves advise! Feel free to continue, I feel like it's helping me learn! Thank you and happy readings!-avv90

Act:II

Change: Part I

The light above me buffered and bounced until a moth shot straight for it burning it off.

I was left alone on my front porch, a bright orange blanket wrapped around me. They called it a shock blanket- but I wasn't shocked.

I knew what had happened in there- better than anyone else.

Sirens sang in blares, leaving my ears in shrieks of pain. So much so that, blood had already begun to seep down the sides of my face. It must have been my powers, I thought.

Everything, everyone was saying was just so clear- from the officers inside to the people in front of me.

Yellow tape had been run over across my house pinned to bright cones telling all to not cross beyond that point- giving away the horror of caution tape.

A file of snooty neighbors had formed, most just trying to talk to the police. You know nosy small town people who were just dying to know what had happened.

I knew some of the people there, actually- they all tried waving me down, wanting me to go and speak.

Could I even?

Did they honestly not know what had happened?

Can they not see with their eyes?

I was covered in blood, soaked in red- and bandaged with thick cuffs straddled over my hands. Alex's bandages had been soaked through by blood. Only reminding me, my face must look far worse. The large scar on my forehead was oozing blood, still dripping to my chin- they probably thought I did it.

I would.

I stared at the people, all asking every silent detective that crossed what had happened. I wanted them to leave. Everyone already here would think I did this- it was better that way for them to conclude and just leave.

The body was going to be taken out soon- and I didn't want anyone to know what happened to her. To see her body bag being shipped- or to even know it was her.

Groaning, I sat up- my front door had been thrown open, and I knew these officers did not take off their heavy, mud tracking boots. I didn't care but mom would. I wasn't even being watched either. Was I a suspect or free?

I slipped through the hall, blanket trailing behind me through the bloody hall.

I was practically dragged from her side, smearing all the blood I was covered in over the house.

The lights were all on, much more different than when I had arrived here an hour ago. They danced as I passed down under- giving my house a lighting issue. The people in uniforms stared at me but didn't stop me. After all, I knew where to go.

I entered my living room- only to see the eyes of all the officers fall to me. They all rushed to restrain me, but she knew who I was, I was her child's friend.

I didn't waste my gaze, as it fell straight to my mom's unmoving body."Alfred?"

It took me a moment to make words, " ." I didn't look up to her, Tony's mother. "May I speak with you?" All the officers turned to me and only the one who found me sitting on the couch spoke up. His voice cracked from what I could tell years of smoking- he snickered along to his buddy next to him.

"He's the boy." He whispered, but it sounded more like a scream.

Did anyone else know he was this loud? I rose a brow to him- only for him to slump and slide his hands into his pockets.

Ms. Villano shot him a quick glance just before she walked back to me. She cocked her head in a manner to allow my eyes to meet hers.

"What is it, Alfred?"

I bit my upper lip, holding my cuffed hands in front of me. "Please.." I was already being arrested for something, "don't call my dad," I knew this was an undoable plead, "yet?" The room fell silent even though I knew I had whispered, but I felt her hand on my shoulder. I yanked my arm away- only to get a brazen look from her.

I didn't want to hurt her. I-I just... She bit her lip- patting her hands on her lap.

"I have to notify an adult, Alfred."

I knew this! Of course, I know! "I-I have to tell him." I was going to be convicted of something I did not do so please, "Please-please... don't call him." My eyes drifted behind her, and I felt my face grow pale. They were removing the sheet from her body.

"Alfred, you don't want to see this-"

I bit my tongue, "I already have." My eyes lingered at the lifeless body- no tears. My tears were all gone- I haven't felt anything of that sort. My mind only drifted. "Ms. Villiano, I'm so sorry about Tony." I could hear her gasp a bit biting it back,

"He's fine-"

"But-" I shook my head, "Please. don't tell my Dad how bad this is-" I turned to her, "I promised her- that I wouldn't let anyone-" I caught it in the corner of my eye, under the couch. Out of view, the note. "See her-" An officer kneeled down to my Mother's side just brushing the note- fanning it back a bit. He poked her amputated arm with the back of a pencil- I still didn't feel anything. It was anger- only anger. No bitterness, or sadness. What was I becoming?

"Alfred-" She shook her head and I knew how bad this all looked, "I won't tell him.." She paused for a moment, looking back to my Mother, "how bad it was." The only thing that made sense was that small sheet of paper- no bigger than a notecard. But that single note. I needed that note. The note. The note that was hidden. What did it say? What did it say?!

I pushed myself up- gasping for thin air.

It was the only nightmare. No, tears but a cold sweat.

It had all happened a week ago, and I was still having nightmares. I looked over in my room, nothing but a ticking clock.

It read four- and I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep.

I was wearing a black hoodie that gave me a sweat- for the first time in my life. I fumbled my hand through my hoodie's pocket- turning the ring between my fingers. The cold metallic feel was comforting but. It's all have left, after all. It's been a week. A week since my father was widowed, a week since Matthew lost his Mother, A week since I lost myself permanently.

I ran my hand through my damp hair, today the wake was being held, and then we'll have to- I gritted my teeth, we haven't approved a normal burial.

For some reason, my Mother's body cells would never really stop living so they were to be sought out by many... willing parties they called them.

So, as a security precaution, we were told to cremate the body.

The body and investigation itself- were simply ruled as accidental. Even after all I pleaded, I was denied. So, as of tomorrow, her body would be burned, all evidence would be lost and burned with her.

I slid my feet over the thin bed lining. My vision was great, but I didn't feel the same.

I reached forward, gripping the spare glasses I had. My vision seemed to adjust at the need, as I slipped them on- staring blankly at the wall in front of me. I was scared more than ever. I was terrified anyone would touch me. As my vision began to settle I laid it on the wall next to me.

My trophy wall, it was impressive- but I couldn't stand the look of it. All lies, all bitter mediocre lies. I wasn't a thing here.

I couldn't stand the thought of my room. It felt cramped, and I was beginning to feel anxious.

I need to go. I need to go now!

I tiptoed out of the room-pressing it closed with a thud.

Thud!

I had got the ring. I knew where the note was, hidden deep under the couch still in the back. I held the ring in my finger. I haven't told anyone about the note, about the ring- nothing.

I crawled down the stairs, stopping when it was in view- staring at the spot on the floor. When digging through things they found that my Mother's stomach was set in a pot, boiling on the stove. Her intestine spread over the dining room wall as if for decoration. Her eyes had been dug out then stabbed with candles- and lit not long before I arrived.

They said the person must have waited for me.

They said that my Mother was long dead.

They said I didn't speak with her.

They said I imagine all those things.

But, that's not what shocked everyone… What really sent a chill through me was what they found in the cake, baked at the center, were my missing keys.

I kept them as well, no use since it was ruled out as an accident.

After the body was taken I swooped down and made sure the note was out of view. It was taped closed.

I still haven't read it. I wanted to- but whoever did this to my Mother seemed to only be playing a game…. I don't know why or what they wanted, but it seemed killing off my Mother was just the start.

When I was taken to the station- I had explained what happened only to be called a suspect. They say Mother would not have been alive with the amount of blood she had lost- with the amount of pain she was in. I of course denied the claim, but apparently Mom was supposed to be dead three hours before I had arrived.

With some phone calls, Uncle Alex- and Pops got me out of it. They were my alibi. I was allowed the opportunity to leave and go home on that Saturday. They had the decency to clean my house, and strip me of my bloody clothing- but I managed to fish the ring out of the pocket in time.

The floor creaked as I hunched forward to the spot, it was definitely a darker shade- the pool of blood had stained the wood a deeper brown. I fell back on the couch, staring at the spot. Mom's body was not going to be seen- it was a closed casket.

She was so beautiful, it was a shame her last moments were spent in utter mutiny.

Mom, I miss her- it hurts but I don't feel the liquid. The tears I want, are gone. I lifted myself, then kneeled down on to the floor. I had left it under the couch, sitting down, I slid my arm- reaching forward to touch the edge. My fingers had finally taken the small sheet- and my eyes lit up. I gripped it, ready to yank it up.

"Alfred?" I froze in my spot, the voice was from behind- all the way from the stairs. I was watching the blank sheet, ripping it forward. I shot up, tucking the note into the pockets of my black sweats. I heard heavy, tired, steps behind me. He was coming down to the living room, and I knew I had to turn back and look at him.

"Mattie?"

He paused at the bottom of the stairs, staring at me. He was scared- wasn't he? I shrugged up a bit.

"What's wrong, Al?" He came around the corner of the stairs- rushing to my side with the face of a question. His eyes making the poor attempt to remain awake.

He- I haven't told him what Mom said. I haven't told anyone what mom said.

"Nothing-" I lifted an arm stopping him, "I was going on my morning jog." He sighed a bit, my brother- I haven't stood at his side in a while. He was a bit smaller, only about an inch. His hair was longer than mine- not noticeably different but slightly unkempt. His eyes were stained violet with round glasses opposite of my square frame. He was very talkative now, wanting to know how I was- and if I wanted anything. I knew he just wanted me to be okay, but.

"Why were you looking under the couch?" He was still wiping away sleep from his voice, and I knew he was good at thinking and coming to conclusions when he was fully awake. His blue cardigan covering a white shirt with black pajama pants and matching slippers.

We haven't spoken about Mom.

I know he cries about it at night, I know Dad cries as well. I, on the other hand, haven't shed a single tear since that night.

I didn't tell anyone what had happened, "I-I was going to take Washington with me but I don't remember where I left his leash…" I turned my head back and forth- the room was being lit solely by the shining lights from outside. "I didn't want to wake you guys with lights- so.." His round glasses were around his eyes- his curl stuck out and I reached out. I sighed reaching forward, tucking the strand behind his ear.

I looked into him, "I'll be back around dawn, Mattie."

I turned back ready to leave, "Do you want me to go with you?" I turned my head to him, he never liked to go for runs-especially not this early, and with me. He only ever went when winter had blown into to full effect. I shook my head, and I stuffed my hands into my pocket- turning the ring between my fingers- I haven't told him.

"No, I-I'll be back." I lifted my hands in defense. "Go back to bed, we have to go pick up the food later-" My voice broke off at the end of my sentence as he rushed to me. He tucked his head below my chin, wrapping his arms around me. He was trembling, and I knew it. I hesitated not wanting to touch him, to hurt him- my little brother.

"You won't hurt me." I gritted my teeth, dad told him. I sighed, I lifted my arms slowly around him. He was trembling, but he was so warm.

"I know bud." He was smaller framed than me. Not just in muscle but general posture. He was always younger than me and I knew that would never change and that was the cutest thing I love, not that I'd ever tell him. "Go to bed, I'll go buy us some donuts afterward." He sighed, slumping his head on my shoulder. "I'll get you some chocolate milk too." He muffled something, head wearily.

"I miss her."

I bit my upper lip as I heard his voice clearly tremble, "I know you do-" How do I continue? "but it'll get better Mattie." I rubbed his back in a counter clock motion. "I promise." He sunk lower- as I fell back a bit, then I knew he was using me as balance, his support. "I'll be back-" I pulled forward a bit, holding him up. "So, don't wake Dad up." I took in a deep breath.

"Go on to bed." I heard a muffled sigh, "I'll go pick up our suits too." I patted his back a bit, "Just-just go to bed."

Matthew reached a hand to my shoulder, gripping it. I knew what I had to do. I slumped down, pulling Matthew back a bit. I pulled him close to me, scooping him up. My hands held his sides- as I knew he was too tired to protest. I crawled to him, as He held my shoulders, cradling his head in the crook of my neck.

He smelled nice- like cinnamon, with springs of coffee grinds. He smelled so good, did he always smell good?

I walked back to the stairs, climbing slowly. I let out a raging breath, he was light- and clutching me. He always acted like this when we were younger,

When I finally reached the top, I walked somewhere I never liked to go to- somewhere he usually wouldn't allow me to go to. He was actually a bit cold when it came to me.

I took a right instead of a left.

He slept in the room next to mine, it was so close and yet so far to remind me who he was, what he was. I was happy to see that his door was already open, slit just enough for me to know that I could go in.

I slipped through- easing him along with me. He was tired, and I could hear him snoozing off already. He hadn't slept last night, probably- he and Dad both were going to get to sleep in today, I'll make sure of that. I would run errands, and hold the wake without a problem.

They were both burdened by me- I had to get everything ready. I hauled him to his bed, looking over at his perfectly folded bed. I knew he hadn't even slept. Laying him down, I sat at his side. He was already asleep, and hanging off of me. I wasn't about to rip him off, but I needed to leave. I don't want to be in this house any longer. He snored softly, it was like a huffing breath-one that even I thought was cute, unlike my trucker style snore.

He was just a full 3 minutes younger than me, but it looked like I was a clear 5 years older than him. I'm happy he stay looking younger, without it I don't think he would ever consider speaking to me. Even on days that I spent with people, he would acknowledge me- never come close but it was enough for me to know he tried. I didn't wish him a happy birthday, I didn't buy him a thing. He was my little brother, and I didn't do those things.

"Mattie.." His grip became stronger on my shirt. I gave a slight frown as I slid my face towards his.

I could feel his warm breath as I reached his nose. It was warm as it touched me, I slid my lips over it- pressing them down on his forehead. "Mom loved you." I felt his grip loosened slightly. "She loved you the most Mattie." I felt my whisper grow deeper as I held myself over him, finally pulling back from my kiss. "I love you."

I couldn't pry him off of me, I couldn't leave him…

But I couldn't stand the fact that I was in this house. I didn't want to be here, I have to leave now.

"Al..fred.." I turned to him, his nose wrinkled as he breathed. His eyes were puffy, and he was still wearing his glasses. I reached forward, pulling them off. At that moment, he pulled his legs to his chest, falling into the fetal position.

"Ugh..?" He always did this even as kids, he slept like this.. then he would be in ragged pain later.

I sighed, reaching forward I pulled his legs with a slight tug. He groaned angrily pulling his leg to himself again, I raised a brow in annoyance.

He was fighting me.

With more force I gripped his ankles, slugging them forward so much I pulled him from the top of the bed to have his feet touching it. I slid off the bed standing over him. His legs finally stretched correctly. I grunted, he was actually pretty strong, maybe he just acted weakly? I rested a moment, staring briefly at him.

He was so calm in his sleep. I looked at his chest- it rose and fell. I went back over to his side, seeing him tremble. I grumbled harshly- frustrated, he was fully clothes. I have never thought in my life that more clothes were needed. I tore the blanket from under him, he grumbled and I couldn't help a silent chuckle. I wrapped it around him, finally being awarded a slight smudge of a smile. He was so small when wrapped, I couldn't help feel guilty.

I was to blame for all this. For him being left with one parent, for Dad being widowed. I have no idea what to do next, he and Dad are all I have- but I ruined their life.

How I don't know, but I know this is somehow all my fault. My keys were a clear sign, the cake.. and that I finally got my powers all in that one day.

Still, Mom was gone and I knew it was only the start.

For someone to kill her the way they did, they mustn't have felt a thing. I knew I needed to leave- I can't stand this. My chest feels tight again, I can't be here.

Washington growled lowly as his paws stepped down, he was so tempered today. He was finally being taken for a walk- and he was still groggy? Finally, I gave up, lowering myself.

"You want to ride in my hoodie?" He stopped in his tracks, and I tore him up in my arms. I didn't know where to go, what to do from now on anything?

I staggered lightly on the pavement, as the lights above me seem to lightly shake. It again was my power.

Dad spoke to me about it a couple days ago, how to at least control it in front of people. I stayed up most nights now, trying to figure out how to properly contain them. I've managed to singe most things- but I seem to get the hang of holding it in when another person is to concern. I haven't mastered the problem of how long I can contain them or why lights flash even when I'm trying so hard. I felt weird trying, though, it was like pretending not to notice when even my fingertips seem to feel it.

He explained it kinda brief, as a passing note.

"Breath, and just remember it's all in head." It wasn't, I knew that.

I never wanted to hurt anyone, but I did. I can't ask Mattie, I can't ask him anything ever again. I have to figure this all out on my own. I tried breathing in and out, and it seemed to calm me, but I still felt little hairs stick out with no control. I think I can figure it out- but I know things still feel a slight shock. My voice has never been so… Happy, though.

My mother had died, and I couldn't help the stupid happiness in my voice. Why? I have no idea. Maybe I did kill her, that's why I can't feel tears. Maybe, I did imagine her last moments. Maybe I hated her, that's why I can't feel sorrow. Maybe I- maybe I did all this and am just waiting for my death.

Ark!

I hopped back, hearing Washington whimper- I slid him from my shirt. I shocked him. I lifted my hands to my head, running my finger through my ashy hair. I felt the electricity running through me- but it didn't hurt anymore. I knew it was supposed to, but it didn't. My hands were still wrapped, and I could see it's cloth turning a deep charcoal black. It didn't hurt, and I wasn't being shocked by it anymore. I thought my nerves had finally just given up, and I didn't feel pain but the scar on my head still throbbed. My burnt hands still oozed with puss. This was driving me crazy.

"Walk at my side, Wash," I told him lowly, still he kept his distance. I couldn't blame him, I would run away. "I am so sorry boy." My voice was still filled with love. Why?

The shrubbery surrounded me, and I knew where I had gone. The park.

The greenery still continued with it luscious emerald color and leaves full and perky. Washington rejoiced as he passed me up- running full speed into the bushes.

"Don't get lost boy," I shouted out, I could hear his tongue follow him- I could hear his small paws hitting the ground. I could do this now.

I pressed my eyes closed, taking in a deep lung filling breath. I spat it out with pain. I ripped my arm to my eyes, rubbing the sore outer parts. I need to keep going. I shoved forward, strolling slowly through the dim lit park. The small lights shined a yellow tint, one I've grown to hate over the last week. The benches lined the strip of land between the table and the greenery- My legs had begun to tremble at the thought of what I was going to do. I walked slower, as I sunk my hand into my pocket- turning the ring between my fingers. The light above me blew out, and I sighed. I thought I had gotten a certain hold of it. I paced to a bench slamming down without a second thought. This isn't a dream.

"I'm not a human being."

Pop!

A single light in front of me sprang bright, giving a white hue. I guess it was now. My hands trembled but did as it was told.

I slid my hand into my pocket, fishing out the folded note. I tugged lightly and without a halt, it fell out. I licked my lips, this is all I have left... All I have to know what could have happened in that one night. It felt numb to be trying to open this. I was surprised, though, even though being is such a bloody place- it was clear. The sheet didn't even seemed touched, my stomach rattled as I pulled it with a bit of pressure. The tape lingered lightly, but I tore through it without a problem. I was left with the folded note, it was so small- but it was the biggest thing in my life right now. I pulled it apart- slowly bending it to an open sheet.

My eyes widened, how wicked.

A blank sheet.

I turned it back- and forth. It was blank. What the- Was I worrying about this? My mom died, and I wasn't even left a threat? Nothing?

I sighed, I acted brave but what would I really have done with a threat? I have no idea how to use my powers- let alone try to find this monster that killed my mother.

I guess it was fitting, I was a coward.

My mom- she said a lot of things that day, a lot that made sense and a lot that did not.

"Who's Allen?" Maybe she just mistook Dad's name, Adam but- "Why did she say I was her only?" I knew for a fact that she always liked me more, but she never stood too far from Matthew. Dad too, she never called him by his first name before. She always called him honey, maybe out of fear but she said it- I loved him like my son? Like? What does that even mean?I knew she knew she was dying, she said it herself. Matthew, Dad, Me. She left us and know I have to pick up the pieces. I crumbled the paper in my hands. It didn't matter anymore, This was all nothing, she was dead.

Dad, Mattie, and I are not. I still haven't figured any of this out. I sat back a bit,

"Mom?" I could hear Washington's patted feet, "What should I do?"

I kept my hand in my pocket, my hands fidgeted on the loose grip over mom's ring. Washington trailed me at a far distance almost seemingly not with me.

I passed up the curve, entering our driveway.

I ran up to the door, pushing it open with a bag dangling in my hand. I hopped in the door, tossing back my shoes. Washington scurried in and fell back at the sight of him. He perched over the counter to the dinning room- staring straight at Washington and me. He snarled hastily, and that's when I saw Washington's tail fall between his legs- quickly stomping off past him.

"You can't just run away from a cat, Washington?!" I heard a snarl from the cat and I rose a hand in defense- "Woah, buddy!"

"I haven't fed him yet, Alfred." I perked up at the voice, it sounds deep and toned. I saw him creep out the corner of my eye. His face was rubbed wrong, almost as if he'd lost all sleep- and patience.

"Morning," I whispered harshly.

He turned to me, "What-?" He paused realizing something, "Morning Little blue." He turned his attention to the bag at hand. "Did you get mapped glaze for Matthew?" I nodded, and he bit back a bit. "And chocolate for me?" I gave him another curt nod.

"The rest simple for me." He nodded, raising an arm and running it through his hair.

"I'll go make some coffee-"

"Oh!" I stopped him in his tracks, "I already made it." He rose a brow but quickly threw it off. I handed the bag to him- "I'll go serve us- yeah?"

"Yeah- then, I'll go wake Matthew-" At that moment we heard heavy steps creep from the stairs- only to be greeted with a blonde tired boy.

"Morning, Dad- Al?" We stared up at him,

"Morning Mattie," I replied.

"Morning- Matthew?" My dad said in a calm mood. He climbed down the final steps, only to hear a meow in the air.

"Oh!" He spat quietly, "Drake." Matthew rushed past the cat, "Come along, food?" Matthew sang as I saw the pale cat with dark tufts of fur over his eyes. So dark, I called them his eyebrows. He followed after him, without another fit. That how I knew he was the only one to remember about his cat.

Dad turned to me, "Did you feed Wash?" He rubbed his cheek feeling through his beard.

"Nah, I'll go now."

I gave a nod before rummaging back. I heard him weep. I called for him- and his yelping bark.

He ran in and I fed him in the living room. I went into the dinning room seeing Matthew a seat scooted in cat on the table. Dad didn't even flinch at the sight of one of his enemies. Matthew soothed his cat while Dad choked down another doughnut. I didn't even wait as I slumped into the seat to the right of Dad. No one spoke, but we all knew we were there so I thought I would be the one to remind everyone.

"Umm. I-i'm going to go pick up the suits after breakfast- do you guys need anything for this evening?"

Dad paused for a moment, "Shoe polish?"

Matthew took his attention from his cat and took up instead his dutch chocolate milk, "Some more cat food."

"Yeah, Washington needs more chow- I'll run to the store, and get some groceries too."

Dad pushed himself up, brushing off his fingers, "I have to go call the funeral, and make sure the caters get the order right-"

"I already called yesterday to make sure," Matthew commented. Dad nodded, pressing his finger on the table.

"'Kay, call to make sure the people are coming?" He nodded, and Dad turned to me.

"I got to go see-"

"Tony?" He asked with a raised brow, I nodded. "His mom called earlier," Dad said, It was the day of my Mother's wake sure, but I was told this was the only day I would be able to see him. My dad swung his head to look at both of us, "Matthew change of plans-" We both turned to each other, confusion set in, "Go with Alfred,"

Matthew choked up, "But- they smell?!"

Dad shook his head, "He'll need someone with control- over that to be with him." Matthew set out a sigh, pulling back in his seat. "Alfred?" I turned my head to my father expecting for him to change my plans, "I-I've got something in the mail.." I heard Matthew rustled in his seat, I turned to see him mouth in a chalky grin.

"You'll get it later, Al." Matthew gave me a wink, so out of character from my quiet little brother. Was I supposed to be getting something in the mail? My Dad brushed up against me, winking as well.

"It's something new, son." I watched as he stepped away from the dining room, "Well let's get moving!" He said finally, leaving me and Matthew in the dust. After everything, we seemed normal. That is what I feared. They forget, but I will always remember- the face of my mother. What she said. What I didn't understand. What I found on the ground. The folded note- or why it was blank? I still had it in my pocket waiting for me to toss it away in the trash. We were moving on, we were leaving the past. Even if it hurt, I had to as well.

End:Change: Part I

Thank you for reading- till next chapter!-avv90