New chapter...once again, might be full of errors, but I have to be up at 1:30 am to catch a red eye flight, so...please be happy I got this up here? (rubs neck nervously) I looked it over quickly, and it didn't look too horrid.
Hope y'all like it!
Please read and review.
Flamers and Praise welcome!
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
My legs felt heavy, but they were feather light in comparison to my spirits. Each step I took towards my home resembled the sensation of walking with heavy stone tied to my feet. Saying that I dreaded the lecture I was sure to face would be a thick understatement. It took paragraphs of mental mantras to convince myself that I was prepared for my sister's insanity.
A sigh escaped my lips and I turned the doorknob in almost slow motion. Quietly as I could, I slipped inside and crept towards the stairs, hoping to prolong the future arguing for as long as possible. The sound of the door softly closing behind me seemed to be the trigger my sister's attention, because not ten seconds into my return, her head poked around the corner. The rest of her body followed and her hands found their way to her hips as she gave me a look that I half expected to melt through me.
"There you are. You've got some serious explaining-and apologizing-to do." she huffed, gazing at me expectantly. I did something I'd never done before. Ignored her. I acted as if I hadn't even heard her, and continued my way to the staircase in silence.
"Excuse you. I'm talking to you!" but I just shook my head. I know, Komi. I'm not deaf. I'm just not taking this anymore. I stepped upward steadily, holding my gaze ahead of me. I just want silence and sanctitude. Not my sister. Not Richard. Not any rancid memories. Not tonight.
"Kori!" she called after me, still standing at the foot of the stairs, waiting for me to stop and return to her like I was a German Shepherd. The thought in itself irritated me more than it ever has before. I wasn't her sister, I was her dog.
Releasing a frustrated sigh, I entered my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. I was ready to sprawl out on my bed, put my headphones in at the highest possible volume, and zone out until I fall asleep. That sounded like heaven in a nutshell... At least it did, until my door flew violently open, ricocheting off my wall, and back into my sister's furious grip.
"We need to talk." she growled at me. I sighed. How foolish I was to think peace and quiet was actually obtainable. But X'hal, I refuse to feel sorry for myself. And I refuse to keep living like this for a minute longer. That only leaves one solution. It's time to put my foot down and actually stand up for myself.
"If by 'talk' you mean you feel the need to lecture me on all the things you have a problem with, I really want no part in it." her jaw dropped so far, I momentarily thought it would hit the floor. The shock on her face lingered for a short moment before replacing itself with anger. While part of her seemed to be unable to comprehend the fact that I was standing my ground, the part that had acknowledged it was enraged. How dare I, right?
"I don't care what you want, I expect you to apologize." it took effort on my part to refrain from rolling my eyes but I looked at her and shrugged,
"Fine, Komi. I'm sorry." happy? I wish it could've been that easy. Just humor her and she'll leave me alone. No such luck, of course. The lightly amused and partially satisfied expression she adopted made my stomach churn in irritation...but the way she leaned forward expectantly was the cherry on top.
"And what are you sorry for, sister dear?" I stand corrected. Apparently, that was. No. I shook my head and walked over to my dresser, pulling my iPod out, and unwinding the headphones, trying to tune out the sound of her foot tapping in an impatient huff.
"You heard me." she hissed. I rolled my eyes and kept my back to her.
"Just use your imagination. I'm sure you can think of something." I spoke nonchalantly, waiting for her to heat up, like I almost knew she would.
"Damnit, it and
"Enough, Komi. They were your parents, too. You don't use them as ammunition to hurt your own sister!" I growled, feelings my eyes start to get hot before I squeezed them shut.
"Oh, come on, Kori. They produced you, but they weren't your parents. They loathed you!" she began. I tried not to flinch, and maintained eye contact,
"Father had the right idea. I've said it before, and I'll say it again." ...they're just words, Kori. They're just words. And while I knew this, my stomach still grew upset. This also begged the question...how much did Komi really know? My father's feelings toward me were hardly a secret...but his treatment of me, I'm certain was.
"You should stop talking, Komi." she laughed in my face,
"Or what, sister dear? You can't even touch me." she taunted...I fought not to smirk. If you only knew...
"I can. But I won't." I told her, speakKori. I'm fed up with your attitude, lately! What the hell has gotten into you?" what's gotten into me? I've put up with this for years. From her. From Richard. From my father when he was still alive. I'm not going to take it anymore. That's what's gotten into me. And while I tried to remain calm, at least on the outside, my blood was twisting heat through my veins.
"Logic. Realization. Pick one." I muttered, biting my tongue-quite literally-to keep my words thought out.
"Excuse me?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips and tapping her foot yet again, waiting for me to crumble to her wishes. But no. Not anymore. So much for staying calm and taking the high road.
"I'm tired of the way you treat me. I just want a normal life, Komi. I don't ever do anything to deserve your resentment and mistreatment. I'm tired of it." she just looked me over and scoffed,
"Tired of it? I'm the one saddled with you since Galfore died. I'm tired of it." I shook my head. That's a cop out. We've been over this a few times. There's an easy way out, sister of mine.
"Than why don't you let me mancipate myself? I can get out of your hair and move out on my own." she proceeded to shake her head furiously,
"I don't think so, sister dear." her reason to this suggestion was always the same 'what will people think of me?' or 'how is that going to reflect on my reputation?' ...who would even know? Aside from my friends, most of her crowd doesn't even know I exist. And it's not exactly like mancipation was public news. I'll never understand her true reasoning, but we've danced around this subject many times. The answer never faltered.
"Than what do you want from me?" I asked, through a sigh. What is it going to take to have a normal, healthy relationship with my own sister? What do I have to do to get her off my back so that we can live in harmony?
"I want you to get your shit together. Stop being such a thorn in my side, or so help me, I'll make your life a living hell." and how did she intend to do that? My life here was already a living hell. I'm not exactly sure what she could do to make it any worse, short of trashing my belongings, vehicle, or attempting (and failing, I'm sure) to physically harm me? I can replace my possessions, school is basically over for the year so she can't sabotage my grades... What could she do that was any worse than the norm? ...and more importantly, what could I do to make any bit of difference?
"How? What do I do that's so intolerable?" I asked, my voice raising a notch. But Komi folded her arms and looked down on me as if I was a shamed pet.
"You don't have to do anything. It's just who you are." I stared at her for a moment, playing her words over in my head. So I'm supposed to clean up my act, but...there's nothing I do wrong, because it's who I am that she has a problem with? I sighed and shook my head. It became clear that I wasn't about to win this argument.
"Okay, Komi." I said simply, before sitting on my bed and staring at my bookshelf, hoping it was believable that I was looking for something to read as opposed to attempting to tune her out. Turns out, it wasn't.
"What am I going to do with you, Kori?" she asked. But these empty threats are making me grow weary.
"I don't know, what are you going to do with me?" I asked, with genuine curiosity. Never had I pushed deeper into her taunts. I wasn't sure what to expect, but...I really had to know. If she got the chance to do anything she wanted, what would be my fate?
The look on her face made me wish I hadn't asked.
"If I was smart, I'd just do what mom and dad did, and-"
"Enough." I snapped, cutting her off...my body grew reflexively tense, and I spoke through a tight jaw. It took a thorough effort to stand, but when I managed, I took two steps toward her, until my face was inches away from hers. "Enough, Komi. They were your parents, too. You don't use them as ammunition to hurt your own sister!" I growled, feelings my eyes start to get hot before I squeezed them shut.
"Oh, come on, Kori. They produced you, but they weren't your parents. They loathed you!" she began. I tried not to flinch, and maintained eye contact,
"Father had the right idea. I've said it before, and I'll say it again." ...they're just words, Kori. They're just words. And while I knew this, my stomach still grew upset. This also begged the question...how much did Komi really know? My father's feelings toward me were hardly a secret...but his treatment of me, I'm certain was.
"You should stop talking, Komi." she laughed in my face,
"Or what, sister dear? You can't even touch me." she taunted...I fought not to smirk. If you only knew...
"I can. But I won't." I told her, speaking nothing but the truth. She seemed amused. ...I need to take a step back and breathe before I get too heated. X'hal, give me the strength to resist this. I know I would never hurt my own sister. But she's no idea of the things I'm capable of. I need to keep it that way.
"That's cute." she began, squeezing my cheek before I quickly swatted her hand away, "Maybe I'll just have to call the Gordanians to pick you back up. I'm sure I can find a way to get in touch with Trogar." ...lies. I knew they were. Trogar is dead. ...by my hand. I could still see it now...trying to push him away from me...the first time I ever saw those green orbs... I'll never forget shoving him with all my might...the sharp blasting sound...and the gaping hole that appeared through his chest as he fell against the wall behind me...
I stumbled back, sick to my stomach, in a daze of recollection that I did not wish to revisit. My body was slightly shaking...and I could see the satisfaction written all over my sister's face. ...I don't care at this point. I feel dizzy and uneasy. You can win this one. Please, just leave.
"Aww, did I strike a nerve, little sister?" she asked in a gentle, but menacing tone. I ignored her and stepped back until I could feel my bed behind me. Trusting it fully, I sat back on it, allowing it to take over my unbalance. My head began pounding as the flashbacks knocked with a vengeance, trying fiercely to come through.
"Does it scare you? What I could do to you, if you crossed me?" she kept egging me on. I shook my head and released a low growl, keeping my eyes tightly shut so as not to release a glow that I could feel surfacing,
"Go. Now." I managed, waiting for it to cool before looking up at her, as she stared, amused. "You win, okay? Just leave." I managed, looking away, and shaking my head, hoping it would be like an etch-a-sketch, and just fade with the motion.
"Now, Kori, you know-"
-ding-dong-
As soon as the doorbell sounded, Komi's face lit up for a moment.
"Oh! That must be David!" she cheered, probably to herself, but her vocal chords didn't seem to have an off switch. I remained silent. Thank you, David. I know you're just her flavor of the night, but tonight, you're my hero.
"This isn't over, of course, sister dear. I've just got something more important to get to." she spat. Of course, it wasn't over. But this was the break I needed, either way. I watched as she pranced away, fluffing her hair, and disappearing (finally) out of my room. I released a grateful sigh and put my headphones in, hitting shuffle, and stuffing the iPod into my bra.
Another day in this carnival of souls.
Another night settles in as quickly as it goes.
The memories are shadows-ink on the page,
And I can't seem to find my way home.
And it's almost like,
Your heaven's trying everything...
Your heaven's trying everything to keep me out.
Ahh, thank you, Five Finger Deathpunch. The lyrics were soothing, and questionably, just what I needed. ...almost.
While the therapeutic team of lyrics and chords was helpful to my mental being, my body still felt shaken and ill. I need to get out of here. 'David' could only keep my sister occupied for so long before I'm doted upon, and just for tonight, I need to be alone. Shakily, I pulled my hologram ring from my pocket and slipped it onto my finger, before retrieving a mask. Once I was no long Kori, I opened my window all the way and released a heavy sigh.
Just for tonight, no looking back.
And with that, I was in the air, and my house was getting further and further behind me.
XOXOX
With heavy feet, I found myself trekking toward Kori's house. Talk about humility... The events from today kept playing through my head. I felt so much more than guilty. I felt like a sack of shit.
It was still a massive project, wrapping my head around the fact that Kori was an orphan. That she'd lost her parents. Suffered that hurt. ...almost made me sympathize for all the attempts she makes at fitting in. -No. Damnit, Dick, you need to ditch that mind set for now and just look at what you did to her. How you must have made her feel. I know when anyone talks about my parents, it's almost a guaranteed fist fight. That's the only nerve I can't have touched. Nothing hurts me or angers me more.
I don't know Kori. I'll admit, I really don't. But that being said, I know how it feels losing your parents. And...the way I acted today...I still can't believe... Well, I couldn't have known, right?
No matter how I tried to play it out, or how I twisted it...I was an ass. Telling her how it was unforgivable the way she treated her parents...whom I later found were passed, and she was probably painfully mourning. And I don't know the circumstances or anything surrounding their death...for all I know, she's filled with guilt over it. And I poked and stabbed her with a dagger. I just...of all the people in the school, I'm probably the only person who could relate to her in that way, and I betrayed that horribly.
If our places were reversed, I'd be emotionally destroyed.
That's exactly why I had to talk to her. Probably the most awkward apology I'd ever have to make, as I'm sure I've mentioned. My stomach was doing backflips, and it was taking all of my effort to keep my pride from backing out of it. The girl I've hated for almost three years...and who's hated me, I might add...is about to receive a genuine heartfelt apology from Dick Grayson. If I weren't so close to it, I'd probably be laughing at the irony.
"I'm tired of the way you treat me. I just want a normal life, Komi. I don't ever do anything to deserve your resentment and mistreatment. I'm tired of it." I could hear Kori's voice coming from one of the upstairs windows. I could assume that was her bedroom? After (possibly) identifying where the sound was coming from, I allowed myself a moment to process this. The genuity in her voice was either very good acting, or...she was sincere. An innocent party. ...hard to imagine, but I need to remind myself that it's not impossible.
"Tired of it? I'm the one saddled with you since Galfore died. I'm tired of it." came the voice that I had to assume belonged to her sister. And if it did, than I could...well, it all sort of fell into place. Her sister has custody, since she's legally a minor. But than...who's Galfore? Maybe this was wrong. I'm Dick Grayson, standing outside the bedroom window of a girl in my school who I'm not exactly fond of...listening to a seemingly personal conversation between her and her sister/legal guardian? You can't write this stuff... Yet for some reason, I couldn't pull away. The way her sister talked to her...if that's who she was on the phone with early this morning, than I could definitely understand why Kori said what she did.
Of course...before I gave her that much credit, I had to make sure this was really the case.
...that's exactly why I'm here.
Yeah.
"Than why don't you let me mancipate myself? I can get out of your hair and move out on my own." came the voice of my rival from above...and this made it a little harder to be bias. If she was asking to be legally away from her guardian, than...maybe it really was that bad? I don't know what to think in this kind of situation. I'm the outsider caught innocently in the line of fire. Right?
"I don't think so, sister dear." the sadistic tone her sister portrayed sent chills down my spine. There was a cliche kind of evil to it that you'd see in classic superhero movies. I didn't even know what she looked like, and could imagine her-head down, looking up maniacally, twirling a mustache with yellow teeth. ...maybe I've seen too many old movies, but that's what I had pictured in my mind.
"Than what do you want from me?" came Kori's voice again, only this time it was...weakened...desperate. I don't know this girl, but anyone who knows anyone...that kind of tone is simply hopeless and hurt. Maybe her sister really was that bad, and...so was I, given the events of today. She was almost begging her sister for common ground...yet, it seemed like a game to her. Was this really what her home life was like?
"I want you to get your shit together. Stop being such a thorn in my side, or so help me, I'll make your life a living hell." a threat? Well, this definitely made things just a little more interesting. But her condescending tone, and the sound of the hiss through her lips. It was like a game to her. She wanted Kori to be less of a part of her life, it seemed, but...what was so bad about the redhead that caused her sister such complaint?
"How? What do I do that's so intolerable?" I asked, my voice raising a notch. But Komi folded her arms and looked down on me as if I was a shamed pet.
"You don't have to do anything. It's just who you are." while I liked my opinion being right, it was starting to sway the opposite way. As much as I wanted to hate Kori, her sister was taking the cake a million times over. Who talks to their sibling that way? I don't know the in's and out's of their relationship, but from what I see-as much as I hate to admit-Kori really is the innocent one in the case of 'Kori vs. Komi.'
"Okay, Komi." Kori's voice chimed in softly, defeated, or humoring her...I'll never know. But just...Kori seemed to be the redheaded (no pun intented) step child. Almost the Cinderella affect. I tried to keep a neutral opinion, I really did. But is this really what her home life is like? She's an orphan...and this is what she comes home to? Her sister-her legal guardian-coming at her with daggers? I'm not trying to pick favorites or contradict myself...but even I have to admit this is fucked up.
"What am I going to do with you, Kori?" I could hear her sister taunting her... part of me was curios to her response. I mean...if it's really been going on for any amount of time, you would've stuck up for yourself by now, right? Unless...she really just was the peacekeeper. But...there was no part of me that could wrap my head around the solidity of this living situation.
"I don't know, what are you going to do with me?" Kori's voice tore me from my thoughts...almost...buying into the drama of tonight. Her voice had a tone to it that left the end open and ready for other openings. Why? I mean...I don't even half know what's going on here, but your sister is being a replica of satan, herself...and you're playing into this. Reluctantly as it seems, but either way...why are you joining in, Kori? Why not just block it out and carry on?
"If I was smart, I'd just do what mom and dad did, and-"
"Enough." the redhead's voice was suddenly sharp and powerful. I tried to imagine what her sister looked like, caught like a deer in headlights, looking her little sister-AKA: servant-in shock over the lack of cooperation and compromise. As strange as it sounds, I could almost perfectly put myself in her shoes...on crack. I remember growing up, right after Bruce adopted me. My lack of conforming to his life of perfected luxury and mannerism. Admittedly, this was something different.
"Enough, Komi. They were your parents, too. You don't use them as ammunition to hurt your own sister!" Kori was defending her parents...something I wouldn't have seen coming, given my experiences earlier this morning. Adding to my guilt, as if I didn't have enough. But even more so...combining it with a source of sympathy. And-I'm man enough to say it twice-humility. Whatever I heard this morning was false. I got that. But...justified. Seemingly...very justified.
"That's cute." I could hear her sister taunt in a menacing tone that I was growing quite familiar with. "Maybe I'll just have to call the..." Her voice was low, and I couldn't quite make out the words "...get in touch with Trogar." Trogar? What the hell kind of a name was Trogar? But that wasn't important... What I needed to focus on was the way she said it... As if this was some inside secret weapon. There was expectance in her voice. Weight of malicious value, it seemed. This piqued my interest... What was the story behind this? Why was that person so important?
...but there was silence. Kori was speechless. Whatever that was about, it definitely worked. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, waiting patiently for something more-and reminding myself again, that I'm spying on my nemesis. If Bruce-or even worse, Vic-could see me right now, I couldn't even pretend to imagine the results. This just isn't something a sane person would do.
"Aww, did I strike a nerve, little sister?" ...and there was still no response. What could be so bad that she was stunned? It's not like I could just ask her. 'Oh, hey, Kori. I know we hate each other and I was a complete dick to you, but I wanted to ask you-insert very personal questions here. I couldn't figure it out when I was spying on you earlier. Think you could clear that up for me?' Yeah...that would go over great.
That being said, if the events from this afternoon didn't spark a fist fight between Vic and me, this sure as hell would.
"Does it scare you? What I could do to you, if you crossed me?" I could hear Komi just adding on the cruelty. This begged the question...what kind of sister would actually treat her own flesh and blood this way? It's inhumane. It's...hell, it's sick.
"Go. Now." Kori finally spoke up in the form of a sharp growl.
"You win, okay? Just leave." her voice was weak this time...breathless. Alright, even I can't take it anymore. Kori Anderson may not be my favorite person in the world, but no one deserves this. I'm not sure what secrets her sister is holding over her head, and to be fair, I absolutely shouldn't give a damn. It's none of my business. But if I don't even like her, and I'm starting to feel sorry for her...her own sister should cut her some slack. And seeing as she's not doing that, I'll have to do it for her.
Time to play a card I learned in middle school. It's called the 'ding-dong ditch'. I circled around their house to the front door, and hit the doorbell twice, before retreating behind a tree in the front yard. From an outsiders perspective, I'm sure this looked more than a little ridiculous, but from the inside, it seemed quite appropriate.
The question entered my mind of...who exactly would be the one to come to the door. I guess I hadn't really thought that far ahead. Either way, I'm sure I can pull it off. If it just so happens to be Kori, I can awkwardly act like I was leaving due to no answer, and explain that I was here to apologize for...well, living up to my name.
If it happened to be her demon of a sister, than I'd stay exactly where I was. Hidden from sight. Even if she just went right back inside, at least it'd give Kori a chance to breathe and lock her door. I swear, this family belongs on Jerry Springer. The sad part being-and I can't believe I'm even thinking this-Kori seems to be the innocent one thrown into the mix. Granted, I don't know details. But looking on...it's all so messed up.
What I do know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that she doesn't deserve this.
Ah, like clockwork. I could see Kori's sister (I could only assume) opening the door and striking a pose. ...I tried not to laugh. Clearly, she was expecting someone else. Judging by the lack of coverage in her attire, I could only assume it was some sort of a date... Classy.
Rolling my eyes, I kept watch. She seemed instantaneously annoyed by the absence in the doorway. She peered around each corner, and gazed up the driveway, tapping her foot, and contorting her face into a disgusted scowl. ...I had to admit, this was kind of fun.
"Stupid kids." she muttered under her breath, before retreating back into the house, and slamming the door in a huff behind her. I could hear things being slammed around, as she made a very loud trip up the stairs. I avoided the windows and made my way back to my previous post in anticipation. Wonder what the next step was going to be...
"Oh, Kori." unbelievable. Not that I'm surprised, but she just went right back to her room. I shook my head and continued to listen in silence for the jiggling of the handle and pounding on the door.
"Kori?" she called out, loudly enough to wake the dead. Did...she go somewhere?
"I'm in no mood for your games, damnit! Kori!" she called yet again...but to no response. This had me curious. She left? How? I was away from the window no more than a minute or two. Maybe she snuck out the back door, if they have one. ...which immediately rose my guard. If she's right around here, I need to leave. This wasn't a conversation I wanted to have at any stage of this evening.
I gave up listening, and I gave up waiting.
Without looking back, I was gone.
XOXOXOXOXOX
Yay! An update! I warn y'all though...I'll try my BEST, but this weekend, I'm flying out of state to go to Rock On The Range (a three day concert) so with flying, the show, and work, I may not be able to update next Tuesday-as ritual. I apologize in advance, just in case.
But I LOVE Y'ALL, and I really want to know what you thought about this installment of CPR.
