Two Against Two

Chapter 20

December 24, 1990-11:02 A.M. CST

(Christine's PoV:)

The weather is cloudy this morning, as I drive Kevin to Woods' Drugstore, so he can purchase himself a new toothbrush. I'm feeling pretty good today after Kevin and I successfully scared away those burglars, hopefully for good, last night, using mannequins.

I also got a peaceful night's sleep, without any nightmares. Again, Kevin is just looking at the houses decorated for Christmas, as we drive down the road towards Downtown Winnetka.

"So, have you decided what kind of toothbrush you want, Kevin?" I ask, as I listen to the morning news on the radio. Apparently traffic is currently at a standstill on Interstate 65 in Northern Indiana, from the blizzard like conditions currently impacting the area.

"No. I thought I'd look around at the different kinds the drugstore has in stock, if it's okay with you, Christine?" Kevin replies, while still looking at all the houses.

"Sure you can, Kevin," I smile. I might as well use this time to buy gifts for the whole family. I wonder if Woods' still sells gift-like items?

"I heard the wish you told Santa, Christine. What did you mean by wanting to live and see the New Year? You're not sick, are you?" Kevin asks, while his eyes gaze straight into mine.

Why did he have to ask that question? A cold chill ripples down my spine. I don't want to tell him those burglars might kill me. "No, I'm not sick, Kevin." I tell him, knowing my reply is going to arouse more suspicion, but it's all I can think of.

"If you're not sick, then what did you make the wish for?" My hunch is correct about arousing his suspicions. My mind tries to calculate a response that will end this line of discussion, but I'm just drawing blanks.

"I take it, the lack of response means you do have a reason, but are unwilling to share it with me," Kevin accuses.

Damnit! I mentally scream. This kid is too perceptive for his own good. I might as well concede, since he has me trapped in a corner. "You win, Kevin. I do have a reason for making the wish, and I wasn't planning to share it with you, because it would scare you,"

"I knew it. So, what's the real reason, then?" he presses, not caring that he might be scared.

I might as well tell him, because if I don't, he's going to think I don't trust him. From what I learned about my brother in the two days getting to know him, if you betray his trust, it's very hard to get it back.

"The real reason I made the wish, Kevin, was out of fear those burglars might kill me, and there is a good chance it could happen, if they decide to come back," I explain.

"I thought we scared those burglars away last night by convincing them the family was home?" Kevin questions, his voice becoming more fearful.

"We did, Kevin, but there's always the chance those burglars might double-check to see if the family did return home. Remember yesterday? I told you the idea could make the burglars more suspicious, especially how the family got home so fast? So, we should be on our toes, and keep a vigilant eye out for those burglars, until Mom and Dad come home,"

"Christine, promise me one thing please,"

"What, Kevin?"

"Promise me that you won't die or get hurt anytime soon, because I don't want to lose you, since I love you—not only as a big sister, but like a second Mother, too," Kevin cries.

My heart just drops. "Kevin, I hope you're not telling me you consider me a second Mother, because you still resent Mom for leaving you; and you want me to be her replacement, because I'm treating you better than Mom has," I'm pleading that this is not the case, since it could create a new rift between our Mother and I, which I don't want.

Kevin's eyes widen at the implication I just made. "No, it's not what you think. You have to believe me, because no one can replace our Mom," he sobs. "It's just the way you have been caring for my welfare over the past two days. You came back home for the first time in seven years to make sure I was okay, after you somehow found out I was home all alone.

"You have been trying to protect me from those crooks. The advice you've been giving me sounds exactly like the guidance Mom would give. You even look and sound like her, but please don't think I want you to be my Mother, instead of her. I just view it as if I gained another Mother."

I swallow back the tears wanting to come out. "Kevin, I'm deeply touched you view me like a second Mother, but I also feel like you viewing me as a second Mother could create tension and jealousy between our Mother and myself, if she ever found out; especially if you take the recent events into consideration. I don't just want this issue to blow into something big, where it causes our Mother and I not to speak to each other, after just getting the chance to see her, for the first time in a long while.

"When Mom does return, I'm going to have to tell her about you viewing me like a second Mother, before things can get out of hand. So, don't show me any kind of special affection that could hurt Mom's feelings or make her jealous, until I talk to her first, okay? I also promise I will try my best not to get hurt or die anytime soon,"

"I won't, Christine, because I don't want to be the reason that you and Mom have another falling out,"

"It will be okay, Kev. It looks like we're at the drugstore. So, let me wipe those tears off your cheeks, before we go inside, okay?" Kevin just nods.

I take a tissue and wipe the tears off Kevin's cheeks and from under his eyes, not before I park the car in front of Woods' Drugstore. "Ready to get your toothbrush, Kev?" I ask. Kevin just nods, and we both get out of the car.

Kevin surprises me with a quick hug and whispers to me, "I love you, Christine,"

I just whisper back, "I love you, too, little brother," I give him a nice pat on the back, before heading inside the drugstore. The greeting bell hanging on the door clinks, as Kevin and I cross the threshold into the drugstore from the blustery cold outside. I take a quick look around, and notice the store hasn't changed a bit, since I've last been in here.

I notice they do still have a gift department. I turn my attention to Kevin, who has his eyes on the jars of different types of candy. I place my hand on his shoulder, getting his attention. I ask, "Kevin, will you be okay finding your toothbrush on your own?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine, Christine," he tells me.

"I'll be in the gift section of the store, if you need me, okay?"

"Alright, Christine," He heads over toward where the toothbrushes are, as I make my way to the gift department…

(Kevin's PoV:)

Hearing Christine mention she'll be in the gift department, obviously looking to buy gifts for the entire family, makes me feel guilty, since I don't have enough money to buy the family anything for Christmas; just enough for my toothbrush.

I look at the different toothbrushes in stock, before I pick out a nice blue toothbrush. I make my way to the front to check out, when I notice some nice engraved bracelets on sale. "Buy one bracelet, get one free." the sign reads.

I look at the price of the bracelets and add it to the price of the toothbrush. I have enough! My Mom and three sisters are going to love these, especially Christine.

I still feel guilty about not being able to buy Dad or my brothers anything, even though Buzz has been a jerk, lately. I guess I'd better check out, so I head for the desk, where Mrs. Wood normally runs the cash register.

She greets me, once I put the stuff I'm buying on the counter, "Hello, Kevin. I didn't expect to see you in here today," She's the wife of the pharmacist, who owns the drugstore.

"Hi, ," I smile. "I'm here today, because I need a toothbrush."

"Oh, you're not by yourself, are you?" Mrs. Wood asks, as she begins to ring up the things I purchased.

"No, my sister brought me. She's over there, in the gift section," I point.

"So, Megan or Linnie brought you, then?" she asks.

"Yes," I lie, which I hate doing to Mrs. Wood, but she doesn't know Christine, and she would assume Christine is a kidnapper, holding me for ransom. So, I'm going to have to lie, for Christine's protection.

"I notice you're taking advantage of the sale we're having on engraved bracelets. Christmas gifts for your Mom and sisters?" she asks, smiling.

"Yes, Mrs. Wood. I'm feeling guilty that I'm not going to have enough money to buy my Dad or brothers anything,"

Mrs. Wood leans over the counter and whispers, "This will be our little secret," She sneaks a can of Dad's favorite shaving cream, three packs of baseball cards, and some candy into the sack, with the rest of my goods. "A pack of those baseball cards is a gift from me to you, Kevin."

"Thanks, Mrs. Wood," I whisper back, smiling, as I hand her my money.

"You're welcome, Kevin," She smiles back.

Suddenly, I see a bandaged hand lay on the counter. It's bloody and cut up, which I find to be scary. I soon hear Mr. Wood speak from behind a large shelf, full of medications, positioned behind Mrs. Wood.

"What happened to your hand, Thomas?" he asks the person, with the bloody bandage.

"I sliced it on my shovel, while I was trying to salt my driveway, Herb. Can you help me find some-over-the-corner medications I might need?" I hear the person, named Thomas, ask Mr. Wood.

"I sure can, Thomas," I hear Mr. Wood say.

"You'd best be running along, Kevin. I'm sure your sister is looking for you," Mrs. Wood tells me.

That's when I hear the man, named Thomas, speak, "How are you doing, Kevin?"

My body shivers in fear, wondering how this Thomas person knows my name. I turn my head to discover that Thomas is Old Man Marley! I now feel scared, because, according to Buzz, Old Man Marley murdered his own family and several people on the block back in the 1960's.

I start to slowly back away from the counter, before I quickly make a break for the door. Though, not before hearing Mrs. Wood shout, "You're forgetting the stuff you purchased, Kevin!" I don't care about the stuff right now, because I have to get away from Old Man Marley.

I almost make it to the door, when I hear my sister shout, "Kevin, freeze!" I instantly stop, and my heart is pounding. I notice my sister is heading over this way, carrying a large bag of wrapped gifts. Christine kneels down to my level, once she's close.

She looks really worried. "You okay, Kevin?" she asks. I just nod and quickly hug her, because I'm scared. "What has you so frightened?" She holds me tightly, while I cry into her shoulder. I feel so embarrassed now, crying in public. Luckily, my friends aren't here to see this.

"Old Man Marley," I choke out.

"Oh, I see now," she replies, like if she understands what's wrong. She takes a quick glance around the store and spots whatever she's looking for. "Come with me, Kevin," I follow her back to where Old Man Marley is. Is my sister crazy, or what? Doesn't she know Old Man Marley killed his family? I shiver…

(Christine's PoV:)

I'm going to make the person regret they dared scare my little brother with those lies about Mr. Marley killing his family. Mr. Marley is too kind of a man to be considered a murderer, and that's why I'm taking Kevin over there to formally introduce him to Mr. Marley. He's currently speaking with Mr. Wood.

"Christine McCallister, is that you?" I hear another voice speak. I turn to see that it's Mrs. Wood, who's speaking to me. "Kevin, why didn't you tell me your sister, Christine, was visiting for the holidays?"

"It was a surprise visit, Mrs. Wood. I just arrived today. The overseas relief group I started to work for seven years ago has kept me busy," I quickly chime in.

I lie to avoid any mention about me running away from home or that my brother just met his older sister for the first time two days ago. I notice Mr. Marley shaking his head, frowning at me about the lie I just told, while Kevin looks at me, wondering what's going on.

"Oh, that's wonderful, Christine. Your family must be so happy that you're home for Christmas, and they must be proud they have such a kind-hearted daughter," Mrs. Wood speaks. "Kevin, here's the stuff you left behind. I took the time to wrap it for you, too." Mrs. Wood holds a sack.

"Thank you, Mrs. Wood," Kevin replies to her, appreciatively, while taking the sack from her.

"You're welcome, Kevin,"

"I'll be with you in a moment, Christine," Mr. Marley tells me, still frowning at me about lying. He takes some items to the desk for checkout.

Soon, Mr. Marley is finished with his shopping and approaches me. Kevin quickly hides behind me, when Mr. Marley gets closer. "You've been doing okay, Christine?"

"Things have been fine," I reply.

"You sure about that?" he questions, while gazing at me.

"No, Mr. Marley," I lower my head. Mr. Marley looks at Kevin, when he takes a quick peek from behind my legs, only to gasp and hide behind again.

"Want to go over to the café next door and talk about it?" Mr. Marley asks.

"I would like that," I nod.

"Kevin, you don't have to be afraid to talk to me, when you see me. The things you've heard about me are not true; just rumors spread around by malicious people, who just want to scare kids. They're bitter busybodies, who don't have anything better to do with their time," Mr. Marley explains to my brother, hoping to ease his fears about being around him.

Kevin comes out from hiding, but stays close to me, as we go to the café next door.

Kevin and I find a seat close to the window, while Mr. Marley goes to order. I turn to my brother and ask, "Kevin, are you still scared of Mr. Marley, even after he explained the things you heard were just rumors?"

"A little bit. It's just creepy, the way Buzz tells the story to my siblings and I, about how Mr. Marley killed all those people, and turned their bodies to dust—which he uses to salt the walkways with at night. It would make anyone scared," Kevin admits.

"So, that little turd, Buzz, is behind all this, and he's got the rest of the siblings frightened, as well. I'll be sure to have a chat with Buzz, when I see him again. Why didn't you tell Mom and Dad about this? They're good friends with Mr. Marley, you know,"

"I didn't know that. I thought our parents might have considered him an eccentric old man. So, I didn't say anything. I guess it won't hurt to tell them now about this, when they return home," Kevin pauses, before saying, "Christine, I'm going to try and talk to Mr. Marley, when he comes back, okay?"

"I'm very of proud you, Kevin, for giving Mr. Marley a chance," I smile at him.

Soon, Mr. Marley returns with two cups of coffee and a chocolate milkshake for Kevin. "Thank you for the milkshake, Mr. Marley," Kevin tells him, while I look on, approvingly.

"You're welcome, Kevin," He smiles.

"Thanks for the coffee, Mr. Marley," It's now my turn to thank him.

"You're welcome, Christine. So, what's been bothering you?" he asks, as he takes a sip of his coffee.

I take a sip of my coffee first, before saying, "Those burglars you warned me about in the letter you left on the windshield of my car. They tried to hit my parents' house again last night. Kevin and I scared them off by giving the burglars the idea that Mom and Dad returned home,"

"So, that's why I saw all those shadows in your window last night. It was like they were having a party," Mr. Marley chuckles.

"Yeah, Kevin and I dressed and rigged up some of Mom's mannequins to give off the illusion the family came back home, so it would scare off the burglars,"

"That was some clever thinking you two came up with. So, what's got you worried, then?"

"I'm just afraid they're going to come back, and there's nothing Kevin and I can do to stop them from breaking in,"

"You can always take Kevin to your apartment and stay there, if you feel like you're in danger, like I said in the letter I wrote. Don't play hero; it's not worth risking you or Kevin's life over,"

"How do you know Christine has an apartment, Mr. Marley?" Kevin asks.

Mr. Marley look likes he's cursing himself for saying too much. So, I intervene, "It's okay, Mr. Marley. It's time for the truth to come out, since I'm planning to ask my parents for their forgiveness,"

I soon turn my attention to Kevin. "Kevin, Mr. Marley knows I have an apartment, because he was one of the few people I told where I was the whole time after I ran away from home. How do you think I found out you were home alone?" I explain.

"Mr. Marley, if you knew where my oldest sister was, then why didn't you tell my parents? " Kevin questions.

"I wanted to tell them, Kevin, but Christine blackmailed me into not saying anything. She threatened to leave the State of Illinois, if your parents found out where she was," Mr. Marley explains to Kevin.

"Would you really have left the State, Christine, if Mom and Dad found out where you were?"

"At first, yes, I would have left the State, but as time passed, that threat became just an idle one; especially after settling into my job, and seeking out professional help," I see a hurt look on Mr. Marley's face about not telling him I was in therapy. "I'm sorry about not telling you, Mr. Marley."

Mr. Marley just brushes it off. "It's okay, Christine. If it helps in any way to mend the relationship with your parents, then no apology is needed," Mr. Marley looks at his watch. "I'd be better going. My granddaughter's rehearsal starts in about a half hour. It was nice talking to you, Christine, as always. Kevin, it was a pleasure meeting you. You can always talk to me, if you ever need someone to listen." Mr. Marley tells the both of us, as he gets up from the table and leaves the café. Kevin and I both wave "goodbye" to him.

"Kevin, I think it's about time we head home, as well. Mom and Dad could come back at anytime, and the last thing they need, is to find you missing," Kevin just nods in understanding, and we leave the café. Soon, we're back on the road, heading home…

…

"Christine, I have a question," Kevin asks me, while I focus on the road.

"What is it, Kevin?"

"Does Mr. Marley really mean what he says about going to talk to him, if I need someone to listen?"

"He does mean it, Kevin. You see, Mr. Marley is a lonely person, who lives all alone, and does not have many friends to talk with. He talks to our parents, of course, but he doesn't want to bother them much, since they're busy working, and having to take care of five kids."

He just wants companionship, is all. You also have to remember that horrible rumor that people love to spread about him murdering people. It makes it even harder on him, since a lot of people believe that rumor. It must've been hard on him, since I left home,"

"What do you mean?"

"You see, Kevin, Mr. Marley was my first and only friend I made, when the family moved to Chicago. During that time, I was angry with Mom and Dad, for having to leave behind my friends I made in Indianapolis, and being separated from Tia.

"It didn't help that no one wanted to be my friend, when I first started St. Gerhard's School. I was just pushed away and called an outsider. It hurt so much being lonely in strange place. When I tried to tell Mom and Dad about my bad day, they didn't really listen and just told me the next day would be better. They were too busy to worry about my problems.

"I just ran outside and sat on the curb to cry. That's when I first met Mr. Marley. He must've saw me crying, because he came up to me and asked what was wrong. I just emptied my heart out to him. He knew who I was, of course, since he'd already met our parents. After I told him everything, he offered to be my first friend, and I was free to visit him anytime, as long as I had Mom and Dad's permission.

"Mr. Marley remained my only friend, until I met Sarah in the sixth grade. No one wanted to be her friend, since she was the new kid, who transferred. So, I made the bold move by offering my hand in friendship to her, since I knew what she was going through. Sarah and I became very close, afterward," My heart chills at the thought of Sarah. I miss her so much.

"You okay, Christine?" Kevin asks, worried.

"I'm fine, Kevin," I tell him, trying to withhold myself from crying, as I briefly look up at the sky…

END