Tom

Jake, I moaned. If only I could do something.

But you can't, the Yeerk said evilly in my head. I'm in charge, and if it were up to me that little pest would be long dead with your good for nothing father.

Shut up, I said viciously. My father and brother did nothing to you! Why do you hate us so much? We did nothing to you!

The Yeerk didn't answer, but continued to watch the scene playing out before our eyes. I was forced to watch, beyond my better judgement.

My mum had embraced my baby brother in a hug, while he just broke down in her arms. I had never really seen Jake cry before, not really. I mean there was that time when he was six and I had punched him on the nose because he stole my action figure doll, but that was it. My brother was tough, he wasn't one to cry. But as I watched my mum trying to calm him down, I knew he was beyond traumatization. If I was me again and not some controlled human being with a slug in his head, I would be there for him. I would hug him and tell him it would be alright. I'd take the role as his father as well as his brother. But I was not me. I was a controller and I couldn't be there for him. All I could do was watch as he suffered from a car accident and learnt of his dad's misfortune.

"It's alright, Jake," my mum sobbed as she squeezed him. "It's alright, honey."

She looked at me angrily. She wanted me to do something. I wish I could. I really wish I could do something for my brother, but the Yeerk was right: he was in charge.

Please, I begged with him. Please at least try and act the part. He's my brother! Please!

The Yeerk sighed and forced my legs towards my mum and brother.

"Hey midget," the Yeerk said, saying my words. Saying what I would have said to Jake. "Come on, it's alright. Dad wouldn't want you to be sad."

Jake's tear stained face looked up at us. I stood back shocked, or at least the Yeerk stood back shocked. Jake didn't have a relieved face on or a happy face he used to have when he was a kid and saw me coming from a mile away, he had this look of hatred. He looked up at me and he hated me.

Looks like you're not his favourite person at the moment, the Yeerk sneered.

Shut up, I snarled again. He hates me because of you.

Maybe, the Yeerk said, happily. But I'm not the one he will take his anger out on.