Chapter 9: Starting Something
(as told by Roger)

Since Scott moved in last week I've been avoiding him like the plague. It's not so much him living with Cade, the two insisting they were really just friends. It was the fact he lived down stairs. I've spent the last thirteen years seperating myself from him. And now he'sliving on the other side of the floor.

"What's up Roger?"

And now he's in my room, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. I send Noah out of the room.

"Why'd you move here Scott?"

"A friend needed help."

"That's bullshit Scott, you know her for a week and you're just dishing out help?"

He looks down.

"Okay, so you have a point..."

"You're damn right I do."

"Roger, just listen, would you? I haven't seen you in years and we used to be each other's shadows. And I know you never liked that but, hell, at least when that was going on we saw each other...talked to each other. Roger, you're my brother, and I don't want things to end on the same note as they did in that last argument..."

"Who says that things are going to end?"

"Rog, I'm not stupid, I'm a doctor, plus Noah kept talking about how Uncle so-and-so always has to tell Daddy to take his AZT. How long have you had it?"

I shrugged, "About five years. So you just came here in case I die?" I spat.

He laughed, he laughed. No, more of a nervous sigh.

"Yes and no. But more to know more about my brother before that time comes. It never hurts to have an extra shadow. Hell, Roger, ten-to-one you'll live forever just to spite me."

"So, Cade in on all of this?"

He nods.

She'd do anything to help a friend. Just like Mark.

"Do you rember that time when we tried to skip school? We had gotten our liscences?" He asked.

"But we couldn't get past the driveway because Mom came home on break to us arguing over who was going to drive. What about the time I convinced you we should switch places at least once?"

He laughed, "I hated you for that when I found the only reason you wanted to switch was because Todd Carlton promised to kick your head in that day."

"But I stopped him didn't I?"

"Yeah, you were alway looking out for my back no matter how much we hated each other.."

Okay, so I used to have a warped sense of loyalty.

He looked at me straight in eye, "Now it's my turn okay, Roger, now it's my turn."

(as told by Mark: skip ahead to April)

As much I don't think I should, I don't say a word to Cade. Hell, I didn't even say anything to Mo about it.

I told Ella though, it seemed to help.

I've ended up spending more time with her and McKenney than I do in the loft. I know it's not completely right, but in a way when I watch Kenna, it's almost like making up for what I missed with Isobe...Cade.

I sigh as I collapse on my bed in a rare moment where I'm occupying the loft. I had just gotten back from going with Ella and Kenna to preview Kenna's kindergarten, that Ella's father was paying for...Ella didn't want to feel out of place...so I tagged along...

"You're here! Finally." I look up to see Cade stepping in the room.

"Cade, now is not a good time for..."

"Mark, there's never been a good time so you're just gonna have to suck itup. I just want to know what I did to get you pissed at me."

"I'm not pissed at you."

How could I?

"So, you just don't want to talk to me?"

"Maybe I don't want to talk for a rea..."

"What's this?" She ask as she comes to sit next to me on the bed. She's seen the box wide open.

"That's just som.."

"That' my first day at school...How in hell do you have that?"

But even as she says it, I can she her connecting the dots.

"He did it,..but that would make you my dad."

I look down, expecting her to yell or run out of the room.

Instead she just collapsed next to me dumbfounded.

Silence.

More Silence. And then...

"Wow. I always thought that I didn't want to know, but now that I know, well at least you...there's this relief I never expected...you've known for two months and it you never mentioned it?"

"I thought you wouldn't...might be too much."

"Funny, that was always my excuse to not look for you..."

She looked at me, and smiled, "Let's not avoid each other any more okay?"

"Definately, hey where's Matty?"

"Collins was in the living room, said he'dteach Matty about how anarchy worked...he was just joking right?"

She got up and scurried to the living room.

I smiled, but soon I stopped...

"Mark! Get your ass in here!"

Then I could hear Cade calling for Scott to get his ass up here.

What the hell could be wrong?

Hey, Everyone: So here's the author's Notes:

So added this chapter last minute..I had going about thirty different ways..I hope I picked the right one)

Lils: Yeah, Mark/Mo were 15 when she was born. And typically I'm against any type of addiction however, this one I think is safe...heck, who am I to stop it? )

Kelby: Like how the mood of that review flipped coins...Yeah, I it was supposed to feel 'rushed' that's what would make Roger suspcious. How was the beginning for Davis brother background for a start more to come later on.

Sammi: Hey. Thanks..

Carsonheir: Don't worry 'bout it. Now that threat would be more...threatening if let's say Benny or Noah or even Mark attempted to play the Fender at Five in the morning, while drunk, well not Noah.

BwayDiva: Well, I don't know about THAT! but thanks any how. Do like or not like Ella?

Until next time this is me...signing out.