Chapter 11: The Space Between
The tension in the Long household was strong, almost suffocating. It seemed to throb from the very walls, as if the anger and frustration built up in the occupants of the home was growing down into the foundation of the building, and now seemed to be pulsing back at them. Mrs. Long noticed these drastic changes, as her family upbeat and friendly nature darkened. Her husband, Scott was acting normal for the most part, but different around Jake. When he was with Jake, Mr. Long's voice became stern and authoritative, and he bickered with him incessantly. Jake himself had changed, at least his attitude. He was always snapping back smart remarks to anyone who caught him in a bad mood, which seemed to be most of the time. Mei worried about Haley, who had lost her energy and perkiness as a result of the gloominess of her father and brother. Mei knew a change had taken place in herself, for she was now always wary and tired, causing her to be unproductive and lazy, which she also knew increased agitation towards her. She didn't know what had happened. One day, her family was close, blithe, and carefree. The next, it was like a storm had settled in on each of their lives, and they seemed to drift away like a boat at sea. Mei sat down on the couch with a sigh. Jake and Haley were out, where-she wasn't sure. She knew Scott had taken Jake somewhere, and Haley was with her friends. Slowly, sitting on the hard couch, in an empty and pained house, Mei felt depression wash over her, cold and unforgiving. It reached the pit of her stomach, and it felt like an ice cube had dropped into her middle, making her feel numb. She looked into her lap, not wanting to watch television, and her vision blurred. Soon, tears were spilling down her cheeks, almost a warm comfort compared to the iciness she had felt moments before. She cried for everything she had ever kept inside, and when she was finished, she felt relief. She dried her eyes and smiled, maybe I am just over-reacting, she thought. Moments later, she heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and the door was flung open.
"I can't believe you took me to that nut-house!" Jake yelled back at his father, as he walked in the door.
Jake's dad clenched his teeth and his fists as he walked in behind Jake, "You are the most disrespectful and cocky brat I've ever seen! You embarrassed me, and could've cost me a job!"
"Job? That's not a job! A job is an honest living, like a lawyer or doctor, or heck, even a McDonald's cashier!" Jake snapped. "I'm not going to do it, no matter what you say. I'm not going to be like you!"
"You'll do what I tell you to do! I'm your father, and he was right, you do need more discipline! So, you are grounded for two weeks! Starting right now, you're not allowed to leave this house without my permission!" Scott thundered. Jake had been going up the stairs, but when he heard this, he turned furiously.
"Oh, grounded am I? Who's going to keep me here? I'll leave whenever I want to, and go wherever I wish!" Jake spat. "You can't keep me here! I'd like to see you try." He crossed his arms and glared down the stairwell at his father, who grew angrier by the word.
"You try to sneak out of here, and I swear you'll never come out of that room again!" He growled in a dangerously Huntsmen-like voice. Jake was surprised his tone, but wasn't intimidated, and his stubbornness got the best of him. He sneered.
"At least I wouldn't have to report to you and your employer," he mocked.
"Shut up! I'm tired of your mouth! Do you know how much of an idiot you made me look like today?" Scott screamed, loud enough to, if it was nighttime, wake the neighbors. Jake didn't back of though. He was too full of rage.
"You didn't need my help for that!" Jake shot back. By now, Scott was absolutely steaming, his eyes were flashing angrily at his son.
"You know what? I don't need to deal with you, or your opinions! Damn you!" Scott yelled, and he walked out the door quickly, started his car and drove away, leaving skid marks on the road, and causing a screeching noise.
A/N: I know this was a really intense chapter, but it had to be put in for certain reasons. I was really concerned with whether or not this was the right way to go, so PLZ review, I really want to know what you think. (Oh, and I know this is the first time I've used a swear word in my stories, but it was necessary for the full effect. It wouldn't be the same if Mr. Long said 'Darn you!' and drove away angry.)