Hi guys, I have been in the hospital and just sick afterward, but I always kept working on this. I know the disappointment of getting invested in a story and then never getting an ending. It's honestly heartbreaking when you don't get an ending. I worked hard to finish this and hope it's okay. Please feel free to review this, it'll hopefully make me feel better. Sinus surgery is one of the most painful surgeries and I had to do it twice in two months. I hope you guys give a Christmas gift of reviewing and this story is my gift to you all. Happy Holidays!
Chapter 7
Beep…...beep…beep….. the alarm clock screamed in my ear and I rolled over instantly regretted it. I yelped and felt disorientated because I couldn't remember how I had gotten to bed last night. I slowly got up walking to LJs blue play pin, but Linc must have gotten him already because lying there was his yellow ducky blanket but no LJ. "Mike, breakfast is done and on the table," Linc yelled from the kitchen and I walked to the bathroom to wash the sleep from my eyes. I splashed the cool water on my face and heard laughter from the kitchen. It was more like giggling, and then I knew Vee was here. I dried my face and walked into the kitchen, trying not to grimace. My sweats were rubbing on my butt and it was so sore that the pain was almost intolerable.
Looking around I saw fluffy hot pancakes on the table and one chair left with an empty white plate in front of it. Apart of me was happy to see Vee because we see her so rarely now that she's away at college, but then I felt my cheeks blushing. She knew everything that happened last night and about my bedtime spanking tonight. If I played my cards right, maybe I could ask her to talk to Linc about tonight's punishment. Vee got up, her big blue eyes sparkling and embraced me in a hug, "Mike, you are getting so tall! How are you?" This was a crucial moment because I could tell her the truth, or I could give a fake smile and tell her I was great.
I was lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear Linc, "Michael, she asked you a question. Don't start with the attitude this early." Lincs voice was stern and unforgiving. Without thinking I rolled my eyes and Linc shot up from his chair. "Lincoln, come on, calm down, he just woke up, its fine." Vee put her hand on my shoulder. Lincoln stuck his finger into my chest from across the small table, "Watch the attitude Michael Scofield or else you'll be getting your spanking now instead of tonight. You hear me! Answer Vee's question then sit down and eat." He growled.
I could feel tears stinging at my eyes from the embarrassment and my cheeks flaming hot red. "I'm sorry Vee," my voice cracked, and I swallowed down tears. "I'm okay and I'm sorry Linc for rolling my eyes at you." Vee rubbed my right shoulder and gave a weak smile, "Its okay Michael, you know Linc can be a real jerk sometimes," She looked at Linc and he sat back down in his seat. "Just sit down and let's eat breakfast. You and I can talk later when your asshole brother gets LJ ready for the park." I smiled nodding my head yes and gingerly sat in the wooden chair hissing from the sting. "See Mike, that's what your shitty attitude gets you!" Linc yelled
"Lincoln Burrows! Say one more thing like that and I'll leave! When I leave, I'll be taking Michael so you can stop being a jerk to him!" Vee yelled. Linc turned a shade of red but didn't say anything, giving LJ and himself a pancake. I stifled a laugh and grabbed myself a pancake, "So Michael how's school going?" "Its good I'm getting A's in all my classes and I'm applying for scholarships." I tried to smile but my butt was burning, and I found myself constantly wiggling around in my chair with no relief.
Vee smiled at me and continued to eat her food. Everyone ate in silence and then in a matter of minutes we were all done with our food. Linc got up grabbing LJ from his high chair and smiled at Vee, "Well, I gotta get this little monster a bath and dressed. Then we can all go to the park. Michael get dressed and wear something warm, it's still snowing outside." As he turned to walk away, I found myself whispering, "I know, I'm not stupid Linc." Linc turned around so quickly and marched back to me. Vee's eyes got big and looked at me, it was a stern glare. She got up and took LJ from Linc, "Come on little guy, let's let Daddy and Uncle Mike talk. I'll get your bath started."
My eyes were pleading for her to stay, but I knew I was in deep now. She didn't even attempt to say anything on my behalf, "Thanks Vee, and I'll be in to take over LJs bath in a few minutes. Michael and I just need to have a little chat first." Linc glared angrily at me and I tried not to whimper. Why did I have to open my mouth? I should have just shut up and not said anything. Linc pointed to the corner in the living room, next to the couch and I cringed. I slowly walked past Linc, turning my backside away from him trying to avoid a stinging swat.
As I got into the corner, the eggshell white paint was fading, and I felt my defiance rising. I turned around to look at Linc, "Just because I say something you don't like, its automatic that I'm in trouble." I huffed out. Linc looked me up and down, he ran his hand down his face. "So, Michael when did you turn 18 and start making grown-up decisions? Hmm?" I stared at my grey socks and found myself nervously twisting my shirt. I wanted to yell at Linc, tell him I hated him because I was so angry. "I'm not Linc, but it just feels like I'm in trouble for everything lately. The words I say aren't right, my decisions are always wrong, and you don't even trust me anymore. Why am I even trying then?" I yelled but refused to look up.
Linc shook my arm gently, "Hey, Mike, you're not always in trouble, but lately I don't know what to think. You're just questioning everything I tell you and not listening. You think I want to be the bad guy? Do you think that it's fun for me to have to spank your ass? Trust me, Mike, I'd rather be relaxing with you and LJ instead of having to punish you. You just need to defy me though and damn maybe its growing pains. I just need you to listen to me for once though and not talk back." Linc heavily sighed. He took his big rough callused finger and lifted my chin to look at him. "Here's what's going to happen, you're going to fucking stand in this corner," Lincoln roughly grabbed my right arm and turned me to face the wall giving him a good target to my backside.
He landed three stinging warning swats and I instantly started to cry. "You're going to think how you can re-adjust your attitude and not ruin today for all of us. I'm going to send Vee out here to talk to you and I swear on my life Michael, if I fucking hear you disrespected her at all, I will bring my belt out here." Tears were rushing out of my eyes and I hiccupped a few times. That defiance though, this fire in my belly whispered I was right, and I felt myself get angry. I didn't turn around but rushed out, "See Linc, I'm always fucking in trouble!" I yelled
Lincs strong hand grabbed my right arm spinning me around to face him, "You can fucking feel that way Michael, and that's fine. Life's not fair sometimes Mikey and I get it. Life threw us some screwed up cards, but nothing in this house has changed and until your ass is in college it won't change. I am your older brother, you will show me fucking respect and do as you're told. This new shit, where you think you can yell at me like a petulant child, it will stop today."
I couldn't look at Linc, I was so angry I was shaking, "I matter though Linc! What I want and how I feel, it should matter to you too!" I couldn't help but yell, it just felt like I was never heard. That when I wanted to explain giving the money to Lisa and how I felt about it, I was beaten down for trying to explain. Lincs face had turned beet red and I could practically see smoke from his ears. "I know you matter Michael and I'm trying to listen to you. Even this morning I should have bent you over the couch and beat your ass but I'm trying to have patience. I'm fucking trying here, damn it! So far, you've disrespected Vee and have yelled at me. You've defied me, and God fucking forbid you think you've done anything wrong. Cuz, I sure as hell haven't heard an apology slip from your mouth."
My tears started to fall again, and I just felt lost. Apart of me couldn't believe what I was doing to Linc. I wanted him to love me and maybe my desire for him to understand me outweighed the rational side of my brain. "So, you're grounded Mike and I don't take that lightly. I feel like if I spank you, that should be enough punishment. I don't like doubling punishments because fuck Mike, I hated when Dad would do that shit to me. Usually, it's one punishment, then all's forgiven because I don't want you to dwell on what you did wrong. I just want you to learn from it but this time Mike, you're not understanding what you've done wrong. Your defiance is digging you in deeper."
I was so angry and confused that I was grounded, I didn't have many friends but just the idea that I'd suffocated in our small apartment made me want to scream. "No Linc! You can't do that!" I screamed while choking on my tears. Linc turned me around to face the wall and swatted me so hard I lifted forward onto my toes. I screamed out because the sting felt like someone was pouring salt on an open wound. "You kid are grounded for two weeks and now you just bought around with my belt again tonight! Stay in this corner and don't you dare come out or even turn around. Vee will be out here in a minute and maybe, just maybe, she can talk some sense into you."
I sniffled and wiped my runny nose on my black thermals sleeve. "But Linc, my backsides already bruised an n d what ifffff you seriously huuuurrt me." I cried. I was feeling sorry for myself and a part of me wanted to guilt Linc. "Well Michael, that's what happens when you keep pushing and pushing. I need to get LJ ready to go and after you talk to Vee¸ you will get dressed and wear warm clothes. We are going to the park and we will go as a family."
I didn't look back as I faced the wall and all I could do is stutter through my sobs and try to pull it together. I didn't want to upset Vee by crying and carrying on. I sniffled and wiped my whole face on the front of my shirt. "Michael, turn around and let's talk." Vee's soft hand turned me around to face her and my cheeks again felt like they were on fire from blushing. "Veeeeeee," I whined. I wanted her comfort and to tell me someone at least loved me because I felt like maybe no one loved me anymore. "I'm sorry, I'm so useless, and a burden to Linc."
Vee's soft hands lifted my chin, so I was looking at her, "Don't you ever say that again Michael Scofield," Her voice had a hard edge to it. "No matter what you do, Linc and I always will love you. You're not a burden, but you are a child, Michael. We're the adults and when Linc asks you to do something, you do it. When did it become okay for you to talk back?" Vee removed her hand from my chin. I looked down remorseful and felt guilt pulsating through my blood.
"I…mmm…. Sohree, I just ammmm tired." I started to cry harder and didn't know what to say. Vee rubbed my shoulder, "Listen, you really betrayed Lincolns trust and instead of owning up to it, you decided to be a little shit about it. Lincoln told me all about your arguments with him over it and tell me Mike, was he lying? Because the Mike I know would have apologized and tried to fix things. You chose to run from it and then to make yourself feel better, tried to justify your actions. If there's one thing I know Michael, it's how honest and sweet you are. Where did that kid go?" Vee's voice was soft and laced with concern.
I was sniffling back my tears and looked directly into Vee's eyes, "I know I messed up and I know Linc loves me, Vee. I'm really sorry and want to do better." Tears rolled down my cheeks and suddenly Vee hugged me. She smelled like warm vanilla and in that moment, I realized how much I had missed her. Why couldn't Linc just change and be better so she could stay with him? "Alright Michael, so be better starting today and be who I know you are." Vee smiled, and I nodded. "Linc said you're getting another punishment tonight and I'll try to talk to him about it. Honestly though Mike, after your little show this morning I do think he should spank you." My mouth fell open and I wanted to die from embarrassment.
Great, let us put it out on the news I'm getting my ass beat again tonight and make flyers hand those out too. "I ummm, I know that I ummmm deserve it, but it's just with the belt it'll make it worst because of last night." I groaned out a whisper. I was so embarrassed, but I wanted Vee to know that I deserved to be punished.
Vee looked at me puzzled for a minute, then she turned marching into the bathroom and I heard her yelling at Linc. I tried to hear but didn't dare move from the corner and then Linc came out of the bathroom. I backed into the corner of the wall scared he was coming out to punish me, that I had upset Vee somehow. "Michael, listen, if you behave today for the rest of the day then we can discuss me using my belt tonight. Now, go get dressed and wash your face. Make sure to grab a jacket and some gloves." Linc told me calmly. I tried not to smile because when Linc said discuss, I knew Vee talked to him. "Okay Linc, and I'm sorry. I'll get ready to go and get LJ some toys too."
Linc pulled me in for a hug and whispered a reminder to behave before he lightly tapped my butt getting me to move faster. I changed quickly into my blue denim jeans and put a clean white thermal on. I grabbed my used winter jacket from my small closet and found myself pausing for a moment. These last few days had been so emotionally draining and I looked forward to a relaxing day with my little family. I grabbed my pair of snow gloves Linc had gotten me at the goodwill last year and even though they fit snug, I was happy I had them. I walked out of my room and into the bathroom splashing water on my face but was interrupted. "Unca Mike, Daddys saws lets go." I looked down at LJ bundled up in his jacket with his black winter gloves and picked him up. "Hey buddy, you ready to go?" I kissed his forehead and hugged him close.
As I walked into the living room Linc had his arm around Vee and they were laughing. "There you guys are, you ready to head to the park?" Vee asked excitedly. Linc opened the door and we walked out into the bright sunlight, fresh powdered snow all around. The day flew by with laughter and for the first time since Vee left to school last year, I felt complete. That maybe there was hope for a brighter future and we could all be a family.
I held LJ in my arms as we headed back to the apartment and he slept so peacefully. Linc and Vee were ahead of us holding hands. It was late afternoon and we all just ate lunch at Jax diner. As we entered the apartment, I decided to lay down LJ in his play-pin and then got my jacket and gloves off. "Mike, I have to head out now and get back home. It was so good seeing you and don't be a stranger. If you need me, I'm only a phone call away and I know you're going through a hard time, but it'll all be okay." Vee embraced me and smiled at me.
"I really miss you, Vee, things are just better when you're here." I smiled sadly. She looked me in the eyes and smiled, "I know Mike, but I promise it'll get better between you and Linc. Just remember when you're an adult, you get to boss LJ around but right now, you're the child." I nodded my head and Linc walked Vee out of the apartment. I went and grabbed my book out of my backpack, I still had a couple more chapters to read before winter break was over.
I heard the apartment door open and I kept my head down and read. I heard Linc taking off his jacket and then the couch dipped as he sat down. He turned the TV on and pulled me into him, so I was leaning on him as I read. "Ah man, seeing LJ run around today reminded me of you as a kid so much. You were the sweetest kid and Mom, she really loved you." I looked up at Linc, this wasn't my brother. He was never sentimental, "Are you going to jail?" I asked
"Mike, what are you even talking about? I just was sharing a memory with you. Honestly, I just want to know where my sweet kid brother went?" He looked at me perplexed. I looked him straight in the eyes, "I'm right here Linc, I just am changing, I guess. Did you change? When you were my age?" Linc looked down at me patting my chest with his heavy hand, "I did, I became angry at the world. How much it screwed me over Mike and especially when I lost you to foster care. I had to hustle money any way I could, just to survive the streets out there and then when I adopted you, I knew I had to clean up my act. I wanted you to stay with me and I don't care if I havta beat the shit out of you to keep you off those streets. I will Mike because I love you and I know you're going to be a Doctor or a Fancy Lawyer someday. You have the smarts to be whatever you want to be."
There was a knock at the door and Linc sighed heavily. "It's Lisa Mike, she's here to get LJ and I need to talk to her. Go to your room and when it's time, I'll wake LJ up from his nap and I don't want you talking to her." I got up from the couch and was about to say something, but Lincs face just looked tired and I decided to just do as he said. As I walked to my room, I heard Linc talking to Lisa and he wasn't being very nice about it.
I debated listening but when I walked past LJs play pin he laid awake staring at me and I picked him up. "Hey buddy, you ready to start getting ready to go home with Mommy?" I whispered. He shook his head, yes and I started gathering his clothes in his overnight bag and grabbed his teddy bear out of his play pin. I sat him on my lap and rocked him while I heard Linc yell and my guilt weighed heavy on my shoulders.
I did this and instead of sticking up for myself I was hiding in my room and I should say something! As I got up with LJ clinging to my neck, I heard a soft knock at my bedroom door. The door opened, and Lisa walked in her eyes were red and she smiled. Linc walked in right behind her, "Lisa wants to talk to you Mike, and I'll finish getting LJs things ready." He picked LJ up off my lap and bent down grabbing his overnight bag. He paused looking at me and nodded his head in approval of me talking with her and then left.
I sat on my bed and was happy I took the two minutes to make it this morning. Lisa sat next to me, her blond hair was shoved under a gray beanie and she was wearing a blue diner waitress outfit. "Mike, Lincoln explained to me that you got into serious trouble because you used the heating money to let me borrow. I would have never asked if I knew that the heat would be turned off because LJ needs to live in a place that's safe for him." She said sternly. I think my mouth fell open because I was expecting her to say she was sorry I had gotten in trouble. As I sat, the sting of my bottom was a harsh reminder of what loaning Lisa had caused me.
"Are you serious? How did you think I would have money if it wasn't Lincs money for bills?" My voice raised a bit. Lisa stood up and glared at me. "How am I to know Mike, you offered and of course I said yes. I was in need and for all I know, you could have been hustling drugs at school to get that money." She had a smug look on her face and I shot up from where I was sitting. I was 5 foot 6 already and she was at eye level with me. "I would never, ever, fucking hustle drugs to get money!" Lisa backed away from me and held her hands up, "Well, I don't know what you would do," She stammered out.
I was so angry I was shaking, and the bedroom door opened. Linc came in with LJ, "Michael Scofield, what do you think you're doing! I could hear you yelling from the kitchen and you don't ever yell at an adult. That mouth of yours is out of control." Lincs no-nonsense voice scolded me. Lisa turned to Linc grabbing LJ from his arms, "Look, I don't want our son around this. We're leaving, LJ say bye to Uncle Mike and Daddy." LJ said goodbye and as Lisa left my room, she turned back winking at me and smiled. I stood in shock, but then shouted bitch as I heard the front door close.
Linc approached me and held up his hand as if he were debating slapping my face, but then grabbed my right arm instead. He stood mere inches from my face and as he screamed his spit splattered on my face. He was still so much bigger than I was, bulky and muscular from his construction job. Still a few inches taller than I was and at that moment I felt like a small child.
I whimpered trying to pull away but then decided if he was going to scream, I could too! "She fucking said I was a drug dealer! She accused me of putting LJ in danger because I let her borrow money!" My rage had taken over and I was unsure if I could reign it back in as I shook with adrenaline ready to fight someone. "I don't give a fuck what she said! You have lost it if you think that gives you the right to scream at her and call her names! I have had enough of your shit Michael! Yelling in my face like I'm some fucking piece of shit you met on the streets instead of your brother. Instead of the guy who takes care of your ass!" Lincolns screaming made me calm down quick because this was the Linc before a fight.
This was the Linc that used his fists to pound guys down who disrespected him and challenged him. I could feel tears streaming out of my eyes now and I focused on what Linc was going to do next. I saw Linc breathing in deeply as his grip grew tighter on my right arm, "Linc, please you're hurting me." I managed to cry out. "I want your jeans off and your ass on your knees leaning at the side of the bed. Do it now Michael or so help me!" Linc screamed
I felt a wave of nausea hit me and it felt like all the events from the last few days were nothing compared to this. Linc had just completely lost it and it was my fault. He let go of my arm and my fingers shook so hard I fumbled with the button and zipper on my jeans. "Hurry up Mike, stop fucking stalling." I let out a huge breath of air that I must have been holding without realizing. "I'm trying Linc." I started to cry and wiped my face with my white thermals sleeve and finally shucked off my pants. I stood in my black boxers feeling so exposed and embarrassed.
I looked up at Linc one more time with my tears and snot dripping off my face. His face was set like stone not showing a single hint of emotion, "Get over to the bed like I told you!" He screamed. I slowly walked the five feet to my bed and got on my knees, the carpet digging into my skin. I lowered my head onto my brown comforter and just started crying and my whole body shook. I thought back to when I was 12, Linc had whipped me on the bare with his belt for pushing our elderly neighbor. She was scolding me for almost knocking her down as I walked past her, and I thought if I were going to get in trouble I might as well push her. It wasn't very logical thinking, but oh when she told Linc, he wasted no time shoving me into our apartment and pulling my pants and underwear down to belt me.
I shuddered at the memory and it sent me into another crying fit just thinking how painful that was. "You're going to stay in that position and think what you have done! When I come back in here, you'll be getting a whipping. Then afterward, we can talk, because there isn't a god damn thing you could say beforehand to change my mind. I am going for a walk and then I'll be back in here to take care of your punishment." I couldn't breathe because I was crying so hard and Linc walked out slamming my bedroom door closed.
This was worse than when I was 12 because at least that was over quickly, but this time I already had a sore ass and had time to think. I thought a few things, how much I hated Lisa and how she betrayed me the second it suited her. That it wasn't my money to give to her in the first place and how wrong about everything I was.
The thing that really irked me was being accused of selling drugs and I'm not sure why that bothered me so much. I thought maybe it was because I had tried so hard to make sure Linc didn't go back to selling drugs with Crab. When I had first came to live here, Linc hustled money by selling drugs and it took a lot of convincing to get him to stop. I cringed at the memory and was angry that between Linc and Lisa accusing me of selling drugs, I was so disappointed no one understood why that'd anger me.
I was so focused on my thoughts, I didn't even hear the front door open but at least I had stopped crying for now. I did start to panic because my thermal couldn't cover me when Linc spanked me and my embarrassment was overwhelming me. I felt my cheeks start to burn with warmth as I blushed, and I didn't want to ask Linc any favors. My knees felt like they were bleeding from kneeling for so long, even though it had probably been only a few minutes. I heard my bedroom door open and I looked over to see Linc come in. He at least looked calmer but the anger on his face was apparent.
"Linc….ummmm…. can… I….. umm….. please change into a longer shirt." I managed to choke out. "No Michael, you'll be covered up leaning over the bed. Get up and get your boxers down and get into position." I wanted to challenge his logic but did as I was told and leaned over the bed first then my boxers down trying to preserve my modesty. I could hear Linc undoing his belt and the jingle of the belt buckle. Tears already started to trickle down my face and I held my breath trying to keep it together. I heard the belt fly through the air and for a second, I felt nothing as it hit but suddenly pain blossomed over my backside. I cried out because after last nights spanking everything still hurt.
Linc kept swinging and kept the intensity up and all I could do was put my head in my comforter and try to muffle my cries. I could barely even think because the pain was so intense, and I was crying so hard. I lost count at 20 and could hear Lincs labored breathing and he paused. "You need to start listening Michael, you will fucking stop this behavior. I've had enough!" I didn't even have a chance to answer before Linc attacked my sit spots and then I really screamed. "Ihhhhhlll behave, ihm sooory. Pleeeease stop, ittt hurts so bad." I screamed out
Linc spanked my sit spots again and then stopped. I was crying so hard and didn't hear him thread his belt back on. Suddenly, I felt him pulling up my boxers into place and his hands forcing me to stand. I immediately put my head on his shoulder and cried wiping my face and nose on my shirt. I could feel an intense sting and reached back to try to rub it out. "Nope, not happening Michael and try to calm down so we can talk. Just breath and try to stop crying." Linc rubbed my back in hopes I'd stop crying and it began to work.
I sniffled and Linc pulled me back, so I could look him in the face and gave a little smile, "Alright, first I'm sorry I had to use my belt again Michael. I never want to have to do that but after the way you treated Vee then Lisa today was not okay. I'm not raising you to be a man that treats a woman that way and until today I didn't even realize that was an issue. The bigger issue though, is they are adults and you my brother are still a child. You will show respect, even when you don't agree with what they are saying." Linc rubbed my back again and pulled me into him.
"I'm really sorry and you're right I know. My anger just got the better of me and I'm sorry." I cried. "Hormones Michael, I know being 15 is hard, I was there once, and I understand. Yet, I know you heard this a million times, but Dad would have whipped the skin off me for talking to anyone like that." I nodded my head yes into his shoulder and knew Linc was right, "I know Linc and I'm so sorry about everything the last few days. I know it was wrong to give Lisa that money now."
Linc held me tighter, "You have a good heart Mike, and I know you were trying to do the "right" thing but the way you went about it was wrong." "I know, and I promise I'll never get in trouble again and that I'll be better," I mumbled out. Linc laughed and pulled me away from him again, "I know you'll try, and I love you so much Mike, but I'm sure you'll be in trouble again soon enough. Now, go take a shower and I'll help you put some salve on your butt. Then, we can order some pizza and watch a movie. You'll also be icing your bottom because I want to make sure you won't have much bruising. You're still grounded though, so you will stay in the apartment and get school work done. Please don't ever make me do that again because I don't like having to give you two spankings. It caused some bruising and it breaks my heart to see that." I looked at Linc and he swiped away a tear from his face quickly and kissed the top of my head.
I went to grab my pajama bottoms from my old wooden dresser and another pair of loose fitting boxers. The sting was almost unbearable, and I wasn't looking forward to water beating down on my backside. As I walked to the bathroom, I saw Linc was on the phone and he was yelling. I only heard muffled parts, but I made out it was Lisa and he was telling her off. I smirked to myself, at least she was getting in trouble as well. When I peeled off my boxers, I turned on the shower and looked into the standing mirror. My ass was beet red and a few purple marks from the belt appeared and welts.
I went ahead taking out the salve we had in the cabinet, so I could call Linc over to help me put it on when I got out of the shower. It was embarrassing, and I almost debated not asking for help, but I could reach my sit spots. I stood in the hot shower biting my inner cheek not to scream out as the pressure was almost too intense, but I hurriedly washed up and got out. I dried myself off and then opened the bathroom door, "Linc, can you please help me put the stuff on before I get dressed?" I yelled. I heard a few more words and the phone hanging up and then he was walking into the bathroom.
"Hey buddy, you feeling a little better?" His voice soft and laced with concern. I placed the white towel in front of me exposing my bottom and even though I was dying from embarrassment I tried to play it cool. "Yeah, the shower helped and Linc I'm really sorry again about everything." Linc grabbed the salve and put it on a cotton ball and gasped in when he saw the state of my backside. "Oh Mike, I'm sorry buddy. This looks painful and I know you won't be sitting too comfy for a while, but I really hope you can tell me what you've learned from this?"
I winced as he slathered on the salve, "I have and I'm sorry I just have an anger inside me that comes out when things don't go the way I think they should. I just….I wanted to be right so bad and I didn't care how I acted. I know I was wrong and God Linc, I just am sorry." "I know, and its okay that you're angry sometimes. Life's not fair, but don't ever stop talking to me or Vee whenever you have a problem. I'll try to understand but no more yelling in my face or defying me. If you, we will just end up, here again, me putting salve on your ass. Now put on your clothes and let's get you some ice."
We ordered pizza and watched a movie and I felt warm and safe knowing Linc really cared about me. He was my brother, my friend, and parent. As I drifted off to sleep, I heard Linc say he loved me and kissed my head. That's all I ever wanted and needed a brother who would keep me safe go above and beyond for me. One day, I might return the favor to him and hopefully, I could keep my anger in check, so if he did need me, I'd embraced him with love instead of anger….