Hello all of you out there in TV land! hehe, so I'm a little hyper and have had nothing to do since we've been snowed in! Woot...anyway here's the next one...uh it's a little on the morbid side...but yeah...enjoy!
Bugle Girl and Mouse thanks for reviewing i'm glad you liked it!
Ducky...you're just awesome!
I vaguely remembered walking into the hospital and going through test. I was transferred to a hospital closer to home where I then went through the same stupid tests.
"If you poke me one more time…." I warned as the nurse prepared another shot for me.
"I'm sorry but it's the doctor's order." She responded as she took my arm and jabbed the needle in.
"Well I'll have his license revoked."
"I'll let him know that." She lied.
"Yeah uh huh."
"Oh, your mother called and said she'd arrive shortly."
"Great."
"Someone will be in to check you later." She taunted walking out of the room.
"I just want my fiancée." I whined. A few minutes later my mom burst in the room, paused, and rushed over to me.
"Mom it hurts, don't touch me."
"Oh hunny, my poor baby." She said cradling my head.
"You can let go now."
"I will in a minute."
"Where's Jack and Spot?"
"Waiting room, only one visitor is allowed at a time so I'll send them in after I leave."
"No it's not, they get at least 2 visitors up in ICU."
"I know I just wanted to see you first."
"I'm not going to be your baby forever."
"Actually, you are, but you won't be a CHILD forever. Well, age wise anyways."
"That was harsh."
"Oh you know I'm teasing."
"I am not feeling the love!"
"That's because these idiots have been shooting you with drugs for hours."
"Not true." She gave me the mom look. "Okay fine, it was only one!"
"Mh hmm, I'll send the boys in now so I can have a talk with that excuse of a doctor."
"Okay." She gave me one more spine-crushing hug before leaving me. I sat there for a moment by myself when Jack and Spot came in.
"Heya Angel." Jack greeted before giving me a kiss on the not so swollen side of my face.
"Hi love." I said back. "Hey Spot."
"Hey." He smirked.
"So, how's everyone?" I asked feeling the awkwardness from the 3 of us saying nothing.
"Tings ah good." Spot answered poking the jello like substance I was expected to eat.
"Cool, are you having fun?" I asked trying to laugh only to feel pain spasms go through my sides. Jack noticed my discomfort and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Ah ya actually gonna eat dat?" Jack asked pointing to the jell-o like substance I was supposed to eat.
"No. So, uh, did things go as planned?" They were both quite a moment before Spot smiled broadly and nodded.
"Yeah."
"So they're both in jail right?"
"Dat dey ah." Jack answered.
"Lucky foh dem." Spot mumbled.
"Good, they can rot." I snickered.
"Dat dey will."
"We don't gotta wohhy bout dem no moh." Jack said.
"So uh, did dey find out what was wrong wid ya, oddah dan da fact da ya messed up in da head?" Spot smiled.
"You're too kind, really. Yeah they did, they said I have a cracked rib, obviously a broken wrist, and I had a concussion in addition to the stuff you can see."
"Oh ya mean da black eye, da swollen cheek, a split lip and da bruises all ovah ya ahms."
"Yeah that."
"So when ah dey gonna let ya out?"
"They just want to keep me here overnight, make sure that I don't relapse or something dumb like that. I really want to go home."
"Well at dis rate, home is gonna come to you. Spades and Dodgah wanna stop by latah."
"Yippee."
"I'm sensing some hostility heah." Jack said.
"When I don't feel good, I don't like being around people."
"Do ya want us ta leave?" Spot asked.
"No, you guys are fine…you're not being overly gushy, like mom was and like Dodger and Spades will be."
"Dat's cause dey're goils."
"No really I thought they were boys?"
"Dat's cause ya got ya hit in da head one too many times."
"Ok you out!"
"Angel, be nice ta ya bruddah."
"I don't wanna."
"Aight I'll leave, but I'll send Dodgah and Spades in foh sure."
"Fine you can stay…but be nice."
"You too."
"Grr."
"I'se suddenly glad I was an only child." Jack said.
"Yeah you didn't have dork brothers to deal with!" I said jokingly.
"Or annoyin sistahs." Spot added.
"You'd be bored without me."
"Da woild will nevah know."
"Do ya want some REAL food Angel?" Jack asked.
"YES!!!"
"Ya want a boigah(burger) or sumptin?"
"Uh taco…"
"Soft taco?"
"Please?"
"Beef?"
"No, chicken."
"Aight, I'll get it foh ya, Spot you wanna stay heah?"
"Shoh."
"I don't trust that look." I told Spot.
"What?"
"The way you said sure, it scares me."
"I ain't gonna do nuttin to ya."
"Ok…"
"Hey Jack, goin on a food run may be a good opportunity ta get ta know ma bettah."
"RUN FOR YOUR LIFE JACK!!!!" I said.
"He's gonna be apaht of da family he'll hafta be alone wid hah some time!"
"Aight, I'll see if she wants ta come wid me." Jack said not wanting to be in the middle of Spot and me.
"Oh wait, please, please take her with you!" I pleaded.
"I taught, ya just told me ta run!"
"Yeah, that was before I realized she'll want to visit with me if there's a chance for her to."
"Aight, I'se be back latah, wid ya muddah." Jack smiled as he left me with Spot.
"So, what's up?" I asked.
"Nutin."
"What's the reason for you staying then, just out of curiosity?"
"Just wanted ta make shoh ya was okay, but I can leave if ya want."
"No, I need someone to talk to."
"Talk bout what?"
"Just in general."
"Ah,"
"I mean I've been bored out of my ever loving mind all day!" I laughed.
"Did ya count da tiles?"
"Twice."
"Ouch."
"Yeah pretty much. So did you and Jack just happen to be hanging out when Pulitzer called?"
"We wasn't hangin out, we was runnin errands."
"Oh, I see."
"So, how did uh ya get kidnapped?"
"I was shopping for jewelry and I was walking out to my car, looking for my keys when a guy grabbed me from behind."
"Foh futah reference, will ya get ya keys out BEFOH ya go outside."
"Yes."
"And I would say carryin mace would be a good idea, but if I know you ya'd spray yaself."
"Yeah probably…though Jack probably won't let me out of his sight for a while."
"Yeah da buddy system woiks wondahs."
"And you know this how?"
"Well look at all da past fights we'se seen and hoid of."
"Case and point."
"So, uh, Ellie and Davie ah goin out on a second date."
"Really, good."
"Yep."
"I'm happy for them."
"Yeah Mouse stahted askin 20 questions when she hoid what happened to ya."
"That's Mouse…she's probably wanting to come too isn't she?"
"Honestly I tink da whole group does."
"Can you just tell them to wait until tomorrow?"
"Dat's what I was tinkin."
"At least I'll be on the comfy couch."
"Dat's true."
"Like I said when I don't feel good I don't like being around people, but it's better when I'm comfy."
"Ah ya refferin ta our couch, cause I'll have ta clean it tanight if ya were."
"Uh, yeah, that would be home."
"Well I got a couple places I call home."
"Well as of right now there's only one, and how messy is it?"
"It ain't messy, it's just doity."
"What did you do?"
"It was Skittery, I didn't touch it!"
"You wanna kill him for me?"
"I'd raddah kill Pulitzah but Skittery'll woik."
"Good good."
"ANGEL!!!" Dodger said running in.
"Hi Dodger."
"Can I hug you or would that hurt?"
"That would hurt."
"At least she asked befoh she hugged." Spot said.
"Unlike mom!"
"Is it okay if I come in?" Spades asked outside the door.
"Briefly!"
"Why does Spot get to stay forever but I only get to visit briefly?"
"Because, I have to live with him."
"Whatever, I'm glad you're back."
"Yeah me too!"
"So will you be bed ridden for a while?" Dodger asked looking at my many injuries.
"Um, I don't know about bed ridden but it'll take me a little time to fully recover."
"That generally happens when you break something." Spades smirked.
"Shut up."
"Spot, will you make sure she takes it easy?" Dodger asked him as if I wasn't even there.
"Dodger, you are turning into mom!"
"I'm not THAT extreme!"
"I said turning, so not yet." Dodger stuck her tongue out at me to which spurred me to do the same at her.
"And ya two ah oldah?" Spot laughed.
"Yeah it's funny that's what the guy who kicked me said." Spot stopped smiling.
"Bahstahd."
"That's what I called him."
"Was he big?" Spades asked.
"No he was scrawny, which is why he kidnapped me."
"I don't what is wrong with the doctors, because she seems fine to me." Dodger said.
"That's what I've been trying to tell them all day but they still won't let me go."
"Yeah, why would dey listen to da goil who looks like da punchin bag foh some boxer." Spot teased.
"You know after you got kidnapped you didn't look so great after."
"Yeah, but I wad-"
"ANYWAY, she's fine, and so are you." Dodger interrupted.
"Yeah I think mom's trying to get them to let me go."
"Really? Because we saw her driving off with Jack." Spades said. Spot started laughing.
"So she finally got a hold of him."
"Looks that way."
"I wanna go home." I whimpered.
"AW." Dodger cooed.
"She ain't a baby Dodgah." Spot said.
"She's my baby sister."
"No I'm not. I'm older than you are."
"Sshhh, it's the meds talking."
"No it's not you dork!"
"I dunno if ya two have noticed dis oh not, but ya twins!" Spot said rubbing his head.
"I was born first!"
"Ya given me a headache!"
"You've been getting those a lot lately." Spades observed.
"Yeah, when I'm around ya crazys."
"Hehe." I chuckled.
"So has Media called yelling hysterically yet?" Spot rubbed his head again. "I'll take that as a yes."
"OH, she was already in a bad mood when I called so da news bout you sent hah ovah da edge."
"Why was she in a bad mood?"
"I ain't a councilah, I was just givin hah da message."
"I was just asking."
"I know, but I'se hungry so I'm edgy right now."
"Aw poor Spoty." Dodger said. Spot glared at her.
"Dodger you might want to run." I advised.
"Or… give him a candy bar!" she said whipping one out of her purse.
"Dat'll woik." Spot said accepting the candy and giving me half before eating it all.
"Thank you." I said. At that moment Dodger's cell rang.
"Hello. Oh, okay, yeah hold on." Dodger said. "Blink is outside and wants to see me so I'll be back." She said excusing herself before leaving.
"I probably ottah go too."Spades said.
"Call Jack and find out where he is." I called as she went into the hallway.
"Maybe him and mom ah bondin." Spot said trying not to laugh.
"They can bond some other time, I'm hungry."
"I just fed you!"
"Half a candy bar!"
"If I had known it wadn't gonna help ya I woulda ate da whole ting."
"It helped a little bit but not much."
"Uh huh shoh." Spot smiled.
I awoke the next day with a stiff back from the stupid bed. But I would be released today so I was happy. Of course I got a big bill for the drugs I had needed but Jack picked me up and took me home. I dozed on the couch for a couple hours until my phone started ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey stink butt."Media greeted
"Hey duck butt." I said.
"So, how's life?"
"You really have to ask?"
"It's part of the everyday conversation, so yes."
"Wow, uh I'm home so I'm happy, still sore but happy."
"Heard you broke your wrist."
"Yeah, and a rib."
"Ah, sounds like you had fun."
"Yeah, fun…let me tell ya."
"Are you in a better mood today?"
"Yep."
"You want company?"
"Yeah."
"That's good, cause Mush and I are already on our way!"
"Good thing you called."
"Yeah, is your door locked?"
"Uh, SPOT IS THE DOOR LOCKED?!"
"YES!!!" He yelled.
"Yeah." I told Media.
"I heard. That's okay, cause he gave me a key, haha."
"Wow. Then why did you ask?"
"To remind you of the tie rule when Jack moves in."
"Yeah good idea…"
"I'm gonna get off the phone because traffic is psychotic!"
"Yeah pretty much."
"Be there in a bit!"
"Bye duck butt."
"HI ANGEL BYE ANGEL!" Mush shouted.
"Hi Mush."
"Okay, hanging up now."
"Bye." I said hanging up the phone. I sincerely hoped that she wouldn't try to cheer me up by tickling me due to the fact that I didn't know if she knew about my rib or not. I decided I wanted to get up and stretch since I hadn't done anything all day. I slowly moved my feet to the floor and started to ease myself forward when I felt the pain.
"OW." I said loudly.
"Wad is it?" Spot called from his room.
"Nothing, just that I can't move." He appeared in the living room and frowned at me.
"Wheah did ya want ta go?"
"No where particular, just wanted to more a bit."
"Ah, people will probably staht arriving in an houh or so."
"Okay cool."
"When is Media gonna be heah?"
"In a few minutes. You gave her a key?"
"Yeah, she comes ovah a lot so I figuhed it made sense."
"Okay, um."
"What?"
"Do we have snacks for them or is it all about me?"
"Uh, dere's chips, dey can get dere own food if deye'se hungrhy." Spot said smirking.
"Fine by me." I said easing myself forward and slowly standing.
"Aight so ya good."
"Um I guess so. You'll know if I'm not."
"Dat's true."
"Okay, I'm going to walk around for a bit so that my legs don't fall asleep."
"Oh like ya brain has."
"If it didn't hurt to move, you'd be a dead man right about now."
"I'm shoh."
"Where is my brush?" I asked looking around for it.
"In ya room."
"Didn't I ask you to get it for me earlier?"
"I dunno."
"Okay then." I said slowly moving to my room to grab my brush and get my hair in pigtails so it didn't get any more matted. After finishing my hair, I ventured into the kitchen to find some food before it was all eaten. I was pouring myself some cereal when I heard a thud on the door and keys jingling.
"What the bloody heck are they doing to the door?" I asked to the air.
"Get off my foot!" Mush yelled outside.
"Move!" Media told him.
"What do you say?"
"Please."
"Okay you have to get off my foot in order for me to move." By this point I had moved over to the door and opened it for them.
"You know you could just knock, it works better." I said.
"Yeah, but that's too logical." Media said.
"Wow, for once someone said my thinking was logical." I mused.
"Hey Angel." Mush said walking in after Media.
"Hey Mush, hey Duck butt."
"Hey Nutter Butter."
"Ya have weahd nicknames foh each oddah." Spot said emerging from his room.
"Hey Spot." Mush greeted.
"Heya Mush."
"So how's it working out for you two being roommates?" Media asked.
"Oh, fine." I said.
"That sounded so convincing." Mush said.
"Well it's hard to sound convincing when your rib is on fire." I said.
"Den why ain't ya sittin down?" Spot asked.
"One because I'm hungry, two I would except I just answered the door!"
"I was getting the key out, you didn't have to answer the door." Media pointed out.
"You were standing on his foot…"
"Because he was in the way."
"And it was taking you too long to open the door, so I did it for you."
"Ha, you got impatient."
"And how long have you known me?"
"5 minutes."
"Wow."
"Hey Spot do you still have that game I left you?" Mush asked.
"Yeah, it's in the X Box, ya want it back?"
"Not at the moment."
"Aight."
"I'm going to sit on the couch, feel free to join me." I said.
"Did ya even get any food?"
"I started to, but my rib hurts so I'll get it later."
"Or you could ask someone to get you food." Media said.
"True, hey Spot, will you get the bowl of cereal on the table?" I asked.
"Why do I hafta?"
"Because you live here."
"Did you not want milk?" Media asked looking at it.
"Did I not pour any in?"
"Nope."
"Will you kindly pour milk in it then?"
"Yeah, you boys can go play, I've got her covered."
"Tank ya Media." Spot said.
"You're welcome."
"We'll be in Spot's room."
"Okay, see you boys later." I said.
"So sprinkle butt…" Media started.
"Sprinkle Butt?"
"I know how you're doing physically, but how are you other than that?"
"Oh uh, okay…"
"Okay?"
"Yeah, I mean, I talked to Spot and Jack yesterday, so I got it out, and I'm not afraid of anything so I guess I'm okay."
"Bueno." She said handing the cereal to me.
"Danke"
"Bitte"
"So how are you?"
"Boof."
"Huh?"
"It's the noise French people make, like bleh."
"Oh, why bleh?"
"Stubborn husband."
"Do I want to know?"
"What?"
"I mean is it something that should stay between you two?"
"I don't think so, but he does."
"Okay so spill."
"So, just wanna strangle him sometimes."
"Why?"
"Because, he's all scatter brained, not in a dumb way but he can't concentrate."
"Okay…" I said prodding her.
"Stupid dad."
"So, he's scatter brained over what happened with his dad?"
"Yeah."
"Have you talked to him?"
"I've tried to."
"Well, I'm afraid that's all you can do."
"But he's bigger than me."
"I know that."
"No I was trying to get him to talk but he picked me up and moved me, and went to go work out."
"Wow, he moved you?"
"Yeah he just picked me up, turned around, put me down, and left."
"That's harsh."
"Yeah so, I wanna talk to him when he can't move…like tied or something."
"Don't tie him up, it hurts."
"Aw did you get rope burn."
"Oh is that what you call the red stuff on my wrist that hurts."
"Yes."
"I'm glad that you came over…Spot's been flipping out all day and Jack won't let him leave me alone."
"Is that why Spot's flipping out?"
"I think that's part of it."
"What's the other part?"
"The fact that I got kidnapped."
"I thought you two talked."
"I talked."
"Oh."
"I mean I've tried to get him to, but he won't."
"Yeah, guys aren't verbal communicators but they need to talk too."
"Yep. I really hope that no one stays really long."
"Why?"
"I'm tired, and sore."
"Take a nap."
"That's all I've done all day, when I finally do get to sleep the stupid pain medication wears off and wakes me up."
"Then don't take the meds until you start feeling sleepy."
"I do!"
"Well I don't know what to tell you."
"I wasn't expecting you to fix it, I was just saying, I hope no one stays too long."
"They can be kicked out if they don't leave willingly."
"By you?"
"Why not."
"I love you Media."
"And I you." Right then my phone started ringing.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Heya Angel." Came Jack's voice.
"Hey baby."
"How ah ya?"
"Sore."
"Have ya tried puttin ice packs on it?"
"Yes."
"Heating pads?"
"Yes."
"Prayed?"
"Too many times to count."
"Den ya gonna hafta grit ya teeth."
"Are you coming over?"
"Yeah."
"When?"
"Right now."
"Yay."
"Glad dat makes ya happy."
"Why wouldn't I be happy to see my fiancée?"
"I dunno."
"Silly Jacky Boy."
"Ya strange Angel."
"Has that ever bothered you before?"
"No."
"Good to know."
"Aight, I'se just callin ta check up on ya."
"I'm okay, Media's here."
"She hasn't jumped ya has she?"
"No baby."
"Dat's good."
"Someone's getting over protective."
"Nah, I'se just glad ya not getting jumped on."
"Why thank you."
"Ya welcome."
"I'll see you when you get here."
"Aight."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"So how's Jack?"
"Overprotective."
"Hm."
"It's kind of annoying."
"Either talk to him about it or get used to it, because you're marrying him."
"I know, he's just started though."
"Right now he has a right to be, but if he keeps it up, talk to him."
"Indeed I shall."
Eventually everyone came over and hung out for the evening. They were relieved to see that I was okay and we had fun hanging out. After a couple hours they all went home and I snuggled into my blankets and fell asleep.
LINE LINE
The next morning I awoke to find that my toilet was clogged, it was not starting out to be a good morning, the toilet clogged, my razor broke, and I had to use Spot's bathroom which was really messy and gross.
"Why da ya need ta use mine?" Spot asked when I pounded on his door.
"My toilet is clogged."
"So you just need ta use me toilet and go back ta ya bathroom?"
"Oh can I use your razor, mine kinda died."
"I'll get one foh ya."
"Okay."
"Heah, ain't nevah been used." He said handing me a razor after he had gone into the bathroom.
"Thanks." I said he was acting weird all of a sudden. "Are you okay Spot?"
"Yeah I'se just tiahed so don't boddah puttin da razah away, just leave it by da tub or da sink."
"Okay."
"Aight." He went back into his room and I went into his bathroom to use his toilet. After I had finished I felt a sneeze coming on, and grabbed a tissue to sneeze into. I tossed it at the trashcan but missed, I slowly bent over due to my sore…everything…and put it in the trashcan before noticing some bloody tissues. I looked closer and saw several of them squished in the bottom of the trashcan. I figured that he'd cut himself shaving or something so I paid it no mind for the moment. Due to force of habit I opened a drawer to put the razor away like I would have in my bathroom and remember he told me to leave it out. But I figured it would make more sense to put it with his other ones so I started looking for them and generally trying to help. I found his shaving cream and after shave, but no razors. I then noticed a cabinet that was high up that I hadn't checked yet. Maybe he was hiding the razors from me since he knew that I liked using them. I stood up on my toes, which caused extreme pain and felt around inside the cupboard with my hand since I couldn't see that high. I stopped when I felt a razor and instead of putting the other one up with it, I accidentally pulled the other one down with me. At first I thought it was an old one because it had rust on it, but then I looked closer and realized that it wasn't rust, it was caked with blood. That made no sense because if he'd cut himself shaving, he would have rinsed the blade off. What the heck was going on with that kid? I quickly walked to his room and flung the door open.
"What ah ya doin?" He asked groggily.
"What the hell is this?" I asked holding up the blood caked razor.
"I don't know, me eyes hoit from sleep deprivation." I tossed it on his pillow so that he could get a closer look.
"That."
"It's a razor Angel, leave it alone." He said angrily.
"Why is it caked with blood?!" I demanded.
"Because I haven't washed it. Now get out."
"Not until you tell me what's going on!"
"I'se tryin ta sleep, dat's what's goin on."
"Why is there blood on the razor?!"
"Because it ain't been washed."
"Bull shit!"
"Cleahly, Angel, it ain't been washed because if it had it'd be clean, so it ain't bull shit."
"IF YOU HAD CUT YOURSELF SHAVING YOU WOULD HAVE WASHED IT OFF!"
"What ah ya getting at?"
"Think about it!"
"I'se hoid enough, get out."
"No."
"Angel leave it alone."
I would have kept the argument up, but at that moment, my pain medication wore off leaving me gasping for breath.
"Spot, can you run out and grab my drugs off the table, please?"
"Why?"
"Because it hurts to move." I said tears pooling in my eyes.
"Let me grab some pants."
"Never mind I'll go."
"I ain't naked I'se just weahin shohts."
"Hurry."
"I'se goin." He said walking out.
"Thank you."
"Heah." He said handing me the bottle and going back to bed. I walked out into the living room wondering what the heck was wrong with him, it wasn't like Spot to do something like that. I took the medicine and waited for it to take effect. I returned to his bathroom to see just how many bloodied tissues there were. There were some fresh looking ones and some older looking ones hinting that he'd been doing it for a little while at least.
"Why? Why would you do this to yourself?" I asked myself. Too soon I looked up to see him in the doorway.
"I gotta use me bathroom Angel."
"I dropped an earring earlier…I was just grabbing it." I said pathetically.
"In da…whatevah, just get out."
"Leaving."
"Tank you."
"Yeah." Gah, I wanted to shoot him at that moment. How could he be so…argh!
"Did ya eat all da cereal?" He asked walking out of the bathroom.
"No."
"Good." He said walking into the kitchen. It was then that the realization hit me; he had been wearing long pants all summer, in the 100 degree Texas heat, which was odd. It did however explain why he had to put on long pants before he could get my meds. I sighed inwardly and tried to figure out what to do. I called Jack and asked him if we could go to lunch or something. He said yes and that he'd be over in a little bit. I got dressed and retired to the couch to wait for Jack, Spot still seemed mad so we left each other alone. A short time later Jack got there and we slowly made our way to his car.
"Just take baby steps."
"That's what I'm doing." I snapped.
"Suptin bodderin ya?"
"Let's just get to the car first."
"Aight." He said as we continued on our way. Jack helped me into his car and began driving.
"Thanks baby, I needed to get out."
"Dat's undahstandable. So what's bodderin ya?"
"I-I think, oh never mind."
"Come on Angel."
"I think that Spot's been…cutting himself."
"Oh, what makes ya tink dat?"
"The fact that I was in his bathroom this morning and found bloodied tissues and a blood encrusted razor."
"Ya was snoopin through his stuff."
"Not on purpose, my razor broke and my bathroom is being stupid so I had to use his and I was trying to be a good sister and help him out by putting his razor back and I found the other one."
"Aight, uh let's tink, how's he been actin?"
"Strange."
"He was okay when ya was in his bathroom?"
"Well he was acting a little weird, but I figured he was just tired."
"So does he know ya found his stuff?"
"Yeah."
"How?"
"You know me, I have a tendency to over react."
"Uh what exactly did ya do?"
"Uhm, well, I kinda yelled at him." Jack grimaced and swerved a little.
"Okay, dat may not ah been da best ting, but too late now."
"Well what was I supposed to do?"
"I ain't yellin at ya."
"I mean I wake up to find my toilet clogged, then my razor breaks and find out my baby brother cuts!" I paused then. I hadn't admitted it until then, I knew he was but actually saying it out loud was different.
"Angel, ah ya breathin?"
"Yeah."
"Ya okay?"
"Uh huh."
"Aight it'll be okay, it ain't ya fault." He said trying to comfort me.
"What if it is?"
"What ah ya talkin bout?"
"What if it is my fault? I mean, what if he's doing this because of something I did?"
"Ya haven't done anything ta hoit him!"
"I, th- this scares me!"
"I know, it's a scahy ting which is why ya gotta keep a level head."
"This is me we're talking about."
"Do ya honestly tink ya done suptin dat would cause him ta do dat?"
"I don't know."
"Have ya two fought lately?"
"No."
"What about a while ago?"
"No,"
"Den I don't tink it's sumptin ya did."
"So what do I do?"
"Be dere foh him, don't yell at him."
"Is that enough?"
"I dunno I ain't a shrink!"
"Media is though!"
"So ya wanna go ta Media and Mush's?"
"Call first."
"Aight." I dug my phone out of my purse and called Media to see if we could come over.
"Yeah, the house is a little messy, but that's no problem with you."
"We'll be over in a minute."
"I'll unlock the door."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Jack sped over to Media and Mush's place and we went up to the door as fast as my rib would let us. I knocked on the door repeatedly.
"MEDIA OPEN UP!"
"Don't break the door." Mush said opening the door and stepping aside to let us in.
"Gah!" I said entering.
"Babe, Angel needs you!"
"Geh."
"Now."
"Please?"
"I'm coming!" she shouted from upstairs.
"Hi Jack." Mush said.
"Hey."
"What?" Media said entering the room.
"I need your help!" I said.
"I can tell, let's go sit."
"Okay." I said on the verge of freaking out.
"All right, what's going on?"
"Whew, I think…"
"Wait, should I leave?" Mush said before I got started.
"I don't care."
"He was just making sure it was nothing you wanted to keep private." Media said.
"Sorry, But I think that…"
"Naturally, I would coax information out of people, but you're different, so spit it out all ready!"
"Ithinkspot'sbeencuttinghimself." I blurted out.
"Okay, how long do you think he's been doing it?"
"I don't know, I'm assuming since before summer."
"Okay, what proof did you find to back this?"
"He's been wearing pants all summer, when he usually would have worn shorts, I found a bunch of bloodied tissues in his bathroom as well as a blood caked razor."
"All right."
"Help!"
"Breathe. I take it you've confronted him, what did he do?"
"He just got mad."
"Let me specify, how did you confront him?"
"Da completely wrong way." Jack interrupted.
"Jack? I'm talking to Angel, if I want to talk to you I'll address you, please shut up." Media said sternly.
"Jack's right, I yelled at him."
"When was this?"
"This morning."
"Like early morning?"
"No like an hour ago."
"Oh morning, was he still sleeping?"
"Yeah."
"And you woke him up?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, after the confrontation, what happened next?"
"I tried to see how long he'd been doing it."
"And how did you go about that?"
"I dug through the trashcan."
"All right, how was he acting afterwards?"
"Uh, distant."
"And how were you acting?"
"Trying not to blow up, scared, shocked."
"Did he admit to cutting?"
"No he told me to mind my own business."
"Did he deny it?"
"He said that he just hadn't washed the razor off."
"Mm hmm."
"What?"
"This is obviously brought on by emotional stress, probably feelings of insignificance."
"Okay?"
"It means he was stressing out and felt unneeded." Mush said. I glared at him.
"All right, babe, hush, thank you. Acorn…"
"Yes?"
"There's a possibility that he cut after you left."
"Okay. I told you this was all my fault." I said turning to Jack.
"No, he probably has a form of inferiority complex, which spurs actions such as cutting or other ways to relieve pain."
"Do I even want to know?"
"It's irrelevant because he's cutting, so we'll focus on that."
"Okay."
"Now I've never seen any cuts on his arms and since he's hiding it, he's ashamed of what he's doing."
"Yeah."
"Now, this is bad and good. The fact that he doesn't want anyone to know shows that he knows what he is doing is wrong. Now the grace with that is he can be talked to because he knows what he's doing, he just needs to see it's not the answer."
"Hm mh."
"The bad part is he probably planned to continue doing it."
"How can we make sure that he doesn't?"
"Well if there was a small army they could rotate shifts to make sure he wouldn't. But that's not an option."
"Da group is da equivalent of a small ahmy." Jack pointed out.
"Yeah but we don't have weapons to defend ourselves." Mush countered. To which Jack grunted and nodded.
"And we would need them." I thought out loud.
"Hehe, anyway. So what would be best is if he opened up on his own but that may take a while."
"So what do we do in the meantime?" Media was silent for what seemed an eternity.
"Reassure him, don't DO NOT smother him or act weird around him or if he's holding a sharp object just try to boost his confidence, be patient."
"I'll try."
"Now he's not stupid, he's going to know you talked to someone so don't lie when he asks. And he will want to know who you told."
"Okay which has been you three."
"Yes, now it'll probably be awkward when we first see him because he'll know that we know, but just be chill, don't ignore it but don't bring it up. At least not for a little while."
"Okay, are you coming back with us?"
"Do you want me to?"
"If you guys don't mind."
"Mush?"
"We'll go." He answered
"Thank you."
"And while I'm on a roll may I talk to your fiancée?"
"Um why?"
"About the smothering."
"Yeah."
"Thank you."
"Whatever."
"Jack."
"Yeah."
"It's understandable that you want to protect Acorn and you feel guilty for what happened to her because if you had agreed to sign with Pulitzer this wouldn't have happened, but you were smarter than that and it did happen."
"What ah ya getting at?"
"Simply this, it wasn't your fault, let it go. She isn't a child and she doesn't want to be monitored 24/7 by you or her brother or anyone."
"Aight."
"You got it?"
"Yeah."
"Then what did I just say?"
"Don't smothah hah."
"And…"
"She can take cah of hah self?"
"Yes but also you didn't cause it so don't blame yourself."
"Aight."
"Say it."
"It wadn't my fault."
"Are you just saying that?"
"No I know it wadn't me fault."
"Okay, and you Mush."
"What?"
"Don't be stupid." I said. Media gave me a sharp look. "I was kidding gosh."
"Two things, one don't ever walk out on me again. Two, you are a cod fish and your dad and yes he IS your dad is a cat fish."
"What does that have to do with the price of beans?" I asked.
"Acorn shut it. What that means for you baby is the cat fish is the predator of the cod, now you can either let your dad consume your thoughts and screw up everything you've strived to be or you can stay ahead of it and keep him behind you."
"I see." Mush nodded.
"I'll let you soak that up."
"Can we soak on the way to the house?" I asked not wanting to interrupt but wanting to move on.
"Yeah I'm good."
"Yeah, lets go." Mush said standing up.
"Thanks guys." I said as we went to Jack's car.
"Any time girlie." Media said closing her door.
"And this is why you are such a good friend." I told her.
"It's the way I was created."
"Duck butt." I laughed. We drove back to the apartment and I was anxious yet dreading to go inside because Spot was still home.
"Ya hafta go in sometime." Jack said.
"Later is better."
"No, now." Media said pushing me.
"OW!!!" I yelped.
"I forgot, but get your butt in there."
"I'm going as fast as I can."
"I know, and it's kinda funny."
"Now is not the time."
"You know how she gets." Mush said.
"Yeah I do."
"You ready?" Media said.
"No, but I'll go anyway."
"That's good because I'm already unlocking the door."
"I can see that." We went inside the apartment and Spot wasn't in the kitchen or living room.
"If he's in his bathroom…" I started.
"I will punch you if you start tearing into him."
"Fine. We're back!" I yelled.
"Hey Jack, wanna play Halo." Mush said louder than usual.
"Yeah."
"Uh I don't know how to hook up this system, but Spot does." I looked at them like they were insane but kept my mouth shut.
"What the?" I wondered.
"SPOT!" Mush called walking over to his door.
"WHAT?!" Spot growled.
"Do you mind if we use your X Box?"
"Don't mess it up."
"I don't know how to hook it up, I need you to do it."
"Gimme a second."
"All right."
"Oh…" I said when it hit me what he was doing.
"Mush knows almost every video game system." Media whispered.
"Ah, so he's just trying to get Spot out here?"
"Yes and to keep him out here, we will need what he loves."
"Video games, food and Ace."
"Minus the Ace, the other two yes."
"Okay, will you help me in the kitchen?"
"Yeah and this way I'll be able to watch what you do."
"What I do?"
"Yes what you might say or do."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"You do know that you are gonna have to do most of the stuff right?"
"Yes I know."
"Just makin sure."
"Just tell me where the stuff is because I don't know this kitchen anymore."
"You lived here for four months and you've already forgotten?"
"It's been rearranged we used to have glasses in this cupboard not boxed dinners."
"That's what happens when you let Spot put the groceries up." I said.
"Oh wait, here's a cup."
"Wow."
"Spot what's takin ya so long?" Jack asked.
"Stupid!" Mush hissed at Jack.
"He said he was gonna be a minute and it's been 5."
"Spot did you go back to bed?" Mush asked.
"No."
"You don't have to look pretty it's just us."
"Shut up Mush!"
"Come on dude."
"I said gimme a minute!"
"I did."
"Gah, I'm comin!"
"Okay."
"Are you sure the whole letting him be thing is going to work?" I asked Media.
"One step at a time, step one getting him out of his room."
"And you can see how well that's going."
"Give it time."
"My baby brother is mutilating himself." I hissed at her.
"You don't know if he's doing it right this second and if he is he'll feel rushed to stop."
I needed something to take my frustration out on, but due to being sore and nothing around that I could hit, I sat down exhaustedly.
"Here." Media handed me an orange.
"What's this for?"
"And a paper towel."
"You lost me."
"Squeeze the orange if you're mad, clean it up with the paper towel."
"It hurts to do that."
"Then bite it."
"GRRR." I said as I bit into the orange.
"Ya know Angel, ya s'posed ta take da peel off befoh ya eat an orange." Spot said coming in the kitchen.
"I oh at." I said still biting the orange.
"I don't see it."
"GRR."
"Heh,"
"Nachos or Pizza?" Media asked Spot.
"Whatevah."
"Nacho it is."
"What's goin on wid ya?" Spot asked Media.
"I'm making food."
"I can see dat, I mean why ah ya heah makin food?"
"Because Acorn, is unable physically, and Jack is unable mentally."
"Yeah."
"HEY I CAN TOO COOK!" Jack yelled from the other room.
"According to who?" Media asked.
"Angel likes it."
"Are you sure she's not just saying that to be nice?"
"Meuh…ats een a oo." I said the orange still in my mouth.
"Take dat outtah ya mouth befoh ya try ta talk." Spot said grabbing the orange out of my mouth.
"PACH! Media that was mean!"
"Ya spit on me!" Spot said.
"You ripped an orange out of my mouth."
"Do ya want me ta put it back in?"
"Not at the moment."
"I'll remembah dat."
"Okie day."
"It wasn't that mean." Media said.
"You said that I just told Jack I liked his cooking to be nice!"
"No, I said you might have just been saying that."
"She has a point!" Mush called.
"Shut it!"
"Don't yell at him." Media warned.
"Spot can I have the orange back now?"
"Heah." He said handing it to me.
"GRR" I said putting it in my mouth and biting down.
"Good girl." Media said.
"Ya weahd."
"A oo us ow iggir at ou?" I asked. Spot grabbed the orange out of my mouth. "And you just now figure that out?" I asked again before he put it back.
"No I'se know it foh a while."
"Grr."
"I feel bad for you." Media told Spot. I glared at her.
"Tank you." Spot said. I took the orange out again.
"I am not feeling the love!"
"Do you guys have any salsa?" Media asked.
"Top Shelf." Spot told her.
"Why's it soo high?"
"Because I put it up dere and unlike you I'se tall."
"Aren't you special."
"No!" Mush yelled from the other room.
"Yes!" Jack cheered.
"Aw did you die baby?" Media called while chopping peppers.
"Yeah, but I'll have my revenge." Mush said with a scary tone.
"Is dat so?" Jack asked.
"Yep."
"We'se see bout dat."
"And after I whoop you, Spot and I will show you how it's done."
"Heheh." Spot laughed.
"Boys and their video games." I said nonchalantly.
"I hoid dat!" Jack shouted from the other room.
"Get over it."
"Ya shoh ya know what ya getting inta?" Spot asked Jack.
"Yeah."
"You say that now." Media laughed.
"Shut up, we don't want to scare him off before the wedding." I said hitting at Media but she was out of my reach.
"That's right, hook him in, tie him down and then he can't escape." Media said while handling the big knife with ease.
"Mush, do ya wanna stay heah tanight, and foheveh?" Spot called eyeing Media with the knife.
"Someone get that away from her." Mush called.
"No I need it for chopping." She objected.
"Exactly, dat's why we'se tryin ta get it away from ya." Jack said.
"Be glad I'm preoccupied."
"Ah shoh dat's a good ting?"
"You're pushin it Jacko."
"Aight I'll stop."
"Good boy." I chimed happily.
"He ain't a dog." Spot said.
"True."
"Oh look at that, the only cheese you have is in a chunk so I have to cut that up as well." Media said digging in the fridge.
"Oh darn, she'll have to use the knife." I said.
"Heheh."
"Wow."
"You're gonna die clown!" Mush shouted.
"You keep using that woid, I do not tink it means what ya tink it means." Jack responded.
"Wow." Media smirked.
"Fezzik ah deye rocks ahead?"
"If there are, we all be dead." I finished.
"Spot where's that orange?" Media asked
"It had too many teeth mahks, I threw it out." He answered.
"Dang it."
"Haha." I cackled. Media turned on the water and splashed me in the face.
"I just cleaned that."
"It's water, it'll be okay."
"But I just cleaned it."
"Whiner."
"Duck butt. Butt of Duck."
"I am going to be nice and not respond."
"Hehe."
"Who won?"
"Jack." Mush answered annoyed.
"Hhahha." Jack laughed.
"Jack don't be cocky." I called to him.
"Hheheheh, I'se tryin."
"Try harder." Mush growled.
"Mush please don't kill my fiancée, I'd like to marry him before he dies." I intervened.
"Fine." Mush said walking into the kitchen.
"Thank you."
"Stomp him." Mush whispered to Spot.
"You got it." Spot smiled as he walked into the living room.
"I play winnah." Spot said sitting down.
"Aight." Jack said. Soon the bleeping of Halo filled the air and wound their way into the kitchen. At least Spot wasn't cutting at that moment, which made me happy. We made them pause their game so we could eat nachos and spent the rest of the evening hanging out together and laughing.