Barbara Vincent's hand shook as she stared down at her phone. She breathed out deeply as she continued downstairs. The store was forgotten completely, as she made another call. It wasn't supposed to come to this she thought grimly, not again

Janice Kanker answered her sister's phone on the third ring. "Hey, Barb, how goes it?"

"Hi Janie, is Brenda around?"

"yeah, she and Marie just walked in." the Kanker handed the phone to her sister.

Eyeing her older sister, Brenda spoke tentatively, "yes, hello?"

"Brenda, hi hon." Mrs. Vincent spoke softly so she wasn't overheard, "Bad things are happening again."

There was a audible gasp. Brenda Garrett paled as she spoke, "you don't mean-?"

"Unfortunately I do."

...

Edd tried to push his numbness away, desperately trying to feel something, anything. The ravenette knew he had support and love. Logic told his as much, but the genius emotions told him otherwise. They said everything and nothing all at once. Simply put, Eddward Vincent was exhausted.

Kevin looked at his boyfriend with heavy heart. His once lively blue eyes were dull and grey with pain. The redhead felt helpless as he reached for Edd's hand. The dork gave a light squeeze back, thank God, and forced another small smile.

Listless blue met loving green

Kevin forced his own smile despite his own mix of hurt and hate. "Hey, why don't we get out of here for a bit?" he tried hopefully, "if you want me can meet the gang somewhere?" god please anything but this

Edd didn't feel in control of his actions as he nodded.

Kevin felt a spark of light as he texted their friends.

...

Barbara scrawled her son a quick note before heading to the trailer park. Things were spiraling out of control and she needed all the help she could get. why can't the past stay in the past she thought as she pulled into the park. Her old friends greeted her at the door.

Brenda's face was etched with worry as she pulled Barbara into a weak hug. Mother and daughter Kanker shared furious looks. Marie was itching to meet up with the rest of the kids dammit she swore to herself, why is always him

Barbara released her friend and hung her head as the four made their way inside. Janice poured them all some much needed coffee as they sat at the kitchen table.

"I should have figured this would happen eventually." Barbara sighed. "they always trusted one another over us. Even during school."

Janice reached across and patted the woman's hand. She tried her best to keep the anger below surface as she spoke, "They've always been childish assholes. We all know it."

"John can go fuck himself." Marie said bitterly.

"Watch it young lady." her mother warned.

"Well he can." the bluenette muttered as she leaned back and crossed her arms.

Janice rolled her eyes at her daughter and continued, "We've always been able to deal with them before. At least enough." She finished weakly.

"I know we have Janie but I fear it's worse now. I've cut Charles off completely. I-I'm afraid." especially for Eddward.

Brenda lifted her eyes from her coffee and said quietly, "I wish they would just stop." it's been nearly twenty years.

"I know." Janice said. "I know."

The women sat in silence. Marie was getting more and more anxious. Her foot was tapping a mile a minute.

"Just go already." her mother exclaimed.

"Finally." The teen left without another word.

...

Kevin and Edd met their friends at the mall. Halloween was almost upon them and Nazz insisted on getting new decorations, naturally. It was a good distraction. The night before weighed heavily on everyone's minds, however.

The cul-de-sac kids all felt for Edd, while he struggled to feel anything at all. Marie had texted she was going to be late, and to start without her. The teens obliged and agreed to meet her at the food court.

As they browsed the stores, Edd let his mind wander. He couldn't hold the thoughts that had been plaguing him for months, back any longer. He blankly stared ahead, as Nazz asked for suggestions.

"Yo, earth to Double D!" the blonde bombshell said.

"Huh? Yes, Nazz?"

The girl looked sadly at her friend. "I asked you what you thought of these napkins." she said, holding up a black and orange set with spiders on them, and a purple set with silver skulls on them.

"Oh, yes. I think the skulls ones are great, they'll match your goblets."

Nazz looked the napkins over again, "you're right, as usual" the blonde let out a small chuckle as she placed several sets in the cart and headed to the next aisle. Edd returned to his thoughts, secretly grateful. Kevin wrapped his arm around the boy in an effort to comfort him.

"Allright! Let's go already!" Eddy all but pouted. "I'm want to visit Media Replay before we leave."

"Chill, dude. I'm almost done."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." the shortest Ed grumbled as he headed to the front of the store. Nat shook his head as he helped Ed get a cauldron down from the top shelf and deposited it in the cart.

"That should do it." Nazz said as she walked to the cash register.

"Finally!" Eddy said, throwing his hands up, "about time."

Nazz shot him a glare as she began to unload the cart. Marie caught up with the teens as they exited the store. Hellos were exchanged as the group headed to the food court as planned.

Edd fell behind slightly. He truly was exhausted. Marie and Kevin fell into step with him.

"D, your mom showed up today." the girl said bluntly, shocking both boys.

"M-my mom?" Edd mananged.

"Yeah, apparently shits about to hit the fan."

"What do ya mean?" Kevin said just as bluntly.

The Kanker stopped, turned and placed and hand on her hip, saying "I mean Charles is living with Jackass Garrett."

"What!?" the jock couldn't believe his ears. Will it ever end he thought bitterly.

"yeah and my mom is pissed and my aunt is terrified about something that happened in the past."

"What?" Edd said very quietly.

"Fuck if I know. Just thought I'd let ya know."

"Thanks, Marie." the ravenette said as they caught up with their friends.

...

The day came to an end. Except for the news Marie brought, it was a fairly good day. At least on the surface. Everyone was fearful for Edd.

why did they have to find out he thought as he and Kevin sat and watched Halloween movies. Kevin knew things were still raging inside his boyfriend's head. The jock paused the movie.

Catching Edd's eye he said, "What's going on in the genius brain of yours?"

"Nothing." he replied, too quickly.

"Edd."

The ravenette cast his eyes downward, "It's j-just. I just have a terrible feeling in my chest. I don't know why."

Kev

scooted closer to Edd and put his arm around his shoulders. "I know babe, I know."

Edd sighed as he lay his head against the strong chest of the boy he loved. the two sat in silence for a few minutes. Kevin was about to unpause the movie when the front door opened.

Barbara Vincent looked sadly at her son as she walked in. Sighing heavily, she set her purse down. "Boys, there's something i feel I must tell you."

END OF CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

ok, ok. I know, I'm horrible and this is confusing. I am sorry! But it has to be for now. love y'all and as always thanks for reading and following!

in