Chapter 3 Family Secrets

Randy

It's been a week since I saw Brad "fly". I'm still not sure if it really happened. But I do know something is going on.

I have hardly spoken to Mark or Brad since they started acting weird. And one of grandma's sisters practically moved in with us. The four of them are in the attic almost all day. I keep hearing strange noises coming from up there, but both grandma and her sister make sure to keep me from going up there.

Ugh, I hate all this secretive behavior. Why can't they just tell me what's going on?

Right now I'm doing homework in the living room, but find it hard to concentrate with all those annoying people upstairs making noise.

I look towards the stairs with an annoyed look, when the door opens and dad walks in.

'Hey Randy.'

'Hey.' I still look annoyed and sound it too, I guess.

'What is it? Tough homework, huh?'

'No. Just difficult to concentrate.' I say, hinting towards the stairs.

'Oh, right. Yeah, I wonder what they are doing up there. Yesterday I wanted to get a book from the attic and your grandmother practically kicked me out. I'm telling you, there is something she's not telling me.'

'You're telling me.'

'Didn't Brad have a date at the mall this afternoon?'

'Yep.' I say, keeping my focus on my homework.

'Wow. That's new.'

'I know.'

"Maybe Randy would like to help me work on the car." I look up in confusion at dad's statement.

'Hey, Randy..'

'First of all, I'm in the room and secondly, no, I don't want to help you work on the car. I never have been and never will be interested in cars.' I turn back towards my homework.

'How did you know I wanted to ask you that?' I look up again.

'Because you asked me? Duh..'

'No, I didn't.' I raise my eyebrow at dad.

'Right.'

"Hm, now he's starting to act weird too. I hope it's not contagious." Annoyed, I get up from the couch with my homework and head to my room.

'Again, I'm still in the room. And if it is contagious, we all got it from you.' I tell dad as I pass by him. He opens his mouth to say something, but I don't stick around to wait for what it is. I head to my room and slam the door behind me.

Why is everyone acting so damn annoying?

"What was that? I didn't even say anything to him. Or did I?" I roll my eyes at dad's voice.

'Just leave me..' I stop midsentence as I realize I never heard him coming down the stairs.

"oh, just look at these headlights. They are just made for you. I just know Jill will agree. As long as I don't tell her what they cost."

Wait, is he talking about the car? But then how come I can hear him? Ok, I am really losing it now..

I look up from my spot on my bed as I hear someone coming down the stairs. It's probably dad. That's why I heard him. Of course. I look up in surprise as it's mom.

'Hi, honey.'

'Uh, hi mom.'

'What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?'

'Huh?' I immediately snap out of my confused stare. 'Oh, sorry. I'm just thinking about school. So, what's up?'

'Well, I came to tell you dinner is almost ready.'

'You came down here to tell me that?'

'Well, I wanted to ask you if you could get your brothers for dinner as well.'

"And maybe find out what they're hiding."

'Mom, I already tried asking them. They won't tell me anything.' Mom gives me a confused look.

'Asking them what? About dinner?'

'No, about what they're hiding.' She still looks confused.

"How did he know that?" Ok, now I know I've officially lost it. I looked at her and I heard her say that, but she didn't move her lips... "And now he's staring at me again. Do I have something on my face?" I start to feel nervous as again, her lips didn't move.

'You know what.. I'm not that hungry right now.'

'Are you sure?'

"Ok, make a comment about my bad cooking again."

'I made lasagna? Your dad tasted it, he liked it.'

"Come on, I'm ready. Hit me with another sarcastic comment." I gulp at the weirdness of this situation. I smile nervously at her.

'Yeah, I'm sure it tastes great, but I'm really not hungry.'

'Ok, I'll save you a piece in case you get hungry later.'

'Thanks.' She starts to head towards the door.

"I hope he's not getting sick..." I watch her leave and wait until she closes the door behind her, before I let out a big sigh.

What the hell is going on? Am I going crazy or did I just hear what mom and dad were thinking? This is all just way too weird.. I'm going to bed. It might be early, but maybe a good night's sleep will help get things back to normal...

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A/N Again, sorry for the delay (doing that a lot lately, I know), but here's another chapter :)

Just so everyone gets it: everything in Italics in this chapter are thoughts. I hope this wasn't too confusing for everyone. Just so we're clear, Mark has been changing, Brad flew and Randy is hearing people's thoughts. What will happen next? Is this all or is there more in the stars for these Taylor boys? R&R to find out. Also, if you have a suggestion for this story or a question, let me know!

Thank you again and Love, Baxxie