A/N: This chapter I consider a little breather after the last one. Just two girlies having bonding time! Spilling some tea, the usual, you know? But we get to learn more about Sissy, what she and the family expects from Maria, and maybe it's the closest to a friend that they both had in a while. Who knows? I don't... even though I wrote it. Shush. Also have you guys played Museum Mode yet?! I did and learned a few new things. Some that could come in handy in the long run. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!

April 12th, 1973

2:11pm

The Family House

Song recommendation: "Beware Of Young Girls" by Dory Previn

Sisterhood

MARIA

-.-

Johnny hasn't come to see me yet. Not that I don't want him to, but so far he's the nicest from everyone here. Except the crazy lady who sings. She's okay for the most part - her smile creeps me out. Johnny is still an asshole and aggressive - plus the reason why I'm stuck here - but nothing like everyone else. Such as Nubbins, I think his name is? He cut my hand open and his, holding my bloody hand with his. Something about being "blood family" now. He also stole my camera and mocks me from time to time with it. That or Nancy, where the few times she's come down to see me I can tell she hates me. Her passive aggressive comments and forced bitchy smile. She keeps mentioning how she expects me to carry her grandchild yet I can see her plotting my demise behind that one good eye of hers. Hands doesn't speak and he has a very intimidating nature about him. Always has his fists clenched, ready for a fight, or a hard look in his eyes that serve as a warning to everyone - not just me. Drayton whines up about a storm about every little thing, even if it's a quick fix. But based on his comments, I know he hates me. He doesn't want to kill me - or anyone really - but he says its the only way to get rid of me without me "yappin' my mouth off to the pigs." The man with the leather face - or as they call him Bubba - is not easy for me to read. I think he's mentally disabled. He makes a lot of sounds and yells that never form any real words or meaning. But the fact he hasn't attacked me since our first encounter, with his chainsaw, must be a good sign. Right? Even if I do have a scar on the top of my head now. How his chainsaw didn't kill me is shocking. The chain had barely scraped across the skin of my forehead, nipping me like a bunch of hungry piranha. Sissy, the weird woman who sings a lot, is nice like I said. But her large unsettling grin and whistling makes me uneasy. I feel like any minute she will explode and cut me apart with that little razor of hers.

That leaves Johnny. Johnny has something for me. It's something he has tried to hide with his stone cold expressions. But I can tell by some of his little flirty comments. How when someone is around me, he's on full alert to make sure they don't hurt me. Especially after he found out what Nubbins did to me. He often checks on my arms, hand, and gashed forehead to make sure nothing is infected or new popped up while he isn't around. I've been slowly playing into it - which makes me sick. Although the site of him makes me want to get sick, I've been forcing myself to try and get to know him. I don't want to. But, maybe forcing some type of connection can be a way out of here. I can only hope.

I was in the usual space that I have been since being brought here. The same four concrete walls, makeshift of a bed, and bucket in the corner. I'm so sick of not being able to leave. Even if it's just down the hall, a simple change of scenery, I'd be grateful. Anything but these four fucking walls that's keeping me imprisoned. I often thought about the sun. How I used to complain about the Texas heat making me sweat profusely. But at this moment, I'd give anything for the sun to hit my face and a gentle breeze run through my hair. It's such a simple want, but I desire it so much. Almost how much I desire to see Danny, Ana, and the rest of my friends. How is my ma? Is she worried sick? Is Ana taking care of her or slipping through the cracks? Oh how I wish to hold Danny's face in my hands and kiss him once again. How I wish all of us would go to the local bar, get drunk (except Sonny), and sing "American Pie" at the top of our lungs to annoy the locals trying to drown their sorrows away. More specifically Danny and Leland would sing it while dancing across the stage, their beers spilling over each other, occasionally bursting into fits of giggles.

I heard the wooden door creak open - expecting maybe Johnny for the first time today. But no. Instead, it was Sissy. She beamed wide - her creepy grin spreading from one ear to another. I forced a tiny smile back as my tied wrist held me back from running out the now completely open wooden door. She had nothing with her except her little razor knife and a pair of actual police handcuffs.

"Hi, sugar!" She greeted me, like she normally did. "How are you doing today?"

Despite her being related to this family and being one of the reasons why I'm here, Sissy actually spoke to me like a person. She asked how I was doing, if I needed anything, and asked me about my life. I'm still hesitant around her - but it's nice to know she cares. Or maybe pretends to care. It's the smallest amount of normalcy I am able to get from this situation.

"I'm okay." I shrugged. In the beginning I'd be crying, pleading, and yelling curses at her. But she always kept her cool around me. Just told me to relax. A few threats but nothing like the others so far. "How's the weather?"

Such a stereotypical and generic question to ask someone. But I haven't seen actual sunlight in days. How many days has it been? A week? Two? A month? Maybe longer, perhaps? All the days mix together and the clock on the wall is broken - it's little arms at a standstill. Perhaps it stopped working when someone else died. Come on, Maria. Don't think that. All that's going to make you do is overthink and worry more than you already do.

Sissy pondered for a moment before answering me, "Sunny with some nice white clouds! It's supposed to rain later tonight."

"Thunderstorms?" I asked.

"No." She answered once more, "Just light rain. Gonna suck because of all this damn humidity!" I understood that. Sometimes the humidity would frizz my hair out a little bit. Plus, who likes humid air anyways? Hard to breathe.

"Where's Johnny?" I asked her. Sissy smiled wide and walked over to my tied up hand. She untied my wrist before pulling out her razor, guarding herself as everyone else has with me. At this point, I'm almost used to seeing their makeshift weapons to threaten me. The only one who fully intimidates me is Hands and Bubba. Hands because of him crushing my knuckles with that hammer of his. Bubba because of our first meeting. Plus that big chainsaw he carries around like a purse.

"What? You missin' him or somethin'?" She teased.

I stumbled over my words to act flustered, "N-n-no! It's just... almost everyone else has and he hasn't."

Sissy nodded, "He got busy with some... personal matters. Anyways! Grandpa thinks it's best that you try on weddin' dresses today! Plus just doing other stuff for it too. Tell me, are you more of a roses, blue bonnet, or sunflower type of girl?"

I shook my head, "I don't want to marry Johnny. I'm not ready to be a mother." Sissy let out a little sigh. She strapped one handcuff to my severely bruised wrist before grabbing the other one. She forced them behind my back before cuffing them together.

"Listen," Sissy started, "I know Johnny ain't the best man around. I know how you met him and the rest of us wasn't our finest. We just hate visitors, y'know? But the way Johnny defended you against Bubba and all... we knew you were somethin' else. Not to mention, I think grandpa approves of you too. Normally when we bring up how he can do the first hits, he's always just so excited! So cute with his little hammer just bashing their brains in, blood just gushing out along with their brain matter, and-"

Sissy stopped as she looked at my horrified expression. They fully kill people?! I know I shouldn't be surprised but something about her fully admitting scared me. Sissy's sinister smile dimmed as she noticed how scared I looked. She shook her head as she gave me a tiny reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, that won't happen to you! Well, as long as you stay on our good side that is." Sissy tried to reassure me but it didn't help me at all. It just made my nerves worse. "But seriously. Johnny can be questionable. An egotistical asshole who doesn't care for anyone but himself. But... I know him. I really do. He's just scared to get hurt. I don't blame him! Not after that Nancy did to him. Christ, once he found out the truth, he ain't ever been the same since. Grew cold on all of us after that - even Hands."

"What happened between him and his mom?" I asked. Sissy's eyes widened slightly - probably not realizing she was rambling on. She swallowed hard before she grabbed my arm, forcing me to stand up.

"Oh shoot! I spoke too much." Sissy hissed out, "I spoke too much." Sissy lead me through the doorway, having us enter a little makeshift hallway. Wait, I'm finally being moved? I can finally see something else besides that room?! I needed to take in as much information as I could. Maybe I can plan an escape? She led me through a red room - which I recognized from before. Dead carcasses of pigs hung from the ceiling. A few body bags too. Oh god, are there people inside of those?! I saw this large wooden structure with a huge hook attached to it. On the hook was recent blood dripping off of it. I'm going to hope it's from that pig I saw. Sissy continued to lead me through the large butcher-like room before up a little platform that had a metal door. It's the same one I was led up during my first meeting with the entire family. Sissy unlocked the metal door before we headed up the stairs; the red wall with thousands of animal skulls welcoming us. We turned a corner, going towards the front door with a bunch of locks, before heading up another staircase. I haven't been up here before. She led me into a bathroom where I saw Grandpa sitting in his rocking chair.

"Don't worry about him!" Sissy beamed, "He's just here to give his approval is all." The bathroom was disgusting. It looks like it's never ever been clean. I don't even see a toilet. Sissy locked the door behind us before uncuffing my hands. She excitedly clapped her hands together before letting out an excited squeal, "I'm so excited! Okay, where do we start first?! Oh! Right. You haven't gotten cleaned up yet. Let's start with that."

With that she grabbed an old wash cloth and ran it under the sink water. I don't know if any of this is sanitary. She gently grabbed my face and began to wipe off the old blood, dirt, and sweat from it. She then filled the sink up with some water in general and gave me an old soap bottle. Despite the sink and everything else being disgusting, I took advantage of the situation. When will I ever have a normal shower again? Or at least smell semi-decent. I poured the shampoo into my hair before scrubbing it and washing it all out under the faucet. Grandpa stared emotionlessly at us. Sissy helped clean my arms off, which was also covered in dried blood, before walking over to where Grandpa was. She beamed loudly as she picked up a few dresses.

"Okay! What type of dress are you feelin'? Old and classic or short and simple? You know what, let's try them both!"

With that she tossed the shorter one at me. I hesitated before unbuttoning and sliding my jeans off. Sissy and Grandpa had no reaction to me stripping in front of them. I guess that was good. I slid my white - or what was once white - shirt off too. I was just left in my sneakers, socks, underwear, and bra. Which were all stained with the blood of my injuries. Sissy slid the short white dress over my head and let it fall down onto my body. The shoulders were completely covered, sleeves stopping at my elbow with lace, and the skirt of the dress stopped at my knees - also having lace around the hem. Throughout the dress were little floral patterns that were faint with the dirt and stains that covered it.

"What do you think?!" Sissy beamed with a wide smile, "Do you like it? I sure did when I first wore it!"

"You were married?" I asked, looking over my shoulder at her.

Sissy snorted, "Engaged. I thought Charlie was the love of my life but... he had bigger plans than me." Sissy trailed off. She shook her head before pulling me in front of a dirty and cracked mirror where I could barely see myself. She placed her hands on my shoulders, the razor still in her hand, as she gazed at me through the mirror. "But I never got the chance to wear it. But it suits you! What do you think?"

I shrugged, "I just... don't see myself-"

"Nonsense!" Sissy cut me off, "What about you, Grandpa? What do you think?" With that she turned both of us to the severely older man. He made a little groan as his head slumped forward a tiny bit. Sissy sighed sadly with a nod, "I understand, Grandpa."

Wait... how do they know what he says?! He didn't say anything! It was just a sound. Sissy grabbed the bottom of the dress and forced it over my head. She grabbed the second one and undid the long buttons in the back. She held it out as I stepped into the dress. She slid the lace sleeves over my arms. She buttoned it back up before slipping a corset around my waist. I held onto the sink as she tightened it around me, causing the injuries on my back to hurt more but I bit my lip, fighting back my pain. The skirt was long and full of lace too which - not only matched the sleeves - but also the high turtle neck. It was a very old wedding dress. Probably 1890's or so. Maybe even older.

"Wait, let me work my magic." Sissy smiled before grabbing a hairbrush. She grabbed my very tangly brown hair and began to brush through it gently. It was weirdly peaceful. Just the bristles of the brush running through my scalp, she gently tried to work out the large knots, and moved on to another section. She rummaged around in a drawer and tied my hair up in a bun, securing it with some bobby pins, and pulled some hair in front of my face to frame it. She went back to the bun and placed a little hair comb veil right above it. She stepped back and squealed loudly from excitement. Her hands happily clapped together as she rushed over to me, turning me around in the mirror. "Look at how pretty you are!"

The broken reflection showed almost a whole different person. I never wore my hair like this, just down or in a little pony-tail. I've never worn anything like this before. Despite being very torn and dirty in most areas, the dress itself was beautiful. The only thing I would change is the poofy sleeves. I smiled softly at myself, almost liking the site. But I knew I wasn't trying on dresses for Danny - it was for someone else who I don't know and could hurt me. My smile quickly left as soon as it appeared. Sissy was smiling so wide that her nose scrunched up.

"It's... pretty." I muttered out as I slid my hands over the hardened corset.

"You make a beautiful bride." Sissy happily sighed out, "Let's see what Grandpa thinks!" She beamed before turning us towards Grandpa. The much older man sat in his chair not moving. His head slowly turned as his eyes scanned me up and down. I forced a tiny but uncomfortable smile, grabbing my swollen wrist for some type of comfort. I didn't know how to feel about changing and putting on a mini fashion show for a much older man. No man besides Danny has seen my body. We haven't even went all the way yet either. I was gonna save myself for our wedding day. Danny said he lost his virginity back in high school and didn't mind waiting for me. But that doesn't stop us from fooling around from time to time. But this older man... I don't know him. I don't know Sissy either but it's not the first time I've seen another woman's body and vice versa. Public swimming pools and gym classes are prime examples. But I hate having Grandpa or anyone else see me in such a vulnerable position.

I really hope Johnny never does.

Grandpa let out a small higher pitch groan. It was soft and almost... sad? Happy? Both? He turned his hand over and extended his palm. What was he doing? Sissy gasped lightly before gesturing towards his hand too, as if I didn't notice it either. I hesitated before walking forward. He's just an old man, right? He can't be strong like Hands or Johnny. He can't react fast like the others either. However, I knew if I did one wrong thing, my neck would be snapped within a second. Everyone respects and values this elder like he's a God. If I show him the slightest bit of disrespect, my head would be severed off. I place just my fingers on top of the palm of his hand, where his wrinkly hand gently closes around them. A soft happy sigh came out as a very faint smile appeared on his lips.

"I think Grandpa approves!" Sissy beamed, "Which is rare with that dress. That was Grandma's old weddin' dress. He hasn't approved anyone else in it."

"Really?" I asked before looking back at the old man. He was still gently smiling up at me while holding my hand, "What happened to Grandma?"

"Oh, don't you worry about that!" Sissy chuckled before grabbing once more. She puffed the sleeves up more before pinching my cheeks, "You're so pretty I can just eat you up!" My blood ran cold when she said that. I had a feeling she wasn't joking for some reason. I swallowed hard as I avoided her gaze. So, they kill people. What happens to the bodies? Do they bury them? Cremate them? Dump them in some random places where nobody thinks to look? Experiment on the corpses? What will become of me when my time comes?

At that moment, the door was pounded on. Sissy rushed over and unlocked it before it swung open. There was Johnny. I took a step back, towards Grandpa, as he walked into the bathroom with the three of us.

"Fuckin' where were you?!" He spat out at Sissy.

"I've been busy!" Sissy defended herself before crossing her arms, "What the hell do you want?!"

"I could've used you a few hours ago!" Johnny walked over to the sink and turned it on, cupping some water in his hand, before rubbing it all over his sweaty face. "You're gonna need to step it up around here. I'm always doing the hard work when it comes to this shit! Mama had to be my backup today and y'know her, Drayton, and Grandpa are getting up there. We're gonna be the faces of the family soon and that means you too."

"I do pull my weight!" Sissy defended herself, the grip on her razor knife tightening. "It's just you men who don't appreciate it! I'm always helping out by cleaning up after everything! How do you think you haven't gotten caught yet, Johnny?! I'm always the one cleaning up after you!"

Johnny rolled his eyes, "Whatever, Sissy. Just go back to that freak show circus show you came from."

Sissy raised her razor up at him as venom coated her voice, "Don't you fuckin' talk to me that way!"

"Why? Because it's the truth? Runnin' off because you can't get your way." Johnny snorted as he turned around to face her, "If you can't follow a simple task then get the fuck out again. Why don't you write that Charlie guy a letter in that big ol' prison he's in? Oh wait, he fuckin' left your ass at the alter!" Sissy got really quiet as his words struck her a bit. But she collected herself as rage began to run through her veins. She smirked as she glared up at him.

"At least the family loves me. Can they say the same about you?" You could cut the tension with a knife. I looked down at Grandpa who was no longer smiling, his expression looked sad as he stared at the two cousins bickering. Johnny's cocky smirk dimmed as he fully realized what Sissy just said. He leaned off the counter as he towered over her, standing his ground against the smaller woman.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

"Yeah!" Sissy crossed her arms as she smiled wide, "How's that big scar on your dumb face, Johnny? Need a new one? I can go get Nancy to give you another."

"Shut it, Sissy." Johnny warned as his hands clenched into tight fists. His shoulders were tense as his jawline sharpened, thanks to him gritting his teeth.

Sissy continued on, "What's wrong, John Boy? Afraid to admit that you're the family failure? Disappointment? Drayton and Nancy are always ashamed of you. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Nancy regrets killing your real mama. I sure as hell would if I saw the man you are now."

"I SAID SHUT IT!" Johnny screamed as his hand wrapped around Sissy's throat. He slammed her against the wall with a very loud thud. Sissy gasped out in pain before starting to maniacally laugh, finding his uncontrollable rage amusing. Johnny's grip only tightened as his nostrils flared from anger, his glare almost sharp enough to cut into her face. I flinched violently and took a step back, accidentally knocking into a metal bucket. The loud crash snapped both of their attentions towards me. Johnny gave me a quick glance, then back at Sissy, before realizing and looking back at me. His grip loosened on Sissy's neck as he stared at me up and down.

"Ain't she pretty? That's what I was busy with!" Sissy beamed happily as she gently pushed Johnny off of her. He seemed almost lost in a trance as he continued to stare at me. His fists relaxed as his mouth hung open ever so slightly. Sissy called him out on it, "Don't be droolin' like a dog now. She ain't your dinner... yet. Why don't you give her a compliment or somethin'?"

Johnny blinked several times as he cleared his throat. His eyes worked their way from my hair that was in the bun and veil still, the lace turtleneck, puffy sleeves with lace arms, the tightened corset, and to the long matching lace skirt. He looked back up at my face where I forced a little tiny smile, trying to be okay with him eyeing my entire body just now. He straightened up his posture, trying to act like his attack on Sissy didn't just happen. He shoved his hands into his tight jeans pockets as he looked down at the floor. A little blush creeped onto his face as he struggled to find the right words. Wait, I'm seriously making him blush? Is he really that attracted to me?! Part of me feels bad. But only a tiny bit. Maybe it's my kind heart showing. But, in the end, I knew I needed to crush it in order to escape. I had to play along with whatever he wanted me to do. So... unfortunately... that means things I might've only planned with Danny. I hate to even think that! But if I get out alive, it might be worth it.

Johnny cleared his throat, "You're really pretty."

I smiled softly - half genuinely, "Really? You think so?"

Johnny nodded as he matched my tiny smile back. He shrugged before scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "Make a better bride than Sissy."

"FUCK YOU!" Sissy yelled at him as she raised her razor up at him. I smirked a tiny bit, trying to hold back my laugh. Instead, Johnny did it for me. He let out a low chuckle before gazing up at me, scanning over my facial features. Then, something shifted. He let his guard down. Johnny straightened up his posture as his smile immediately went away as a cold expression washed over it. His tough guy act is back.

"Anyways, earn your fuckin' keep or get out.. again." Johnny snapped at Sissy before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him.