Finding My Strength Within

Devan Returns...I think

It didn't really bother me that the Bishop couldn't really talk. Ever since the beginning of summer he's had a ton of things to deal with. Someone egged the church, yelled fire during a  sacrament meeting, and the list goes on forever. However I kept repeating in my head what he said to me, the only advice I got "Only you can save your brother from the black hole."

Only me? What did that mean? I walked past main street, it was pretty old and scary at night but during the day it wasn't so bad, plus it was the fastest way to get home.  I saw a lump of garbage move and I stopped. I prayed that it wasn't a raccoon or a rat or anything that could kill me. I heard a noise, like someone struggling. I inched closer and could see the outline of a body. Soon I heard my name, softly and desperately. I looked at the garbage bag and shoved it aside seeing my brother coughing and squinting at the faint light.

"Devan!" I screamed "Devan what are you doing here?"

I slowly helped Devan up and ignored the stench that made my eyes water "You've been gone for two days!"

"Really?" Devan sighed coughing out dirt "It's been that long?"

"What happened to you?" I asked.

"Everything," Devan smiled "It was so weird, I'll show you were I went if you want."

"Devan, we have to go home and get you cleaned up," I gave a sudden look on my face "What's mom going to say?"

"Who cares?" Devan said.

I rolled my eyes, there was definitely something odd about my brother. I didn't look too much into it at the time, until I said this,

We were almost home and I smiled saying "Mom made blueberry pie, isn't that your favorite?"

"No, I don't like that type of pie. Mom never made it good anyway." Devan answered.

I didn't say anything until we went inside the house "Mom, dad!" I called "Devan's here!"

No one came for a moment. Then we heard a squeal as Mom came running into the room sweeping Devan into a hug "My baby!" She wailed "Where did you go?"

"No where," Devan said annoyed "Just on a walk, like anyone cared."

"We did care," Dad replied "We were so worried about you. Don't do that again."

Devan shrugged "Whatever."

I gave him a weird look, this didn't make any sense. He was always relaxed but secretly he loved it when mom made blueberry pie, and when dad gave him a polite scolding. It made him feel wanted, at least that what I thought. Maybe he was just tired or something.

Mom called him into the kitchen to have some pie. We all came in with him and ate the pie with delight. He picked at it and finally took a bite. He made a face and pushed the pie away "Nice cake mom, who made it, Oscar the grouch?"

His tone scared me, we've never yelled in my house. At least not out of anger.

Dad stood up "Son, don't take that tone with your mother. She made that pie just for you."

"Shut up dad!" Devan yelled "That pie was nothing but garbage. I can't believe you all are eating it. You're just trying to tolerate mom and you all know it."

"Devan," I warned "Stop, what's going on?"

"Just leave me alone," Devan demanded "You are all ignorant and only care about yourselves." He began swearing and throwing around chairs.

"That is enough!" Dad yelled restraining him.

Devan fought against it but soon gave up.

"I am not letting go until you apologize to your mother and agree to go to your room." Dad insisted.

Devan sighed and relaxed "Alright," He mumbled "I'm sorry mom, I shouldn't have said that about your pie."

"Devan what's that matter?" Mom counselled "You've loved blueberry pie ever since you were young."

Devan looked away as Dad released him, he went to his room and slammed the door.

I looked at mom and dad who were in an embrace fearing what happened to their son. I sat next to the table and picked at the pie I was almost finished.  Never in my life had I heard those swear words, seen that much violence, or  witness that much yelling. It only grew worse from that moment on.