When Lily's Cry: Puppet Strings

Chapter V. Poor Thing

Matthew frowned, yelling back with just as much force.

"You just want attention! I can't believe you'd actually accuse dad of abusing Mom! I bet the reason she left was you! Always so needy and immature! I bet she just couldn't wait for you to get out of the house, so she left instead!"

Alfred's eyes widened as he stared up at his brother. He gulped, trying to hold back the tears that were quickly flooding out of his cerulean eyes. Matthew realized what he had said, immediately starting to apologize, but he was stopped by Alfred's choked sobs.

"Don't you dare blame me for Mom leaving! You think I wanted her to go?! YOU THINK I WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN?! .... I know it's my fault, Okay?! But she didn't leave because she hates me. She couldn't have. She couldn't...."

Matthew watched in silent terror as his brother crumpled to the floor, a mess of sobs and silent whispers to reassure himself that Mom still loved him. The latter reached a hand out to comfort his baby brother, but was immediately met with Alfred's hand hitting it away. He swore he heard Alfred cry out something like, "Don't touch me!" or "Please leave."

Either way, it was apparent that Alfred didn't want Matthew there at the moment.

And that's ultimately how their relationship burnt to ashes and scattered in the wind. Matthew left the next morning without giving a proper apology, and Alfred became the victim of abuse and other horrible things inflicted by his father. Of course Matthew hadn't found that out yet. And if he had, his first reaction would probably be denial, just like all the times before.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Alfred listened to the quiet bustle of the city nearby. He didn't live far from the city, but oddly enough, his town was extremely calm and quiet. Though he did enjoy the distance between his home and the toxic environment that was in those large places.

As the sun set, he watched the city lights brighten, illuminating the nearly empty streets, except for the few cars parked on the curb. The place where he worked came into view, and he checked his phone to make sure he wasn't late.

He hummed in satisfaction, giving the fact he was actually early this time. He Strode up to the building, ignoring the closed sign since he worked there. The smell of alcohol and cologne, mixed with the smell of flowery perfume made him scrunch his nose. He got used to it after a moment, and headed behind the counter in front of the bar that welcomed men and women of all sexuality and gender identification.

Though it was a bar, it had a rather homey feel, and Alfred liked that about it.

He opened a cabinet behind the counter and took out a dress shirt. Quickly changing, he buttoned the shirt and straightened it's collar, struggling slightly as he tied his bow tie. Once he was done, he pulled on a jet black apron, tying it in a neat bow.

He could hear shuffling, and turned to face the manager of the strip club. Yes, Alfred worked at a strip club. He was the bartender though, so he didn't have a lot to worry about, except making sure customers didn't get too drunk.

"Hey Al. How'd you get here so early?"

Alfred shrugged and turned back to the counter, setting up the things he needed to make various drinks.

"Got outta class early, and I didn't want Ms. Manager thinking I bailed."

Said manager chuckled, fixing her hair behind her ear, and redoing a clip. Alfred glanced back at her as she spoke.

"Since it's only a Monday, I wasn't expecting it to be too busy, but apparently a bachelor party is coming. They made a reservation this morning, said there'd be about 15 guys."