Hating Noah

Chapter 24

"I am worried about him."

"You have nothing to worry about, Marcus. Your nice little friend is doing just fine," I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the mention of him.

"Before the party, he didn't touch alcohol for almost three years, Skylar. Something is off. I can feel it," his 'I know everything' expression made me want to stick my tongue out at him and kick him hard in the balls.

The only thing that is off is the fact that he took me out of history class in the middle of the day, and asked me about someone who I tried to take my mind off for days now.

"I don't know what to tell you, Marcus. I mean, why are you even asking me about his behavior?"

"Don't play dumb with me. I know something is going on between you two."

"Did he say anything?"

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"No, but he seems- what's the word I am looking for?" he wondered out loud, looking at me like I have the answers to all of his questions.

"Bothered? Irritated? Mad? Unhappy?"

"Different."

~~~~~~~~~

If you found yourself wondering what the freak is going on with both of my parents, you should know that I have got the most reasonable answer for you.

They are both serial killers.

We could use some money, and working for the mafia is the easiest way to get the cash each one of us truly desires, the fastest way. Especially if you are having fun doing the dirty work and killing innocent people.

Well, not so innocent, but you get the point.

They needed the house(probably for the dead bodies) and knew that if they physically hurt me, I will leave for good and never look back. My father acted like his weak relationship with my mother is slowly falling apart, when in real life, they cooperate.

Sometimes your love or need for money brings you closer to the people you wish to stay away from.

That explains why my mother didn't offer or even consider taking us back at any point. If she was sharing a house with the nice guy she is currently dating, why are we still living with Noah?

If she lied about seeing someone, I wouldn't be so surprised.

It all makes much sense, right?

Well, I was behind certain that my made-up theory is, in fact, real. However, it only took seven simple words to make me regret the endless time I spent on thinking about the brilliant story.

"I want you guys to meet someone," my mother announced happily to her two children.

"How is dad?" I changed the topic, not enjoying the way she made my theory suddenly sound pathetic and mostly sad.

"I give him some money every week. I am thinking of sending him to an alcohol recovery program, far away from here."

I flinched when I noticed the concerned look on Jacob's angelic face. He shouldn't be hearing things about our father's issues or the possible solutions for his horrible state.

"I will make a reservation for tomorrow night."

"Can Noah join us?" Jacob popped the question, making the pressure on my chest increase. My mother stayed quiet, considering the awful idea, while Jacob's blue eyes shone with hope.

"I think he has better things to do," I managed to pull a fake smile and ruin my brother's plans for tomorrow.

I need him on my side.