Woebegone – Bonus 2
L I K E A M I S T
Tina
For several days, I cried about our parents' separation. It dealt a big blow to me. I felt even sorrier for Tiffany who sobbed day and night. The only time she stopped was when she successfully cried herself to sleep. Several times I tried comforting her with the best I can, but my soothing words proved to be utterly useless in the situation we were all in. Travis tried not to shed tears; but eventually, he gave in as well. I didn't blame him. Of course not. Who would? He loved Mom. All of us loved her, and to see her separated from Dad felt like she wasn't with us to begin with. As for Tybalt, he didn’t show any emotions. Not even a bit, but he’s always been that way since childhood, keeping his feelings to himself. Then again, considering how he reacted that day, I doubted he even had tears to shed.
My siblings were somewhere else. I didn’t know where; but for the entire day, I stayed in the room that Tiffany and I shared. I grasped my pencil to write another line for my poem, but I couldn’t take it any longer. After jotting my sorrows down, tears started flowing out; and my bloodshot eyes swell once more.
“Remember her, how everything she gave.
Remember how she showed us the right way.
Remember her, the foundation she laid.
Without her, we wouldn't be here today.”
Under guilt and frustration, I slapped myself. How could I?! I made it sound as if she was gone from the world, and that wasn’t the impression that I’m trying to show in my work. Setting aside my writing materials, I placed both of my hands on my face. My poetry notebook was getting soaked by my tears, but I didn’t care.
I felt something behind my back, and it sure made me jump. To my surprise, it was Tybalt. He handed me the tissue box without saying anything and left the room. From my observations, he seemed impartial about the events. Maybe it was because he didn't love her as much as we did, or perhaps he was just trying to hide it inside. I was clueless. I’m not him, but it was nice of him to give me something to wipe my tears.
Unexpectedly, he came back to ask me how I was doing. Obviously, I responded with a big “no.” I returned the question, but he ignored it and bid farewell. It made me raise my eyebrow after watching his actions which seemed uneasy or awkward. What was up with him? We’re siblings, goodness. And he and I being different genders didn’t make it weirder or anything... Sheesh, we’re just a year apart. He could tell me anything, and I could relate better than Travis or Tiffany... Giving up on the matter, I left the room as well and headed downstairs for a breather; but on my way, I couldn’t believe the words that my ears were transmitting to my brain.
“Stop crying. What are those tears going to do? It won’t convince her to come back any time soon. Besides, she can’t see it,” I recognized that voice — Dad! Who was he talking to?! I crept towards the railings of the stairs to eavesdrop and have a look-see.
Another scene on the living room — an unpleasant one. I gasped when I saw Dad grasping Tiffany's jaw firmly, and he sounded as if he was brainwashing her. Beside Tiffany was Tybalt, nonchalant as usual.
“Daddy...” I heard her soft voice. I etched a bit closer, but I couldn’t make out everything she said. All I heard were mumbles, “Why... her.... anymore? Love... for... second?!”
“I’m so sick of that shit!” he spat furiously, making her and me jump. “Get over it! She’s not coming back anymore! Can’t you see in that puny mind of yours?! What kind of ‘mother’ abandons her children like that? A loveless mother! That’s what she is! Drill it in your mind, Tiffany! She never loved you to begin with! You're better off just calling her Tracy. She doesn’t deserve the title ‘Mother!’ All the more she’s not worth calling ‘Wife!’”
I grasped the railings on the staircase, gritting my teeth and biting my lips, hard. I didn’t care if they were bleeding. His words made me sick and upset. How could he trash-talk Mom like that?! Rage and sadness mixed together in my heart.
Unexpectedly, the locket containing a picture of my Mom slipped up from my hand and dropped on the ground, making a loud sound. “Shoot...” I whispered, hating myself for committing such a careless mistake. Dad looked above the stairs and saw me right away. He made his way towards me, fast, with his piercing cold eyes fixed to mine.
Adrenaline rushed through my veins. My heart started beating so fast that I feared that it would pop out of my chest. I screamed upon seeing him quickly leap about halfway up the stairs. How did he do that?! Going back to my room was a dumb decision, but it was the first thing I thought of. However, he was much faster than I.
“Dad!” I screeched when he yanked my hair, managing to pull away a couple of strands to my horror. He flung me towards the floor; and he pressed my head, making sure it stayed there as I struggled to break free.
“Aren’t you nosy, Tina?” he growled at me. “Didn’t your ‘mother’ teach you manners and tell you that eavesdropping is a big no-no?” He called for Tybalt to bring something up. I closed my eyes, making my tears drop. It’s the first time that I’ve received punishment from Dad...
Before I knew it, Tybalt came with a leather belt and closed the door as he left. My impending hell was about to start, and there was no escape...
Tybalt
As requested by my Dad, I handed him his leather belt straight from his bedroom. I could tell what he was planning to do. After all, this was the exact same belt that he used to whip me nine years ago. I'd never forget the silver buckle and the smooth black fabric that struck the back of my legs and tore my flesh. Even until today, I could still see the scars that seem to show any signs of fading away. As to why he planned to use it so suddenly after all these years, I had no clue. Whipping someone for eavesdropping? I'd say badass, but it was my sister who was going to receive the blow; so I should pity her.
I should, really. But the problem is that I can't. Emotions such as sadness or depression didn't overwhelm me. Not anymore. Back when Dad taught me how to hunt in his spare time, he also taught me how to cast away all my feelings when it came to dealing the final strike.
“Emotions are a sign of weakness, and they make one vulnerable.”
Those were the words that I never forgot from him. In fact, he reminded me every session; so actions like breaking down to tears is something next to impossible for me to do... To him, emotions contributed nothing whatsoever, and it was an impediment instead.
No hints or signs of screaming from Tina were heard. That was to be expected, anyway. Sounds of the belting striking resounded in my ear as I sat on the sofa across Tiffany and watched her tears fall onto the floor. She hasn’t stopped yet since Dad scolded her. For goodness’ sake, I should've brought a bucket and shoved it to her face. Her tears were forming a puddle already on the ground; and she refused to talk to anyone, especially me.
Travis had no clue what’s going on right now. Maybe he could hear the sounds of “whiplash,” but I doubt it, since he's such a deep sleeper.
With nothing else better to do, I filled a glass of water and gave it to my sobbing sister. In addition, I handed her a box of tissue to pacify her crying. She said nothing in return, as I expected. I speculated that her grudge towards me still remained. Besides, I didn't care about whatsoever hatred she bore towards me. Pathetic superficial restrictions…
At the same time, Dad opened the door and went downstairs. “Clean this,” he ordered, throwing the bloodstained belt towards me. He stomped towards the kitchen and completely ignored Tiffany's presence. I shrugged behind his back and headed upstairs to my sisters’ room. On the floor were specks of blood. The sight of it never crippled my senses unlike Travis. I bet that if he was placed in a hospital, I doubted that he’d survive for a day — heck, even for an hour. That was just how much of a scaredy-cat he is. I gave him points though, for being brave enough to drive a car.
“Tybs? Are you there?” I could hear Tina’s voice coming from the washroom.
“Yeah,” I responded as I wiped the mess from the floor.
“What do you think of him now?” she asked another question, making me halt.
“N-Nothing… Just the same old man…” I replied before returning the question. “Why? What’s he to you now?”
“I… can’t say… But please, think back to what Mom mentioned to you about looking up to Dad. He’s not a good… example for you. Ponder about it, especially your future. He’s not what he seems to be. Choose your friends wisely, and you won’t have someone like Preston. I swear that every time he comes to visit, he never fails to give a creepy impression.”
“You’re such a nag. You know what? You’re beginning to sound like her as well,” I answered harshly. It’s true; she’s getting more and more annoying as the days pass. Maybe she did deserve that treatment from Dad. I ignored any further words from her and left the room without saying another word. I didn’t need to be lectured at all. I’m old enough to decide. That was Tina’s problem. She constantly aggravates me and possibly Dad as well. She likes — no — loves sticking her nose to others’ businesses. Maybe her genius brain’s starting to overload already, and she’s oh-so desperate to share her knowledge with them. Geez, Tina, you were worrying for nothing. That valedictorian prize’s sure to be yours. Just wait for it. Glad I didn’t inherit Tracy’s mind. If it wasn’t for a brother like me, then Travis would be so similar to the others. Good thing he’s still standing in between Tina’s maturity and Tiffany’s credulity up to now.
Life’s like a mist. One day, you’re here; and on the next, you’re gone. I heard of the same principle numerous times but never experienced it. Well, it wasn’t me who slipped away — it was she who did — Tina. Ingest a couple of those crystals and you’re dead. There she was on the stage, coughing up blood after just starting her speech. She struggled in clinging to life. She looked at me. She looked at me with desperation on her eyes before her body crashed to the ground. In no time, emergency was on the rise.
Naturally, they were clueless; but I knew most of them, actually. I saw everything in front of my eyes that night. During the interviews, I intentionally kept it a secret and merely shrugged it off.
One fateful night, I left my home in thirst for vengeance. It was a matter that only I can deal with. That was what I believed in. In that dark alley, the moon towered over us; and that was the moment when I realized.
Maybe her nosiness had a good side to it. Maybe I should’ve listened for once and stayed out of trouble. Maybe Tybalt should’ve broken free from his stubborn skull. Well, it’s too late now; my killer’s standing right in front of me. Life or death? I was no longer the one who decided on my fate.
He did.