*mature content*
JAMES:
I'm seething.
My brother, my flesh and blood.
He hurt her...he broke her...he touched her!
I got up quick as I felt my anger boil and I couldn't hold back the frustration I fucking felt! I break the glass window as I punch through the glass.
I hear a knock at the door after I run water over my bloodied hand,
"James, collect yourself and come out. I need to talk to you about this and she hasn't moved."
"I'm coming!" I yell as I run my hands through my hair and start to pace and take deep breaths.
I think back to the state I found her in. Her broken nose, exposed breast, her bloodied clothes. My chest grew with pure anger, I couldn't handle the thought of him touching her and hurting her.
I lean on the door and cry out a silent scream in utter frustration. Begging my voice to be quiet so Ava wouldn't hear me break.
But I couldn't take it. I had to let it out in order to be there for her fully,
Memories of my brother yelling at my sick mother while she recovered from chemo came flooding back,
He blamed her for everything that was wrong in his life and no matter what, she took it. No matter how hateful and undeserving the words he spoke to her were she took it, I would try to fight him but my mom would not let that happen.
He didn't even go to her funeral, he thought she deserved what she got because in his head, she was at fault for our family being broken.
I couldn't defend my mother then, but I would defend Ava now. With all I had.
________________________________________________________________________________
I washed my face after I collected my thoughts and got up. I was ready to see her because I knew she'd be a mess after this. What I didn't expect was what I saw next,
Ava, in complete hysterics, not letting Jonathan touch her to comfort her,
"What's happening!?! What's wrong!?" He says and she continues to sob.
I run towards her as I see her begin to fall,
"What's happening Ava, tell me! I'm here."
I hold on to her as I hear her say,
"Toby!"
"Toby? What's wrong with Toby?"
"He's dead!"