Humanity

Set during the Children's Crusade. Everyone has a reason to turn to god, this was mine. I was losing everything else....

 

It all started with a word. That was all it took, and even that spread a like wild fire. One boy’s word against the King’s, and he continued to pray the good word for the holy land.

 

“Isaiah, you lazy child! Have you not fetched the water yet? The line will only be longer now!” Mother Maria yelled to me. She was red in the face, and her habit disarrayed. Upon reaching me, she gave me a swift kick in the back end.

“Git’ boy!” With a yelp I was up and off for the center of town. I skirted past some rodents chirping over the remains of some animal. Mr. Matlock’s cow had recently died; maybe he had set it in the ally to rot. He would be fined, if it were his cow. Jogging further, I was nearly hit when the rich man’s house maiden almost dumping a chamber pot on my head. The contents splashed just inches to the right of me and sat like a puddle on the cobblestones. The pee bright yellow against the faded stones, but mostly mixed with the brown of the ‘other’ stuff. Remmy would probably be down here with the rest of the ‘Sweet Shop Thieves’, and would be all over this slop like flies on dung. There would be a war with the ‘Bishop Crew’ kids. Walking further along, the memories of how Remmy and the gang their name came up. They had raided a sweet shop, but could only get a few handfuls of loot before the owner was alerted and the sheriff was called. They planned it again that same night and looted the entire place, and got away with it. Remmy was one of the most wanted kids out there, and in three more summers, I would be able to join his gang. The stinky cloth of someone’s back was suddenly pressed into my face, making me gag for a moment. Pushing off the person, I stumbled back, my legs twisting and causing me to fall. Some men walked right over me, standing on my legs and hands. I growled and snatched myself away from the ground causing a few good people to startle. A crowd was forming, but I couldn’t see over it. Elbowing my way through, I was able to peek past the first line of men to see what was going on. The ‘Bishop Crew’ stood loud and proud with the bishop hat on the leaders head. They had stole it right from the man’s head as he took a trip out here to bless a wealthy man’s new born. Even now, those boys looked intimidating and clean cut. They all wore the same color in some way, and new leather sandals. Rumor has it that one of them is a rich boy, whose father pays to have them ransack the town. In return of half the things they steal, he buys them whatever they want and gives them protection from the sheriff. But, it’s just a rumor. The leader looked as though he was about to blow his top, his face was puffy and pink around the eyes. His limp hair sat in dark brown strings on his head, and he was sweating a lot, not that we all weren’t, it was a hot fall with little rain. He was glaring at someone just out of my sight, the only thing of them I could see was their tattered pants and bare feet covered in dust and muck. There was a bright scar on his, who-ever he was, right foot, that went from the ankle to the knee. Instantly, it clicked into place. It was Remmy, he had gotten the scar from helping one of the gang members out of a store when he had gotten hurt. The kid weighed just enough for Remmy to lose his feet, and his ankle caught on the broken glass of the store front. He kept on walking, hauling the kid along. They made a clean get away. Remmy was brought to the orphanage so that Mother Maria could stitch up his leg. That was the first time I had met Remmy, and he promised me that I could join when I was old enough.

Stubbing my toe on an uneven stone, I cursed but quickly returned my attention to what was going on. The ‘Sweet Shop Thieves’ were considered low class thieves because they looted shops and not homes, and because they allowed girls into the gang. I don’t see the problem, last time I got in a fight with Eliza, she swatted me across the face so hard I saw stars and blood came from my nose. Mother Maria chastised her, saying no one would want to adopt her if she hit. I think she would make a damn good helper to Remmy, she should put that hand to use.

Also, the ‘Sweet Shop Thieves’ looked just like the rest of us. Their clothes were tattered and torn in some places, they were dirty and smelly, and you would be able to pick them from a crowd unless you knew them. Unlike the ‘Bishop’ leader, Remmy stood calm and cold, facing the red faced boy. He hardly ever lost his temper that was known and he always joked around. Some said that would be the death of him, but Remmy couldn’t die, he was too great. The world would stop moving if Remmy died.

The two leaders faced off with their crews behind them to take their backs. I pushed my forward, just a little past the first line. The sheriff would be called soon, and we would all have to scatter like fleas, which gave me this constant itch behind my ears.

Remmy talked in a joking way while the other boy lost his temper and snapped back at the ‘Sweet Shop’ crew. Each group edged forward bit by bit, egging each other on. A flash of something glinting off the sun, and I was off running for the second time today. Calling out to Remmy, I was knocked aside by a girl with her mangy hair in pigtails. The dress she wore was too small and her knees were an awful brown color with scraps and bruises to match. Just as the red faced boy reached out with the knife, thundering came down the ally, reeking of horse and sweat. The Sheriff. Everyone did just as I said and scattered about, running wildly. I was knocked down again, but by a women carrying a small child, she hurried on without giving me a second look. Many feet trampled me and the horse’s hooves came closer. Fear hit me as I realized I was right in the path of the racing animal. Just before it stomped over my beaten body, I was dragged out of the path of it, and tugged to me feet. We were moving before I had a chance to think of what happened. There was a hand gripping my sleeve, almost tearing the hem. Mother Maria would be angry if I tore another set of clothes. I jerked my hand back, the cloth gave way, and the stitches came loose. The sleeve didn’t tear all the way, but it did stretch. After some minutes of running down winding alleyways, we slowed to a stop. My breathing was hard as the heavy air from the just passing summer had yet to let up. The dark colored hand of Remmy braced against the course wall of a building, the roughness of it cutting into the bends of his fingers. 

“Kid, what were you thinkin’?” He stared at me from dark eyes, and smacked me lightly upside the head. I shook my head, trying to make a sentence, but nothing. He seemed to be ok with the silence and continued on.

“Come on, I’ll walk you back.” I nodded quickly, matching my steps to his as we turned through the alleys. It wasn’t long before we hit the dirty road leading to the orphanage. I stopped dead in my tracks.

“I hav’ to go back!’ I turned and made to run back to town, but Remmy had a hold of my hair.

“Do you have a death wish? The town is in chaos right now, you ain’t going to be able to go back for nothing.” I strained against him, and finally he must have tired of my fighting, because he let go. I hit the ground face first, dirt getting in my mouth. I sat up, spitting out the pieces.

“What do you need?” He was squatted down next to me, his eyes dark and hard. I spluttered for a second before the words came to mind.

“I need to get water for Eliza, she’s been sick and cries for water a lot, and we used the last of it up yesterday, been feedin’ her fruits. They keep her mouth wet.” The words came out in a rush as if making up for lost time. I scrambled up, only to be knocked on my rear end by Remmy. He stood, towering over me, his eyes darker then I had ever seen them, but soft. Mother Maria called to me then, she was standing with a couple of the girls, hanging the bedclothes out to dry, and must have spotted me. I waved back, and turned to Remmy. He was gone, his foot prints the only thing left in the dirt. Back slumped, I trudged my way to Mother Maria, knowing that I could never making it to town and back before dark. Eliza would have to go the rest of the day on fruit again. The whipping I would get for spending the whole day out and not bringing any water back would be harsh, and I would be scolded for stretching my sleeve as well. Today was not a good day.

 

The darkness was just setting it, and Mother Maria was peeling some sweet smelling fruit to squash into pulp to feed to Eliza. She had stopped eating regular food as she couldn’t stay awake enough to chew. I reached for an orange one, them being my favorite, and was met with a wooden spoon to my knuckles.

“Since you forgot the water, it shall be your share that Eliza has, and you shall have none.” I sighed, knowing that would be the answer I would get. We sat on the porch, staring out over the vast yard. Most of the others were at supper, but I was not allowed supper this night because of my miss doings. The others would laugh at me when we went to bed. They say that I’m going to be the death of myself, that I’m starving myself. I throw things at them, I get in trouble for throwing things.

With my elbows on my bent knees, and my face in my hands, I sat there, stomach growling from so much running today, and pouted. Mother Maria would not break down, but perhaps one of the younger children would. Eliza and I were two of the oldest ones living here, our mother not having the money to raise twins, and not the heart to separate us, left us here when we were a few months old. Mother Maria and Sister Angie raised us. We’ve been here since, though a few years back, we were moved to another orphanage run by the Bishop, it was a lot nicer, with better clothes, and food. We ran away all the same, this was our home, we found our way back though it took a few months. We would rather live here then out on the streets, those months taught us that. But we did learn how to steal and how to fight. Too many people tried to scam us, we just fought back. Eliza had a keen sense for reading, Sister Ilene, a thin lady with bright red hair and blue eyes had taught her how to, I don’t see the good in it. Eliza went out of her way to steal some old dusty books and scrolls from a library. She still had them today, hiding them under her mattress. The barking of dogs woke me from my thoughts as a form appeared over the ridge. It was a lanky tall form, with wild hair, and a pole stretch across the person’s shoulders. There were things hanging from the pole on both sides. The person made even, fast steps, the pole not bouncing once. The sun passed behind him as he neared us. Mother Maria stood, dusting her old habits free of dirt, and setting aside the bowl she was mashing fruit in. The sweet, tangy and tart smell of the fruit drifted about the air, coating everything in a pleasant smell. The dogs that had been barking were now running about the figure’s legs, playfully tackling one another, running far ahead the person, then jogging back. They were tall dogs, with large frames and odd coloring, and one small dog that yipped about noisily. Its shaggy coat dragged on the ground, creating a dust cloud. The figure became clearer as he got closer, his dark blonde hair framing his face, hanging low in his eyes, his brown eyes a couple shades darker then his tanned skin. He stood as straight as a board while supporting the pole across his shoulders. The pole sported four large pails of water, and two fowls hanging from their necks. His head was down low, while his arms supported the pole on both sides. Remmy’s dark eyes came up and met mine. Mother Maria rushed over to him, intending to help.

“You haven’t stole it, have you?” He gave her a grin, but shook his head no. She took the pheasants and threw them at me, snapping at me to take them to the kitchen, then made to take a pail of water. He shook his head, simply saying he would take them inside. She nodded quickly and rushed to lead him to the kitchen, where he gave me a wink and smile, to the room where Eliza was, a single pail in hand for her. He carried it easily, moving about the place as though he owned it. Hs dark colored skin, wild youthful eyes and unruly appearance didn’t fit in well with the walls though, and he looked as though he was quite ready to be free of the walls at once, but he trekked through, placing the pail slowly on the floor next to a chair in the room. Eliza was always getting sick, she was the weaker of us, but she didn’t let that stop her from anything. Her normally tree bark tanned skin was pale and had a bad pallor. Sickness was hanging in the air in the room, and nearly made me choke it was so heavy. Her breathing was labored, as if she had just run the entire town, and her eyes screwed shut. Her fingers would twitch every now and then, telling us she was still alive. Sister Ilene had been sitting at her bedside when we came in, and was now standing in front of the chair. She regarded Remmy coolly; she didn’t like him very much. Mother Maria returned from where ever a few seconds later, coming to stand beside the door. I went over and sat on Eliza’s bed, picking at the course blanket that kept the heat inside of her on this the hottest of days. Remmy stood, just staring at her face.

“Is it the pestilence?” He asked quietly, his face never turning to any of us. Both Sister and Mother Maria shook there head no. Sister told him that it was just a cold, but the fever was wreaking havoc. His fist clenched and he gritted his teeth. Silence stretched on for some minutes when Sister left, claiming business elsewhere. Mother Maria left with her, the door clicking closed quietly. Remmy slumped in the chair Sister had been in, eyes drifting shut. He rubbed at his temples, and groaned. Everyone knew he suffered from head aches that left him immobile for a time, sensitive to light, sound and smell. There was nothing anyone could do for them; he just had to stick it out. He asked me if we were giving her anything for the fever, and I told him that we were doing our best to keep it down, but the orphanage could not afford medication. Medication was only for the rich. He sighed, and his eyes opened, only to stare once more at Eliza. The tension in the air was low but the sadness great, hanging just below the sickness. I turned to stare at her too, knowing her appearance mirrored my own. She had light blonde hair with darker highlights, and pale blue eyes. We naturally had pale skin, but it tanned quickly. Her hair hung long in rivulets, small soft curls and long bangs that clouded her eyes, whereas mine was down around my ears, messy and not brushed. Her face was finely structured with high but soft cheek bones, and a strong jaw. Our faces looked to be exactly the same. We were the same height, a whooping 5 foot to account for all of our 13 years. Remmy was tall, whether or not he was tall for his age of 17, I couldn’t tell you. His lanky frame topped at 5’7 and still growing. He had, over the years, sprouted up, whereas I had seemed to shrink. His dark eyes roamed her face, seeming to look for something, but having not found it as his eyes slid closed once more. He stood, coming to stand right next to the bed, and bent over. He placed his hands on the bed for support as he leaned over and kissed Eliza on the cheek, before whisking off through the now open door. I stayed on the bed, trying to think through the actions playing before me eyes. Was I missing something that had been going on for years? Eliza would have told me if anything was going on, wouldn’t she have? I was her twin, we had to tell each other everything! Of course she would have told me, Remmy was just being kind. I peered through the hall to see the dark silhouettes of Mother Maria pressing a string of coins into Remmy’s hand. He folded her own hand round them and told her to keep them. She thanked him, telling him the lord blessed though’s who give without receiving. He treated her to another smile and she offered him a stay for the night, that it was too dark out now to return to town. He shook his head, stating he had things to tend to, and should anything change, he would like to know. She nodded, and a secretive smile passed between the two, and I felt left out in my own home. What was going on before my eyes? Before I knew what I was doing, I was up and out the orphanage doors, chasing after Remmy and those dogs. He was gone before I made it out the gates, the dogs’ baying sounding over the crickets and bats.

 

The days passed slowly, and I wasn’t allowed to leave the orphanage. Sister Angie kept me busy cleaning, and had me work twice as hard on my studies.

Five days after the water was brought, I heard the baying dogs, and stilled in my seat. Sister Angie forced me to continue on, she wouldn’t let me up until I was finished with my work. There was some hushed talking, and the opening and closing of doors. By the time I was finished, he was gone, and no one would tell me anything. I rushed to the kitchen to find Sister Sistine, a stout woman who cooked for us, and prepared all meals grounding a white powder with a nasty smell. I sat on the wooden floor and watched her tip the chalky stuff into a bowl of broth, and mix it well, adding some herbs. I followed her to Eliza’s room and watched her hand feed the broth to her, and sat there still when the broth was all gone.

“Sister, what was that?” She gave me a closed smile, her eyes rising to meet mine with a glimmer.

“We were able to get a hold of some medication. It should take her fever down, and help her breath better.” The minute it was said, I knew why Remmy had been here. He had delivered some medication for Eliza and had left in a hurry. Perhaps his crew members didn’t know what he was doing, or maybe they wouldn’t approve of him stealing things to give to a sick girl. It all seemed like Remmy, a gang member, was acting a bit strange. He was supposed to be a harden criminal who didn’t care about anyone except his mates and himself.

The days passed a little faster as Eliza continued to get better. Her fever broke two days after being given the medication and she was able to sit up and eat by herself two days after that. Her health began to strengthen greatly, and soon she was up and about, being her old self again.

A few weeks passed and everything was normal once more. No Remmy, no gang fights, no sickness. We took care of the little kids, helped make dinner, clean up, and tend to the animals around the orphanage. Winter came and went, and the town and ‘Sweet Shop Thieves’ had heard nothing of Remmy. I began to worry, maybe the ‘Bishop’ gang did get to him after all, or maybe he came down with the sickness Eliza had, or maybe even the pestilence. A thousand possibilities rolled through our heads, but still time went on. A year went by, and we were celebrating our fourteenth birthday. The others had made little things from paper and such for us, they even got together to create a small book for Eliza. The Sister’s each chipped in and got us each a small gift. Eliza got a new dress that was a dark green and a silver lined bodest. It hung to her knees, and had short sleeves with a neckline that sat above her collarbone. I got a puppy with two different eyes, and patches of color. I named him Zephyr. Eliza had once told me a story that had to do with the word Zephyr, but I couldn’t remember what it meant, only that it was the only name I knew that began with a ‘z’.

It was mid summer, and Zephyr and I were running about outside when A figure came strutting down the dirt road wearing a dark red shirt, and black pants that brushed his sandal clad feet. His normally unruly hair was brushed out, but still down in his dark eyes. Remmy stood loud and proud among those damn barking dogs. My own dog joined in the fray and I kicked him in the side, telling him he was a bad dog, that he would get no supper tonight. He whimpered with his head low and tail between his legs. He scampered back to the kennel, and cowered in his little hut. Remmy ‘tsked’ at me, shaking his head from side to side slowly, a wide grin on his face that was half a frown.

“If you are mean to him, he’ll be mean to you.” I gave him a sour look.

That was the beginning of the end.

From that day forward, Remmy came by everyday to spend time with us. He helped Eliza and I with the chores, took lessons with Eliza by Sister Angie, ran errands, and did any hard work that needed done. Our chores seemed to take half as less time, and we were free to spend that time as we pleased. Some times Remmy would help me train Zephyr while Eliza watched, or at times we would go swimming in the creek. As the seasons grew colder, we settled for laying ourselves out on the bank, watching the clouds.

I began to notice more and more that Remmy and Eliza would go running off without me, having finished before me. Those days I would walk up to town and walk around, it use to keep me occupied before, but now it left me bored, and going home well before I had too. And when I did get home early, I would start my afternoon and nightly chores. A lot of the time, Remmy and Eliza wouldn’t be back until it was dark outside, and the Sisters would make me do their chores. Every night Remmy would stroll past our gates, waving and disappear into the darkness.

I was up into town one day when I heard it. The call of a boy, no more older then I. He was standing over the well, preaching about saving the holy land. I paid him no mind. At first. He caught my attention when he began to talk about a march to the holy land to free it, and how we, the children were the only ones who would be able to do so. That others, grown men, had failed, and it was left in the hands of us kids. He preached that the lord himself had sent him to gather forces to march, and that it would be a peaceful march, with no killing, that we would be welcomed where ever we were to set foot upon, we were on a mission of God.

I ran home, burying myself in my chores, but his words rang free in my head. When I got there, Eliza and Remmy where there, but not even they could get my mind off those boy’s words. I soon realized that it wasn’t just me who was spaced out and unresponsive. We all were. Eliza kept sighing, and was off in a dream land, and although Remmy was completing all his work, he had this goofy grin on his face. Suspicion took root in my chest quickly, and when Remmy left and we were sent to bed, I snuck into the girls’ bedroom and stole away from of Eliza’s books. I read loosely about what had been preached to us by Sister Ilene when we were little, about the Crusades. I had trouble reading it, and found some words difficult, and ended up turning to my bible to get the most information. What was said was that the Crusades were a holy mission to take back the Holy Land, but most of them had failed, ending in death, torture and returning home empty-handed. I returned to the words the boy had said, stating that this mission would be a peaceful one, that there would be no fighting, and we would be welcomed. I slipped the books back into place on a shelf, and noticed just how dusty they had become. Eliza had not taken care to read them in some time, nor did she take care of them period. They were worn with use, but also worn with time. Eliza was no longer reading them and she had no intention to lately. Remmy was taking her away from who she was, changing who she was, and I didn’t like it one bit. I sat myself on the bottom of her bed, sitting at her feet, my legs crossed under me. Just staring at her now, I had to figure she had changed a lot. Her form was filling out more, that much was obvious, she was a girl after all. But her hair had turned to a darker blonde, her eyelashes thick and long against her pale skin. With the amount of time she has been spending out side, she should have a dark color to her skin, but it was white as a porcelain doll, the ones you see in store fronts. Her face was no longer long and thin, more filled out, almost shaped like a heart, and she had a faint blush on her cheeks that would not go away no matter the season. Even in her sleep she sighed, the air ghosting past her pink lips. I almost wanted to reach out and touch her to see if she was still there, still the same person, still my twin. After some time, I stood and went to a mirror to gaze at myself. My hair was just as unruly but still a light blonde, my eyes still as pale as always against a dark tan. My shoulders were broad, or seemed to be, and I had filled out in muscle the last few months. My jaw was square like, with high cheekbones, and I looked only a tad different from what I used to. We were changing, we weren’t twins anymore, merely siblings, and I even doubted that now. I doubt she even remembers who I am. This march sounded like a good idea to me then. I was losing that one part of me that should have held my back to matter what, but she was leaving me behind, and I needed to move on.

With what little sleep I had, I found it impossible to lie down and lay still. I was up and pacing around the halls when dawn broke and Mother Maria rose. She regarded me oddly, stating I had always been one for long sleep. I told her I was excited for the coming celebration of Christ’s birth. She smiled, going into a long depth story of it that I didn’t really listen to, but acted as though I did. I ended up helping all the Nun’s with their morning chores, quickly finishing my own, and helping Sister Sistine with breakfast. I was out of there before everyone was up and eating, telling the Sisters that I would be back in a few hours. I went out and seeked the boy whose words still echoed inside my head.

I found him where he had been the day before, still preaching of this march, only more children, of every age were gathered around him. Someone would ask him a question every now and then and he would give an answer. About an hour after my arriving, I saw a flash of Remmy, strutting past us. He threw the preaching boy a harsh look, and sped up on his way. He saw me, and his eyebrow raised. I pointed towards the well and he gave a nod, and made his way towards me, obviously offering help. I put my hands up, waving him off. He paused for a second, seeming to think over something, before nodding slowly once more, and taking off at a brisk walk to the Orphanage, a nervous look on his handsome features. I stayed for some hours, and had all my questions answered, asked by other members of the group. There would be two groups. The one’s heading out a day, and the one’s heading out in a week, on the day of Christ’s birth. I choose to leave on that date, giving myself enough time to ready some supplies, and make up a story, that I was going to look for work. Home was not a place I could call so anymore. I left with two pails of water, and trekked to the orphanage at a slow but steady walk, never straying from the path.

I made it back with an hour of my quickening pace, and entered through the back door of the kitchen, setting the water pails down gently so as not to splash or waste any water. The house was oddly loud for this time of day where everyone should be tending their chores. I quietly made my way into the hall to find no one. Venturing further I happened upon the common room, where all the noise was coming from. I pushed the door open and was met with everyone laughing and joking, and no one doing any chores. Even Mother Maria was laughing, and holding a smooth cloth to her eyes. When she saw me she cheered in another language and took me by my arms, kissing both my cheeks. I asked what was wrong. She chuckled, stating nothing was wrong, and everything was right. I was on alert immediately. Most everyone were still in their night clothes, except the Nun’s and Remmy, who was sitting in the middle of the floor with Eliza, laughing and joking with everyone else, his arm around Eliza’s shoulders. She was turned opposite Remmy, clutching his free hand, and talking with the people on her left. When Mother Maria signaled, she looked up at me smiling, small tears in her eyes. She stood quickly, stepping over people to envelope me in the hug. My arms stayed down at my side. She took me by the shoulders and still tears came from her pale blue eyes, the last thing that mirrored my own, though mine were dry and slotted. I didn’t want to hear anything she said, but she said it anyway.

“Isaiah! The greatest of news.” I tried to pull away from her, the room had gotten awfully quiet, they were all staring at us. Remmy lay reclined; his hand supporting all his weight placed behind him, a stupid smile that took up his entire ugly face. She leaned in close to my face while I tried to lean back, a deep frown on my features. She spoke as if it were some great secret, whispering it to me as quietly as she could, getting louder as the sentence dragged on.

“Remmy and I are to marry!” I hissed through my teeth. She hugged me again and every gave another cheer. Mother Maria commented that the wedding would be here before the month was up. I stumbled back, bumping against the door frame, my head knocking back against it. He really was taking her away from me. I shoved her back, having to brace myself against the wall with a hand, the other going to my head. Faces swam in and out of my vision. Mother Maria, Sister Ilene Eliza, Remmy. Zephyr barked loudly against my legs, which seem to get tangled in themselves. Someone’s arms were braced around my shoulders as I swayed, trying to focus my sight. People were calling my name, but I heard only the blood rushing past my ears. My thoughts were dead except for the feeling of betrayal turning to thoughts, and a single phrase.

‘No, I will leave to night.’

As soon as I acknowledged that though, everything stopped. My vision focused, and I was slightly shocked to find the stance I was in. I was straddling Remmy, with a fist full of his shirt in my hand, and fist raised to strike, and I let it do just that. I tagged him in the face, hit his cheek with all the force I could muster. The now, almost nineteen year old still proved stronger then me, but not by much. We rolled, we had some how made it into the yard, and dirty covered us and our clothes. We hit one another, striking each other in the face, throwing careless punches, choking each other. I growled and took him by the shoulders, pulling his upper body towards me, and slammed his head on to the ground. He gave a grunt and his fist shot out to snap me in the jaw. Someone was screaming, and crying, and there were shouts. My nose stung when he got a sucker shot in, shoving the base of his palm up into my nose. I pegged him in the jaw three times continuously before his hand shot out and grabbed mine. We wrestled around the ground some more before we were pulled off each other. Strong arms were wrapped around my stomach, hauling me back. We were pulled apart, though we still faced each other. I glared at him, shoving the arms off of me. He wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand; I let the blood drip down my lips from my nose. It wasn’t broken, but hurt like a damn. I spared a look around. The men that had pulled us off each other were some country shop workers, most likely on break when the fight started. Eliza had run up to Remmy, and was squeezing the life out of him. He whispered something, but my blood was too heated for me to be curious. Mother Maria came to me and slapped me, hard, hard enough to start my nose bleeding again. My brain took the hit harder then my face. Everyone was deserting me, leaving me, who they had known all their lives, for him. He who just showed up one day and walked into our lives. My own twin, my sister, who had been through thick and thin with me left me. It was all becoming quite tiring. Even Mother Maria, who had raised me from a baby, was turning on me, choosing him over me. I gave a bark of laughter, and couldn’t stop it. I threw my head back and laughed, my nails dug holes in my palms. Eliza looked unsure of what to do, whether to come to me, or stay with Remmy, her loyalties torn. She called my name softly, pleadingly. I held a hand up and sneered.

“Don’t even bother. I’m not worth it, you’ve been telling me that for so long now, and I’ve only finally gotten the message now.” Tears instantly sprang to her eyes, slipping down her pale face, and Remmy looked ready to beat the life out of me again, but just wrapped an arm around Eliza. She tried to saying something, but I snapped back at her to keep her mouth shut, no one wanted to hear it. Mother Maria snapped at me to mind my words, I told her to shut-up as well. She looked shocked, and rear back to hit me, and just as her hand came swinging, I caught her wrist. I gave her a dark look.

“I’m not a little boy anymore, I won’t stand for your hitting.” I tossed her wrist to the side, and stalked away from them, turning to the kennels. I could hear Zephyr yipping loudly in the house, but I wasn’t in any state to play.

Author's Note

This isn't finished, it is just one of the storied i'm working on...

Reviews

[Steve]

it was....good