watching scar and joel's episodes first and hearing impulse shouting that grian knew there was a cave system when he suggested the vertical mining thing and I was thinking "lol I'm sure grian figured that there was a cave system below but i don't think he knew for sure" and then i watch grian's episode where he stumbles upon the cavern and starts cheerfully explaining how he hopes the vertical mining will end up killing someone for demise and i just. i should not be surprised like yeah ok typical grian behavior.

Wilford’s animal shelter

Just a fluffy thing, i’m not very experienced in writing so i’m sorry if I suck, hope you like it 

The Iplier manor was always chaotic, but lately, there was a lot more tension in the air, and Wilford couldn’t quite put his finger on why. What he did know was that everyone in the house was too tense and too overworked. Even sweet innocent Bing was snapping at him. Something had to be done, and by the looks of it, Wilford was the one to do it.

He had to make a plan of action, he probably could take care of Yandere and Bim by sending them on a shopping spree, the Jims were easy too, not that they were stressed in the first place, but sending them on a day to Disneyland would give everyone a break from their hyper energy, Ed and Silver just needed a day of to relax, same could be said for King. But he had no idea what to do with the more stubborn ones.

He couldn’t think of anything he could say to Google or Dr. Iplier that would warrant anything less than a “Fuck off”, Dark and Host would just find ways to manipulate their way out of resting, and Bing was just too damn stubborn. And they called him a problematic ego.

Will was about to pour himself another drink and get ready for a long afternoon of thinking wend his phone started buzzing. He had a message from JJ, he took a second to feel guilty about not spending enough time with the ego, it was a small video, from the still image he could see JJ in his pajamas, how cute.

Wend he pressed play and he immediately cracked a smile. JJ waved and blew a kiss at the screen then turning the phone to show the others, all cuddled up on the couch in their PJs

“Hey is that for Bubbles?” the video zoomed in on Anti head resting on Chase’s lap Robbie Giggling on his chest at his little outburst

“Tell him since they are too good to hang out with us they are not invited to the slumber party”

“We did invite them, they all said they were busy” from Chase’s tone of voice Will could tell Anti wasn’t the only one pouting

“They are not invited to the next one then”

 JJ chose that time to end the video, waving and blowing a goodbye kiss once more. All of it was too precious even with the guilt Anti’s words made him fell, he replayed it, and then replay it again and again, they were all so soft, he felt himself start to relax. Wilford had a plan.

Getting the clothes was easy, the hard part was getting everyone on board, and pray the implies don’t kill him after this.

Surprisingly when he got to the Septiceyes house with the sweaters everyone was on board in seconds. They knew how much they needed a break, Will underestimated how much they cared.

“Are we sure me and Marvin can convince them, no pun intended but they do have an iron will” Chase was the only one not completely on board with the plan, not being sure if Google and Bing liked them enough to go along with the break idea

“Has Google ever told you 'no' to anything you insisted on?” Wilford had to get him on board and fast if they wanted to get this done

“Well no …. But I never asked him for anything unreasonable”

“Trust me, they will say yes, you two always made their “Love and protect” sensors go Haywire, they’ve gotten even worse since the whole baby fiasco. They will say yes.”

“Bubbles is right, use the nicknames, they won’t be able to say no” Anti quipped waving the paw imprints on the cuffs of his oversized hoodie “I’m pretty sure dark won’t say no to a nap either, he is a sucker for this cute shit”

“He is a sucker for cute shit as long as it has to do with you,” Wilford said grinning and he handed Anti a soft red choker with a small bell and bow on it. “Especially that, he is always saying we need to put a bell on you” 

Dr. Schennepleshetein adjusted his teal hoodie puling on the mouse ears and giving himself a look in the mirror, “Yap, this will do, how are we getting them here”

“It’s the 21st century, A mass text of course” Wilford hit sent and then turned to show the others.

I’m at the septics place come Quick, it’s an EMERGENCY  

“Isn’t that a little mean, they will be worried sick”

“Well dear doctor, it will get them here fast, and Trust me they won’t be complaining for long”

Unsurprisingly they didn’t have to wait long for a black cloud of smoke to appear revealing a very worried Darkiplier.

“What happened? Where is he? Is everyone okay?” It almost looked like slow-motion the way Dark’s eyes roamed the room making a double take worried turning into rage when Wilford came into his field of vision. “Wilford. What was the emergency?”

“This cuteness fest of course, we would have a big problem, if you weren’t here to see it” Wilford signaled anti to get the show on the road, a few more minutes and he would be toast.

Dark started walking towards Wilford ready to drag him by the ears back to the HQ wend he earned a small twinkling sound and a pair of soft lime green-clad arms wrapped around his midriff stopping him.

“Please don’t be mad at Bubblegum, we just wanted you to take a break,” He could fell the other’s pout, he was weak for that beautiful pouting face, and if the glance he took at the virus earlier was right he didn’t stand a chance at saying no to Anti. Wilford was a smart motherfucker.

“Anti honey I can’t, there is so much to do, We can fell something big is coming soon, we need to find ways to prepare for it” He refused to turn around and look at anti he knew as soon as he did it he was done, anti’s soft hands rubbing at his chest being enough to make him want to sleep.

The strain in his voice was telling Anti he was close to cracking, time to drive his point home.

“But Darky look the hoodie is so cute and comfortable, he even gave me a little bell see” as he turned Dark around he placed one sweater covered hand on his nape the other coming up to jingle the little bell on his choker. From the way dark’s eyes fixed on the bell he could tell he just needed one final push, so he let his head fall on dark’s shoulders, the hoodie’s cat ears tickling his lover’s neck “Please Dark I can’t sleep well without you, please take a nap with me”

Dark had no possible response to that besides scoping him up with a tired and distressed “Fine” giving a last dirty look at Wilford before disappearing once again in a cloud of black smoke. A silence came over the room as they left only broken by Wilford’s laugh:

“Now I’m curious to know who is going to show up next”

“Wil, you should stop joking, there is a chance they won’t even come. If they know Dark came to help already, they might not bother,” Wilford couldn’t help but cringe at Chase’s self-deprecating tone.

“Come on Chasey you don’t actually believe that, do you?” Marvin let a kiss fall on Chase’s head reassuring him.

Seconds later the 4 missing men came rushing in, not bothering to knock, out of breath once again worry evident in their features, stopping completely in their tracks wend their eyes looked on the colorful display, everyone except Bing, that marched ahead straight to Marvin and Chase checking them for injuries.

“Are you guys ok, Wil said there was an emergency what happened? Are you hurt?” stopping to look around “Is anyone hurt?!” “Wait are you dressed as house pets?”

Marvin was the first one to quip in the bright smile and cheery voice as if he didn’t know the horrible scenarios that must have gone through the search engine’s head on the way there.

“Wilford got them for us aren’t they cute, look the sweater paws have actual paws on them, isn’t that the cutest thing?”

“You both look adorable, But we were really worried Kitty, Googs almost drove us off the road on the way here” at that Marvin had the decency to look worried, making Bing incapable of controlling the urge that told him to hug both men to his chest “Don’t ever do that again ok ? So a black bunny and a white cat humm? Way to subvert the genre.” Petting their heads, the only thing could think about was how soft the fabric was and how much he wanted to bury himself in it and in the arms hugging and reassuring him.

“What the actual FUCK Wilford we were worried sick, Bing is right I could ha driven us off the road are you insane?” Google gripped Wilford’s shirt, not so easy to forgive and forget as his counterpart.

“To answer you completely truthfully. One-Yes I am clinically insane. And two-Did you know your bunny over there thought you weren’t actually coming? Maybe you should work on that.”

As he released Wilford booth Google’s and Bing’s features morphed once again into worry and sadness. Chase, on the other hand, didn’t think he could muster anything but shame.

“Is not that I think you guys don’t care, I know you guys care, I just thought that if you knew Will and Dark were here you wouldn’t feel like you needed to come too, They are strong, and so are we so if there was an actual threat we could— ” His word was cut short by Google coming to hug him.

“Is not that you think we don’t care it’s more than you think we don’t care enough to come to help you guys even if we don’t necessarily need to help ”Chase’s arms tighten around him , but he still pulled him away just enough to look him in the eyes and spoke softly once again “We knew Dark was on his way already, but we still came, cause even if you don’t need us to fight we will still be here to make sure you are ok.” and that was what made Chase break down.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, I’m so sorry Go” At the nickname Googles heart melted

 “We haven’t been the best either, we haven’t seen you guys in a wild, I can’t really blame Chase for thinking they wouldn’t be our first priority” Bing was right, they were the ones at fault in all of this, they haven’t spent time or talked apart from a few texts and most of them were the androids canceling Plans, no wonder Chase thought they didn’t care.

“Ok so here’s what we are going to do. Me and Bing are going to make it up to you guys. I’m going hug you and cuddle you so much that you will be sick of it I swear” he pinched the side of the rabbit costume making Chase giggle

“That’s my Boyfriend you Robo shit”

“Don’t think you can get away from my love and affection either you whiskered brat” making Chase and Bing giggle this time “Let’s go upstairs to your room, we have movies to watch and naps to Take. Oh and Wilford? Please don’t think I’m done with you” A shiver run down his spine at the android’s cold words, he didn’t expect to get this many retribution promises, they were all happy weren’t they.

“Booth the Host and the Doctor couldn’t help but be aware of their own neglect over the past month guilt filing their gut and has his boyfriend’s feelings were made public the good doctor decides to finally address the situation”

“Thanks for the help host” Henrik signed going to hold his lover’s face “Edward baby I’m so sorry, but you need a break , you need a nap , you need some cuddles, you need to shave ”rubbing his thumbs over Dr Impier’s stubble and planting a chaste kiss on his lips “You weren’t listening to me, I know Will’s method was a little mean but you weren’t listening to me and–”His ramble was cut short by the other man lips on his .

“I know, I get it. I’m sorry for putting you under that stress, let me make it up to you ”rubbing the blue round ears he kissed him again and whispered “My little mouse” before lifting his boyfriend just like Anti had been a few moments before and carried him upstairs.

“Despite the warming moment, the host still thought he needed an explanation from the men holding his harms at the moment”

“We are sorry, but it was the only way to get you to take a break , you are overusing your powers and it shows ”Jackie was the first one to speak the flaps of his flying squirrel hoodie moving as he spoke “Please, I got this great manga I wanted to read to you, it’s really sweet, Robbie has been practicing the sound effects, Show him, Robbie!”

“Kapow, Swoosh, KAbom ”Robbie put his best into recreating the sounds, making hand gestures and jumping up and down, stopping wend he eared Host start to laugh.

“After the flawless presentation the Host can only accept the request, after all , The Host has never had a story told to him by a flying squirrel and a sea turtle” Jackaboyman and Robbie high fived, dragging Host to the library were they already had a pillow nest prepared and snacks for all their storytelling needs.

“And the last one is gone” Wilford let out a sigh and turn to JJ that started gesturing at him.

“Am I the last one getting adopted from “Wilford’s animal shelter”? Well, no one in their right mind would adopt a pink bear” The pink ego chuckled and pulled JJ to him as he laid down on the living room couch.

“Like I said, I’m never in my right mind”

Idk what am doing(Also Trigger warning !!Abuse, Self-harm mentions, Drug use and Self starvation!!)

Alright so context: These characters are the Alternate versions of two other characters which is why there reffered to as “Alter Siri, Alter Subaru, Alter Kou, Alter Rina, Alter Melon’ and ‘Alter Akai” Subaru, Kou and Melon are all vampires in theyre universe and all of the (except Alter Siri) are part of the Crimson rose’s mafia (I didnt come up with most of this stuff, This happened a while back when I had discord) Alter M(Melon) has been shown to have a crush on Alter R(Rina), Alter S and K(Subaru and Kou) are dating. No one really knows about Alter Siri. Alter A(Akai), Is a dick-head brother. He and Alter M are twins with her being the younger of the two. Alter A has always been abusive, physically and mentally. So Alter M’s trust issues and low esteem, stem from him. Alter M and Alter S, intentionally chose, not to bite Alter R or Alter K. (Even though both have been very adamant about them doing so-) Alter R is in fact a Demon- (Not really sure what kind though-) UHM- Oh yeah, Alter M and Alter A’s parents were murdered when they were very young and Alter A was thought to be dead as well. (WHICH HE WASNT) Alter R’s mother was killed by Alter R’s hand and Alter R’s sister also died. Alter S and Alter K have been trying to set up Alter M and Alter R because its painfully obvious they like each other. THE MAIN THINGS TO REMEMBER: Alter A is a dick, Alter M is SUPPOSED to feed off Alter R but refuses to do so, Alter S and Alter K are the chaotic duo of the four, and Alter Siri stays out of their bullshit at all costs. Alter M and Alter K both have ADHD

Alter R lay awake on her bed staring up the ceiling. The storm outside was making it pretty hard to sleep, so there wasn’t any point in trying. There was a quiet knock on her door and Alter R looks up to see Alter M  standing half-asleep in the doorway. “Cant sleep either, huh?” Alter M shook her head and walked over to Alter R. “Storms are always so pretty but they make too much noise..” Alter M  whines as she flops onto Alter R’s bed. “Sounds like you-” Alter R realized how that sounded, but apparently Alter M didn’t. “Nuh uh, I dont make nearly as much noise as Kou-chan, and Baru-chan” Alter R laughed a bit “I’ve always found that family dynamic you three have very interesting.” Alter M sits up “Whats that s’posed to mean?” Alter R smiled “It just means that you three never cease to confuse me, Especially you” Alter M folds her arms across her chest “What’s that supposed to mean?!” Alter R sighs “I just mean, Ive never understood you, Or any of you for that matter. I’m not good with people, and probably never will be” The storm outside seeed to die down some to the point where it was just rain and Alter M smiles. “What’s got you all smiley?” Alter M’s hands ball up into fists and shake a little “Hehe! The rain! Do you hear it?” The gentle pitter-patter of the rain on the roof had Alter M’s brain go nuts, and Alter R found it adorable “Yeah, I do. It is a nice sound, huh?” Alter M smiled widely and nodded happily. Alter R laughed “You find the strangest things amazing, Alter M” Alter M drew her face into an angry pout “Nuh-uh I dont.” Alter R looked at her skeptically “How many people do you know can go from crying to almost perfectly fine when given a frog plush?” Alter M didnt respond “Thats not fair! Buttons is the best comfort plushie!” Alter R laughed. Alter flopped backwards onto Alter R bed and turned over to face the wall. “Aw c’mon-” Alter shook her head “Nu!” Alter R took a minute to decide what to do. “Hmm...Hehe...” Alter R decided to pick up Alter M. It wasnt hard with how small Alter M is. “Put me dooown, meanie” Alter R sat Alter M in her lap “Better?” Alter M was not prepared for that “HHHHHH-” Alter R was kinda oblivious to Alter M’s crush on her since she felt like she didnt deserve to be loved so she hid her feelings for Alter M, and hoped they’d just go away. Alter M hid her face in the collar of her sweater “Thats not fair...” Alter R laughed a little “How?” Alter M turned away “Cuz!” “Pfft- “cuz” how?” Alter M flapped her arms quickly “Cuz because!” Alter R realized how tired Alter M looked “Hey...When’s the last time you slept?” Alter M didnt respond “Alter M...” Alter M shrugged “I dunno...two..three days ago?” Alter R sighed “Its not my fault! Trying to sleep is hard” Alter R knew how that was. There were countless nights where she couldn’t sleep at all even if she tried. “When’s the ast time you had any water?” Alter M drew a black once again “Alter M!” Alter  pulled her collar further over her face “I’m sorry!” Alter R sighs “Stay here, alright?” Alter M nodded. Alter R got up and walked down to the kitchen. “I shouldn’t be so hard on her, Its not her fault...But she’ll keep doing if someone doesn’t tell her other wise” Alter R sweared under her breath and folded her arms on the counter “Ri-chan...?” Alter R forgot Subarus and Kou’s room was down the hall from the kitchen “Hey Subaru..” Alter S walked over to her “You okay?” Alter R nodded “Yeah I’m fine, its super early though. You should get back to sleep.” Alter S just looked at her. “Yo hear yourself right? I should sleep? Whens the last time you had a full 8 hours of sleep, huh?” There wasnt an answer “Thats what I thought. Now what been keeping you up at night? Somethings bound to be wrong if you’re the one distraught” Alter R walked over to the fridge to get some waters “No ones distraught, alright?” Alter S knew better than that. “Then why is it that every night this week, without fail, You’ve been up in the middle of the night....For what?” Alter clenched her fist around one of the waters “For the last time...Its nothing!” Alter S let it go this time. “Just take of yourself, alright?” Alter R nodded and headed back upstairs. Alter S sighed and got a cup of ramen “She’s the one who worries me...She stretches herself thin for everyone else and just acts like she’s fine. I just wish she didnt keep everything bottled up. Both of them! Her and Mel-chan” 

Alter M had fallen asleep on the end of Alter R’s bed “I didn’t tell her she had to stay awake..” Alter R picked up her phone to check the time “Damn...Its already three- thirty..” Alter R threw one her extra blankets over Alter M. Alter just curled up underneath of it, “pfft- That’s not how you use a blanket” Alter M picked up her head “Hm...?” Alter M sat up sleepily and looked at her. “Nothing, Nothing. I didnt say anything” Alter M hugged Alter R “Oh- ok...?” Alter R was never really one for physical affection, shes only ever really let Alter M hug her, any physical contact really. “Hey...You can let go now..” Alter M only hugged her tighter and Alter R realized she had fallen asleep. “Ah...Jeez...” Alter R was too tired at this point to care, so  she just laid own with Alter M still hugging her. Around seven or so Kou came around to check on Alter R since she’s usually up by then. “Awww!” Alter R had held onto Alter M the whole night. Its not uncommon for Alter M to e hugging something especially when she’s asleep. Its more uncommon to see Alter R hugging anyone for long periods of time. “I dont think either of them have actually, slept, in a while” Kou walked off leaving Alter R and Alter M to sleep. Kou went to go get Subaru who had ultimately fallen alseep on the couch “Oiiii! Subaru.” Subaru rolled over off the couch “AGH- Shit!” Kou kicked him “SHHH- Ri-chan and Mel-chan are still sleeping” Subaru punched him “B!tch” Kou gasped dramatically “Ooo Ouch what a burn” Subaru just looked at him. Alter R stared down at them from the top of the stairs. They both knew they fucked up, Alter M appeared behind her looking half dead. “Im going back to bed...” Alter M turned on her heel and walked down to her room.  “Wait yall two was in the same room???” Alter R walked down the stairs “Uhm...Yeah?” Alter S nodded “Mhm...” Alter R just gave him a confused look and went to get a coffee “And your still sure you dont have feelings for her?” Not many things can catch Rina off guard...This however, Caught her very off-guard “Yes I’m sure!” Alter S and Alter K gave her a look like “Uh huh” “Yeah well your face just about as red as your eyes” Rina threw a spoon at him “You shut your mouth!” They both started laughing and Rina just sipped her coffee “I’m gonna kill you both in your sleep...” Alter M stomped out of room “If y’all don’t shut the fuck up, I will burn all of your clothes” Everyone just looked at her “Let this be a godammned warning” Rina just kinda looked at her “Uhm- Okay then...” “Kinda saw that oe coming she’s always pissed off about something- Its just easier to piss hernoff if shes tired” Alter M threw her shoe at him “Ya damn right” Rina laughed and so did Kou “Thats not funny that hurt!” Melon went to grab a redbull but Rina stopped her. “Eh?” Rina looked her dead in the eyes and just told her “No” Melon just kinda looked at her “Fine” and went to go sit down. Rina grabbed her wrist “Subaru, Kou...Out. Now” Subaru and Kou knew something was boutta happen but when Rina said something ya best listen. Both of them left the room. “What?” Rina leaned back against the counter “....” Melon was throughly confused “What did I do??” Rina looked up from her mug “Whens the last time you ate anything?” Melon looked away “That requires an answer...” Melon refused to meet Rina’s eyes “Alter M...” Melon simply walked outside and into the woods Rina followed her but from a distance. “Maybe she just need some air...?” Melon sat down in the middle of a clearing and just stayed there

                        (End of part one cuz Im Lazy \(030)/)

What should happen next???

Purple Bruises and White Lies

I stared through angry eyes around my room, wavering at the window bench seat where I knew I would never sit again, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun while reading my favorite J.R.R. Tolkien novel. My heart was pounding through my chest, as I began remembering all the times my little brother, Tyler, would crawl under the covers with me because he had another nightmare, or when Freedom, our German Shepherd, would hop into bed with me because I couldn’t stop crying from hearing Mom and Dad fight. I remember watching Dad from my reading spot, cutting himself because he had covered up Mom’s tattooed name on his arm and felt guilty. I felt the hot tears slipping down my rosy cheeks, wishing this was all a dream as I laid one last hand on the soft folds of my comforter.  

“Get the fuck down here. I want you out!” Mom screamed from the bottom of the stairs as I swung the green tote over my shoulder and tried to navigate the large crate down the stairs with only the most important of my belongings I could fit. I didn’t have much time. Mom and I had been coming to blows for months, ever since Dad moved out and she started dating again, coming home at 3a.m. with her pantyhose in hand, stumbling drunk as if she couldn’t see through her smeared mascara. I was beyond angry from having to watch my brothers every night while she went out and got blasted but knew that they needed someone to protect them. I grunted as I lifted my things off of the last few steps, entering our dining area.

“You have three choices. You can go with your father, Nana, or I can call the cops.” Mom was literally spitting with anger as she gave the ultimatum as if any of those choices were better than the others.

“Call the cops,” I said. “Let them come so I can tell them all the fucked-up shit you’ve put us through.”

“Oh please, Ashley. Always so dramatic. I’m calling Nana.” Mom starts dialing the phone and I put my belongings down on the hardwood floor, smelling the sweet smell of Pine-Sol and wood stain that I knew I would never smell again without remembering this moment.  

“Mom, I need her out now. Can she stay with you? Yes, well, she can’t stay here. I’m not doing this anymore.” Mom hands the phone to me and folds her arms, eyes red and tired. I almost want to laugh at how crazy she looks, especially considering I can smell the Bacardi still tingling on her lips.

“Hi, Nana. I’m not coming with you.” I look at Mom quickly, sensing her daggers, then divert my eyes to the ground.

“Ashley, listen. Your mother needs a break. You need to come with me for a while. You can’t go with your father. He is bipolar and psychotic and needs help. Do you really want to go with that?” I can hear her sneer through the phone, knowing she has never had room in her heart for my father. I’ve honestly just had enough at this point of everyone bashing on Dad, the only parent who was trying to better himself.

“Look, don’t talk about my father like that. Go fuck yourself.” I flip the phone closed and hand it back to my mother.

“I’ve already called Dad. He will be here in twenty minutes.” I start to shimmy my crate towards the door, placing my bag on top of it and getting ready to say goodbye to Freedom, cowering in the corner from all the drama that has unfolded in the last hour.

“Just for all the heartache you’ve given me, I’m calling the high school on Monday to let them know you don’t live here anymore. You will have to finish off senior year somewhere else. We’ll see how you like that.”

“Honestly Mom, you’re going to hell for all the shit you’ve put us through.” I am literally at my breaking point, but I know Dad is on his way and I have to maintain my cool. I walk towards the door when suddenly Mom comes up behind me and I feel her hands slide their way around my neck.

“You will not talk to me like that!” Mom screams as she turns me around and starts pushing me into the wall, knocking down her display of baseball memorabilia, as glass shatters to the floor.

“Mom. Stop. Please.” My eyes plead as I beg her to let go. My head is starting to feel like it’s about to explode. Please don’t pass out. I beg myself.

Mark and Tyler come in from playing baseball in the yard. I can hear them kicking off their cleats and throwing their gloves on the table, fighting over who could pitch the fastest. Please don’t let them see this. I’m gripping mom’s wrists now, trying to prevent her nails from digging in any deeper.

“Mom, stop! You’re hurting her!” Mark starts screaming as Tyler immediately bursts into tears, holding the dog back as Mark lunges at our mother, pulling her off me. I run my hand up to my neck, hot with anger and bleeding from her nails.

“Get out! Get out!” My mother screams as I unlatch the front door and start running. Trying to catch my breath while running at the same time, I stumble as my bare feet smash onto the rocks along the side of the road. Just half a mile, I tell myself, just make it half a mile.  

I pull out my cell phone as I’m running, trying to frantically explain to Dad what’s going on. I know that if Mom calls him first, he might believe whatever story she decides to tell.

“Ash, you have to go back. The neighbor called me. The cops were called. You have to be there.” Dad tells me, his voice shaky but stern.

“But Dad, she tried to kill me!” I start crying again, hot tears and snot running down my face.

“She’s not going to touch you again, Ash. But you need to be there when the cops get there. Mark and Tyler need you there. I will be there soon. Promise.” He disconnects the call and I take a second to catch my breath. My hands are trembling on my knees, trying desperately to keep my balance. I’m tired and shaken but I know I must turn around. I shouldn’t have left Mark and Tyler with her.

I start wondering if she will hurt them while I am gone. After all, Mark did pull her off me. She seemed to only be violent with me though, probably because I challenged her the most. It just made me so angry inside that she stopped being a parent. She used to tell me that getting pregnant with me ruined her teenage years. Whose fault was that?

I finally catch some air and sprint back home, to find the police still haven’t made it there yet. Mom is in her room and Mark and Tyler are on the couch, both with tear-streaked cheeks, holding onto our dog like their life depended on it. I tell them it will be okay and grab a sweater in the top of my bag after noticing the purple marks up and down my neck. In the mirror, I see the reflection of red and blue lights on the front lawn and I go outside, closing the door behind me so that they don’t see the broken glass all over the front room.

“Good afternoon, miss. Do you live here?” The cop looks at me as I sit down on the front steps, pulling my sweater tight around my neck.

“Yes sir, I do.” I’ve somehow gained composure, even though my face is still burning up.

“The neighbors called and said there was a commotion. They heard yelling and saw you take off up the street. Everything okay here?”

“Yes, officer. Just had a disagreement with my Mom so I took off up the road. Needed to clear my head.” I look the officer dead in the eyes because I want him to believe my story.

“Is anyone hurt? Did anything get physical? The neighbors said it seemed a bit chaotic over here.” The officer looks at me, clearly skeptical at my story.

“Oh, nothing like that, officer. Just some yelling and I knocked over a shelf on my way out the door. I’m awfully clumsy, you know.” I laugh, despite that fact that I am literally screaming inside.

“Are your parents’ home?” The officer starts looking towards the driveway and I am suddenly thankful that the cars are in the garage.

“Nope, just me Officer. My Mom left when I did. We just needed some time to cool off is all.” I shrug, really hoping he doesn’t press further, though I know he should.

“Well, if you ever need me, here’s my card.” The officer hands one to me and takes one last hard look at me.

“Thank you, officer. I appreciate you checking on us.” The officer tips his hat and walks away, getting into his squad car and pulling back onto the street. I look back and see Mark and Tyler peeking through the blinds and I glare at them as they quickly close them.

I sit on the steps and contemplate what just happened. I ask myself why I lied and try to think if that was the best move. I think about all Mom has done to us and wonder if I shouldn’t have just spilled it all out then and there. Yet I know why I lied. Dad has been sleeping at a friend’s house during the divorce and I didn’t want my brothers taken away if no one was able to take care of them. The thought of them in the custody of DSS made me shiver. I tell myself one more year and I will fight for custody of them myself.

“Hey Ash.” I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I didn’t even see Dad pull up. He’s rolled down the passenger side window of his silver Ford, waving at me.

“You ok, Fluff?” He looks at me with concerned eyes. God, I hate that nickname.

“Yeah, I’m good, Dad. The cops are gone.”

“Gone already? What did you tell them?” I can tell he is panicking a little by the tremor in his voice.

“Nothing. I lied. I needed to protect them, Dad.” I look at him and notice his face harden. He knows that I know he is not ready to take them.

“Fluff, I know this is hard for you. Things will get better. I promise. And when I am able, I promise to fight to get them away from her. Let me help you grab your stuff.”

Dad enters the front of the house. Mom is still in her room. Mark and Tyler run and hug Dad, telling him how they saved me and crying between giggles as Dad tries to tickle them and cheer them up. I watch this image, knowing it’s one I will never forget. Mark and Tyler hug me and I feel the warmth of the sibling bond we share.

“I’ll see you guys soon. Dad is taking us to Canobie Lake next weekend!” I try to smile despite the fact my heart is breaking having to leave them.

“Will you ride the Corkscrew with me, Ash?” Mark looks at me, his round face enhanced by his piercing blue eyes and happy smile.

“Don’t I always? You’re my daredevil buddy, remember?” I kiss the top of his brown curls.

“And the Spinning Teacups with me?” Tyler screeches as he jumps into my arms, with his blond hair flipped up in the front and his toothless smile.

“Of course, it will be a blast!” I grin, knowing I’m about to cry.

“Why don’t you guys practice that throwing arm some more too?” Dad says to them. “Next weekend, I will play catcher and you guys can pitch to me. Better be ready!”

“Okay. Love you, Dad. Love you, Ash.” They both say goodbye nearly in unison.

“Race ya!” Mark says to Tyler, as they take back off into the yard.

“Let’s go, Fluff. They’ll be fine. She won’t hurt them.” Dad grabs my crate, I grab my bag, and we lift them into the back of his pickup. I take one last look at my brothers in the yard. I’ll be back for you, I say to myself. Promise.

*A.M.E.