Chapter 3.12 – Truthful Encounters

Heather’s Point of View

“Heather Marie Terrey! How many times have I told you in the past 5 minutes to get dressed?!” My mommy boomed, from down the hall. “When I’m done with Ian, you better be dressed young lady!”

UGH! Why does my mommy persist on getting on me about stupid stuff? I don’t want to get dressed, and go to some lame park! Daddy isn’t even gonna be there, so what’s the point?!

“Moooom, I’m dancing to “The Ready Set”! I can’t get dressed!”

“HEATHER! Do you honestly think I care about your music? Now listen to what I said, or I’m taking away all your CD’S!” she screamed, trying to calm down my little brother.

“GO AHEAD! Daddy is gonna get me an I-pod anyways! He’ll buy me everyone of their songs, so I don’t need my dumb CD’S!” I shouted back, stomping my feet as I did so.

“I’m seriously about 10 seconds away from calling your father! Were going out together as a family, why are you making such a fuss?!”

“Because I don’t wanna go to some lame park without MY DADDY!”

“For god’s sake, I’ll tell him to be there then!” she screamed, slamming my bedroom door.

He better be there. I’m not going anywhere without him. I mean if Ian gets to stay home cause he’s weird, and doesn’t like people – something called Anthropophobia or whatever – then I should get to stay home! Stupid baby… always getting everything cause he’s dumb and the youngest. I’m suppose to get everything!

ME!

Fraser’s Point of View

I hate wars, especially the ones that happen on the inside of you. For the longest time I have been fighting myself to tell my parents the truth, and the real reason behind my acting out. I just can’t bring myself to do it. I can’t! What will they think of me, if they know I’m gay? That I’m less of a person? A man even?

But, even though I’m ashamed of what my parents will think, doesn’t mean that I won’t ever try to find love with-in another man. I can’t help how I feel, and when the right guy comes along… you better believe I’m going to jump at it. Just because I’m not attracted to women, or afraid to tell my parents, doesn’t mean it’s going to stop me. I’ll just say that much.

But the shame I feel… I want that gone. I want it out of my head, and 100 miles away.

“Fraser?” Gaven nearly whispered “Are you alright?”

I took in a deep breath, then geared my head towards him. “Yea…” I sighed “I’m fine.”

He looked at me for a second, signs of worry creeping in. “Well… mom said that she wants you in the car in the next 5 minutes. Okay?”

“Yea, alright.” I replied, starting to climb down “I’ll be out there in a couple seconds.”

“Okay.” he breathed “We will be waiting. And Fraser? … Love you.” he smiled at me and I returned the favor. I just don’t understand my little brother, and his way of thinking. He’s so sweet and caring, yet he’s pushed around by Heather all the time. It makes me wonder how he does it? How does he ever learn to find happiness with pain following behind him?

We arrived at the park, and I just threw myself onto a nearby bench. I just wasn’t in the mood for a family outing… I was never in the mood for anything, really. So I just sat and watched as my spoiled little sister, waited patiently for her toy to arrive. I hate to put it that way, but she has my father wrapped around her finger. He beckons to her every call, and the worst part… she knows it. She expects it! I honestly don’t hate my sister, or judge her. My father created the little monster she has turned into, and the sad part… he doesn’t even realize it. He’s still so hurt and blinded, by the loss of India. He really needs to let go.

“Mommy where is daddy? He said he would be here! WHERE IS HE?!” she demanded my mother, who was trying to help Gaven onto the see-saw.

“Heather, please! He’ll be here!” she growled, and I could see her frustration rising.

“He better be!”

Good god! Sometimes I wanna slap her in the face! She’s so annoying and disrespectful!

“Mommy?” Gaven sighed “Do you think I’m… stupid or strange?”

My mother gasped at his question. “What are you talking about sweetheart?  Why would you say that?!”

“Heather says that I am… I just don’t know who to believe. I mean… Daddy obviously loves her more than me, isn’t that the reason why?” he sniffled, looking down at his feet.

I saw my mother glare at Heather. She was about to get up, I could tell… but she didn’t because my father had showed up.

“Don’t listen to your sister Chub. She’s just being bratty.” she growled

“Oh… okay then.”

“Boo!” My dad laughed, as Heather screamed.

“Daddy! Your here!” she squealed “Push me Daddy! I wanna fly to the moon!”

“Alright sweetie, but just remember to come back down in time for dinner!” he chuckled, giving her a shove.

“Don’t be silly daddy! I could never leave you, you would come with me!” she giggled, closing her eyes, letting the wind hit her face.

“Oh!” he laughed “That’s right! Can’t have you going without me.”

UGH! She will always be the pampered BRAT! Just listen to the way he talks to his “Amazing Heather” or his “Perfect Heather!” Everything he does revolves around HEATHER! Poor Gaven even thinks that Dad loves him less cause he’s stupid! GRRR!

It’s just so sickening to listen to. I know for a fact my mother sees it, what I don’t understand is why she doesn’t do anything about it? She has more than enough courage and power to stand up to my dad. One of these days Heather is going to do something, and she’s going to go off the deep end… I swear it.

I guess with all problems aside, it was nice to actually be out of the house and into some clean air. I could be by myself and not worry about anything right now. It was so… peaceful.

Well, it was quiet for a little while at least. “This seat taken?” The voice replied next to me. I glanced over, and looked up. At first I couldn’t make out the face because the sun was shining into my eyes, but after he moved closer I got a better look. It was my friend from scouts! I hadn’t seen him since the ceremony. I wonder why he was out here in the park, alone? Or was he?

“Kyle?” I questioned, with a grin spread on my face

“Fray?” he answered back “Wow, it’s been awhile. How have you been?”

“Oh… you know… just life.” I chuckled, lowering my head a bit. “And you?”

“I’ve been alright, I guess. My parents just split up but yah know… it’s what ever.” he coughed “So I heard you got expelled? What did you do that was so bad!?”

I laughed “I blew up the science lab.”

“Oh my god, YOU did?! Really?! You never seemed like the type!” he laughed, shaking his head at me.

“Oh come on! I was a kid, and I was mad at bullies for… well you remember what I told you.” I replied, clearing my throat.

“Yea…” he smiled “I remember.” After that there was a small awkward pause in our conversation. When we were younger it was easier to talk about, but now for some reason… it just seemed… uncomfortable.

“SO!” he coughed “I’m probably gonna get going. Have to study for my mid-terms. We should hang out again sometime, alright?”

“Yes-Yea… I would like that.” I stuttered “You still got my number?”

“Never lost it.” he smirked “See yah.”

“See yah.”

When he was out of sight, I threw myself back onto the bench laying an arm over my face. “Fraser… your a complete idiot.” I told myself, out loud. How could someone like Kyle, even think about liking someone like me? He’s just not on the same… “path” as me. Why is it I’m falling for someone, who could never happen?

Life sucks!

Every time I think about him… and every time I’m around him… my heart just melts. I wish there was a way around these feelings, but I can’t help it! He’s so smart, and caring. The only person that gave me the light of day… why couldn’t he be the same as me?

Sigh.

Gaven’s Point of View

We had such a great time at the park today. It really is okay that daddy loves spending more time with Heather than with me, I still love him. I guess cause’ Heather is a girl, that’s why he does it? She only lied to me about me being stupid, and too weird for daddy. I know he still has some love for me…

“Kids! Homework!” Daddy yelled, pointing a finger at the table.

“I HATE HOMEWORK!” Heather screamed “I want to watch T.V and listen to my music!”

“I could help you with the homework, Heather?” I smiled, trying to reach over to her notebook.

“NO!” she shouted “Get you dirty, chubby hands away from ME!”

I slammed myself down, and grabbed my pencil “FINE THEN!” I shouted back “I didn’t want to help you anyways!”

“Gaven! Don’t yell at your sister!” he yelled from the couch. Oh he hears me, but not her?

“I never wanted your help anyways, loser! I’m not doing this crap! I’m heading out to Jessica’s birthday party. See yah!” she stated, sticking her nose in the air. Snob!

“Your not allowed, mommy said so, remember?” I snapped back, glaring at her from my seat.

“Do you think I care?” she scoffed “Daddy will let me. But I don’t even need his permission, I’m going by myself! Humph!”

“You don’t even know where it is!”

“Do so.” she growled “See yah, CHUBBIE!”

Grrr! Stuff like that makes it really hard to love my sister…

Heather’s Point of View

Who says I need anyone to show me where my best friends house is?! I have a great sense of direction, plus I’ve been there a billion times. Who is Gaven to tell me I don’t know? The nerve of that dummy!

After throwing my homework on the floor, I quickly shuffled out the door. Daddy was too busy watching his favorite show, and Gaven would never say a word. Plus I have nothing to worry about anyways. Daddy would have so let me come anyways. It just goes to show who’s the most important one around here.

Gliding down the highway on my bike was the easy part. I knew that if I followed this road long enough it would take me to Jessica’s house. After I followed it for awhile, I would just cut through the woods. That’s the easiest way, right?

After following it for a little while longer, I pulled off to the side of the road and started to run through the woodland. It had some trees and creepy noises. I hated it already. I kept telling myself the further I went in, the quicker I would get there.

After I didn’t see nothing but trees and hear the sounds of crickets around me… I began to worry. Jessica’s house isn’t this far into the woods…. where am I? With fear trembling through my body I decided to just turn back around. Maybe if I follow the road some more, I’ll find it.

Gaven’s Point of View

“Uncle Jake? Say if you knew something about someone that wasn’t good, should you snitch on them?” I questioned my very concerned Uncle.

“Spill it kid. What happened?” he demanded, glaring down at me.

“Ummmm…. Heather sorta snuck out to go to a party at her friends house. Should I tell my mommy and daddy?” I sighed, looking up at him.

“Yea! Go now! That’s very important you tell them Gaven!”

“Okay… I guess I will then.”

I slowly made my way out of my bedroom, and into the Kitchen. My parents were being all lovey and I really didn’t want to interrupt them, but I think Uncle Jake is right… this is important.

“Um, excuse me? Mommy? Daddy?”

“Gaven, your mother and I were talking.” he sighed at me, crossing his arms “Is this important?”

Mommy slapped Daddy on the arm. “Let him talk.”

“Fine. What’s up?” he asked, eyeing me up and down.

“Um, Heather went to Jessica’s party.” I choked out, my eyes staring at both of them.

“That’s impossible!” Mommy gasped “I told her she wasn’t allowed to go!”

“She snuck out of the house. She said that daddy would have let her anyways, so she went alone.” I gulped, as my dad’s eyes pierced my face.

“Why didn’t you stop her Gaven!” he shouted at me.

“I-I-I’m sorry!” I cried out, tears starting to fall from my eyes.

My mom looked over at my dad with disgust”Grab the keys… and Gaven, go in the room with Uncle Jake. Were going to get your sister.”

“Okay, mommy.”

Kitty’s Point of View

I opened the car door, got inside, then slammed it shut. I didn’t know what I was more pissed off at! The fact that Heather snuck out, or that Cale was seriously treating Gaven like trash! What was that all about? How would he have stopped our Heather? She does anything to get what she wants! I just can’t believe Cale would be so cruel…

“God, I can’t believe she did this!” I raged, tightening my grip on the wheel.

“I just hope shes alright.” he whispered under his breath.

We were trailing down the highway at lightning speed, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted her. What the heck was she doing?! And with a strange woman at that!

Cale swung open his car door, and ran as fast as he could over to her. “HEATHER!” he screeched “Oh my little angel! Your safe!”

“Yea I kept her with me, until someone came looking.” the woman replied “No need to thank me.”

“Thank you anyways…” he choked as his tears began to fall “Oh sweetie, you scared me so much.”

“Daddy I’m fine! I was just trying to find Jessica’s house. It’s no problem! This nice lady fed me and kept me safe.” she smiled wide, holding onto his coat.

“Your sure your okay?” he sighed looking down at her.

“Yes daddy, I’m okay. And daddy? I’m sorry I went outside without you.” she frowned, looking down at the ground.

“Awww, it’s alright hunny. I’m just glad your safe. Come on, let’s go home.” he smiled, then picked her up. She held onto his coat jacket, and as he walked by me I could see the grin plastered across her face!

At this point, I could safely say my blood was boiling. Here was OUR daughter out in the middle of the night, with some strange lady… and his response to this is, “I’m glad your alright?!” That’s it! I’ve had it up to hear with this BS!

The whole ride home I was completely silent. I kept looking in the back seat at Cale, blubbering over Heather, and how scared he was. It made me sick to my stomach! What kind of parent doesn’t punish their child for running out in the middle of the night?! If it was Gaven or Fraser, he would have killed them! I mean Fraser blew up the science lab, and he got grounded for 3 months, his science table got thrown out, and he made him do extra chores around the house! Heather sneaks out, and he did NOTHING!

“Heather, go to your room. It’s time for bed.” I demanded, as we walked through the door.

“Do I have too! Can’t I just stay up a little longer?! PLEEEEASE!?” she whined.

“Cale, please tell your daughter that it’s time for bed. And when your done… I need to speak with you.” I growled, as I turned the corner.

“Alright Kitty.” he sighed

“Look sweetie, it’s time for bed. Mommy and daddy need to talk. I’ll be in later to tuck you in.”

“But Daddy!” she cried “I wanna stay up and watch a movie with you!”

“I know sweetheart, but I think mommy is mad at me.” he gulped, looking slightly over his shoulder. Of course I’m mad! This is a serious situation!

“Finnnnnne.”

Cale’s Point of View

After getting Heather to go in her room, I slowly made my way to mine. I really didn’t understand why Kitty was so upset with me, but I knew I was about to find out.

“Kitty…” I muttered under my breath “Is there something you have to tell me?”

She sighed loudly, without turning around. “Where do I even begin?”

“Well you can start off with telling me what’s wrong? Is it something I did?”

She spun around so fast, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I had no idea she was going to blow up like that!

“Something YOU did? Well let’s think about that one Cale…” she screamed “YES it’s something you did! Try looking at our daughter! She’s a spoiled little monster, and gets what ever she wants!”

“What are you talking about Kitty?” I snapped back “There is nothing wrong with Heather!”

“There is many wrongs with her! You know who to blame for all this?! YOU! You beckon to her every call, and you never punish her. Whenever I get the slightest chance to take charge, you step in and sweep her away!” she yelled, shaking her head at me “Do you even realize how she is?! Or are you so blind by the love you have for her? GOD CALE! She’s not India! Let it go!”

“Of course she’s not India! Why would you even say that?!” I shouted, throwing my hands out in defense.

“Because you think she is, or your using Heather to replace her! I don’t even know… but what ever it is, it’s unhealthy! She treats everyone around her like trash, and she is so disrespectful! Do you also realize that your horribly mean to Gaven as well!? I don’t even know what that is about! Do you know that he thinks you love Heather more than him? He asked me if it was because he was strange or stupid!”

“Why would Gaven say that?! And why are you talking about MY Heather like that?!” I scoffed “I don’t believe you!”

“There you go again! YOUR Heather! It’s always your Heather. That’s why she is the way she is! Cale, I’m only telling you this because I love you and I want you to realize before it gets to late. Did you not just see what happened tonight?! She ran out of the house in the middle of the night, and she was eating strange food with some random lady! Cale she could of died! I’m only gonna say this once.. but you need to let go, Cale. You have to learn to let her go! PLEASE let our baby rest… stop replacing her!”

“But… Ummm…” I stuttered, completely taken back.

“Enough excuses Cale. I’ve heard enough of those my entire life. Either you learn to accept the truth or you can forget about sleeping in this room.”

“Kitty…”

“Just save it Cale. You really need to get out of here. Just use the time your sleeping out in the living room, to figure out what I’m saying. Then talk to me.” she scoffed, pointing at the door.

I didn’t even know what to say to her! Is it true? Has Heather really been acting this way?! I’m so confused!

I drug myself out of our room, and into the dark living room. My head was spinning, and I just couldn’t wrap my mind around anything she had said. I laid myself down on the loveseat, just staring into the inky blackness. I couldn’t bring myself to fall asleep… not with all these questions running through my head.

Fraser’s Point of View

It was around 3 am when I awoke from my sleep. It seemed to happen regularly for me, so I was kinda use to it by now. I drug my feet across the carpet, and found myself in the kitchen. I was about to reach for the fridge, when dad trailed out of the bathroom and stood before me.

“Fray?” he whispered “What are you doing up?”

“I was just thirsty.” I coughed through my dry mouth “Wait, why are you out here? You have a bathroom in your bedroom?”

“Me, and your mother… kinda had a fight.” he sighed, lowering his eyes to the floor.

“What happened? Why were you fighting?”

“We were fighting about Heather… Can I ask you a question, Fraser?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Shoot.”

“Do you think… I spoil Heather?”

My reply was a laugh. I couldn’t help it! The question was just too funny!

“I’ll take that as a yes…” he sighed “But let me ask you something else? Do you think it’s because of India? I never really realized it, but… I think your mother is right. I think- I can’t get over the loss of her.”

He lowered his head in shame, and I saw a tear roll down his cheek. I couldn’t help but feel bad for him. It’s not like he does it on purpose, it’s just… I guess it’s really the only way he found to cope.

“Hey Dad…” I sighed “Don’t do this to yourself. I know it’s a tough truth to face, but… that’s just how it is. You just have to come to reality and accept it.”

“What do you suggest I do?” he sniffled, clearing his eyes.

“For starters, I would apologize to mom and maybe take Gaven out for a special father/son day. He needs to talk with you dad… he’s hurting. Second off,  suck up your pity and punish Heather when she needs it! She’ll only get worse dad… you have to start now.”

“Thanks Fraser.” he smiled at me “I’m glad I had you to talk to. Just remember… if you ever have anything you need to tell me, I’ll return the favor.”

I gulped hard. I completely forgot about my secret! Maybe now is the right time to tell him? I mean I should just listen to my own words! “Suck up my pity, and face reality.”

“Dad? … There’s something I need to tell you.”

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂