Orange
Jack...S**t
Hey guys. Sorry I took so long. Been kinda crazy lately. By the way, if you see anybody called Carl, it's supposed to be Jack. Please let me know if you see that!
I wake-up to the sound of yelling. I sit up and my ribs and back ache at the motion. It turned out that three of my ribs were cracked back at the motel and I’ve got some hideous and horrible bruising all over my torso and thighs. It all hurts, but the pills are in the kitchen where the yelling match seems to be taking place. I decide that the painkillers are worth breaking up whatever is going on. I get up and walk out into the hall. I enter the living room and stop when I see a very angry Mark and a livid Jack.
“You weren’t here for him when he needed you most!” “I had to stay at the conference! I left as soon as I could!” “You bastard,” Mark spits out, “You claim to love my brother but when he’s raped you can’t even own up to being gay for the supposed love of your life. You disgust me.” “Don’t you dare question my love for him.” Jack’s face has grown cold. Mark’s anger flares hotter. “You oppress him! He can’t go out without you checking on him constantly. This damned apartment doesn’t have a speck of his personality in it. He doesn’t smile anymore damn it! You have changed him, and not for the better!” “Stop it! Both of you!” Two pairs of eyes snap to me. “Just shut up. I love both of you and need you both right now so stop arguing.” I walk forward to get a cup. “He doesn’t live here Cil. I can take care of you,” Jack whispers to me as he puts his arms around my waist. I suddenly flashback. Hands, oh God the hands. I tense up and I hear the cup shatter from where I dropped it. Those hands turn my body around and I drop to the ground in an attempt to avoid blows. The hands brush my hair gently away from my face. Gently? That’s not right. I look up daring to view the people around me. I see Mark kneeling in front of me and Jack, shocked and horrified, standing behind him. Embarrassed, I bury my head in my hands. Mark hugs me as I try not to cry again. Mark pulls away for a second and when he taps me on the shoulder, I see he has the painkillers and a cup of water in his hands. I take both especially considering my back hurts even worse now. I look at Jack. His face still shows horror but is now tinged with disgust. “I have to go.” Jack starts for the door. “Wait! Please Jack!” I struggle through the pain as I attempt to stand but before I can make it to my feet, the front door slams. “Please Jack.” My struggles to stand cease and I just sob in Mark’s arms, broken pottery and water pooled around my pain-ridden, shaking body.
I sit on the couch, swamped in green comfort, watching the sun come up. Jack never came home last night. I sit in silence but I can hear Mark rustling around in the spare bedroom he now occupies. I hear a key in the main door and turn to watch Jack stumble through the door. He kicks the door shut and weaves his way to the sink; he grabs a glass, fills it up and starts looking around.
“Where’s the damn Tylenol?” Jack slurs. “It’s on the counter behind you.” Jack's eyes snap to me. “Oh. You’re here.” Tears spring to my eyes and the cold words. “Are you drunk Jack?” I ask. “Yeah. What of it?” He works at opening the Tylenol bottle. “You told me you were done drinking.” I finally stand to walk towards him. “You’re the addict not me. You and your damn drugs. I’m the one that sent you to fucking rehab and you thank me by crying like a damn baby when I touch you. I’m not an addict like you.” I ignore the jab, take the Tylenol bottle and open it for him. He pours two out, and takes them. “I’m getting a shower and going to bed. Move out of my way!” Jack pushes past me towards our bedroom. I stand in the kitchen, shell-shocked almost, where my supposed love left me. “I’m sorry Cilian,” I hear Mark say as he walks slowly towards me. “You didn’t do anything,” I say, my eyes slip over towards Mark, away from the bedroom door. “No but you don’t deserve to be treated like that. I am sorry for what’s happening to you.” Mark puts his arms around me. “I would say it’s fine but that would be a lie.” I lay my hands on his hand and I feel like I should cry but the tears just won’t come.