The sharpest lives

Abigale--

It was the second night in this house. Jack and Alex were in the kitchen most likely cleaning up from dinner. May was still out and Tyler had been put to bed.

It was silent, Only the sound of they two boys in the kitchen talking about the upcoming exams.
I relaxed into the couch a little, zoning out until Alex grabbed my attention.

"I'm leaving, Can I get a hug?" I looked up at him slowly, Unsure if it was a good idea "It's okay if not" He smiled, I held up my hand for a high-five and he smiled, nodding meeting me for the high-five.

Now it was Just Jack and I. "Do you wanna watch something?" He asked, picking up the remote from the side table, I shrugged "It's up to you" My voice came out quiet, now that it was JUST us in this empty house I felt rather intimidated. I felt his eyes on me and I pulled my hood over my head "please don't stare." I mumbled in a rather childish voice, causing him to laugh "Sorry, But seriously, what do you wanna watch?" I shrugged "I never really got T.V. time." I peeked out from under my hood and he looked at me like I had just insulted his dog "Well, Let me introduce you to my favorite movie!" He smiled like a little kid and jumped up.

He was abruptly cut off by the slam of the front door his eyes widened as the fast paced heavy footsteps made their way to the living room and soon flopped down into Jacks lap, who instinctively wrapped his arms around the boy, who's face I didn't see.

Soon another pair of feet were walking through and I saw the same man from earlier, Brandon?

I think?

No....

Brendon. That's it.

"Where was he this time?" Jack asked, Eyeing me carefully, Brendon sighed "I got a call from the bar, This is the third time this week." Jack nodded "Frank?" Jack questioned, My eyes widened. The boy in his lap grunted not moving. The stench of alcohol now radiating off him. "Can he stay here tonight? Josh doesn't need to see this" I cast my gaze down as Jack looked at me again "Abbi?" I looked up slightly "Hmmm?" I hummed "Would you feel-" "It's fine" My voice broke. I didn't have a choice anyway.

Brendon sighed "Thanks, Jack. I owe you" With that he walked out of the house leaving Jack Myself and Frank. "Frank, D'want anything to eat?" he shrugged at Jack question "Right, Go sit on the chair then, I'll make something" The moment the boy stood up I realized it was the same kid from the station the other night, only this time he had bags under his eyes and his hair was way more greasy. His eyes widened when he saw me and sat right beside me instead of the chair like he was instructed; "You're here?" He looked at me astonished and I nodded, I could fully smell the whiskey on his breath "Yes. For now" He furrowed his eyebrows "I know what that feels like" He nodded "It's just a matter of time before Brendon Kicks me to the curb" I heard Jack scoff from the kitchen "Maybe cleaning your act up would help" Franks face hardened "Shut the fuck up" he nearly shouted, I tried my beast not to flinch "Don't raise your voice, Tyler is sleeping" Jack scowled resulting in Frank to make a face and flip him off "Frank, Grow up would you" Jack sighed "Fuck you" Frank spat, I was taken aback, Never would I ever dream of showing this much disrespect to someone who was supposed to be looking after me. "Quiet. Down." The sudden order didn't sit well with Frank.

He sprung up from the spot beside me and I swallowed hard, Pulling my knees into my chest and my hood further up I waited for the shit storm to unravel.

"None of you know shit on what its like to be in the system, Not you, Brendon, OR May. It's not about my act because this was only recent. I only just gave up on life, What about the other times, HUH? WHAT ABOUT THE TEN OTHER HOMES I HAVE BEEN IN JACK!" I knew, If things got like this I knew not to move, Not to make a noise, Nothing. "You can't reflect the past experiences on how Brendon's gonna end up. He won't do that to you" Jack said calmly "Bull shit" Frank took a step closer to the kitchen "I see the way he looks at me, The disappointment in his eyes, The disgust in his eyes, Only a matter of time till he kicks me to the curb." I tried to bite down my fear, I knew if I panicked or tried it'd be worse.

"Frank, If you don't quiet down right now I'll have to call your worker"

"Go ahead, Mikey is a joke anyway "

How does he have so much guts? Wasn't he afraid of getting punished?

"Just sit down, On. The. Chair." Jack ordered. Frank mumbled something before flopping down in the old armchair "Why do we always get the short end of the stick?" Frank snapped bitterly towards me "Wh-What?" I never looked up from my hood "Leave her alone, Sit there, Shut up, and sober up." Jack called from the kitchen, Frank then groaned "Abbi, You can go to your room" Jack said softly, he sounded closer, I nodded and went to stand up, only to bump right into someone... Jack. I knew that smell, the feeling, I instantly wrapped my arms around his waist "Thank you"

I almost tripped as I made my way to my room. Shakingly I shut the door and changed into my PJ's. The arguing got louder and my eyes widened in fear when I heard my name being said by Frank "You Leave Her The Hell Alone!" Jack's voice was getting closer, as were two sets of footsteps.

I froze in place as my door swung open, revealing an anxious looking Frank "You!" He pointed a finger at me. I stood up straight "Y-Yes?" FUck I stuttered.... "Do you think it's fair that Jack has to look after us lost causes?" That struck me. Was that all I was, A lost cause?
I caught bits and pieces of his phone call with May, and the part that gave me hope was the fact he repeated 'five minutes?' Followed by 'Thank God'

"We'll?!" Frank asked exasperated "I, I mean... I don't know. It's not fair to have to look after anyone's kid that isn't your own, especially one that's been through shit" I hoped that was the right answer, Frank nodded "I mean. Kids are enough trouble on their own But trying to fix someone that's been treated poorly, that's not fair. So your phrase 'lost cause' I guess really does fit perfectly" I shrugged, climbing into bed. I watched as Franks' face fell and Jack's shoulders slump "Right, That was too deep, I'm too drunk for that" Frank slurred stumbling away.

I closed my eyes, Knowing that Jack was still there. "You alright?" He whispered "Fine" My voice broke. I quickly pulled the blankets over my face. to hide my tears as I tried to hold it all in. I hadn't actually cried in so long.

I felt my bed dip beside me and Jack joined me under the sheets I looked over at him "You're allowed to cry Abbi" I looked at him shocked, before letting out a heart-wrenching sob.

The sobs were desperate, Strangled and no doubt painful, Jack held me through it all. Even when May came home and started asking questions. He didn't move or speak until I pulled my head away from his neck, I only realized now that the light was off and the door was closed "I'm sorry" I whispered he shook his head, "Don't be sorry" I nodded "Give me your hand" I froze... Why did he want my hand? Was he going to break my fingers?
Slowly I did and he linked his fingers with mine and closed his eyes "What are you doing?" My voice was scratchy "Sleeping" "I mean duh, What about my hand" He smiled "Don't worry, It's safe, No one will steal it" I smiled at his response. For once, I felt like the weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I felt weightess. And dare I say happy.

Notes

Meh it was short but no one reads this anyway so *Le shrug*