CHAPTER 40: FACING DEMONS
It’s nothing wrong with crying, especially if you had things bottled-up for so long like I did. God knows I needed to get some things off my chest. Dealing with the idea that I will never be normal is difficult, but starting today, I will accept the fact that normal is just an invented word to dilute people. Afterwards, Daniel and I travel back to the house in his Charger. We don’t say another word to each other after our hug.
I learned a lot from him in that short moment. Although he was talking to me, I know he meant himself also. Behind the sternness, behind that stubborn mask, is a person who wants to better himself. But I think he just doesn’t know where to start. As we enter into the living room the others are sitting patiently for our return.
The atmosphere in the room is modesty combined with a pinch of dishonor. I guess I would feel the same if I were in their shoes. Their spirits lift slightly as they see me come into the house behind Daniel.
“We’re happy to see you back,” Kenya says meekly. “I’m so sorry about that unnecessary behavior. In fact, Raven, don’t you have something to say?” Kenya says and then shifts at Jessica for a response.
I look over at Jessica, who is leaning up against the wall with her arms folded like an elementary kid. She can’t even look anyone in the eye. She completely ignore Kenya’s proposal. Eric comes over to Jessica and grabs her shoulder, pushing her toward the center of the room.
“Right there, perfect,” Eric says to her.
He then places his fingers on his sister’s lips and tries to mimic her…
“Guys, I'm sorry…” Eric says in a girly voice while manually trying to move her lips, but she quickly knocks his hand away.
“Stop it, idiot,” she says to Eric.
She exhales one last time before apologizing.
“Sorry for my behavior,” she says weakly to the room.
I can tell it’s hard for her to apologize.
“And to others I offended,” she finishes.
“I accept your apology. But don’t think I left because of you guys. I left because of me. It was my decision. I guess everyone has their own demons to face sometimes. I just needed some fresh air, to clear my mind.”
“Well, it’s good that you stayed. Besides, who else would I pick on?” Jason says.
“Iva’s right, maybe you all should take a walk,” Kenya announces, but she's mainly looking at Daniel and Jessica. “That’s what they want. If we are divided, we are weak. No one is leaving here. We are a family. Understand?”
Everyone responds silently at her statement with a nod.
“Good. When you all come back I expect the table to be set,” Kenya finishes and walks upstairs.
Jason approaches me with a hand presented, breaking my heart all over again; in a good way.
“Come on, let’s go,” Jason says to me.
I break a smile and gladly take his hand.
“Where to?” I ask. “No more surprised cliff diving, I hope.”
This makes him laugh.
“No cliff diving,” he confirms with a snicker.
Together, we walk through the living room, into the kitchen, and out the back door.
“Wait up guys,” Eric says behind us.
“Coming too…” Jessica says.
(Narrator’s perspective)
As Iva, Jason, Eric, and Jessica leave the house…Maria approaches Daniel in the living room with a smile on her face.
“So, what did you tell her?’ she asks her brother.
“I just told her what she needed to hear. It’s what we all need to hear sometimes,” he replies. “I guess I was talking about myself as well.”
Maria softly nudges him on the shoulder as a good gesture and replies…
“I’m proud of you. Dad would be proud at how you handled that. You’re becoming the leader I always knew you were.”
“Thanks,” he replies.
“Now, come on, let’s catch up.”
Daniel then slips in a deep thought and his sister notices it when she turns to him in the doorway. The word proud is not tossed around the house too often, especially to him.
“Coming or what…?” she asks.
He clears his throat as reality joins with his conscience.
“If you insist…” Daniel replies carelessly as he follows behind Maria…