Darkness Consumes
~~ Wootness...hope you enjoy the chappie... And thank you all for the WONDERFULLY KIND REVIEWS!! I wish I could hug each and everyone of you...but that might be a little creepy..heheh... :)~~
Michael, dont you think you should give the beer a rest for tonight? Anna asked softly while Mikes dark eyes burned into her like fire as he chugged down the last portion of his third beer.
Laura remained silent while drying the dishes as well as keeping an eye on her little brother who was now sitting in the living room playing with a rolled up magazine on the table.
Finish the fucking dishes before I slam that frying pan into your skull. He hissed malevolently.
Anna lowered her head and concentrated on the plate she was scrubbing, not turning her vision towards her husband, and deciding to ignore his malicious comments. Speaking to him would only cause further conflict between them and more pain for her.
You gonna fucking ignore me bitch? he demanded with an obvious drunken slur. Anna swallowed hard and dropped the plate onto the counter, then moved away from him slowly with her head down, avoiding all eye contact with him. He approached with a crooked smile and shook his head.
What a pathetic whoreyou cant even fucking look at me.
Anna restrained the urge to slap him and clutched her fists tightly together at her side. Laura glanced at her father and sighed uneasily when he noticed that glare forming on her brow.
Wipe that glare off your face bitch.
Laura lowered her head away from him and dropped the dishcloth onto the counter, moving towards her mothers side cautiously. Mike frowned in disbelief and raised his hands in the air, motioning them towards the sink.
Uh, hellowhat the hell are you two standing there for? There are still dishes in this fucking sink! he shouted.
S-stop. Laura managed to whisper in desperation. She could no longer take his abuse like thisfor it was like a constant alarm that wouldnt cease.
What the fuck did you just say? he demanded furiously.
She said STOP Mike. Anna replied for her daughter; her cheeks growing redder with each breath. Mike nodded slowly and sighed out with angry impatience, feeling the throbbing vein in his neck pulsating hard.
What are you going to do? Stand up to me? Thats fucking patheticbesides, the only way this night is going to end is with you screaming for mercy. He growled at his wife who stood there in motionless shock at his words.
Dont you fucking talk to her like that you sack of shit! Laura shouted and jolted towards him in fury, only to be held back by her mother.
Laura, justj-just dont. she whispered with desperate warning.
Mike stared down at his trembling daughter with curious eyes and a deviant smile. Both women knew not of what he was thinking or what he was possibly planning to do. They both figured it probably had to do with a lot of pain.
You want a fightnow youve got one. He whispered in a low tone, sending chills up their spines.
Just the cheer look of malice in his eyes was enough to cause them to shake fearfully. Both of them felt extremely small beneath his black gaze as he approached slowly, clenching his fists tightly.
Mikeplease dont hurt her. Anna pleaded quietly, watching him cautiously with a heightened sense of awareness so that she would be ready for his violent actions against them. He stopped advancing and merely stood before them with that evil glint in his eyes. It was clear he was not going to listen.
You cant protect her Anna. He warned with a voice that made her sick to her stomach. Anna wrapped her arms around Laura protectively and shook her head.
I disagree Mike. I can protect hermore than youll ever know. And the sick thing is, YOU should be the one protecting her. I should not have to be protecting her from her own father. She spat with a heavy breath.
He chuckled lightly at her confidence and shook his head furiously. Anna, Anna, Anna, when will you ever learn? Im the strongestthe toughestand the most powerful person in this house-.
What about outside the house? she interrupted angrily.
The mere question stopped Mike in his tracks and forced him to ponder about it for a short few seconds. What the hell are you talking about? he demanded.
You may be the almighty strength in this house but once I tell Chester about what youve been doing, youll be spending the rest of your measly existence in a six by nine cell. She growled back in response.
The fury seemed to grow within Mike when he had heard Anna mention Chesters name and more than thatprison. There was no way in hell he was going to prison for this. His glare deepened along with the color in his reddening cheeks as he advanced towards the two with heavy steps, causing them to sink back towards the counters in fear. Annas senses soon alerted her to the small feet racing towards themthe feet of a child.
Mommy, what happen?
Xander stop! She shouted desperately, causing him to freeze on spotstaring up at his father with fright. He stared down at the little boy with malicious anger clouding his mind, blinded by alcohol.
Tell Chester and I break your little boys neck.
Laura gasped out in horror and Anna shivered with burning fear, grabbing her son up into her arms and holding him tightly against her chest.
Michael, dont you dare touch a hair on his head. She warned shakily, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. Xander looked around with confusion and when he saw Lauras eyes full of tears, he couldnt help but begin to cry himself.
Mommy he wept in fright, feeling her hand caressing his back comfortingly.
Shh, its okay. She whispered gently.
Dad pleasedont hurt Xander Laura cried with pleading eyes, staring into his uncaring orbs. He blinked slowly and growled under his breath. He had to make them understandhe couldnt let them tell Chester. If they didit would surely ruin his life.
Dont fucking tell Chester. He whispered.
Okay fine! Anna shouted through her tears, causing Mike to stop his advancements. She looked towards Laura and handed her the crying toddler who had managed to get himself caught in a growing danger. Laura gripped her little brother carefully as Anna stepped in front of them, shielding her children from the dangerous man they once referred to as their father.
MikeI wont tell Chester anythingI would never do anything to put my childrens lives in danger.
No, see now youre making me seem like this evil fucker! he yelled back.
Well you fucking are! How can you even consider hurting your own children Michael? Theyre your babies she explained with a broken voice, feeling the hot tears streaming down her cheeks.
Laura tried her best to comfort the crying boy during the loud ordeal between their parentsbut his weeping never ceased. Slowly, she began slipping away as her mother distracted Mike, allowing her to quickly run upstairs with Xander and lock herself in his room. She sat down beside him on the bed and cradled him in her arms as he wailed into her chest.
Xander, shheverythings going to be okay. Pleasejust trust me she whispered soothingly as her own tears began to leak down her cheeks. Her heart pulsated rapidly as she grasped the severity of the danger downstairs. This fight was yet to be one of the worst.
Theyre your babies Anna repeated with a whisper, fighting the lump in her throat. Mikes jaw clenched tightly with irritation and anger. He hated it when she used that wordit had always struck a deep emotion within him that he couldnt control.
Right now, he was being torn between his violence and maternal instinctboth colliding with each other, creating a conflict inside him. What if I dont fucking want them to be my babies?
Mike please dont say that she whimpered and backed up against the counters as Mike continued his advancements once more.
What if I dont want you? What if I dont want this Goddamn life? What if I cant take it anymore? he demanded as perspiration beaded down his tanned brow.
Mike what the hell are you saying? she asked with a quivering voice.
Im saying I hate my life! I hate my fucking job! I hate my friendsI hate youI hate my own children! He screamed at the top of his lungs.
Anna flinched at the volume echoing throughout the kitchen and she couldnt help but choke out a few tears. He hated her? He hated his own children? How the hell could he say that?
M-Mikeh-how could you? she demanded.
What the fuck do you mean how could I? Do you not see what all this work and family is fucking doing to me? I cant even think without downing a fucking drink! Four years Annafour years Ive been trying to hold all of my frustration and anger back because I didnt want to hurt anyone but now I cant keep it together. Too many things have hurt me and I think about them everyday. How the hell am I even getting through each day knowing what almost happened four years ago? he demanded.
Anna blinked through her blinding tears with confusion and realization all at the same time. Four years agowhat could have possibly happened four years ago? And thats when the realization kicked in.
Lauras sickness.
He had almost killed her.
He had hurt his own family and broken down.
Lauras near death.
The stress of recovering from that horror.
The stress of a new album.
The stress of a new baby.
The sadness when leaving for tours.
The isolation during the tours.
The alcohol to make him numb.
The distance he had forced between himself and his friends.
The distance he had forced between himself and his family.
The frustration of being confronted with this problem.
Becoming a violent alcoholic.
It was all too much to bear and comprehend. Anna shook her head slowly and blinked away a few long streams of tears.
Mikeit wasnt your fault. She whispered.
He ran a shaky hand through his hair and shook his head furiously in disagreement. Im a terrible father he cried.
You were never a terrible father-.
Dont try to fucking console me! I dont fucking need that right now! he screamed with high agitation.
Anna swallowed hard and sighed out uneasily. He was becoming increasingly dangerous as the seconds passed and she wasnt sure how long she would be able to keep him talking before the fists began flying.
What are you going to do? Kill your family? Thats not going to make the pain stop! She screamed back.
Shut your fucking face!
Mike STOP! She cried out with a short scream.
IM GOING TO FUCKING KILL THIS FAMILY! AND IM GOING TO START WITH YOU! Anna covered her mouth with her hand as Mike ripped off his belt and advanced on her with amazing speed.
Mikeplease dont do this she cried with closed eyes. She felt his hand tightly gripping her arm and she opened her eyes, staring into his.
P-please
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Laura closed her eyes and covered Xanders ears as Annas wails and screaming howls echoed throughout the house. She tried to ignore Mikes screams as wellscreams of anger. She lowered her head and rubbed her crying brothers back as the sound of leather slapped and sliced through skin. Whatever their mother was going throughwas terrifyingly painful.
In order to ease away the sounds of frightened screams of pain, Laura began to sing a soft tune to calm her brother and to distract him, as well as herself from the sounds that were coming from downstairs.
To every heart thats growing darker, colder and colder
The heart on the sleave is getting older and older
Harder and harder to beat
To every soul thats burning brighter and brighter
Riding the fire higher and higher
The heart on the sleave is growing darker and darker
Harder and harder to bleed
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
To every time i keep you waiting, holding and praying
The heart on that sleave is always building and breaking
Making it harder to see
To everything that doesn't matter, pulling you under, taking you over
The heart on the sleave is getting closer and closer
Just cut it open and bleed
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
Time...
Time takes away
Time gives you chances to come back again
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
And it won't be long now
And in time you'll find out
This heart is yours, let it bleed
Lauras breathing hitched in her throat as deafening silence flooded through the house. Xander sniffed back his tears while gripping his older sisters shirt tightly, looking around the room slowly. He no longer heard his mothers screams nor his fathersand everything seemed peaceful.
That was until Laura had come to the sickening realization that perhaps her mother had finally succumbed to the violence and gone down hardbreathing away her own life. Had her father really killed her mother in pure violence and hatred? She blinked out a long tear as she heard heavy footsteps pulling themselves up the stairs.
L-Laura-.
Shh, its okay. She whispered, sensing his worry that maybe their father would come to get them next. She felt Xander shaking in her arms as the person stopped in front of the door and stood there for quiet some time. Then, as if someone had given a silent order, it disappeared into the next room, slamming the door. Laura sighed out with relief and brushed through her brothers soft hair slowly, calming him considerably.
W-whywhy mommy screaming? Came Xanders tiny voice, muffled within Lauras shirt. She swallowed hard, trying to think up a response to allow him some comfort for tonight in hopes that hed be able to get to sleep tonight.
Umm-mommy wastrying to get daddy to hear her becauseuhhe cant hear very well she replied shakily.
Why not? he asked, sitting up a little.
She could already see him calming down and decided to assure him that everything was fine now. Daddys sick she whispered.
He gonna get better?
Laura lowered her eyes and pulled back his blankets, laying him down beneath them then covered him up comfortably. I dont know Xander. You need to sleep now okay? she asked softly.
But-.
Xander she warned gently.
He lowered his eyes and gave a small nod, feeling defeated before he even had the chance to argue. Okay he mumbled wearily.
She gave him a light kiss on the forehead and brushed through his hair. Good nightI love you. She whispered, stroking his cheek.
Night Lauralove you too he sighed and closed his eyes peacefully. She gave a sad smile and stood up, exiting the roomand slowly entered the hallway looking around for Mike. When she was sure he was locked away in his room, she proceeded down the stairs to see what kind of massacre he had caused this time.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her mother gripping the centre island tightly until her knuckles turned white. Her face was etched with pain and tears along with blood. Wellat leased she was alive.
Mom Laura breathed and ran to her side, watching her tremble heavily. Laura noticed where Mike had punched her in the face, causing her bottom lip to gush with blood.
The other thing she noticed was the phone that had been on the wall was now laying in pieces on the floorand the black eye it had given Anna. She then turned her vision to her mothers back which was now covered in blood. Slowly, she lifted her mothers shirt and eyed the darkened bruises covered in lacerations from the makeshift whip that had formally been Mikes belt.
MomI-I
Laurac-come here she whispered weakly.
Laura lowered her mothers shirt and sat down beside her at the centre island, eyeing her watery bruised eyes. Mom-.
"Laurad-dont tell ANYONE about this she stated shakily with the most serious tone she had ever heard.
But Momhe hurt-.
I know
We have to tell someone before he kills one of us. Mike is a danger. Laura whispered harshly.
Anna lowered her eyes at her daughter and gripped her hand tightly; her gaze never faltering. Patience Laurayou need patience.
Mom how the hell can you just sit here and tell me to be patient while my own father is on a murderous rampage!
Anna sighed painfully and swallowed the blood rising in her throat. It was impossible for Laura to fully understand why Anna was holding back on giving Mike up for his violence. They had to waitwait for the right moment.
Wait she whispered to her daughterwho finally accepted her mothers decision to keep this quietfor now.
Mike was going to get what was coming to himand Anna lowered her eyes at the thought with silent relief for it was to be very soon.
{Song: Bleed}
{Artist: Further Seems Forever}
~~ Okay so Mike is SOOOO GONNA GET HIS!! Kay so watch out for more Chester in the next chapter and then things start spiralling down from there. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and again, reviews are highly appreciated!! Thankees!! :)~~
Painted Picture
~~ Okay...the update for the next part is coming very soon...here's a little chappie for you to read while you wait...enjoy!! :)~~
Mommy!
Anna turned around from the stove and smiled down at her son who was racing towards her with a large piece of paper. Whats that sweetie? she asked curiously, bending down so he was now looking down at her.
Xander gave a bright smile and blushed through his shyness, gripping the paper tightly with both hands. I painteded you a piture.
Anna gasped a little with surprise and gave a huge smile, watching his cheeks reddening even further. You did? Can I see? she asked happily, feeling her broken lip splitting painfully.
Slowly, Xander turned the paper around and hid his face behind it as his mother inspected his magnificent creation. It was quite colourful indeed and very creative. There was a large outline of the house in red with green windows and a blue door which matched the blue sky.
In front of the house, he had painted a tall looking stick figure with long black hair, another shorter stick figure with medium dark hair and a small stick figure with black hairall three smiling.
Aw, this is so beautiful Xander! She smiled, but then it faded when she noticed the tall stick figure in the background, painted totally in black as if he were cast into the shadows of the picture.
Whos this? she asked, pointing to the dark figure.
Xander glanced at his own creation and lowered his eyes a little. Daddy
Whys Daddy all black? Did you run out of colors? she asked softly.
Xander shook his head and gave a short sigh, getting ready for his explanation. Hes not happy. No color. He muttered in a small tone.
Anna lowered her eyes sadly and continued her questions. Why is he so far away from everyone? she asked quietly.
Cause he wanteded to be alone
If there was one thing about children, its that their minds were so complex yet so simple. He had captured his fathers mood perfectly using only black paints and sticking him in the background away from everyone. It almost made Anna want to cry.
Well, I do believe Daddy would be proud to know that you are a marvellous painter. She smiled weakly.
Xander gave a big grin as Anna grabbed the picture gently and gave him a warm hug. Laura walked into the kitchen and raised a brow as she witnessed the first hug in a long time happening right now.
Mike throw himself out a window?
Anna frowned at her and stood up, still holding Xanders picture. Noand stop calling him that.
But thats his name. she argued quietly.
Nohis name is DAD.
No, his name is MIKE.
Laura. She warned, crossing her arms.
You know, I really havent seen Dad in a long time. You see, because this monster called Mike has taken over the house. I wonder when Ill ever see my father again. She explained slowly.
Anna sighed uneasily and lowered her head at what her daughter was trying to explain. Laura wheres Daddy? Xander asked with confusion, obviously not understanding that Mike and Dad were the same person because of how Laura had explained it. Laura looked down at the innocent child and raised a brow.
Daddy went to go get drunk.
Laura. Anna hissed quickly trying to silence her.
I dont see why though. He could just as easily get drunk here and the result would be exactly the same as coming home from the bar-.
Thats enough Laura. Anna stated with an authoritative tone. The young teen closed her mouth and lowered her eyes guiltily, feeling she had crossed the line. Xander, although had distracted himself with thoughts of playing during their little dispute and began to smile to himself.
Laura, come play!
Laura is tired. She replied with a deep sigh.
Laura wants to play! He shouted and grabbed her hand tightly in his.
She couldnt help but smile at his playful innocence. Everything in his world right now was play, play, playfun, fun, fun.
Play what? she asked and rolled her eyes with a crooked smile, giving into his pleas.
I wanna play wrestle! And with that, he attached himself to her leg and gripped it tightly, giving a low playful growl. Anna chuckled lightly and shook her head at her son who was always cute no matter what he did.
Wrestle? But you always play wrestle with Daddy. Laura replied with an arched brow.
I wanna play with you. He pouted, pulling off his best depressed look which of course he had acquired from his father.
Alright, Ill play wrestle with you, but lets go outside okay? Theres more room. She explained.
Kay. He smiled, still gripping onto her leg. Anna kept her grin as she watched Laura hauling her little brother (who was still attached to her leg) towards the sliding glass door connecting to the backyard.
Stay where I can see you and please be careful. She warned.
Will do Ma. Laura replied and disappeared outside with Xander. Anna smiled to herself and watched as Xander tackled Laura to the grass, both laughing together as brother and sister.
She hated to think it buther children looked happier with their father goneeven she was more at peace in the silence of the house. Just as these thoughts began to comfort her, she jumped with a start as the doorbell rang throughout the house. Anna pulled down the sleeves to her baggy sweater and walked towards the door, feeling anxiety rushing up her stomach.
She just kept getting this feeling that the cops were going to show up at her door one day to tell her that her husband had been found covered in blood and holding a knife over someones dead body.
It was a horrible image and a possible fact. When she looked through the peephole, she was relieved to see Chester standing there with his hands in his pockets. She silently hoped that Mike wouldnt come home and find Chester therefor Mike suspected Chester knew something. Anna opened the door slowly and forced a smile, despite her nasty appearance.
Evidently Chester noticed her black eye and split lip as well as many other bruises on her face. A-Annawhat the-.
Come in. she offered and opened the door for him to slip through. He frowned a little and walked into the house silently as Anna closed the door behind himthen locked it. Chester stared at her as she walked up in front of him, giving her a look of despair and worry.
What the hell happened? he demanded with a short whisper, obviously shocked at her injuries. Of course in reality, these were mere examples of the horrors her body was scarred with beneath the sweater.
UhI, umI was sleepwalking last night and fell down the stairs. She explained shakily, feeling that lying to him was the best option at the moment. She vaguely remembered Mikes words of snapping Xanders neck if she ever told anyone what he was doing to her.
Chester gave her a look of doubt and sighed heavily. She sensed this and lowered her eyes in response.
I know it looks sort of strange but I can assure you I have been sleepwalking ever since birth. Even ask Mike, hell tell you that sometimes I get hurt-.
And where was Mike during all of this? he interrupted sternly.
Anna looked around in thought and lowered her head. Well Chester, come onits not like he follows me when I sleepwalk.
Did he at leased see these bruises? he demanded.
Yeah he didI told him I was fine, just like Im telling you know. She replied quickly.
Chester became silent and shook his head, knowing fully that she was lying to him. Whatever she was hiding, he intended on figuring out. Anna sighed heavily and crossed her arms, motioning him towards the couch.
Have a seat
Thanks he muttered and sat down beside her on the couch. Anna leaned forward a bit because she was still sore from what had happened last night.
Sowhats up Chaz? What are you doing here?
I came to see if everything here is okay. You know because last night Mike was kind of-.
Tired.hes been really exhausted lately and entertaining guest wasnt exactly what he wanted to do last night. Im sorry if he seemed a little impatient.
Anna, he was beyond impatient. He was kicking me out of the house and slammed the door. Chester replied with a furrowed brow.
She looked towards the sliding glass door where Xander and Laura were still playing. She heard a brief scream from Laura as Xander pounced onto her stomach and began tickling her.
They playing outside? Chester asked with a small smile, followed by Anna.
Yeahand I think Xander is excited for Kindergarten.
Whens he going?
A few months. Were waiting until he turns four.
Of course. Chester chuckled and glanced down at his hands. There was a peaceful moment of silent between them before Chester decided to pipe up.
So wheres Mike?
Anna turned her vision back to him and he watched as her eyes darkened.
Out.
Out where?
Justout.
Chester frowned and shook his head, again suspecting that she was hiding something from him. Anna winced slightly as her stomach began throbbing from the pressure she was putting on it with her arms. Slowly, she moved back and carefully rested against the couchstill feeling the stinging sensation in her back from last night.
You okay? Chester asked with a soft tone, seeing the pain in her eyes.
Yeah Im justsorefrom the fall. She muttered in response.
He rolled his eyes and sighed out heavily, having enough of this game she was playing with him. You sure Mike didnt throw you down the stairs?
Anna sat up quickly, but then regretted it as pain began shooting up her back and stomach. What in Gods name are you talking about? Mike would never-.
Hurt you? I believe he would. He interrupted with a cold stare. Anna looked down and shook her head, realizing where he was getting at. If only he knew that his suspicions about Mike had been correct.
Mike loves meand his family.
Mike loves the alcohol more Anna
She looked at him with desperate eyes, hoping he would say it before she did. There was no way in hell she was going to tell him what was happening for she feared for her sons lifefor Lauras and for her own.
I can fucking smell it on him every time he comes into the studio. Do you think Im stupid or something?
NoI dont think youre stupid. She replied with a whisper.
Then tell me whats going on! There must be a reason why youre wearing a sweater in one hundred degree weather. What the hell are you hiding?
Nothing she answered shortly, not wanting to venture further into this subject. Chester glared and shook his head, grabbing her sleeve and lifting it up before she had time to react.
No-. Annas voice caught in her throat as she watched Chesters eyes scanning the black and yellow bruises covering her arm.
What the hell are these? he demanded with wide eyes. Anna tried to hold back the welling of tears in her eyes, but couldnt and felt the blurriness setting in along with the burning cheeks.
I told youI fell down the stairs she stated nervously through her teeth.
Anna, these look like hand marks. You cant get those from falling down the stairs. He explained, feeling frightened for her.
Things were slowly starting to come together in his mind. Hand marked bruises, alcohol and Mikes angerand it was all being forced upon his family. The mere thought of what was probably going on was making him want to throw up.
AnnaI need you to tell me the truth
Chester, theres really nothing to tell. She replied, avoiding eye contact with him.
That is so bullshit and you know it. Tell me the fucking truth or Im leaving and whatever is going on, you will have to deal with by yourself. He stated and stood up.
No, wait she stated desperately, feeling his gaze upon her.
I promised I wouldnt tell
Chester sat down slowly once more and stared into her frightened and shaky blue eyes. Promised you wouldnt tell what?
Anna lowered her head and blinked away a tear that had begun to fall. ChesterI-IIm scared she breathed, already seeing Mikes black eyes prodding her like a knife.
Annaplease, just tell me the truth he whispered.
She looked back at him with worry and swallowed back her tears, feeling them ready to explode along with the lump in her throat.
Is Mike beating you up?
Anna stared into his dark, worried eyes and bit her lip nervously, allowing a few tears to fall down her crimson cheeks.
She began to tremble as her mouth slowly formed the words in response to his question
~~ *hides from flying tomatoes* Yes i am evil...enjoy the cliffhanger??? lol...I just wanna say THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FOR THE WICKED REVIEWS!! *throws confetti* Stay tuned for more muahahah. Does she tell him??? ooooo!! :)~~
Cellular
~~ Okay...this chapter is sort of long...but it would have been a hell of alot longer if I hadn't of stopped here lol...ENJOY!! :)~~
Yes
The mere word made Chesters skin grow hot and his heart to drop in his chest. He was hoping that none of this was true and that he had just imagined Annas words in the back of his own head. But the reality wasshe had actually replied with the word yes and even after a few moments of silence, he still felt the goose bumps running up and down his arms.
Oh my God he whispered and looked down in thought, wondering how this could have ever happened.
Anna wiped away a few tears and brushed through her hair, getting the strays out of her paling face. H-how long? he asked, finding his voice once again.
I dont even rememberit seems like its been forever she replied shakily.
What about Laura and Xander? Is he-.
Nohe hit Laura onceand never did it againIve made sure of that. Xander has also been protectedwhich made it all the more worse for me because Im the one standing in their way. She explained.
Why didnt you tell anyone? Why the hell is Mike getting away with this? he demanding while the anger rose with his voice.
Because he said if I told anyone, hed snap Xanders neckand kill the rest of us.
He threatened to kill you guys? Chester asked in shock. Anna sighed out shakily and nodded, hearing Mikes threats in the back of her mind.
Anna where is he? Right NOW? he asked in a low tone, not even sure he wanted to know, although he had a sneaking suspicion he already knew.
The bar Anna replied with a short cry and lowered her head into her hands.
Its fucking nine in the morning Chester warned in disbelief.
I knowI knowIve tried to get him to stop drinking but every time I do, he throws the bottle at me or punches me. Chester, Im afraid hes going to lose control and kill someone. She wept into her hands.
Okayjust calm downmay I see what hes done? he asked softly.
Anna lifted her head and stared at him for several moments, feeling his hand on her back. She visibly winced from his body heat and nodded slowly, feeling him lifting her sweater slowly to examine the injuries. The sight was so unbearable he almost had to stand up and leave the room. He winced sympathetically for her and swallowed his vomit, scanning his eyes over every blackened bruise and bloody laceration from a belt.
He carefully lowered her sweater and stared into her teary red eyes which were now bursting with tears.
Good God he breathed quietly and grabbed her hand, gripping it gently feeling her rapid pulse.
C-Chesterplease dont tell him I told you. She pleaded with desperate eyeseyes so fearful he felt like crying himself. Mike was really hurting themand scaring them shitless.
For the life of him, he couldnt understand how someone as happy and gentle as Mike could have done this. Annahe is a danger-.
Hell kill someone if he finds out I told you. She stated with a raised voice.
Relaxhell never know you told me. He stated with a calm tone. Just as he had said this, the front door latched and unlocked, swinging open gently and then closed. Anna lowered her head as Chester watched Mike enter the kitchen while flipping through some bills.
He wondered if Mike even knew he was in the housealthough the large car parked outside should have been a clear indication. Without even looking up from the bills or acknowledging Chester, he gave a deep frown and breathed out.
Anna, why the hell are these bills late?
She glanced at Chester with silent apology for Mikes rude behaviour. W-we are all out of money
Mike stopped flipping through the bills and stared at her through his lashes. He couldnt believe what he was hearingand he slowly felt the anger bubbling through his veins.
What the fuck do you mean were out of money and what the hell is Chester doing here? he demanded, finally acknowledging his best friend.
I came to see if Anna and the kids were alrightyou know because last night we didnt exactly end on a good note. Chester explained while standing up to meet Mike in the kitchen.
Whats your point? He muttered back.
My point isyou looked pretty agitated and pissed. Are you sure you didnt take out all that anger on your family? he demanded.
What the HELL are you talking about? he asked quietly with confusion.
Did you not see the bruises on your wifes face? Chester asked with dark eyes, knowing full well that Mike knew exactly what he was talking about. Mike rolled his eyes and looked at Anna in question.
Bills Annamake with a response.
Of course he was trying to change the subjectthe truth would only incriminate him. MichaelI already told youwe have no money left.
How the hell is that possible? I just put a two thousand dollar deposit in the bank-.
Maybe you spent it all at the bar. Chester interrupted with annoyance. There was no way Mike was going to get away with changing the subject. He was going to be confronted weather he liked it or not.
Mike turned his vision slowly towards the dark eyed man before him and gave a deep glare, remaining silent. Chester raised a brow and gasped out in disbelief.
What, you seem surprised Mike! You think I cant smell the alcohol on you already? Its nine in the morning for fucks sake. Now whoever is that desperate to get drunk so early in the morning must have some serious issues he explained casually.
Mike remained silent as Chester gave a crooked smile and shook his head.
But you know, theres nothing like waking up to a beautiful, black eyed, bruised and cut women in the morning. Am I right?
What the fuck is wrong with you? Mike whispered shakily, feeling his heart pulsating rapidly against his chest.
What do you mean what is wrong with me? How about what is wrong with you? You dont look the leased bit concerned that your wife is seriously injured. Have you seen the bruises on her back? The deep lacerations?
Mike swallowed hard and sighed inwardly, feeling the nerves rattling against his ribcage. Did Chester know? Had Anna told him? If sothis was about to be a very ugly morning.
S-she fell down in the shower Mike replied shakily and cleared his throat. Chester gave a small smile and kept his deep gaze on his best friend.
Busted.
Wrong. She told me she fell down the stairsshe also told me she told you she fell down the stairs. Sleepwalking can really be exhausting you know? Right Mike?
I-I dont remember that conversation He replied quietly, backing up slowly towards the kitchen counters as Chester advanced on him.
Yeahits probably all for the best anyway since thats not what really happened to her. He muttered casually with a furrowed brow.
Mike stopped cold and glanced at Anna who stood up cautiously, pulling down her sleeves and drying her tears. AnnaI swear to God-.
Leave her alone Mike. Shes endured enough pain as it isand so has the rest of this family. Chester stated with growing anger and impatience.
Laura stepped into the house, holding Xanders hand and frowned with confusion as she watched Chester staring Mike down in the kitchen. It looked like a blood match was about to begin.
Mom? she asked in question while walking towards her.
Just stay heredont move she whispered frantically with worry. Xander looked up at his mother with confusion and grabbed her hand gently, sensing the tension throughout the house.
Mommywhy Chester here?
He wants to talk to Daddystay close she whispered back with a soft smile. The last thing she needed was a three year old running up to his very agitated and angry father who looked to be on the point of exploding. Things were about to become dangerous for Chester because he didnt know how strong Mike could beeven when he was drunk. The only way either of them was going to leave this fight was with a broken nose or a concussion.
You might as well give this up MikeI already know whats been going on Chester whispered with a deep voice.
Yeah and what exactly would that be Chester? he demanded with a confused glare.
Youve been getting drunk every nightand beating the SHIT out of your familysound familiar?
Not really Mike replied shakily.
What, you think Im too stupid to notice that even your own son is too afraid to come near you? You think I didnt notice how upset and quiet Laura has been lately. You think the guys havent seen you sneaking whiskey into your coffee in the morning at the studio? Fucking hell Mike, youre an abusive alcoholicand youre a danger to this family.
Mike stared at him silently for a few moments and Chester had expected him to totally freak out and start threatening death on everyone. Butfor some reason he never even moved a muscle. That is until Chester noticed Mikes bottom lip beginning to twitch and his cheeks becoming red. What, was he going to cry over this? He had no right to cry over this.
Mike lowered his head and gave a small nod of acknowledgment to Chesters words, then sniffed a little.
GodI-Im so sorry he muttered and lowered his eyes, letting a single tear roll down his cheek. Anna frowned with deep concernnot for Mike but for Chester. The tone in which Mike had said those words was just soforced and mechanical. Knowing Mike for as long as she hadshe knew right away that things were not as they seemed.
Before she had a chance to warn her dear friend, Mike lifted his head with a deep glare, catching Chester off guard and rammed him up against the fridge with his hands wrapped around his neck as tightly as possible.
Gosh, I really am sorry Chestersorry Im going to be squeezing every inch of breath from your lungs. He growled devilishly with those murky black eyes, causing Chester to shiver uncontrollably as Mike increased the pressure around his neck.
He could already feel his face growing hot and the veins protruding through his skin, creating thick bulges in his neck and forehead. M-Mike he coughed and grabbed his arms in an attempt to force his hands away from his neck.
No, see Chester youre going at this all wrong. The more you struggle, the more pressure Im going to apply to your neck and the less air you are going to receive. Now, we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. The easier way being that you voluntarily allow me to kill you before Anna over there reaches for the phone to call the policeor the hard way being I beat the shit out of you for not complying. Either way youre going to end up a lifeless corpse on the kitchen floor. He explained breathily while attempting to keep Chesters legs from hitting him.
Chester stared into his pitch eyes pleadingly, watching his own reflection within the dark orbs. His best friend was trying to kill himnow thats got to be the low point of anyones day.
Anna reached for the phone as Laura stood still frozen in place as Chesters face began to turn a deep purple. He scratched and punched at Mikes arms feverishly only to witness a small smile curling around Mikes lips which only discouraged him further. Anna frowned with fright as the phone beeped and buzzed in her ear telling her that the signal was temporarily out of the service area and that she should try again later.
You bastard! She shouted and dropped the phone to the floor with distress then ran a shaky hand through her hair.
Oh, is the phone not working? Damn thats a shameI guess I must have accidentally disconnected the signal! How are the police ever going to know whats going on? he gasped sarcastically.
Anna lowered her eyes with burning hatred and growled deeply to herself in frustration. Mike, just let him go. Killing him is not going to solve your problem. She warned.
And what problem is that exactly? He asked with fake interest while watching the light fading from Chesters dark eyes.
Your severe depressionnot to mention youre fucking psychotic!
Oh so Im depressed now? Psychotic you say? Hmm, well maybe I am a little under the weather
You have got to be kidding me. Anna breathed.
Mike dont kill him. Laura pleaded desperately while shielding Xanders eyes from the kitchen.
God, you people never let me have any fun! Why cant a guy kill a guy without being harassed about it? he asked with an arched brow.
Are actually serious? Michael, not to spoil your fun butkilling is illegal. Anna explained in disbelief.
Yeah and thats stopping me because
Because if you dont, Im going to make you wish you had. She growled back.
Mike snorted a laugh and shook his head a little, feeling Chesters nails digging into his skin, forcing blood to ooze out from beneath. What are you going to do? Tackle me to the ground? All one hundred and twenty pounds of you? Id like to see that happen. He chuckled.
Anna slowly stepped away from her two children and began her journey towards the closet so she could reach inside her purse and grab her cell phone. She hoped Mike would be too distracted to notice her. Laura glanced at her with warning and shook her head, receiving a reassured look from her mother. Hopefully this would workif it didntthe next person to come into the house would be the coroner with four body bags.
You dont think I could take you? Anna breathed as she inched ever so closer to the closet. Mike choked out a laugh and pressed Chester up against the fridge even harder than before, forcing his lungs to expel the excess air.
Well you couldbut that would involve a gunand you dont have one so I guess that pretty much disproves your theory of being able to take me down. He explained as she gripped the knob to the closet tightly, sliding it open with silence.
Uhuh she muttered and reached down into her purse, grabbing the cell phone. Mike looked at the microwave and watched Anna through the glass doorthen gave a heavy sigh and shook his head.
You are aware that I can see you right? he asked casually.
She looked up from her purse and froze as Mike threw Chester down to the floor and twisted around, charging towards her. She barely had time to react as he grabbed her arm and pushed her against the centre island hard, knocking the breath out of her. Chester coughed heavily on the floor and heaved desperately for the air he so desperately needed at the moment while Anna continued to struggle with an overpowering husband.
He grabbed her wrist and began banging her arm against the side of the island, feeling her twisting in pain as her bone clanked against the hard surface. After a few more hits, the phone suddenly flew from her hand and landed on the floor near the couch and Mike threw Anna to the floor, walking towards it. Laura grabbed Xander and placed him behind the toy chest near the fire place and instructed him to stay there and to not move.
He merely complied with a nod, not exactly understanding what was going on as his sister knelt down beside the couch and watched the fight unfold. When Mike picked up the phone and straightened out, he felt something hard bash against the back of his legs and fell to the floor with a loud thud and a cry of pain. Anna glared and crawled on top of him, grabbing his wrist tightly in an attempt to force the phone out of his hand.
Get off me bitch he groaned painfully as she pressed her knee into his chest. She scratched at his arm and silently cursed herself for being smaller than him for her arm was not as long so she couldnt reach it.
Finally she gave up and rolled her eyesthen punched him square in the jaw, causing his hand to loosen its grip on the phoneand watched as it slid away. Mike brought his hand up to his face and growled angrily, pushing her off of him and crawling towards the phone. Just as he was finally within hands reachit was picked up by another handChesters hand. Mike looked up and glared menacingly at the sight before him.
You were supposed to be fucking passed out! he shouted furiously as Chester flipped open the phone, still catching his breath.
Lifes a bitch aint it? He replied with a deep glare and began diallingbut not before Mike pounced onto him and pinned him to the groundknocking the breath out of him once more.
Give me the fucking phone! He yelled and punched Chester hard in the face, causing him to sigh out painfully.
Getit yourself He coughed in response and whacked him right in the eye with the end of the phone. Mike growled with frustration and went to grab the phone from his hand when all of a sudden, he felt something very hard smash against the back of his head and he rolled off of Chester onto the floor with a gasp of pain.
OwChrist He breathed as Chester looked up to see Laura holding a broken chair over her father. Unfortunately, when Mike had rolled off of Chester, he had hit the phone out of his hand and it was now on the other side of the kitchen. Mike raised a hand to the back of his head and rubbed the growing headache carefully, then eyed his fingers.
You had better pray to God Im not fucking bleeding. He warned at his daughter who dropped the chair and kicked him hard in the back.
Shit he groaned as Chester began crawling towards the phone.
Oh no you dont! He yelled and grabbed his leg, pulling him back away from the phone. Mike propped himself up onto Chester and punched him hard on the side of the head, causing him to fall to the side and onto the floor once moreincapacitating him for the moment.
Mike gave a defiant smile and resumed his venture for the phonebut only to be stopped by a hard fist right in his face. He fell against the centre island and spat out the blood from his mouth as Anna grabbed the phone.
Damn Mikeyou have a hard head. She sighed and flipped it open.
He lowered his eyes malevolently and got to his knees, then crawled towards Anna as fast as he possibly could and reached out for the phone, swatting at her hand. Anna kicked his arm away and backed up towards the fridge but was surprised when Mike cried out with a painful wail.
She looked up to see none other than Laura gripping his spikes tightly with both hands and pulling his head back by the hair. It seemed to have stopped himbut for only a brief minute because by the time Laura had figured out that he had frozen in spot, he took the opportunity to kick his leg out and pull a roundhouse, sending her to the floor behind him.
Anna glared as Mike shook his hair out and continued his crawling advancements towards her. She waited for him to come a little closer before she kicked her leg up into the air and knocked him right in the face once more, sending him to the floor. Mike glared and gave a loud growl of anger while rubbing his pulsating, bleeding face.
Dammit, stop fucking kicking me!
Well then maybe you should stop trying to kill us. Anna replied with a trembling voice and pressed on the nine and then the one but one to have that hoped physically ripped away from her as she watched the phone go flying onto the floor.
Great, Mike and his fucking long armsand he just had to swat the phone away from her as she was about to dial the last number. Chester leaned his head up against the oven and watched as Mike grabbed Annas arm and pulled her off the floor. He then twisted her around so she was facing away from him and grabbed a knife from the drawer, placing the cold blade up against her neck. She instantly froze against him and began to tremble in fearfor she knew he would slice her open if he had to.
Laura and Chester both sat up slowly and moved away from themleaning up against the far counters. Mike sniffed away the blood that was now running down his nose and wheezed while catching his breath.
Alrightthis is how this is all gonna play out he began and pressed his foot on top of the cell phonethen kicked it away as hard as he could away from everyone towards the couches.
If anyone moves one muscleAnna here gets gutted like a fishunderstand? he demanded, casting his dark gaze upon the two frightened people below. Chester and Laura both gave consecutive nods and stayed exactly where they were without movement.
Now Mike breathed in continuation.
You do as I say and maybe I wont stab your eyes out
What is it you want us to do? Chester breathed desperately and wrapped his arms around Laura protectively, feeling her bury her head within his chest. Mike looked around quickly and blinked the perspiration from his eyes all the while still gripping Anna tightly with the blade to her neck.
I want you to fucking stay where you arethen Im going to find some rope and some duct tapeand then were all going to go for a little ride out to the hills where Im going to tie you each to your very own little tree and then Im going to fucking slice your heads off he hissed quietly.
Chester swallowed hard and felt Lauras tears beginning to soak his shirt. With all this commotion and fightingMike hadnt noticed the one family member who was missing from this little get together. Xander peeked over the toy chest and gripped it tightly, watching the metal of the blade glistening against his mothers neck. With his little mind, he couldnt quite put together what all of this meant but when he saw his mothers tearshe began to become very upset.
As Mike continued to hold Anna, he rummaged through drawers and cupboards looking for the duct tape he so desperately needed. Chester turned his head and quickly noticed the phone still laying on the floor beside the end of the couchthe next thing he noticed was Xanders frightened eyes from behind the toy chest. Chester glanced at Mike for a short moment and when he was sure he was still busy with his task, he slowly yet carefully looked at Xander and pointed to the phone.
The little boy lifted his head a little more and frowned with desperation wanting so much to be near his sister right now and not hiding behind his toy chest. He gave a small whimper but became silent as Chester put a finger to his own mouth, signalling him to be very quiet. Again, he pointed to the phone and nodded with encouragement, watching the little boy glancing at the cellular device with curiosity.
All he needed Xander to do was press the one and the police would be notifiedbut this could be tricky with Mikes eyes constantly searching around the room for his supplies. Chester glanced back at Mike who had found a pair of scissors to cut the duct tape with and was now searching the closet for some rope.
Chester then turned his attention back to Xander and bit his lip nervously, readying himself for what was to come next
~~ Oops another cliffhanger...sorry!!! Hope you enjoyed this and reviews are highly appreciated as usual!! *Hands out fudge* mmm fudge...*cough* Anywhoo more to come soon!! Thankees of reading!! :)~~
