Need your love, a Tragedy story

Secret home life

Need your love

Chapter 1;secret home life:

Alex's POV

I...hate...work! I just came home. I work at Checkers and I

hate it, but I can't quit my job. I really need it more than anything right now and I HAVE to help my sister keep food on the table for us. It's, like, 9:00 PM. I have to make dinner for me and my sister..or at least start it.

My parents don't have to worry about it, because, My dad murdered my mom...and my dad ran away wth some chick. My dad was drunk and abusive and murdered my mom when I was 6 and my sister, Kelsi turned 5. The exact moment, at midnight, which really stinks.

Having my dad around afterwards, wasn't very meaningful. My sister and I had a really tough time eating. He could keep a job. When we were younger, the only times we ever ate was to school or if we ever got lucky when a friend of his stopped by with tacos. I didn't care if he stole or bought it, I ate faster than Kelsi and dad.

When he came home with food, we got, like, a bite. I hated my dad. I know that's not a good feeling to feel about your own father, but if you have mine, I realy feel sorry for you. So, I'm glad he went with that chick. Don't even know her and I like her!

He never helped us with our homework or talked to us when we needed it. We only had eachother. By the time we were 8, we knew we could count on dad to help us, feed us or care for us. We knew it was up to us. Everything was.

I'm just turned 17, today. Kelsi is 16, going on 17 in a few days. We have another sister, but she was taken away when we were 4. Lucky! At least she was in a caring home.

She's probablby grown up now. They didn't take us because when they took her, Kelsi and my bruises from our dad's abuse was noticable. My sister should be coming home soon. We both have our mother's soft, blonde hair and her personality... well, kinda. Kelsi's used to getting picked on. Only then, am I ever like my father.

Kelsi's POV

On my way home. Work sucks, especially when you have to work just tp survive. I'm only 16. I've been working at, like, 4 other jobs since, I was 13 1/2. I live with my older brother, Alex. He's really kind. He is NOTHING in anyway, like my father. He is strong, kinda, and cute, not that way, though.

That's kinda wrong. I know he's not a bad person. He chose to deal with our dad's abuse for me, even though he didn't deserve it and doesn't. He takes verbal abuse at school everyday, from other cruel kids and sometimes, his teachers.

If he was a bad, heartless person, he would have abandoned me years ago, but he didn't. Let's face. It's clear we both have my mother's heart. I just pulled up in our drive way. Luckily we have 2 cars. We won them at a contest last year. I took the keys out. It was pitch dark.

I went inside and saw dinner was cooking. I love when Alex cooks. He always makes dinner seem like food from a 5 star restaturant. I heart singing and a guitar playing. It came from the living room.

I went in there and saw Alex singing his favorite song. I reminds us alot of what we wanted and needed, but never got as children. Need you love. He was just wrapping up the song.

"There's no resting in my heart. There's no resting in my he-art..." He faked a smile. "Hey, how was school and work?"

"It sucked, work did. School was normal."

"You had Pizza for lunch and the classes were boring."

"Boring as heck!" He laughed for a minute and walked to the front door to get the mail. He came back inside and opened an evelope. He gasped and covered his mouth. What's wrong?"

"The water bill."

"How much?"

"$250.00."

"What?"

"Life is cruel."

"To pay that, we'd have to work 3 shift, if not 5."

"Tell me about it. Let's just have some dinner. I made chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and corn."

"I love you chicken."

"It was all I could afford."

"When do you get your paycheck."

"Tommarow. I'm gonna go and pick it up. When do you get yours?"

"I got it today."

"You babysit total brats for endless hours. We'e gott have enough for the bill with my pay tommarow. I took out the envelope and opened it.

"It's only $45.00."

"It's more than people usually get paid." I sighed and went to the stove. Tear welled up in my eyes. He came to me and hugged me. He kissed my head.

"We'll be ok. I know it's hard and stressing, but we'll get through it, we always do."

"I know you mean well and only want what's best for us, but we've been lucky since dad left. Child services or school
haven't found out our dark past."

"And that's how I wanna keep it."

"If anyone finds out, they could take us in and seperate us."

"Which is exactly why we should tell no one."

"Tell me about it. We're almost adults, but I think it would've been nice to have some love and support from dad, at least for a day. Jeez, when we were sick, we still had to go to sick and if they tried to send us home, we;d get a good one."

"Yeah, I know." We both made our plates and ate silently.

2: The news

The news

Need you love

Chapter 2;The news:

Alex's POV

It was 6:00 AM. I wanted to go and get my check early. Kelsi was still sleeping. I think I can get there and back before she awakes. Last night, she brought up having a sale. We should. It'd b fun. We have alot of stuff we don't even need.

We need money more than the objects in our basement, just collecting dust. I got in my car and drove to Checkers. It was my day off. No one will be there later. No one's working today, so I had to get up early to go.

When I got there, I saw my boss was the only one there. I took the keys out and went inside. I found her at the register. She faked a smile. Something happened.

"Hey, Ally.", I said.

"Hey, Alex."

"I came to pick up my pay."

"Yeah, about that, we need to talk." Crap! What could possibly go wrong now?!

"What is it?"

"This...is your last pay for a while. You get this check, but you're fired until further notice. "

"What? Ally, please I need this job! Please! Why am I fired until further notice anyway?!" I couldn't believe what I had just heard.

"You know we have hot grease and dangerour eqquipment here."

"And?"

"Well, you've been pretty tense lately. We can't have you getting like that arpund this equipment. It's just that. NOthing else. You' have youe job back. I want you to call Dr. Doody. Here's your check." She handed me the check. I took the card and pay fro her.

"Thanks for your time." I said as I walked away. Great! Just great! Now, we really need to sell that stuff in the basement, or pawn it.

You know what? We'll do that! We'll get more money pawning it then we would selling it. I walked to my car and drove. When I got home, I picked up my guitar and played.

Kelsi's POV

Ugh. 6:25 AM. I hate when I wake up early. I walked downstairs. I saw Alex singing and playing again. He didn't see me. He started from the beginning. I love that song.

The road is pulling me into her open web

And for a moment I escape and I forget

The silhouettes behind the dust clouds call me friend

But even fools know here they’re far a few between

She is a maze of neon highways and desert plains

Of lonely creatures singing for the summer rain

And at the end of all your knees fall down to kneel

Yeah it’s something in you always yearns for someone real

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

She is my salvation in the dawn

But at night with lips of honey calls the devil’s horn

And I am a war of flesh and heart that’s left undone

Between the person that I was and have become

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

I need your love

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

Oh I need your love, I need your love,

I need you now, I need you

There’s no resting in my heart

He stopped singing and put his head in his hands and shook his head. He stood and looked at me.

"How lng have you been there?", he asked.

"You have amazing voice. What's wrong?"

"Sit. We need to talk."

"About what?"

"The worst news you'll get right now." I sat down. He was so serious. "I got my pay this morning."

"That's good, isn't it?" I was confused. WHat could be bad about magical green paper that helps put food on the table.

"That part is... I'm fired until further notice."

MY heart was destroyed into little tiny pieces. "What? Why?"

"Because apparently, I've been tense and I work with dangerous equipment. Of course Im tense. Who wouldn't be?" I sighed. "Don't worry. She said I'm not fired permenently, but she wants mme to call some doctor."

"Are you going to? Call the doc?" I scoffed.

"If I do that, I might s well go to child services and tell them our past. I'm gonna look for another job. Don't worry."

"I can look for anoter one."

"No, I need to look for another one. We don't have the time, money or food to wait until she calls, letting me work again and you babysit brats for God-knows-how long. When you come home, you need a break. We're gonna have to do the sale thing today."

"Yep. What are we selling?"

"Everything in the basement that we don't even use or need."

"I think the electricity bill came." I went outside and got the mail. Yep, there she is. The bill. I took the mil back inside. I pulled it out.

"How'd you know?"

"Because it didn't come yesterday when the water bill did." I opened it. "Well, that's not so bad. Only $50.00."

"Thank God. Why are you up so early anyway?"

"I don't know. I just woke up and heard you singing."

"Of course."

3: The new neighbor

The new neighbor

Chapter 3

Alex's POV

I woke upp with a headache. I don't remember what happened before I fell back to sleep, but I know Kelsi was around. I saw her reading in my chair, by my bed. "Hey, sleepy head." she smiled. I sat up and held my head.

"What happened?"

"When we both came back upstairs, you, like, passed out. I covered you up, but you were tired.", she laughed.

"What time is it?"

"9:59, almost 10:00."

"How long have you been there?"

"Since you pssed out. Headache?"

"Unfortunently." She got up and went to the bathroom and came back with 2 pills. She gave them to me and a glass of water.

"Take these and rest." I took the water and pills from her and took them. I laid down. It wasn't long before darkness came over me.

Kelsi's POV

45 minutes later, I went to the garage and brought all the stuff we were gonna pawn. There was alot. Too many un-used possesions. They don't need to take up space or collect dust. I put it on the floor in the kitchen. I sat down in a chair. I looked at the floor. I thought back on my past.

*Flashback*

I was by the cabinets, my back against them, with nowhere else to go. I was really close to crying and wetting my pants. He got in my face. Just as he was about the grab me...

"Daddy, stop!", Alex yelled. He turned around to face a very scared 6 year old, Alex.

"It was my fault! Not hers!" I shook my head. He went to him and picked him up. He punched him really hard in her stomach and threw him to the ground. Then, he stormed out of the house. I ran to my crying brother.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because you don't deserve that treatment!", he cried.

"Neither do you!" I cried.

*End of Flashback*

"You really don't Alex.", I said to myself. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around.

"You never did, either." Tears welled up in my eyes. I stood up. He hugged me. He rubbed my back, trying to make me feel better. He kissed my forehead. "Is that all the stuff we're pawing?"

"Yeah. Are you coming?"

"Yeah, but later, I have to go look for another job." I sighed.

"Ok."

Alex's POV

After we were done pawning everything in the boxes, I was out looking for a job. I hope I can find something. I know, I wasn't officially fired, but i don't have the time to wait. 1st up was, Hardy's, then, to Woodwill, then the Bestservice bank. The last place I went was to Hyvee.

I have an interview for that tommarow. I was happy about that, but I was worried about Kelsi trying to get another job. She needs to rest. She watches brats for hours. She has a ton of patience.

I could never do that. With all the stress, I have now, I'd probablby kill 'em and I don't look good inn Orange and Kelsi needs help with everyone around here. I drove back home and saw Kelsi, playing her favorite song by Survivor, Eye of the tiger. It came from the living room. She didn't see me. I clapped loudly, trying to scare her and I did. She jumped.

"Alex! Scared the crap out of me!"

"Always a pleasure, sis."

"Anything?"

"I have n interview for Hyvee tommarow. That's pretty much it.

"That's wonderful. It's better than nothing."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

"Are you fallng behind or anything bad t school?"

"No, I mean my grades aren't like straight A's oor anything, but no D's or F's. That's pretty good! Why?"

"Because we got a letter from our school, wanting to talk to someone about your stress."

"Well, yeah, I've been stressed, but that's because of...well.... Everything!"

"I can understand, but what are we gonna do. If someone doesn't go and talk, they'll send someone over to investigate."

"We've been so lucky. We're close... Maybe we can hire someone to go for us?"

"By tonight?"

"Tonight?!" She nodded.

"I don't think that's possible. To hire someone and get them ready by tonight."

"What about the neighbor next door? Mr. Garica?"

"Are you kidding? If he goes with you, they'll really take us away?"

"You think if we just avoid it, they'll really end some investigaters over?"

"It's a possiblity. 90-100% chance they will."

"What will we do?"

"I don't know. We need to find something out. They'll take us both and seperate us!"

"We can't let that happen."

"We won't." I heard a truck outside. I went outside. Kelsi followed me.

Kelsi's POV

I saw a pretty girl at least, lie 21 years of age, come out of the truck and watched as the guys put stuff away. Alex went back inside. I ran to greet her. "Hi, are you moving in?"

"Yeah, My name's Keli."

"Hello, my name's Kelis."

"Oh, my gosh! Our names are s closely connected."

"Yeah, I know." I knew who she was. This is my sister, who got taken away.

"That's awesome. Who was that kid who went back inside?"

"My older brothwe. We live right next door."

"Just the 2 of you?"

"Where are your parents?"

"Somewhere else. I'm 20, he's 22."

"Oh, it's just, you both look so young, as if you were 16. He looks 17."

"He isn't. I know, we both look young, but we're older than we look."

"Ok."

"Well, we should totally hang out sometime. You wanna come and meet my brother?"

"Sure!"I led her to our house and to the kitchen, were Alex was.

"Hey, Alex, this is our new neighbor, Keli.", I said, winking.

"A-Hey, Keli, Nice to meet you."

"She moved next door."

"Cool. Welcome to the neighborhood."

"Thank you."

"Would you like to stay over for dinner tonight?"

"I don't wanna be a bother."

"Oh, it's no bother at all!', I chirped, happily. She smiled.

Normal POV

After Keli went home, Alex and Kelsi were both ready for bed. We're were siting on my bed.

"Does she know she's our sister?"

"I hope not."

"Me too."

"Get some sleep.", Alex said as he kissed her forehead.

"You really need it. You have an interview tommarow. What time is it?"

"10:00 AM."

"Ok. Get to bed too." Alex laughed.

"Ok, I will." Alex laughed as he got up and shut her light off. He shut the door on her way out. She went right to sleep. Alex didn't stay up late either. He went right to sleep after he washed the dishes they used.

4: Sick

Sick

Chapter 4

Alex's POV

I was up and ready to go to my interview. I was getting ready to leave. I had to leave early. If I;m late, they might not give me the job. It's 9:30 AM. I decided to go and check on Kelsi before I leave. I went to her bedroom. She was still asleep. I smiled as I went in and sat on her bed. I gently shook her. She moaned and turned over.

"What's up?"

"I'm leaving for my interview. I'll be back soon."

"Ok." She rolled over and went back to sleep. I smiled as I left. I locked the door and went to Hy-vee.

When I got there, I saw a woman in a black dress with black shoes. She looed professional. SHe smiled at me. “Hello? Alex Hart?”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

“Very pleasant to meet you.”

“You too, Ma'am.”

“Ma'am.? How very respectful.”

“Thanks, my mother took it seriously before she past and my sister is constantly on my back about it.” The lady laughed.

“Well, that's different. My name is Angelina.”

“Nice to meet you. I'm here to apply for a job.”

“I know. Let's get started.”

Kelsi's POV

Oh, my God! My stomach is killing me. I was sitting in the kitchen trying to eat, but my stomach was still hurting really bad. Ugh. I feel like I wanna scream. I'm very impatient when my stomach is hurting. I heard a door handle rattle. Alex is home. He came in and I heard him go upstairs.

“I'm in the kitchen!”, I yelled throughtout the house. He ran downstairs and saw me sitting here. “How was the interview?”

“I got the job. I start tommarow.”

“That's great.”, I was able to choke out. He sent me a concern.
“Are you ok?” Uh-oh. Alex's asking me the number one question I hate...

“Yeah, I'm fine.”, I said as I stood up and put my food in the frige.

“Ok, if you're sure.”

Later in the day, I was sitting with Alex. We were doing homework. My stomach is trying to kill me. I felt something... I stood up and ran to the bathroom.

Alex's POV

I was confused until I heard Kelsi vomiting. I ran to the bathroom and saw her holding her stomach in pain as she continued. I put her hair back behind her and rubbed her back. When she was done, she flushed the tiolet. She tried to stand, but was wobbly. I picked her up, bridal style and ran her to her bed. I felt her forehead. No fever! Thank God! When she's running a fever, the world better stop! Adrenaline rushed through me; I could barely breathe. She looked at me scared. Things got fuzzy and then dark.

Kelsi's POV

I got up and ran to Alex, I took him to his bed. I frantically searched for a pulse and some heartbeats, they were both really small. I sent Keli a text, telling her to come over and help me. I heard running a few minutes later. She brought some supplies over. She put an air mask over his face and squeezed the bag. I fell backwards and held my stomach.

“Kelsi, are you ok?”

“Yeah, my stomach's been hurting all day.” She helped me to my bed as things got dark.

When I woke up, the first thing I saw when I turned to my side was a note. I sat up and read it. It was from Keli.

“Kelsi, You passed out on me. After, I took you to your bed. Then, I had to go and make sure Alex was ok. He's breathing normally now. Be sure to tell me what happened to make him hypervenalate wehn you feel better. I somehow managed to get some medicine for upset tummies in your stomach, so you should wake up, feeling better. Call me when you wake up.

Keli.”

I smiled. I was definitely feeling better. I stood up and walked to Alex's room. He was sweating as he slept. I got a warm washcloth and wrung out the water. I got the sweat from Alex's face. He started stiring. He looked at me. I smied. He jumped up.

“What are you doing up? You should be in bed!”, he sid, worried, sick. I sighed and laughed.

“Nice to see you're feeling better.”

“I was never sick, just K.O.”

“Keli came and helped me with you. You were hypervenalating. I passed out while she was still here. She left after caring for us.”

“I was hypervenalating?”

“Yeah! I was so scared and my stomach, I just gave out.”

“How long were we out?”

“Since 11AM. It's about 6. Time to get dinner started.” I left the room and went into the kitchen. I got a pot and boiled water. I put my head in my hands and suddenly felt someone hold me, comforting me. I started crying.

“I was so scared of losing you too breathing problems.” I cried. “I can't win this battle alone.”

“You'll never be alone and you didn't lose me.”

“But I was afraid and still am scared of losing you.”

“Shh... It's ok. Calm down.” He said, comforting.

Alex's POV

Kelsi cried herself to sleep on the couch. I gently got up to g and cook dinner. I let her rest. When she woke up, I was watching t.v. I looked at her and smiled.

“Hey, sleepy head.”

“I cried myself to sleep again, didn't I?”

“Yeppers.” She sighed. “Hungry?”

“Starved.”

“I finished the noodles.”

“Ok.”

She made her plate and ate silently...

5: Hayley

Hayley

Chapter 5

Normal POV

"Miss Hayley?"

"Yes?"

"Since you have tons of experience, I need you to go to the heart residents. The parents of Alex Heart were supposed to go up to his school, but never did and he seems really stressed and tense. Talk to him, see what kind of home life he has."

"Did they ever call?"

"No."

"Email? Note."

"Nope, just avoided the meeting."

"That's horrible. I'll get to the bottom of it, right away, sir!"

"Excellent!"

Hayley's POV

When I got to the Heart home, I sighed as I got out of the car. THe house was beautiful from the outside. I knocked on the door. I heard walking. A handsome young man, about 16 opened the door.

"Yes?"

"Hi my name is Hayley Marie. I'm from the social security factory. You're Alex Heart, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm here to check on how your family life is... Your parents never attended a meeting at your school to talk about you."

"What's there to talk about? I didn't do anything." I laughed. He was serious, but I find it hilarious when people say that.

"Ok, first off, you're not in trouble. Second of all, haven't you ever heard of social security, child services? Anything like that?"

"Child services."

"Ok, what we do is check files and try our hardest to make sure everything is in order and children are ok. Child abuse has gotton worse in this state."

"I know. Would you like to come in. It's kinda chilly."

"Thank you."

"Of course." I followed him into the kitchen. He offered a seat. I sat down. "So, who picked my name?"

"We were just scrolling and it seems the last time we've visited you was 14 years ago and I wasn't working then."

"Good eye.", he commented.

"Thank you. You're almost an adult, aren't you."

"Yep, just turn 17.

"Awesome."

"Thanks."

"So, where are you parents?"

"Uh...working."

"Ahh... where do they work?"

"My dad works at Walmart and my mom works at CircleK."

"Ahh... CircleK. I love that Gas station."

"Yep, my favorite. I laughed, but then stopped as I spotted a bruise on Alex's neck.

"Oh, my goodness. What happened?"

"My sister and I are really clumsy."

"Really? I used to be clumsy too." I was trying to make him think I believe him, but I know I'm sure know exactly how he got that bruise. "Well, I'll get out of your hair."

"Alrighty. I gotta get ready for work."

"Ok, have a great day."

"You too, ma'am."

"If we happen to see each other again, call me Hayley."

"Ok, Hayley." He walked me to the door and closed it after me.

Kelsi's POV

"Kelsi! Wake up!" Alex was shaking me like an earth quake. I darted up.

"What?"

"Child services and Social security are on our backs!" he said, frantic. I got out of bed and ran to the bathroom down the hall and threw water in my face and ran back to my room and got some clothes out of my closet and ran into the bathroom. From there I sent Alex a yell.

"Keep going!"

"This nice lady, about in her 20 or something, Hayley, I think, she asked questions about why mom and dad never attended that meeting to talk about me. She asked about bruises on my neck. I had to lie and say we're both clumsy."

"It's not a lie if it's true, big brother!"

"You've had 5 accidents and 3 of them was dad's fault!"

"Not true!"

"We can debate about this, but I've got to eat to school and then work!"

"Have a good day! We'll debate later!"

"Bye!", he said as he ran down the stairs. I ran to my room and threw my clothes in the hamper and ran downstairs to get my stuff and I headed for school.

When I got there, class was loud. My teacher got out the ruler and hit the bells with it. That did the trick! A blonde lady came in with the principle.

"Kelsi Heart?" I stood up and followed her into the hall.

"Miss Marie, I'll give you 2 some privacy.", the principle said as he walked away.

"Hi, my name is Hayley Marie. I talked to your brother, Alex Heart earlier. How is your home life?"

"Uh, fine?"

"Really?"

"Yes.", I laughed. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I noticed some bruises earlier on your brother's neck. He tried to lie, but I needed to know for sure."

"Accident prone. Poor man."

"So, your homelife is ok?"

"Yeah, it's great."

"Oh, yeah, who do you live with?" Crap! Panic Time!

"My daddy!" I can't believe I just said that! My dad! The man who hurt his son and me in the worse way possible!

"I'd like to meet him. Is he home right now?" My eyes widened.

"I don't think. He was talking about a bussiness trip today or tommarow."

"We'll call the house phone and see if he's around to speak to him, but it's important we speak to him."

"Ok."

Alex's POV

After school, I went to work. I made it 4 minutes before I was supposed to be there. I got my time card in early and got to work. I got a text from Kelsi when my shift was about over.

"That girl, Hayley you told me about this morning, she showed up at school and asked me questions about our homelife and I kinda told her we live with our dad... and she expects to meet him!!! OMG!!! I think I'm gonna lose it!"

"Calm down! Don't panic. We'll think of something. I'll be home soon!" She never replied back.

It was finally time for me to go. I had to hurry up and get home to Kelsi. I rushed to my car and drove home. When I got there, I saw... MY dad! Talking to Hayley. He and Hayley waved at me. Kelsi was standing in her bedroom, looking out her window. She looked terrified. I waved at dad and Hayley.

6: More pain

More pain

Chapter 6

Alex's POV

Kelsi and I stayed in silent mode. That chick kept asking if we were ok. We just nodded. We never said a word. My dad just looked at us, weird, liek he actually cared. I don't know!

All I know is, it's 10:00 on a Wednesday night and I'm going to bed and I'm locking my door. I bet sis is too. We eyed each other and walked upstairs. I changed into my pajamas and met Kelsi in her room. She burst into tears. I hugged her, trying to comfort her. She soon cried herself to sleep. She does that a lot!

Hayley's POV

My mom came into my room. SHe sat on my bed. Yes, I still live with my mom. After all, I am 15. Yes, 15 and working with SOcial sececurity. My uncle works there and got me a job to go as a 20 something year old to check on children.

"I'm sorry, I had to work late. My brother told me you were trying to find out about your cousins Alex and Kelsi."

"They were picked in the files."

"I know. I haven't heard from them in a while, and I knew about Jerry's violent behavior and was afraid. He could've killed them."

"Well, he didn't. I saw Alex and Kelsi. I saw bruises around Alex's neck. He tried to lie, but wasn't very sucessful."

"He doesn't want to be taken."

"Neither does Kelsi, because she stuck up for Alex's lie and I saw Jerry."

"Ok."

Kelsi's POV

The night was really quiet... I wonder what my dad's up to...

Normal POV

Alex walked up to Jerry as he was eating. Jerry looked at him. "If you're hungry, your 15, I'm sure you can manage."

"One... I'm 17..."

"Even better!!!"

"Two, why do you leave after all these years and then suddenly decide to come back? And you're actually gonna let me eat?" He eyed me, evily. "You know what? Just- nevermind." He walked away, slowly. "God, Might as well have been talking to a wall.", he mumbled. Alex heard Jerry mutter something.

"Whatever, dumb kid." Jerry wasn't gonna blow up what he was going to do later...

Kelsi was about to leave for the park, which leaves Alex, Jerry and Rena all alone. Alex was about to go outside for some fresh air, until something got him in the chest.

He collapsed right in front of the door. The shooter ran out the back door. Alex held his chest, which started bleeding. Keli ran into the house hit Alex with the door. She helped Jayden up and to her car. Alex started to lose consciousness.

"Alex! Stay strong!"

She finally got to the hospital. She ran up to get someone to help. 4 doctors ran a gurney outside as Keli called Kelsi. They placed Alex on the gurney and ran him into a room and began working on him immediatedly.

"Miss, what happened?"

"I heard a gun shot and went to check on him and he was lying on the floor. He's my neighbor."

"Thanks for the info, miss...

"Keli Heart."

Kelsi's POV

I saw I had a missed call, ahh, might be Alex, I'll call--

"What the heck?!", I yelled as I ran up to my house. A police man stopeped me. "I live here."

"Kelsi Heart?"

"Yeah! WHat's going on?"

"Your brother, Alex?"

"Yeah..."

"He's been in his chest. He's at the hospital. We're checking the house." I went into psycho mode. I ran to my car and drove off. Didn't even put on my seat belt on. I hope Alex is ok!

Normal POV

By the time, Kelsi got there, Alex was really close to seeing his mom again. Keli and Kelsi were crying so hard, everyone stared at them as if they'd lost him.

10 minutes later, everyone was silent. A doctor came up to Keli and Kelsi. They stood up and were prepared to crying again... harder.

"He'll be ok. He just needs some rest."

"Can we see him?"

"Of course." They both ran to his room. They saw him playing with his ipod. He looked at them. They approached him and sat next to him.

"Hi, sis, hey, Kel."

"What happened?', Kelsi asked, nerly crying..

"Kels, relax..."

"I can't! I almost lost you!"

"Guys, the doctor told me something and I need to know... am I your sister?" Kelsi and Alex's eyed widened. They knew there was no hiding it now.

"Yes... when you moved next to us, we thought telling you would get on our tails.", Alex explained.

"But Hayley..."

"Is our cousin."

"What?"

"Her mom's our mom's sister."

"Great."

"I just found out last night. She called me. She's 15."

"She looks about 20, though."

"So...?", Kelsi pushed Alex.

"So... What?"

"What happened?"

"I... got shot..."

"Oh, God..."

"Kelsi, please."

"Dad was the only one there..."

"It's not that big of a deal..."

"Alex, you're too forgiving... You can't let him get away with this.", Keli said, gently. Hayley and her mom knocked on the door.

"Ale, Keli, Kelsi?"

"Yeah?"

"We need to talk..."

7: A better life

A better life

Need your love

Chapter 7;A better life:

Normal POV

"About?", Keli asked.

"Why haven't you told Child services about your real homelife, Alex and Kelsi?", Sarah asked. Alex and Kelsi got so quiet, Keli started to think they were losing oxygen.

"You 2 are breathing, right?", she asked. They hesitated, but nodded.

"I need to know."

"We couldn't risk being separated and we're so close to adulthood, we thought we could make it."

"Alex, every child needs a mother and a father in their lives."

"So our dad left, we can take care of our selves.", Kelsi argued.

"He abused your mother and you. He killed your mother and you never told anyone. He continued to starve you 2 and then one day, he left."

"Exactly! He left, which gives us the opportunity to do what we had to do to eat."

"Come on, you both know, you'v been living in torment and fear." Kelsi sighed.

"She's right..." Alex sighed and nodded.

"He's ben arrested."

"So, we're back to being on our own, I guess." Sarah shook her head no.

"No niece or nehew of mine is going to suffer alone in a house. I can make some arrangement with Child services, but you're both gonna be hospitalized for a few days."

There was complete silence.

Kelsi's POV
Day 1 of being hospitalized. I was placed in a hospital room. The doctors want to make sure I get plenty of food and water. I'll get to leave in 2 days, I think, I hope... I looked at my visible bruises an welts. I sighed.

Alex's POV

Kelsi and I were back out of the hospital. We were at Aunt Sarah's home. We were just sitting in the living room with Hayley. It was pretty awkward. We wee just staring at each other. Sarah came downstairs.

"Ok, Alex, Kelsi, I'll show where your rooms are. Follow me." We both silently got up and followed her. She showed us where to sleep. She had extra rooms for us to sleep in. We stayed in our rooms, at least, I think Kelsi did. All I know, is I crashed, before lunch was even thought of.

Kelsi woke me up. I knew I had to get up. Kelsi takes lunch too serious, but I don't blame her. If you don't eat whenever you're supposed to, you get a long lecture about it that reall puts you to sleep.

No thank you! I'm good! I got up and rubbed my eyes. She pulled me downstairs. I didn't questions how my dresser and stuff got here, without me waking up. Sarah and Hayley smiled at us.

"Hey, sleepy head...", Sarah said.

"How long was I out?"

"You've been here since 6:30 AM, when I showed you where your room is and It's 12:30 now, so...?"

"Ugh... I hate Math. Umm... I guess, 5 and half hours...?"

"6 hours."

"I was close."

"I heard Math's your worst subject in school."

"I'm just really stupid."

"No, you're not. If you were stupid, we could've survived for this long."

"From whatI heard from your teachers, you're a very smart kid, just really confused in Math, but I heard you're really good in Engish."
"I suck at English."

"Hayley's good at English, Math, Science, she just hate working in P.e."

"P.e. teacher try to kill you on porpose."

"Thank you!", I said.

"It's called 'Work', Hayles. Alex, I'm sure you know plenty about that.", Sarah, said.

"Unfortunetly."

"But I talked to your teachers, and your work managers about that..."

"And?"

"You 2 are pretty serious about keeping this a secret."

"We couldn't risk being separated and we're so close to being adults."

"I understand, but still... you should've told someone."

"We know...", Kelsi said, putting her head down.

"So, next time anyone hurts you, what will you 2 do?"

"Tell someone."

"Even if you're over 18 and legally an adult, like, Kelsi, for example, If you happen get married, which, I'm positive you will, if your husband ever abuses you, you call the police and they'll take it from their. If he's abusing your child, you stop it by calling the police."

"She won't have to, because if anyone ever hurts you like that, I'll kill them."

"And go to prison?"

"I have no problem with that. As long as Kelsi's taken care of, it's all good. I'l go to a psycho hospital, if I have to."

"You're too over-protective."

"I have to be."

"Well, I guess you should eat. Hungry?"

"Kinda, nmot really, but after everything we've been through, and I don't eat now and at dinner, Kels is gonna make dad look like the nicest man in America. When she tells me to eat, I eat, even If I'm full. She's kinda Cray Cray."

"Dang, she must be pretty mean when you don't eat if she makes your father look like the nicest man in America.", Hayley laughed.

"Tell me about it! But she means well and has a ton of crazyness and love, so I eat when she says to."

"So, I'm too... Cray Cray about it?"

"Yes, but I love you for it, little sister."

"You're both Crazy."

"Yolo!"

"Ugh! You too, huh?", Sarah asked.

"No, I just to get on Kelsi's nerves."

"Not when I'm angry at my teachers or job.

"No, because If I'm going to do that, why not park on a train track. It'll be more mercyfull."

"Meanie."

"Dad's fault."

"No, if it was his fault, you'd be abusive, but you're kind-hearted."

"Ok, troubled siblings, sit down nd eat.", Hayley laughed. We rolled our eyes and sat down. Sarah placed plates in front of us.

"Thank you.", Kelsi said, politely.

"Thanks.", I said.

"You're welcome.", she said, smiling. We ate, happily. I felt nothing could ruin this!!!

8: Dreaming of you

Dreaming of you

Chapter 8;Dreaming of you:

Jerry's POV

"And that's why I'm in here..."

"Dude, I hate kids. They complicate everything."

"Tell me about it."

I was talking to my fellow prisoners. At least they know something about young brats. I hope Alex enjoys life while it lasts, because when I get out of here... he's not gonna know the meaning of sunlight. He never see it again!

Normal POV

*a year later...*

5 AM

Jerry had broken out of prison

Alex's POV

I woke up and looked my calender. I saw it was May, 23rd. I sighed and thought back on that horrible day.

I hugged Kelsi in her bedroom as I heard yelling glass smashing. I heard my dad yelling my name.

"Alex, go to your room!", he roared.

"No, Alex, baby, stay with your sister! Mommy has to talk to daddy!", she cried.

I heard more glass smashing. Kelsi was bawling now. I heard mom crying as dad kicked her in her stomach multiple times. Kelsi and I peeked out of her bedroom, he saw them, he stabbed her in her neck and chest.

Blood splattered!

"Don't hurt my kids! They didn't do--"

She never finished the sentence. I remember her final words. I got ready for the day at school. Last day of my senior year...

I walked downstairs, holding in, a lot of tears that needed to be released. I went downstairs and saw Kelsi picking at her food. I sat next to her and patted her back. She started crying. Sarah kissed my head as tears fell down my cheeks also.

"Can you 2 handle school today?"

"It's the last day...", kelsi said.

"But you guys are crying."

"We can handle it.", I said.

"If you're sure."

"We are."

Kelsi's POV

Whoa! It's the day of my mother's birthday and some maniac is trying to shoot down the school in the boys' restroom. Everyone's outside. We heard one final shot and complete silence, from the school. A man ran away but I couldn't see who it was. We were led back inside. This day can't get any worse.

Normal POV

Alex struggled to continue running. He opened the door into the nurses' offices. He ran to her desk and collapsed right in front of the desk. The nurse jumped up. THe priciple walked in and sw Alex and the nurse.

"Call 911! I'm guess he got shot!" The prinicple immediately called 911, for police and an ambulance.

Minutes later, they showed up. Alex was holding his mother's necklace in his hand, holding it against his chest, which was bleeding. It's amazing he's still alive. They got him on a gurney and pushed it into the vechile and was taken to the hospital.

Kelsi's POV

I was taken to the hospital for Alex. He was shot... again... DAD!!! WHY?! I was in the doorway. I was able to watch them try to save Alex. THe machine was beeping. Beeeeeeeeeeeep!!! He dropped mom's necklace. I gasped. They looked at me.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, miss" I broke down crying. Keli rubbed my back and helped me up.

"I-Is he ok?"

"He's no longer suffering. He's with mom now." She gasped and held me as she cried.

Normal POV

Sarah took them home. They had to go back to school later, that night. The principle prepared a speech about Alex. He wanted everyone to know how hard he's worked to help me.

"It was tragedy to see this young man leave us. He's worked so hard to help his young sister survive. He didn't deserve this. His dying wish is that his sister is taken care of. He has always put her need before his own. His sisters came tonight to sing a song. His youngest sister would like to sing something that reminds her of him."

Kelsi went up to the stage.

"Hi, My name is Kelsi. Alex was the best brother a girl could ever ask for. This is a song that reminds me of him. I begun.

The road is pulling me into her open web

And for a moment I escape and I forget

The silhouettes behind the dust clouds call me friend

But even fools know here theyre far a few between

She is a maze of neon highways and desert plains

Of lonely creatures singing for the summer rain

And at the end of all your knees fall down to kneel

Yeah its something in you always yearns for someone real