Divine Discords

Divine Discords

Morality is of the highest importance- but for us, not god.
Albert Einstein

Prologue

“Thank you for all coming. This dangerous matter has come to my attention and I can not go on with out the matter being addressed. For we all know what is at stake here.” The golden angel spoke with deep concern. His face was lined with stress casting off a dim glow that most Seraphim possessed. His flowing white robe spilled around his flawless body as he took a seat at the head of the stone table where five other angels, two Seraphim’s and three Cherubim, were seated.
“We already know what is at stake here, my dear Winston. What we don't know is why you have called upon us when our great lord is already trying to solve the issue at hand.” Alastria spoke in a voice as smooth as silk. She brushed away her brown ringlets of hair as they fell into her impeccable face.
“I think we all know our lord is busy with... other affairs. This problem is not on his list of top priorities. As we wait for the issue to be resolved, it is only getting worse. We don't have time for Him to decide when to fix it. We must.”
“How do you suppose we do that? He won't be very happy when he figures out we are taking action without his knowledge.” Ezra asserted, narrowing his blue eyes. He pinched his face into an nonhuman expression filled with annoyance. The angel sitting next to him, Collette, nodded in agreement.
“Would you rather see the human race die? A race I remind you that we have watched over and cared for for centuries.” said Winston.
“We can't just give up on them...” Alastria added.
“Yes, but what can we do?” Collette questioned. She really did want to save the mortals, but there wasn't a simple solution to this problem. She had spent many days thinking of possibilities that might save them. Possibilities that were... impossible. There was only so much stress she could take, even as an angel. Her glow had faded over the past few days as she pondered the idea of the race being destroyed by demons. Demons that killed mortal's bodies and then prayed on their helpless souls before they could make the journey to heaven. She shuddered just thinking about the creatures.
“We can't let him win.” Victoria, a Seraphim, chimed in. She was the eldest angel seated at the table. Over the hundreds of years Victoria had become fond of the mortals. She felt sympathy for them and even envied their short but lovely lives. Her fading sharp features gave the others an understanding of her concern. Her brother, Terence, regarded her with respect and comforted her with the touch of his hand. She smiled at him as a gesture of thanks.
“Victoria is right. Lucifer has been toying with humans since the beginning of their existence. He is not just scaring them with nightmares anymore, he is destroying them. It is not fair to create the beings and then leave them on earth to die in the hands of our greatest enemy.” Terence said hoping this would soften up the others. There was no question that all angels hated Satan and letting him destroy their greatest success really would be a tragedy.
“Then we need ideas, suggestions.” Winston urged the others to think of solutions. A silence pasted before anyone said anything. Ezra placed his hand under his chin in a thinking position and lost himself in thought. He was usually quick with ideas, always the first one to come up the solution that saved the day. Alastria closed her glassy eyes in concentration. What could possibly save them? The humans weren't prepared to fight demons. Their guns and machines were useless against the deadly creatures. The thought that they were all going to die before they even knew what was killing them saddened her.
“There doesn't seem to be a lot of options here. Unless anyone can think of a better idea, I think we may have to wage war against Lucifer.” Terrence couldn't think of any other alternative. Collette's eyes grew in shock.
“No, no. There has to be another way. A war against heaven and hell is something he would want. We can not distract ourselves with battles and warfare. More mortals will die by the day. We can not win a war just to have what we were fighting for die in the process” Ezra shot down the idea. A flutter of ease blossomed into Collette's stomach. War was such an ugly thing and she wished not to see any more death then she had already witnessed with the humans.
“What other alternative is there?” Terence asked. Victoria rubbed her temples, her heart aching for a solution. Running his long fingers through his curling bronze hair, Winston searched through his heart and mind for more options. His optimism declined with every passing minute.
“What if we have the Virtues create weapons that can kill the demons?” Winston suggested. Everyone stared at him for a slight moment. The idea wasn't crazy, but it wasn't great either.
“Yes, and then we can send them down to earth for the humans to use. I'm sure the Archangels will have no problem getting them to earth.” Alastria clasped her hands together sending an echo through the small room.
“No. That would take too long. The Virtues could create the weapon, I have no doubt in them. But the humans do not adapt like we do. It would take too long for the weapon to spread and even longer for them to learn how to use it.” Victoria raised her head as she finished speaking.
“Victoria, this is the only-” Winston began.
“No, it isn't.” Something shined in the back of her wise eyes. She continued. “I think we often forget that our hierarchy contains more then just denominators and messengers, leaders and miracle workers. We possess warriors of heaven, great fighters who have already killed many demons.”
“The Powers!” Collette caught on.
“Yes the Powers. They already have weapons to hunt and destroy demons. We will have the Virtues wield the weapons into human like structures and as Winston said, we will send the weapons to earth. Only the Powers will wield and fight with them.” Victoria smiled, pleased with her plan.
“The Powers will protect the humans long enough for our lord to think about the problem.” Alastria commented, sure this would work. She didn't let the doubt she had in God show in her voice. It troubled her to have this uncertainty sitting deep inside her. She couldn't help it though, not when god's own children were suffering at the hands of Lucifer and he was doing nothing to help them.
“We can not send all of them to earth though. We still need a few to guard heaven's gate's, and protection is still needed here for God. We do not want to be left without our greatest defenses and offenses.” Ezra said.
“Then we send half of them to earth and half stay here. They'll rotate going from heaven to earth.” Winston stated, not letting anyone ruin the only good idea that they had. A wave of relief passed through the quiet room. Collette thanked Victoria silently for thinking of the idea. She would find the angel later to tell her how she had just saved the mortals. A new appreciation for the elder found it's way into her heart.
“My lovelies, I think we have found a solution.” Alastria leaned back, a true smile shining on her face. Light returned to most the angels as their worried minds started to ease. All accept one.
“Don't be mistaken. It is not a solution...” Ezra warned. “But a temporary alternative. The humans are still at risk, some still will die. Lets just hope our Lord figures out something before the delicate humans truly are destroyed.”


Chapter One

Kayden Rionye wiped the blood from his newly split lip, throwing another punch at his opponent. The car creaked as he flew onto the hood of his own car. Kayden loved throwing the first blow, he loved the adrenaline that rushed through his veins after the man had hit him back. The satisfactory of starting his little game.
Their shadows crept up the walls of the dark moonlit alley. Kayden's tall, lean build and the other man's pudgy, hunched over figure stretched out on the brick walls between the two structures. The little town of Daughtri was quiet at this time of morning, all the families were sleeping safe and sound in their perfect homes with not a worry in the world. With the exception of the two fighting in the ally, the town was enveloped in serenity.
The best part of this brawl was Kayden didn’t even know his name. All he knew was that he had insulted him and Kayden had had a bad day. Grabbing the man’s collar with both hands, Kayden dug his knee into the middle of his stomach so hard he heard a sickening crack. He didn’t even think twice about it. There was 206 bones in the human body, breaking one wasn't going to kill the guy. Or was it even a bone he heard crack? Kayden shook it off, refocusing on the situation. He wanted this man to know that when you mess with a Rionye brother, it doesn’t end well. Breathing heavily, Kayden eyed the stranger. The man scowled at him through the darkness. Rolling his head from one side to the other, Kayden dug into his jean pocket and checked his phone: 5 AM. The night was gone, morning taking it’s place. He wasted another night fighting with people who might of deserved it, but not from Kayden. It wasn't like he could stay in his own house considering the fight his older, wiser brother Alaric had picked with him. Alaric complained he wasn’t around enough and was wasting his life. Like Kayden didn't already know how short life was.
The night faded softly into the sky, sunset just showing through the horizon. Kayden leaned his head back gazing at the transparent, disappearing moon. He wondered if any of his sibling were up yet, if they had noticed if he was gone. Well of course they had noticed. His departure wasn't unusual, but without Kayden in the house it just seemed empty.
A car speed past the ally way in the opposite direction. He didn’t even notice the roaring engine as it pasted. The town would soon be waking for another day. He couldn't risk being caught for beating this man. Kayden just had to make sure he knew what would happen if he told anyone and then he would be on his way home. Sure, technically he had just committed a crime or two. But no lawyer, no charges could get past the family name, let alone the family's money.
“Now I don’t know who your are, but I’m guessing from this experience you know who I am. I would keep your damn mouth shut next time so you don’t humiliate yourself like you’ve made the mistake of doing tonight.” That sounded a little more cliche then threatening, Kayden thought. Nodding, the man remained slouched at the hood of his car. Blood soaked the collar of his blue button down shirt that was twisted to the side of the mans body. Pulling out his lighter, Kayden lit a cigarette. The air stood still around him. One last time he looked down at his victim feeling no remorse. He exhaled the smoke and breathed it right back in, twirling the cigarette between his fingers.
Kayden always wondered why he smoked. He didn’t even like it. He could stop at any time so it wasn’t an addiction. The little weapon only calmed his nerves when they needed to be calmed. It was a temporary antidote to take away his frustration for a short amount of time.
“You're a Rionye aren’t you?” said the man who was now attempting to stand up.
“You figured it out.” Kayden mumbled breathing in the remains of his cigarette. He took out the lighter from his jean pocket and made a game of lighting it and then blowing its fire out.
“You're a coward Mr. Rionye.”
“How so?” Kayden smiled, flicking the butt to the ground and crushing it under his heel.
“You and your family, all of you are. You hide behind your money, bail yourself out of any trouble you get into. I mean look at yourself! You just beat a man half to death and then you just expected to walk away. This is just another night to you. If I pressed charges you would get the best lawyer in the world and sue me for some bullshit just because you can. Hiding behind mommy and daddy’s money, you're all cowards.” Kayden stopped playing with the lighter, stepping closer to the man. The street light flickered above them attracting insects all around. They buzzed around the light like it was the last light they would ever see. Sighing with disgust, the man leaned against the car for support.
“I would watch what you say. I could kill you right now if I wanted.” He threatened although he didn't think he could actually kill a man. Even a man who threatened to spark the feelings Kayden feared so much to feel.
“Oh I know you could.” He said casually brushing off the threat. “Do it.”
“Kill you? That’s very intriguing, but I don't like to be told what to do.” The man scoffed clearly annoyed.
“So now that we've established that your not going to kill me, do you know who am I Rioyne?” Kayden cocked his head to the side in wonder. He didn't really care who he was, but something was familiar about him.
“Are we gonna play a guessing game or are you going to tell me?”
“You really don't know me do you?”
“Yes, I think we've established this.” His patience was running low.
“Your sister, Leighton and I, we used to hook up.”
“How do you know her...?” Kayden studied the man and analyzed his words. There was something about his crooked nose and irritating voice.
“She was a stupid girl, always was.” Kayden lunged forward connecting his fist with the mans face. He hit him so hard his knuckles ached. He didn't care who you were, no matter who this kid was, no one said that about Leighton, his older sister who cared for him and his brothers. Shaking with laughter and pain, the man fell to the ground once more. Kayden dissected all his memories searching for any sign that he knew him. The man, sobering up now, slurred his words in a way he had heard before. In his younger years. His brown hair just covered his eyebrows, bringing out his high cheek bones and pudgy cheeks. His hands were bleeding, just showing the clammy skin hiding behind the blood. There was something about those hands that he remembered. The slender fingers, the scar trailing from his thumb to his index finger...
And then it hit him. He weaved through the memories. Seth Dimanche. That's why he had mentioned Leighton. Kayden's sister used to like this boy, they dated on and off. Both Seth and Leighton were seniors, Kayden only in seventh grade. Even as a thirteen year old boy he understood what Seth was doing. Seth used Leighton as a side girl, and as his own little punching bag. The bruises started turning up on her arms, her neck and the week after graduation, Seth moved to Nevada knowing he was dead to the people in Daughtri. Kayden hadn’t seen him in six years. His shaggy hair now was blonde, and a beard covered a good part of his chin. Somehow Seth had aged ten years in the past six. He put on a lot of weight, lost all the muscle he once had. He was a mess.
“Seth.” Kayden whispered more to himself then to his victim. He lit his lighter again, not blowing it out.
“Good job Rionye. You must be the Braydon one, annoying little...”
“Actually, I’m the Kayden one.” Kayden corrected. Seth laughed.
“Irritating bitch, you were.”
“Funny thing is, Seth, I’m older now. Its me and you, not some poor teenage girl you can take advantage of. And guess what? I’m not the weaker one this time.” Kayden looked at the fire ignited from his lighter and then at the open window of the car. Without much thinking, he walked casually to the passengers seat which was worn out with stains and holes. He leaned into the window, holding the lighter against the flammable fabric of the seats. It didn't catch easily, but eventually the flames started up. He glanced to the back of the car and to his delight found a half gallon of gas in back seat. He doused the seats with gasoline leaving the container to be burnt with the car. Within seconds the car began to burn. Spinning around on his heels, Kayden walked in the direction of his car. This was his payback for hurting Leighton, for calling his family cowards and bringing up his parents. The one memory he couldn't drink away. One big difference between Kayden and Seth was Seth didn’t actually have the guts to do what Kayden just did six years ago. Another big difference was Seth cared if Leighton lived or died when he beat her... Kayden didn't give a damn as he strode away from the car that was quickly being engulfed by the flames.

* * *

Kayden drove home blasting his music loud enough that the car shook and he could feel the bass in the beats of his heart. He was calm now, no longer agitated with the nights events. He relaxed back in the leather seat, swerving around the freshly paved road. Some cars honked their horns at his reckless driving, others just let him go.
Pulling in front of the gate to his half mile long driveway, he changed the radio station. In front of him two eight foot tall gates rose above his sleek, black hummer keeping the unwanted visitors out. Despite their purpose, the gates gave off a welcoming sense with their spiraling black designs and arches that pointed towards the sky. On both sides of the gate doors a stone barrier standing 3 feet tall surrounded the front of the property. Towering trees grazed the newly cut green grass behind the fence and along the gravel driveway leading up to the Rioyne's house. Some called it a house, others called it a mansion. To Kayden it was the only place in the world he could call home. A place not just built of beautiful Grey brick and shiny sparkling glass, but of old laughs and memories.
He pushed down on the gas pedal as the gates swiftly opened wide enough for him to pass through. He heard the faint noise of the metal clamoring shut as he made his way down the driveway. Wild flowers sprung up everywhere as he got closer to the house, giving the land bursts of color. With the house now in sight, Kayden let his mind drift. The house was three stories, almost as tall as some of the trees. With a modern Victorian style, the huge house was settled perfectly into the woods. The front door, along with all of the doors, was made of clear glass and was wide enough for three people to enter at the same time. Windows with navy blue shutters were neatly placed everywhere, along with a gleaming stone porch that wrapped around the second story of the house. Gardens aligned the sides of the house filled with various shades of pink and red flowers. Vines that were clearly there for decoration spiraled up the trellis and up to certain places of the porch railing. The layout was more wide than long with a roof that pointed up at the third story.
Kayden drove the hummer past the garage and parked in the driveway beside the house. He took a deep breath before turning off the engine. He ran his fingers through his tousled brown hair before checking the mirror for any sign of the earlier events. Besides a split lip and a sore hand, Kayden was fine. He wiped away the dried blood and exited the car. Slowly, he made his way to the front door. A slight breeze blew, sending the flowers waving in the wind. His mom used to loved these gardens. Even though they looked great now, his mother added a certain touch to them that just brought her gardens to life. She never stopped tending to her precious flowers. The flowers looked like they were actually glad to live when his mother had taken care of them. You could almost see the smiles plastered across their petals after his mother was done with them.
Stepping lightly onto the steps, Kayden unlocked the front door. He entered quietly trying not to disturb any of his sleeping siblings. If they were even still sleeping. It was a Sunday so he was expecting Nathan, his youngest brother who was twelve years old, not to be awake for another three hours. Nathan was unlike other boys his age when it came to sleep. He awoke most days at dawn, no matter what the day was. The twins, Braydon and Bentley, like all other sixteen year old boys, wouldn't be awake until noon or so, depending on what time they decided to go to sleep. Leighton and her fiance Ty had the ability to sleep for as long as they desired. There was no telling when they would be awake. And Alaric, his big brother, would most likely be up waiting for him.
He closed the door behind him thanking god that it didn't creak like most the doors in the house. Entering the Rioyne's house was somewhat like entering a museum. The entrance hall itself could impress anyone but the residents. Dark hardwood floors lead to the end of the hall which widened to the rest of the house. Beautiful paintings hung on the walls along with many family photos in expensive frames. The house overall was very open and full of light. Most of the furniture was modern, along with the two white leather couches and crystal clear chandeliers that hung in the dining room.
“Kayden?” A familiar voice called from the living room. Kayden turned around to find Nathan sprawled out on the couch, a book laid out in his bony hands.
“Hey bud, what are you reading?” He strolled over and plopped down next to his youngest sibling. Nathan closed the book and fixated his blue eyes on his older brother. Nathan admired Kayden in a way none of his other siblings seemed to understand. He radiated a kind of fierceness that Nathan only dreamed of having. Kayden spent a lot of time with him, whether it was doing last minute homework assignments or watching their favorite football team play every Sunday.
“Its for school, nothing I would ever read on my own time.” Nathan flashed Kayden the cover sighing.
“A biography? That sucks. Reading sucks either way, but reading another persons life story you couldn't give two shits about is worse.”
“Reading does not suck.”
“Right, I forgot you do it for fun.”
“Shut up. Where were you all night anyways?” Nathan asked, question in his eyes. He sometimes worried for Kayden since he didn't care about his well being whatsoever. He didn't want to lose anyone else in his life.
“I went for a walk.”
“For 10 hours? Nice try.”
“Fine, I went to Uncle Ray's bar. Do you remember Seth Dim- Of course you wouldn't, you were only six when he was around. I got into a fight with him.” Kayden filled Nathan in on his night, on how Seth used to beat Leighton up when they had dated and how he had lit his car on fire before going home. He left out the comments Seth made about their parents that led to Kayden doing what he did to him. Nathan listened open minded only showing a little surprise when Kayden told him about the fire. It was nice to talk to Nathan who didn't judge him or tell him how stupid he was for all his actions like everyone else in the house did.
“Well, sounds like you had an interesting night. What did he do in the first place that made you so angry?”
“Said some shit about... Mom and Dad.” This was always a touchy subject for Kayden. Nathan nodded, understandingly. A silence drifted in between the boys until someone's heavy footsteps made their way down the stairs. It was Alaric, still in plaid green pajama pants and an over sized t shirt. He stretched his arms above his head ignoring the boy's presence until he reached the last step.
“Look who finally decided to come home.”
“Nice to see you too.”
“What time did you come in?” Alaric asked, heading into the kitchen. Kayden and Nathan followed, each taking a seat at the breakfast bar.
“A few minutes ago.” Nathan answered for him.
“Wow, a little late don't you think?”
“Last time I checked I was nineteen years old and not a five year old boy who needs to be watched all the time.” Kayden spat. Alaric moved towards the coffee maker, setting in a new cup for the machine to fill. He ignored Kayden's tone.
“If you were a little more responsible, or had even just an ounce of self control, maybe you wouldn't have to be watched all the time.”
“I have self control. I just choose not to use it.” Kayden swiveled in the chair and retrieved an apple from the bowl filled with all the families favorite fruits. He bit into it, sweet juice flowing over his taste buds and down his throat.
“We'll talk about this later.” Alaric sipped his steaming black coffee and took a seat opposite of his brothers.
“Or never, that works too.” Nathan closed his eyes waiting for another remark to shoot out of Alaric's mouth. But he stayed quiet staring into his mug. Maybe it was too early for him to have his daily fight with Kayden.
“So, why are you up so early?” Nathan wondered. It was a Sunday, Alaric didn't have to work and usually slept later then 6:00 am.
“I couldn't sleep.”
“Were you too worried about me? Awe, big brother.” Kayden's voice dripped with his usual sarcasm, but his smile held a playfulness that let Alaric know their argument was postponed to a later time.
“Don't take it to heart.” Alaric teased, the corners of his mouth twitching up to the slightest of grins.
“Hey, you guys wanna make breakfast for the other four? Were all up anyways.” Nathan hoped they would agree. Family meals were a favorite of his, and with Alaric's great cooking and the whole family together in the same room gave Nathan comfort. He liked when all of them were together.
“Why not?” Kayden finished his apple and threw the remains into the trash. He was on his feet in seconds, rummaging threw the fridge.
“Alaric, what do you feel like preparing for your favorite brother? And you know, the other siblings?”
“Who said you were my favorite?” Nathan stood up and walked over to the counter closest to the stove.
“I'm everyone's favorite.” Kayden stated, pulling out the eggs and bacon from the fridge.
“How about pancakes? We have blueberries, we could put them in there! Please? Those are my favorite.” Nathan pleaded. Giving in, Alaric went to the fridge where he indeed did find two containers of fresh plump blueberries. He pulled out the grille and set up on the granite counter top. Kayden went to stand over the stove. He got to work frying the bacon and sausage. This was one of the things he could make although he occasionally burned himself on the spitting grease. Nathan pulled out the toaster from the cupboard and started making toast. He set the table with syrup, butter, forks, plates, and all the other necessities for the breakfast. He poured five glasses of orange juice and two with milk since the twins couldn't stand the juice. Napkins were laid out with the silverware and an hour later, the food was spread along the enormous table that seated eight.
“I'll go wake everyone up.” Nathan told them, obviously proud of the job they had done.
“It's barley past seven, they won't be too happy.” Alaric warned knowing how the twins loved their sleep and could be quite nasty.
“Too bad, we prepared this meal and they are gonna like it no matter what time it is.” Nathan called over his shoulder as he walked up the stairs. The two left in the kitchen took their seats, Kayden nibbling on some bacon and Alaric drinking his orange juice. The food looked so good the boys were having a hard time waiting for everyone else to get up. A door slammed shut, voices raised to a shout and then footsteps were clamoring down the stairs. Ty and Leighton came down first, a smile plastered on her face as she walked in to find a table filled with delicious food. She pulled her purple robe around her before taking a seat next to Kayden. Ty followed, as he always did, and sat down next to her. She looked over at him with a longing gaze, his well known reflection showing in her dark brown eyes. He resisted the urge to tuck a lock of blonde curly hair behind her ear as it brushed across her well defined face. Leighton studied his face full of cheekbones and perfect tan skin. His black hair that usually fell just to his shoulders was tied up in a short ponytail. Breaking away from Ty's eyes, Leighton leaned over and kissed Kayden on the cheek.
“I miss you when you leave like that you know.” She said, reaching over for the plate of pancakes. Kayden gave her his I'm-sorry look and knew he had been forgiven by his loving sister. She was one of the very few people Kayden admired. Instead of moving in with Ty after the engagement, she stayed in the house. Everyone knew it was because she couldn't bare to leave her brothers, especially Nathan being the youngest. She told everyone it was because she wasn't ready to leave behind the memories of the house and that it was her home. Leighton ran a household, was a personal counselor for each of her brothers, had a full time job in social work, cooked and (sometimes) cleaned, and had a love life to maintain all while planning a wedding and trying to live her own life. The boys loved her for all she sacrificed for them. Ty had even understood when she told him that she had to stay for the sake of her brothers and for the sake of herself. He didn't exactly mind either. The house suited him and the boys had just made him another one of the family. Besides, he loved Leighton no matter where they lived.
“Why in God's name would you wake me up at this hour?” Bently's annoyed voice filled the room as the rest of the boys joined the table. Bently and Braydon's dark hair stood out in all different directions, their bare chests indicating they had literally just got out of bed. The twins looked so much alike it was hard to tell them apart if you didn't see them on a day to day basis. Both shared long, gangly arms that chiseled out at their bony shoulders. With their hazel eyes and lean figures, that boys were oddly attractive. The only difference in their features was their hair, Bently's was curly like Kayden's and shorter then Brayden's whose hair was perfectly straight and fell into his eyes.
“Shut up and eat.” Nathan told his cranky brother. Plates were being pasted around, conversations started and the stomachs slowly filled.
“How is it all?” Alaric asked.
“Amazing, the pancakes are great.” Leighton answered, biting into another sausage. Ty gulped his orange juice, nodding his head in an agreement with her.
“I don't know if it was worth waking up, but its good.” Braydon shoved a fork full of pancakes in his mouth, swallowing loudly.
“You can go back to sleep after your gone eating.” Kayden said getting a little annoyed with his brother's attitude. Everyone continued eating until they were satisfied. Conversations varied from the wedding plans, to school projects, to the up coming week events. Everything was in place at the Rioyne house.
“I miss this.” Nathan blurted, ending the side conversations. All eyes turned to Nathan who sat at the head of the table. His plate was empty after having two helpings of everything. Kayden always wondered how that boy ate so much but still weighted ten pounds under the “usual” weight for boys his age.
“Miss what?” Ty asked.
“All of us like this. I mean, we have dinners together every night, but I like seeing you guys when you're not all stressed out from your day. Mom and dad would of liked us doing this.” A silence passed through the table at the mention of their mother and father. Kayden dropped his fork and leaned back in his chair. He built another wall against the feelings that came rushing in at the topic of his parents. What he wouldn't do to have them sitting at the table with the rest of them at that very moment. His mother's gentle presence, his father's deep laugh. No, you are not doing this. Not right now he told himself.
“Yes they would have.” Bently consoled with his little brother. Braydon smiled over at him knowing how difficult it was for the family to talk about this.
“Mom would be especially proud of Kayden. He can finally make bacon without starting any grease fires.” Leighton giggled, sending a ripple of soft laughter around her. The first five times Kayden had attempted to make bacon, he had started mini fires. By the fifth one, Kayden had learned not to put it out with water but by smothering it from all it's oxygen. The whole family would laugh at him afterward and his dad would tease him on his cooking skills. Kayden didn't mind though, it made them all shake with laughter when he did.
“Hey, hey, I learned didn't I?” Kayden defended himself as the laughs subsided.
“So what it took the kid five times?” Alaric continued.
“I think the only thing that counts is that I didn't hurt anyone.”
“Mom's dish towels would have to disagree with you on that one.” Bently contributed his part of the humor to the conversation. Kayden smiled with shining white teeth along with Nathan who kicked him under the table playfully. He ran a hand through is hair, his smile falling into a small grin. He stood up from his seat and brought his plate over to the porcelain sink that looked a little too fragile for cleaning dishes in.
“Everyone who didn't make breakfast clears the table and does the cleaning up.” Leighton ordered in her motherly voice. No one complained or even sighed. Though they had a cleaning lady come in once a week, everyone did their part.
“I'll see you guys in a little while.” Kayden said walking towards the staircase.
“Your not leaving again are you?” Nathan asked a little too loud.
“No, I”m just going up to my room. I'll be back down in a little while.” He stepped gracefully up the glass stairs. Of course one of the boys had left on all the lights brightening the room that was painted a soft blue. One of his mother's favorite sculptures greeted him at before he passed through the second story living room with his fathers pool table and the beautiful stone fireplace surrounded by the most comfortable beige couches Kayden had ever sat on. He walked to the far left of the room with the hallway that contained four bedrooms, including his own. His room was cleaner then he thought it would be, a few dirty shirts thrown here and there over his wardrobe and a to-big-to-for -one-person bed. He could still see the Grey comforter underneath still perfectly intact from the day before. A poster or two hung on his bare white walls.
Kayden spun around to close the door. He went around snatching up the littered clothes and tossing them into the laundry basket just outside his bathroom door. Then he gracefully landed on the middle of his bed, propping up his head with an outstretched arm. Sleep peeked through the edges of his mind, willing him to succumb to his exhaustion. If his brain hadn't been racing with thoughts, sleep would have been ideal. His brain won, pushing away the sleep. Closing his eyes, a memory came into view, replaying on the back of his eyelids.
“Hey, Kayden I need you to come home as soon as possible.” Leighton's voice filled my ears as she spoke on the other end of the phone. I closed my eyes for a brief second and tightened my grip on the steering wheel. What did she want at two in the morning?
“Look, if your trying to get me to come home...”
“No, Kayden. You need to come home. Now.” Her voice cut off as she ended the call. Sighing, I turned the car around. Leighton would never call and demand that I come home if she didn't have a good reason. I accelerated the gas and sped home, the streetlights lighting my way. What was only a half hour felt like forever as my curiosity ate at me. I passed a couple restaurants, several houses and found myself pulling up to the gates. I never really realized how long it took the damn things to open until I was sitting there being tortured by wonder . My imagination wandered into unknown territory. What if something bad had happened? Maybe the house had started on fire or maybe one of the twins were throwing a fit and Leighton couldn't control them. Or maybe it was nothing and I was just worrying like an idiot.
That thought was cast out of my head the minute I saw the two police cars sitting in the driveway. Ty's black truck was parked beside the garage, the driver's seat door still hanging open. Without much thought I parked in a position that would of gotten me a ticket if it weren't in my own driveway and tried to walk calmly up to the house. Screw it. I sprinted, clamoring through the garage and up the steps that led into the house.
“Hey, whats going on?” I asked making my way into the living area. I shrugged off my jacket and hung it on one of the chairs as I passed through. Nathan sat on the recliner scrunched up into a ball. He cried softly making no effort to muffle the sound. Bently laid on one end of the couch, arms crossed over his chest. Brayden and Alaric sat on the loveseat, red ringed both their eyes. Leighton stood talking to the two police officers off to the side and out of ear shot. Ty swayed limply behind her, a hand on her back. Just walking into the room I could tell something wasn't right.
“Kayden... Uh...” Alaric stood up and closed the distance between us. He tried to smile but failed pathetically.
“Wheres Mom and Dad?” My parent's absence was odd since all my siblings were here. They could still be out from earlier. It was peculiar for them to be out this late though, even on a Saturday.
“That's the thing... There's been an accident.” Alaric said carefully choosing his words like he was choosing a weapon that could end the world . My head shot up at this, at his miserable tone.
“What do you mean? Where are they?” I could feel my face pinch into a distressed expression.
“They were driving home. A car that was driving way to fast missed the red light...” Panic. Panic was the feeling that bubbled up inside my stomach, that seeped into my veins and traveled up to my heart. What did he mean they missed the red light? How do you miss a fucking red light?
“They're okay right?” Alaric raised his head, looking me right in the eyes with his blue ones . He put a firm hand on my shoulder. I hard the urge to brush it off, but looking at him told me otherwise.
“The car flipped into on going traffic. They were hit twice before they skidded off to the side of the road. We don't know if they're all right. The officers are waiting for a call right now, last we heard they were in the ICU.”
“That means they're still alive.”
“Kayden... The car was hit three times. Mom and dad are strong, but they're are only human.” Alaric dropped his hand. For the the first time in my life since I turned ten, I felt tears spring up at the back of my eyes. My brother, who was always filled with faith, just told me there was no hope for my parents. There had to be some kind of chance they were okay. I clung to that chance with all I had.
“You really don't think they made it?” My voice sounded strange to me, vulnerable.
“What do you think?” Alaric turned and lifelessly went over to Nathan. He picked up the little figure, placing him on his lap. Nathan clung to his older brother, sobbing into his t shirt. I wished my mother were here to hold me like that. Like she had held me so many times when I was just a boy frightened by nightmares. She was in the ICU though fighting for her life. If she even was alive. No, I couldn't accept that. I couldn't accept that my father was up in heaven or floating around somewhere without me. Without the rest of his family. We have never been separated, a stupid red light couldn't change that.
An annoying ring tone went off sending the room into silence. Everyone looked up to the officer how held the phone to his ear. He spoke polite, short words to whomever he was speaking too. Leighton stared hopefully at him obviously anxious for him to end the call and tell us the news. Anticipation replaced all other feelings I had inside me. What the hell was he talking about? It was a simple question really. Were my parents okay?
Before I could usher him too hurry up, he closed the phone and turned back around to face my sister. His mouth was set into a grim line and I think he actually felt sorry for us.
“I'm sorry.” Was all he said. Leighton broke out into tears, sinking into Ty's arms. He himself had damp cheeks. He kissed her forehead over and over again as if he could take away her inner pain with the touch of his lips. Nathan wailed into Alaric's shaking chest that didn't seem so steady anymore. The twins both shook their heads, grief painted onto their wet faces. And what did I do? I thought of two people who would never see the rest of their children grow up. Who would never see their daughter marry the man she loved, or their son graduate from college. A couple who would never see their twins finish high school, who wouldn't even see their little boy win his first soccer game.
Until that day I had never felt pain. Once you feel it, that sudden wave of horror, shock, loss and emptiness, you pray to whatever god you believe in that you never feel it again.
Kayden's eyes fluttered open. He gasped for breath, breaking away from the flashback of the worse night of his life. It didn't matter that it happened nearly a year ago, the memory was still crystal clear. He was covered in a thin layer of sweat that made his hair cling to his neck. Un-clenching his fists, he saw the deep indents where his nails had dug into his palm. The memory always brought back the feeling he had when the officer had said the two simple words “I'm sorry” confirming his worse fears. He was frustrated at himself for letting the memory slip through his protective walls that guarded him from this kind of hurt. Feeling defeated, Kayden strayed into the bathroom and turned on the hot water of the shower. Steaming water cascaded down onto the black tile floor. Before removing his clothes, he stood in front of the mirror for a brief second. It was amazing how much someone could change in the course of a year. But then again, who didn't change after the two most important people in your life died?