Raging Screams - 2

I am freshly showered and I am walking into the kitchen where both my parents are sitting at the table sipping their morning coffee. Dad

looks up as I am pouring myself a cup of the dark amber liquid. I am thinking that the coffee might be stronger than usual because it is so

dark. I add sugar and cream to the hot liquid. I sip the coffee and it is strong and I smile. The stronger the coffee is the better or this is my

thinking. I sit down at the kitchen table where my parents are. Dad wonders how my run was as I state it was great. I treasure my runs for

nobody can keep up with me so I run alone. I really pushed myself this morning and state that I ran a nine and a half minute mile.

Dad is impressed with the time I ran this morning. Dad wonders if I am troubled about something and I assure him that I was only trying

to beat my usual time. Mom says she is awed at my pace. Mom now wonders if Ken or Adam or both of her sons spoke to me. I nod my head

and state that they have explained to me every last detail. Mom is stating that she does not like that we are camping about three hours away

from them. Wompatuck National Forest is in Hingham and we are from Emerson. I reply that it will be a good trip and at least we are not

leaving the state to camp. I also state that I am going on this camping adventure. Mom gazes at Dad and she says that I am to be on my best

behavior. I raise an eyebrow.

I reply, “Mom I am always on the best behavior I can be. I can’t help that Adam hates me with a passion.”

Dad says, “Just don’t start with him or we will hear all about it. You know Adam is a very sensitive guy.”

I say, “I don’t start things. I try my hardest to avoid Adam for he is cruel to me.”

Dad says, “Timber, as my daughter, I am counting on you to keep collected and try not to set Adam off.”

I look at my parents and I am floored, “Look guys Ken and I do not start trouble and I am stunned that you guys can’t see Adam for who and what he is.”

Mom asks, “And what is Adam?”

I respond with tension in my voice, “Adam is a bully, he thrives off of hurting others, and that kid that Adam sent to the hospital because was not at fault.”

Mom wonders, “Why are you always picking on your brother?”

I am frustrated, “Adam is not the sweet little angel you think he is. I swear Adam is just insane and should be mentally evaluated or something. Adam likes to choose the weakest person and he will torment that person then he will abuse the poor kid until the kid cannot take it anymore.”

Dad asks, “Do you want to go on this trip or what?”

I think is Dad threatening me, “Of course I want to go but I don’t want to be the top choice of Adam’s destruction.”

Dad says, “Then stop trying to get your brother into trouble. Adam is a good kid deep down and he is just different. With that kid that was sent to the hospital, he was picking a fight with Adam, and your brother was just defending himself.”

I want to rage at my parents for thinking that Adam is a sweet and sensitive person, “Look if I don’t go on this trip then Ken and Adam cannot go. For Ken this trip is so important.”

Mom states, “Then be on your best behavior and do not be cruel to your brother.”

I bite my tongue, “Fine I will be on my best behavior. I will just try to ignore Adam and his destructive behaviors.”

Dad says, “Now that is my daughter.”

Dad calls out to Ken and Adam. Dad asks them to come into the kitchen where my parents are sitting at the table and I am standing near

the counter. When my brothers enter the kitchen Adam sits at the table as Ken takes his position at my side. Dad states that I have agreed to

go on this trip and that we all have to be the best things possible. Dad states that there is to be no bickering or fights. I sigh as I glance at Ken

whose jaw muscle tightens. Ken knows as I do that Adam is a freaking monster majority of the time. But Ken does not say anything because

he really wants to go on this camping trip with his friend. Adam is pretending to be all sweet and innocent as he says he is a little afraid to go

because he does not want to be tormented in any way.

Mom assures Adam, “Ken and Timber, your brother and sister, have agreed not to treat you poorly. You have nothing to worry about.”

Adam wonders, “What if they do single me out?”

Dad says, “Trust me they will be punished when you all get home from this trip.”

Mom is curious, “When are you guys leaving to go on this trip?”

Ken states, “Tomorrow and we are going to leave around five in the morning so we can get there early.”

Dad asks, “Why do you not want to camp closer to home?”

Ken says, “Because Wompatuck is supposed to be beautiful, it has a lake where we can swim, and superb hiking trails.”

Mom sighs, “Just be careful.”

Dad questions, “When are you coming home?”

Ken replies, “We are gonna drive home on Monday.”

Mom asks, “What time do you think you will get back here?”

Adam offers, “Around noon.”

Mom says, “I just want all of you to be careful. This is the first trip you are going on that your father and I won’t be with you.”

Ken assures our parents, “We will take care and I will be doing all the driving. This way you don’t have to worry because I am a great driver. It
is gonna be alright Mom.”

Dad says, “Go pack the SUV so you don’t have to do it in the morning.”