Trembling With the Strings

“Johnny? Marc?” I called, stepping over a broken toy that lay on the cluttered floor, among the countless empty beer cans.

I grimaced as I saw the same ratty couch and the same broken blinds. Sure, there was the SNES, but that was the only new thing in the living room. The driveway hadn’t held a single car, so I knew my parents had gone out, but where were my brothers?

“Demetrius?” Darius called, his voice stern and commanding as usual. I bit back protests as he pulled me to the couch and sat down, pulling me onto his lap. “Well, where are they?” A look of disgust was on his face as he tossed a used paper plate away from him.

“I don’t—” My voice faded when I saw a little face peering around the corner. His eyes lit up and Marty was soon running to us, tripping over the blanket he dragged with him. “Martin!” I jumped from Darius and pulled Marty into my arms, setting him on my hip. Suddenly, a strong hand seized my wrist and Darius jerked me to his side.

“Who?” Demetrius asked with curious eyes as he pointed at the man beside us.

“This is Darius, honey. I live with him.” I didn’t know how to explain this to a little boy. “And, Darius, this is my youngest brother, Demetrius.”

“Charmed, I’m sure,” Darius murmured softly, an inquisitive look in his eyes as Marty reached out with his small hand.

“Darius?”

I watched in curiosity as a small smile formed on Dray’s lips. He nodded softly.

“That would be my name, little man.” Darius smirked as he reached out almost hesitantly and ruffled Marty’s hair.

Martin squealed, trying to grab his strong hand as he laughed. I felt a little heartbroken when he started squirming in my arms. He wriggled out of my grasp and reached for Darius. Dray looked a little confused, but smiled almost unnoticeably as he carefully pulled the boy into his arms and got him into a comfortable position. I couldn’t help but smile; after all, this was the man that hated little kids.

“Marty, where are you? You know not to—” I turned my gaze to the hallway and saw Johnny standing in shock. A smile broke onto his face. “Marc! Marc! Gracie’s home! Marc!” I smiled even more as Marc came stumbling out with his brother.

“Grace!” All of a sudden I was knocked to the floor, giggling as a dog-pile formed on me. I started laughing like a maniac when they started tickling me and hugging the life out of me.

“Get off of her before you do any damage.”

We immediately stopped laughing, and I helped my brothers up, sullen. Johnny smiled reassuringly up at me, but Marcus had his gaze set firmly on Darius. Dray returned the glower he was receiving.

“Put down my little brother,” Marc demanded, glaring up at the giant before him. There had to be a three foot difference between them, and Darius was certainly muscular. Yet my brother didn’t look the least bit afraid of him.

I couldn’t help but notice that my family was full of midgets, but Darius’ family was full of giants! Hmm, so Darius and I would be crossbreeding... Ha!

“What if I don’t? What are you going to do about it?” Darius mocked, getting up in his face. I saw Marc’s hands form fists at his sides and I grasped his shoulders, pulling him back to me, chiding him softly.

“Honey, please,” I begged in his ear. He looked up at me, shocked yet still rebellious. Louder, I added, “Who wants to come over?”

“Me! Me!” Marty shrieked, bouncing in Darius’ arms. Jonathan smiled, nodding. I smiled to Marcus, but he was glaring at me.

“I want my Gracie back,” he informed me, not caring that everyone could hear him.

“Oh? But I like this Gracie very much,” Darius told him, a sadistic grin on his face. “I’ve trained her well, don’t you think?”

“No! I don’t! And I—!”

I smacked the back of his head very lightly, just enough to get his attention and tell him to shut up. He still looked so defiant, but I ignored it.

“Let’s just go to the car,” I mumbled, taking Johnny and Marcus by the hand. Marc tore his hand from mine, and I sighed, gesturing to the door. He stalked out and sat in the back seat, refusing to look at me.

“And you were looking forward to this,” Darius mumbled as he walked out the door carrying Martin. I glanced at my feet before following him to the car with Jonathan at my heels.

I’d never seen so much pity in my brother’s eyes—especially not directed at me...