It took a lot of convincing, but Paisley is more than happy to have made the effort. Especially, since she’s been able to see how Marie interacts with the boys. Excluding of course, an agitated Mitchell and distant Alex. There’s one thing she can confidently say about what she’s been witnessing. Marie is definitely more comfortable here. Whatever she’s been going through a mere backdrop to what’s going on now. Of course the ones she interacts with the most are Aaron and Bryant. At least when Aaron is home. Paisley’s even more grateful that Aaron’s situation hasn’t affected the young woman’s perception of him. That would’ve been dreadful. After all, the last thing they want is for her to feel unsafe. Which only happens when the drummer’s mother and father show up. Doing whatever they can to get her to blame him for her condition.

“Staring at her isn’t going to make her come to you.”

“It’s called giving her space. And let her decide if she wants to talk to me on her own.”

“Sure it is.”

“You’ve clearly been around Aaron too long.”

Bryant rolls his eyes at his older sibling. Having his head thumped in the process. For him it’s almost as though he’s known her his whole life. A thing he didn’t think was possible. Given the circumstances in which they met anyone would have felt that way. He’d been put out for the same reason she had. Being different. He and Aaron had been stumbling around from one corner shop to the next looking for work or at least seeing if they could find a place to sleep when the siblings ran into each other. He hadn’t even known she existed. She’d accidentally come across them at one of the corner stores. Both looking very distressed. Aaron more-so than her baby brother. After all, they were, in a sense, still kids. They couldn’t really fend for themselves. Not the way adults do anyway.

“Has she spoken to you at all?”

“Not exactly. She does leave us cute little notes on the white board in her room. She’s only just had the wiring removed. Plus, I don’t expect her to just come right out and say what’s going on. However, Rylin and I have at least one guess in mind.”

“That obvious.”

“When you’ve been traumatized it shows in the way you interact with others. Take Alex for example. His defense mechanism is to treat women like shit. Or at least make them feel that way. He does this for two reasons. His mother is a spiteful, evil, manipulative, and vindictive bitch. No one can deny her anything. Alex has been her dress up doll all his life. She blames him for anything that goes wrong and because she’s his mother , he doesn’t take it out on her. Rather it’s projected onto any female he crosses paths with. He hates his own existence, but doesn’t have the courage to follow through. So instead , he finds ways to make people hate him. Or in Aaron’s case, someone who will potentially kill him. Also, it’s the only time he feels in control of his own life.”

“All that just from observing him?”

“I went to college for psychology. I wanted to be a therapist for those who can’t really talk to therapists. More or less a casual kind of therapy. So many people don’t go to therapy because of cost, fear, or both.”

“You’ll get there. You’re going to make a good therapist.”

“Thanks baby bro.”

Bryant cringes at the comment before walking away. Leaving Paisley to continue watching Marie. The latter glancing back every so often and smiling. For now Paisley can tell she’s comfortable. Not necessarily happy. Masking whatever is going on in her head . The smile falling at the sight of Mitchell. He’s been irate since her return. Rylin having been the one to get him to let the young woman stay. He only relented so they’d stop asking him. The two women would be more than happy to house her, but they’re aware that getting her to go anywhere else may be detrimental to her health.

“She’d probably open up to you more if you didn’t try to force information from her.. Or treat her like a nuisance.”

“I have to look after five other people on top of myself. She is a nuisance.”

“You chose to look after them. They’re all big boys. Keeping them out of trouble is a courtesy you offered willingly. Or you wouldn’t have taken her in too. I can see why you feel responsible for them though. Just don’t neglect your own mental health in the process. Otherwise, you’ll get comfortable there.”

Mitchell blinks. Hand stopping a few centimeters from the door to the fridge. Uncertain of how to respond. As long as he’s been around them he’s always looked out for them. Kept them from getting arrested. Or from even causing harm to themselves. Helping people is something that just comes naturally to him. Not once did he think it could be hurting him in the long run.

“I’m fine.”

“That’s what you tell yourself.”

“It’s what I know. If not for her Aaron wouldn’t have needed bailing out.”

“You underestimate his pen-chance for getting into fights over what is right and wrong. And Linda’s ever growing need to paint her son as a monster. Anything could’ve gotten him arrested. It just so happens he was arrested while doing the right thing.”

“You don’t know anything. Since showing up there’s been no end to the fighting and-”

“You only noticed there being no end to the fighting because she showed up. The dynamic you’re dealing with has always existed. From what everyone else has said you’re the most level headed of the six of you.”

Again he’s quiet. Eyes watching Paisley. Waiting for her to tell him she’s joking. Her honey colored eyes remaining focused on Marie, however. Chin rested in the palm of her hand. Dyed hair slowly falling out of the messy bun she’s shown up with. Nothing in her posture gives indication that she’s not serious. While she knows he’s watching her, he doesn’t turn to look at him. Doesn’t even side-eye him. Main focus being the teenager he’d unintentionally hit with the van. That had put him in such a situation as to house her to begin with. A part of him wishes he’d left her there or at the hospital. Which is what should have happened this time too. Stubborn asses. Paisley still doesn’t turn to look at him. And if he wasn’t the kind of person to avoid conflict he’d have a few choice words for her. Only because he’s certain she’s wrong. So instead he leaves and goes up to his room. The very second he’s gone Marie quietly enters the kitchen. An envelope in her hand. The deep burgundy telling Paisley that what ever is written inside isn’t anything good. Said item is left on the dining table. Marie hastily retreating to her room. The all too familiar signs of a panic attack following her.

There’s no urgency to open the letter. Not that that’s what this is. Instead it’s more of a documentation. The color of the envelope telling whether or not what’s inside is good or bad. So far, this works. Although, she hasn’t explained what she’s going through or how she came to be in such a terrible predicament. She does share her nightmares. Sometimes the vicious thoughts that gnaw away at her. Each one dated by when it was written and when Paisley reads it. To top it off, none of the envelopes remain in the house once given to Paisley. Rylin locks them away for safe keeping. Meaning none of the boys have access to what’s inside them. Not even Aaron or Bryant. Which Paisley has discovered that neither knows the severity of the situation. Just what it is and one of the people involved. With a gentle sigh, Paisley grabs up the envelope and leaves the house. She needs a place with no prying eyes or agitated testosterone. And a very strong drink. This one’s not going to be a light read. Nor will it be easy.

Ella’s startled by the woman sitting in the living room when she comes in the house. So are her brother and father. The woman, however, looks anxious and uncomfortable. As though she’s under investigation. Given her father’s reputation it wouldn’t be a surprise. Yet seeing everyone in an awkward position tells her that’s not the case.

“What’s going?”

“Ella, this woman says she knows you?”

“Not exactly.”

“Do you know her?”

“No?”

“Then just who are you?”

“My wife and I are acquaintances with Marie.”

“Marie? Ella, what’s-”

“Is she okay?! Did they find her?!”

“Yes, they did. She’s alive, if that’s what you’re asking. I actually wanted to talk to you, but if now’s a bad time…”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Ella Leanne Carson what is going on?”

Ella blanches at her father’s use of her full name. Knowing she’s in trouble. Though she’s certain she spoke of Marie before.

“Marie’s a classmate. Remember?”

“That doesn’t-”

“My wife’s little brother and friends have been caring for her. There was an incident. We’re just trying to get an idea about how far, or rather deep, her trauma runs. Ella’s the only female that she interacts with according to them.

“So, she’s not in trouble?”

“Heaven’s no!”

“I’m not seeing how my daughter could be of any help.”

“I’m not sure how much you know. Or even Ella knows. The one thing I do know is that Marie doesn’t interact with everyone she comes across. Just the boys and Ella.”

“I don’t think I have anything I could tell you.”

“Is she standoffish with you? That you’re aware of?”

“Sometimes. To the point she won’t let anyone touch her sometimes.”

Ella watches the woman frown. Wondering if she said something wrong. Unsure if she should’ve just lied instead of being honest.

“How often do you see her? In class I mean?”

“Rarely. I didn’t even know I had classes with her to begin with. I don’t understand. What’s going on. You said she was fine.”

“Do you remember the day the boys picked her up from the school? The altercation that occurred just after police and ambulance left?”

“Yeah. Her brother and some chick. She was really terrified to see them. Why?”

“I’d hoped we were wrong…”

“You were in another fight?”

“Her intervention is why Marie trusts her. I’m not entirely certain details, that’s something she only shares with my wife. All I know is that there seems to be quite a bit of child abuse involved. Ella confirmed a suspicion we had about the female Marie’s made mention of. That the woman is at least someone close to the brother. Or familiar enough to help in what’s being done to her.”

“Isn’t this something here parents should be taking care of?”

“They’re deceased. And she’s said herself that no one else is willing to take her in amongst family because of that.”

“Then she should tell police.”

“Aaron said she keeps being reported as a runaway. She’s too terrified to say anything.”

Michael frowns. Something about what he’s hearing sounds off. There’s got to be more to it than just physical abuse. Something this woman refuses to say in front of Ella. That might be much darker than simple domestic violence. Or child abuse if the girl is the same age as Ella. Especially, if his daughter is the only female she interacts with willingly. To have come all t he way out here just to verify a specific detail says a lot. And at the moment, that very dcetail has gone over the heads of both his children.

“Can I see her?”

“Right now, I can’t say. We’re kind of just observing her in the comfort zone she’s created for herself. And Mitchell isn’t exactly in an accommodating mood. I can always ask though.”

A nod. It’s all she gives. She knows that if Marie wnts her there, she’ll say as much. There’s no real need to press the matter. More than anything she just wants her friend to be okay. That’s important.

“Rylin, was it?” may I speak with you outside?”

“Absolutely.”

Ella takes note of the brief glimpse at her that her father makes. Patient as the two adults leave the room and go outside. She’s curious as to what’s going on. Sebastian gently tugging her back into the living room so as to keep her from eavesdropping. She sighs heavily. If there’s one thing she hates more than anything, it’s when people are secretive in her presence. Her curiosity will eat at her until she knows.

“There are some situations you don’t need to know about little sister.”’

Rylin leans against the hood of her car. Michael hasn’t said a word. Waiting to make sure the front door doesn’t open. Satisfaction when after five minutes there’s no movement.

“There’s something you’re not saying. There’s no way no one’s taken notice of a girl being abused and done nothing.”

“As I said, my wife is the one with the full details. All she could confirm for me was that it’s abuse. Enough to give her nightmares and make her cry. If not very angry. Everything is done on Marie’s terms. And we’ve agreed no one finds out anything without hr permission.”

“Ella’s been in enough trouble. I’d like to keep her from getting into any more. Should I be concerned for her safety?”

“Absolutely not. Marie hates what’s happening in her life enough to not put anyone else at risk. Basically if she were given an ultimatum between her own life and that of the others, she’d sacrifice her own to keep them safe.

“Is there a reason she’s not going to therapy?”

“Because it would put her further in harms way. To what extent is unknown.”

Michael now realizes why Rylin said there’d been an ‘incident’ versus saying the girl was hurt. She probably tried to kill herself. Just listening to her explain how the poor girl reacts to those around her and her surrounding situations tells him she’s more likely to avoid explaining herself. Or feeling unsafe. Everything is a hazard. People, spaces, even her own mind. However, he’s gotten a slightly better understanding of why this woman came all the way out here. At the least, his daughter isn’t in any legal trouble. Not yet anyway. He pulls a small rectangle card from his pocket, handing it to Rylin.

“Could you give this to her please. I know she may not feel like anyone wants to help her, but should she need legal help I’d be more than willing to offer it.”

Rylin nods, tucking the card in her wallet. He’s patient as she climbs in her car and leaves. The pit of his stomach knotting itself. His daughter is the kind of person to protect those weaker than her. She’s also the kind of person to try and fix broken situations. Hopefully, she won’t push her luck. There’s no guarantee that it’ll turn out good. For anyone if things continue on this way. For now, he’ll just have to keep a closer eye on his child.