Chapter 22: Life Stories 2

Brian looked down then at Prue. Prue had the same face. Was it a good idea to tell Marcus, someone they just met, about their abusive father and the hell they went through. Prue liked Marcus and wanted to trust him, and this would be a good start to that. She nodded to Brian and he then spoke.

"We lived as a happy family until my mother died. Our father would drink and hit us. Around middle school, it got out of hand. Every day when we would come home, just one punishment after the other. Prue was good enough with cosmetics to cover up the bruises on both of us. It was only yesterday we were free of him." Brian said with his head down.

Prue felt like crying just hearing Brian's words. Thankfully she didn't because that would have just put more weight on Marcus's guilt. Marcus didn't whether or not to believe it. At school, they are so popular. And to think their father was an alcoholic! Marcus was genuinely surprised but was sad for them at the same time. More than Brian, we were worried about Prue the most. Though he didn't know her well enough to have to, he did. As mentioned before, they both care for one another in a non-stranger way.

"I'm sorry," Marcus said looking at Brian.

Brian smiled and nodded. Honestly, Marcus felt horrible. Sorry, couldn't cut it. Only if he had known. If Marcus was in their shoes, he wouldn't want people to bring up that past.

Prue curled up with her head on her knees on the couch. Marcus scoffed as if she were a small puppy ready to take its daily nap. He found it a little cute. Prue began to tear. She truly wished her mother was still here. The very sound of her voice brought her to tears. She still remembers when they were children. Mother would take them to the back yard and she would tell the stories, sing, and play. Prue tried to cry quietly in her lap, but Marcus and Brian noticed. Marcus didn't know how to comfort, her so he just looked at Brian helplessly. Brian sighed as he realized her crying and why Marcus was looking at him.

'Go ahead.' Brian mouthed to Marcus.

'What?!' Marcus mouthed back.

Brian took this opportunity and got up. Prue lifted her head to the sound of Brian standing up.

"I'm going to bed," Brian said suddenly.

Prue and Marcus had a face of confusion and anger.

Brian smiled under his breath and walked away. Prue was done crying for the most part as she stood up. Marcus stood up with her and they awkwardly looked at each other for a minute or two.

"Umm, I think I'm gonna retire for the night. You should go." Prue said looking away blushing.

Marcus smiled and blushed a little.

"Yeah. Goodnight." Marcus said as he walked out the door.

When he left and Prue heard the door shut, she smiled. She didn't know why, but she felt really happy. Her smile was wide and bright, so was his. For the rest of the night, both of them only thought of each other.