Chapter 6

I laugh and glare at my brother who smiles back.

"So, Jake~" My brother beams,"How've you been?"

"I've been great~" My older cousin laughs,"It seems like I haven't seen you guys in forever~"

I type on my phone and show my cousin as I laugh.

"Happy birthday? Thank you~" My cousin answers.

"You're getting old~" My brother grins,"Already 32~"

"You're getting old as well!" My cousin answers,"How old are you? 25?"

"What~?" My brother laughs,"I'm 20. Stop trying to make me older~"

"Well you look old," My cousin replies.

My brother laughs.

"And this guy's getting big~" My cousin smiles at me,"You're in highschool now, correct?"

I type 'Yes' on my phone and I force myself to smile as I show him my phone.

"Getting strong, eh?" My cousin shows off his muscles.

I laugh and type 'no'.

"No? Lies~" My cousin cackles.

'I don't lie.' I type and show him my phone as I continue laughing.

"Then prove that you're not lying~" My cousin challenges.

I grin and type what had happened earlier today in P.E.

"Impossible ~" My cousin laughs and grins.

'It's true. I already said I don't lie' I type.

Kurayami sets a hand on my shoulder and says,"My brother doesn't lie."

Jake laughs and waves his hand in surrender,"Okay, okay. I believe you~"

My sister is quite silent. More than usual.

I tap her shoulder and give her a concerned look. She reads me and shakes her head.

"Oh, I'm fine~" She smiles.

"Oh, Kate!" My cousin grins,"How's your counseling been going?"

My eyes widen and I stare at my food.

Does he have to bring that up?

Anger stirs in my stomach as I cover my face with my hand.

Kate smiles sadly and nods,"Quite good~! I'm feeling better, at least~"

"Well that's good!"Jake nods.

I glare at Jake angrily and open my mouth to yell at him, but decide it's not worth talking to someone like him. Not even to set him straight.

"Jessie~" He says.

I avert my eyes to look up at him although my head is still down.

"You still can't talk?"

My eyes widen and my head snaps up. I sigh and shake my head.

"When's this kid gonna learn how to... talk?" Jake points at me.

My brother shrugs,"I dunno, but I think he's fine just the way he is~!"

He smiles at me and ruffles my hair. I smile back although I know he's lying. Everything becomes almost distant as I become lost in my thoughts.

He's a lying, murdering hypocrite who manipulates people. That's the best way to describe Kurayami. Actually, the only way.

I type on my phone and show them. Everyone becomes silent and stares at me.

"What does it mean to be happy..?" My brother reads aloud before laughing and setting a hand on my shoulder,"What type of question is that?"

I shudder and stare at my phone.

"Being happy is…" My brother starts.

My eyes widen and my muscles tense.

"...feeling great pleasure in something."

I glare at him and type 'I wasn't asking you.' before showing him my phone.

"Then who were you asking?" My brother arches an eyebrow.

I point at cousin Jake. He laughs nervously.

"Um… well, acting in a certain way to create a warm, fluttering feeling…"

I nod and smile.

Acting to create a warm feeling… Killing people is obviously not it, but my brother on the other hand, finds great pleasure in it. Then, what makes me happy?

My eyes widen and I snicker.

This is pathetic. I don't even know what brings happiness to me. What's wrong with me? It's as if I'm not even human.

I pull my sleeves over my hands and watch as my brother and Jake talk all night long.

Can I ever be happy?