Chapter 15: not like you

After a few minutes of roaming the house I finally found the gym. I don't bother wrapping my hands as I start with the punching bag, eventually getting lost in thought.

This isn't fair, for dad, mom, uncle John, my siblings and I. None of this is fair!

I stare at the punching bag before hitting it. Not hard enough, it's like I'm weak. I hit it again and again, harder and harder.

I understand Uncle John's pain, I've never felt it but I understand it. But what about my pain? I go through pain too, doesn't anyone see that? It pains me to my very bones that my parents murderer is still out there.

Breathing.

Alive.

I can't rest peacefully until I see the life drain from his eyes.

Every second, my hits become harder and faster. Stronger.

Until the bag splits in half and spills its contents at my feet. I stare at it for a few seconds before turning around, only to be faced by uncle John. He's leaning against the door frame, watching me with keen interest.

"You leave for Vegas tomorrow." He says.

"Why?"

"It's what your father always wanted if he ever retired or died....." He trails off. He didn't say anything more before walking out.

I wonder what's in Vegas?

Later that night, Belinda shows me my my room as well as my sibling's. I probably should go see them but sleep and fatigue took over.

•

I woke up early this morning and quickly went to the gym. I don't know how long I was there but the next thing I know, there's a knock at the door. It's Belinda.

"I'm quite sorry to bother you, but Master John has sent me to fetch you for breakfast." She says politely.

"I'll be out in a minute." I respond and she nods before leaving.

Today is the day I go to Vegas. I get to see what dad had planned for my siblings and I.

Entering the dinning room, my eyes fall on Uncle John and my siblings who are all seated at the table. "Where's Raelynn?"

"Belinda is feeding her." Ruby answers. I'm about to take a sit when uncle John speaks.

"Don't you dare sit on that chair. Go take a shower, you stink."

Was this the same man I was having an emotional moment with last night? I thought we were beginning to have an understanding.

I guess not.

He will always be the same, a part of me knew this already. I'm about to leave when uncle John speaks once again. "And where exactly are all of you going?"

My brows knit together in confusion, I turn to find my siblings trailing behind me.

Ronan faces uncle John, his jet black hair covers his electric blue eyes, his hands are shoved in his pockets and for a second, I swear I see our father.

"Oh sorry, Mr John. Neither of us have had a shower, so we all stink. We wouldn't want to disgust you."

My jaw breaks.

Where was my sweet and quiet little brother? Who is this rebel?

He saunters out of the room with my siblings, leaving uncle John and I speechless. But I quickly regain composure and leave before uncle John can say anything.

•

After a long and relaxing shower, I put on a black hoodie and sweats. Walking out of my room, I am met with my siblings wearing the exact same thing. Except Ronan, who is wearing a White hoodie instead.

The realization that I haven't spoken much to them dawns on me, I really wouldn't want us to drift apart.

"Hey guys, thanks for what you did earlier. It was really sweet." I said.

"No worries, we weren't going to let uncle John talk to you like that." Rolland says before putting his arm on my shoulder.

"Even though uncle John is really scary." Ranger says while adjusting his glasses.

Ronan says nothing, his face is void of any emotions. "What about you buddy? You alright?" I ask and he only nods.

"Oh my God! Ronan that was so cool! I hardly hear you talk yet you stood up to uncle! You're my idol." Ranger says while looking at Ronan in awe.

Ronan just smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Yeah bro, never thought you had it in you." Rolland nudges his shoulder, Ronan responds with a shrug.

"What are you talking about? What about that time he fought Brad?"

"Oh yeah!"

Okay, now I'm confused. "Who is Brad?"

"Just the meanest guy in school." Ranger huffs.

"And why would Ronan fight him?" No one answers and Ruby looks away. "Guys? No secrets."

"He..."

"He's a pervert. He was harassing Ruby." Ronan says bluntly.

A look of shock crosses my features as I turn to Ruby. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't see the need. Ronan already sent him to the hospital, you would've just finished the job by killing him." I'm about to object when she mutters: "I'm not a murderer like you." I'm sure she didn't want to be heard but she was, her eyes widen as she shakes her head violently.

Rolland's hand falls from my shoulder and an empty feeling settles within me.

"Ruby!" The guys yell at her as she looks at me with pleading eyes.

I've only killed to protect, is that so wrong? Am I the monster here?

Before she could say anything more, I walk back to my room and slam the door.

I stood there taking deep breaths until I was surrounded by silence. Perhaps they've left.

"You know we don't think of you like that." The voice belonged to Ronan.

I open the door to see him sitting on the floor with his back against the wall opposite my door. He rises to his feet and wraps his arms around me, I relish in his warmth until he pulls away.

He takes my hand and we head to the dinning room, Ranger and Rolland are at the table stuffing their faces. Thankfully, Uncle John isn't there.

"Have you guys seen Ruby?" I asked and they said she's out the back. I walk out to find her sitting on a lounge chair staring at the sky with tears in her eyes. I walk up to her and pull her into a tight hug as she sobs into my hoodie.

"I-I am s-sorry..."

"Ssh! It's okay, don't cry." I said, caressing her hair.

"Please forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive. Now come on, let's go--"

BOOM!

The ground shook beneath our feet as an explosion is heard. I pull out my gun and turn off the safety button as Ranger and Rolland come sprinting out of the house, towards us.

"What was that?" Ranger pants.

"I think we're under attack. Where's Ronan?" I ask.

"He went to look for Raelynn and Belinda." As if on cue, uncle John and Belinda who's holding Raelynn come running towards us.

No Ronan.

Another explosion shakes the earth as uncle John growled. "It's the Castillo cartel. I can't believe they're attacking me!"

"Who are you talking about?"

Uncle John faces me with a grim expression. "The men attacking us work for Fernando Del Castillo. The man that murdered your parents."