Chapter 3: Setting the rules

I awoke, showered and dressed. I found myself consumed by the events of yesterday. I almost killed the bitch. I fucked her. The thoughts echoed till the lost meaning. What do I really want out of this? They’re not going to change and I can’t expect them too. I do owe the bitch though. I owe her for Heather. She deserves to hurt ... but even when I had my hands around her neck I couldn’t. Even if I did, it wouldn’t change anything. My best friend is dead.

I made myself some oatmeal and ate. It hadn’t snowed last night, so I didn’t have to worry about fresh driveways to do. I should call Emily about setting up a shopping trip.

I pulled out my phone and I dialed. After a few minutes she answered, “Hey, Silver.”

“Emily. How’s my third favorite woman?”

“What do you want?”

“C’mon, why would you suspect me of wanting something?”

“I can hear your tone and you’re calling me, not the other way around. Spit it out.”

“Alright, you got me. I need to do some shopping tomorrow and I need to get someone some ink and piercings. Henna specifically.”

“You know we can’t do Henna tattoos.”

“I know you’re not supposed to do Henna tattoos. I also know at least three of my classmates who got them at your place.”

“Fine, but you’ll need to keep it quiet and remember they can’t get wet for 24 hours. How complicated are we talking about?”

“The phrase ‘property of silver’ on the subject’s back and decorative swirls on the hands.”

‘I though Mandy was out of town?”

“She is, but she’d kill me before I labeled her as my property.”

“So, whom?”

“Uh-uh, that would be telling.”

“When is this happening?”

“Tomorrow Ideally?”

“And you’ll ‘owe me one.”

“I’ve never said, “No” to you since Duke asked me for help. But if you want you can borrow the tattoo subject for payment for that part.”

‘You should know better.”

“Just an offer and I’ll probably be dropping some cash at the store. I need ... equipment. Or I will if things work out.”

“Alright, going to have to let you go.”

“Bye, Emily.”

I spent the next two hours thinking about the game I would set up. First of all, it had to be fair. I wanted to win, but they would have to have a chance to win. Eventually, I came up with a set of rules.

It was about then that the Moms entered my space. Daisy was practically bouncing with each step, “You wanted to talk to us?”

Helen quickly, “After you nearly killed your sister.”

“Mark it down as rough sex. I didn’t even pop a blood vessel.”

“I talked to her after I found out what she did, but even she doesn’t deserve that.”

“You’re right. Next time I’ll squeeze harder.”

Daisy just smiled, “So, she said she made an agreement to get you to stay.”

“She wanted to give you a chance to show me you want to make amends. That you’re willing and able to treat me like a real member of this family.”

Helen countered, “Didn’t you say sex wasn’t the solution to this?”

“Yes. We talked and surprisingly she’s either got an Oscar in her future or she was actually remorseful. She offered to be my fucktoy for me to use and abuse, to punish as I see fit in order for me to give the other four of you a chance. She asked that I stay until I’d leave for college next year instead of midnight on my 18^th as I planned. I gave her rules to follow. And told her you’d need to agree to certain conditions. And if they were met. I’d try and stay that long. And if she fails or let’s face it when you fail. I’m gone. That day.”

“So, you’re holding the family hostage?”

Daisy quickly asserted, “Helen, that is not what he said.”

“You can say ‘no’ and I can just go. I’ve got the papers to transfer parental rights already made up. I can be gone by dusk. And I have at least seven beds in this town that would welcome me.”

Helen asked, “What conditions?”

“Do I have a college fund?”

“You do.”

“Is it the same as the others.”

Helen looked sheepish, “I’d have to check.”

“So, no.” I handed her an envelope. ‘That contains my account number and the amount I want transferred into it. It’ll cover fees and tuition at my dream school through my Ph.D. I want it transferred before the end of the week that way when you fail and I leave you can’t hold it over my head. I’ll cover room and board. I’m used to working and don’t mind it. I also expect to get a few scholarship/fellowship options so I doubt I’ll need all of it. So, I’ll send whatever I don’t need back.”

“What else?”

“Aunt minnie’s number.”

“We don’t speak to her.”