Page 10 of Rhet

“Carson? Who gives a fuck about him? Not him or his daughter. No one cares,” I state.

“No one should bring my house or my name to any shame,” father screams, spittle dropping onto his lip. “I’m going to grab that gay spirit out of you, son, if it’s the last thing I do. Morals are important.” He throws back the rest of his whiskey.

“Be careful, you may grab that spirit and find it goes into you.” I can’t help myself.

Father gives me a death stare.

“You little bitch. I know what you’re thinking. I can see it. You’re still marrying Charlotte. Carson and I will settle this,” father snarls.

“It amazes me you speak about moral values when you yourself have none. Mistresses and whores, yes. Morals? None,” I state casually.

He rushes toward me. I brush Trent’s hand off and stand up to my father.

“After tonight, the Rhet that you knew is gone. You wanted a villain you got one.” I breathe so heavily my nostrils flair.

Father’s eyes widen. For the first time, I notice the lines around his eyes and mouth. My father’s getting old.

He yells, turns, and throws the crystal glass into the fireplace. “No one in this house has respect for me anymore.”

He takes off his jacket and flings it to the ground. Growing tired of his antics, I move toward the door. I look back only to see Trent whisper in my father’s ear.

Father looks back at him in horror. His jaw drops and he collapses into the armchair. Trent walks by me calmly.

“Ready to turn in?” he asks.

I look back at my father, his face is twisted with hate and confusion.

I run behind Trent. “What the hell did you say?”

He shrugs. “I told him I proposed to Marcus on Sunday, and he said yes. After he graduates from college. It’s a go.”

“What? Congratulations, bro.” I pull him into a hug.

“Thanks. I got the house, the Craftsman on lower 34thStreet, signed off on it today. I’m leaving here at the end of the month. I haven’t told mom yet, but I am done,” he whispers as we both continue up the stairs.

“This life isn’t for me, you know?”

“Yeah, I do, but that’s great. Congratulations. Do I need to buy you a house plant or some shit?” I feel genuine joy for my older brother. He deserves everything good. Trent remains silent.

“How about you and Charlotte?” He asks

I sigh remembering what I saw earlier this evening. “I was about to propose to her, but I caught her with Barrett.”

He stops walking and turn to face me. “Come again?”

Smirking, I tap my first on the wooden railing. “I caught Charlotte fucking Barrett.”

Trent’s eyes widen as he takes it all in. “So, you’re not marrying her?”

I pull at the side of my neck “I’d rather drag my balls over hot shards of glass.”

Trent shakes his head. “I’m sorry this happened man. I just want to leave this life all behind.” He continues to walk up the stairs and I follow.

“But not me?” I reply, sounding like his little brother.

“Never you, but if I leave that means you’ll have to take over where I should have.”

“Take over.” The words taste bitter on my tongue.

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