Page 28 of Dollface

“What other variations?” I asked.

Sabbath watched me closely as I reached my hand out and touched the triangle made of bones. A light shiver vibrated down my spine. “There are ones meant for more… nefarious reasons. But let’s not talk about that right now.” He looked down at Foster and my eyes followed. The boy was creating an odd looking stick figure, but the proportions were strange. It was extremely long and slender, resembling more of a tree with arms and legs.

Foster turned and looked up at me. “What do you think, big sis?”

I didn’t know what to say. “It’s… cool. I’m sorry. What is it?”

Foster’s smile fell. “It’s a Sapling.” He turned to look at Sabbath. “Did I make it wrong?”

A Sapling?

Sabbath shook his head. “No. You did perfect, Foster. Rosie just doesn’t know what it is. She’s not from our church, remember?”

The boy’s smile returned. “Big sis is what mother calls an outsider.” Sabbath looked at me with weary eyes. “She’s blinded by the world of man and lost from the path. But you saved her from eternal damnation, didn’t you, Sabbath?”

I shot my eyes to him, but he looked away. “Let’s not talk about that right now, Foster. Rosie still doesn’t know everything.” Foster nodded.

Excuse me?

“Saved me from eternal damnation? What the hell is he talking about, Sabbath?” He didn’t answer. “Huh?”

Instead, Foster cleared his throat, and we both looked down at him. “By performing a blood ritual, Sabbath tied your souls, but your blood became one as well. And since Sabbath carries what mother calls sacred blood, now you do too.” I blinked. “See?” He turned and smiled up at me. “I told you. We wereall bound together like a real family.” What the hell? Bound by blood? Sacred blood?

Sabbath crouched next to Foster. “Hey, let’s not overwhelm Rosie. Okay?”

Foster scrunched his face. “I don’t understand. Why is she overwhelmed?” Sabbath sighed. “Mother says we shouldn’t have to hide who we are. I should be proud of who I am.”

I could tell Sabbath was anxious and attempting to keep Foster calm. Like the kid was on the verge of popping. “And you should be proud, Foster.”

“I’m the heir to the church!” Sabbath tried to calm the boy. “Me! You don’t get to tell me what to do, Sabbath!” He tried to shush him. “No! You’re not the boss of me! I’m the boss! Mother says you have to listen to me! Me!” Foster began to throw a tantrum.

Sabbath carefully grabbed Foster’s face. “Hey,” he whispered. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m not the boss. You are.” Foster groaned. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?” What the hell? Why was he asking his younger brother for forgiveness? “Please, Foster?”

The boy glared at Sabbath. “Can I use the Sapling?”

Sabbath glanced over at me, as if the boy had said something he shouldn’t. He then looked back at Foster and nodded. “Yes. Yes, you can use the Sapling. But just this once, okay? Mother doesn’t want you using that thing until you're older. And she’s right. It’s too much for someone your age.”

Foster’s face beamed, and he smiled at Sabbath before jumping forward and giving him the biggest hug. “Then I forgive you!” The two embraced for a brief moment before Foster stood with the Sapling in his hand. It looked more like a twig figure. “Where are your campers at, big sis?”

I had to process the crazy amount of information before I could speak. “Uhh, they’re down at the lake, swimming with Solomon and Kaila.”

“Can I go too, Sabbath? Please?” Foster begged him.

Sabbath sighed. “I guess.” The boy shouted in excitement. “You go on ahead. I’m going to talk to Rosie for a bit, okay?” Foster nodded and ran from the cabin and out towards the lake. Sabbath exhaled. He seemed exhausted and drained. “That kid is going to be the death of me one day.”

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Bit dramatic, don't you think?”

Sabbath looked at me. His black hair hung in front of his eyes. “Considering he’s my replacement, no. I don’t think it’s dramatic to say.”

His replacement?

Sabbath stood and stretched. “Why aren’t you at the lake with everyone else?”

Oh shit.

“Fuck!” I turned towards the door. “I’m supposed to be cleaning up the woodshop and locking up for Solomon.” I ran to the other cabin and groaned at the giant mess. “I’m never letting these kids paint again.”

Sabbath whistled next to me. He nearly scared the shit out of me. “Damn. Those campers sure know how to have fun.” He stepped inside and picked up a paintbrush, examining it closely. “Got to say, I’m a little jealous.”

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