Cronus: The Anthology Pt. 01

The characters in this story are fictional and are aged 18 or older.

*****

Chapter One: Afraid of the Dark

Charlie's Perspective

Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 10:24PM

Rachel grasped my body closer as the yells grew louder down the hall.

My sister was afraid of the dark because that was when the monster came out. I'd be too if her happiness wasn't my concern. When the clock hit 10:00PM, it was my queue to lock my sister's bedroom door. You'd know it's presence by the sound of it's feet as it stumbled across the hardwood floor or the smell of whiskey that emanated from it's body. It had a voice that sounded like our father's, and an appearance much similar to his too.

"We have children, for Christ's sake!" Mom's voice traveled through the crack underneath Rachel's bedroom door.

"Charlie," Rachel whimpered and nuzzled her head into my chest.

I stroked her dark brown hair and whispered back, "It's okay, sweet pea, I'm here. I'd never let anyone hurt you, you know that."

She looked up at me and nodded. The moonlight that pierced from between the window blinds illuminated the smile on her beautiful face.

"I love you, Charlie," she whispered as she placed her head on my shoulder, and hand on my chest.

I glanced at the doorknob, then back to Rachel, and smiled. My hand found it's way to rubbing her back; and it wasn't long before she fell asleep. What happened after the yelling stopped was not something she should have to hear.

The commotion went on for a while, and I couldn't stop staring at the light from under the door. I wanted them to come off. But, when they did, I felt tired. I hadn't slept in months, but tonight, I remembered what it felt like to close my eyes for more than a second.

Her soft snores were like a lullaby.

-

Chapter Two: After the Storm

Charlie's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 8:02AM

"Hey, sweet pea," I whispered to Rachel who fought to open her eyes despite the amount of sunlight shining on her.

Rachel finally opened her eyes before she smiled and hugged me. I turned on my side, but not to hug her, to tickle her. As I tickled her tummy, I inhaled the sweetness of the lotion she used every night.

"Charlie, stop it, my sides!" she laughed and playfully smacked my arm.

I gulped as memories from last night replayed in my head.

"I'm sorry," I apologized while I distanced myself from Rachel. A wave of pain washed through me, and it was then when I realized how hot it was underneath the blanket.

"Charlie?" Rachel swung her leg over mine and held me tight.

"Why's it always so hot in here?" I asked.

"I don't know, why is it?" Rachel smiled.

Rachel pecked me on the lips and stared at me awkwardly for what felt like minutes. It was almost as if she was waiting for a response, or maybe I had something in my teeth.

"Pancakes?" I smiled.

My tummy grumbled, so that was my queue to get up and make breakfast, but before I could lift myself from the bed, Rachel pinned me down.

"No, don't go!" Rachel pleaded.

"He's gone, Rach," I moved her hair from her face and continued, "He's been gone for a while."

"Okay," Rachel nodded and moved her thumb in a circular motion on my right cheek before she continued, "Charlie?"

"Mhm?"

"Nothing," she replied and dropped her head on my chest.

I kissed her forehead, and made way in the direction of my room.

My bed was untouched besides the corner of the bed I always sat on when I tied my shoe laces, but examining my bed wasn't why I came in here.

I walked over to my closet and opened the door. My suitcase had remained exactly where I left it, packed, a couple of weeks ago.

I smiled and closed the door before making my way down the hall.

This was the worst part of the morning. After the storm, I called it. I expected the living room to be overturned as if a tornado had passed through. Furniture would be broken, and glass would be shattered. Regardless, Rachel didn't need to see it, even though she had many times. She deserved better; much better.

I cursed under my lips when I saw Mom in the kitchen who then turned to look at me. She had done a poor job applying make-up on her right eye.

"Have you told her about the apartment yet?" She turned back around to open a cupboard.

"I was going to tell her during breakfast," I replied.

"And when will you two be leaving?" she asked as she placed a frying pan on the stove.

"As soon as possible. This afternoon, maybe, hopefully," I said as I played with my fingers.

"Good. You hungry?" She looked at me.

"I promised Rachel pancakes." I looked down the hall and then back at Mom.

Mom smiled and walked over to the pantry to get the pancake mix. She stopped at the stove to groan at her black eye.

"You deserve better," she said.

"Rachel deserves better," I retorted.

I could feel mother smile as I made my way back Rachel's room to tell her the long delayed news. The news I could've told her weeks ago but didn't want her to get her hopes up. Hope is a tough thing to come by.

"Rachel, I have something to, oh, gosh, shit, sorry!" I clenched my eyes shut as the image of my sister's naked body, like a hot branding iron, burned itself in my mind.

"Sorry about what, silly?" Rachel giggled and yanked my arm just before I could leave in a hurry.

"I should've knocked, I'm so stupid!" I apologetically responded.

"I would've still let you in. Am I... Am I ugly, Charlie?"

"What? No? I mean, no! You're beautiful, Rachel, but seeing my baby sister naked is the last thing I want in my mind!" I stumbled on my words as my eyes started to hurt from the pressure.

"You think I'm beautiful?" I could feel Rachel's hands starting to sweat.

"Look, sis, I need to tell you something important but you're gonna' need to put some clothes on." Rachel released me from her grip and I began to hear the rustling of fabric.

I opened my eyes and was pleased to see Rachel with clothes on. I took her hand and sat on the edge of her bed.

"Charlie, is everything okay?" she worriedly said and placed both of her warm hands on my cheek before kissing me on my lips.

"Uh-huh, what was that for?" I spoke in confusion.

Rachel smiled before she spoke, "What's so important?"

"Well, what if I told you we're moving out. Just me and you? An apartment close to our university, you know, the red one?"

"What? Really! We are?" Rachel incredulously screamed in happiness and hugged me. "When are we leaving?"

I patted her back before I responded, "Make sure you're packed for this afternoon."

Rachel smiled before kissing my cheek.

"Mom's making pancakes, lets see if they're ready," I stood up and took her hand.

We walked down the hallway and I felt Rachel's grip tightening as we got closer to the kitchen.

"Pancakes are done," Mom said and turned around to look at Rachel.

Rachel released her grip, and I watched as her eyes bulged as if someone punched her in the gut.

"I'm not hungry anymore," Rachel paused before she continued, "I'm going to pack, Charlie,"

I looked at Rachel in confusion as she marched to her room.

"Maybe I should've put more make-up." Mom faked a smile.

I shook my head and went over to Rachel's room. She was emptying her drawers of clothing into a black suitcase.

"Forgot to knock again," I giggled but turned serious and stepped forward, "Is everything okay, sweet pea?"

"Her eye, Charlie, her eye!" Rachel whimpered and ran towards me for a hug.

By leaving this house, we're running away, but by staying, we're waiting for something bad to happen.

"Where we're going, we don't have to hide anymore," I spoke as she nuzzled into my chest, "I can't believe I forgot. In three days, it's Christmas. You could hang out with your friends, they live around the campus, right?"

"No! I'd rather hang out with you," Rachel said and stared at me with a pair of eyes that seemed almost foreign to me.

"You know there's no TV, right?"

-

Chapter Three: Two Peas in a Car

Rachel's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 11:51AM

We took longer than expected to the leave the house. Correction; I took longer. When Charlie said we were going out for lunch, I had to make sure I looked good. I couldn't remember one time where Charlie got mad at me, so I hoped that extra hour of preparation in the bathroom didn't tick him off.

"Technically, this is a date," I laughed with joy.

Charlie smiled as he moved over to the left lane. "No... it's lunch."

"You indirectly asked me out on a date," I insisted.

"Brothers don't ask their sisters out," He laughed.

My smile slowly deflated like a balloon. I looked away from Charlie through the car window and hoped that he hadn't seen my disappointment, but the hurt I felt right now was so strong that I might as well have been screaming in agony.

"Rachel, would you like to go on a date with your big, loser brother?"

My smile came back and I giggled as I turned to Charlie, "No, I'd like to go on a date with my big, handsome brother."

I felt my brother's right arm for no other reason than fulfill the desire of contact I needed from him. I could have sworn I saw him blush, but that might've been my eyes giving me what I wanted.

Ten minutes had passed and we were parked in front of Delilah's, a steakhouse and bar. Charlie and I had only been here once and figured since the food wasn't bad that a second time was worth it.

"You look pretty," Charlie complimented me as I fixed my hair while looking into the car mirror.

"Just pretty?" I stared at Charlie and bit my bottom lip.

Damn it, why did I say that! Why did I do that!

"Yeah... I'm kinda hungry, Rach," he said before checking his watch and continuing, "I really enjoyed their burgers the last time we were hear, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I did. Lets, uh, go." I said and put up the mirror.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

-

Chapter Four: Table for Two

Charlie's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 12:07PM

We walked inside the restaurant and were greeted by a female waitress. Rachel and I agreed on a booth by a window. Rachel held my hand as we followed the waitress who eventually stopped beside our booth.

The waitress placed a menu on each end of the table before she said, "There you go."

As I took my seat in the very corner, Rachel took her menu and placed it beside mine.

"She's a keeper," the waitress smiled as she corrected the glasses on the table.

I shook my head and smiled, "Oh, we're not-"

"Yes, I am," Rachel cuddled my shoulder.

The waitress smiled and said, "Well, my name's Lisa and I'll be serving you this afternoon," and pulled out her pad before she continued, "Can I start you two off with drinks?"

"We'll just have two ginger ales, and we're also ready to order." I smiled.

"Sounds good, what'll you have?" the waitress replied.

"My, date," Rachel's face brightened up as I spoke, "And I will have the supreme burgers."

"You got it. I'll get your drinks first," the waitress said before taking our menus and leaving.

"So, apparently we're couples," I laughed as I played with my fork.

"Is that so bad?" Rachel started to look serious.

"Uh," I started to speak but the waitress came back with the drinks.

"Here are your ginger ales. The burgers will only take ten minutes," the waitress said and left again.

"So," I said.

"So," Rachel retorted.

"Rachel, is something the matter? You've been acting strange since this morning.. I mean, I know you're not home-sick... I know you'll never be," I expressed in concern.

"It's nothing," Rachel smiled, "I'm just hungry,"

"You know you can tell me anything, right, sweet pea?" I said and gave Rachel a noogie.

"Hey, ow!" Rachel laughed.

-

Chapter Five: Home, Bitter Home

Charlie's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 2:22PM

Lunch, or the date, as Rachel liked to call it was great as soon as we got our food. I came to the consensus that hunger made us both think and act differently because as soon as we took that first bite, we were back to our less awkward selves.

The drive to our new apartment was like every other car ride we'd been in. Driving past our university was something we had never done before, however. Usually, we'd only stray to the far ends of the parking lot when every other spot closer to the exit were taken. Suffice to say, I was happy to go home, especially with Rachel.

"Well this is it. Room two thousand and four," I said as we stood in front of the apartment door.

Rachel jumped with excitement as she turned the key and pushed open the door.

"Wow!" Rachel screamed with joy and inspected every nook and cranny.

I already knew what the apartment looked like having been here frequently before and after I made the down payment.

"So, what do you think? It's a bit run-down but-"

Rachel cut me off and said, "I don't care where we are, I'm just glad you're with me."

I smiled and said, "I was thinking the same thing, sweat pea."

Rachel placed both her hands on the back of my head and closed her eyes as she pulled my head slowly towards hers.

"Rach, what.. are you doing," I said in an incredulous tone.

Rachel put her hands back down to her side before she spoke, "Oh, I, I don't know.. I'm sorry."

Rachel ran to the bathroom, careful not to make any eye-contact.

To say I was confused would just be another excuse to prevent me from thinking about what was really going on with her; or what I thought was going on.

-

Chapter Six: The Rest Stop

Rachel's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 2:34PM

"Rachel, please open the door!" Charlie begged.

Hearing his voice was always comforting, but now I wish I was deaf. Being a mute would also save me from any more embarrassment. Maybe if I was blind I wouldn't have to deal with feelings I had for Charlie every time I saw his face.

You're stronger than this Rachel. You've lived in a house with an abusive, drunk father for twenty years. Well, I've only lived that long because of Charlie. I've always loved you, Charlie. I can't live without you. I can't sleep without knowing you're beside me. What's preventing me from telling him this? Nothing!

"Charlie," I looked at the door as I wiped my tears.

"I'm here," he responded.

You always are.

"I need to tell you something, but, but I'm afraid to say it." I felt stupid and childish talking to a door.

"Sweet pea, you're worrying me, please open the door." Charlie turned the locked doorknob.

I ran my fingers down the surface of the door and closed my eyes before whispering, "I'm in love with you."

"Rach? You know you can tell me anything," he spoke again.

Damn it, he didn't hear me.

"Damn it, Charlie, I'm in love with you!" I screamed and broke into tears.

-

Chapter Seven: Pointing the Blame

Charlie's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 5:55PM

I hate bars, especially empty ones. This was the only bar opened in miles; everyone else was at home with their families, with their siblings. Shit, do I hate the quiet! It leaves me time to think, but I don't want to. I'm not Rachel thinks I am. I'm a coward. A coward who drinks.

I sounded like my father.

My cellphone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out for the first time in hours and was surprised to see twenty missed calls, and thirty-two unread text messages.

The last one read: "PLEASE COME BACK, CHARLIE. WE CAN FORGET THIS EVER HAPPENED, JUST PLEASE COME BACK. I LOVE YOU."

There are those words again: I love you. Not only was I being a coward but I was also hurting my sister. God, she probably thinks I'm dead in a ditch. God. Why do people always say God when they're at their worst moments? If God had the devil on speed-dial, I'd be in hell right now, but I don't think they're friends.

Friends. Friends are hard to come by. The only real friend I ever had was Rachel, and the only memorable moments I would recall was when I comforted her at night when father came home. It was strange. I probably felt more safe than she did. And now, I suddenly felt as if I was alone in the world.

Was it because I just upset the only woman I had ever loved in my life?

"Sir, are you sure you don't want some whiskey in your ginger ale?"

"I don't drink."

-

Chapter Eight: Broken Line

Charlie's Perspective

Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 6:31PM

The flowers were her favorite: daisies. At least if I stumbled over my words during the apology, she'd know what I meant.

I knocked twice before speaking, "It's me, sweet pea."

I heard Rachel say my name before the door swung open. I quickly moved the flowers behind her as she embraced me for a hug.

"Don't scare me like that again, Charlie!" Rachel cried.

I walked inside the apartment like a penguin as she continued to squeeze me, and closed the door.

"The flowers are for you," I spoke.

Rachel frowned as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

I felt like an idiot as I placed the flowers against the wall before returning my gaze to her. I brought my hands to her wet cheeks and looked into her deep brown eyes.

She placed her hands on mine and looked at me as if she expected a response, but I was tired of talking. I pushed my lips against hers as my hand stroked the back of her hair. I kissed her tears away and ran my hand down her back.

"Charlie," she moaned.

I lifted her up and crawled on the bed with her. She locked her legs around my body while kissing down the side of my neck.

"I'm in love with you too, Rach," I groaned as she squeezed the bulge in my pants.

In seconds we had completely stripped each other of our clothes which was now in one pile on the floor.

I moved my hands up her legs, to her smooth tummy, and then her breasts. They filled my hands nicely, and she moaned as I squeezed them.

I didn't know we were having intercourse until she moaned in pleasure at the fifth time I pumped my cock inside of her. I could barely breathe as she suffocated me with her warm, wet kisses.

It only took a couple more pumps before I came inside her, and she smiled as I filled her with my sperm.

I pinched myself on the arm.

"What was, what was that for, baby," Rachel exhaustively said.

"Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought I would make love to my sister," I smiled and kissed Rachel on her forehead.

Rachel giggled, "This better not be a dream."

We kissed each other goodnight, and fell asleep.