Internet 24

Through Lou's Eyes

Trapped in my body by my own people's magic. If my brothers saw me here now, they would laugh. We would then kill Kate. No, wouldn't kill here, depends on how far she takes it. Though I wouldn't ask for help for that. I would ask the three if they knew where I went wrong with her.

Marcy sits across from me, picking at her food. I'm surprised I didn't knock our meals back after I tried to rip Kate's throat. Woah, when did I start thinking like that? When I think about moving out of this chair, these golden threads of fire pull on my muscles and force me to stay seated. They make me a bit hot-headed.

I chew a curly fry, stuffing my mouth before I say something stupid, but it's bound to happen. I know it's ridiculous, as we have more pressing matters, but I need to know.

LOU

Was it three months ago? When you started planning this.

Marcy rolls her eyes at me.

MARCY

Do you think I would do this to you? I'm just as much in the dark as you are.

LOU

I'm learning a lot today, like how you hate me and have conspired against me. Having her borrow the books is a smart move.

MARCY

That's why that's right there. Do you even listen to me?

LOU

Every word you say.

She remained silent for a moment. I know that look. I've seen it a dozen times. Either we would clash because of different ideological views—views of what happens after death, whether my people should involve ourselves with the surface world, flour versus corn tortillas.

We agreed on a bunch, though. If we should move in, what shows were good, and that mayo-ketchup is bomb. Most importantly, we agreed that we loved each other, or maybe that was only me. Either way, I know here, and right now, she is formulating her thoughts as we speak.

MARCY

It's like... I'm trying to find the words. You don't take over all at once. A pebble hitting a glass, hitting the same spot, day after day.

Then, a crack appears on that spot. Now, it's easier for that crack to grow when that pebble hits it.

LOU

What didn't you tell me?

MARCY

How do you tell someone something like that when they have so much over you?

What does she mean by that? Does she mean my current form? I only partially changed to try to stop the spell. To be more accurate, the spell prevented me from fully transforming myself, as that would have broken the spell. Only if I was in control. Now Kate has possession of both my forms.

Marcy can tell what I'm thinking. She always could. She gestures to her side, stomach, and then her heart. Then, it all hits me.

LOU

Do you think I would do something to them?

MARCY

I don't think you would, but I'm afraid you would.

LOU

That's the same thing.

Stay calm. I need to relax.

MARCY

They're not.

LOU

You should have told me. How can I work on my problems if I don't know what they are? I won't be able to help if YOU don't tell me anything.

Stay calm, stay calm.

MARCY

Why is it my responsibility to tell you about your shitty habits?

LOU

Because I don't know!

My hands slam on the table, breaking it in half. I feel the warmth of tears down my cheek. My hands shake. I broke the table. I broke the table. Maybe she should be afraid. I broke the table.

LOU

Sorry. I— Just sorry.

Marcy stares at me. She isn't afraid, but there isn't compassion in her eyes. More of a steeled soul. I wipe my face and compose myself.

LOU

I don't know how I'm supposed to act.

I gesture to us.

LOU

This... being a this is new to me.