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Chapter 17: Clean-Up Crew
"So what exactly do you do with the bodies? Like you don't just leave them down here, do you?" Tom asked as he put the body atop of the other two.
"Course not. I assume the guys toss them into a lake or bury em in a forest or something," Scarlet said as she began walking back up the cellar.
"And how long will that take before this is all cleaned up?" Tom asked as he followed her up.
"Probably a few days. I kinda have to clean the blood myself, but they fully clean it when they come through," Scarlet said as she got out a mop and bucket. She then got out a thing of bleach as she carried the bucket to the sink as she filled it.
"Open the back door. It's not fun passing out from improper ventilation," Scarlet said as she put just a small amount of bleach before she set the bucket on the floor. Tom opened the door as he looked outside. The wind had died down and the snow had started gently falling. The trees were covered in snow as Tom closed his eyes for a moment and felt the cold. He then opened his eyes. He saw a figure standing in the snow as he saw flames behind him. He tried to focus in on it before he felt a whack on the back of his head.
"Ow, the hell was that for!?" Tom asked as he turned around.
"I was talking to you and you zoned out. The hell were you even staring at?" Scarlet asked as she looked out into the snow, confused.
"Nothing. Just thought I saw something. It was just nothing," Tom said as he shook his head and turned from the door.
"There's never nothing with you. I know that look, that's your regret face and I'm not stupid and don't say it isn't!" Scarlet barked at Tom.
"I thought I saw our parents, okay? I still have nightmares or hallucinations of what happened that day. It haunts me what happened and it won't stop," Tom said as he looked back at Scarlet. Scarlet stood there for a moment before she took the mop and set it in the bucket. She left it in there as she came over to Tom. She wrapped her arms around him before hugging him tightly.
"I'm sorry it happened, and I'm sorry you still experience it. It hurt us all, and the fight between you and Morgan didn't help. Maybe it would help to visit Mom and Dad's grave, would you like to do that?" Scarlet asked. Tom could feel his breathing become rapid as he tried to control himself. He tightened his arms around her and he huffed, before it finally broke and he let out a gasp as he started crying.
"Y-yes that would be nice to do with you, thank you," Tom said through tears. Scarlet patted his back as they stood there for a few minutes before Tom wiped his eye.
"Sorry, just been the sensitive one all the time, but you know that," Tom said as he dried his tears with the sleeve of his jacket.
"Oh yes, I know. I don't think a season went by where you didn't cry at least twice," Scarlet said as she went over and grabbed her coat.
Tom finished the mop work while she got ready to go out into the snow. Scarlet turned off the lights except the one to the back door of the restaurant before she shut the door. Scarlet locked up as Tom looked around. The wind and snow had stopped completely now. It was dark, but not impossible to see with the light over their heads.
"It isn't too far from here, but we probably need a flashlight," Scarlet said as she went to a box on the wall by the door before she opened it. She took out a flashlight and popped two batteries into it. The flashlight blinked a few times before the beam of light shown without flickering.
"There, should last us until we get back," Scarlet said as she began to walk.
"Should? Do you mean that flashlight is bad?" Tom asked.
"Batteries don't come in very often, so I just have to hope they last until more come in," Scarlet replied back.
Tom shrugged before they continued walking. The hoots of owls could be heard, but there wasn't much noise other than the ruffle of trees moving.
"So, seeing anyone?" Scarlet asked. Tom was shocked by the question but still answered.
"No I am not, why do you ask?" Tom asked back.
"Curious. I mean, gone for seven years, I would figure you would have at least been dating someone," Scarlet said.
"Well, have you been seeing anyone? Because now I'm curious," Tom asked as he looked at her smugly.
"Well yeah, he's just at home. He works on home repairs. He's also my fiance. We're getting married next season. I would like you to come," Scarlet said. Tom's smug face dropped and he stopped in the snow.
"You? Getting married? You're fucking with me," Tom said in retort.
"I'm not screwing with you. He's a sweet guy, and we've been together for two years now," Scarlet shot back as she turned around pointing the light at Tom.
"Okay fine, but I have to at the very least meet the man. You're my sister after all, I don't want you with some abuser," Tom said as he started walking again.
"Well at least you didn't try to deny it the second time, and we can go back to my home after this," Scarlet said before she continued walking as well. The snow crunched beneath Tom's feet. The two reached a small clearing. Tom knew this clearing too well, because this is where his home burnt down. In the middle of the clearing was two headstones, and as they got closer he could see writing on the graves. The first read as so: "Mother, wife, caretaker, Ana Greinger to be remembered in memory." And the second read as: "Father, husband, protector, Dorel Greinger to be remembered in memory." The grave of their parents.
"So this really is them. God, it feels weird to see this, just not right," Tom said as he got down to his knees in front of the graves.
Scarlet joined him as kneeled there. She laid a hand on his thigh as she looked at him.
"I know it does. It does every time I come out here. Though there's some comfort to know they're resting now," Scarlet said.
"I know there is, just the memories of it all. I miss them, all it is, but at least you're here again, so it's getting better," Tom said as he leaned out and touched the gravestone.
"I'm surprised it's still so clean and legible," Tom said as he ran a finger through the words of the stone.
"I've been taking care of them. It's not that hard when you get down to it, but they are much harder to do in the snow," Scarlet said back.
"I feel like it'd be easier because there are less elements," Tom said as he finally got up.
"Yeah, but it's just really cold, and I don't wanna be out here that long. But let's get back inside before the cold starts getting to us," Scarlet said as she got back up as well and turned around.
"Just give me a moment. I know my way back," Tom said as he looked at the graves. Scarlet gave a nod before she started walking back to her restaurant.
"Hi Mom and Dad, it's been a long while hasn't it. God, I'm talking to myself. But I've missed y'all a whole lot. You probably would want me and Morgan to be closer together, but I wouldn't say we are. We need to work on things with each other, but it seems me and Scarlet are getting along. Oh, I did bring something. It wasn't really meant for you, but I figured it'd be best to leave it here with y'all," Tom said to the two graves as he took a photo of them all when his parents were still alive. He squatted down as he set it between the graves and rummaged through the snow to find a rock.
"Guess I'll let you guys be now, love you both," Tom said and put his hands in his jacket as he turned around and began walking back. He could feel his face as he was trying to keep calm, he didn't want to cry out in the middle of the snow. He made his way back to the restaurant as Scarlet was standing there and releasing a pigeon.
"What was that for?" Tom asked.
"To contact the guys about cleaning up this mess. They should be here by morning, at least," Scarlet said as she held the door open for Tom.
He walked inside as he shook off the cold. It was nice and warm inside. He could feel his face warm as it became less flush.
"Do you feel somewhat better?" Scarlet asked as she shut the door behind them.
"Yeah, somewhat. I don't think the nightmares will stop, but it'll be easier to handle now, thank you," Tom said.
"It's the least I could do for you. You're my brother, we have to stick together," Scarlet said as she began to shut off the lights in the kitchen.
"And you say that after what, seven years? Of me disappearing that night?" Tom asked sarcastically.
"That was the past. I don't blame you or Morgan for what y'all said that night. I'm just happy you're here. Now shut up and help me close up," Scarlet said as she packed a bag full of things. Tom stuck his tongue out at her before he tasted the blood still on his fur and flinched.
"I will wash up first, and most things are already put up, so I'll just follow you," Tom said as he went over to the sink and turned on the faucet. The water flowed red as he washed his face off, before he washed off his arms. He saw the mixture of water and blood flow down the drain before he turned off the faucet.
"Do you feel better now?" Scarlet asked as she tossed him a small towel.
"Yeah I guess so. Bit wet but can't say it's horrible," Tom said as he caught the towel drying off his face.
"Good, now come on, I want to get home so you can meet Vyrin," Scarlet said as she went to the front of the restaurant. Tom followed behind her as she turned off the light to the front of the shop and opened the door.
"Ladies first," Scarlet joked, and Tom gave a huff in response as he walked outside. Scarlet joined behind him before leading the way. The trudge through the snow wasn't long. They arrived at an apartment building, the same one they parked the van behind. Scarlet took out a key as she unlocked the door to the building and stepped in. She waved Tom through as he shut the door behind him, and it locked once it was closed.
"We were lucky and we're able to get an apartment only on the second floor," Scarlet said as she went up a nearby staircase.
"That's nice at the least. I remember when I had to find a place for a year. It was really rough and six floors up," Tom said as he joined her on the way up the stairs.
"Yeah, also I think he might be sleeping. It is pretty late, but you never know," Scarlet said as she reached the second floor.
"That's reasonable, but the nights are long so who doesn't wake up in the middle of the night every once in a while," Tom said as he reached the second floor as well. Scarlet nodded in agreement as she got out another key and she unlocked the apartment door and stepped in, holding the door for Tom. He stepped in and was met with a small hallway entrance that led to a main room and two doors on the right. Scarlet walked before him as she made her way around the corner to the main room.
"Hi sweetie, I'm surprised you're still awake. I brought someone I'd like you to meet," Scarlet said from around the corner. Tom made his way forward as he turned the corner, greeted by Scarlet and her fiance. A very broad maroon red chupa stood beside Scarlet. His face was scarred to hell, and one of his eyes had a cataract.
"My brother! He's happy to meet you!" Scarlet said in glee.
"Yet she failed to mention you're built like a brick house," Tom said as he raised a hand to shake his. Vyrin reciprocated the gesture as he shook Tom's hand. His handshake was very solid.
"Don't worry, she hasn't talked about you much either, well at least not how you looked. She loves to talk," Vyrin said as he let go of Tom's hand.
"Oh yeah I know, when we were younger she would absolutely ramble on about things. Gets a little annoying after a while, but she's happy as she does it," Tom said back, chuckling. Scarlet punched him in the arm.
"I wasn't annoying, I was adorable. That's what Mom and Dad said, at least," Scarlet said in annoyance.
"You were also the favorite child because you were the youngest one," Tom said as he pushed her back. Scarlet moved out of the way as she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Anyways, honey, I had to get a clean up crew for the restaurant. Some House members got a bit rough with my brother here, and we had to take care of them," Scarlet said. Vyrin gave a nod in return.
"I'll get some credits for the clean up, but you really got to slow your roll on House members. They've been going everywhere today," Vyrin said as he went to a shelf and moved a couple books and opened a wall safe. He took out some credits and handed them over to Scarlet before closing it back and locking it. Vyrin then went and sat in a chair near the shelf as he got out a logbook.
"Please sit down, we're not going to kill ya," Scarlet said as she sat down on the nearby couch.
Tom sat on the couch before he spoke again.
"So what have you two been up to- like, how did y'all meet each other?" Tom asked as shifted to get comfortable.
"Let's see, we met four years ago, started dating two years ago, and she proposed to me about a month ago," Vyrin said as he was still stuck in his logbook.
"Oh, so you proposed," Tom said as he looked towards Scarlet.
"Well yeah, that big dumb idiot was taking forever to do it. Hopefully he loves the ring I got him. It's so hard to get one out here," Scarlet said.
"Dear, you know I love the ring and I'm going to love wearing it when we get married. I do wish you would have told me, so I could have got one for you," Vyrin said as he set down the logbook.
"You did get me one, just a week or two after I proposed," Scarlet shot back.
"That's not what I mean. I wish I was there with you, so we can both agree upon one. You did choose a very nice ring though, and with no gems. I like it," Vyrin said as he held up his right hand to inspect the ring.
"How cute of y'all," Tom said sarcastically. Scarlet chuckled as Vyrin lowered his hand.
"Yes I know, we're adorable, aren't we? Two peas in a pod, or however it goes," Vyrin said, getting another chuckle out of Scarlet before she calmed.
"So will you be staying the night? I can get a blanket so you can sleep on the couch," Scarlet said as she got up.
"No, probably not. I have to get back to the others before they realize I'm out," Tom said as he also got up.
"Others?" Scarlet asked.
"Okay, I didn't come here alone. I'm working with a group for a project, which means I should get back," Tom said as he started heading towards the hallway and to the front door. Scarlet followed him to the door.
"Wait, before you go, I need one thing," Scarlet said. Tom turned around to face her as he opened the door. Scarlet hugged Tom at the door.
"Be safe out there, you big idiot. Love you, now get the fuck out of here," Scarlet said as she let go of him.
"I'll be careful and I love you too. Have a good night, and tell Vyrin I say goodnight as well," Tom said.
"I will," Scarlet replied back before Tom walked out the door and shut the door. Tom looked at the door for a moment before he turned to go down the stairs. For how much shit he had been through, this was definitely one of his better days. All he had to do now is get back to the house.
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