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When I entered the room, I saw the TV was not on and was about to turn around when I heard the unmistakable sound of crying and, turning, saw my brother sitting on the couch, his head in his hands, sobbing. I stood there, shocked, as, although I had seen my brother cry several times over the years --and mostly over me-, it had never been like this. Mark's shoulders were shaking, and he was sobbing so hard it sounded painful. Snapping myself out of my surprise, I ran over to the couch and got on my knees in front of him.
"Mark, what is it?" I asked, grabbing his hands to remove them from his face.
Mark started and looked up at me. His cheeks were wet with tears, and I could feel his hands trembling in my grasp.
"I... I can't do this anymore, Megan!" Mark cried out. "I... can't!"
"You can't do...?" I started.
"You, Megan, I can't keep doing this! I..." He took a deep breath and tried to get control of himself."Years, sis, for years we've done this! You do well, then you fall, you run, then you come back!" He lost the battle and started sobbing again before continuing. "Six months, Megan! For six months I worried about you, and looked for you, every time the phone rang I hoped it was you!"
"Mark,I..I'm sorry I..."
"Mom was calling me every other day, asking if I heard anything. Christ, Megan, I was subscribing to the New York papers and shaking every time there was an article about finding an unidentified body! I...I love you sis! You're everything to me and I...I need you to be okay this time!" Mark grabbed my shoulders and, staring into my eyes, whispered, "I... I have nothing left, Megan, you came within minutes of dying, I..."Shaking his head in an attempt to control himself he continued,"Megan, I've saved you from dealers, and pimps, and jail. I've fought with your father and defended you against anyone that tries to hurt you, but..." He closed his eyes and whispered, "I can't save you from you, sis! My God, Megan, you almost died in front of me!"
I felt myself begin to cry, but instead of breaking down as I had so many times in recent days, I reached out, and, taking my brother into my arms, pressed his head into my chest.
"Please, sis?" he pleaded. "You're all I have, Meg! Please be okay this time!" he began to cry again, and, as I began to stroke his hair, he whimpered, "Please?"
I started to cry harder myself, but this time, rather than feeling sorry for myself, I held my brother even tighter, and thought about what he had said. Closing my eyes, I envisioned my brother over me; his eyes alight with love for me. Taking a deep breath, I looked deep within myself and, for the first time that I could remember, I didn't see weakness, but resolve, the desire to fight for something besides myself. Taking Mark's face in my hands, I lifted it and, after gently kissing each of his eyelids, whispered; "Don't worry, little brother, I promise that no matter what it takes, your big sister will never leave you again."
*
Author's note; Well first off big announcement! The voting for Literotica's 12th annual awards has started and Mark is in the finals for sexiest male. If you would like to support the cause the link to vote is on my bio page.
This chapter concludes the grueling Dark Days story arc, I know they were not easy reads and I appreciate your continued support. As a reward I think you will find 39 to be a bit more upbeat. As always your votes comments and feedback are appreciated.
Two chapters left. Lovecraft68
- COMMENTS
4chuckssite4 months agoWhat we always knew was coming, but not in this tender moment. Now onto the end and clean life. What more is to come between Megan and Mark? Looks like you have a proofreader now-it makes a difference.
Saucyminxover 9 years agoMake me feel like I should be writing my stories in crayon, a nice midnight blue I think. Dead on my friend, I knew you'd make me cry with this one. Thanks LC.
Anonymousalmost 10 years agoI couldn't vote on 35, 36 or 37...I just couldn't. I can on this one! Whew! Almost pitched my monitor out the window on the last one! Okay...it seems things are finally getting better and my hear can unfreeze in my chest. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Sincerely, Payenbrant
dleighabout 10 years agoThank god we're past that! Absolutely heart wrenching, could not put it down, reading. Mark and his begging at the end, heartbreaking,.
Anonymousover 11 years agoThis chapter could only come from some one that has been on one side or the other of the ugly beast of addiction. Thank you for sharing with us. I pray life turned out as well as the story for you!
Anonymousover 12 years agoI cried throughout this chapter. I think it was the hardest thing I've read, but at the same time I'm amazed at your ability to show the storyas you see it. Thank you.
LancerInLAover 12 years agoYes, there is a deep cause. But bringing up the past to herself, will she see how vile a person she has been to Mark? Doubtful. Her addiction now has been pain. She will not let love into her heart, and frankly with the history being out in the open now. I (as a reader) would be fine if she ends up unhappy. That seems to be what she is always trying to be. Mark has gone to inhuman lengths for her, and she responds with "but" in his office.
Still, excellent work. You are a very good storyteller without sex scenes, and then you add them and it leaps off the page.
Have followed it from chapter one, and certainly am not going to stop now.
TomEastwood1990over 12 years agoI simply cant get enough of this series and the way you write is just brilliant!
This series is nothing short of a masterpiece, keep up the great work, cant wait for the next chapter!!!
Tom
MasterEarlover 12 years agoWOW,,, it's really hard to find the words to describe this chapter,, page 2 has to be the most gut wrenching read ever,, I dare anyone to say they read it with a dry eye,, in the last 3 chapter you have given us a very clear view into a life consumed by addiction, the self centerness and the slow decent into hopelessness, it's been a very powerful read. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but lately the sex has taken a back seat to the story and I haven't missed it, other then the last scene, which has now become my favorite of all time.
Now after this chapter, we all know that there can only be ONE acceptable ending to this story,, not sure how you are going to get us there in only two chapters but can't wait to find out.
