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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Thwarted - 42. Chapter Forty-Two

“You bastard!” Mark pushed past Jackie and threw himself at his dad. He followed David down to the floor and started swinging, using the weight of his body to keep his dad on the floor.

“Daddy!” Mark barely heard Jackie’s screech, but he sure as hell felt her weight landing on his back.

He ignored her as he landed punch after punch. His father struggled beneath him but couldn’t evade his fists and Mark felt a vague sense of satisfaction as blood spurted from the man’s nose.

Jackie’s weight on his back disappeared but he couldn’t stop. Every derogatory comment his dad ever made flooded his mind.

“Mark!” He tried to tune out Gary’s voice, but he couldn’t ignore the hands grabbing him and pulling him back. He struggled against Gary’s grip. “Enough!”

He didn’t know how, but Gary managed to pull him away. He looked over and saw Brent holding a struggling and cursing Jackie. Brent let go and Jackie scrambled over and fell to her knees beside their father.

“That’s enough, Mark. He’s not worth it; let’s go back to the hotel.” Gary continued to drag him towards the door. “You need to call Trey.”

The fight drained out of him. He couldn’t believe he’d actually attacked his father. He took one final look at his dad and Jackie and turned, walking out the door with Gary and Diane trailing behind him. He’d just about reached the SUV when Brent called out to him.

“Mark, hold up a sec.” Brent jogged down the walkway and grabbed his arm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Mark pulled free of his hold and waved Gary on when he looked like he was going to interfere. “Go ahead, I’ll be right there.” He watched Gary escort Diane to the car and help her in, but Gary didn’t follow her in. He leaned against the driver’s door…waiting.

“About what?” Mark turned to face him. “About Jackie hating me or about them cremating Mom before I could get here?”

“Either.” Jackie started yelling for Brent from within the house. His brother-in-law glanced over his shoulder before looking at him again. “I have to take care of a couple of things, but then can we talk? I’ll come to your hotel.”

“You sure you want to do that?” Mark looked past Brent briefly. He’d expected his sister to already come after her husband. “Are you sure she’ll even let you?”

“I’m sure.” Brent met his gaze. “She’s not really going to have a say.”

“Then you know where to find me.” He wasn’t surprised to hear a scream and look over to see Jackie storming towards them. “Good luck.”

“Go, I’ll see you in a little bit.”

Mark didn’t need to be told twice and headed for the safety of the car. The last thing he wanted was another showdown with Jackie, but he felt kind of bad leaving Brent to deal with her. He glanced back briefly before climbing in and cringed. Brent had intercepted his sister and Mark didn’t know what he said to her, but it was enough for Jackie to reach up and slap him. She didn’t seem to care if anyone saw her.

Mark frowned and climbed in the car. Brent had told him to go, and he was right. Staying wouldn’t help his brother-in-law; in fact, it would probably just make things worse. He refused to look out the window again as Gary pulled away from the curb and headed, he presumed, for the hotel.

“Are you okay, Mark?” Diane reached back between the seats and rested her hand on his knee.

Mark thought about it. Was he? His mom was gone. His sister apparently hated him enough to out him to their father. Hated him so much she didn’t even have the decency to let him know about his mom’s cremation. That was the hardest part to handle. He’d thought he was going to have the chance to see his mom one last time and say good-bye and it had been stolen from him. By his so called family.

“Mark?”

“Huh?” Mark shook his head and looked at Diane. “Sorry, I was trying to think how to answer.” He glanced down at his hands. “I honestly don’t know.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and call Trey?” Diane smiled at him. “I’m sure talking to him will help.”

Mark pulled his phone out of his pocket and stared at it. Did he want to call Trey with Gary and Diane right there, able to hear his side of the conversation? He probably should, even if to check in briefly and then call back once he was alone in his room. He actually should have called Trey as soon as they arrived. He thumbed the lock off and pulled the recent contacts up, quickly hitting Trey’s picture before he could change his mind.

“Mark! Are you okay? Mom said it wasn’t going good.”

“Hey, sorry I didn’t call earlier, I wasn’t thinking.” Mark sank back into the seat. Poor Trey sounded panicked.

“It’s okay, we can talk about that later; I’m more worried about you right now. Are you okay?”

Was he? Mark looked out the window. He hated to worry Trey, but he couldn’t lie to him either. He also didn’t know exactly what Diane had already told him.

”Mark!”

“Sorry. I’m…doing. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but it’s worse than I expected.” That was a bit of an understatement, but he’d tell him the rest later. He figured he could be forgiven if he left out the part about Jackie claiming not to have told him about the cremation because he put Trey before family.

“What happened?”

“They had her cremated.” Mark swallowed past the lump in his throat. He wouldn’t lose it, he couldn’t. All he’d succeed in doing was make Trey feel bad he wasn’t with him.

“At least you got to say good-bye.”

“Actually, I didn’t.” Mark closed his eyes and dropped his head in shame. He didn’t want to see if Gary or Diane were looking at him. “She was cremated first thing this morning, before I got here.”

“What the fuck! Does your Dad really hate you that much?”

The anger in Trey’s voice jerked his head up and he opened his eyes.

“Apparently so does Jackie.” Mark cleared his throat. “She knew about it and didn’t tell me.”

“Oh god, Mark. I should be there with you.”

“I know you would be if you could.” He looked at Trey’s parents. “You’re parents stayed with me through all of it. Your Dad was actually quite impressive.”

“I told you they would love you.”

“I know.” Mark could see the hotel up ahead. “We’re about at the hotel; can I call you back once I’m in my room?”

“Yeah. Get settled in and make sure you call me back though.”

“I will.”

“And Mark?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Mark hung up and rested his head against the glass as Gary pulled into the hotel parking. Now he just had to make sense of everything that had happened. Trey would have questions, and so far, Mark didn’t have many answers.

I'd say Mark lost it, just a little bit, what do you think? Did you expect everything that happened in this chapter? What surprised you the most? I'd love to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a review or you can post in the discussion thread.
Copyright © 2016 Renee Stevens; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments

Good for Mark! Maybe this will be the final straw, and it will give him the closure he needs to walk away from his dad after years of verbal abuse. And as for Jackie, I'm betting she's still got a few surprises left. Brother-in-law is gonna be a hero--I can feel it.

Good job on this chapter!

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Go Brent! I hope he sends her stuff to her Dad's, they belong together. She sure doesn't need to be anywhere near their kid.

Good chapter!! :)

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Ohh! I would be so pissed too. I completely hate how they cremated her. That's just beyond rude. Mark needs to move on from this so called family of his. They obviously don't care about his physical or emotional well-being which are the basics of being a family (in my opinion). Glad Brent isn't going to put up with this crap from his wife. That's unacceptable and I'm glad he's standing up to Jackie. I have a feeling he will have good things in his future. And poor Mark! I would have lost it too. Hang in there! I would give you a hug but you're a fictional character so *imaginary hugs*.

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Great chapter!

I wasn´t surprised that Mark was angry, but the way he handled it did surprise me, he doesn´t seem like a man who´d resort to violence. But what his father did was totally unforgivable and very cruel, and Mark had been through a lot, Trey is away and he lost a mother at the same time, so that probably explains his reaction. Hopefully his father won´t involve the police.

 

I should read the whole story again, I don´t really know Brent, but he´s clearly upset by what his evil wife did and time will tell if he´s upset enough to leave Jackie. At least he´s upset enough to want to talk to Mark regardless of what Jackie thinks about it.

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Omg, Mark went all Lizzie Borden on his father. lol Shit, I really can't believe he just hauled off and started throwing punches. I wouldn't say his father didn't deserve it, he certainly did, but wow, I really didn't think Mark had it in him. I can definitely see how he could get carried away though. All the bad things his father had said to him over the years and how poorly he treated him just fueled Mark's anger. I think if Gary wasn't there or Brent even, Mark may have done some serious damage before he was through with dear old dad.

 

And what a BEYOTCH Jackie is. I cannot believe her. This is the same sister who didn't want Mark moving away to be with Trey? The same sister who Mark saw a real lot before Trey came along? She like went all Jekyll and Hyde on her own brother. Maybe it's just hormones, who knows.

 

I hope Brent is strong enough to put a stop to her manic behavior.

 

Great chapter, Renee! I was at the edge of my seat!! :P

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Frustration can make you do surprising things and I think Mark had about more than he could handle. That Trey's mom and dad stood by him after being treated so rudely by Mark's family says a lot about them too! They are good people. Brent sounds like he may be headed for a split with the witchy sister too.

More please!

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After years of abuse, any one, be they animal or human, will attack. And hearing that his Dad had his Mother cremated before he arrived was the final straw that broke the camels back. I applaud Mark!! :fight: I wonder what Brent wants to talk to Mark about? Has Jackie been sabotaging Mark all along? What else has she done? I really hope Brent divorces her and takes the child with him. She can live with her Daddy. Hugs to Mark :glomp:

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The saddest thing of all is that the person he needs the most, can't be there. The desolation he must feel...In one fell swoop, he lost his mom, dad, sister and Trey. Life can really be cruel sometimes...cheers...Gary

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I keep checking to see if there is a new chapter. Surely you're not going to leave us hanging for much longer!

PLEEEAAASSSE!!!

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On 11/15/2014 03:51 AM, Suvitar said:
Great chapter!

I wasn´t surprised that Mark was angry, but the way he handled it did surprise me, he doesn´t seem like a man who´d resort to violence. But what his father did was totally unforgivable and very cruel, and Mark had been through a lot, Trey is away and he lost a mother at the same time, so that probably explains his reaction. Hopefully his father won´t involve the police.

 

I should read the whole story again, I don´t really know Brent, but he´s clearly upset by what his evil wife did and time will tell if he´s upset enough to leave Jackie. At least he´s upset enough to want to talk to Mark regardless of what Jackie thinks about it.

Thanks Suvitar!

 

I agree that Mark doesn't strike people as the type to resort to violence, but I think everyone has their breaking point. Like you said, with everything that had happened recently, it's a bit understandable for him to not behave as he normally would. Though, that seems to be a recurring theme in this section of the story. Multiple people aren't behaving as expected. Thanks again for the review!

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On 12/19/2014 12:08 AM, purrbaby said:
I keep checking to see if there is a new chapter. Surely you're not going to leave us hanging for much longer!

PLEEEAAASSSE!!!

I so didn't plan on leaving it so long without a chapter. I'm back to writing on Thwarted and hopefully I'll be able to keep at it without life getting in the way. Thank you so much for still keeping an eye out :)

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On 11/22/2014 05:13 PM, Headstall said:
The saddest thing of all is that the person he needs the most, can't be there. The desolation he must feel...In one fell swoop, he lost his mom, dad, sister and Trey. Life can really be cruel sometimes...cheers...Gary

Totally agree with you there, Gary. I can't even imagine being in his place, nor would I want to be. Then again, I wouldn't want to be in Trey's position either, because I can't imagine how hard it would be to leave when the person I love desperately needs me. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

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On 11/14/2014 06:13 PM, Robert Rex said:
Good for Mark! Maybe this will be the final straw, and it will give him the closure he needs to walk away from his dad after years of verbal abuse. And as for Jackie, I'm betting she's still got a few surprises left. Brother-in-law is gonna be a hero--I can feel it.

Good job on this chapter!

I agree! It was about time...

 

As for Jackie.... Have you been sneaking looks on my computer? LOL.

 

Glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for reviewing!!

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On 11/15/2014 12:25 AM, secretsides said:
Go Brent! I hope he sends her stuff to her Dad's, they belong together. She sure doesn't need to be anywhere near their kid.

Good chapter!! :)

Thanks for the review and I'm glad you enjoyed it. With everything going on, it definitely makes you think that Matthew is better of without her in his life...

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On 11/15/2014 01:47 AM, m.p. said:
Ohh! I would be so pissed too. I completely hate how they cremated her. That's just beyond rude. Mark needs to move on from this so called family of his. They obviously don't care about his physical or emotional well-being which are the basics of being a family (in my opinion). Glad Brent isn't going to put up with this crap from his wife. That's unacceptable and I'm glad he's standing up to Jackie. I have a feeling he will have good things in his future. And poor Mark! I would have lost it too. Hang in there! I would give you a hug but you're a fictional character so *imaginary hugs*.

I'd be pissed too, not only was it rude, but it was utterly cruel. I don't think those two care about anything but themselves.

 

Brent is definitely showing his backbone in this situation. Now it's just a wait and see game to find out what happens. And, from Mark: "Thanks, I needed that." :)

 

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

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On 11/15/2014 11:46 AM, Lisa said:
Omg, Mark went all Lizzie Borden on his father. lol Shit, I really can't believe he just hauled off and started throwing punches. I wouldn't say his father didn't deserve it, he certainly did, but wow, I really didn't think Mark had it in him. I can definitely see how he could get carried away though. All the bad things his father had said to him over the years and how poorly he treated him just fueled Mark's anger. I think if Gary wasn't there or Brent even, Mark may have done some serious damage before he was through with dear old dad.

 

And what a BEYOTCH Jackie is. I cannot believe her. This is the same sister who didn't want Mark moving away to be with Trey? The same sister who Mark saw a real lot before Trey came along? She like went all Jekyll and Hyde on her own brother. Maybe it's just hormones, who knows.

 

I hope Brent is strong enough to put a stop to her manic behavior.

 

Great chapter, Renee! I was at the edge of my seat!! :P

He definitely lost it there for a minute, didn't he? I think his father probably better have been very happy that Brent and Gary were there, or he might have ended up in the hospital. Over time, everything adds up until finally, it just explodes.

 

As for Jackie... I can just picture her cackling like the wicked witch that she is.

 

Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

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On 11/15/2014 12:51 PM, LadyDe said:
After years of abuse, any one, be they animal or human, will attack. And hearing that his Dad had his Mother cremated before he arrived was the final straw that broke the camels back. I applaud Mark!! :fight: I wonder what Brent wants to talk to Mark about? Has Jackie been sabotaging Mark all along? What else has she done? I really hope Brent divorces her and takes the child with him. She can live with her Daddy. Hugs to Mark :glomp:

I couldn't agree with you more. Everyone and every creature has it's breaking point, and Mark simply finally reached his. I don't think I could have stopped him from attacking his father if I'd wanted to (which I really really didn't). And Mark says Thank You :) and so do I :)

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On 11/15/2014 11:54 AM, Daddydavek said:
Frustration can make you do surprising things and I think Mark had about more than he could handle. That Trey's mom and dad stood by him after being treated so rudely by Mark's family says a lot about them too! They are good people. Brent sounds like he may be headed for a split with the witchy sister too.

More please!

Thanks for the review, DDK! Between Trey leaving, his sisters behavior, and then add his father on top of it... Yeah, that was just a recipe for disaster. And have I said I love Gary and Diane :) I suspect they'll be there to help pick up the pieces. Now, as for what will happen with Brent... time (and more chapters) will tell.

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