Work Text:
My dearest, Marleine, remember me.
D, E, #F, G, A
Suddenly, pulling yourself up is easy. When they open their eyes, Marleine isn't bleeding in the grass anymore. They can't feel the Earth's heartbeat, or the sounds of the crawling ants or feasting maggots. This time, it's a little more cold. With the wind blowing rougher than when the sun was rising. However, the sun was up. It was held up high in the sky, casting a warm yellow ray among Marleine's body. It was only until they had to cover their eyes (as to not be to blinded) when they realized that the throbbing pain from the bullets were no longer seeping blood through their clothes. Mud wasn't spread across their face, blood wasn't drying up, and they certainly weren't dead. That raised an eyebrow from them. Although, they vividly remember being shot, they seemed absolutely fine.. They remembered bleeding out on the grass, having a hard time breathing... Watching as birds circled their dead body. Observing the sun set and rise. Shivering at the dead of night.
Marleine could pull themselves off the grass. Their hands felt warm, full of life that was lost temporarily. Their arms burned with an awful feeling, having been in the same position for hours. All that filled their limb was a feeling of sand that replaced their flesh. An uncomfortable feeling, however, better than a bullet wound. Marleine slowly stood up, wiping off some dirt from their shirt. Their gaze scanned the area, taking note of the fact that they were in front of the house that they currently lived in. It was a big two story house that shouldn't be for a seven year old and a crazy lady. It was a house they had been living in for two months. An unusually long time... That just meant they'd move in a few weeks. A problem too big and unfortunate for them to fix.
The kid stumbled into the house, head pounding with pain. They weren't stupid, they knew that the way to get rid of a headache was a tablet of Ibuprofen and two minutes of rest. Their eyes found their mother, passed out on the couch---probably had been there ever since they had been shot. Bottles of alcohol clinked and rolled on the ground, poisoning the once sweet vanilla smell that candles gave off. Slowly and carefully, Marleine started to clean up. Gently picking up the cups and bottles. They pushed the trash bag that was always left in the corner of the living room into the middle of the room. Setting the drunken glasses into the plastic and sighing. Once all the trash was thrown away, Marleine carefully checked their mother. Making sure she was still breathing, checking her pulse, watching her chest rise and fall.
Then they went to the kitchen, slowly boiling pasta. Quietly cutting up onions, eyes burning but too tired to let tears form. The sauce was left to heat up for a few moments. In the time frame, Marleine brought out a few candles. He lit them, with silence. Sniffling when the sweet vanilla hit their nose. They couldn't hold back a tear when it hit them.
Marleine Jayaniah Vaquez. Sitting in a house that felt more like a prison to them. Surrounded by silence. Surrounded by no one.
Beep!
The timer beeped and a tear was wiped away.
"Please don't be burnt," Marleine whispered. They let out a happy hiss when they touched the pan. A smile spread across their face. They got a bowl down from a cupboard, pouring the pasta then sauce. They walked over to the couch, settling a tea cup and the bowl down.
"Mama," Marleine muttered. They shook Felicity's shoulder. "I've made you lunch, in case you haven't eaten yet." They spoke gently. With no answer, they stood up and waved. "Please eat, mama... I love you," with that final sentence delivered, Marleine left their mother alone. Wanting to wash up and pass out as well. Their feet connected to the hardwood floor with soft thuds, yawns leaving their mouth as they went into the bathroom---taking a two towels.
The water came on after about a few minutes, Marleine stepped in without complaint. A few minutes, they came out the shower. Their hair had gotten a little heavier and as they wrung the water out, they froze. There were two big scars on their arms, where they were shot. Marleine gulped, wondering if it was going to be easy to hide.
"Am I dreaming or did you just kiss me?"
Every week on Fridays, Marleine would have to use some money from the black card their mother had. Not for toys or snacks, but just enough meals for them and their mother. They hoped that whenever their mother would sober up, that she would help to clean the house as well. However, it never happened. Marleine could tell when their mother was sober and drank again---alcohol bottles would appear out of nowhere. This cycle would repeat and Marleine would brush it off. That was until one day...
It was a regular Friday. Avoiding other kids, not looking adults in the eyes, gripping the black card tightly. Marleine walked into the grocery store with a neatly written note. Of all the items they needed for this and possibly next week. It had taken them about an hour to gather what they needed. They were even able to pick up some gum to chew while they looked for jobs in the town. However, they had accidentally bumped into another child. They gasped, "So sorry." They said. Putting their hands up in case the other kid wanted to hit them or something. Surprising, the other kid just paused. They held onto Marleine's arm, as if preventing them from a non-existent fall that would take place
"I'm sorry, you okay?" They asked, releasing Marleine's arm. "I hit you a little hard," they laughed.
Marleine nodded. "It's quite alright," they spoke, hoping for the conversation to end.
"I'm Vincent,"
Oh my lord.
"What's your name?"
Marleine held back their eyes from rolling. "Marleine," they answered. Silently, waiting for the moment Vincent would stop talking so they could end this awkward interaction.
"That's beautiful," Vincent smiled. A surprised expression spread across Marleine's face, their eyes widen as their mouth opened slightly. "I really like it! Marleine..."
"It's pronounced Marleine. Mar..eh..lin," Marleine corrected.
Vincent responded with a laugh. "My bad! Sorry, Mar.. ehh..lin!"
"Marleine."
"Marehlin!"
"Still not it..."
"That's alright!"
Marleine eternally held back the biggest groan. "I've got to check these items out now," they turned. Believing they were free from the stupid child. Until they heard the tapping of another child's shoe. Vincent followed close behind. "What are you doing?" Marleine hissed, getting a bit irritated.
Vincent just smiled, he kept walking with Marleine to check out the items. "I want to help you," he said. "And I want to be your friend!"
"Friend?" Marleine laughed. "You can't mean that, Vincent, I am truly sorry. I won't be staying here for long." Once they reached the cash register, they started to unpack the items.
"I'm not so sure about that," Vincent smiled even wider. Seeming somehow impossible and stupid to Marleine. "The kids at school say that your house is haunted. Apparently someone was shot like... four times."
oh.
When you're so isolated from the world, it's hard to remember that others exist. Marleine knew what Vincent was talking about. It was the two bullet scars on their arm and the constant headache in the back of their head---where THEY were shot. Someone? It was Marleine. Marleine was the one who was shot... Yet they're standing and hearing the outside perspective of what happened that day. Silence fell over the two.
Then Marleine spoke, having taken a few seconds to think of a response. "Aren't there murder cases here like... every week? If someone had been shot at my house, I'd know."
Vincent paused for a moment, trying to think of something else to say. His think was: rumors around town say Marleine's house is haunted because neighbors heard four gunshots ring out.. Although, there are murder cases of abuse taken way too far and knives being pulled out---gunshots in this area is not common. Hell, it's rare. However the neighbors near Marleine are known for being schizophrenic and often make up things to scare kids away. Could it be that? Or was Marleine's house actually haunted? Vincent came to the conclusion that since Marleine lived in the house, they could provide a real answer.
"Are you a boy or a girl?"
...
"What?"
"Are you a boy or girl?" Vincent asked again.
Who did this kid think he was?
Marleine had been carefully putting the items into bags and was ready to bring them all home. A fiery anger started to rise. "I heard you, I'm just wondering you raised your disrespectful and idiotic..."
First making fun of Marleine's name. Then asking about a goddam rumor---now Vincent was moving onto another topic all together? Marleine's gender? Nothing they were talking about connected to that... Marleine gritted their teeth and immediately regretted it, having sensitive teeth. "None," they answered and shoved two bags into Vincent's hands. "You want to help? Here then," they snarled. "Shut up and help me carry these to my house.
Vincent smiled back, "Alright!"
The two left the grocery store with the person behind the register waving goodbye to Vincent and Marleine storming out of the store.
Marleine wanted to tell this kid to piss off, to get away and never talk to them again. It was an unbearable pain to try and ignore. Especially since Vincent couldn't and wouldn't stop talking. It was irritating, his voice was irritating, everything about this kid was irritating! Marleine wanted to shove him to the ground, take the bags back and spit on him--
"Are you alright?" Vincent grabbed Marleine's arm. Keeping the child from walking away. He had this sort of... concerned look? It was as if his face was made out of clay and someone sculpted it into a weird expression. "I can leave you alone if you want, but if it's dangerous near your house and you're nervous about that- I'll stay!" He said.
Marleine's anger settled. A new feeling arose. Their chest tightened thinking about the situation. Their mother was most likely drunk or drinking. When she got like that, she was rude and very physical... Did Marleine want Vincent to see that? But again, having extra hands to move the food into the kitchen would be helpful. However... but... Could?... What... Their eyes filled with a sort of liquid, threatening to spill.
"...Are you crying?" Vincent sudden asked and they started to. He gasped, setting the bags down and going over to comfort Marleine. "Hey, hey, hey! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did I say something wrong?"
"No!..." Marleine cried. Their shoulders slumped slightly as their lips trembled. They hiccuped, trying to wipe the tears away. "I... I just thought... why... why!... I..." Hiccup. Vincent just listened before putting the bags Marleine had to the ground.
He hugged them tightly, his arms wrapped comfortingly around their waist. "This is called a hug," he started to speak. Hoping that if he could explain this affection, it would calm Marleine down. "My mother and sister likes to give me them. Mother says that it's sort of a comforting blanket.. except with a human and not a blanket!" He laughed.
Marleine giggled quietly, they sniffled as their arms slowly came around Vincent's neck. "I know..." Hic. "...what a hug is..!" They laughed through their sobs. "Ju.. Just the thought.. of you seeing my mama..."
"Is she mean?" Vincent tilted his head, pulling back slightly. "I'm strong, I can take whatever she says! Mother says I am a tough cookie!" He makes some kind of hero pose with his hands on his hips and his legs spread. This action earned a little laugh out of Marleine. A silly and stupid action...
Picking up the bags, Marleine smiled slightly. "No... Well, yes. She drinks a lot and when that happens she's either drunk and quiet or sober and loud..." They sniffled.
"My dad drinks too sometimes," Vincent said. "But he's stopped for a while so... maybe he can help your mama!" He smiled widely, picking up the other bags as well and starting to walk with Marleine.
In a few minutes, not only did they learn so much about each other---Vincent finally knew about the kid in the "haunted" house.
"Mama?"
Their voice rang out. The door opened slowly. Marleine quietly entered. Vincent stayed a little far back, carrying most of the grocery bags. "I brought a... I brought a friend home if you don't mind," they spoke---hoping that their mother would be asleep. Bottles surrounded the couch once again and Marleine wanted to cry. There was no reason for this to be happening. Crawling in a hole from this embarrassing situation; their mother was passed out drunk and their only friend was seeing it. How... embarrassing.
A hand on the shoulder brought Marleine back from their thoughts, "Would you like to go to the forest behind my house after we put the groceries away?" Vincent asked. He was trying to distract Marleine from this unfortunate situation and somehow... it worked!
Marleine followed Vincent to the back of his backyard after both kids had neatly put all the items away. It was a little far and seemed scary... but not to Marleine. They had always been used to "scary places," which were usually just adults areas or areas that were accompanied by scary stories. Marleine was always in adult spaces and their mother refused to let them read story books, so those factors were off the table. With the sun shining down on every plant and insect, the forest seemed like freedom. Big trees cut off the kids from the constant unfortunate problems of the world. Here, where the green surrounded them---Marleine was only worrying about Vincent, wondering if he wasn't hurt. Since he wasn't, the kids were free to do anything.
"Do you wanna run to the forest?" Marleine suddenly asked. The one not usual to ask questions, especially silly ones.
Vincent smiled wide. "Of course," he said, "I'll race you to the hills!" As the his sentence ended; Vincent took off with a laugh.
A smile spread across Marleine's face as well. They abandoned the worry about their drunk mother for a moment and ran after him.
This wasn't like any running before. Marleine wasn't running away from someone, they weren't being chased or forced to leave. The grass below them felt great, better than rotting on it. The last time they had been this connected to the Earth was when they were shot, when they were alone. When they had nobody nearby to help, to keep them safe, to wipe away streams of their tears. That's what seemed to pour at the moment. Running with Vincent, no chains and no stupid mother. Free. Being free. With someone they very much liked.
When the two reached the top of the hill, they collapsed. The small flowers below them crumbled under their weight. Once again, Marleine was connected to the Earth. But in a better place, with Vincent. With someone worth living for. A reason to live... seemed so new. Their gazes met soon enough. Marleine's smile was gone as they tried to catch their breath while Vincent's was still wide. The two laid on their sides, looking into each other's eyes.
"You look beautiful," Vincent spoke quietly. "I was always looking for the day I met the kid who was shot. Since you're right in front of my house, I heard the gunshots. I think it was like... 3 PM when I came back from school. You were passed out in your front yard, you were... dead." Vincent swallowed, his voice got quiet. "When I looked in your window, your mother shooed me away like a fly while downing bottles of alcohol."
Marleine felt tears prick the corner of their eyes.
"I stayed near your body for a few hours before my mother called me back. Your head was bleeding bad and your arms had two bullet wounds... I thought I should get the ambulance or doctors... Or that I should tell my own mother," Vincent sighed. "But something told me that you wouldn't like that. That you would rather be on the brink of death than be a burden." He sat up, forcing Marleine to do the same. Wiping away their tears, he spoke again, "I've admired you. The next day when I went to walk to the bus stop, your body wasn't there..." His fingers covered every inch of Marleine's face. "You were dead, I knew it... but how are you here now?"
"I.. I don't know, either... I just.."
"And why do I want you?"
...
"What?"
The two stared at each other. With Marleine shocked at what Vincent had said and Vincent shocked about came out of his mouth. In a few silent seconds, the quiet turned into giggling then to laughter. Vincent held Marleine close. "I want you," he said, smiling wide. "I want you to be safe and happy and alright! I want you to smile more and plan a future... maybe with me? Have you ever heard of marriage? Maybe I can hold you at the altar-- or! Oh! We can run away together!"
Vincent started to ramble. It seemed impossible to stop him, but Marleine wanted them to.
Kisses were a soft promise of love. Marleine had watched enough shows. Many kisses were filled of lust and love and anger and sadness... so many emotions in one action. It was confusing. But the one that filled the kiss that Marleine gave to Vincent that day was filled with pure love. Gratitude, admiration, happiness. As their lips brushed against Vincent's, it shut the other up.
As their action dawned apon them, Marleine pulled back. Flushing red and very embarrassed, "I'm sorry..." they whispered. "I just really like you and it's okay if you don't like me back and I just..."
chu!
"You talk a lot when you're embarrassed," Vincent giggled. "I like you too, Marleine. For a while now... I just wish I had the confidence to talk to you sooner." He smiled wide and Marleine started to cry again.
Is this what love feels like? A blanket that keeps you warm? That makes your heart pound louder than any drum in the world? A flush that travels up your body and lingers in your face? Marleine needed answers. This unfamiliar feeling was overwhelming, confusing... It didn't make sense.
All they knew at the moment was that they were kissing the boy they loved the most. Softly, gently. It was a lovely action that filled Marleine's body with a feeling they needed for so long...
"My dearest, Marleine, please remember me."
A soft plea in the middle of the night. Tears ruined their faces. Vincent held onto Marleine's hand tightly. "I don't want you to leave me... what.. what about our plans? Finish school to find a better life? Run away? Marleine, please don't let our days go to waste."
"Vincent, I don't have a choice!" Marleine sniffled. "Mama is still my guardian... I have to do what she says! And my father is in town---what if he finds this? If he finds us?"
"Is that what you're scared about? Marleine, I love you!" Vincent yelled. He pulled Marleine into a tight hug, gently kissing their cheek. "I need you here... The town will be so quiet without you."
"I love you, too." Marleine whispered. "But I have no choice. I wish I could stay with you for longer, I swear! I'll be back for you, I promise. But for now, please don't try to find me..."
"Marleine, you know I can't do that... Please, you're my lover, I've planned a future for us." Vincent cried, he felt to his knees. "I can't have you gone again..." He sobbed.
Marleine gently lifted his chin up. They gifted him a kiss. Gentle, slow, carefully. As if Vincent was glass and could break at any moment.
"Marleine!" A voice echoed. It was their mother. Marleine frowned, they gave Vincent another kiss before stepping away. Leaving the boy sobbing, clutching his chest as if it would calm him down. He watched as Marleine ran away. He could tell that they were crying too.
Felicity drove off quickly. Marleine looked back when they saw a figure standing in the road.
Vincent waved goodbye, they could hear him screaming---probably with tears that ruined his perfect face.
"My sweetest, Vincent," Marleine whispered. "Forget me."