They were brothers. Looking at the two men it was obvious. And it was also obvious that even though David appeared to be the eldest, Bastian took care of him.
“Baz, don’t.” David’s words were meant to be stern, but it seemed the fight had left him a long time ago.
Pastor Carter nodded his head. “You’re right, Bastian. Your brother has dealt with more than most. Which is why I think he needs The Gathering as much as we need him.”
Bastian snorted and I could have sworn he rolled his eyes, but I wasn’t sure.
“Baz, I don’t need you to tell me what I’ve been through. We talked about this. My decision has been made.” David wasn’t angry. He wasn’t even sad. He sounded devoid of all emotion.
Bastian’s face softened as he looked at his brother. “Dave, we can go home. Ourrealhome. With Mom and Dad. I’ll be there the whole time. I’ve taken time off from school. We can take it one step at a time.” He took a hurried step towards David, his face beseeching. “It’ll be like it was before. I promise—”
“Itwon’tbe like it was before. Don’t make bullshit promises. Particularly ones that start as lies.” David was all coiled tension. The brothers seemed to be in a standoff. It appeared this was an argument a long time in the making.
I glanced at Pastor but his eyes were closed and I knew he was praying. Perhaps asking God to guide David. Perhaps asking for his own strength. I had no idea. I wasn’t privy to the private devotions of great men.
Bastian’s eyes kept darting between us and his brother. I got the sense he was embarrassed at having an audience. I consciously took a step back, giving the illusion of more privacy.
“I can’t leave you here.” His eyes were on Pastor Carter, expression hard. Then he looked at me again. Not a friendly look. It was combative. As if he were preparing for war. “Iwon’tleave you here. Not with these whack jobs.”
I didn’t take offense at his description of The Gathering. He wasn’t the first to call us names. To label us crazy for living how we lived and believing what we believed.
“Your brother is safe here, Bastian,” Pastor Carter said, opening his eyes.
Bastian ignored Pastor, his attention on his brother. “Please come home with me.Please.” His voice cracked and I saw him furiously wiping his eyes.
I looked away from them, the scene in front of me too raw, too real. It hurt to watch this painful separation.
David wouldn’t look at Bastian. But after a few moments he hugged his brother. They clung to each other for what felt like forever. I could hear the soft murmurs of voices as they spoke words only for the other to hear. Then David pulled away and looked at Pastor.
“I’m ready,” he said resolutely.
Pastor Carter put a hand on David’s shoulder. “Then come. Your brothers and sisters are waiting for you.” They began to walk away. Back towards the truck.
Bastian stood there watching them, his face bleak. His mouth opening and closing as if he were going to call out. Maybe scream.
I knew I was expected to follow Pastor but something about this man pulled on my conscience. Pulled on my heart.
“He’ll be okay,” I told him, feeling the need to say something to make it better. If that were at all possible.
Bastian narrowed his eyes and the look he gave me would have sent most people running. It was a look full of repulsion. And disgust. And downright loathing. “How can you live with yourself? Seriously, how can you sleep at night when you tear families apart?”
I knew judgement and anger towards The Gathering existed. We had been warned of it by Pastor. I saw it in Tyler and Adam’s bruises and broken bones. But I had never experienced it firsthand. It hurt. A lot.
“You don’t know anything about us,” was all I could find the strength to say.
Bastian turned to watch his brother who was now getting into the truck. Pastor Carter was walking back towards us.
Bastian looked as though he were going to be sick. His face was pale in the moonlight. His eyes too bright. The peculiar angles of his face blurring in the shadow.
“We’ll take care of him,” I promised. And I meant it. Something about Bastian pulled at my insides. I would make sure his brother was fine. I’d see to it myself.
Bastian’s mouth contorted as if he were in pain. “You don’t understand. He’s sick. He has so many problems. You haven’t seen him when he’s having a bad spell…” His words stuck in his throat and stayed there.
“He’s not the first person who was sick when they came,” I assured him. “We all have our dragons to slay.”
Bastian took a ragged breath and then looked at me. Really looked at me. “What’s your name again?”
“Sara. Sara Bishop.”
