Pity The Child

Sammy shook her head when she saw Cybele and the boys get out of the car. The boys didn't even have jackets. Middle of November in New York City, and she didn't even give them jackets. As soon as the boys got their bags out of the car, Cybele drove off without a word. "Addy, they're here," Sammy said.

Adam looked up from where he was sitting on the couch, putting down what he had been reading before getting up. He walked over to the door, shaking his head when he opened it to see Cybele was already gone.

Sammy shook her head and stepped out onto the porch, putting an arm around Lennon.

"Hello." Lennon said, giving a small smile.

Adam leaned against the doorframe, watching.

"Hey sweetie," Sammy smiled, wrapping the other arm around Monte, who smiled when he spotted Adam. "Hi daddy," he waved.

Lennon waved at his dad before hugging Sammy; Adam grinning as he waved back at the boys.

Sammy smiled, chuckled softly as Monte hugged her as well. "Well, aren't we just a loving little group today," she smiled. "Mommy never hugs us anymore," Monte mumbled sadly.

"Wait, what?" Adam asked, coming closer, not having been paying attention.

"She never spends any time with us," said Monte. "She pays a lady to take care of us now...."

Lennon pouted and nodded. "I don't like that lady..."

"Since when?" Adam asked, frowning.

"Since you left," said Monte softly, staring at his feet.

"And you're only just saying so now?" Adam said, annoyed.

Monte bit his lip, afraid Adam was angry with him. His mother got mean when she got angry. "Sh-She told us not to tell...."

"Tell what?" Adam asked, quickly going over and kneeling down to look at Monte.

Lennon stayed quiet, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"Th-That she pays the lady to take care of us," said Monte slowly. "Sh-She said y-you'd get mad at her....and if we made you mad at her w-we'd be in trouble...."

"Why would you get in trouble...?" Adam asked slowly, holding his arms out.

"Mommy gets mad at us a lot," said Monte softly, going over to Adam. "She's mean now."

Adam hugged Monte close, shaking his head.

Lennon leaned his head on Sammy, hugging her tighter.

"Her new boyfriend's even meaner," Monte mumbled, practically clinging to Adam. "You tired sweetie?" Sammy asked Lennon.

"What? What new boyfriend...?" Adam asked, trying not to get angry.

Lennon nodded, yawning.

"He used to be in the same show you and uncle Anthony were in," said Monte. "He played your part." Sammy nodded. "Alright sweetie, c'mon I'll take you upstairs to bed, okay?"

"A lot have people have done that since..." Adam said, pulling a face at the first who came to mind.

"Okay..." Lennon mumbled, yawning again.

"He was the last one though," said Monte. "before it came back." Sammy took Lennon upstairs.

Adam looked at Monte with a blank look on his face before sighing and slowly getting up. "Let's go inside..." He said.

"Kay," said Monte softly, not wanting to let go of Adam.