CHAPTER 3: CYPRESS

CYPRESS

Cypress can give anyone the chills; overly structured walked and slicked back blonde hair; white skin with sunken sapphire eyes, occupied with calculation. He never looks at you. His moods change drastically on his face. When Cypress did talk, it was deep and monotone.  

Yet, Cypress is the normal one of the Madden clan.   

Part time Duke works on the grounds of the Maddens Estate. He helps with maintenance inside and out. One afternoon screams came from inside the house just as he was leaving. Monroe slams his cherished ivory cane against the wooden floor repeatedly. Screams, “pike bitch from the slums of hell.” He continues with more names until Kata begins to shriek like a banshee,” Fuck you fat boy!”

 The sound of glass shattering, Duke looks around the corner and sees her throwing vases on the first floor.

  Monroe’s face bright red; pointing his cane, “you horrible beast!”

  She flips her long black hair, laughs, and leans against the banister to stare at him. She gives him the evil eye.   

“You watch yourself fat man or you will be sorry!”   

  She stomps off to her room and slams the door.

     Monroe growls loud from frustration.

“I married the devil!” He screams.  

Cypress walks in and sees a shocked look on Dukes face, a look he has seen on peoples face.

“They fight, because my mother is a freak just like yours, maybe that’s why we are friends, just opposite sides of the tracks.” Cypress tilts his head and smiles. His eyes empty.

Duke bites his lip and walks outside to his truck. Cypress follows him like a puppy. As he places his toolbox on the bed of the truck, he asks Cypress, “So your dad always talks to your mom that way?”

Cypress laughs at his Duke.

“Well, she must have done something to make him mad.” He shrugs and smiles, showing no concern.

Duke had trouble understanding why Cypress could let his father be cruel to his mother and defend him.

 Monroe had been delightful person while courting his mother Kata, a gypsy he met and married. After marriage, he became a monster, because he only married her on advisement from his father. Marrying someone of poor means could help the family. Yet it wouldn’t be the case for Kata. She rarely leaves the séance room; covering the only window to keep the energy inside the room. The small room wallpapered in dark burgundy lined with gold roses. Dark floral carpeting covers the floor.  Aligned against the entrance wall is a royal purple couch; in the center, is a large maple table with an Ouija board etched on the top. She consults the other side constantly through many means. Raised to believe in curses and repercussions, she waits and watches for her time.