Crossroads

Crossroads in the Moonlight
Seven year old Braden Dougherty is fitfully sleeping late at night. His alarm clock suddenly goes off, and he quickly turns it off. He yawns as he slips out of bed, and throws on some clothes. Once he’s dressed he exits his room, and crosses the moonlight hallway to enter his sister Erin’s room. The three year old grumbles plaintively as Braden gently shakes her awake.
Erin: Noo… Still sleepy…
Braden: I know its late Erin, but we need to leave now.
E: But what if mommy finds us?
B: Don’t call her that. And she won’t. I promise.
E: Ok… *Erin gets out of bed, and Braden helps her get dressed* Ow!
B: What’s wrong?
E: You touched a sore spot…
B: Oh man… Sorry… *They quickly finished getting Erin dressed, although Braden tried to be careful not to touch anymore of his sister’s bruises. They grabbed a few toys before heading back into the hallway, and making their way to the entrance to their home. After putting on their jackets, they quietly exited the house. The full moon shone brightly in the night sky, and Braden was able to quickly find his Radio Flyer wagon that he had left in their yard. He helped Erin into the wagon, and started dragging them away from the farmhouse after making sure she was comfortable. They didn’t look back as they began to walk along the gravel road that ran by their yard*
E: Where are we going Brendan?
B: Away. As far away from here as we can. Don’t worry Erin. I’ll keep you safe.
E: I’m not worried.
B: Oh?
E: Yeah! Because you’re with me!
B: Heh. *Brendan smirked as he continued to drag his sister down the road. After a few hours they came upon a crossroads* So which way should we go?
E: Zzzzzzz.
B: You’re a lot of help… Alright… Eeny, meeny, miny, moe! *Braden begins pulling his sister eastward when he hears a bloodhound howl, which also wakes up his sister*
???: My, my, my. Now what do we have here Dixie? *Braden quickly turns around to find a state trooper standing behind him with her large bloodhound. She wore a grey uniform that held tight against her curves, a matching Stetson hat, and aviator sunglasses that had the moon reflecting off of them* Looks like a couple of runaways to me. *Braden gets between the mysterious trooper and his sister* Now would you look at that. We’ve got ourselves a hero Dixie! I haven’t seen on of them around these parts for a lifetime.
B: What do you want?!
???: Oooh! And he’s feisty! What’s your name boy?
E: Don’t!
B: I’m Braden, and this is my sister Erin.
E: B-Braden!
???: Braden? That’s a nice strong name if I’ve ever heard one, and Erin’s just as cute as she looks.
B: So what do you want?
???: Well Braden sweetie, it’s not what I want. It’s what you want.
B: What?
???: You see, no one comes to my crossroad at this hour unless they want something real bad.
B: And why would they come here?
???: Obviously because I can give it to them. So what do you say? Why don’t you let Ms. Carman know what you want?
E: Don’t listen to her Braden! S-she’s scary! *the bloodhound howls*
Carman: I don’t care how true it is Dixie! Just be quiet! *the hound huffs before laying on the ground* You’ve got some good instincts Erin, even if you don’t know exactly how right you are. *Carman ponders for a moment* You know what? I don’t think I’m being very fair with you two. How about I show you both what you’re really dealing with. *Braden and Erin tense up as Carman begins to take off her hat and glasses. Her eyes suddenly turn black with brilliant scarlet irises, and horns magically sprout from her head. Her uniform begins to melt away as her skin turns a shade of dark blue, and she sprouts a tail and a pair of leathery wings. Erin screams as she jumps out of the wagon, and hides behind her brother*
B: Y-you’re a demon!
C: And not just any demon! I’m Carman of the crossroads! One of the most powerful wish granting demons this side of the Rio Maldito.
???: And the only demon of her class to still be single. *Braden and Erin look in the direction of the new voice to find that the bloodhound had transformed into a cu sith, who stretched her back before yawning*
C: They didn’t need to know that Dixie!
Dixie: I know, but I can’t pass up a chance to remind you.
C: Flea-ridden mutt…
D: Fat-assed Asmodeus wannabee.
C: MY ASS IS NOT… Ignore the bitch.
D: Hey!
C: So you two, what brings you to my crossroad? What’s your heart’s truest desire?
B: …
E: …
B: We… We want parents who actually loves us…
C: What? *Carman looked at the siblings quizzically* I know that you two are running away, but I’m sure your parents do love you. They may sometimes g-
B: They’re dead…
C: ?!
B: Mom… She got sick a few years ago, and died in the hospital. And dad got into a car accident a few months ago.
C: Oh dear… So who have you been staying with?
B: Our stepmom Lorraine, but she’s…
E: She’s not a very nice mommy…
C: What do you mean by that?
E: She’s just not very nice. *Dixie walk up to Erin, and starts sniffing her*
B: What’s she doing?!
C: Hush. *Dixie touches Erin’s back, and the young girl flinches*
E: Ow!
D: Sorry sweetie! I didn’t mean to! *Erin hugs her brother as she fights back some tears*
C: Hey Erin. Can I look at your back? I won’t do anything to hurt you. *the kids look at each other apprehensively before Braden helps his sister remove her jacket. Carman tenderly lifts Erin’s shirt to examine her back, and freezes in shock at what she sees. Her face betrays her inner demonic rage for a second before quickly returning to her calm, cold expression* Excuse us for a moment. *Carman walk to the other side of the crossroad with Dixie, and start they talking in whispers as Braden helps his sister put her jacket back on. The demon and the bloodhound cu sith glance at the siblings every once in a while until thy approach them once again* Are you sure about your wish kids? Is that what you really want? *Braden and Erin look at each other and nod*
B: Yes. *Carman smiles before pulling out a piece of paper. She hands it to Braden, and he finds that it has “Provide me and my sister with a loving family” written on it in crayon. Carman hands Braden a pen*
C: If that’s the case, you can sign your name. Go ahead. *Braden looks from the demon to the paper in his hands. He gets a determined look on his face before signing his name* Good boy. *Braden and Erin suddenly fall asleep as Carman and Dixie watch. The siblings wake up the next morning in a room they don’t recognize*
E: Where are we?
B: I don’t know… We should be careful.
E: Ok. *they slip out of bed, and quietly exit the room. After walking around the unfamiliar house, they start to smell something delicious* That smells yummy…
B: I know… It smells like it’s coming from over here… *they follow the scent until they reach the kitchen. There they find Carman, looking human once again, cooking something while Dixie the cu sith watches TV while drinking some coffee*
TV: In other news: local woman Irene Dougherty has been arrested for allegedly abusing her stepchildren this morning. She was granted full custody of the two children when her husband, Brian Dougherty, died in a traffic accident, although Commissioner O’Boyle suspects that the abuse had begun sometime prior. The children have been t- *Carman glances at the TV, and the channel changes to the Weather Network* Today we’re expecting clear skies with-
C: Good morning sweeties. How’s everything going this morning?
B: Fine I guess… Where are we?
C: You’re at my place. Do you want some chocolate chip pancakes?
E: Yay! *Erin runs to the table, and sits next to Dixie. Carman places a plate full of pancakes in front of the young girl*
C: Don’t you want any breakfast Braden, or do you not like pancakes?
B: I like pancakes just fine. I just want to know why we’re at your house.
C: Don’t you remember? You signed my contract. *Carman pulls a full legal document written in crayon, and shows it to Braden* I, Braden Doughherty, formerly request Carman McGuire for a loving family life.
B: There’s way more written here than on the paper I signed.
C: Really? Now isn’t that odd. Anyway, as part of our agreement, you two will be living with me. Unfortunately I’m still single, so Dixie will have to play the part of your daddy for now.
D: Just so you know, I’m not going to be playing at being your daddy just because I’m playing at being theirs.
C: Haha. So funny.
B: This sounds too good to be true…
C: You sound unconvinced.
D: He sounds smart.
B: It’s just that making a deal with demons come with a cost.
D: And you’re worried about what you owe me? *Braden nods* Well according to demonic law we can’t accept souls from anyone under the age of 18, so in exchange for being your mom you’ll need to do three things for me. Number one: you will do any chores I ask you to do around the house. Number two: you’ll both do your best at school and do your homework. And three: you’re both going to need to call me momma, or a similar alternative. Do this until you’re old enough to leave the house, and we can call it even. Deal?
B: Deal!
D: Alright! So get over here, and eat some pancakes! *Braden smiles and heads to the table. He begins eating his pancakes while Carman tries to tell them to keep her true identity a secret, and he begins to feel like things are going to turn out ok.*

Crossroads at Dusk
Erin, now a fourteen year old girl, is sitting in the kitchen watching her adopted demon mother Carman make breakfast while their bloodhound cu sith Dixie watches TV.
E: So I told Estela that she couldn’t come to Braden’s birthday party because you wanted to keep this one family only, but we were wondering if we could have another party later. So what do you think mom?
Carman: Hm?
Dixie: She wants to know if they can have another party for their friends.
C: Oh? We’ll see.
E: Is something wrong mom? You seem kind of out of it today.
C: Sorry, I’m a little tired this morning. I’ll be fine.
E: Ok. Can I ask you something mom?
C: Sure.
E: Why do you keep pretending to be human? It’s not like people don’t like mamono. Hell Estela’s one of the more popular girls in my school, and she’s a lamia. So why don’t you want people to know you’re a demon?
C: It’s…
D: Wasn’t it because you don’t want to be bothered at work?
C: Yeah. We demons can grant wishes, and I can’t have people approaching me when I’m on duty. It would be annoying and dangerous.
E: I see. *a seventeen year old Braden enters the kitchen*
C: THERE HE IS! Our birthday boy!
D: So how does being an eighteen year old feel Braden?
Braden: I’m not going to be eighteen until after school Dixie.
D: Details.
C: Breakfast is ready either way. Come sit down Braden.
B: Thanks. *Braden sits down, and Carman serves him and Erin a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast.* It’s good mom. Thanks.
C: …
B: Something wrong mom?
C: …
B: Mom?
C: Sorry. I’m just tired.
B: All right… *Erin and Braden continue to eat their breakfast. Once they’re done eating they get ready for school* We’ll see you after school mom!
C: Alright. Just don’t half-ass your club stuff just to get home faster!
E: We won’t! Love you mom!
B: Be careful at work!
C: Thanks! I love you… too… *Carman watches her two adopted children leave the house* …
D: So you still haven’t told them yet?
C: …
D: Geez Carman. They need to know what’s going on.
C: I know, but… They should have at least one more normal day…
D: I can’t believe you… You know this is just going to make everything harder later right?
C: …
D: Fine. I’ll tell them. *Dixie walks towards the door, opens it, and stares outside for a moment before closing the door again*
C: Harder than it looks, isn’t it?
D: Shut up… So you’re taking the day off for this right?
C: Of course. We have a lot of work to do. *Erin and Braden come back home at dusk, and find their home to be enveloped in an eerie, silent, gloom*
E: Mooom! We’re baaaack!
B: That’s weird. The lights are off.
E: Maybe she needed to stay late after work?
B: I doubt it. When has she ever let work get in the way of celebrating either of our birthdays?
E: Good point. Maybe she’s setting a surprise?
B: That doesn’t seem like her.
E: You are eighteen now. Maybe she’s doing something special?
B: Maybe. We should look for her and Dixie.
E: Sure. *Erin and Braden start searching through their quiet house. Eventually they found Carman in the living room, sitting in her favorite chair with a stern expression on her face. Dixie sat at her master’s side, and looked forlorn and depressed. A large pile of bags and suitcases lay in front of them.* Mom? What’s going on? Why’s our stuff all packed up?
C: …
B: Mom? What’s wrong?
C: The contract has expired. You must leave this house.
E: W-what?
B: You’re kidding. Right? *Carman slowly shook her head. She opened her hand to summon a familiar looking contract written in crayon, and Dixie whined pathetically*
C: The terms of the contract clearly state that the two of you would remain in my care until you were old enough to fend for yourselves. You turned eighteen a half an hour ago Braden, which means you are now an adult and perfectly capable of taking care of yourselves. So you must leave.
E: Mom…
C: Don’t call me that. I’m not your “mom” anymore.
B: So that’s it? The contract’s done, so you’re just going to kick us out?!
C: Yes.
B: There has to be something we can do! You don’t just stop being our mom because some contract runs out!
C: The contracts we demons make are absolute. I stopped being your mother the minute you turned eighteen. From now on the only thing I am to now is a demon. This is my home, and you are no longer welcome here.
B: But..!
C: No buts Braden. You’ve always been a clever boy, but there is nothing you can come up with that can change this. You could stand there thinking it over all night, but the only option available to you is to leave. We’re done.
B: But… I… No… *Braden bows his head in defeat, and starts picking up his luggage*
C: Good boy.
E: Stop it Braden! We’re not going anywhere!
B: We have to Erin. It’s over… *Tears begin to form in Erin’s eyes as she snarls at the demon she called her mom*
E: Why are you doing this?! We adored you! We loved you! How can you just throw us to the curb like this?!
C: The contract has expi-
E: I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THAT DAMN CONTRACT! *Erin’s outburst startles everyone else in the room* Are you trying to tell me that you felt nothing for us?! That everything you did for us was because you were contracted to?! Like when I got pneumonia, and you spent all that time taking care of me? Or when Braden didn’t make the football team and you helped him get over it? What about when our old step-mom tried to gain custody of us again? Did you fight as hard as you did because of the contract, or were you just acting the part?
C:…
B: Erin…
E: What about when Commissioner O’Boyle got shot, and we helped cheer you up when it looked like your friend was going to die?!  *Erin gets into Carman’s face* What about all those picnics we had every year when summer break started?! Or playing fetch in the park?! Or staying up on Halloween to watch scary movies?! Or teaching Braden to drive in the police cruiser?! Or watching the sunset together at the beach?! DID NONE OF THAT MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?!
C: OF COURSE IT DID! *Carman bursts into tears* Do you think I want to do this?! You two were my family, and I’ve been trying to hold back to make this easier! The very thought of you two leaving breaks my heart, but there is nothing I can do! I’d rather have the two of you leave and live long happy lives instead of watching your lives become cursed!
B: How..?
C: What?
B: You said living here with you would curse us. How?
C: Living with a dem-
B: Is exactly what we’ve been doing since you adopted us.
C: But the contract…
B: Fuck the contract. It isn’t what made us a family, and it wasn’t what made you our mom!
E: Yeah! And I’d rather live a cursed life with you instead of a full life without you!
C: Since when did I raise you two to be so selfish! You will leave, or I’ll..! Or I’ll..?!
D: Give it up Carman.
C: Dixie.
D: They’ve got you beat. They know you don’t want them to go, and they don’t care if they get cursed.
C: They’re just kids! They don’t know what’s good for them!
B: Excuse me. I happen to be a legal adult now.
C: Now you’re just being a smartass.
D: But he’s also right. Nobody here wants them to go, so why should we force them to?
C: …
E: Besides you’d still be our mom even if we did leave. We’ll always be a family. *Carman starts tearing up again*
C: Get over here you guys. We need a group hug. *Braden, Erin, and Dixie smile before they hug Carman*
B: So I take it we can stay?
C: Of course! But now that the contracts over I’ll be twice as doting, and three times as smothering!
D: Is that even possible?!
E: I don’t care. I love you mom.
B: I love you to.
C: I love you both as well.
D: I mildly tolerate your existence.
C: Shut up Dixie. You’re ruining the moment. *They continue to hug for a while before celebrating Braden’s birthday. None of them knew what tomorrow would bring, and none of them wanted to think about it. All they knew was they were going to face whatever came their way together, as a family*

After the Crossroads
The day after Braden’s birthday, he and Erin arrive home after a busy day at school. They find Dixie reading on her dog bed, and the bloodhound cu sith starts to wag her tail when she notices them notices them. Dixie puts down her book so that she can run up, and hug the two of them.
Dixie: Welcome back!
Braden: Hey Dixie.
Erin: I don’t mind a hug, but what’s the occasion?
D: Let’s just say that Carman’s not the only one who’s going to be mothering you twice as much! I just feel so bad about what happened yesterday.
B: It’s all good now, but thanks anyway.
D: Just don’t tell Carman. I’d never hear the end of it.
E: Don’t worry. Your secrets safe with us Dixie. *Dixie lets go of Braden and Erin, and they all head to the living room*
D: How was school by the way?
E: It was ok. Estella was still wondering if we were going to have a party for Braden.
D: Oh really? That’s that lamia girl you were talking about yesterday right?
E: Yeah. I thinks she’s been crushing on him for a while now.
D: Doesn’t surprise me. Braden’s gotten so handsome.
B: D-Dixie… Can you stop that..?
D: Get a girlfriend and I will. So what about you Braden? How was school now that you’re eighteen?
B: One of the teachers was flirting with me today.
D: Really? Who? Was it your PE instructor?
B: How’d you know it was Mr. Casey?
D: Just a hunch. (I thought I warned you about this last time you alp bitch?!) Anything else?
B: Let’s see… Oh yeah. The guys were talking about getting some beer when we get together at Connor’s place tomorrow.
D: Beer? That’s funny, because I thought the legal limit to possess alcohol was twenty one. I wonder if Carman would find it funny as well.
B: You wouldn’t!
D: I would. *Erin giggles*
E: I didn’t realize you were such a NARC Dixie!
D: I’m not a NARC! I’m a police dog! Huge difference.
B: So I guess I can’t go to Connor’s place tomorrow.
D: I didn’t say that. You can go-
B: Really? Thanks Dixie! You’re the greatest!
D: -as long as you don’t go drinking.
B: Aw…
D: And just to make sure that you don’t go getting into trouble, I’m going to tell the officers on duty to keep an eye out for you and your friends.
B: But!
D: No buts! At least you can still go out with your friends, and Carman doesn’t need to know what you were planning.
Carman: And why can’t Carman know about these plans? *Carman the demon state trooper enters the room* She does so love surprises.
D: We were just discussing what Braden and Erin should get you for a present. *Dixie flashed Braden a smug grin*
C: A present? What for?
B: Y-you know.
E: For being our mom. We wanted to show how grateful we were. *Carman tears up*
C: You two! *Carman telekinetically pulls Erin and Braden towards her, and gives them a suffocating hug* I don’t deserve you two! To want to buy me a present after what I did to you yesterday! *sniff* That’s all I could ever want!
B: But I still feel like we should get you something.
C: Never mind that! Honestly, once you two get an idea in your heads. *Carman lets her kids go* Speaking of presents though, I got you something Braden!
B: Really?
C: Yeah. I never actually got you anything for your birthday, so I figured I’d try to get you something special. *Carman pulls an envelope out from between her breasts, and hands it to Braden* Here you go!
B: Thanks! *Braden opens the envelope excitedly, and finds five pink coupons decorated with little hearts* Five tickets to Patsy’s Puff Puff Palace?
E: Isn’t that the succubus run brothel on the other side of town?
C: Braden, I give you the gift of manhood! *Braden begins to blush* I’m good friends with the head succubus there, and she gave me these coupons. Now each one is good for one night with one of the girls, but you can get more girls if you use more than one at a time. So you can use two tickets if you want a threesome for example. I also put in a good word for you, so some of the girls might just decide to come home with you~. *Braden’s face turns beet red* Braden? Honey, what’s wrong?
E: You’re embarrassing him mom!
D: He’s never even had a girlfriend yet, and you give him tickets to that hole of a brothel? Unbelievable…
C: You’re right! What was I thinking?! *Carman takes Braden by the hand, and starts leading him out of the living room* Prostitutes aren’t personal enough. Anyone could rent a hoe for their son! Don’t worry Braden, momma’s good at this sort of thing~.
D: No!
C: What? *Dixie runs up to Carman and Braden wielding a squirt bottle*
D: Bad Carman! We don’t have sex with the kids!
C: But he’s an adu-
D: BAD! *Dixie jumps up to squirt Carman in the face*
C: Seriously Dixie? That was really immature, I mean rea- OH PISS IT BURNS! *Carman let’s go of Braden to clutch her face in pain*
E: What did you spray her with?!
D: Holy water. It works better than a cold shower for demons.
E: I see…
B: Thanks for the save Dixie.
D: Don’t thank me yet! You better get out of here, and lay low while we deal with her!
B: You don’t have to tell me twice! *Braden runs out of the house. He barely cleared the yard when the window exploded, and Carman flew out of the house like a naked bat out of hell* Shit!
C: Braden! Get back here, and give momma your virginity! *Carman flew after Braden with Dixie and Erin on her tail. And that was how the neighbors learnt that Carman was a demon*