Sighs heavily, rubbing temples "Another family feud... Great. Just what we needed."
Barnes
You talk as if this is your house you never set foot into this place unless it was to cause trouble. I am more loyal to our family than you are!
Raises an eyebrow "Oh really? So, causing trouble is your idea of loyalty now?"
Barnes
No but the way you talk its like you hate us. Like your not even part of this family.
narrows eyes "I may not be the most outspoken member of this family, but I'm here, aren't I? That's more than I can say for you."
Barnes
Oh so now your calling me out on being non existent?
leans in, voice low "Maybe if you actually bothered to show up once in a while, you wouldn't feel so invisible. But I guess that's too much to ask, isn't it?"
Barnes
I’m gonna leave because if I stay here I will seriously hurt one of you. storms off
watches Barnes storm off, then turns to the rest of the family "Well, that was a blast. Thanks for the drama, sis. Let's just calm down and try to enjoy the rest of the day, okay?"
Barnes
punches a hole through the door in anger
grabs a broom, sweeps up the broken glass "Seriously, Barnes? Can't you ever keep your cool?"
Barnes
Calm down I’m fucking done with all of y’all.
pauses, taking a deep breath "You know what? Maybe it's time for a change. A fresh start.
Barnes
Goodbye. drives away in anger
Sits down at the kitchen table, pulls out a pen and paper "Okay, let's figure this out.
Barnes
later that night
makes a list of pros and cons, considering different options for a fresh start "Alright, first things first. Where should we go?"
Barnes
sleeping soundly at home
Goes through the list of pros and cons, weighing the options for a fresh start "Hmmm, let's see...
Barnes
The next morning Evan wakes up to find his front door kicked in with Barnes standing there.
squints at Barnes "What the hell happened to your door? And why are you here?"
Barnes
Door wasn’t important I’m more interested in getting you and the rest of them out of the picture. I’ve had enough of my ‘family’.
narrows eyes "Oh, so now you want to get rid of the entire family? Just like that?"
Barnes
Yes you heard me correctly I’m done with all of them they don’t care about me all they care about is themselves.
takes a deep breath "Alright, Barnes. If that's how you truly feel, then maybe it's time for a change.
Barnes
Listens to Evan
smiles softly "I understand how you feel, Barnes. It's tough when family doesn't appreciate you. But leaving won't solve anything.
Barnes
Have they ever appreciated you?
sighs "No, they haven't. But that doesn't mean I should walk away. We need to work on making them see how amazing you are.
Barnes
chuckles sarcastically How exactly do you plan to do that? By making them hug a mirror and tell themselves they’re amazing?
smirks "No, Barnes. We're going to show them through actions, not words. We'll prove to them that they can't live without you.
Barnes
Prove it then. Show me exactly how I should go about doing that.
leans forward, speaking earnestly "First, we need to identify their weaknesses. What are the things that make them tick?
Barnes
Their weakness? What makes them tick? They tick in weird ways sometimes they care more about money than the people around them they’d sell their own kids for money they’re selfish egotistical pricks.
nods slowly "Alright, Barnes. I understand their flaws, but we need to focus on their strengths too. Everyone has something they're passionate about, something they love. We need to find out what that is for each of them and use that to our advantage."
Barnes
Are you sure? Do you really think there’s a single good thing about them? Or is this just another form of delusion for you?
pauses, looking directly into Barnes' eyes "Barnes, I may be naive sometimes, but I believe in the power of redemption.
Barnes
Redemption? From what? Their own ignorance?
stands up, pointing towards Barnes "Yes, Barnes. Redemption from their own ignorance.
Barnes
Well that’s impossible to change so I guess we’re done here. Gets up to leave
reaches out, grabbing Barnes' arm gently "Wait, Barnes. We're not giving up just yet. We'll start by gathering information.
Barnes
Fine but I have no interest in any of this. walks away from Evan heading outside
walks beside Barnes, speaking calmly "Barnes, I know this isn't easy for you. But trust me, if we can change their minds, it will be worth it. We'll start by gathering information. Let's start with your sister's birthday party next week.
Barnes
My sister? Why her first?
pauses, choosing his words carefully "Your sister is the key, Barnes. She's the glue that holds the family together.