Just as the Chronivac beeped it was done, Johannes barged into Jeff's room and started to riffle through his drawers. Jeff was alarmed and stood up, "Is there something ELSE you need from me? And I thought you left."
"My Girlfriend texted that she would be 30 minutes late, she'll be here any minute and I forgot deodorant."
"Mom got you some earlier this week."
"Yeah, but yours smells more like a date night and mine smells more casual. Where is it?"
Jeff was ready to test the curse. Part of the curse forces random strangers to question him, but ANY time he is presented someone else's problem he will engage and the person will get an answer as though they are close friends. "Johannes, I have a problem that I think you could help me with."
Johannes froze in place for a second, then he shut the drawer he was rifling through, "Sure thing Jeff, what can I help you with?"
"Well...", Jeff continued, knowing Johannes would normally tell him to fuck off. "I'm really frustrated with how my older brother treats me and I don't know how to make him stop. He physically and sexually abuses me and treats me like he owns me. Its really degrading and I don't believe my parents have seen enough to believe the extent to which he has gone. I'm really at a loss as to what to do and why he thinks its okay to treat anyone the way he treats me."
Johannes paused for a few seconds though Jeff could swear he saw realization flash in his eyes. "I would recommend you reach out to your parents, and if they don't believe you, a guidance counselor. The guidance counselor is a state mandated reporter and will have to report your older brother to the authorities on your behalf."
Jeff watched the color drain from Johannes though his composure belied his inner turmoil. Jeff replied, "I realize you are right, and I will use that avenue if I have to, but I don't want to hurt him. I honestly just want our relationship to be a good one. I've always looked up to him and just wish he would be on my side."
"As a friend, I must urge you to put your safety first. That being said, you may find understanding by considering his perspective, and from understanding you may find common ground, which is where a relationship begins. For example, when my dad and Stepmother got married, I felt powerless over the situation that completely changed my life. I dealt with that by lashing out and exerting excessive control over my little stepbrother. I felt terrible about it countless times, but didn't know how to change the dynamic of our relationship and was scared of his justified retaliation. It only made me feel more out of control and my actions escalated."
"I never considered that he may be unhappy with our relationship. Your insight was very helpful Johannes, Thank you!"
Jeff didn't mean to, but ended the transaction between them. Although he didn't start the conversation because of the aura, he was in the aura when the conversation concluded and so he left the area (his own room) and went somewhere private to consider what was said.