A.N.- Random childhood moments with characters from Just A Spark, The Fag Swag, Alone Together, Kill The Lights, and The Show Must Go On! 

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​#1- Ezra Carelli

​6 year old Ezra laid on the ground, happily playing with the toys in their toy room. He had his action figures and some of his sisters dolls piled in front of him.

​He was making them fight, pretending that were in a war against each other. He looked up as the door to the toy room swung open.

​His older sister, Rachel, stepped inside. Her friend trailed in behind her, the two girls giggling with each other.

​"Is your brother playing with your Barbies?" Rachel's friend asked in confusion, spotting Era.

​"Ezra! Get out of here, we're playing in here. And stop playing with my dolls! You're a boy!" Rachel said angrily, snatching her dolls away from Ezra.

​"I was playing in here first!" Ezra said, frowning.

​Rachel yanked him to his feet roughly, dragging him to the door. He whined and struggled against her.

​"Rachel, stop it! You're hurting me!" he said.

​She shoved him out of the room. "We're playing!" She slammed the door in his face.

​Ezra rubbed his arm, eyes watering. Why did his sister always have to be so mean to him?

​He stormed into the living room, where his father was lying on the couch, watching TV. His dad glanced over at him before flicking his eyes back to the TV.

​"What do you need, Ezra?" he asked.

​"Rachel kicked me out of the toy room! I was playing in there, daddy!" Ezra said.

​"Rachel has a friend over. They can have the toy room for the day," his dad said. "You're a big boy now, don't cry over that. Were you playing with her dolls again? Ezra, you're a boy and boys don't play with dolls."

​"Why can't I?" Ezra asked, honestly feeling confused. Why was it okay for Rachel to play with his toys, but not for him to play with Rachel's?

​"Because you're a boy, Ezra," his dad said. "Now, go on."

​"But daddy! Rachel hurt my arm! She was being mean!" Ezra said insistently.

​"Ezra, stop whining," his dad said in annoyance. "You're too old to be whining like this. Run along."

​Ezra angrily went into the kitchen, hiding himself behind the counter, hugging his knees to his chest as he made himself as small as possible in the corner. His vision blurred with tears, a few rolling down his face, silently crying in anger and frustration. Why did Rachel always get away with everything?

​After a little while, the front door opened. His mom came into the room a few minutes later, setting down some groceries.

​"Rachel said Ezra was playing with her dolls again," his mom said.

​"I told him not to," his dad said.

​"Well maybe if you got off your ass and took him out to play catch, he wouldn't play with his sister's toys so much," his mom said, voice sharp.

​"Are you saying it's my fault Ezra likes girl toys?" his dad demanded. "You're the one who lets the kid do whatever he wants. Stop buying him those stupid action figures."

​"Spend more time with your damn son. He's probably just acting out for attention since you never give him any!" his mom said, voice getting louder.

​"Don't you blame me for the way he acts," his dad said, voice also raising.

​Ezra shrank back, squeezing his eyes shut. He felt trapped, body pressed into the floor and walls. He pretended that he was high up in the sky, flying away from his parents as they began to scream at each other. Why did he always make them fight? Why couldn't he ever just do something right? Why couldn't he get away from all the yelling?

​And so he braced himself, covering his ears, silently crying. His parents screamed at each other, words terrifying Ezra. He silently begged that someday he'd get away from all of this and finally be free of their fighting.

​#2- Ace Foley & Phil Brooks

​9 year old Ace watched his younger cousin as he struggled with a puzzle. Ace never knew how to act around Phil, since the 5 year old tended to have crazy mood swings. He never knew what would upset Phil, and that drove him crazy with dread.

​Phil's bedroom door opened and Ace looked up hopefully, praying that his dad was coming to take him home already. They spent a lot of time at Phil's house and Ace hated it.

​"Ace," his father, Alan, said as he came into the room. "I didn't realize how much I had to drink while I was talking to your Aunt. I shouldn't drive us home, so we're going to stay here tonight. I'm going to sleep on the couch and you can sleep in Phil's room."

​Ace felt his heart sink. He didn't want to stay here. It was just a matter of time before Phil got mad and they both got in trouble.

​"Now you can help me with my puzzle, Ace!" Phil said, sitting up.

​"Sure, Phil," Ace said, voice quiet.

​"Alright, your Aunt and I are going to bed, so keep it down," Alan said.

​"Goodnight Uncle Alan!" Phil said, running over and hugging him.

​"Goodnight Phil," Alan said, hugging him. "Goodnight Ace. Make sure you keep Phil quiet. See you boys in the morning."

​Alan shut the door, leaving the cousins alone together. Phil grabbed Ace's hand, dragging him over to the puzzle.

​"Help me!" he commanded.

​"Okay, okay," Ace said, picking up a piece. "Do the edge pieces first, Phil. It makes it easier."

​Phil looked confused. "Why?"

​Ace shrugged. "It just is easier. I don't know. My dad taught me."

​The two worked on the puzzle together for a little. Phil chatted happily about school and about TV shows he liked. Ace listened quietly, responding only when he thought Phil was getting annoyed at his silence.

​They finished the puzzle and Phil clapped in excitement. He grabbed Ace's arm, shaking it a little.

​"Look, Ace! We finished it!" he said.

​"Yea, we did," Ace said. "Are you tired?"

​Phil glared. "No, I'm not a baby."

​"I was just making sure," Ace said.

​"Let's play tic-tac-toe," Phil said, grabbing paper and a pencil.

​Ace drew the lines and let Phil go first. Ace easily won the first few games, regretting it as soon as he saw the frustration on Phil's face.

​"Are you cheating?" Phil demanded. "Bitch."

​"I'm not cheating. Don't swear," Ace said.

​"Bitch," Phil repeated, throwing the pencil at Ace.

​"Let's play again," Ace said, picking up the pencil. He needed to calm Phil down before he got too angry.

​They played again, this time Ace making sure he lost. He didn't want to anger the five year old anymore. Phil could be violent and his mom was even more violent. He didn't want Phil pissed and he didn't want his Aunt to wake up.

​"I'm tired," Phil said at last, setting the pencil down.

​"Me too," Ace said, standing up.

​The two laid on Phil's bed together. Phil curled against Ace, snuggling up to him. Ace put his arms around Phil. He could never figure out their relationship. He didn't know if Phil liked him and he didn't know if he liked Phil. But times like these, he guessed he didn't mind his cousin so much.

​"G'night," Phil said sleepily.

​"Goodnight, Phil," Ace said, pulling the blanket over them and closing his eyes. Maybe someday he and Phil could come to love each other and be close.

​#3- Mitch & Shane Marion

​"Mitchy! Mitchy look!" 5 year old Shane said eagerly.

​3 year old Mitch stumbled into the room sleepily. He spotted a bike with training wheels and went over, grabbing the handle on the bike.

​"It's yours, Mitch!" Shane said. "Now we can ride together!"

​"Bike," Mitch said.

​"Bike," Carol confirmed, ruffling his hair. "Daddy and I will teach you how to ride it. Do you like it?"

​"Bike!" Mitch repeated, attempting to climb on it.

​Carol and Jasper had decided to get Mitch a bike since he got jealous when Shane rode his. Shane was excited to help teach his brother to ride it. Then Mitch could ride with him and Jace.

​Jasper lifted Mitch up and set him on the bike. He smiled as Mitch placed his feet on the pedals and lightly moved them back and forth, not hard enough to move the bike.

​"Mitch, here, let me see your nookie," Jasper said, reaching for it.

​"No!" Mitch said, turning his head away. "Mine!"

​"He's going to have horrible teeth," Carol said with a sigh. "Oh well, he'll get cranky if you take it. Wait until he gives it to you."

​"Here Mitchy," Shane said, pushing the bike.

​Mitch gripped the handles and let out a terrified whine. Shane continued to push him and he let out more scared whines.

​"Shane, Shane! He's scared," Carol said.

​Jasper hurried over, placing a hand on Mitch's back to calm him down. "Shane, let me do it. He's scared," he said gently.

​"But daddy, I wanna teach Mitch!" Shane said with a frown.

​"I know, buddy. But he's little and he's never been on a bike before. He's scared," Jasper said, ruffling Shane's hair. "You can help him once he gets used to his bike, okay?"

​Jasper pushed Mitch around slowly, letting the small boy adjust to the bike. Mitch pulled his nookie out, handing it to his father. He grinned and giggled as he was pushed around, feet still lightly tapping on the pedals.

​Jasper pulled Mitch off of the bike when they were done. Mitch ran over to Shane, grabbing his hand.

​"Shane, I did it! I rode my bike!" Mitch said.

​"I saw, Mitchy! Good job!" Shane said, smiling and hugging his brother.

​"You try." Mitch pointed to his bike.

​"I have my own bike," Shane said. "You can ride with me and Jace!"

​"Jace!" Mitch said. "Bike!"

​"I'll teach you," Shane promised.

​"Thanks Shane!" Mitch hugged Shane, giggling. "Bike! Bike!"

​"You're a good big brother," Carol said to Shane, smiling.

​"I love Mitchy!" Shane said.

​"Love Shane!" Mitch said.

​Shane smiled at his little brother. He couldn't wait to teach him how to ride his bike and do all the things that Shane and Jace did together. He loved having a little brother.

​#4- Alexis Beirne

​6 year old Alexis threw open the back door and ran into the house. He sprinted to the kitchen, grabbing at his father's leg.

​"What's up, Lex?" Derek Beirne asked, looking down. "Everything okay, buddy?"

​"Daddy, fill it! Please!" Alexis said, holding up a water gun and anxiously peeking over his shoulder. "I ran out!"

​Derek smiled, taking the gun from Alexis and turning on the sink. "Are you and Calla playing?"

​"Uh-huh," Alexis said, nodding. "But I ran out of water, daddy."

​Derek filled the gun as his wife, Anna, came into the kitchen. She smiled at Alexis.

​"Where's your sister?" she asked.

​"Found you!"

​Alexis spun around as 8 year old Calla ran into the room. She pointed her water gun at him and pulled the trigger, splashing Alexis.

​"Calla! Not in the kitchen!" Anna said sternly.

​But Calla ignored her, continuing to shoot a squealing Alexis. He threw his arms up to block the water, but he was already soaked.

​"Calla!" Anna snatched the gun from Calla. "I told you not to play with water guns in the house! You got your poor brother soaked!"

​Derek set Alexis's water gun on the counter. "Alexis, go put dry clothes on. You'll get sick if you play outside like that," he said with a frown. He didn't want Alexis out there with his clothes wet. It was a little chilly out today.

​"I'll help him!" Calla said, running over and taking his hand.

​"You got me wet!" Alexis said, giggling.

​"Now I'll help you get dry," Calla said, tugging Alexis out of the room and upstairs.

​The two went into the bathroom and Calla handed Alexis a towel. He attempted to dry his clothes with the towel.

​"Come here," Anna said, entering the bathroom. She took the towel from Alexis and helped him out of his clothes. She dried him off and helped him into dry clothes. She kissed him and smiled, though his hair was still damp. "All better, right?"

​"Right mommy!" Alexis said, smiling at her.

​"You can go play. You, with me," Anna said, grabbing Calla's arm. "We are going to have a long talk, young lady."

​"Aw, mom!" Calla whined. "I wanna play with Lex!"

​"You can play with him after we talk about you not listening to me and dad," Anna said, dragging Calla out of the room.

​Alexis wandered back downstairs to his father. He tugged on Derek's pant leg.

​"Yea?" Derek asked, looking down. He lifted Alexis into his arms. "Is your sister getting in trouble with mom?" He laughed and kissed Alexis's cheek. "Good thing you're such a good boy, Alexis."

​Alexis smiled brightly. "I try, daddy!"

​Derek handed Alexis his water gun. "There you go, you can play outside with that. But try to stay dry, alright?"

​"Okay!" Alexis snuggled against Derek. "I love you daddy!"

​"I love you too, Lex." He set Alexis down. "Go on, now. Calla will be back in a little and you two can play a game that doesn't involve water." He smiled and gave Alexis a light shove.

​Alexis ran outside, shooting at pretend enemies with his water gun, laughing as he amused himself. He peeked at the back door every few minutes in hopes that Calla would come outside soon so they could play together again.

​He sat down in the grass, tossing his gun to the side. He laid on his back, squinting up at the clouds and making shapes out of them.

​Alexis smiled, cheerful as always. He would convince his parents and sister to come outside tonight and watch the stars with him. His smile grew at the thought, excited for tonight and happily content with the present.

​#5- Neo Bartosz

​6 year old Neo Bartosz swung his feet back and forth as he sat on the counter. The stove was on next to him and he could smell dinner as it cooked.

​His father, Eryk, walked into the room. He looked over and his eyes widened.

​"Neo!" he cried in alarm, running over and lifting Neo off of the counter.

​But he had surprised the little boy, and Neo responded by biting his father's arm. Eryk winced but kept his hold on Neo.

​"Neo! You could've burned yourself! Why were you sitting next to the stove when it was on?!" Eryk said.

​"I was bored," Neo said, releasing his father's arm.

​"Your mother will kill me if you get hurt while I'm in charge of you," Eryk said, kissing Neo and setting him down. He checked on the food and sighed.

​"Come on, kid. We can go play on the swing while dinner finishes cooking," he said, holding his hand out to Neo.

​Neo brightened and grabbed his father's hand. They walked outside and towards the swing in the backyard.

​"Neo, it's not nice to bite," Eryk said, knowing it was hopeless. Neo never listened to them when it came to the biting. He had always been a biter.

​Just like he had guessed, Neo ignored him. Instead, Neo looked around at the outside world.

​He couldn't wait for it to be fall so he and Donnie could play in the leaves again. Donnie's dad always raked the leaves up into a giant pile and threw the boys into it. Neo loved it.

​"Daddy, I want it to be fall," Neo said. "I wanna play in the leaves."

​"Well, you have a few weeks," Eryk said, helping Neo onto the swing. He began to push his son, smiling as Neo let out shrieks of laughter.

​Neo soared higher and higher into the sky. He felt like he would be able to reach out and touch the sky if he wanted to.

​He smiled and laughed. "Underdog, daddy!"

​His father obeyed, earning more laughter from Neo. Neo's eyes sparkled with joy as he watched a flock of birds fly overhead. He felt like one of them as he flew up and down on the swing. He felt like he was bursting with joy.

​But he knew what would make this day even better. So once he had been swinging for a while, he waved a hand.

​"Daddy, stop!" he commanded.

​Eryk slowed the swing and watched as Neo jumped off. Neo spun around and grabbed his father's hand, dragging him into the house.

​"Where are we going?" Eryk asked.

​"Read to me, daddy! The book you were reading today!" Neo said, picking the book up off of the coffee table and holding it out. It was an adult book and Neo couldn't even read the title, but he loved when his dad read to him.

​Seeing how eager Neo looked, Eryk smiled and nodded, sitting on the couch. Neo crawled into his lap, snuggling against him.

​Eryk opened the book and began to read it to Neo. Neo had no idea what a lot of the words meant, and he also couldn't follow along with the story.

​But he closed his eyes and smiled in content as his dad read to him. He couldn't wait until he was older and could read with his dad. His dad was the smartest man he knew and he wanted to be just like him.

​Neo opened his eyes and looked at the words in the book, pretending that he could understand them. He smiled as his dad hugged him closer, continuing to read.

​Someday Neo would be just like his dad. He rested his head on his dad's shoulder, happy for now to just sit and listen to his dad read to him.