Brother

Chapter sixteen

[Aiden]
"Are you sure you want to do this Aiden?" My parents old friend, Ward, asks me.

"Listen Ward, I didn't come all this way, just to agree with you that this may be a bad idea.

Don't you think I've thought it out already? I think I understand what I'm getting into.

So please if you're not going to help me, then say so." I say to him not wanting to play around.

"Okay, alright Aiden. But if Graham finds out and gets mad, I had nothing to do with this.. And never knew about it. Okay?" I nod my head.

"So you'll give me the money?" I ask. Needing him to confirm it. "Yes." He says.

"Thank you. You can drop it off at one tomorrow."

[Graham]
I'm hurt that Aiden got mad, but I don't blame him. I can't. Not after everything he's been through, and that I've put him though.

I'll just have to face the fact that he can't take every little thing that gets thrown his way. And most of it was because of me.

I mean, really nobody can. I've never met, let alone heard of such a person who never feels pain.

Pain is an emotion. You cant control it. You have no choice. It's God's gift to human kind. Feelings.

It can be beautiful. Wonderful. Indescribable. And torturous.

These few months have not been good for Aiden. And it hurts me that I don't know what to do.

Aiden has every right to be mad at me. Everyone has the right to be mad. I am the cause of Aiden losing his friends, his school, his life in general. All I have to do is go to work and keep my brother happy.

"Graham!" Lewis calls, bringing me out of my thoughts. I look at him and he starts laughing "You look so scared! What happened?" He says.

"Oh, uh- you scared me." I answer. Backing out of my desk area. "Uh- can I help you Lewis?"

He moves half his mouth down, giving it a half frown. "Not really. I just wanted to make sure my favorite co-worker is doing alright!" He says with a smile.

Annoyed I answer "Oh, everything is fine. Thank you for caring so much."

Even though I know you don't give a damn and you probably want something from me.

"Oh, well I'm glad to hear that Graham! Really am!" He smiles his usual fake smile then continues,

"Graham, how long has it been since you've been out of the house? Besides every morning for work, of course." He laughs.

How long has it been? I don't remember the last time. Just me and some friends. It's different then me and my brother's time together a few months ago.

That was almost out of pity. I don't want it to be, but it is. And it's a feeling. So I can't control it. Well even if I could, I wouldn't know how.

"I'm not sure," I answer. And he smiles, like he knows his plan now.

"Well that's wonderful! This would be the perfect opportunity to get yourself out there!"

"Uhh-" I start.

"I'm having a get together for the football game on Saturday. I would love if you came! All the co- workers will be there, a few close friends.