♤ [2] An Everlasting Nightmare

ı 06 ı The Other Brother

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"I'm a boomerang, doesn't matter how you throw me. I turn back around and I'm back in the game, even better than the old me."

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"First of all, how did you know my name?" I ask accusingly.

"I've been following you guys for a while. I've done some eavesdropping, so I'm quite up to date on you and your brother's situation with Klaus," he shrugs.

"Okay, and second of all, did you say your name was Joel Branson? As in relation to James Branson?" I ask.

He nods slowly. "Yes. You know James?"

I look away, realizing his eyes look similar to James's. I force myself not to think of home out of fear I will crumble before I actually make it back. "Yes, I know James," I say quietly.

"How?" he asks gently.

"He's a friend of mine, and my brother's," I answer quickly, not wanting to elaborate.

"Ah, but Klaus has ruined that. Hasn't he?" Joel asks.

"What's it to you? Why are you telling me this? Why hasn't James ever mentioned you?" I ask all at once, suddenly fearing this is all a joke.

"Well Blair, James has never mentioned me because he doesn't remember me. As far as he's concerned he never had a brother," Joel answers.

"What are you talking about?" I ask.

"Lets just say you're not the only one Klaus has taken memories from," Joel says.

I furrow my brows together in confusion. "He compelled memories away form you too?"

"Not me darling, James. He compelled away James's memory of having a brother," Joel explains.

I sit there in shock, not believing what this man is saying. He does look a lot like James. The same accent, hazel-blue eyes and structured face but I can tell he's younger. About a year younger than James in human years.

"Here. Have a drink," Joel says sliding a shot over to me.

I don't hesitate to pick it up, practically pouring the burning liquid down my throat.

"Why would Klaus do that?" I ask.

"Does Klaus ever really have a reason for his actions?" Joel points out.

I shake my head. "If you know he's your brother then why haven't you told him?"

"Klaus told me not to. Threatened to kill him and Lexi if I did so," Joel says.

My stomach drops at Lexi's name. "When was the last time you saw your sister?" I ask cautiously.

"I don't know, a year? I've stayed here in Chicago trying to build something for myself. Then I saw Klaus walk in with you two the other day so I've been following you ever since," Joel says.