My Own Fame (Sequel to 'The Trap')

Dylan's POV Chapter 1

"Shut up! I was named after an adoption lawyer!" Jack spat back.

"Jackson's a girl!" T.J. began to sing and it was just awful to be honest.

"You wanna go, so let's go!" Jack was looking for fight with anyone.

"Well I wish I could. But I won't hit a girl."

"Hey man, shut your mouth before I shut it for you!"

"Be careful, Tyler."

"What are you going to do, Joshua Andrew?"

"I'm going to report you to Uncle Mason."

"Oh no not Uncle Mason." T.J. was mocking him.

"HEY!" I yelled. I had just enough of this.

"What?"

"Men, we need to stick together and not tear each other apart constantly. We seven are the only brothers we'll ever have. Do you want to spend our time together fighting or laughing and playing?"

"The second one." Josh said for the group.

"Then start acting like the good brothers I know you all to be. Y'know if Mom and Dad stopped having or adopting after A and Bay were born, Josh would be my only brother? But they didn't because all of you are in my family for a reason. Stop acting like bullies and more like friends. I'm all for poking fun and joking around with each other, but low blows are not okay. Tyler Justin your middle name is after an adoption lawyer too. Yes Madison is more common as a girl's name, but it can be used for a boy too. Joshua we all are aware how much you want to be a police officer when you're older. But you seriously need to stop dragging Mason's name into every fight you have and start fighting your own battles. Tyler stop egging Josh on and mocking him too. Benjamin, you need to say something and not just stand there. Harry and SJ look up to you. I won't be living here forever so you all need to step up and start maturing now."

Mom loving yelled out to us. "Dinner!"

I looked to the door. "Coming!" I exclaimed back with a wave and a smile.

"But what about our game?" Jack asked folding his arms.

"If you guys can stop fighting, we'll play after dinner."

They all looked at me and nodded. Then as a huge group, they raced inside, almost knocking Mom down in the process. I stayed behind, making sure I didn't leave a man behind. I usually am the last one to come in because I want to be a good and responsible brother by cleaning up all the toys and putting them back where they go. Hopefully Josh will do this for me when I move out.

During the course of dinner, Holly was trying to get my attention, but I decided to ignore her altogether. It might've made me look more guilty, but I already know how much I screwed things up for her today. No one knows that I'm the scapegoat, but I know and that's enough for me. I just hope she'll never know I was behind all of this rubbish. And I also hope that Dad will listen to me and not do his own damn thing.

After dinner and while the younger ones were helping clean up, Holly pulled me off to the side. 

Holly crossed her arms. "What's up with you? Why were you ignoring me at dinner?"

I tried to play it off. "Oh were you trying to get my attention? Sorry I didn't notice that." 

"Don't play dumb with me, Dylan. Come on, tell me. Triple C, I promise."

"Okay um..."

I ran away from her and called out to my brothers to come play basketball with me.

"But it's dark," Mum said.

"We'll turn the lights on." 

I was trying to reassure her that it would be safe to play.

She sighed. "Okay."

"Guys, can I play, please?" Dad asked us.

"I don't know, can you?"

Without a thought, I walked over to Jack and slapped the back of his head. 

"Sorry about him, Dad. Yes, you can come play with us!"

"Thanks!"

"Yeah anytime!"

"Oh I got an idea," Jack shot his arm up. 

"That's a first," T.J. said rolling his eyes. 

"Shut up!" Jack glared at him.

"What's your idea, Jack?" I asked him.

Jack smiled. "The six of us versus the old dudes!"

Dad looked confused so I clued him in. "They were calling me old earlier."

"Ah okay. But if your old, what am I?"

"Ancient."

Dad rolled his eyes. "Oh thanks a lot, Jackson Madison."

"Anytime, old man."

"You're so close to being ground, young man."

"Okay, I'm sorry." I'm not sure if Jack was or not. It's hard to tell with him. He was probably sorry that he was getting into trouble for his words and actions.

Dad nodded. "Good." 

"Boys you better go before some of the players have to get ready for bed," Mum said. 

"Okay. So how long can we play for?" I asked.

"Tell you what, I'll fickler the porch light when it's time, okay?"

I nodded and ran outside to meet up with my brothers. Dad took his sweet time to walk out to the court. I basically had to put my hand over Jack's mouth so that he could play with us. Being his buddy, I need to talk to him later. This is not the Jack I know and love. 

I love having this time with Dad and all of my brothers! Playing ball with them helped me get my mind off of facing Holly. I hated lying, avoiding eye contact and her endless questions. But all three had to be done to get through this dreadful day. 

By the time I got back to the apartment, Holly was in her room. So I followed her lead and retired to my room too. I'm so glad that Holly didn't invite herself into my room. I'm not sure how I would react and respond if she had. But lucky for me, I didn't have to worry about that because as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out. The best way this dreadful day could end.

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