Like It Is

Chapter 1

Brandan came down from the airplane, hair flying in the wind, and looked around. He closed his eyes and breathed in the cool, warm breeze. Boy! wasn't he glad to be back in California. His reverie was short lived as his friend, Ryan, came up behind him and slapped him on the back, "Dude! why are you just standing there? Come on, the whole fam's waiting".

Ryan, was a family friend as both their fathers had been friends for years. He was the kind of guy every girl died to be with. He exuded that sexual aura with his broad chest, hard, taut muscles and his towering height. He had short, wavy, blonde hair with piercing blue eyes. He was also the heir of his father's multi million company like Brandan. That, however was were the similarities ended. While Ryan was arrogant and loved partying not to mention loved the ladies, Brandan was carefree and rather playful and preferred to keep to himself.

Brandan was slim and wore his brown hair neck length. He was fit though, as a result of playing basketball from high school through college. He was back finally after just completing his studies in Columbia University. Ryan also attended the same University, hence them coming back home together.

Ryan's mother, Irene, nervously tapped her heels and wringed her hands. She was a petite thing and very soft spoken. She looked worriedly at the stairs, "why haven't they come down yet", she asked, addressing Brandan's mum, Antoinette.

"Calm down, they're probably getting their luggage", she reassured at the same time that Brandan and Ryan started down the stairs.

"Well, will you look at that. There they are", Brandan's mother smiled looking up at her son with pride.

He had grown so big and handsome. He had always had an eye for fashion she thought, as she appraised his dressing. He wore a black turtleneck t-shirt with skinny jeans and a silk blue overcoat then completed the look with a black Balenciaga triple-s mesh sneakers.

"Where's Dad", both guys said simultaneously as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"You know your father"

"Meeting, obviously", both Irene and Antoinette also said, at the same time.

"You've grown so big", Irene hugged Ryan and said.

"Mum, it's been what? Six months? How big could I have gotten?" Ryan rolled his eyes and briefly hugged his mother.

Anto pulled her son's cheek and smiled,"She's right you know", agreeing with Irene. "No matter how impossible it sounds".

"You sure have grown more handsome". She continued as they walked out of the airport.

"Come on let's-" she was interrupted by her phone ringing.

"I have to take this", she excused herself.

"...sure! I'll be there right now", she ended the call.

"I'm so sorry Brandan, your father needs me urgently. Something came up in the meeting".

"You go home with the driver and get some rest. Will be home as soon as I'm done". She kissed his cheek and started walking out, already on another call.

Ryan and Brandan bro hugged and promised to hang out later that week.

"Bye Mrs Duncan" Brandan kissed her on the cheek and got into the car.

"Bye dear", she replied.

"Ryan love, I had the cook prepare your favorite food". She latched onto her son's hand as they walked to their car.
. . . . . . . . . .

"Gosh! I can't believe it! It's 8am and you're still sleeping?", Kare said pulling away the sheets from her cousin's body.

Claudia slowly opened her eyes to see a frowning Kare looking down at her.