CH 14

“Hey brother, how’s it going?” Brandon asked his brother as he came down stairs. Nik glared at him, but didn’t say anything. “So that was some party the other night huh?” Brandon said. Nik kept quiet. “Yeah I wanted to thank you for that little speech about Gia. You know it helped me? Oh yeah it did, we’re going out today actually. I guess she’s bringing her little brother along? I don’t know.” Brandon said. Nikolas was consumed with fury. He stepped up to his brother but before he could say anything, the front door opened. “Hello father, you’re home.” Brandon said. Stovros eyed his sons. “What’s going on here? Nikolas?” He asked. “Nothing father, I was just getting ready for school.” Nik said. “So, how long are you here for this time? You’re actually back sooner then I thought.” Brandon said to his father. “Actually just a couple of weeks, then I need to go back.” Stovros said. “Well it’s good to have you home father, I’ll see you later.” Brandon said leaving. Stovros looked at his younger son. It was much more challenging for him to raise a son like Nikolas. He was so much deeper then his brother. Things affected him so much more deeply than Brandon. Deep inside he believed that Nikolas would make a better prince then Brandon. He was as competitive and strong as his brother, but he had such a strong heart, something Brandon lacked. “What’s wrong son?” He asked as Nikolas picked up his book bag. “It’s nothing.” Nik said softly before leaving. Stovros’ mind still lingered on his son when he was gone, he knew something was bothering him but he didn’t know how to help him.

“OK Jake, now we’re going inside and I want you to behave for me OK?” Gia said walking up to the coffee shop with her brother. “OK.” He said nodding his head. Gia pulled the door open as she clutched Jake’s hand with the other. Gia spotted the back of Brandon’s head as she walked in and made her way to the chair he was sitting in. Jacob had spotted him too and went running to him; Gia was shocked, as he had never met Brandon before. “Nikki!” Jake yelled as he ran up to Brandon. Jake was about to get up on his lap when he noticed that it wasn’t Nikolas. Gia could see the fear in his eyes as she walked up to him, her heart sinking at the look on his face, and the mention of Nik’s name. Gia rushed to him, as he started to cry, picking him up as he clung to her, ignoring the pain she still felt in her arm. “No Jakie that’s not Nikolas, this is my friend Brandon. Can you say hi to him?” Gia asked. Jake shook his head no against her shoulder. “Hey there Jake, I’m Brandon.” He said getting up to try and peak at him over Gia’s shoulder. “No!” Jake cried as he hugged Gia tighter, hiding his face from Brandon. Gia felt helpless as she stood there, fighting back tears of her own. “Jacob, it’s OK, Brandon is nice. Come on, I’ll go buy you a snack and then we’ll come back over and talk to him OK?” Gia said. Jake said nothing but he had stopped his crying. “He’s just really shy.” Gia said to Brandon. He nodded. “I understand.” He said. Gia walked over to the counter and ordered herself a coffee, and cookies and milk for Jake. She picked up her order and walked back to Brandon’s table. Putting her things on the table, Gia placed Jake on her lap and gave him a cookie. Jacob didn’t look at Brandon or Gia at all; he just silently ate his cookie. “I’m sorry I upset him.” Brandon said. “No, it’s OK it’s not you. He was just startled that’s all, he’ll warm up to you soon I’m sure.” Gia said, reaching over to squeeze his hand reassuringly. Brandon smiled at her and nodded his head. “So how are you?” Brandon asked as Gia sipped her blended coffee. “Uh, I’m OK I guess, I don’t know.” Gia sighed. “Well I’m sorry about what my brother did to you, he was way out of line.” Brandon said. “Look, do you think that we could not talk about Nikolas?” Gia asked. “Nikki.” Jake’s head shot up from leaning against his sister as he heard the name. Gia felt tears rising again. “Jacob.” She whispered. Jake turned to her with pleading eyes. “See Nikki?” He asked softly. Gia almost lost it, if her brother said his name one more time she felt like she would scream. She turned to Brandon. “Look maybe this was a bad idea.” Gia said softly. Brandon nodded his head slowly. “Yeah maybe you’re right. We should get together another time.” Brandon said. “OK yeah, I’ll try and see if Carol can watch him some time this week and we’ll go out just you and I.” Gia said. “OK, sounds good.” Brandon said. He leaned in to kiss Gia, but suddenly pulled back when Jake threw his cookie at his face. “Jacob Christopher!” Gia exclaimed. Jake hid in her arms. “I’m so sorry.” Gia said turning to Brandon. “It’s OK, really I’ll call you later.” Brandon said, walking away. When Brandon was gone, Jake lifted his head and laughed. “Jacob, that was not funny.” Gia scolded, but her brother continued to laugh.

Nikolas dropped his soccer gear on the floor as he walked in, exhausted from his practice. His performance on the field was actually pretty impressive. It was a great outlet for all the built up frustrations he was feeling. He played hard and it helped him feel a little better. Nik walked into the kitchen to get him self some water, and was surprised to see his brother drinking a soda when he walked in. He grabbed out his water, opening the bottle and chugging a big gulp down and then placed the bottle on the counter. He then turned to his brother. “I thought you had a date with Gia.” He said boldly, wanting to show his brother that he did not break him. “Yeah well it was cut short by that little brat. Whatever magic you worked with that kid worked well. Nice move going through the kid to get to Gia.” Brandon said. Nikolas lunged at him, punching him across the face again. Brandon got up and gripped his brother’s collar roughly pushing him back. “Don’t you ever talk about Jake again!” Nik yelled as he went to hit his brother again. The two continued to fight, Brandon got in a punch himself. “ENOUGH!” Stovros yelled as he entered the kitchen. The boys stopped their fighting, both panting as hey pulled apart and looked at their father. “What is going on in this house?” Stovros looked between his sons. They both said nothing, as their faces remained hard with anger. “Nikolas?” Stovros said turning to his son. “Why do you think that this is my fault? Could it be that your perfect prince started it?” Nik yelled angrily. “That’s why I’m asking you first Nikolas, tell me what’s wrong.” Stovros answered. “He was talking about Gia.” Nik said softly. Stovros looked at his son, he finally got it. “This is about a woman?” He asked. Both boys nodded slightly. “Look, I understand the frustrations of women, they can be very challenging. But you two are brothers, and a woman is not a reason to pull you apart. You’re family and that love means more then falling in love with a woman. Now I’m leaving in a couple of weeks and I don’t need to be worrying about you two while I’m gone. No more fighting.” Stovros said, turning and walking out of the kitchen. Nik walked to the door as well. “I’m not giving up on Gia Brandon. I will not lose her to you.” Nik said sternly before leaving his brother.