EPISODE THIRTY FIVE
THEME: A tale of two brothers
MOON STONE FORTRESS
THE PACK HOUSE
Jaylen stared into the lake, watching as the half moon in its beauty spread through it. He hugged himself as he sat still. It’s hard for him to figure out the hatred his brother breeds against him. There was no way he could keep up with staying at Moon Stone for extra days judging with the way Jayden seems inconvenient with seeing him.
The helpless feeling he had years back was beginning to morph into that of anger. It was a different thing when he was far away from home and didn’t need to see them to be reminded of how poorly he had been treated by his own family.
Taking his time, he had studied his parents facial expression and had taken note of the hurt in their eyes. It had kept his own demon at bay from responding to Jayden. Not wanting to give his parents a sleepless night had been the exact reason he had stepped out of dining hall and most importantly for his own peace of mind.
Jayden’s technique over the years had been to get him really annoyed and a fight then ensues between them. He had no strength to indulge in such childish brawl anymore.
He wanted to talk to someone so bad. He reached for his phone in his pocket to dial Rosalyn. To his frustration, she wasn’t picking and when he tried it again the line was unavailable.
“Damn!” Jaylen lamented as he threw out his arms in annoyance.
“You might end up in the lake with such careless move.” Gabriella said behind him.
He huffed. “I have been expecting you.” Jaylen looked back at her, responding in sarcasm before turning back at the lake.
She slapped his head from behind. “Your sassy mouth needs to be tamed.”
Jaylen couldn’t help the chortle that escaped his lips. “Granny!” He called out, helping her to seat next to him before holding her to himself. “I love you.”
Gabriella rested her head on his arm. “I love you too my boy.”
They both stayed quiet and stared into the beautiful night.
“Would we ever be real brothers?” Jaylen asked as he sniffed.
Gulping hard she kept her eyes on the lake. “I wish I could tell you what you intend to hear. But it’s all up to Jayden to decide if he wants to be your brother or not.”
“I love him so much Granny. It hurts. And I wish he wouldn’t see me as his enemy.”
“Don’t worry yourself on it too much, you can always work through this in the future.”
“When exactly is the future going to be? When my children see how much hate their father’s brother has towards them? I’m tired Granny. I can’t stand it any longer.”
Gabriella sighed. She knew exactly what he was feeling and what he meant. If only Jaylen knows what more is at stake, he definitely might not stay longer than expected and do whatever he can to stay far away.
“You both were such a beautiful bunch. Always running around making your parents come after you with tired expression from chasing you around. Your little legs were so fast even the fastest runners couldn’t keep up with you both especially when you are in cohort. There had been a day when you both were four, you had sneaked into the kitchen to get some cookies. That was what you had said when caught. How you both had been able to sneak out of the room and make such move has always been a mystery till now.” Gabriella laughed to herself. “Those were good times.”
Jaylen tried to hide the tears from falling by turning his head away from her. He sniffed and wiped the corners of his eyes with his shoulder.
“Why are you telling me all of this?”
“I just want you to know that, love lived between the both of you and no matter what Jayden does to you don’t forget he is your brother. Please.” Gabriella replied.
“Am I suppose to let him trample over me whichever way he pleases?” He scrunched up his face.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” Gabriella said.
“No one is asking you to let him trample over you.” Carl spoke from behind. His eyes looked glazed in the moonlight.
Jaylen looked back at his father while Gabriella made an attempt to get on her feet.
“Can you excuse us please mom?” Carl begged.
“I was just about to take my leave now.” Gabriella smiled as she made her way back to the house.
“Who brought you here?” Jaylen asked as he looked around.
Carl chuckled. “I had asked one of the guards to help me to your room. But you weren’t there and I had sighted you and mom by the lake here. I couldn’t resist the urge to be a part of your little party.” Carl answered.
“Yeah.” He whispered in response, retaining his sitting position.
“I’m sorry, Jaylen.” Carl muttered.
Staring back at his father Jaylen raised a brow. “Why are you saying sorry?”
“For not manning up and protecting you when the need arises. I should have gone against the pack council and stayed true to you as my son. I should have brought you back home few years ago. I could have found the courage to come find you and make amends but I didn’t. I’m sorry for making you feel unwanted all these years Jaylen. It was never my intention. I have tried hard to curtail Jayden from making you feel uncomfortable in your own home, but he is hell bent on showing his petty side.”
“I don’t have anything against you dad. I have told you before and I would say it again. I have nothing against you.” Jaylen responded.
“You are so kind hearted just like your mother.” Carl noted.
Jaylen let out a half smile. “Mom isn’t such a soft cat though.”
Carl laughed. “You can say that again.” He took a pause for a few seconds before speaking you again. “Jaylen, please ensure to take care of my mom and your mom when I am gone. Please.”
It still sounds foreign to Jaylen ears that his father was dying slowly as the day passes and it was something he is yet to accept. The mere thought of it sounds unbelievable.
“You really are dying?” The question sounded stupid to himself.
“I know what you are thinking. I would like for you to take everything as it comes. I trust you to handle it all well.” Carl mused, feeling a sharp pang of pain.
Everyday his body got more weaker and he had decided to keep the pain to himself just to prevent any unwarranted worry.
“Please take me back to my chambers. I’m sure your mom would be on the look out for me by now.” He chuckled at his own joke.
Jaylen stood up, dusting his grassy butt, holding onto the wheelchair handle and he bent low to kiss his father on the forehead.
“I love you, Dad.”
Carl couldn’t help the leap of joy his heart did. He sighed, feeling at peace as Jaylen wheeled him forward.
“I love you too son.” He whispered into the night sky.