by Ivy Kovacs
- She just roasted the crap out of you, dude. – Dylan grinned at Oliver.
- Ha ha. Very funny. – Oliver leaned back against his chair and folded his arms.
Dylan and I dropped Debby off at her house before he drove me home.
- Did you have fun? – He asked with his eyes on the road.
- I did. It did give me déjà vu, though. –
- Same. –
- You were kind of a jerk back then, you know that right? – I teased him.
- And you seriously thought I was dating Madison. – He peeked at me and looked back on the road with a small smile on his face. – I mean, how low did you think of me? –
- Pretty low. – I played along.
- The thought of having a girlfriend never crossed my mind before I met you. – He wasn’t joking this time. He was very serious and I could tell that by his facial expression.
- I really wish I could meet your dad. – I sighed. My comment seemingly made him curious because his forehead creased. – I’d love to know where you got your charm from. – I explained and his curiosity evaporated, a soft smile taking its place.
- It’s probably from him. – He agreed and let out a small sigh, his eyes were locked on the road as he drove towards my godparent’s house.
- Do you miss him? – I asked warily.
- Sometimes I do. I miss my brother more. – He responded in his low voice.
- How old is he? –
- Thirteen. –
- Where does he go to school? –
- The one near us. Why? – He asked and his curiosity returned.
- Just asking. – I shrugged but in my head, I was already plotting. He parked in front of the house and it was hard for me not to ask him to come inside. I softly pecked his lips and looked into his ocean eyes. – I love you. –
- I love you, too. – My smile comforted him. – Text me. – He yelled as I ran inside the house. When I closed the door behind myself I exhaled, excitement filling my body.
– Lily! – I shouted in the large hall area. My voice echoed.
- I was in the middle of a game. – She growled, looking down from the stairs. I walked up to her room and flashed her a bright smile. – Why do I feel like you want something? – She focused on the screen.
- Because I do. – I admitted. – Do you happen to know anyone named Torres? – I asked crossing my legs.
- Yeah, that’s Dylan’s name, isn’t it? – She kept her eyes locked on the screen as we spoke.
- Other than that, silly. Someone from your class? –
- Not that I know of. – She paused the game again and spun her chair so she could face me.
- Someone who looks like Dylan? – I asked, eager to get more information.
- Well, one of my classmates is really good at Spanish. – She spoke with envy in her voice.
- What’s his name? –
- Daniel. –
- Daniel...? –
- Daniel Stewart. –
- Huh... That’s weird. – I contemplated.
- Why? –
- Honestly? I heard Dylan’s brother is going to the same school as you and he’s thirteen. I want to surprise Dylan and bring his brother over for dinner or something. –
- I could ask him if he has a brother. – Lily shrugged.
- Lily. You’re speaking my language. – I grinned. – But be careful okay? Don’t tell him anything. We’ll reconsider this tomorrow when we know more. –
- Alright, ma’am. – She restarted the game and glanced at the screen again. I left her room with much enthusiasm, that Sebastian easily noticed.
- What’s up? – He raised one brow as I passed him in the hall.
- Nothing, just chatted a little. – I shrugged and walked inside my room.
- Grace? – He knocked on my door and opened it peeking in.
- Yes? – I sat down at my desk and looked at him.
- We need to talk. –
thirty-five
- Sounds serious. – I watched him as he sat down in front of me, on the edge of my bed.
- Yeah, I guess so. – His low voice made me think of the worst things possible.
- What is it, Seb? –
- I wanted to talk to you about our situation. – He spoke calmly. – About your stay. –
- Oh, I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble. I was considering moving back to nana this weekend... –
- No, that’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. – He interrupted. – I talked to mom. – He added. I was starting to get nervous again and the former enthusiasm faded. – We think you should move here, permanently. –
- Oh... – I let out a small gasp.
- It’s not that mom doesn’t want you there, because you know she does. Throughout these months we were considering what would be best for you, and we came to the understanding that it would be best if you’d stay here. Until you go to college. - This conversation gave me déjà vu too. I guess today was the day of recurrence.
His hopeful brown eyes reminded me of the talk we had six months ago when they were debating on who I should move to. I chose grandma back then, but a lot has changed since that decision. I no longer felt an intense and constant pain in my chest that extended whenever I saw Lily with her mom and dad. I wasn’t jealous anymore. Maybe a little, but nothing unendurable.
- Are you sure? I mean it’s still six months until graduation. Eight until college. – I reminded him warily.
- Of course, I am sure. - He nodded.
- Well, if that’s what you want. –
- It is what we want, but do you want the same? –
- I guess I do. – I responded shrugging.
- Alright then. We’ll get the rest of your stuff later, don’t worry about that. – He stood up from the bed, heading towards the closed door.
- Uncle Seb? – He turned back.
- Thank you. For everything. – I said looking into his eyes. – And I love you. – I confessed. We knew we loved each other but we barely spoke our minds. It wasn’t how it worked at my uncle’s. They weren’t sappy.
- I love you, too. – He curved one side of his lips in a half-smile before he closed the door behind himself.
I took a deep breath and plopped on my bed, trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Before I got too deep into thinking my phone buzzed.
- Miss me already? – I grinned though he couldn’t see my face through the phone.
- Definitely. – Dylan responded. – I texted you but you didn’t answer. –
- Oh, I was talking to Seb. –
- It’s alright. You left your Math book in my car. Should I drop it off? –
- That’s fine. Don’t come here only because of that. –
- Not just because of that. – I could tell he was smirking through the phone.
- Okay, I’m sure Sebastian will allow it. – I said and continued after a short pause. – Since I’ll be living here. –
- What? –
- Yup. –
- You’re staying there? I thought you didn’t want to because... – He trailed off. I knew what he was thinking about.
- I thought too. I guess I’ve changed. – I shrugged.
- Ah damn, I have to cozy up to Sebastian so I can sleep with you. –
- I’m sure that won’t be a difficult thing to do since you’re practically best buds. – I added playfully.
- Probably until he finds out I’ve taken advantage of his beautiful niece. –
- You’re such a dork. – I giggled shaking my head. – Gotta go do my homework. –
- I’ll come by later. – He said and the line disconnected. I stood up from the bed after I daydreamed for some time and started doing my homework.
Dylan slept over last night so we drove Lily to school instead of Seb. We dropped her off and I glared at her as a reminder not to forget our deal.
School was fine, it went by faster than it used to. Dom and I spent the afternoon at the library, studyi
ng for an English test. Dylan had training so I was thankful that Dom stayed and accompanied me. While I was waiting outside for my uncle to pick me up my phone buzzed.
- Lily, what’s up? – I answered my phone.
- You were right. They are definitely brothers. – Lily answered jumping straight to the subject.
- Great! I’ll talk to Sebastian on the way home. You’ll just have to ask him to come over to... I don’t know, study together? Would he say yes to that? – I asked curiously.
- Probably. He’s kind of into me I guess. – Lily admitted self-consciously.
- Alright. I’ll see you at home. Bye. – I chuckled and the line disconnected. It still felt strange to me that she was a teenager now. It wasn’t long ago that we played on the playground and she cried because she bruised her palm after she fell off her bike.
- What are you smiling at? – Sebastian pulled up in front of me and spoke out from the window.
- I have a plan. – I admitted as I got inside the warm car. It was only then that I realized how cold it actually was outside.
- That sounds...peculiar. I’m listening. – He started driving.
- Dylan’s family is... intricate. He doesn’t live at home anymore and he basically despises his mother. I found out that his brother goes to the same school as Lily. In fact, the same class! – I spoke ecstatically. – I want Lily to invite him over for a study-sesh. Of course without Dylan’s knowledge. – I added.
- You’re cunning. – He stated and his lips curled into a half-smile. I shrugged. – Alright, when do you want to invite him over? –
- Thursday? –
- Fine by me. – He shrugged, not really giving too much attention to my plan.
- Cool. – I added sedately and looked out of the window.
After we got home I discussed the plan with Lily in her room. I could tell she was happy with the idea because she probably had a minor crush on Daniel too. If he looked half as charming as Dylan did, then I couldn’t judge her.
Thursday couldn’t have come sooner. I waited out the day anxiously, sitting through the classes and keeping a poker face so Dylan wouldn’t notice my enthusiasm.
I was thrilled to meet Daniel. Not only because I knew Dylan missed him, but because he’d be the first of his family to who I’d be introduced.
Sebastian texted me when they got home so it was our turn to go.
- Are you sure you aren’t hungry? We could stop by the diner and grab something to eat. – Dylan peeked towards me as he drove.
- I’m certain. Rebecca made chicken alfredo. –
- Alright. – He shrugged. – You seem weird. You’re never eager to get home right after school. –
- I wanted to spend time with you. – I didn’t lie.
- Huh. – He grinned.
- Oh, come on! – I moaned.
- I didn’t say anything. – He added innocently, fluttering his long black lashes.
- Sure. Sure. –
When he stopped in front of our house he circumvented the car and stopped me before I could walk to the front door. He pulled me closer to himself, embracing my waist, and kissed me delicately. I could feel his cold hands even through my sweater.
- I have a surprise for you. – I admitted ecstatically after he pulled away from my lips.
- I knew you were being sneaky. – He grinned. – What is it? –
- You’ll see when we get inside. – I smiled brightly and intertwined our hands towing him towards the house. We walked inside, taking our coats off. He looked around curiously but he didn’t see anything. I grabbed his hand again and walked inside the kitchen. I watched his expression the whole time, waiting for it to hit him. His forehead was creased with confusion and then his face turned white.
- Danny? – He asked in a shaky voice and the brown-haired boy glanced behind himself. His blue eyes turned glossy as he realized who called his name and rushed towards us, wrapping his arms around Dylan’s abdomen. Dylan’s arms hesitated for a second before he carefully placed them around the young boy.
- I knew you didn’t leave. – Daniel whispered against Dylan’s chest and Dylan’s eyes narrowed.
- Why would I leave? – He asked looking down at his brother who pulled away from him to take a good look.
- Mom said you moved to Spain to your dad. – My stomach fluttered and I was sure Dylan’s did too. Why would his mother say that? Did he really think they weren’t brothers by blood?
- I’m here. – He answered finally and closed his eyes, pulling Daniel in his arms again. - H...how? – He whispered almost inaudibly, looking at me.
- I’ll explain later. – I whispered back and he nodded focusing on his brother.
It took some time for us to settle down in the kitchen.
- I didn’t introduce you. – Dylan looked at his brother. – This is my girlfriend, Grace. – His smile brightened as he said the word 'girlfriend' out loud.
- Girlfriend? – Daniel gasped and Dylan rolled his eyes playfully punching his shoulder.
- I matured. – He shrugged and Daniel chuckled.
- It’s nice to meet you, Daniel. – I smiled at the smaller version of my boyfriend. How could Daniel think they weren’t biological brothers? They looked exactly alike.
- Where do you live now? If you stayed why didn’t you come home? – Daniel asked and glanced towards his brother.
- I live at Max’s. I’ll be leaving for college soon anyway. – He shrugged avoiding the second part of his question.
- Mom will be so happy to hear that you stayed! – He cheered.
- You can’t tell her that I’m here. – Dylan said coldly. – You can’t tell her you’ve met me or she wouldn’t allow you to see me. –
- Why? – He asked raising one brow towards Dylan.
- If I tell you something, do you swear not to tell anyone? Not mom, not... Steve. – Dylan struggled to say the last name out loud and I heard his teeth clench together.
- Let’s go, Lils. – I stood up from the table but Dylan grabbed my hand.
- Stay. – His eyes begged so I nodded once and sat back down.
- What’s up? – Daniel asked curiously.
- Remember how I used to tell you stories about Spain? And mom always interrupted. –
- Yeah? –
- Do you know why I left? –
- Mom said you wanted to leave. –
- I didn’t want to. – He chuckled humorlessly. – She forced me to lie to you and I couldn’t do that so I left. –
- Lie about what? –
- About dad. – He gathered his strength to say it out loud.
- What about him? – He still didn’t understand.
- We share the same dad. – He admitted warily.
- But mom said you were born in Spain. – He looked confused. Poor boy. His mother lied to him his entire life.
- I was. –
- I don’t understand... – He fluttered his lashes trying to comprehend all the new information that was coming at him.
- Stephen is not your dad. He never was. – He sighed.
- What? But... – He stuttered.
- You’re old enough to understand that relationships don’t always work out. Mom and dad, our real dad, separated back in Spain. Mom was pregnant with you when she moved to the US to be with Steve. She took me with herself and left dad alone in Sevilla. – He shuddered.
- But how do you know I’m not da... Steve’s son? – His furrowed his eyebrows.
- Mom met Steve after she got pregnant with you. She didn't know whose child you were until you were born here in the US. – He pointed at himself then at Daniel. – I mean we look exactly alike. –
- Why wouldn’t she tell me? – He stuttered again, his voice sounded like he was on the verge of crying. It was difficult to listen to their conversation.
- I don’t know... – Dylan sighed. – I guess she didn’t want to accept the fact that you weren’t Steve’s. Maybe that’s what she thinks herself... that you a
re his. But I know you’re not. –
- She didn’t let you tell me? – Daniel questioned and Dylan shook his head calmly.
- I’m sure she just wanted the best for you, Daniel. – I said trying to calm him down. This was probably too much for him.
- You can’t tell mom that you know. – Dylan lifted his brother’s chin up gently. – Or Steve or anyone. –
- What’s my name? – He asked blinking away his tears.
- Daniel... Daniel Torres. – Dylan sighed deeply.
- Is that your name? –
- What did you think it was? Stewart? – He laughed coldly and when he saw his brother’s shrug his smile evaporated. – I was never a Stewart. – He shook his head.
- Torres... – Daniel muttered to himself. – Who’s our dad, then? – He asked a little excited.
- A man named Gabriel. –
- Do you talk to him? Does he know I exist? -
- No and yes. He knew mom was pregnant before we left. –
- Huh... – Daniel stared at his hands.
- Don’t let this new information change your life. You were raised by Steve. He is your dad. –
- You were raised by him too and you don’t call him dad. –
- That’s because I was older when we moved. I remember dad. Mom couldn’t lie to me. – He said convincingly.
- Do you promise not to disappear again? – He asked with hopeful eyes after a few moments of silence.
- As long as you keep it a secret from them. – He agreed and nodded.
- You could tell your mom that you’re hanging out with Lily. You’re classmates and friends anyway. – I suggested and looked at Lily.
- Is she your sister? – Daniel looked at Lily.
- We’re cousins. – I answered. – Almost like sisters. – I smiled graciously at her.
- Okay. - He answered.
- Are you good? – Dylan asked looking at his brother.
- I’m fine. It’s just a lot... I always knew something was wrong with me but I could never figure out what. –
- I wish I could’ve told you sooner... I tried but she shielded you from me and the world. – Dylan looked down.
- It’s not your fault. Mom is very... strict. – He contemplated, trying to find the right adjective.