5 Brothers (2)

"Ryan, why are you here?" Carl asked, his voice laced with a familiar indifference Ryan was already used to. He didn't hate him, he wasn't even mad at his younger brother. He wasn't particularly close to him too but Ryan was always following him where ever he went. Over time, he had gotten used to his company, it was the only thing that distracted him from his boring life.

"You should be studying for your upcoming exams, you know." Carl spoke again with the same indifference but you could also notice the care in his words. Ryan on the other hand was well aware that his brother has been like this for as long as he could remember but today, he felt even more guilty. With out much thought, he quickly went on his knees.

With tears in his eyes, hands on his thighs, he began apologizing. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, because of me..."

Carl did not let him finish his sentence, before moving forward to help pull him up. "It's not your fault, you don't have to kneel too." He paused, took a deep breath and continued. "I'm aware of your situation too, don't think of these things, you should focus on your studies, you're still a child, leave this matter to the adults," he concluded.

Ryan looked at him and then he realised his brother wasn't given a chance to change or grab a few clothes. 'Did he get to eat before getting kicked out?' he wondered. knowing his mother was responsible for the act, he felt ashamed. Thankfully, he did not wallow in guilt for long as he got an idea, it was the only thing he could do for his brother.

"Brother, are you done with work? I don't want to inconvenience you, we should talk somewhere else." He quickly asked. Ryan wasn't sure of what else to say, he didn't want his brother to refuse his offer to eat, so he decided to use the excuse of talking more.

"I'm not done, I can ask the manager for break though." Carl replied.

"Go ahead and do that, I'll wait here." As soon as his brother left, he immediately asked his bodyguard to go buy clothes and other necessities for his brother. Although, he wasn't sure if his brother was going to accept them, he still wanted to help anyway he could.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a restaurant. Ryan immediately placed an order. While they waited for food, he began contemplating.

He wasn't sure how the house would be without his brother. Part of him wanted to stay with his brother, but he knew he would only be a burden. And his father might, no, his father will certainly block his cards. He couldn't do that to his brother. He made up his mind to go home and grow up quickly, so he could be of help.

"Brother, do you have a place to stay?" He asked.

Carl wasn't sure what to tell him, the truth? He opted for a lie. "Not yet, I think I'll make due with a cheap hotel until I can afford a place of my own."

"I see."

The waiter interrupted their conversation by serving the food. They ate in silence. After eating they got up and walked to where the car was parked. Ryan opened the car door and brought out the things he had eatoier asked his bodyguard to buy for his brother and gave them to him. "It's not much but they are for you."

Carl wanted to refuse him but Ryan didn't give him the chance. "Congratulations on getting a house, this is my house warming gift to you." He said with a smile.

Carl was stunned, anyway, this was how his brother is. He accepted the clothes. "Thank you.. for coming to see me, the food, the clothes." He added.

"No need for that, you're my brother. I should get going, I'll come see you some other time." After saying that he immediately embraced his brother.

This made Carl smile. He ruffled his hair then told him to get home safely. Afterwhich Ryan got into the car, slowly, the car drove off. Carl remained in his place, watching the car.

...

Kim had found a restaurant 20 minutes away from home. After a few tests to determine her ability, she was given the job. She was given the option to start work the next day, however, she stayed behind to help as a waiter and a cleaner. The owner's wife was impressed by her attitude, she gave Kim some food to take home after the day.

When she got home, she saw Carl cleaning the house. His actions made her laugh, she felt cleaning did not suit him.

"Why are you laughing?" Carl inquired. She immediately stopped laughing before gesturing for him to come over,

"Nothing, come eat." She said.

After dinner, they took turns showering, then they decided to have a little talk.