Chapter 12

As Alex (with Zero on a leash, he couldn't leave the dog behind after neglecting him the entire night) and Daniel got out of the taxi in front of a huge villa, a kid came running towards them.

"Teacher Alex, you brought Zero. I didn't know you were coming." Totally ignoring Daniel he rans towards the dog. It wasn't unusual for Daniel to be out all night due to his job so Peter wasn't worried.

"Daniel, were have you been. We all were worried when you didn't come home." A beautiful woman with the same ashen blond hair came out of the door, trailing behind Peter but clearly focusing on Daniel.

"I am sorry, Dana. I ran into a bit of trouble and teacher Alex helped me. Could you look at something now?"

Instantly a worried look crossed her beautiful face. With a look towards Peter she bites back her questions and just says "Come inside, first. I will take a look right now."

Alex doesn't want to intrude and he has seen enough blood to last him a lifetime, so he stays outside to entertain Peter and Zero. Or so he thought. But soon enough the kid and the dog were in their own world totally forgetting Alex. With this realisation, Alex settled on just watching them and occassionally cheering them on.

Half an hour later the beautiful woman appears again in the doorway. "Teacher Alex?" Alex walks over to her "Yes. I am sorry for dropping by unannounced."

"Oh don't bother. Thank you for taking care of my foolish brother. And also thank you for helping my son. My brother told me the story and I am really impressed how you handled the situation. Especially since you only started on the job. Peter also speaks very fondly of you and more so of the dog. Zero, was it? My name is Dana, by the way."

Alex only managed to listen halfway through. 'Her son? Just looking at her with the same face and hair as Daniel made it clear that she was not the wife but the sister. But HER son? She is not the aunt? Then that makes….'

Before he can stop himself he asks her, blushing all over his face "Peter is your son? Then Daniel is his uncle?"

'Oh ho', Dana thinks by herself. 'This is one interesting developement.' "Yes, since my husband died two years ago Daniel fills in as a parent as often as he can. Are you alright? Your face is a little red?" She couldn't help herself from teasing this innocent young man.

"Ah, no no. I just … played a lot with Zero and Peter.", was the best excuse Alex could come up with, which only led him to blush in an even deeper shade.

"Oh, then you should come in and cool down a bit. My BROTHER also rests in the living room." She couldn't help but emphasize the word. Oh, she really has to talk to her brother.

- Dana's point of view –

My brother came out to me when he was 14 years old. I was surprised but didn't really care one way or another. In retrospect, I was a really cool 12 year old.

Daniel already had two more serious relationships, one in school and one after he took over the company from our deceased parents eight years ago. The first one was nice enough but they drifted apart. The second was some kind of late rebellious phase. He was part of the group, had a lot of tattoos and would never get a decent job in this lifetime. But he treated my brother decent enough so I let them be.

But since my husband died two years ago, Daniel took over as a parent and I will be eternally grateful for that. However, between this and his demanding job he has no time for a relationship and only meets those good-for-nothing debtors or people in the group. How could he ever get a serious relationship this way? I was really worried for his happiness, especially since he did so much for Peter and me.

But, boy was I wrong. This little one clearly has a crush on my big brother. And he has a decent job, is very good with Peter and is good looking to boot. Oh, my foolish brother, you better not let this one get away.

"Teacher Alex, could I trouble you to get some water from the kitchen? I have to check the bandages of my brother another time." It was just an excuse. I had to talk with my brother without the person involved listening.

Quickly glancing over my shoulder to make sure Alex is out of earshot I whisper "Oh, big brother of mine. Guess what. A certain someone thought Peter was your kid. And he had a really cute blush when he asked to certify our relations." I wink at Daniel.

But his reaction was even more interesting. It was literally like a lightbulb was lit inside his brain, his eyes widened with the realization.

"My son?", he mumbles. After five seconds lost in thought he suddenly looks up with an expectant glimmer in his eyes. "Dearest sister, bestest sister, most beautiful sister, could you please invite him to dinner tonight? Like, really persuasive? Please?"

Oho. Seems like I set something in motion. "If you insist." I sigh exaggerated.

A bright smile creeps on his face. I think I can hear him mumbling something like "So getting stabbed is the price for getting some good moments. I can take that."

Oh boy, this is getting interesting.