March 21st Monday

Location: Bed

Time: 1:30am

Dear Journal

It’s really late-or early depending on how you look at it. I’m writing on my bed, under the blanket mainly because I’m scared to wake Brad up. The reason why he is here is not because of a sleepover but because…let’s just say he is not too happy with both of his family right now. It’s all Eric fault for being so stupid! Sometimes I want to wring his neck for being so stuck up and pig headed. It would be a miracle for Brad to ever talk to him again much less to forgive. Why does life have to be so complicated?

        Right on to what happened!

        The day went very tense since the rumours spread like wildfire about what happened yesterday with Brad and Eric. Everyone was whispering behind Brad’s back about him and Eric being brothers. Sure it’s not like everyday you find out that the poorest guy in school is actually the richest guy’s brother but don’t people mind their own business? It didn’t help with Gossip Queen Elena announcing her theory about how Eric and Brad became related…

        “It’s obvious that their father had an affair with Brad’s mother since Eric was born first!” her voice sounded excited in a sickening way that we had to restrain Max from destroying the nearest speaker. Great, now people think that Brad’s mother is a slut when it is actually Eric’s mum who had an affair their father. This event has now become the biggest scandal the school ever seen. Even bigger than the one that happened last year, which was about a student in a relationship with a teacher. I can’t help feeling sorry for Brad and that’s why I offered him to stay at my house for a few days. The poor guy!

        Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any worse since it already hit rock bottom, fate rocked me big time when it took a doom train down to the very last level of hell.

        Mr Milderson showed up.

        Mr Marcus Milderson looked not a day over thirty and he looked so much like Eric I almost thought why would Eric be arriving in a posh black limo. I felt Brad tense beside to me and his gentle face turned cold and expressionless. I could understand that the last person he wants to see is his other father and if Mr Milderson acted anything like Eric…I don’t think I want to see him either.

        “Crap when he comes it is usually bad news,” Brad said quietly.

        “I’ll come with you for moral support,” I offered hoping that would cheer him up a little.

He faced me and smiled in gratitude, “Thanks…you’re my best friend you know.”

“Of course,” I laughed with him. Even though I have only known Brad for a short time I feel as if I could trust him with anything. I guess the feeling was mutual. The others also offered to come but Brad refused, saying that too many people would look suspicious.

“Alright, let’s go greet Mr Milderson,” Brad straightened his shoulders.

“Everything would be fine.”

“Yeah…I just hope whatever news he brings won’t be too bad,” Brad sighed.

We walked down towards the limo and I could see many people around us looked on with interest. These days everyone is so nosey!

Mr Milderson stood tall and proud beside the car as we approached him and he raised an eyebrow as he saw us approach.

“Well Brad, never thought you would come on your own without me having to see your principal to chase you down first,” he said in a perfect British accent, “However I am quite glad.” He then turned to towards me and asked, “Who is this young gentleman?”

“It’s Prince,” I answered for Brad, “Allen Prince sir,” I used my politest tone hoping to sound sincere.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he took out his hand for me to shake. His grip was painfully tight and when he shook my hand my whole body moved with the force. Think of it now, I reckon he was just doing it to show his strength and measure mine. I mean it is not my fault I had all of mum’s genes, my Japanese cousins are all my size! Besides, I can probably still grow a little even if I gave up hoping for a late growth spurt. I guess that is where Eric got his “bully” genes from.    

        “Now Brad,” he turned his face towards Brad, “I have been informed that your family is going through a little…” he stared straight into Brad’s eyes intensely, “Trouble.”

        “Thank you for your concern but could we please go straight to the point?” Brad glared back just as hard as his father.

        “Don’t interrupt me young man,” Mr Milderson said calmly but his eyes flashed with anger, “I am very upset with that mother of yours for not approaching me sooner. From now on you come to live with me…you shall only see that other family on weekends for two hours each visit-”

        “You can’t do this!” Brad lost his calm completely, “You have no right-”                        

        “I have every right!” shouted Mr Milderson who lost his posture, “I will not have my son work like a slave. I have compensated money for your other family and also they can move into a new apartment I bought for them. Even I could not stand people living like rats in that small hole they call home.”

        “How dare you! You-” Brad’s face has turned many shades red and I could almost see the steam flaring out of his nostrils. “You monster!”

        “You may call me whatever you like but from now on my chauffeur shall take you to school and from school. You are not to see that other family of yours unless you inform me. Just so you know, your mother agreed with this arrangement,” Mr Milderson had transformed back into his calm posture.

        “Mama would never agree!” Brad screamed, “You forced her or threatened her but she would never agree on her own!”

        “You may see your mother today and ask her if you wish,” said Mr Milderson “For today only I allow you to visit your other family.”

        Brad took several deep breaths and composed himself. He glared coldly at his father, “To me you are always the other family.” Brad then stormed away not looking back once.

        I could see a flash of hurt in Mr Milderson’s expression but it disappeared as quickly as it came. I realized then that Mr Milderson cared deeply for Brad and suddenly I had an idea.

        “Mr Milderson,” I said quietly but he turned towards me, “I would like to ask if it is ok for Brad to stay with me for a while…just until he cools down.”

        Mr Milderson looked surprised but nodded, “If he wants to then I have no objections.” He then smiled that famous Eric smile which probably runs in the family, “Brad needs a friend like you. Thank you for looking after him.” With that Mr Milderson stepped into his limo and drove away.

        I quickly went to find Brad to tell him the good news but he was nowhere in sight. I ran into the school towards the playground looking around in all directions. I arrived near the big oak tree just in time to see Brad punch Eric across the face. I was quite shocked; who would have thought Brad would ever react violently but then again it was Eric we are talking about. Everyone knows he is a mean asshole.

        “You bastard!” shouted Brad but his voice cracked like he was about to cry, “I how could you say this to me!” Brad then ran past Eric towards the school gate. Without hesitation I quickly followed catching up rather quickly. After all I am in the track team for a reason. I didn’t say a word while running next to Brad; I think sometimes it is better for the person to calm down before talking. Finally after the third street Brad could not run anymore and leaned next a tree panting. I was also catching my breath thinking that Brad should join the track team for long distance running. After our hearts stopped beating like dreams Brad finally broke the silence.

        “Damn that Eric,” he said angrily but his eyes were so sad and hurt, “Why is he so cruel…how could he do this to me?” Brad punched the tree hard and the branches shook with the impact.

        “Brad!” I shouted, “Stop it! Self destructing over Eric is not worth it.” I grabbed Brad’s hand and it was bleeding. His fingers were not broken but many scratches broke the skin and it wasn’t a pleasant sight.

        Just then I realized Brad’s shoulders where shaking. I glance at his face only to see tears form in his eyes threatening to fall.

        “If you want to cry than cry,” I said gently. I pulled Brad into a tight embracing and a while later I could hear the soft sobs and feel the wetness on my shoulder. We stayed in this position until Brad stop crying and thanked me politely. I told him it was nothing.

        “Don’t worry Brad,” I tried to comfort him, “I talked to your father and he said he doesn’t have a problem with you staying at my place.”

        “Really?” He looked at me with his red eyes from crying, “I-I mean…it wouldn’t be a problem for you?”

        “Nope,” I smiled, “My Dad is not really strict on sleepovers and he wouldn’t mind.” Yeah, as soon as I mention Brad is a scholarship kid and also vice soccer captain I’m sure Dad would want to adopt Brad even more than Mr Milderson.

        We both walked back to school to get our bags and decided to not bother with the rest of the day and just head straight for my place. Brad also told me what Eric, the asshole, said to him that made him react so violently. Eric was the one who told Mr Milderson about Brad’s family situation and he also sneered something about Mrs Sonatina wanting to get rid of Brad so they could have the money and the new apartment. He made it sound like Brad’s own mother sold him like a possession. God I want to wring his bloody neck!

        Oh yeah I nearly forgot to mention, on the way out the school gate I saw Ian. Our eyes met for the briefest moment before looking away in opposite directions. I could feel my cheeks flush in embarrassment and that night’s events played over again in my head. I had to use every self-control and willpower I have in order not to run away and hide behind the nearest tree. I’m such a wuss!

        Ian of course was always calm and in control just walked pass me without a second glance…it was quite rude but I’m glad. I’m not ready to face him yet.

        On the way home Brad asked me about what happened between Ian and me. At first I didn’t want to tell Brad because it is too embarrassing but now I know nearly all of Brad’s secrets so it is unfair for me to keep him in the dark. I told the whole story about the party dare thing in great detail, the Eric picking on me and Ian saving my ass, the kidnap by The Head and finally the almost sex at the door of Ian’s apartment. It all came out of me in such a rush that I didn’t even think it all made sense and I’m too scared about what Brad would think of me now.

        “So let me get this straight,” said Brad carefully, “You like Ian?”

        “Um…er…yeah,” I stammered hopelessly, “Are you disgusted?”

        Brad face was expressionless at first than he cracked into a smile, “Don’t be an idiot. You are my friend no matter what, it doesn’t really matter…as long as you don’t hit on me.”

        “Oh please, give me a break,” I rolled my eyes jokingly, “Besides, I’m not even sure I’m gay, I mean I still get turned on by girls but I just…I’m in love with a guy.”

        “Well, Ian is very good looking though,” said Brad thoughtfully, “I wonder if he has a sister…”

        “He does but I don’t think you would want Ian as your brother-in-law,” I joked about how scary Ian is.

        I could see Brad visibly shudder at the thought, “Good point.” We laughed and joked about everything as we headed home. Brad cheered up quite a lot too.

        Man, it was such a long day and I don’t want to face tomorrow with Ian in it. And I have English with Ian first period tomorrow…no!!