Shattered Bonds

EPISODE 17

Drake got home and set his bag down by the door, calling out for his mother as he kicked off his shoes. His mother, Elena Mantes, emerged from the dining room, a warm smile on her face as she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. She was a strong woman, having taken over the family business after his father passed away, and despite her busy schedule, she always made time for him.

"Hey, sweetheart. How was school today?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she observed him.

Drake took a deep breath, knowing that his mother could always read him like a book. "It was good, Mom. Actually, I wanted to tell you something. I’ll be spending the weekend at a friend’s place. We need to study for our final exams starting Monday."

Elena raised an eyebrow, setting the towel on the table. "Oh? And who might this friend be?" Her tone was playful, but there was an underlying curiosity in her voice.

Drake hesitated for a second before answering, "Tristan Blackwood."

His mother’s expression softened immediately. "Ah, Tristan. You talk about him quite a lot, you know."

Drake felt his cheeks warm. "Mom! It’s not like that. We’re just… I mean, he’s my friend."

Elena chuckled knowingly. "Your friend, huh? Well, I know you, Drake. And I know how you feel about him."

Drake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I do like him. A lot. But I don’t know if he feels the same way."

Elena walked over, cupping his face in her hands. "Sweetheart, you deserve someone who sees you for the incredible person you are. If Tristan is that person, then I’m happy for you. But if he’s not, don’t lose yourself hoping for something that may never come. Just be careful, okay? Protect your heart."

Drake nodded, appreciating her words. "Thanks, Mom. I promise, I’ll be careful."

She kissed his forehead and stepped back. "Alright then, go pack. And take some snacks with you. You always forget to eat when you study."

Drake laughed. "Yes, ma’am."

He headed upstairs and packed a few clothes into his backpack, making sure to include the textbooks he would need for the weekend. As he zipped up his bag, he hesitated. It had been so long since he had visited anyone’s house. Would it be weird if he brought something along as a small gift?

After thinking for a moment, he decided to stop by the fruit market on his way. At least a fruit basket would be a thoughtful gesture, better than showing up empty-handed.

---

When Drake arrived at the Blackwood residence, he parked his car in the designated guest parking area and took a moment to steady his nerves. With his bag slung over his shoulder and the fruit basket in his hands, he walked to the front door and rang the bell. Almost immediately, he heard soft shuffling inside before the door swung open, revealing a beautiful woman with striking features and a warm smile.

Drake immediately recognized her as Tristan’s mother.

"Oh, you must be Drake," she said with a pleasant tone, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Drake nodded shyly. "Yes, ma’am. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Blackwood."

She chuckled, stepping aside to let him in. "Oh, please, call me Julie. Any friend of Tristan’s is always welcome here. Come in, make yourself comfortable."

Drake stepped inside, taking in the elegant but welcoming atmosphere of the Blackwood home. He shyly extended the fruit basket toward her. "I, um, brought this as a thank-you for having me over."

Her eyes lit up with delight. "Oh, how thoughtful! Thank you, sweetheart."

She took the basket and headed towards the kitchen, calling out, "Tristan! Your friend is here!"

Before Tristan could appear, an older man stepped into the living room. Tall, strong, and strikingly handsome—it didn’t take much to realize where Tristan had inherited his good looks. Drake felt his breath hitch and he immediately knew this was Tristan’s father, Alfred Blackwood.

The man smirked, crossing his arms. "So, you’re Drake?"

Drake nodded, feeling slightly intimidated. "Yes, sir."

"Good." He chuckled, his voice deep and commanding. "My son has good taste."

Drake’s brows furrowed in confusion. "Excuse me?"

Tristan’s dad only chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing, son. Welcome to our home."

Moments later, Tristan appeared at the top of the stairs, his lips curving into a genuine smile when he spotted Drake. "Hey, you made it."

Drake felt warmth spread through his chest at Tristan’s expression. "Yeah. Thanks for having me."

Tristan descended the stairs and walked over, standing next to him. "Mom, Dad, this is Drake Mantes. And you already know my parents, Julie and Alfred Blackwood."

Drake smiled politely. "It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood."

"Same here, buddy," Alfred said with an amused expression.

Julie, on the other hand, clasped her hands together and gushed, "Oh my, he’s so adorable!"

Drake felt his face heat up as Tristan groaned, "Mom… please."

Julie giggled. "What? It’s true. You’re just too cute, Drake. I can see why Tristan likes having you around."

Drake, completely flustered, looked down. "Uh, thank you, ma’am."

Tristan shook his head, smirking. "Alright, let’s go before she embarrasses you even more."

Drake eagerly nodded, grateful for the escape. Tristan grabbed his bag and motioned for him to follow up the stairs.

When they entered Tristan’s room, Drake took a moment to take it all in. It was exactly as he had imagined—neat, organized, and carrying the faint scent of Tristan’s cologne. There was a mix of sports trophies, books, and personal touches that made it feel cozy yet masculine.

"Make yourself at home," Tristan said, setting Drake’s bag aside.

Drake sat on the edge of the bed, trying to calm his nerves. But just as he was beginning to relax, Tristan sat down beside him—so close that their shoulders brushed. Drake’s heartbeat spiked immediately. He swallowed hard, trying not to let it show how much Tristan’s proximity affected him.

"So…" Tristan started, turning to him. "Do you wanna start studying right away or take a break first?"

Drake opened his mouth, but before he could answer, Julie’s voice echoed through the house. "Dinner’s ready, boys!"

Drake shot up from the bed so fast that he almost stumbled. "Oh! I—uh—I’m starving! Let’s go eat!"

Tristan smirked, amused by Drake’s nervousness. "Yeah, sure. Let’s go."

Drake practically fled from the room, making Tristan chuckle as he followed behind at a leisurely pace. Something about the way Drake got flustered around him made Tristan want to tease him more.

Little did Drake know, he wasn’t the only one struggling with feelings in this equation.