TOXIC OBSESSION

CHAPTER 27: FAMILY

" How did it go" Lian asked on seeing the smile on his face, he could tell that the meeting with his parents went.

" It was amazing, I stood up for myself and my mum, it felt so nice to have so much power" he said with a smile on his face " My father couldn't say a word" he pointed out.

" I know how you feel, I'm Glad you were able to stand your ground" he said recalling the number of times Nick came home crying.

" Where is mum and Lily?" He asked as he didn't see them around.

" Mum wanted us to get some rest, so we'll able to drive back home tomorrow"

" She's always worried" Nick said taking off his clothes " I'm going to head on to the shower, I think I stink" he announced walking off. Lian on the other hand went through his old clothes he left in his room to see if anything could fit Nicholas.

Nick was done bathing and got dressed before joining Lian on the bed, they both had their eyes opened and fixed on the ceiling.

" Do you think my dad would ever see me as success even though I didn't follow in his footsteps" Nick finally voiced breaking of the awkward silence.

" I think he's already proud but he's too ashamed to admit it, you were the top student in your department, all straight A's for the past five years you've been in school and then you got a job not just any job, your dream job. I don't think you could be more successful than that and I'm sure you're definitely going to become one of the best lawyers in the world just wait and see" he encouraged at that instance Nick's confidence came rushing back to him,

" You know when I saw him and Charles, I was hurt, we used to be best pals but I just couldn't help it everytime I saw a new bruise on my mum but when I got home she seemed a little bit different like she could never be happier. I love her so much, I just want her to be alright and happy"

" I think we all want that for our parents because they've taken care of us throughout our lifetime and trust me, she's going to be just fine everything just needs time and it will fall into place. Your dad will definitely understand you and your relationship with him would improve trust me" Lian said turning to his side to look at Nick.

" I hope so even though I try my best to be strong and unaffected by his words Lian, I wish I could be home a little more often, I miss my mom a lot and I wonder most times why our family couldn't be just like yours.

No legacy to protect, no popularity, no fame and definitely just the right amount of money for us. None of these things would ever had happen if we had a family like yours" he said as tears ran down his cheek

" Come here" Lian beckoned as he hugged Nick, the hug brought back memories of the first time Nick spent a night his house, they were only seven and Nick had ran away from home

" This is very nice, thank you"

" You know I'm always here for you and I will always be here"

" I know that but I have been meaning to ask you, why do you smell like Lucas?" He asked teasing Lian

" Why do you have to ruin every moment" Lian said pushing him off

" I'm sorry, my love, I still need a hug" he said with a smile on his face

" That reminds me, did you tell mum about Lucas?"

" Ehn can we talk about this tomorrow, I'm still a little bit weak can't you see that" he said with a little smile

" Great, you're trying to run away right?"

" No I'm not, I just feel so weak emotionally to actually hold on to this conversation, that's all.

" Is that so?"

" Yes!" Nick confirm blinking his eyes in a cute manner

" You better pray that I forget about it before tomorrow or else you're dead meat"

" Thank you, now can I go back to where you were my moral support?" he asked as Lian rolled his eyes before hugging Nicholas again.

Both men fell asleep in each other's arms. Lian's sister Lily got back home the next morning, it was an habits of hers to go into her brother's room without knocking, She drop the things she came with on the table before walking off to his room, she witnessed Lian and Nicholas sleeping like a newly wedded couple, she immediately pulled out her phone taking a couple of pictures and sending them to her mum.

If she didn't know Lian and Nicholas any better, she would have believed that they were dating. she suddenly jumped on both men trying to wake them up

" You two need wake up" she shouted

" OMG!! I forgot how loud you used to be" Nick said covering his ears with a pillow

" Thank you. you two are taking me shopping today before you go back home so get up and prepare, I do not want to repeat myself." she said in a commanding tone.

" Lily we aren't your ATM machine" Lian spoke still battling to open his eyes

" I know that but you are my brothers" she said jumping on him once more "and brothers always take care of their younger sister, which is why I need you to to come shop with me and don't forget to bring your credit cards" she reminded

"Alright tell you what, how about you just let us go this time and then we come back some other day we will definitely go shopping for you, we could actually buy you the whole mall" Nick suggested " how does that sound?"

" Like a scam, it sounded like a f*****g scam. you both are here then what's the need of waiting till you come back some other time? who knows when I would see you again" she cried out

" Lian I don't think was getting off the hook that easily" he whispered as he tried his best to bring the issue of shopping to a close

" And you're right so go get dressed, we also need to buy food for mum" she said with a smile as she successfully fulfilled her mission.

" Make sure you are out in the next 30 minutes" she added

" how did I get such an aggressive sister?"

" well not everyone is as soft and weak As You. we better start getting ready I don't want her to give me one of those looks she gives" Nick said gently climbing down from the bed and walking up to the shower to prepare for his day.