The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Sixteen

[Earl]

I moaned and rolled to the side of my bed. I got up and noticed my phone was ringing. I slowly reached it and answered.

“Hello?” I asked. My voice was still husky because I only woke up.

“Oh wow, you sound so sexy.”

I looked at the wall and realized who was talking.

“Hi Harry. What’s wrong?” I asked with a yawn.

“Just wanna ask if you’re interested in going to the lake today.” He asked.

I stood up from the bed and stared at the mirror that was hanging on the wall. I saw myself and I look horrible.

“Lake? Now?”

“Yep. Edward’s coming as well and a few more friends.” He said and I nodded.

“Okay, I’ll be there.”

I really don’t want to spend my time here again. Dad never stopped his harassment and I can’t do anything about it. I ended the phone call and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

Dad probably left already for work. Good. I really don’t want him here in the house. I took the shower gel and rubbed myself to clean my body. After covering my body with suds, I washed my hair and played with the bubbles.

After taking a bath, I got out of the room while drying myself. I went back to my room to get changed.

I walked towards the lake and saw lots of people having picnic, swimming and playing. I smiled a little and searched for Harry and Edward. I saw them in one of the tables near the lakeside and I trotted towards them. Harry was the first one to see me.

“Hey there dude!” He stood up and greeted me. I looked at the people who were on the table. Edward, Ralph and Matthew. I walked up to him to greet him.

“Hey.” I called out and he looked up to me to grin.

“Hi there!” He stood up from the bench and gave me a friendly hug. I patted his back and we both sat down on the chair.

“Oh so you’ve met?” Harry asked as he approached us with another watermelon in his hands.

“Ah yeah.” I answered and Matthew beams at Harry.

“Hey big bro, I thought you were joking when you said you’re friends with Earl!”

Harry puffed his cheeks. “Why would I even joke about that, i***t!”

I narrowed my eyes at them.

Harry looks at me and smiled. “Matthew’s Matthias cousin.”

My eyes widened and I quickly looked at him. “You are?!”

Matthew blinked innocently. “Ah, yeah. Why? Do you know him?”

Yeah, he’s my boyfriend. I wanted to tell him that but I know I can’t. “Kind of. Do you know where he is?”

He stared at me before shaking his head and making my heart throb. “Nope. Sorry. I really haven’t talked to him for a long time now.”

I lowered my head. “I see.”

Harry looked at me with worried eyes but quickly smiled. “Forget about that a-hole for a little and let’s have some fun!”

Ralph fisted his hand in the air. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Harry smirked at him. “How about a game of volleyball, ey?”

Ralph smirked back. “Ready to get your ass pound, Thompson.”

“Bet on it, Gordon.”

They both ran towards the court where other people were playing. Matthew followed them.

Edward stayed from where he was sitting and continued to eat his watermelon. I forgot how much he liked them.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I said and he nodded his head.

“It was Harry’s idea.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

Edward looked at me from behind his watermelon and tossed me something. I looked at it and my eyes sparkled when I saw a passport.

“This is…” I grabbed it and flipped it open.

It’s my passport! I looked at him with a smile and he just stares back with that usual bored expression.

“I still don’t know where he is. I’ve been asking his gang members but they don’t have a clue where their boss went.” Edward muttered.

I nodded. But even so, a spark of hope lighted inside me. Even though I don’t know where he was, I am now capable of finding him.

“Thanks bro.” I said and he smirked at me. I looked behind him and saw Harry running towards Edward. He was about to glomp him from behind but Edward knew what was coming and casually scooted on his chair making Harry tumbling down the table.

“That hurts!” He winced while rubbing his red nose. I resisted laughing. It’s fun watching the two of them.

“Yeah, I know.” Edward said as he finished his watermelon. He put it beside and Harry sat on the chair.

“Did you get your passport?” He asked with a smile and I nodded.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Harry grinned. “No problem! Edward was the one who – ” Edward shot him a warning glare that made Harry shut his mouth.

“Blabber mouth.” Edward muttered. He pulled Harry towards him and pinched his nose.

I smiled while watching the two of them. I looked down the lake and saw several people swimming. I felt nostalgic about this place.

Because I can still remember the time where Matthias brought me to his villa.

I sighed.

“Are you alright?” I glanced back at Edward and Harry and blushed when I saw Harry straddling Edward’s lap.

I cleared my throat and quickly stood up. “Y-yeah, I’m fine…”

I walked towards the side of the lake and enjoyed the breeze. I looked at the side and narrowed my eyes. I quickly ran towards the man who was lying down on the floor.

Is he dead? I asked myself. I shook him hard and smiled when he groaned.

“What…?” His eyes fluttered open and I gasped silently. When I saw his eyes, I thought I was looking at myself. The sun reflected his eyes and it turned pale violet.

“Woah.” I said and the man looked questioningly at me.

“Do you need something?” He asked as he stood up to brush the grass off his behind.

I shook my head. His eyes turned black under the shade of the tree. “Your eyes.”

He blinked. “Huh?” He stared before breaking into a light chuckle. “Ah yes, it turns purple sometimes.”

That’s so cool. I thought to myself. I blushed and stepped back. “Oh, I’m sorry I bothered you. I thought something happened…”

He laughed as well. “Ah, sorry, I have this bad habit of falling asleep almost anywhere.”

I furrowed my brows.

He looked at me almost lovingly and I shivered at his gaze. “Oh, uhm, I’ll go now. Sorry to bother you again.” I was about to run when I stopped when he suddenly called my name.

I turned to face him and he smiled at me. “You really do look like your mother.”

My eyes widened at what he said. “Huh?”

He shook his head and walks the opposite direction. “It was nice seeing you, Earl.”

And then, he was gone.

Well, that was weird.

“Where have you been?” Harry asked. He was sweaty and his hair and clothes were wet so I guess they already swam on the lake.

“Walking around.” I shortly answered. I sat down on the bench and sighed. I can’t forget about the man I just met a while ago. Why does he know my name and how did he even know what my mum looks like?

I saw Edward glanced to the right like he was looking at someone. His eyes glared for a moment and he looked at me with wide eyes. I looked at him, confused on what’s happening. He stood up and walked towards the direction he was just looking at.

Harry followed him but decided to ignore it. “Let’s play a game, shall we?” He grinned and I knew he’s up to something.

Ralph emerged from the trees, walking towards us, half-naked and wet. Almost every girl around him looks at him while he casually dries his hair with the towel on his hand.

Wow, it feels like I’m watching a porn video by just looking at his body. I shook my head and erased at what I just thought.

He sat down on the bench across mine. “What’s up?”

Matthew who was sitting beside me leans toward Ralph with a smile. “You’re so sexy, Ralph.”

We all stared at Matthew with struck expression. Ralph was looking at him with disgust though.

“Dude, that’s disturbing.” Ralph finally said and Matthew only grinned.

“What are we going to play?” I asked Harry and he was still grinning.

“The yes or no game.”

Ralph scratched his head. “What kind of game’s that?”

“One person will take turns asking someone from the group. You can only answer them with a yes or no and nothing else. When you answer something else, there’ll be a penalty.” Harry explained.

“That’s boring.” Ralph mumbled but Harry smacked his arms.

“You’ll see.” He winked at him.

Edward came back and sat beside Harry. Harry smiled slyly and looked at Matthew. “You go first, Matt.”

I reached up for the pack of Doritos on the table to eat it. Ralph did as well and our hands brushed. I blushed when I saw him look at me and I averted my eyes.

Matthew thought for a second before looking at Ralph. “Are you bisexual?” He asked straight to the point and I choke on the Doritos I was eating.

Ralph stared at him, mouth wide open. Harry glanced at Ralph who was sitting beside him with a sly grin.

Matthew raised his brows waiting for Ralph’s answer. “Well?”

Ralph coughed and looked at me before answering. “Yes.”

Matthew’s grin widened and so as Harry. “I knew it!”

I saw tint of flushness from Ralph’s cheeks. At least he’s honest with being bisexual.

Edward scoffed like he actually knew it already.

Ralph looked at me and I panicked mentally. Oh God, what’s he going to ask me?

“Do you – still want to see Matthias?”

I blinked at him. That’s an unexpected question. I was thinking that he might ask me about his confession.

“Errrr – ”

They all waited for my answer and that put pressure on my head. “…Yes.”

Ralph sighed and held out his hand. Matthew stares at me and I lowered my head, embarrassed that I actually admitted that.

“It’s your turn next, Earl!” My eyes roamed around, thinking on a good question to ask. I finally looked at Harry and then to Edward.

I smiled a little. “Are you seeing someone else other than Harry?”

Edward glared at me and Harry gasped. I smiled knowingly at him. I know that even after our little talk at Edward’s graduation, Harry’s still having doubts about Edward’s loyalty.

Harry looked at my brother with anticipating expression. We all waited as well.

He sighed and rolled his eyes. “No.”

Harry breathes a sigh of relief and grinned. He kissed Edward’s cheeks before looking at me with a thankful smile.

Matthew laughed and Ralph looks like he was about to puke.

Now I know why Harry wants to play this game. Edward won’t ever admit that to him personally and doing something like this was the only way to take the truth out of him. Edward might be a stoic person, but he’s a fair person.

Edward sighed and looked at Matthew with bored eyes. “Are you a virgin, punk?”

Matthew grinned and stuck his tongue out. “No.”

I gasped silently and he looked at me. “What?”

“Well, I never thought that…” He looks so innocent. I can’t imagine someone like Matthew having s*x with a girl.

“Don’t act like you’re a virgin, Earl. We all know Matthias already did you.”

Edward looked awkward at what Harry said and Matthew gasped. “Woah, wait a minute, you’re dating Matthias?”

I blushed. “Was.” I turned to look at Harry. “And no, we still haven’t done it.” I said honestly in spite of my blushing face.

Harry gasped exaggeratedly. “NO freaking way. I thought Matthias already f****d you a long time ago!”

I flushed. “No.”

“Can we just move on to the next person?” Ralph finally said and I mentally thanked him.

“Thank you. Come again soon.” I said watching the old couple who usually visits us every Saturday leave the restaurant.

“Wow, a lot of people came today.” Adam said when I entered the kitchen.

“Yah, coz it’s summer.” One of the chefs who were fixing his apron said and we all agreed.

Erika, one of the waitresses, appeared from the door holding a note in her hand. “Three chocolate sundaes and five banana splits people!”

Adam and the others quickly got to work and I left the kitchen to do mine. Erika smiled at me while walking down the corridor and I smiled back.

“Hey, do me a favour and cover that table. I still have a lot of orders in my hand.” Sheryll said and I nodded at her.

Table 15? I walked towards it and paled when I saw Justin and his friends from school.

Damn.

“Uh, uhm…” If they see me in this dress, I won’t hear the end of it. What will I do? I don’t want them to see me like this but I have no choice.

Mr Lee saw me frozen in the middle of the floor and ushered me towards the waiting table. “Do your job, Harrison!”

I broke into cold sweats when I forced my feet to near their table.

“W-what will be your order, sirs?” I whispered inaudibly. Justin was the first one who turned around to face me. He stopped laughing when he recognized my face.

“Earl Harrison? The nerd from our school?” He looked up and down to check me. “NO WAY!”

Everyone from the table looked at me and easily recognized me. Some look disgusted, some were amused and the others were laughing.

“You really are a little faggot, aren’t you?!” Justin hollered and as soon as he said that everyone started laughing.

What kind of humiliation will I go through this day? I wondered deep inside my mind while I watch them tease me and made fun of what I’m wearing.

“I can’t wait to tell everyone about this!” Justin said.

I bit my lips and I felt my face was flushed from embarrassment. “May I take your order now?” I wanted to run away from here. Away from these people who knew nothing but ridicule me. I’m tired of being the laughing stock of the school.

I hate them.

Justin stopped laughing and smirked. Before I knew it, I was already near him. He was holding my wrist, enough for me to wince at how tight it was. “Look at what you’re wearing Harrison! Pink and lacy! Just like a girl!”

They burst into laughter again and I struggled to get away from me. “P-please sir…I – please let go off me.” I begged. I’m close into tears right now and one move from these guys will surely make me sob.

“Hey, didn’t you hear him? He said let go.” I heard Adam’s voice behind me and we all looked at him.

Mr Lee approached as well. “Do you have a problem, sirs?”

Justin glared at Adam before letting go of my hand and pushing me out of his way. Adam caught me and rubbed my shoulders.

“You alright?”

“Y-yes.”

Adam smiled and looked at Justin before pulling me towards the locker room.

I opened the door of our house. It was dark and cold. I stepped inside and closed the door only to be greeted by my raging father.

“Where the hell did you go?!” He screamed in my face.

I blinked at him. “Huh? I went out to…” I never finished my sentence when he punched me on the face. I stumbled down on the floor and clutched my bruise cheeks.

“What the – ?!” I looked up to him. I can smell the alcohol in his breath. Oh damn, he’s drunk. “Wait dad I – ”

He kicked me in the stomach and I dropped down, wincing at the pain. I saw my glasses stumbled down as well. Dad stepped on it and started yelling at me again. “You good for nothing i***t! I can’t imagine Mary having a son like you!!’

I slowly stood up, holding my stomach. I feel like I’m about to puke. My sight was hazy from the punch he gave me.

“Dad…!”

His eyes darkened and hurled me to the floor. For a second there, I thought I was about to pass out after my head hit the wall.

“Don’t you dare f*****g call me dad!! You’re not my son and you’ll never be!” He pushed me on the wall again and I screamed when I felt some of my bones cracked from the impact. He wrapped his big hands around my neck and started to choke me.

“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you for what you did to Mary! I’ll kill your whole family for killing my sister!!”

I tried to push him away but he was much bigger than I am. I can’t breathe. My vision became blurry because of the lack of oxygen.

Please, someone help me.

Matthias!

The door suddenly slammed open and a few men marched inside. They were wearing black suits and black shades and they were armed for heaven’s sake. They were all glaring at my dad and pointed their guns at him.

“You know David, you better let go of my son before I put a bullet in your head.” I recognized that voice. Dad finally let me go and I wheezed, trying to get my breathing even.

I looked up and saw the same man at the lake standing in front of the door. The driveway was unbearably bright even though it’s in the middle of the night.

“Don’t you f*****g dare tell me what to do you murderer!!!” I gasped when one of the men kneed him and punched him straight in the face. Dad dropped down, blood running from his face.

The man walked up to me to help me stand up. “Clean up this mess. I don’t want to see him near my son again.”

“UNDERSTOOD!”

I woke up and saw the white ceiling above me. I got up and hissed when pain course through my body. “Ouch!”

“Hey, don’t move yet.” I looked at the side and saw Harry.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Well, your dad basically beats you up into a pulp and then your real dad suddenly appeared to save you and take you to the hospital.” He answered.

I gave him a blank look. “What?”

The door opened and Edward came in. “Oh, you’re alive.”

I blinked. “Huh?”

Then the man from the lake came in with a bright smile on his face. When he saw me, he grinned and walked towards me. “You’re finally awake!”

“Uhm, yes?”

“Oh, you scared me for a second there. Good thing I was around to save you.” He said. Edward looked at the man.

“Shut up, it’s me who called you.” He said.

The man puffed his cheeks. “Geez, give your old man a break, Ed.”

Edward rolled his eyes at him.

“You know him?” I asked Edward.

“Unfortunately – yes.”

The man didn’t stop grinning. “Oh I missed you Earl.” He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at me with the same expression my mother did.

“Who’re you again?” I asked.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ernest Albertine von Gunther. Mary Roth’s husband and your father.” He smiled.

What? My father?

My head stopped working and I was just staring at the man calling himself my father.

He sensed my confusion and sighed. “Well, it’s a long story really. Wo soll ich anfangen?” What did he just said?

Edward sat down on the couch and put his arm around Harry’s shoulder.

“It started when your mother, Mary, died.” I listened closely, not wanting to miss anything important. “She – she was killed.”

My heart beats much louder than it needs to. I stared at him with wide eyes. “Killed? She died in an accident. I was there.”

Ernest shook his head. “No, it was all planned. She was killed by the Mafia.”

My fingers twitched. Mafia?

“No way. She died in accident!”

I looked at Edward for some answers but he remained silent.

“I – I’m sorry if I let you live alone with that schwein.” He stood up. “You see Earl, I – we – belong to the German Mafia.”

Woooah. Hold on a minute.

“What the hell are you talking about? I belong to the Mafia? I’m Earl Harrison! My mother’s dead, my father’s – I don’t even care where he is and – ” I pointed at Edward. “ – that’s my half-brother!”

“Frankly speaking, Edward’s your full-blooded brother. The man you call father, he’s Mary’s sister. When I left New York to take care of the Family in Germany, he took you in.”

I trembled. The truth was overwhelming. I lived my whole life in a lie. All this time, they hid the truth from me.

“Why did you do this?! Why did you lie?! About you, about Edward and about my mother!”

Ernest sucked his cheeks in and released an exasperated sigh. “Because it was too dangerous! The time Mary died was also the same day Marcus’ wife died!”

“Who the hell is Marcus?!”

Harry coughed. “He’s Matthias’ father.” He whispered and I gasped.

“No freaking way.” Our mother died at the same time?

“You see, Marcus and I, we were – best of friends for a very long time. We both started out as individual assassin’s working for the Italian and German Mafia respectively. We were both living our life by killing people. But we did a very grave mistake by killing the leader of the Russian Mafia. We thought that we can take over – ” He stopped and cast his gaze low on the floor. “ – they took revenge, to the both of us. They killed…our wives just like that.”

I saw his fist tremble with anger. “I was fuming with rage. I wanted to slaughter their whole family, every generations, I want to kill them all. The reason I left you is because it’s too dangerous for you to live with me. I don’t want you ending up like your mother. When I heard about the accident, I thought you died with Mary. But I was so relieved when I heard you’re alive. And I thought to myself – I won’t ever endanger your life again.”

I swallowed the lump that got stuck in my throat. “But what about Edward?” If I remember correctly, he was living with his dad and after mum died, he went back to New York to live with me and my dad.

“This old i***t made me go back to New York to take care of you.” Edward said pointing at Ernest.

Then that means Edward lied about being half-brothers. All along, I thought that we have different fathers.

“I see.” I mumbled. I glanced at the bandages wrapped around my arm. I knew I heard a crack back there.

“Earl, I’m so sorry. I really am. You don’t know how much I regret leaving you. You’re my son and I won’t let anything happen to you. That time, I was willing to sacrifice everything for your safety.”

I stared at him. Now I know why his eyes reflected mine. Because he was my father. My real father.

“This will take some time before I get used to calling you dad.” I said with a slight smile. He seems sincere about regretting everything.

He looked up at me with surprised eyes and grinned. “Thank you Earl. Thank you for giving me another chance to take care of you.”

I blinked. “Huh? Take care of me?”

“The reason why I asked you to come live with me was because he came back.” Edward said. “He told me he wants to see you.”

Oh, so that’s the reason why.

“Wait – where’s my da – I mean David?” I asked referring to my fake dad which was actually my uncle.

Ernest, my dad – smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head in a childish manner. “Well, I kind of told my men to teach him a lesson.”

“Huh?! You did what?!”

“You can’t blame me! He was hitting you!”

“But that doesn’t mean you have to beat him as well!”

Edward snorted. “He deserved it anyway. I can’t believe I managed to live my life together with that bastard. If he wasn’t mum’s brother, I would have killed him.”

Harry sighed and stood up. “Well, that was a big revelation.” He looked at me and grinned. “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”

A day had passed and dad said that I still need to be in the hospital to make sure everything’s okay. I tried to protest but he was adamant to letting me stay here.

I turned off the television and slumped back on my bed. I’m so bored. I sighed and took my BlackBerry from underneath the pillow.

Two online messages received? I opened the e-mails and smiled when I saw that it was from Monique. I struggled to read it in spite of my bad eyes. I really should buy glasses once I leave here.

To EarlHarrison

Just wanna say I missed talking to you. Work has been so freaking hard this days. A lot of people needed my help, not that I want it. Haha. So, how’s life? Busy as well?

From Nero26

To EarlHarrison

I’m so bored these days lately. I wonder why? What’re you doing darling? Looks like you’re busy as well? ^^ Talk to me if you have the time, I miss you so much.

From Nero26

I grinned to myself after reading her messages. I just adore Monique and her bubbliness. And what made me happy was that she misses me as well.

When I saw that she was online, I quickly clicked her name to send her a private message.

EarlHarrison said:

Hey there!

Nero26 said:

Hi Earl! Sup? :D

EarlHarrison said:

Nothing much. A lot of things happened.

I don’t know if I can still keep up with it.

I rolled to the side of the bed and waited for her reply.

Nero26 said:

What kind of things?

Good things or bad things?

Hmmm.

EarlHarrison said:

In the middle I guess.

I’m still confused.

Nero26 said:

Maybe I can help?

Just maybe so don’t expect much.

Haha. ^^

I smiled but quickly scowled. I really wanted to talk to someone about all of this. All the things that were happening in my life. And Monique was the perfect person who I can talk to.

EarlHarrison said:

Have you ever felt betrayed before?

Nero26 said:

Yes, a lot of times too.

And it’s not a good feeling if you ask me.

I released a smile after reading her reply.

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah, I think so too.

I realized that I had been living my whole life in a lie.

I pushed my elbow to get up from the bed. Good thing no one’s here yet since Edward’s at school and Harry’s doing something I don’t know.

I sat down on the bed, holding the phone in my hand while waiting for her reply.

Nero26 said:

Why?

You’re an adopted son and you’re true father is Brad Pitt.

Then that’s a big lie then.

EarlHarrison said:

Haha! Not that quite big.

I dunno.

A person suddenly comes back in my life, says things I don’t know if true and then expects me to trust him.

Nero26 said:

I guess trusting someone you just met is hard.

But my advice for you: give the person more time.

Get to know him. Spend more time with him.

Open yourself to him if that’s possible.

You’re the only one who can tell if it’s okay to trust him or not.

I froze after reading what she said. Open myself to him? I don’t know if I can do that. I lived my whole life being the loser, the non-existing form that floats around.

People dislike me.

What if my real dad does that to me as well?

What if, after knowing what I really am, he’ll start treating me like what the others did?

Nero26 said:

Hey, you still there?

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking about that advice of yours.

Nero26 said:

Just try it.

You won’t lose anything for trying.

If that person wants you to trust him, then he’ll do everything to understand you.

I smiled.

EarlHarrison said:

Yeah, I think I’ll try that.

Thanks for the advice Monique. ^^

Nero26 said:

No worries. I’m always here to help you, Earl.

So, what’re you up to now?

EarlHarrison said:

Well, besides talking to you, nothing else.

Twiddling my thumbs around here at the hospital.

It’s so boring.

Nero26 said:

WHAT?! You’re where?

At the hospital?!

What happened?!! :O

I giggled. She really tends to become over-reactive.

EarlHarrison said:

Just broke some bones here and there but it’s nothing serious.

Nero26 said:

Oh my poor baby. :(

If only I can visit you there.

I smiled again.

EarlHarrison said:

Geez, I’m alright Monique.

And besides, my brother and father are here to take care of me.

Nero26 said:

But still.

Who’s the fucker who did that to you?

Wow, the way she talks now reminds me of Matthias.

EarlHarrison said:

Uhh, my uncle.

But seriously, it’s okay now.

My dad took care of it.

^^

Nero26 signed off.

I blinked.

Where’d she go?

I rubbed my head in curiosity and thought that maybe she got disconnected. I sighed and put my phone down on the bed.

There was a knock on the door and a nurse came in with a tray in her hands. She gave me a brief smile and closed the door before walking up to me.

“Hey there Earl. Feeling better?” She asked.

I looked up to her and answer but scowled when I saw her blushing while staring at my face. What happened to her? “Oh, yeah, I’m okay now.” I answered, trying to hide my amusement.

She giggled and put the tray down on the end table beside the bed. “I’m here to change your bandages.”

I nodded. She grabbed the fresh roll of bandages from the tray and held out my arm. She carefully unwrapped it and smiled when she saw that the wound was already healing. I mentally sighed and asked myself when I can finally get out of the hospital.

“Hey Earl, what’s the name of that guy that always visits you here?”

I rubbed my head with my free hand. What guy? There were three guys who constantly visit me here. Edward, Harry and dad.

“You know. That guy with the brunette hair.” The nurse blushed and I finally realized who she was talking about.

“You mean Edward?” I asked and she nodded.

“Is that his name?” She blushed and I cringed. Don’t tell me she likes him.

“Why?” I asked hoping that she might have a different answer.

The nurse finally tied the bandage safely in my arm and smiled a dreamy smile. “No reason. He’s just so handsome.”

I knew it. “Uhm, really?”

She lifted my shirt half-way up to change the bandages on my stomach.

“So, is he your friend?” She asked while putting the dirty cloth on the tray.

I bit my lips. “He’s my brother.”

She suddenly jumped and I gasped at her sudden movement. “REALLY?!”

I nodded frantically. “A-ah yes! Why? What’s wrong?”

She blushed again and giggled sheepishly. “I never expected he’s your brother. I mean, I know you two look amazingly beautiful but still…!”

I blinked at her. Did she just said I’m beautiful?

Okay, this conversation’s being awkward already.

The door suddenly opened Harry burst into the room. “ALLO!”

The nurse and I looked at him. “Oh, hi there Harry.” She greeted and Harry grinned at her.

“Well hello there.” He winked at him and the nurse flushed again.

Harry leaped towards me and whispered. “I bought you something.”

The nurse was looking at us with doubtful eyes but Harry just gave her a grin.

“Okay, I’m finish.” She said as she took the tray and walked towards the door still looking at us. “I’ll see you later to check up on you, ’kay?”

I nodded and gasped when I saw Edward behind her. The nurse turned around and gasped as well when she looked up only to see my brother.

Edward was looking at us with his usual stern eyes. He looked at the nurse and ignored her.

“Bye Earl!” She finally took off and I resisted laughing at her behaviour. She’s not the only one who’s charmed by Edward’s good looks.

Edward kicked the door close and sat on the sofa. Harry took something from his bag and gave me a pair of contact lens.

“What?” I asked.

“You broke your glasses right? And I know you’re s**t when you don’t have it so I thought of buying you this. Edward told me what to buy.” He said and I stopped myself from hugging him.

“Thanks Harry. I appreciate it.” I said. He helped me put the brown contact lens at my eyes since I don’t know how to use it.

Night came and the three of us were busy watching the news. The door opened and Matthew, Ralph and dad came in.

“Hey there.” Dad greeted. “I saw your friends downstairs and we all came here together.”

Ralph smiled at me and I did the same. Matthew sat beside Harry and they talked about something I can’t hear.

Dad’s phone rang and he quickly answered it. “What? I told you not to call me if –” He stopped and growled. “What’d you say?!”

I watched him carefully. Did something happen?

He looked at Edward and sighed. “They said David was taken away.”

Edward raised his brows and crossed his arms. “Wow. That was fast.”

I was alerted by what he said. “Taken? What happened?”

“Well, David was under our custody and locked up in one of our…HQ’s.” Dad cleared his throat and I know what he meant by that. Under the protection of the Mafia can be a good and a bad thing. “But my men said he was suddenly taken by someone.”

Huh? Who took him?

Edward smirked and so did Harry. I c****d my head at them. “What’s wrong?”

Harry snapped his head and grinned at me. “Nothing!”

Ralph was rubbing his chin. “That was unexpected.”

Matthew nodded and I was just staring at them with wide eyes. What were they talking about?

Dad drew his attention at me and smiled. “Oh, the doctor said you can finally go out tomorrow.”

I smiled. “At last.”