Crossed Paths

Episode 4

Jayden leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin on his face. "Exactly, Mum, why force Rob into another death trap?" He smirked. "I could honor the invitation in his place. I'm sure she won't be a hard nut to c***k, I mean, the President's daughter." He winked at Mum; Jason couldn't help but laugh shamelessly.

"For years now, Mum, Jayden and I have been asking you and Dad to allow us to attend some of these parties. But you've constantly turned it down, reasons known to you!" Jason said, poking at Mum. Mum flared up, her eyes darkening. "What did you just say, Jason?" She moved her wine glass aside. Her voice was brewing in anger, waiting to reach its peak.

"Do you need me to remind you how many times we have begged you both?" She gradually stood up. "To manage one of the companies we've worked so hard to build for your very own future, 3 freaking years! And you sit here, at my table, in my house, to spill trash!" She slammed her fists on the table.

Jason and Jayden both trembled in fear before Jayden found his voice. "Come on, what is the point of working? Slaving away? When we've got everything we need? I mean, we're made for life!" He glanced at Jason, and they laughed their lungs out. "Right! So what's the point of working so hard like Mr. workaholic here? We're made for life!"

Their words pierced Mum, directly to her heart, as she held her chest and sank back to her seat. "You can't earn, but you have 1001 reasons why you should be out partying every night! Enough reasons to squander millions of dollars every week! You must be delusional! Both of you!! Can you hear yourselves, Jason? Can you both listen to yourselves?! I'm so disappointed in you bunch of idiots!"

At this point, Mum was already agitated, disappointed, and tired. "Oh, my Good lord! What have I done to deserve these miscreants as sons? Much less as twins!" The tears brewing in her eyes were evident. Turning red from shouting, she went quiet, looking all frustrated. She took a deep breath and left her final words for my brothers.

"You both abuse the privilege you have. Tarnishing the image I and your father worked so hard to maintain before your arrival." She wiped the tear dropping from the corner of her left eye. "Be grateful because, under normal circumstances, you fools would have been on the street. Be very grateful for the family you came to be a part of on a platter of gold!"

Mum angrily stood up from the table, turned to my direction, and fixed her gaze on mine without blinking. "And you, you're going to attend that dinner, and that's that! It has been decided, and it's final!" She stormed out of the dining room.

I turned to look at my brothers, as they munched. No iota of shame or remorse regarding what had just happened. "That disgusted look you have on your face towards us wouldn't change anything, Rob, so beat it!" Jayden raised his glass, gulping down the wine. "To life's freedom, pleasure, and avoiding responsibility." A smirk on his face as he exchanged a look with Jason, who grinned.

I looked at them and felt some level of pity somehow. Jason and Jayden are my older brothers, fraternal twins who still think alike, without reasoning, selfish, and mean 30-year-olds respectively. I instantly lost my appetite with the whole drama that had unfolded a few minutes back. I quietly pushed my chair back, stood up, my eyes still fixed on my brothers, I was lost for words.

I turned and walked away, leaving them to merry while it lasted. I could still hear them screaming at the workers to get them more food. Their laughter and demands faded away as I sought solace elsewhere. How pathetic, if only they could read the handwriting on the wall…

I found my way to the pool, engrossed in my thoughts. I found a quiet spot that complemented my state of mind. I sat in the shade, deeply lost in my own thoughts, battling my unanswered questions. "Do I have to live by all of these rules? Do I always have to toss my happiness aside and just sacrifice myself for everyone?" I thought. "I want love and not some matchmaking drama..."

I couldn't help but gaze at the crystal-clear water without blinking. I felt caged, surrounded by unexpected expectations. But then, my mind drifted to the one person that makes me happy. The few moments we've spent together makes me come alive and truly happy. Her face always pops in my head, leaving me grinning from ear to ear - Catherine. Her smile, her laughter, her eyes... They all leave me breathless.

And, speaking of love, Catherine...!" I whispered to myself, a mix of excitement and certainty in my voice. I leaned backward on the chair and closed my eyes to picture a clearer view of the one who makes my heart beat. "Thinking of her takes the pain away, but what is the feeling I feel deep inside? Why is my heart always skipping a beat whenever I see her? What about how peaceful it gets when she's close by?" Lost in my thoughts, questions raced my mind.

But then, a presence suddenly snapped me back to reality. I recognized the scent, the aura - so unmatched! I quickly opened my eyes to see those beautiful slanted eyeballs staring deep into mine. Time took a bow, and I felt a strange vibration. There's this incredible connection, a deep sense of desire in my heart.

As we stood there, without words, we willingly let ourselves get swept off with the world melting away. I felt an irresistible urge to be closer to her. I took a step forward, my heart racing. She didn't flinch, her gaze locked into mine as I drew nearer. I could feel her breath, her heartbeat.