7. Welcome Party
838 Words
The welcome party had been delayed because they were waiting for Liam and his friends. Alex Anderson was the town’s sheriff, but had once been part of Liam’s team in the army. Aidan wasn’t exactly sure what they did back then, and wasn’t interested in asking. The idea of seeing his brother for the first time in more than a year was exhilarating. Alex had invited some friends from the Army and some people from town, as well. He was presently trying to convince his wife Nadine to sit down and slow down.
Alexander was a tall and well-built man whose bright eyes observed everything. He towered over the small frame of Nadine, his strength engulfing her in a protective way. Next to him was an older man, probably family judging by the same clear eyes, who spoke loudly and laugh even more loud.
Aidan already knew some of the townies present but not all. He was aborded because his dojo was drawing much attention and curiosity and he had already some inscriptions for when it would open doors, next month.
“Will you teach self-defense?” asked Alex.
“Shorinji kempo” he corrected and smiled when Alex seemed confused.
“Shorinji…”
“Yes. It’s even registered in Japan as a religion.”
“No way, you’re a priest?”
“Monk. And no, I’m not. Shorinji Kempo is a whole way of life. My Sensei trained in Japan and returned to America to bring the modality here. It’s growing up heavily in Europe, and I hope that it will grow as much here.”
“And another one bites the dust.” Chanted another voice. Aidan’s face opened up in a huge smile when a man appeared behind Alex. Although not so tall as the sheriff, his broad shoulders were imposing and his eyes darted everywhere before landing on Aidan, with large smile.
“You’re just jealous because Sensei chose me.”
“You were less likely to be brought to tears with so many chitchat.”
Aidan opened his mouth to answer but the arrival of Nadine interrupted them. Alex’s face softened when his wife arrived and his hand flew immediately to her waist, bringing her near him. He kissed her lightly on the lips, making Liam snort:
“Come on, guys, I’ve just arrived. At least let me kiss my princess.”
“Liam…” growled Alex in a warning. Aidan looked at his brother, astonished. Even someone with a serious dead wish could see that the sheriff was a step away from tearing someone’s throat, and if Liam took a step forward, that someone would be him.
Nadine solved the situation by laughing and embracing Liam. Despite Alex’s growls, there was tenderness and Liam was smiling foundly when he let her go.
“See? No harm, no fowl.”
“One of these days…”
“Yeah, yeah… you’ll prove your undying love for me…”
A wink and a roguish smile was all Liam provided before engulfing his brother in a bear hug.
“I missed you, little brother.”
“No, you didn’t…”
“Eh, true…”
His eyes were shinning, as if emotions were too great for him to bear. When he looked at his brother something passed between them, as profound and painful as ever. Liam’s smile almost disappeared when he asked:
“How is she?”
“Bordering the other world…”
“She’s been like that for the past twenty years. Or more.”
“You need to forgive her, brother.”
“Why would I? She never forgave us.”
The bitterness in Liam’s voice made Aidan cringe. After a while, their mother started to blame her sons for their father’s departure. When Liam also left, she turned against the only one who hadn’t left her. Going from extreme angsty to extreme rage, Aidan would always be on the other side of her tantrums. Which was why Sensei Taylor and his dojo had acted as life saver, in more ways than one. Now, Aidan was more than ready to do the same.
“Aidan!”
A childish scream made them turn around and a little girl threw herself to Aidan’s open arms.
Liam’s eyebrows almost disappeared in his airline.
“Is there something you want to tell me, little brother? Are congrats in order?”
The child, securely held in Aidan’s arms, her own tiny arms around his neck, eyed him cautiously. Her eyes suddenly lit up. She had reached some kind of conclusion, and it was discomfiting not knowing what it was.
“This little sprite is Cissy…”
“I’m his best student” she said proudly. Liam smiled at the pair and said jokingly:
“You’re a real ninja, aren’t you?”
Cissy rolled her eyes.
“I’m just learning, silly.”
“Where’s mommy, Cissy?”
“Over there, with Nadine.”
Aidan put her down, and Cissy run to her mother. She was speaking with Nadine, laughing about something she had said, and she turned to embrace the little sprite, before continuing her conversation.
“Is she the little missus, bro?”
“Don’t be a dick.”
“Then may I make a move?”
“Like hell you will…”
“All’s fair in love and war…”
“Now I know why Alex growls every time you approach Nadine…”
“Seriously, she is one hot mommy…”
“You’re a d**k, you know that?”
“Yep. Always have been. And cheers to us…”
Liam raised his cup with a wink and a carefree smile. Aidan smirked. He knew his brother was all talk but when push come to shove, he was the most loyal friend anyone could ask for.
- Writer
