Always Been There

CHAPTER 5: THE ELDER BROTHER

MAYA'S POV:

l almost reached my apartment block when I heard my phone ringing. I am surprised and a bit annoyed that he's calling me after a long time after checking the caller contact.

" Hey Sis " This guy's audacity increased parallel to his status now.

" Hey bro," I said without much emotion in my words. It's the same way how he l greet everyone but he very well knows that he is not in that everyone.

" Alright... Sorry... I'm sorry " he started apologizing noticing my treatment. I could hear his sighs and the tiredness of the day in his tone.

" Seriously Calum Three months? After three months you remembered that you have a sister? After I moved cities?? Really? " I started complaining. It's the same Calum who was a bit cold to me at my starting days at Heaven Garden. The day's agitated emotions slowly wrapping up my consciousness to notice his tired day.

" I'm sorry. I did tell you about that project, right? " He tried to keep his voice lazy but I know better. He's tired. Still the worrying arse.

" I don't know what minor project is taking you more than 1 year. That's not at all like you Cal " Calum established his own gaming company. Establishing a firm footing in the gaming industry he entered into internet security and software industry. Now his company Blue Iris Tech is the country's top tech company.

" I told you I can't reveal what I'm doing " I sighed at his response. The same answer I have been given to since the past year.

" Forget it. How have you been? You sound tired? "

" The same as you "

Calum chuckled before replying " By the way, I saw the news "

" Oh, you mean the one about the new research? "

" Yeah. I saw that the mysterious researcher revealed his face " I can hear Calum's protective tone there. " Is he okay? I mean his character? and he kinda looks like Nathan "

I understand Calum's worry. In our group, Nathan's and Noah's disappearance affected me the most. At first, they avoided talking about them in front of me but after my assurance, they started talking about them.

" Calum, bro, I know you're worried about me but that's okay. Nathaniel is a good man. Yes, l was shocked when l met him for the first time. He just happens to look like Nathan but l can say Nathan is different and Nathaniel is different. He is a person whom l admire professionally and personally. You don't worry" seems like Calum is worried that I might get affected by Nathaniel. Sometimes they treat me like a fragile glass art.

" Have you ever thought why they both did this? Do you blame them for leaving us? " Calum sounded upset but there's a hint of anger in his tone. I can only pray for Nathan. But that is if he ever returns.

" With your abilities, we could've found Nathan and Noah ages ago but someone deliberately hindered us. They didn't hurt us, they merely stopped us from searching them. So it was obvious what they wanted to tell us " my voice sounded distant to myself. " I don't blame them, bro. Something big must have happened " Am I angry at them? Yes. Do I blame them? No. Those two weren't unreasonable people. If anything they're few of the most reasonable and accountable people I have ever seen in my entire life. One of the logical reasons why I still believe that one day they would return.

Calum didn't say anything. He too was affected as much as l was. Noah understanding Nathan is their twin sibling thing but Calum understanding Nathan at a single glance is a different thing. If Calum ever obeyed someone then it's Nathan.

" Leave about him. When l meet those bastards again, I'll give them few good punches" I smiled at how Calum became more expressive towards me.

" By the way, why are you on a first name basis with that scientist? "

I giggled at the grumbling tone. Isn't that my famous overprotective is devil brother?

" Nathaniel is a person who puts his importance on his privacy. Him trusting me and seeing me as a friend is a great honor for me. Don't worry. He's a cold but gentleman. He doesn't flirt " I said the last line in a teasing voice knowing his protective nature. Huh? He missed sending me off here and now he's worried? Time to take revenge.

" I spoiled you too much " Calum sighed as l guffawed. I slowly parked my car in the lot. "you know half the men that follow you are my men and I keep an eye on your cyber space"

"Overprotective much!" I drove into the parking lot. "As much as l want to tease you I'm home "

' am l home? '

" Be careful, M. Good night "

" Good night "

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I came out of the bathroom, drying myself with a towel. My phone screen blinked for a second before it went off. I took my phone with one hand. A message from Nathaniel? I opened our chat.

' Don't forget to drink a glass of milk ' along with the message he sent a cat drinking milk gif. I rolled my eyes at the message.

I went into my kitchen. Luckily my worker filled my kitchen and fridge with groceries. I warmed milk filling it in a glass. I took a pic of it and sent it to him.

He sent a laughing emoji with a good night message. I replied him going back to my room.

------------------PAST------------------

" Didn't expect you to join the tennis club " Aiden commented again. He's a chatter box I swear.

" Is it weird? " It's been a week since l joined the school and the best thing here are my friends.

" Well let's say, I thought you would show more interest in normal clubs than sports clubs " Currently we're going to the tennis courts. By 'we' mean the whole group except Calum.

Sports clubs are optional. One can join if they're interested. Nathan and others are on the basketball team. Aria is not interested in sports and only exercises to keep herself fit.

" You can see whether I can play or not " I sarcastically said. Aiden came with us to see how I'll play. Because he didn't believe l can play well. Well, he kinda became a bickering partner to me. He's like an annoying little brother who won't shut up or admit defeat except I'm the youngest of the group.

" Hey, it's not like we're missing our practice " Aiden pouted like a kid.

" Coach Preston asked you to run extra laps right? " Aria remembered about yesterday's practice. All of us started laughing at how Aiden ran fewer laps than the rest of us today. He's such a good basketball player but lazy when it comes to keeping himself fit.

" Along with the lines of what the hell is wrong with you Aiden Carson? You're running slower day by day " Nathan added, his warm brown eyes shone with mischef making us laugh even louder. Do not fall for Nathan's prim and proper look, he's actually mischievous when he wants to.

" That's because he gained a few kilos after his B'day last month " Nathan and Aria hifive each other. A day won't pass without bullying Aiden. These two bond more when they plan to bully Aiden and I'm all for it.

" Aria! You're my girlfriend! You are supposed to support me!!!!! " Aiden complained, slinging his arm around her neck, kissing her neck.

" But that doesn't mean I can't state the facts " Aria rolled her icy blue eyes playfully but I can see the loving glint in her eyes.

" Don't bully the kid, Ari " I said winking at her. She chuckled.

" If I'm a kid then you are a brat! BRAT!!! " Aiden replied glaring at me. " Let's see how talented you are in Tennis against Calum out there "

Calum joined both the basketball team and tennis club. And he's talented in two sports. Luckily there's no time clash for the practice. From what I've heard Calum's a good tennis player compared to basketball.

" Even if l lose it won't matter," I said as we reached the courts. It's not a big thing unless we are in a competition or we bet.

" So you know you're gonna lose "

I didn't reply. There are four courts in total with two to the left and the remaining two to the right. A wide walking space separated the two sides. We entered the left side courts where we saw Calum playing against a boy from sophomore year. He wore the club uniform- a neon-colored T-shirt and black shorts with a Blue iris flower print on the chest area of his t-shirt. He wore a black bandana not letting his fringes fall exposing forehead.

My uniform is the same as his except for a black skirt and wristband. My hair is in a ponytail as I do for practices.

" You guys are here " Calum finished his game with a victory. He started walking towards us, his lips quirked up at the side. No matter how cold he is on the outside or to other people, he always smiles at us.