Brothers Obsession

Alistair

I stood there, torn between my desire to escape him and run into his arms. Alistair, was laying on the floor, begging me to stay. His pleas echoed in my ears, a constant reminder of our past.

"If you go. I will follow you. No matter where you go." He spoke lowly. I flinched at his mild threat. Of course he would. I need to remember who this man is.

Just then, a small, fragile voice called out to me. "Mommy!" It was May. My heart sank and I knew I had to make a decision fast. I was screwed the moment he showed himself anyway.

The maternal instinct surged through me, reminding me of my responsibilities. My heart ached with the weight of the decision I had to make.

I hesitated, my emotions warring within me. Alistair lay vulnerable on the floor, but I couldn't leave him like this. Despite the history between us, I still felt a flicker of empathy and compassion.

In that moment, I made a choice. I extended my hand to Alistair, helping him to his feet, and whispered, "Come on, Alistair."

My heart was racing, and desperation surged through me as I placed my hand over Alistair's mouth, silencing any words that might escape his lips.

I could see the confusion and alarm in his eyes, but putting me in this situation, was not what I needed or wanted. "Not a word to anyone. Do you understand?" My grip on his mouth tightened for a moment, a silent plea in my eyes.

He nodded, his understanding clear, and I released my hold on him. Without further delay, I turned and began to lead him away, my footsteps quick and resolute. The streets were dark, and the secrets I carried were heavy, weighing down on my shoulders.

Alistair walked in silence, as we made our way to the direction I entered the alleyway from.

As we strolled out of the dimly lit alley, the crisp evening air enveloped us. The city lights cast an enchanting glow on the cobblestone streets. I couldn't help but feel nervous feeling the presence of Alistair by my side.

But then, amidst the bustling crowd, something caught my eye. It was May, standing beside Evan, someone else I wanted to avoid. My heart skipped a beat when I saw them. May's eyes sparkled with excitement as she saw me, and she ran towards me, her tiny feet pattering against the pavement.

"Mommy! Mommy!" May cried, her voice filled with joy.

I crouched down to her level, my heart swelling with love and relief.

"May! I've been looking for you," I said, sweeping her into my arms, embracing her tightly. Her laughter was like a sweet melody in my ears.

Evan, a bit sheepish but still wearing a friendly smile, approached us. "Hey, Emily," he greeted me, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before shifting to May. "I found her wandering around, so I thought I'd wait with her until you came."

I appreciated Evan's gesture, and I smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, Evan. May, can you say thank you to Evan for helping you?"

May turned to Evan and with an innocent smile, said, "Thank you, Evan."

Evan blushed a little but responded with a gentle, "You're welcome, May."

As I stood there, relief washing over me like a warm tide, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming gratitude for Evan. He had found my precious May. I turned to Evan, tears welling in my eyes, and began to express my gratitude.

"Evan, I can't thank you enough for bringing her back to me," I said, my voice choked with emotion. I took his hand and held it tightly, wanting him to know just how much this meant to me.

But as I continued to express my gratitude, I couldn't help but notice my daughter's gaze fixated on Alistair. She had always been impressionable, and I worried about the impact that Alistair's presence might have on her. I shot a concerned look towards her, but she seemed entranced by him, lost in his dangerous allure.

Alistair, on the other hand, wore a scowl that could sour milk. He said nothing, but the intensity of his glare was palpable. I followed the direction of his gaze to see that it was Evan he was glaring at.

My heart raced, torn between gratitude for Evan and the dread of what Alistair's presence could do to the fragile peace I had managed to find. With a final word of thanks to Evan, I gathered my daughter, her gaze never leaving Alistair, and we made our way home, hoping to put this unsettling encounter behind us.

-

As we made our way home, May, tugged at my hand and looked up with wide, innocent eyes. "Mommy, who's that man?"

I smiled, trying to reassure her as I glanced over at Alistair, the man she was referring to. He was walking alongside me, his fingers gently entwined with mine. Something he did of his own volition. I knew this moment would come sooner or later.

"That's Alistair, sweetheart," I replied, my voice soft and gentle. "He's just a friend."

But as soon as May called me "Mommy," I felt Alistair's hand tighten slightly around mine, and even more when I called him "Just a friend."

In my heart, I knew I was bending the truth, glossing over the fact that Alistair was not just any friend. He was a man with whom I had shared a significant part of my life. One I thought I left behind. But of course he couldn't allow it.

I knew that one day I'd have to explain the complexities of our relationship to May, but in that moment, I chose to shield her from the weight of the truth. For her, Alistair was just a friend, and in a child's world, that was all that mattered.

As we continued walking, May seemed satisfied with my answer, her inquisitive nature momentarily appeased. Although she kept sneaking glances at him.

Alistair and I shared a knowing glance, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between us.