A Summer's Secret

☼Chapter 35

35.

                   It has been two weeks since our senior high school graduation. Obviously, Aiden was valedictorian; I mean who else would be? Dahlia Pickett almost burst out in tears, she wanted to be Valedictorian, but lost the title to her 'ex boyfriend'. Even Claude was in the honor roll, we're all so proud.

Of course everyone was happy and celebratory that time but it was during our graduation dinner celebration that Claude decided to spill the whole truth. The look on our parents' faces told me they didn't find their roast beef appealing anymore. 

Oh God, I just wanted to disappear from the table as I watched Claude explain everything to mom, dad, London, her fiancé, Cade, and some of our distant relatives. Aunt Elvira included. They were so mad at Claude I felt so sorry for him, and they didn't even want to talk to him then.

"You deceived us all!" Aunt Elvira's voice echoed across the room. I just want to smack my chicken leg at her face. She's not even a close relative. She wasn't even remotely affected by the situation. We really shouldn't have invited her. Although I could understand mom and dad's reactions, I mean Claude really did deceive them. He made everyone believe that it was all Aiden's fault.

I parked my car right outside the park where my brother was waiting for me. I had some take- out burger with me just in case he needed a snack. I haven't seen him since graduation dinner because I had to stop by Emerald's little graduation celebration, and Claude didn't want to come, and then I heard from London when I got back that Claude didn't come home to our parents' place. I panicked a little, had some paranoid thoughts about him hurting himself or something.

Good thing Cade was there, m ever sensible friend. He succeeded in convincing me to text my brother. Thank God he was staying at Glen's. I thought he ran away to some far off place and changed his name to Bob, or worse.

I saw my brother waving from afar. I couldn't help but notice that he looked more tired. Was he still beating himself up for what happened? Everyone already forgave him. Everything is technically in the past already.

"Hey A," he said the moment I sat beside him on one of the stone benches.

"Hey, how are you?" I asked, I couldn't help but worry, what if he's all depressed now?, "Have a burger, I drove by Burger King."

He took the burger from my hand and chuckled, "you thought I was starving myself?" He asked, still laughing-still hiding the pain. I bet.

"I just miss you so much." I replied as I leaned in for a hug.

"I miss you too and I hope you're doing well. Is Aiden alright?" He rambled on.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, "I'm fine Claude. I think Aiden's fine, I haven't seen him since graduation. But you, Mr.Cassidy, how are you? What have you been doing? I miss you, and mom and dad miss you too."

He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled, "hold on, one question at a time please," he said, "I miss everyone too, but I just want some time away. I know I'm already forgiven. Mom and dad are sending me texts and are calling non-stop asking me to come home."

"So why don't you?"

"Another question, I'm not yet done with the others." My brother unwrapped his burger and took a bite.

I punched his side lightly, "that's because you haven't spoken to your twin since like two weeks ago!"

"Sorry, I was really busy."

"Busy? Why on earth are you so busy, it's summer for heaven's sakes."

"Uhm, what was your first question again?"