Alex pulled his sister into a warm hug, feeling the weight of the moment settle heavily on his shoulders. "Nawe, control yourself, please,he whispered, hoping to calm her rising tide of emotions. And don't say anything more, okay? I will talk to Jake now. With that, he turned and shut the door behind him, the soft click echoing in the silence, leaving his sister alone in her worry.
Inside, she felt a battling with thoughts. Alex was her big brother, her protector, and her confidant, but today, he stood at a confusion—one that pitted his feelings against those of his friend, Jake. She knew he was truly in love with Mia, a fact that hung like a dark cloud over their brother's happiness. Yet, here he was, torn between his heart and his friend.
Fury within her, and in a fit of anger, she threw a pillow across the room, followed by a few of her favorite books, they landed in disarray, just like her thoughts. All she wanted was to see her brother happy, yet it felt as if fate had conspired against them. As she caught her reflection in the mirror of her makeup table, tears streamed down her. The girl staring back at her looked fierce yet vulnerable, a portrayal of emotions visible.
Meanwhile, in the dining room, an air of tension Alex, James, Jake, and Nicky as they gathered in the reading room. The shelves were lined with books, each one a testament to knowledge and stories waiting to be explored. Alex stood at the helm, a silent captain navigating the stormy seas of friendship and love.
Silence filled the room, he noted, his mind racing as he prepared to address the issue in the room. So, Jake, he began, his voice steady despite the the strom within, when did you start to like—no, to love—Mia? And do you, by any chance, have her photo?
Jake's eyes narrowed, a sly grin creeping onto his face as he giggled secretly. But Alex saw through him. His heart ached at the thought of what lay ahead, yet he clung to a thread of hope. Perhaps Jake and he fall for different ladies, sharing a name.
James shifted in his seat, sensing the tension. Come on, man, he interjected, trying to lighten the mood. You've got to admit, Mia's a catch. Who wouldn't fall for her?
Alex's gaze remained fixed on Jake, searching for any hint of truth. It's not just about falling for her, he replied quietly, it's about what that means for our friendship.
Nicky, still at Alex's side, felt the tension of the situation. Maybe you should just talk it out, he suggested gently. Honesty could be the key here.
As the conversation unfolded, Alex felt the walls closing in. The room, once filled with the scent of old books and the promise of adventure, now felt like a cage. He could almost hear the echoes of his sister's frustration, her desperate wish for him to be happy. But at what cost?
Jake finally broke the silence, his laughter fading into a more serious tone. Look, Alex, I didn't mean to hide it. I thought you knew. I had a crush on her but i haven't told her… It just happened.
Alex's heart sank. The words hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and oppressive. You didn't think to tell me? he asked, his voice barely above his lungs.
I didn't think it would matter, Jake replied, his eyes darting nervously. I didn't want to ruin our friendship.
In that moment, Alex felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal mixed with the ache of longing. He wanted to scream, to shout that he had loved Mia first, that his heart was aching for her, but he couldn't. The loyalty he felt for his friend held him back.
Maybe it doesn't have to ruin anything, Nicky interjected, his voice a soft of hope. You both care about Mia. Why not talk to her together? See what she wants?
What do you mean? Nicky, you knew that Jake had a crush on her? Alex's face went cold, anger and hurt mixing in his chest. Nicky's eyes widened in panic, and he stepped back, clearly taken aback. The tension between them felt thick and heavy.
So, who else knew that Jake liked Mia? What the hell? He had a crush on her? Alex's voice rose, each word heavy with frustration and disbelief. Nicky shifted nervously, finally admitting, I knew. Alex's confusion deepened as he looked from Nicky to James. So you didn't bother to tell me? He said, his voice low and hurt.
Alex felt a wave of disappointment wash over him as he turned to Nicky and James, the weight of their silence stinging. I thought you guys were my friends, he said, the hurt clear in his voice. His shout startled James, who stammered out an apology, but the air was thick with tension, and it felt like their friendship was hanging by a thread.
Alright, as always am the last one to know but!!! Hahaha Nicky you would have tod me because you knew all.... ahhh ok. Jake am happy for you make sure you tell her... Alex's words made Jake who was sitingto stand up.
Wait did I miss something his question made Alex to force a laugh walked near him and said No
No all is well my friend. But while his teary eyes.
Make sure you tell her before anyone falls for her! Hahaha. Alex's laugh filled the room, but it stung Nicky and James. They felt a heartache has they both knew Alex and Jake had a crush on the same girl.