Adam chose to put negative thoughts out of his mind and concentrate on his schoolwork. He immersed himself in his studies when Sam sent a message asking to meet at their usual spot that evening. Adam sent back a quick "Okay" and returned to his work aiming to keep his mind busy.
In the meantime, Theodore came back home where the butler told him his older brother Liam wanted to see him in the study after lunch. Theodore nodded and, once he finished eating, went to the study room. Inside, he saw Liam hard at work on company business, his forehead creased in thought.
Liam glanced up as Theodore walked in and said, "Theo how did your day go?"
"It was good," Theodore said.
Liam's voice changed to show worry and command. "Theo, I know what you're planning, but I'm telling you, it's not your job to go that way. He's not guilty, and back then, he was just a kid. You need to act right and not do anything stupid. Got it?"
Theodore's eyes got darker, but his voice stayed even. "Brother, I know what I'm doing, and I won't be sorry later. You can count on that."
Liam let out a sigh. He could hear the determination in Theodore's voice. He knew he couldn't change his younger brother's mind . "Just keep in mind, Theo, getting even doesn't always bring you peace. It can leave you feeling hollow inside."
Theodore stayed quiet. His decision remained firm. He gave a quick nod before he left the study. His thoughts were already focused on what he would do next.
Brother, how could you say that? How could I not? How can anyone expect me to forgive or forget what they did to our family? They broke our beautiful family, tore it to pieces. We used to be happy and together, but now look at us. Grandmother once so full of life now can't even raise her head from her bed. Grandfather... he doesn't even know who we are anymore. The man who once showed us the way with his smarts and grit is now lost in his own head just a shell of who he was before.
And us? We got mocked, shamed, and scorned by everyone who once looked up to us. People humiliated and laughed at us all because of them. If that damn family hadn't come along, we'd still be whole. We'd still be together loving, and happy. I know I shouldn't keep thinking about what happened, but how can I get over it when I see the mess they left behind every single day?
"There's no way I'm letting this slide. I refuse. They've got to face consequences for their actions, to grasp the suffering they inflicted. It'll take a while, but I'm going to ruin him, bit by bit. I'll crush him into the dirt until nothing remains, and he'll never have the strength to get back up. Two years. That's all I require. Two years to bring him down and make him endure what we have. Then just maybe, our family can find some peace."
As Adam was about to leave the house to see his friend Sam at evening, his mom yelled, "Adam drink some juice before you go!" After he drank the juice, Adam chose to visit the ice cream shop to get a snack before going to Sam's house. When he got there, Sam made fun of him, "Adam why do you always eat ice cream? Can't you eat something different? And have you ever noticed how you gulp down ice cream?"
"I just want to eat ice cream, and I like it. What can you do about it, huh?" Adam shot back licking his cone with a pleased smile.
Sam laughed shaking his head. "You're a lost cause Adam. So where are we headed today?"
"How about the skating club? We haven't been there in forever," Adam proposed.
"Yeah, you've got a point. I haven't hit the ice in ages, and I miss that place. Let's do it!" Sam agreed. He gave Adam a teasing warning, "But hey, don't be such a glutton, or you'll pack on the pounds buddy."
Adam rolled his eyes and finished his ice cream. He jumped onto the back of Sam's bike. They rode to the skating club, with the wind messing up their hair.
When they got there, they heard the usual sound of wheels moving on smooth surfaces. Adam felt his heart race when he saw Theodore Mike, and two of their friends skating well on the rink. Theodore seemed to brighten up the whole place, and Adam couldn't look away from him.
Theodore's movements had an influence on Adam's heart rate. His eyes stayed on Theodore focused, until Sam's voice broke his concentration.
"Adam here's your gear!" Sam passed him the skates and pads ready to begin.
Adam started to put on the equipment getting more excited. As he struggled with the straps, he felt someone looking at him. He glanced up to see Theodore watching. Their eyes locked, and it seemed like time slowed for a second.
Then , Theodore called out, "Adam!"
Adam felt his heart race when Theodore said his name. He finished putting on his skates fast trying to calm down. Sam saw how Adam acted different and looked at him with interest, but Adam paid attention to Theodore.
Theodore glided toward Adam , with a little smile. "Hey, Adam. I haven't seen you here in a while."
Adam couldn't speak for a moment, his mouth felt dry. "Y-yeah, it's been a long time. I guess I've been busy with... things."
Theodore's smile grew as he nodded. "I'm happy you're here now. We were about to begin a game of tag on the rink. You and Sam should play with us."
Sam jumped in before Adam could answer, "That sounds great! Count us in!"
Adam looked at Sam feeling thankful. He felt glad he didn't need to talk. He still couldn't believe that Theodore had seen him and even come over to chat with him.
As everyone stepped onto the rink, Adam felt both excited and nervous. The thought of skating with Theodore thrilled him, but he also worried he might make a fool of himself in front of the boy who had caught his eye.
The game kicked off with Theodore as the chaser skating around the rink with a mischievous look. Adam tried his best to stay away from being caught, but his mind kept wandering to Theodore's every action.
At last, Theodore's eyes met Adam's, and he flashed a playful smile before darting towards him. Adam's pulse quickened as he tried to escape on his skates, but Theodore moved too . In an instant, Theodore reached out and hugged Adam from behind.
"Caught you!" Theodore chuckled, his laughter sincere and warm.
Adam couldn't resist smiling, despite now being the one who had to chase. "I guess I'm the tagger now."
As the game went on, Adam enjoyed every bit of it. His early jitters faded, and he felt pure happiness being near Theodore. Whenever they met on the rink, Theodore would smile or nod at him making Adam's heart skip a beat.
Once the game ended, everyone fell onto a bench panting and chuckling. Theodore took a seat next to Adam, their shoulders touching. "You skated well out there," Theodore said still grinning.
"Thanks," Adam said back feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the workout. "You were incredible though. I struggled to keep pace with you."
Theodore shrugged with humility. "I've done this a lot. But you did well for someone who hasn't been here in a while."
Adam's cheeks turned red at the praise. "I'm happy I showed up today," he said in a low voice looking at Theodore.
"Same here," Theodore answered, his gaze lingering on Adam's for a bit too long.