Zeke and Pattie

Chapter Eighteen: Zeke

I began to second guess myself for separating myself from Pattie but, I needed to deal with this alone. Charlie had set up a really sick joke. A little too sick on his part.

When there was a more private area found, I started to confront the ginger in front of me. "Who set you up for this?" I say quickly.

The eyebrows of the ginger burrowed together in confusion. "What do you mean 'who set this up'? This isn't a setup? Where did you get that idea?" The kid replied. The confusion he had was almost real enough for me to play.

"Wow, a lot of convincing must have been made for you to get dedicated. You're really nailing the role and acting. Are you a method actor? I've dealt with some really messed up shit but, this is just a new level of cruel on Charlie's behalf. What, did he make you follow me or something? I will say he did a hell of a job finding someone to look like an older version..." I interrogated. Not falling for the cruel game that Charlie has set.

"A game! Why the hell would my brother have anything to do with sending me to find you? Especially as a joke? I know we haven't been on the best of terms and it's been a long time but, saying that it's a cruel joke? That's a bit far fetched wouldn't you think? And what's this tension between you and Charlie? I'm also as real as it comes. In case you forget I am and always have been Aiden Thomas Marlins. Charlie's half brother." The imposter scrambled with his questions.

I also physically cringed hearing the full name of Aiden for the first time. In a long time. I referred to him in my journal as Aiden was my best friend and the only person I could spill all my thoughts too. It was a coping mechanism I suppose. Hearing his name out loud pained me.

I almost scoffed at the full announcement this imposter placed. Trying hard to not let down his acting. "I really do think to believe that but, whatever you say Aiden. The dedication is strong. I'm impressed." I say sarcastically.

'Aiden' looked mad that I wasn't falling for his act. "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I'm not imposing as a fake version of myself!? That's fucking stupid!" He yelled.

This kid didn't get informed from Charlie why he was failing at this mind game. Which I think was a plot hole in Charlie's agenda but, he was touchy about the topic of Aiden. I guess he didn't want to spill the whole story about his brother.

My throat went dry as I became weaker in control of my emotions. I loathed talking about this subject as it wasn't one I talked to people about. It stayed between the Love family and me. Or maybe a few of Charlie's close friends. Or even my ex, who was once close with him.

"Why? I guess Charlie never informed you. But, guess what? I'll do you a favor and inform you why it's a sick joke that you are imposing as his brother. Because the real Aiden Marlins is dead. Long gone and dead!" I croaked.

The look on his face was almost believable. He was hurt. I will say he did look a lot like the real Aiden. Even his expressions stung a bit even if it was an actor. Though I think the kid didn't catch on to what I meant by dead. He probably thought Aiden was dead to me and I wanted nothing to do with him as a person.

I looked away and pinched the bridge of my nose. Holding myself together a little longer. I turned back to look at the faker.

"Dead as in 6 feet under the ground. No longer breathing and walking around?" I stated sternly.

Those brown eyes almost popped out of his skull. I couldn't deny that, that was a genuine reaction. Saying this kid was shocked was an understatement. No words could describe it.

"That's why this mind game Charlie has brought on isn't going to work on me because I know the truth. That's fucking evil. I don't know how he was ballsy enough to do that knowing how torn up he was. It does feel like a slap in the face having to be reminded and seeing what could have been. I guess part of his wicked plan worked. Congrats to him on that because that fucking worked. I will never be deceived into believing what I know isn't real. At least not anymore. I hope you tell him your acting was really good but, I'm not stupid enough to fall for this stunt. Let him know how much of a punch he just landed too. I'm sure he'll enjoy that." I explained coldly.