Thirty and Single.

Chapter 26.

"Genesis, I know my brother can be an asshole sometimes. Please bear with him." Parsley told me as she lifted her mug of coffee.

I took a long sigh.

"I didn't mean to offend him. I only told him to see a psychologist because I care about him and I hate to see him suffering." I said as I recalled Colton's reaction.

"I know sweetie, I know you care about him. Colton does not listen to anyone. I tried a lot of times telling him the same, I even made a few appointments with people I know but he never saw any of them." She told me politely.

"Why doesn't he want help? For how long will he keep blaming himself for her death?" I asked.

Parsley took a sip of her coffee then said "I really don't know love."

I exhaled sharply.

"Um...how is that coworker of yours? What was his name?" She asked.

I smiled then asked "Corey?"

"Yes! That one!"

"Uh, I guess he is good. We do not talk these days." I said.

"Really? What happened to you guys? I thought you were close."

"Er...there is a moment your brother was acting as an asshole as usual. So, I started dating Corey because he really liked me and I thought why not give him a chance? One night we went to Quinn's party then your brother kissed me and Corey found out. He was pissed at me, we broke up and he never talked to me again."

"Wow!"

"I know."

"I need to knock Colton's head and put some senses in it! He can not do this to you! He destroys your relationship and then he does not give a damn about you. That is so bad!"

"Parsley, don't bother yourself." I told her politely.

"Genesis, my brother cares about you. I am so sure about it. It's just that he is still messed up with the accident and maybe he is terrified of the same thing happening again."

"I know he is messed up. I know his past ruined him but he shouldn't dwell in the past. He will keep hurting himself more. I know it's really hard but he should try to move on and stop blaming himself. Moving on will heal him." I told her.

"It's true dear. It's so true." She said then there was a knock. I got the door. Colton was standing there. I have never seen him broken like how he was. He looked tired and scared.

"Colton are you—

"I need to talk to Parsley." That's all he could manage to say. I went to get Parsley. When he saw her he hugged her tightly and I saw his pain through that hug. He whispered something to her then she turned to look at me and said "I have to go Genesis. It was good chatting with you." Then they left.

*****

The whole week passed without me noticing. I decided to bury myself in work. I had a-lot of articles to publish, interviews and meetings. I did not see Colton the whole week then I was in an elevator I heard some guys saying he left town and he might not be coming back. Frankly, I was sad. I hope he will be alright. I hope he will seek help and deal with his past.

So, that is how the week ended. It was a Saturday morning and I was done with my yoga classes. Yes! Yoga classes. I want to control my mind, body and soul. Also it helps me with my anxiety.

I got home and took a shower then went to my mom's. Brandon was sitting at the porch with a cup of coffee and a magazine in his hands. Before getting out of my car I just took some few minutes to look at him and thought how he abandoned us for years and now he is back like nothing ever happened.

He smiled at me as I got out of the car. When I was on the porch he said "Welcome home darling."

"Hi Brandon." I said and walked past him.

The house was smelling like cinnamon. My mom had this tradition of baking cinnamon rolls on Saturdays for breakfast. I remembered how I used to bake with her and sometimes we could end up throwing flour at each other and making a mess in the kitchen. I found myself smiling widely.

"Hey baby, what's with the smile?" My mom asked as she pulled me into a hug.

"I just remembered how we used to bake cinnamon rolls together." She ended the hug and looked at me.

"I miss those moments with you darling." She said with her sweet smile.

"Aww mama." I said as tears filled my eyes.

"Ooh my love, come here." She hugged me again.

"Why did you let him come back?" I asked her.

"He is still your father, sweetie."

I ended the hug and faced her.

"Mama I know he is my father but he left us. Remember?" I asked.

She took a deep breath and crossed her arms across her chest.

"I know he left us, baby. People make mistakes. I know he wronged us by leaving but let us not judge him. Maybe he was going through a lot and he needed time." She said.

"Twenty years?" I asked.

"Darling let us—

"Is everything alright?" Suddenly Brandon asked us.

"Nothing is alright! Can you explain what you did for the past twenty fucking years while you left your family?" I asked him angrily.

"Genesis Green! Can you mind your language when talking to your father?" Mom yelled.

I glanced at her then said to Brandon "I need answers."

He looked at me then cleared his throat "Please guys, let's have a sit." We walked to the living room and sat.

He took a long sigh.

"Darling...I was working for powerful people and it happened that we were in danger. So, I had to leave the country. I did that because I was protecting you and your mother. I did not want to risk anything and put you in danger."

I found it hard to believe him.

"You are lying!" I said.

"It's true Genesis. What I did was so Classified. Just know I was working with the National Security." He said then I looked at mom and she gave me a nod.

"Mom, did you know about this?" I asked her.

"D—Darling I—

"You knew it? And you did not say a word? You made me believe he left us!" I was so angry. I ran outside.

"Honey! Genesis love! Let me explain it." Mom called but I was gone. I do not need any explanations from her. She will lie more to me