Forgotten Pines: The Chronicle of the Kodnikado

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Uncle Gavin (picture above)
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Gavin was never a morning person. Even when he lived in the city with his brother Benjamin. It always struck him as annoying to wake up before 8 in the morning. That's why school had been his biggest obstacle to overcome.

And then, of course, work.

But Gavin was now a self employed novelist which meant he was in charge of his own hours.

So why the hell am I up at 7:30? He thought to himself as he shuffled forth from his room.

The answer to that question was simple: the smell of breakfast had awoken him.

Eggs, french toast, and the sweet delicacy of syrup. The aroma was thick in the air as he made his way to the kitchen.

When he was close enough the sound of dishes clattering, and hushed voices caught his attention.

Trying to be subtle, he peaked his head around the corner and watched in silence as his nephews worked.

Donny, the youngest of the triplets, was setting up four spots on the small table in the corner.

Cemre, the middle triplet, was flipping the french toast.

And Max, the oldest of the three, was scrambling the eggs.

Despite the small occasional bickering between them the three were working together in perfect symphony.

Damn. I wish I grew up with a twin.

Gavin stayed in the hall until watching them felt more creepy then just an Uncle observing his nephews.

So clearing his throat he spoke up, "Morning boys".

They all glanced his way.

"Morning". Donny chirped.

"I hope we didn't wake you". Cemre said with a small smile in Gavin's direction.

He waved the boy off. "Nah. I've been up for a while".

Subtle Gavin.

Max only scoffed which earned him a kick to the shin from Cemre.

"So What's all this?"

"Eh," Donny shrugged, "We kind of bailed on dinner last night. So we wanted to make you breakfast".

Gavin pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. "I'm impressed. Most boys your age can't even cook french toast".

"We sort of had to learn". Cemre responded. "Dad's not around much to make us meals".

I think I need to have a word with my stupid brother.

Cemre set down the pan of french toast in the centre of the table before he went back to grab the eggs.

"Your fridge was kind of empty so we might've used up the last of your milk and eggs on this". Cemre said. He took a seat next to Gavin and flashed an apologetic smile.

"It's fine".

The breakfast was far better then his usual morning substance. Which consisted of black coffee and a bagel.

He gestured for the boys to dig in before he made himself a plate.

"You a lefty?" Gavin asked when he noticed Max was using his left hand to get his food.

"No".

"He broke his right wrist a few days ago". Donny explained.

He hadn't even noticed. Probably since the kid was dressed in a hoodie with the sleeves pulled down to his knuckles.

"How did that happen?"

"He punched our dad in the face". Donny said through a mouthful of food. "Hence part of the reason for us coming here".

Benjamin never mentioned that bit of detail in his text message.

"If he would have done it right his wrist wouldn't have broken". Cemre added with a look in Max's direction. The oldest of the three seemed to be ignoring everything said as he munched on his toast.

"You must've hit him pretty hard if you managed to hurt yourself so badly". Gavin stated.

"He was bieng a jerk". Was Max's blunt reply.

"Are you taking anything for the pain?"

"He's got a monthly prescription of ibuprofen". Cemre said.

"How long til the cast comes off?" The question was directed at Max, but Gavin figured Cemre would answer. And his guess was correct.

"Six to ten weeks. Dad said he was going to send over his medical files to the nearest hospital, or clinic".

That seemed like such a long time to wait.

Feeling slightly sorry for the kid Gavin decided to change the subject. "So what do you guys have in mind for summer plans?"

"I want to go to a gun shop". Donny declared with a determined look. "You have one around, right?"

Gavin blinked once, twice before he regained composure. "You want to visit a gun shop?"

"Yeah".

"How old are you...three anyways?" He motioned around the table.

"Almost seventeen".

"Sorry kiddo. Your not allowed in without adult supervision".

Donny's expression fell just a little before he seemed to reconsider. "You can take me then".

What the hell does a 17 year old want with a gun shop?

"Ugh". He scratched his head, "I'll think about it".

That answer seemed to satisfy the youngest boy.

Gavin turned his eyes on Cemre.

"I'm debating on either getting a summer job or searching for a summer romance fling". Cemre spoke up.

At least one of them is normal.

"What about you Max?"

A long silence lingered after the question. The kid either didn't hear Gavin, or he was choosing to ignore his uncle.

After a moment Cemre leaned over the table and pulled something out of Max's ear.

Is he seriously listening to music?

"Hay Uncle Gavin wants to know your summer plans". Cemre told Max.

"That's none of his business". Max deadpanned. He snatched the earbud back from Cemre and shoved it in his ear.

"He's a happy guy". Gavin commented with false bravo.

The two boys simultaneously bobbed their heads.

Max defiantly reminded Gavin of his brother when he was that age. The kid's blonde hair, and focused grey eyes were a complete copy of Benjamin's. While Cemre looked more like his mother. With dark eyes and black hair.

Gavin's gaze flickered over to where Donny was seated.

The youngest of the triplet bunch held semblance to both parents with half blond and half black hair. And unlike Max and Cemre his eyes were a forrest green.

I'm so glad they don't share the same hair colours. He thought to himself.

If they were all blonde, or black haired Gavin would never be able to pick them apart.

But if that were the case he'd probably loose his mind trying to pick apart who was who.

Of course the difference of their eyes would be somewhat helpful, but after time he'd probably forget which colour belonged to whom.