Beyond Bloodline - Unbreakable Bonds

forty four

Saxon was beside himself with nerves. He'd been in little theatre dramas and stage plays since he was a kid. He'd also been in way too many competitions to count. This was something he could win even with his eyes closed, even the film scouts coming to see hardly putting too much pressure on him.

He was nervous, especially since the passing of his mother earlier that morning before he had to get here. It had all but crushed every bit of spirit he had left but this was something he couldn't back out of easily no matter how badly his psyche was affected. It would put too bad a word on the reputation he was building.

His parents had made time in their schedule, like every other event he had before it but this was beyond their powers. He'd never been really social so the only one he had was his brother and by association, his own friends. The only one he needed, though, and who really saw him was that brother of his.

I want to go.

He wanted to believe his simple, heartfelt words but also knew he was asking for too much if he dared to hold him to it. He'd given him his word before the drama that had ripped apart their lives from the middle out. But that was then and now, he really couldn't be so sure.

All that flew out the window and his thoughts were strongly drenched with excruciating hope as he caught sight of a familiar figure with bleached hair and pastel tips, wrapped in a jacket he easily recognized as his twin's. He didn't understand how he got over when he felt like he was walking on air, breaths coming out in short bursts as he finally reached her side, encroaching her sphere of vision.

"Saxon," her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "You're also participating in this? Good luck!"

He thanked her for the sincerity she conveyed, smile dimming the slightest bit as he looked around only to not find the person he was looking for. He brought his gaze back to her, a sour feeling spreading in his chest as he tried to breathe properly through his nose.

"Where's he?" he asked, swallowing.

"Who?" Hayley just looked confused.

"Nic. . ." the name was dry and heavy on his tongue. "Nicolas didn't come with you?"

"We parted earlier," she spoke matter-of-factly. "I came over with a friend instead." She didn't think he'd want to come watch something like this. It was already a hassle getting him to go along with her options in a movie theatre. It'd have been much better company than accompanying that airheaded Declan anyway. He'd looked tired towards the end so she didn't want to push him too far.

"I," he paused to swallow heavily, eyes blinking rapidly. "I see."

"Maybe it slipped his mind?" she said, confounded at the thought of Nigel being absent from what seemed like an important event to his twin. "I can give him a call if you want?"

Saxon told her not to bother. The chances he'd forgotten were pretty slim and he didn't want to insist if he'd rather not.

"I'm sure you'll do great, Sax," she said, eyes crinkling as she gave him the most cheerful smile she could muster.

"Don't call him that," Nigel's voice suddenly came from behind him as he sidled up to wrap a hand around his girlfriend's waist, putting much distance between the two as they both turned shocked gazes on him. He rolled his eyes at her. "You don't even have a nickname for me."

"Still experimenting," she grinned. "Nig? Nige? Nig-Nig?"

Maybe. Pass. Pass.

He cast a speechless look at her.

"Ooo," she suddenly intoned. "What about Nini?"

What the fuck was a Nini? He'd pass.

"Nevermind," he shoved his hands in his pocket, gaze turning on his twin who had an amused look in his eyes as he stared between the two of them.