Passions Uncovered

Chapter 25

Weeks have passed since Aries exacted his revenge against his grandmother. We acted as if nothing had happened and returned to school. During our 5th period history, a lot of my friends ran up to me and inquired about us cutting class so much. My brother glared at all of them. "Pay attention to your own matters," he hissed, shoving his way through the group of people as he joined his own gang of friends.

Just before the last bell to signal the end of class. The teacher gave us information concerning graduation to show our mom and dad. I quickly glanced at Aries, then rolled my eyes. We both know when Mom hears about us graduating, she'll start crying. Mother's agenda now includes months of party planning. The moment we graduate, our lives will change. We won't be making our daily appearances in these halls anymore. We won't be able to have days without responsibility anymore. It's time for us to mature and make our way into the world.

Getting a higher education, getting married, or traveling the world could be the aim for some. For Aries and me, this will be a matter of life and death. Over the course of the week, Dad has been gradually implying that he hopes we will walk in his footsteps. People have always seen me as the compliant child, while my brother is the fiery one who can stir up trouble. Aries won't accept it without a fight, despite knowing it's coming. Despite his arrogance and anger, he has a heart of gold. He doesn't seem to be eager to take over my father's role. Pursuing his own happiness with his soulmate is probably the most likely path he will choose.

As soon as the bell rang signaling the end of the class, we collected our things and exited into the hallway. When we went around the corner, Bai was at her locker chatting with her friends. Her head rose and she smiled in our direction. She then started running down the hallway and leapt into my brother's waiting hug. He spun around in circles as he hungrily devoured her lips with his.

"Come on, you two save the make-out session until later. I'm ready to head back home." Bai gave an embarrassed grin. My brother kept his gaze on me while flipping me the bird. It's obvious you're upset that no girl is giving you a kiss.

"Screw you, Aries," I said, turning around and walking off as I dangled my keys high in the air above my head.

As I moved towards the parking lot, I heard a quick dash of feet, followed by a sudden slap on the back of my head. Aries had my keys in his possession. "Give me back my keys. That vehicle is mine, you blockhead."

Aries opened the driver-side door saying, "Shut up and get in the car before I leave you to walk home."

Knowing that he meant what he said, I reluctantly got into the car, muttering to myself. The journey back home was quiet and uneventful. With a tight mouth, it was clear Aries was thinking hard. I coughed to clear my throat before questioning him about what was troubling him. His only answer was a quick shake of the head. He drove into the driveway, shutting the door forcefully as he exited.

Busting through the door, he went straight past our parents without uttering a sound. Mom, dad, and Uncle Vince all fixed their gaze on me. I shrugged since I was completely in the dark about what frustrated Aries. Before going up to change into my basketball shorts, I handed Mom the documents about our graduation. Apparently, I was not fast enough to get up the stairs to my bedroom, as she pulled me back and hugged me tightly.

"Mom, please stop. I'm not a baby anymore. Dad, Uncle Vince, can you make her stop?"

I caught Dad looking at me with a grin. She'll always think of you as her little one, no matter how old you become. Let her savor this moment. You are too young to recall the two of you coming into the world. There was a moment of uncertainty. We all wondered if this day would ever come. We almost lost your mother and Aries at the same time. Every parent wishes to watch their child walk across the stage and get their diploma.

Aries' mood was still the same during dinner. It's almost like we had to walk on eggshells. The slightest movement I made. His eyes would shoot daggers at me. My hand slid beneath the table, and I grabbed my phone from my pocket to text Bai. I hoped she could help me understand what my brother was going through.

Her response left me stunned. My brother earned admission to two of the Ivy League institutions, Harvard and Yale, for law school. By taking part in their early admission program. My jaw hit the floor when I saw this. Who would have imagined that my troublemaker brother received such good marks and is now studying law?

Mom noticed me and asked why I was looking so intently at Aries. I beamed and glanced at my brother and shook my head in disbelief. If he wished to tell them the news, he would. One thing that is important to him is his privacy. There will be enough time later tonight to have a private conversation with him about it.

While I was lying on my bed, I could hear a ball bouncing around near my window. When I peeked through the curtain, my brother Aries was making a mess of every free throw. I pulled on my shoes and ran outside to join him. It was obvious his admission letters were weighing heavily on his mind.

I dashed up to him, seized the ball, and tossed it into the hoop. Aries, you don't need to give me an answer. Take the time to listen to what I'm saying, okay? You have full control over the choices you make in life. Dad might wish for us to manage the family business once we finish our studies, but here's the thing. You are the one who must decide, not our father.

"How did you know?"

"Yes. Bai made me aware of your distress and confusion during dinner."

I embraced him in the most fervent hug I could muster. I admire your accomplishments. Remembering the times when grandma took him away, not knowing if we would ever lay eyes on him again. I was continuously haunted by the unanswered question of whether he was alive or dead. Here was my brother and best friend, who had defied all expectations, all grown up and now studying law, right in front of me.

Mom and Uncle Vince should be the ones we talk to first, Aries. They can soothe the creature before he gets enraged.