Last Year of Seventeen

Chapter 20 - Sebastian

The only thing that kept me from punching Sebastian's face was August holding my hand. I was so thankful that she kept a good grip on me because I really didn't want to cause a scene. Behind Bash was Claire, who stood on the porch carrying their child, looking all worried.

The silence that stretched was painful. My brother looked back and forth to August and I. This is the first time I've seen him in what– two, three years? Also, this is the first time I've seen him so unsure and in a loss for words. Even when my father banished him and took away all his inheritance and removed him from the will, my brother stood tall and proud. There was no doubt in him that day that what he chose was right.

And I guess, he did choose right. Because he didn't look lonely. Not anymore.

When no one seemed to be ready to break the silence between us, it was August who spoke first.

"Please don't think I am interfering in any way–" her voice was so soft that even if I did get mad at her, I would have definitely forgiven her right away. "Bash contacted me and I figured you miss him as much as he misses you. So..."

"It's okay August." I reassured her, our hands still clasped together. "I'm not mad."

"If anyone should apologize, I think it should be me." My brother is staring at August now and I can sense a bit of familiarity between them. They must have been talking for some time already. "I'm sorry for putting you through all this. It might have been too stressful for you. Keeping all this a secret."

August shook her head, "It's alright really. I was just worried Henry will be mad at me forever."

"He won't." Bash answered for me. "Right brother? Surely you don't hate August?"

"I won't." Slowly, I turned to August just in case she needed more reassurance from me. "I can't."

Claire called us in soon afterwards and we were offered some tea and homemade cookies.

Tommy, my brother's kid, clung to his mother for dear life. When he thinks I'm not looking, he would try to steal glances at me. So when Claire and Bash were busy preparing the tea, I made some funny faces in an attempt to scare him. August smacked my arm and hushed me back to my place.

"Why in the world are you scaring the child?"

"Well, he's looking at me weird." I rebutted.

"He's a baby Henry. How can a baby look at you weird?"

"You ask him." I said as I motioned for August to go and ask this Tommy kid. We were still holding hands and we both realized it at the same time. She wanted to let go. I didn't.

"You owe me. Don't let go now." I whispered coyly and August gave in without much resistance.

The kid took his time but he soon warmed up to us. It was Claire who introduced me properly to him.

"Tommy dear, this is your Uncle Henry."

From under the table, August tugged at my hand to remind me to act nice. So I smiled and offered my other hand for the little gentleman to shake. "Hi Tommy, I'm happy to meet you." The boy gladly shook my hand with his little fingers and I tried my best to not like him.

"And this is Aunty Auggie. Remember? You've seen her from a video call already."

"Pretty, pretty Aunty Auggie." Tommy blubbered. He then asked to be carried by August who happily took him into her arms. Meaning she had to let go of my hand. I wanted to protest but August kicked my shin to shut me up.

"How did the two of you meet anyway?" I asked Bash, who seemed to only be waiting for me to start the conversation.

He poured another cup of tea before speaking. "I might have stalked you a little bit."