The Cyber Age

Chapter 7: The Brother

Tristan looked ashamed. He had known all along, and chosen not to say anything. Tristan stood up out of his chair. "I'm sorry." Said Tristan. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything, but don't even sit there and act like you wouldn't have done exactly the same thing!" Said Tristan.

Tristan and Braden's experiences went way back, and were filled with guilt and hatred. "You know, Tristan, you inspired me to do the accelerator program myself. In fact, I was actually headed to my early graduation when I got into the crash.

Tell me, how was it? What was it like having to deal with mom's death, knowing it was your fault?! Once again, we can blame you! If you hadn't led me to ever want to do the accelerator's program, Mom wouldn't be dead." Said Braden. Tristan scoffed.

"You are so pathetic. Maybe you're right about one thing, though. Maybe you shouldn't have done the accelerator's program. You obviously didn't retain anything you learned." Said Tristan. Braden broke out laughing.

"Wow, Tristan. You're nineteen and you're getting in digs at my education?!" Said Braden, as he sat comfortably in the office chair. Tristan rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. At least I can make my own life choices, instead of just copying my brother! No said you had to do the accelerator program! And the fact that you blame me for her death is absurd!" Said Tristan, as he leaned against the wall.

He really wanted to just punch Braden in the mouth, but he figured what he was about to say would be ten times worse. "And you blame me. You were the one who just got his 'license'." Said Tristan. Braden registered a look of hate remorse and guilt.

"You've never been one for tests; I'm surprised Tim picked you! I still can't believe you forged a license. You are so stupid. So stop blaming me for moms death just so that you can try and forget that you killed her!" Said Tristan.

Tristan's hearts sank as the words left his mouth. Why did he say that. He was so insensitive. He completely regretted it. "I'm. . . I'm sorry, Braden. I didn't mean that." Said Tristan. Tristan just decided he'd leave. "I'll just go." Said Tristan.

Tristan walked over to the door, putting his hand on the handle. When he had left the room, he expected to hear a crying fit, when actually he heard nothing. Tristan walked slowly back into the office. Braden was frozen. He was completely still, with the same look on his face that he had back in the simulator.

That frozen, terrified look. Braden looked like everything within him had just shattered. He had always blamed his moms death on himself, but he learned to lock that feeling away, and now Tristan had just pulled it to the surface.

Right then, Kendall appeared in the doorway. "Hey, Braden-- Oh, am I interrupting?" Said Kendall. Tristan gave her a concerned glance. She knew what was going on. She just hoped Braden wouldn't get irrational or anything, though she knew he most likely would.

She decided to stay in the doorway just in case she needed to alert Timothy of anything. "Are you okay? I honestly didn't really mean that." Said Tristan. Braden looked up at him, his face distorting. "I hate you." Said Braden, his face twisting into a disgusting hatred.

Tristan felt uneasy and uncomfortable; Braden's face slightly was disturbing. "Look, I really didn't mean that!" Said Tristan, practically begging for forgiveness. Braden stood up out of his chair, and walked over to Tristan. Braden came within two feet of Tristan's face. "I have one thing to say to you." Said Braden.

Tristan stared him in the eyes. "What would that be?" Tristan asked. Braden stared at Tristan with a look so cold, it would freeze hell. "You are a complete waste." Said Braden. Tristan's heart fell a mile. That was what his mom told him when he refused to go for his doctorates.