I don't know

8

Archie was glad he was going back home. Honestly, he didn't think he could take another day with the tension between him and his brother that could be sliced clean.

So the first thing he did when he got home, he headed straight to his bedroom and plopped himself on his bed, enjoying the silence. Austin would be home anytime by now, and before then, Archie wanted to nap for a while. He knew he had to go to school tomorrow and face all of his friends, and he hoped Finley told no one.

And just as he was about to close his eyes, Austin walked in, looking annoyed and irritated. He walked in and slammed his bag on the floor, and began sulking on his bed.

'What's wrong with you?' Archie asked, looking him up and down. Austin just glared back at him and told him to shut up.

Archie shrugged and was about to fall asleep again before Austin snapped at him , 'You're an absolute git you know that?'

'What did I do to you?' Archie demanded, sitting up and returning an identical glare his brother was throwing him.

'What have you not done? You're always mean to me at school, You bully me when we get home and you... you left me alone the night Dad died!' Austin blurted out as Archie's expression changed from confused and irritated to guilty and remorseful.

'Austin, I'm sorry-' Archie was cut off by Austin, who wagged his index finger in Archie's face.

'I called you five times! I texted you like 30 times, and yet you didn't respond until Anthony picked you up! You don't get to be sorry, and even if you are, I'm not accepting the apology!' He cried, tears glimmering in his eyes. Archie stared back at him, his eyes apologetic.

Austin took after Lucia and would never lose his temper and would normally keep himself to himself, unlike Archie, who would make his feelings clear.

'And Anthony! Why on earth are you so rude to him? You know he's going through a divorce? And yet he still made sure both of us and mum were alright!' Austin shouted, causing Lucia to walk in the room, not looking pleased with either boy.

'What is going on here?' She demanded, glaring at the two cowering teenagers in front of her. Archie continued staring at the floor and his shoes while Austin answered his mother.

'Nothing. Just Archie being a twat.'

'Austin Lewis James! What has gotten into you?' Lucia asked, shocked as she popped the back of his head. The boys normally got on great. 'I know both of you are struggling right now but that is no excuse to call your brother names,' she said, her tone soft.

'Sorry Mum.' Archie apologised as he lifted his head up to meet his Mum's eyes. Lucia smiled back and then turned to Austin, hands on her hips.

'Sorry,' he muttered, loosening his tie and taking it off. 'I'm just annoyed,'

Lucia kissed his forehead before doing the same to Archie. 'Both of you need to stick together. I can't have you two fighting. Got that?'

'Yep.' Archie said as Lucia smiled once more before exiting the room. Austin started staring at his shoes as Archie bit his lip.

'Truce?' Austin finally asked, lifting his head up.

Archie nodded and stuck his hand out for Austin to shake. Austin made a face before shaking his head.