𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

CHAPTER 4

𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬
-𝗟𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇

(Please read all of note at the end <3)

Erik and I lay side by side in the dimly lit room, a significant amount of space between us. The silence stretched on as I deliberated internally, contemplating whether or not I should try to initiate a conversation. I wanted to ask him questions about himself, to get to know him better, but I was hesitant. Just as I was about to gather the courage to speak up, he suddenly broke the silence himself.

Erik turned to face me, his eyes meeting mine in the dim light. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you for everything tonight. For the pain pills, for the slushie, and for letting me stay here." He said very softly. Almost in a shy voice.

The silence returned, heavy and thick, until I finally mustered up the courage to speak, breaking it once more. I turned towards him, noticing his eyes tearing up again, looking like he was about to burst into tears.

"Can you tell me about yourself?" I asked softly, hoping to take his mind off whatever was causing his pain. I wanted to know more about him.

He let out a shaky breath, taking a moment to collect himself. "Well," he began, "my full name is Erik Menendez."

He paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on the ceiling above us. Then, he continued, "My brother's name is Lyle."

I paused for a moment, recognizing the name Menendez. I had heard it mentioned before, by my father. He had talked about meeting Jose Menendez, the well-known businessman, not too long after we moved here. The realization dawned on me, connecting the dots in my mind. Erik had mentioned his father's job right when we entered the house.

"Menendez?" I questioned

He nodded, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling above us. "Yeah," he replied softly.

"Your father is Jose, right? My father mentioned meeting him I believe." I asked softly, trying to avoid any hint of praise. I had a hunch that his father was the reason behind Erik's tears and pain tonight, also given his earlier confession about not wanting to go home.

He nodded slowly, confirmation written in the defeated expression on his face. "Yeah, that's him," he said, his voice sounding small and disheartened.

I clear my throat. "You mentioned your brother Lyle? What's he like? If you don't mind me asking?" I say softly looking at the boy next to me

He seemed a bit more relaxed when I asked about his brother. "Lyle," he said, a hint of fondness in his expression. "He's two years older than me, and we're.. close." he paused for a second. "He's more outspoken than me, always looking out for me. In a lot of ways, he's like my protector."

"Your protector?"

Erik nodded, his expression becoming solemn. "Yeah," he said quietly. "He's always looked out for me, ever since we were kids." He seemed to hesitate for a moment, his gaze dropping to the comforter. "My father... he's not the easiest man to get along with, and sometimes, he...he can be harsh."

"Is Lyle at home?" I asked softly

He shook his head slightly. "No, he's not at home. He's at Princeton. My father always dreamed of him going to an Ivy League school, and he managed to finally get in this time earlier this year."

"New Jersey.. must be nice." I say

He nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yeah, it's nice." He paused for a moment. "We used to live in New Jersey, actually. Moved to L.A. not that long ago."