Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 87: Edge

Alexander met Marcus, looking frazzled. "Dude, I'm stressed. My niece is turning into me!"

Marcus chuckled. "Don't worry, she won't be as cruel as you were back in the day."

Alexander shook his head. "Poor me. I was changing clothes, and she comes in, says, 'Nice body, Uncle... you have a long one.'"

Marcus burst into laughter. "That's priceless! It's a compliment, bro!"

Alexander's face turned beet red. "From my 12-year-old niece? No thanks. I need boundaries, not compliments."

Marcus grinned. "Welcome to parenting, my friend. Or, in your case, cool-uncle-hood."

Alexander sighed. "I'm trading in my 'Mafia King' card for 'Cool Uncle' status. Send help."

Marcus patted Alexander's back. "Don't worry, I've got your back. Puberty survival tips, coming right up."

Alexander pleaded, "Make it stop. I'm not ready for this level of humiliation."

Marcus teased, "You're getting a taste of your own medicine, Alexander. Karma's a funny thing."

Alexander realized, "I need to level up my 'Cool Uncle' skills, ASAP."

Marcus shared hilarious puberty stories, and Alexander researched "Cool Uncle" protocols.

Alexander asked, "What should I do?"

Marcus shrugged. "I don't know, man. I've never seen karma served this cold."

Marcus grinned mischievously"By the way, I never meet Emily.But I've heard legendary stories."

Alexander chuckled. "Legendary? She's a terror."

Marcus laughed. "Sounds like she's got your number."

Alexander sighed. "I need advice, not laughter."

Marcus turned serious. "Honestly? Communicate with Emily. Set boundaries, but listen too."

Alexander nodded. "Communication, got it."

Marcus added, "And prepare for more embarrassment."

Alexander face-palmed. "Great."

Alexander (grinning mischievously): "By the way, how is your wife, Marcus?"

Marcus (raising an eyebrow): "Don't even think about it, Alexander."

Alexander (feigning innocence): "What? I was just asking out of concern."

Marcus: "Save it, buddy. She's happy and okay with me, so stay away. Period."

Alexander: "Common, she would be my sister-in-law."

Marcus: "That's exactly why you need to keep your distance. No flirting with my better half, got it?"

Alexander: "Fine, fine. I'll behave. But you have to admit, she's gorgeous."

Marcus: "Alexander, stop. You're making me uncomfortable."

Alexander: "What? I'm just stating facts. You're a lucky man."

Marcus: "Luck has nothing to do with it. I worked hard to win her heart."

Alexander: "Worked hard, huh? I bet you did."

Marcus: "Alexander, focus. We're discussing Emily's puberty survival tips, remember?"

Alexander: "Right, right. Sorry, my mind wandered."