Unexpected Love

Axcell Sterling

Chapter 2: Axcell Sterling

The last school bell rang and Ian and Cora walked out hand in hand. Cora was still wearing Ian's leather jacket and they headed to the parking lot.

"That was very nice of you... You know... Sending Nurse Helen to check on Zach. That was very sweet," Cora said.

"Hey, it's the least I could do. Even though he hates my guts, like it or not he's my brother. He's family," Ian said.

They rode back to Cora's apartment in silence. Ian walked her up to her doorstep.

"You want to come in?" Cora asked.

"No, it's fine. Besides I saw what's her name... Lucy? Parked in the streets," Ian said.

"Yes, her name's Lucy. So, this is it."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Evans."

"Right back at you, Sterling."

On impulse, Cora grabbed Ian's shirt, tiptoed and gave him a long lingering kiss on the lips. He gladly returned the kiss but pulled away before things got out of hand.

"Laters," Ian said. He gave her a peck on the cheek and walked back down.

Cora fought with the door before she got it to open. Her jaw almost dropped when she saw who was inside. There on the couch, sat the grey eyed and charming Zach Masterson and her brother, James Evans, staring down at him. He's probably making the guy squirm.

"What's going on?" Cora asked.

"Well, this guy has been pacing outside the building for the past hour and he said that he was waiting for you. It drove me nuts so I brought him here," James explained.

"Hi," Zach said nervously as he gave her a small wave.

"Hi," Cora replied rather coldly.

James excused himself and went out of the apartment saying that he had some stuff to take care of.

"What are you doing here?" Cora asked.

"I... I came to apologize... I shouldn't have done what I did," Zach said softly.

"You're damn right, you shouldn't! Why did you?" Cora snapped.

"I don't know..." Zach got up and began pacing. When he stopped, he looked at her and said, "I guess I hated seeing you, with him. Ever since my father took him in, I've been like the odd one out in the family."

"Ian has been in and out of the system for a long time. In and out of foster homes. When my father caught him stealing, he promised to drop the charges if Ian promises to change."

"My father's a good man. He saw hope when others didn't. But in doing so, I lost my father. My father's too busy with work and helping Ian to even think about his own son."

"I just want to say I'm sorry. I won't ever do that again."

"It's just that... I like you, Cora. And it kind of hurts that you picked him instead of me. I get it though.. On why you did. You saw the good in him, just like my father did."

"So, I think I have to go. I'm really truly sorry, Cora," Zach said.

Without thinking, Cora pulled Zach in, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug. Startled at first, he quickly recovered and hugged her back.

"I forgive you, Zach," Cora whispered in his ear.

Zach pulled away from the hug and looked at her in the eyes. For a moment, Cora lost herself in those big grey eyes and before she knew what was happening, her lips was on his. Instantly, Cora pulled away and shoved him.

"What the hell was that?!" she snapped.

"I thought..."

"I'm with Ian, Zach!" she exclaimed.

"But... I saw it... In your eyes. You wanted to kiss me as much as I wanted to kiss you," he pointed out.

"You're delusional! And you have to get out!"

"Cora..."

"Now!!" she shouted.

When he didn't move, she pushed him out and shut the door. She collapsed on her knees and began to sob. What was she going to tell Ian?

The next day, she didn't see Ian. James drove her to school when he didn't show up. The ride to school was uncomfortably silent. Before Cora got out of the truck, her brother stopped her.

"Hey... You okay?" James asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Cora lied.

"Is this about that Sterling kid?" he tried.

"No... I'm fine, Jimmy. Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime, kid."

Cora got down from the truck and walked towards the entrance when she bumped into someone.

"Jeez, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed.

The guy she bumped into turned around and gave her a smile.

"It's alright," he said.

Her eyes widen. He had the same eyes but his hair was darker. He had a faint english accent and his face looked almost like his.

"I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Axcell. Axcell Sterling," he said as he held a hand out.

Cora was speechless and she unknowingly reached out and shook his hand. There was no doubt in her mind that the man in front of her was none other than Ian Sterling's brother. Strange thing was... Ian told her that he was an only child. What the hell's going on?