Four Years... (On Hold)

28. Back Home

Scott glanced at his "nephew from another father." Brandon had been silent all morning. He had allowed Alex to tell him before leaving. But Scott wasn't sure if he could say anything about it and what. From the corner of his eye, he suddenly saw the teen fidgetting, and heard a deep sigh.

- Why did you choose a kid rather than a baby? muttered Brandon suddenly.

That was a start after all.

- I love babies actually, but when they're not mine, smirked Scott. I mean, I find them cute and all, but every day and every night... If Alex had wanted one, I would have agreed of course, and let him deal with the nights and cries (this said with a wink) but he told me the same, so...

He chuckled, and was pleased to see a small amused smile tugging at Brandon's lips.

- And why only one?

Scott's gazed became thoughtful.

- I'm sorry, muttered the teen.

- No! It's okay, smiled Scott. You know, we wanted another one at least, actually. But Gab was old enough to have an opinion about it. And he made it pretty clear that he didn't want to share us... He was so hard to convince that we really wanted him. And then time had flown. I have no regret today.

Brandon remained silent, but his face softened. He sighed again and seemed to relax.

- I'm happy to have sibblings...

- You know, Bran. Sometimes babies come into a family in a rough time, and it's nobody's fault. At least never the baby's fault. But when parents decide to adopt a child, it's always a choice.

*****

Scott parked the car in the driveway and stopped the engine. He got out of the car, and seeing that Brandon hadn't made a move, he walk around the car and opened the passenger's door.

- C'mon kid. They're not mad at you, you know. Don't worry.

Brandon got off the car slowly, and Scott put a light hand on his shoulder while they were heading to the front door. They hadn't reached it when the door opened, Mitch standing there without a word, arms wide opened. Something seemed to break free inside his son, who ran towards him and crashed into his arms with a small whimper.

- You're back honey. Oh my God you're safe! Thank you!

Coming from behind, Avi walked around them and hugged them both silently. Within his sobs, Brandon stuttered "I'm... sorry! I'm so...sorry!"

- Shhh... It's alright Bran. You're safe, you're home. Come in, don't stay here, whispered Avi.

They went inside, still embraced, and Scott followed, closing the door behind him. Alex joined him with a knowing smile, and told him quickly about his conversation with their friends.

Mitch was leading Brandon to his bedroom, and Avi turned to their friends. He hugged them both warmly.

- Tank you so much! Both of you! I don't want to think about what could have happened...

- It's okay, Avi. We're so happy we could help a little. I just want to tell you what we talked about in the car when we were coming here, and then we're gonna leave. You need to take time with him now.

After listening to Scott, Avi commented:

- It's so strange to discover how insecure he was, while we didn't suspect anything...

- Brandon is a lot more secretive than Gabriel. It's just the way he is, it has nothing to do with you. Dealing with Gabriel's tantrums wasn't easy either, smirked Scott. It was grueling sometimes, and we've had to try and understand what was going on as well.

- Here's the phone number for the psychologist I told you about, added Alex, handing Avi a business card. And now go! Join them! We're going back home. Tell Mitch we love him. Keep us informed, okay?

- Of course! See you soon, my friends!

And with a last hug, they parted.

*****

Of course, Brandon didn't feel able to go back to school on Monday. Avi agreed to let him take his time, but then he had to accept to meet, at least once, the psychologist recommended by Scott and Alex. Brandon felt so lost, ashamed and exhausted by his swirl of emotions that he agreed, almost relieved.

On Monday evening, after school, Elijah sent him a tentative text. Avi had managed to call him the evening before, telling that Brandon was back, and that his state of mind was about his past, not at all about any mistake from any of them, family or friends.

*Hi buddy! I hope you feel better... May I come over tomorrow after school?

It took one hour to Brandon to answer.

*Yes Lij, you can come

On Tuesday afternoon, as often, it was Avi who welcomed in Elijah.

- He's waiting for you outside, near the aspen grove. You can cross the house and head out by the living room, smiled Avi.

- Thank you, muttered the teen.