Grenwhich Abbey

Brothers

Chapter Six...

           Jayce turned in surprise. “Rhys?” For a moment he was genuinely happy that his older brother was home but then he remembered and drew back. “What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.

              Rhys responded likewise.  “I live here. I believe the real question is what are they doing here?” he waved a hand clearly insinuating the hung-over teenagers who were still sprawled throughout the house.

             “I came home this morning and found intoxicated, half-dressed kids laying everywhere. There was even a man in the cabinet when I went to hang my coat. Not to mention the two in my bed.”

              Jayce shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. “Not my fault,”

               Rhys eyes narrowed. “Please tell me then who is responsible. Ellie? Caitlyn? We all know you’re the only one that would plan a party here."

                Jayce frowned at his brother's degrading tone. “Well I wouldn’t have planned a party had I known you were coming home.” He replied hotly.   

             Rhys was silent for a moment, his dark eyes that were so different from his brothers, staring blankly. “I see what this is about…” he said finally.

               “Oh do you?” Jayce asked sarcastically.

               “You’re still upset I left.” Rhys shook his head, seemingly amazed. “I thought maybe…when I called and you never answered--Ellie always said you were out.” He sighed, running his hands through his short, dark hair. “If it helps, I truly am sorry for the way I left.”

               “It doesn’t.” Jayce said coldly, pouring the coffee into a cup.

               “It was not my intention to leave like I did; But you know why I left. It was quite impossible to live under the same roof with father and properly process Sonia's..." Rhys frowned. "You know how he felt about her. I needed time to move on without our father giving his legacy speeches.”

                “Yeah. Six months time...” Jayce  rolled his eyes. "I'm not buying it. Father left days after you did, and he hasn't been back since-which I'm sure you knew. So what were you really doing that whole time?" 

                “I had a few things…that needed figuring out.” Rhys said simply. 

                “Like what?”

                Rhys gave Jayce a hard look. “I…,”

            “If you tell me, then you’re forgiven.” Jayce promised—his curiosity outweighing his dusty anger.

                Rhys looked unconvinced. “You’ve been upset with me for months and just like that it can be over. You must've become more forgiving since I left…”

                 “I wasn’t upset the whole time,” Jayce admitted. “I was just… I have so many things I want to talk to you about—and we both know I’ve never been one to hold a grudge—“

                 “That’s not true. As I recall, you held a grudge against Aaron Matchers for six years in boarding school.” Rhys said a slight smirk on his stern face.

                 “That doesn’t count. I’ve never been able to hold a grudge against you.” Jayce rephrased.

                 Rhys nodded, knowing it was true. “Fine,” he said hesitantly. He had missed his brother more than he could say, even with their differences; family meant everything to Rhys. “I’ll tell you…but you won’t like it.” He said finally.