Begin Again (Carlos Pena)

10 - Reunion

Chapter 10

His blue eyes looked deep into me full of hope. He took my hand into his holding it tightly, I looked at our hands then back to him. "What?"

"This is probably really, really weird for you." I nodded swallowing the lump in my throat. How could I have not seen this coming? "I understand that you might not see me like I want to but please, give me the time. I know we can make something out of this, you and I."

I forced a smile, but retracted my hand from his. "Marc, it's really sweet that you've considered me an option."

"No Andy, you've never been an option, ever since I saw that face of yours years ago it got tattooed in my heart. Yeah, I dated many girls but none of them step up to your level." The silence made me turn around and grab the brush that was on the can of paint. My mind jumbled, never in my life had I expected that the boy I considered my older brother declare his not so brotherly love for me. I guess stuff can happen like that in real-life.

"Andy can you at least say something. Please?"

"Umm... I really don't know what to say. This is all to soon and unexpected. I think I need some time and air. You don't mind me walking for a bit, just to clear my mind." Marc nodded and I quickly took off the old shirt I wore over my clothes and proceeded to walk out.

I began to walk out and noticed a man with curly hair entering the unfinished shop. Probably one of the new possible clients. I continued my walk a few blocks, I really didn't expect any of this. Marc was like an older brother to me, at least that's how I looked at it. At least how it made me feel, but maybe he looked at his approach as unbrotherly, but as in a romantic way. The sun began setting in and nightfall was appearing. I noticed someone was following me and I turned around the corner and picked up speed. He also rounded the corner and felt no need to hide his person.

Things began to get weird as I made my way back to the shop. "Hey wait."

My skin crawled as he had made an effort to call out to me. I had two choices either to run from him or confront the situation. I took the second choice and turned around. It was the same man with curly black hair that had gone into the shop.

"Yes?" I said crossing my arms, demonstrating that I had no need to hear what he was going to say. He walked closer to me and I noticed he jawline was sharp and her had a bright smile.

"Wow! You haven't changed much." I narrowed my eyes at him, he knew me?

"What?"

"You don't remember me do you?" he asked taking a step closer as I took one step back. "Allow me to introduce myself, Martin. Son of Leo and Sophia, your uncles."

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open. It was my bratty, irritating cousin. "Martin?"

"The same one."

I smiled as he opened his arms wide, I walked closed to him hugging him tightly. "Oh my gosh I can't believe it you!"

I pulled back to see that in fact he had the family birthmark, a dark spot right under his chin. "How'd you find me?"

"Easy, Internet." I hugged him once more before letting go. "I can't believe it you, wow you're so beautiful Andy."

I felt myself blush as he spun me around. "And you, puberty did you well!"

"Puberty? Please! I always had my looks!" he teased. "Lets get out of here, coffee?"

I nodded as he swung his arm around my shoulder pulling me close. We walked into the coffee shop near us and got seated ordering our drinks.