There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 27

"MIND EXPLAINING ME WHAT THE HELL?" Sean asked his brother after they stopped, where Bryce thought far enough from their house.

"Sean! It's bad!"

"What have you done this time?"

"No. Not me. Garret Iverson!"

"Doug's friend? What's with him?"

"Nothing anymore. He's dead!"

"What?" Sean asked in shock. "Tell me this is a bad joke. What's wrong?"

"I swear. Alisha White told Morgan who told Ludwig, because they are apparently dating, that Garret was sick, don't ask me details, the point is they went to the hospital and he died an hour later!" Bryce explained.

"Who was at the hospital?"

"Alisha. And also Doug. We should talk to him."

"Wait. When was that?"

"Around lunch."

"That explains everything. Let's go!" Sean grabbed Bryce and stormed to Doug's house.

The two of them reached there in no time. Poor Doug had no idea why Valerie's boys were at his door.

"Guys..." He started.

"Doug! Don't worry, we're not here because of mom." Sean cut him off. "We want to know about Garret!"

"Woah, so you know too?" Doug widened his eyes dragging the boys in.

"Only us." Bryce shook his head.

"Well, he had tuberculosis. Terminal stage. Seems like no one knew besides Robert and Shane. I received a text from Alisha after Shane told her everything at Garret's request."

"So you went to the hospital too? Saw him on his deathbed?" Bryce said.

"Yes. And Holly and Albert also. And his family."

"Oh my God!" Sean said.

"How do you plan on telling Valerie?" Doug asked.

"Do we have to?" Bryce said.

"Someone has to." Doug replied.

"You're someone." Bryce chuckled.

Their conversation was stopped by the door bell's ring. Doug immediately answered the door. It was Alisha. She looked miserable. She was dressed all black and her eyes were wet.

"Alisha!" Doug said embracing her.

"I can't belive it Douglas! Who would have guessed?" He took her inside.

"No one, Alisha. But given his condition it was like a relief." Doug gently caressed Alisha's hair.

Bryce also started to rub her back in an attempt to comfort her. Alisha squeezed his hand in response.

"Is it OK if I stay here overnight?" Alisha looked up to Doug. "Going home would mean being consoled from every direction."

"I'll talk to Albert." Doug hugged her tighter.

"Bryce..." she said after a while. Bryce looked at her. "Morgan and Ludwig are dating."

"I know. Ludwig told me. Good for them I guess."

"Yeah. Anyways most of their conversations were actually between me and you." Alisha laughed. Bryce winked.

"Guys...I think you should go home. Your mom texted me asking about you." Doug said checking his phone.

"Oh that's right! We had to be back some time ago!" Sean jumped off his feet.

"Check your phones first!" Doug said.

"Mine is home." Sean said.

"Only 5 missed calls..." Bryce said.

"Let me drop you. She can't know you've been here, right?" Doug said.

"Good point." Sean said as the three went to the car.

"Why she can't know?" Alisha flashed Doug a smile.

"Oh...that..." Doug smiled back.

"I'll come with you." Alisha declared as the now four got in the car.