My final Year

one

It was early in the morning and still dark when Brandon Luke woke up to someone shaking him roughly. He groaned and mumbled to himself half asleep.

'Brandon!' He jerked fully awake at the sound of that familiar voice. It was his brother

'Drake! Brandon said in surprise.

'Yes, it's me', and his brother smiled in a way that showed only his upper teeth.

'Man! What....?' Brandon began. They looked at each other, delighted.

No greetings little bro? Drake smiled again.
Sorry, does anyone know you are here?  Does daddy......? Brandon did not complete the sentence, instead he embraced his brother tightly. I've missed you

Mum knows I'm here, Drake said. He too did not mention their father. Just then the alarm clock sounded. It was time for Brandon to get up and release his brother.

Go on, get ready for school, Drake said, stretching on the bed. At least you seem happy to see me.

He look around the room at the carelessly flung shirts, jeans and boxers shorts over the chair, to the poster of Westwood football team on the wall above Brandon's bed. A typical boy's room. Another poster of Tupac Shakur was pasted on the opposite wall.

I didn't remove it even though it's an eyesore, Brandon said grinning. Everything's just as you left it. Drake squeezed Brandon's arm lightly. He picked up something from the nightstand beside Brandon's chemistry and mathematics textbooks.

Man, this is some watch. Must have cost a mountain. You always gets all the nicest things.

Drake, don't touch my watch.

What's your problem? Can't I look at a watch?
I'm sorry bro, Brandon muttered.

I'm glad too see you back.'
My cute, spoilt little brother... You grow taller every time I see u. Drake got up walked towards the door. Don't worry about the old bear.

Better get ready for school. Er--- I took some cash from your drawer, hope you don't mind.

Sighing, Brandon plodded to the bathroom. Trust his brother to always collect things, but he was happy he was back. It was a new day and beginning of his final year at school.

Like his brother, he was tall and long-limbed as an athlete,, though, unlike his brother, he had dimples when he smiled. He was sixteen years old and he was already sprouting a beard. He flexed his right arm noting that he had developed muscles.
Good.
He whistled as he took his shower, refusing to think about the morning surprise. The reason was a long story; to long to think on a brand new day.
                                            ***
As Brandon ate his breakfast, Drake sat on the sofa watching Netflix. Their mother was in the kitchen with Cassie their maid.

It was like any other morning, peaceful, almost as if Drakehad never left. Then Noah came out of his bedroom yawning. He was a tall and well-built man with a head shaved bald.

Gina... ' he began and stopped short and rubbed his eyes, and rubbed again then again just to make sure.
Morning dad, Drake said. He sounded as if he was enjoying himself.
What are you doing here? His father said in a strangled voice.
Gina came running out of the kitchen. Good morning, love. Just relax and let me explain....

Brandon knew his father wouldn't listen.

What is this good-for-nothing doing in my house? His father roared. Didn't I tell you never to set foot in here again? Get out before I call the police!

Noah! Gina shouted__

It's too early in the morning for this. And he is you son! You cannot treat him like this! You must not go on like this! She knelt down.

It's you! Noah turned to her. You spoiled the boy! He's has brought shame and disgrace to this family and you still beg for him. All your children are bad.
Brandon jumped down from the dinning and knelt down too, beside his mother and brother. 'dad forgive him'.

Noah stood still, his chest heaving, and said very quietly , you are not welcome here, and turned back to his room.

Gina collapsed on the chair,but when Drake stood up, he was grinning widely.
You can laugh, his mother said. It's not funny. You saw how he reacted.

He's not a serious man, Drake said grinning
Drake, his mother protested. He's your father!
Brandon picked up his schoolbag and slung it over his shoulder and left for school.
Dad and his temper, Brandon thought .