The Savage Brothers | ✓

CHAPTER 26: The Aftermath

CHAPTER 26: The Aftermath

B R Y A N

I hate January's weather here in Massachusetts. It's too fucking cold. December wasn't as freezing as this one. But today has been surprisingly mild—no blizzards, just a soft brush of the wind. Still, I miss the sunny beaches in California.

I need a vacation! Two days after the Winter Games, my ass still hurt. It's like Satan decided to possess my body and dip me continuously in a stew of fire. And I thought the ass was bad. My whole body was just waiting for the third day to drain all the adrenaline left before it decided to burn me. I couldn't lift my arms or stretch my legs without cursing.

Thanks to Brandon, I didn't get to enjoy Christmas and the New Year's. He owes me big time. But I'm glad he's doing okay. The doctors said he's got a grade 1 injury. Not something to worry much about—at least mom needs to her that. She can be so extra most of the time, my god. Brandon will only need two weeks to rest then he'll be good to go after his final physical check-up.

I love my relatives so much. After insulting me every holiday season, they're still wondering why I'm avoiding them like the plague. Their faces alone give me PTSD or something. But meh. They're rich, they give me more money anyway right after, so it's all good. They look like ATMs to me anyway.

Once classes resumed my political campaign and advocacies has been more aggressive and so did the play. Tech week was awful but it's finally done. Lilly has been avoiding me. The feeling's mutual. Our only interaction consists of directing her moves and dialogues on stage. But off-stage, we barely acknowledge each other. She's still plotting for my downfall, Violet reminds me all the time.

I sorta envy Brandon. Mom lets him take another week off just to make sure he's not going to mess up with his newly-healed foot.

As for me, I may sometimes act like a bitch, but I'm a hardworking bitch. For some reason, mom put my credit card on-hold for skipping a work day at the Twin Bean. Seeing she didn't do the same for Brandon really pissed me off. She said, "Oh, your brother deserved the break. He worked so hard for the games," and "You, on the other hand, didn't even need to take a day off, yet you did!"

Oh, mother. If only you know that it was me who saved your son's ass in the games then you wouldn't think so low of me.

Therefore if I wanted to get my credit card back, I have to work for it. Again. Even if it pains me to stand behind the counter and actually socialize to do my job, I have to do it. Besides, Beetch is in need for a new bed and a few toys.

Today is Sunday. And that means a hell lot of people are running on-and-off and chilling at the café. I have to put on my best smile—I made sure to whiten my teeth that'll sure enough blind Hellen Keller to tears—but now I realized I look like a mascot in pain from cringing because of my burning muscles.

Right after my lunch break as I put my apron back on, my phone rang. My eyes met an unfamiliar number. But I swiped to answer it anyway. "Hello?"

I waited for a response at the other line but there was sobbing. "Who is this?" I ask. The person sniffed and I got chills. "This better not be The Ring girl to tell me I only have seven days left to live. Hello? Who the fuck—"

"B-Bryan?"

I pause. It's a girl. "Yeah. Who's this?" Please let it not be one of my exes...

"It's... Lilly."

I breathe out the air I didn't know I was holding. "What do you want?"

I gave her a moment. She's crying. Okay, I felt a bit bad for my cold response.