FORFEITURE (BXB)

Chapter Four

Bran

Telling the whole story to my father actually went smoother than I thought. He asked a few questions about George and his about, which I'm compelled to answer. I also told him that he is a palace guard and he shared this the same impression of George not having a sword with him all the time. Instead of getting mad, he was more concerned about my well-being when he was away. He also reminded me to be careful all the time. And he asked more questions — the typical questions a father would ask his only son when he leaves home for days.

He brought lots of things when he got home, mostly were goods that came from my grandma. What I loved the most were the jams — my favorite blueberry and strawberry jams. It's one of the delicacies my grandma makes and it's one of the best jams out there. Father informed me how she missed me so much and that I should pay a visit next month. She's old with silver hair, wrinkled skin, and she spends most of her time doing crochet — I suppose that's what mostly grandmas do.

It's been five days since George left, and I wouldn't lie to myself that I do not miss him. There's a fraction of myself that likes him — his manly physique, deep voice, his cockiness in him. It's driving me crazy till now. He's been running in my mind these past few days and sometimes I can hear his voice in my mind. I cannot point it out why, but I do really miss him. Those hazel-brown eyes, faultless nose, and edgy jawline were still engraved on my mind. On the other hand, I can't find the courage within me to tell my father about the feelings I have for George. Or perhaps I don't want him to find it out in the first place; that his only son is liking another man. I can already imagine the disappointment that it will cause him. I don't want that to happen to me any time soon, it will only break me into pieces.

These feelings are new to me, being attracted to someone, longing for a person this much, I don't know how to react. What frustrates me more is that this person is also a man. I have never heard of two-man loving each other. It's been always a man to a woman. Is it even possible that men will fall in love with their fellow men?

"What I'm supposed to do?" I sighed.

I laid under a big old tree near our house and the river, both hands under my head. I closed my eyes and tried to take a quick nap. Moving branches, birds chirping, and the flowing river later filled my ears.

I breathed a big chunk of virgin sweet-smelled air and slowly sighed or more likely, I yawned.

"Bran."

"Bran."

"Bran, are you home?"

I can't believe I'm hearing his voice again. I'm really getting crazy day by day.

"Is anyone here?"

"Bran, are you home?"

"Bran!"

Then I heard someone was knocking on our front door. Strong and loud door knocks noise disturbed the peaceful forest. Big waves of realization right away washed-out my entire body. I'm not imagining things, there's really someone looking for me! Without delay, the face of George flashed on my mind. Adrenaline rapidly flowed in my veins and I immediately stood up from the ground and ran towards the front yard of the house.

There he was facing the front door. I can tell that it's him without even looking at his face to confirm it. The guy in my sight right now —who is tall, muscular, and have soft-curly hair— is the same guy who kept messing up my mind these past five days, I'm sure of it. It's him, George. And a sweet sincere smile crept on my face.

"Hey!" I shouted.

He turned his back and his wide cheeky smile welcomed me. He was wearing expensive clothes again. A rich black inner polo complemented with a bright brown suit, partnered with fitting trousers the same shade with the suit, and a classic black shoe. He looked like more of a nobleman rather than a palace guard. Way more elegant to what my wardrobe carries —an old white shirt, faded blue pants, and a pair of sandals.