Long lost cousin is my new neighbour.

"Alex!" I gasped.

He chuckled "Long time no see, Sasha"

~~

I was sitting in my living room with Alex while Mia was doodling on a paper. I poured us both a cup of tea.

"Alex where have you been! How are you doing?" I asked.

Alex was my cousin. We were not blood related because my Father's brother adopted him, but we were very close when we were young. I considered him as my big brother and family than my half sister's, maybe more than that, I can't remember. Unfortunately when Alex was 15 and I was 11, he decided that he didn't want to

be in the fashion business like Father and Uncle. Uncle was very disappointed and angry at him that he even informed him he must, otherwise he can feed for himself and he regretfully told him, if only he had his genes and blood. Being hurt by what he said Alex left home, used Uncles money and unexpectedly left the country. Uncle felt guilty by what he told him that day and depressed as to why he would just leave the country! Uncle wasn't depressed for long, because he met a good wife and had a son, who was awfully selfish I must say, but Alex still held a place in his heart.

"Alex why did you leave and come back after...11 years! Uncle was worried about you. He never visited Father or me ever since you left and I was too!" I yelled upset.

"Mommy, don't get upset to my new uncle." said Mia about to cry.

I looked down at her. 'Damm I forgot Mia is here'

I kneeled down to her level. "Can you go to your room so I can talk to uncle alone"

"B-But-"

"No buts young lady. It's time for your bed time. Wait for me and I will tell you a bed time story." I kissed her forehead. She obeyed and went to her room.

I turned around and met Alex's gaze. "Now start talking."

~~

Alex looked a bit uncomfortable when I was bluntly staring at me. He sighed. "Can I at least ask you the questions first before you?" I nodded.

His expression turned to anger. "Where is Uncle and where is the Father of your child? Why did Uncle really leave you alone..I read the scandal but it could be false. So...tell me."

I turned my gaze from his. "Father...disowned me and the father of Mia is just a bastard" I gritted and clenched my fist.

He stood up furious. "How could Father do that to you!" he tried to calm down. "So it's just been you and..Mia, right?" I nodded. Normally I would cry if someone ever mentioned Father but I was different now, I was independent. He sat next to me and gave me a tight hug, I hugged him back in return.

He pulled back and I studied him. 'He looks like a man now.' I thought.

His used to be blonde hair was dyed black, he held the same gentle but mischief hazel eyes, I could tell that he exercised well, had broad shoulders and a strong jawline.

"It's seems big brother has grown quite a hunk" I teased trying to distract him from talking about my father.

He chuckled at my remark. "You too." he whispered with a weird expression on his face.

"Ok. Now" my face turned serious. "Why did you really leave? Why did you leave the freaking country!" I yelled. "Also why are you now back?"

He sighed and ran his fingers threw his hair. "It's because..while I was angry at Father, I did something stupid.." he trailed nervously.

I touched his hand and brought it to my lap. " You are the only family I have right now, so you can trust me" I whispered. Different emotions flashed through his eyes.

"I..I..was so angry that Father didn't want me to be what I wanted to be." I gestured for him to continue. "I went to a club and drank my anger away. I was so drunk that I even had a one night stand...but with a drug dealers girl."

I widened my eyes shocked. I was completely caught off guard by what he just uttered.

He breathed. " Once I realise what I had done and who she was, I knew it would be a matter of time for when he finds me or worse hurt my family. We may be rich but they are dangerous people. So the only idea I had in mind was to leave the city. Father thought I left the country but he was wrong, I just moved. I had some friends there so they helped me out. Right now I'm a detective, like I always wanted, I decided to work and come to the city again when I heard about the huge scandal.. about you. I made sure I was safe before I came. I didn't go back to the family but tried to find you...now I'm here I guess." he shrugged.

'I can't believe what I'm hearing. This happened to him when he was so young. I guess the real independent and brave one is you big brother' I thought my heart hurt for Alex.'

"Well now that I told you my story tell me yours fully" he said seriously.

I explained to him everything that happened except for the Miguel part. After that, we chatted about small things such as what we have been doing, our friends and etc.

It was getting late so I walked Alex to the door. "Bye, I'll see you tomorrow" he said and kissed my temple and left. I felt a strange nostalgic in my heart.

After he went I entered Mia's room to see if she was still asleep, surprisingly she was still fully awake.

"Mommy do I have an uncle now?" she asked.

I nodded and gently tucked her to bed. "Yes and he will spoil you rotten." I then told her a bed time story and waited until she slept.

It was around the time I had to go to work for my night shift. I sighed and furrowed my brow.

'Hmmm, wait a moment.. I remember. Didn't I have a crush on him when I was younger?' I thought but shrugged it off.

'Time to go to work.' I thought, made sure the house was securely locked and went to the hotel.