Chapter 18

Author's POV

Every bag was already packed and stacked in the boot. They all stood outside with gloomy faces waiting for Nate.

"Ready? "Nate asked walking down the front porch.

They grumbled under their breathes making him roll his eyes.

"Where's Damon? "Nate's eyes scanned everyone searching for Damon.

"Here. "Damon walked out from behind the house, his hands tucked in his pocket.

"Let's go"Nate took the first step towards his car.

Damon shook his head"I'm not going with you guys and besides theirs probably not enough space for me in their"he pointed towards the car.

Nate stared at him contemplating his next words.

"Then how are you going to go back? "he asked concerned.

Damon shrugged not worried"The same way I came"he replied.

Nate raised a brow at him"And how is that? "

Damon grinned and pat his shoulder"don't worry, get going. "

Nate nodded and entered his car. Everyone took their position in the car, lapping the same way they came.

He ignited the engine as most of them waved at Damon as the car rolled away.

They drove for about an hour before they reached town. It was a torturous ride for the past hour, the tension in the car was at a maximum as everyone kept mute.

Nate dropped everyone of them one by one at their various homes. All very happy to run away from the tension going on, sighing in relief when they got down from the car.

The car rolled gently on the road as they were about getting closer to their house. None of them spoke to the other. They both ignored each other's existence.

Lan was sitted in the backseat bitting his finger. He looked so composed that no one would know how scared he was. Only the continuous biting of his finger showed how restless he felt.

They reached the front porch of their house. The car rolled in. Nate offed the engine not getting out yet.

He sat on his seat hands still on the wheel staring at the front door of their house. He looked behind him watching Lan. Lan's eyes connected with his as he pulled his hand from his mouth and sat up straight avoiding Nate's eyes.

Nate opened his mouth but shut it back swallowing whatever he was about to say. He got out of the car followed by Lan as they pulled their bags from the boot of the car.

The quiet atmosphere was adding to their restlessness and increasing the tension in the air.

Nate ran his hand through his hand frustrated as he walked up the steps towards their front porch.

The red door stared at him as he knocked on it.

They waited awhile but there was no reply.

Nate knocked again but it was just quiet.

"Mom?"he called out walking towards the window trying to peep into the house.

Lan pulled the footmat on their front door picking up the key under it.

"She's not home"he mumbled out and proceeded to open the door. Once the door was open Nate stepped in first followed by Lan.

They both halted on their steps when they say the condition of their home.

Everything was a mess. Broken shards of glass were scattered around the place, most of the items were out of place, some on the floor, their family photo that used to be on the wall was broken on the floor in the living room.

"Seems all the action is over. What a shame, I wanted you to see a little"he snicked and walked upstairs towards his room.

Lan couldn't move from where he stood. His eyes scanned the entire room shock evident in his eyes.

All his eyes were trying to spot was a drop of blood. Something to tell him how wild and dangerous their fight was. He still couldn't believe his father had cheated on their mother. All these years he thought when people talked about a happy home, his would be among but right now it just looks like a far fetched dream to him.

Worried about his mom, he dropped his bag on the floor and dialed her line.

The call connected with someone breathing heavily on the other end.

"Mom? "Lan called out quietly.

"Yes dear"She sniffled on the other end.

" Are you okay? We just got home and the place is a mess" Lan said.

"Oh... um.. their was some rodents present and you know how I get when I see them. Don't worry, I will be home later tonight and clean it all up"She replied.Her voice was low on the other end signifying she just cried.

Lan sighed and sat on the floor, the phone to his ear.

"Mom why do you feel the need to lie to me? Do you think I am that weak not to be able to handle the truth"he asked, his eyes already gathering tears.

The line went quiet for a while.

"Lan? W-what are you talking about?"Her voice low and quiet.

" Mom you don't have to lie to me anymore, I know dad's cheating on you. And it hurts that you told Nate and decided to keep the news from me, aren't I your child too or do you just love Nate more"Lan grumbled in the phone, his words choked up amist his tears.

"Oh... lan"His mother sighed softly.

"I am sorry my dear if you felt hurt. I didn't tell you, cause I know how much you love your father. I knew how hurt you'd be when you find out. And believe it or not Nate doesn't really care that much,that's why it was easy to tell him. I'm so sorry my dear"She apologized.

Lan wiped his eyes, a smile on his face. "It's okay mum. Where are you? "he asked concerned.

"I'm at work "she sniffed over the phone.

" Mom.... why did you go back to work, after--" he trailed off running his hand through his hair.

"I'm fine dear don't worry. I needed a distraction, so I called in to take a shift. I will be home tonight"she replied.

" How can I not worry mum, you just found out your husband is cheating on you, you both had a fight and instead of you to sulk like any other normal human, you went back to work. I am worried about you"He said scanning the mess of a house.

She chuckled" Are you calling your mum abnormal?"

He could here the humor in her voice, making him roll his eyes.

" Of course not mom. Just be fine okay. You'd tell me if you ever need to talk right? "He asked with hope.

" I will dear, take care"She replied and ended the call.

Lan ruffled his hair and stood on his feet. He walked upstairs towards his room and dumped his back on the floor.

He let himself fall on his bed rolling his body like a kitten clutching his knees.

His surpressed tears dropped like rain drops from his eyes. He reminenced moments he spent with his father and a sob escaped his mouth.

He covered his mouth trying not to make a sound as his tears poured from his eyes wetting the pillow.

No matter how many times he wiped his eyes, tears would still pull up in them.

He felt sad and hurt by his father's actions. A part of him wanted to believe it was all a misunderstanding but he knew better.

Somehow he felt angry, angry at the world, his father and the universe. Finally his now among the other kids with a broken home.

He never knew how that felt like but now, now he does and it hurts deep in his heart. He would have to watch his mother struggle and deny her feelings. Trying to push them down when she is dying inside and stand by, not knowing how to help.

Sobs escaped his mouth again as he let himself cry like a baby.

Few minutes later after he was done pouring his emotions out,he went downstairs and cleaned up the broken shards, arranging the house.

"Good job"Nate said with a blank look on his face coming down the stairs. He stared at the house and nodded not acknowledging Lan's presence at all.

He walked passed him towards the kitchen pressing his phone.

Lan sat down on the couch,a rag in his hand. He watched his brother move in the kitchen with a conflicted look on his face.

He sighed and dropped the rag walking into the kitchen.

Nate had his back towards him as he searched the kitchen drawers for something.

"I-i am sorry,I acted childish and let my emotions get the better of me"He scratched his head awkwardly leaning on one foot.

Nate didn't reply or turn towards him making him feel worse.

"Please forgive me "His head dropped as he mumbled out watching the back of his brother.

Nate didn't reply.

Lan walked closer to him and patted his shoulders "Nate?"

A confused Nate turned around, with a raised brow. He pulled out the airpods in ear and stared at him.

"What? "He asked confused.

Lan stared at the airpods in his hand and grumbled something under his breath. He walked out of the kitchen annoyed.

Nate grinned and stared at his phone. The display screen showing a chat log.

"I will only forgive you when I want. For now feel guilty"he smiled plugging his airpods back in.