BRANDON

It's been 11 years since we lost our Mom in an accident. She saved me and in turn lost her own life. I still haven't come to terms with it and my demons haunt me every night.

My Mom wanted me to be a doctor and I became one. I worked in A&E (Accident & Emergency) Dept. in the biggest hospital in LA. I worked and worked and over worked just to keep myself busy.

5 years ago my Dad told me he was getting married again. I was completely against it, but Mia was small, and she needed someone to sort her girl problems. I knew that the lady had a son who was elder to me by a year.

Mia loved him and his mom and always told me about them. I was very much curious about this guy whom Mia was so in love. I found myself getting jealous over such a simple thing.

It's been 5 years since I saw Mia in person.. We video call each other almost every day. And our step-mom, is very sweet because I could see how much she cared for Mia as her own daughter. I spoke to her very little, but she never complained, nor forced me for anything.

This morning Mia called me and started crying. "Mia, what is it? Will you talk to me, baby girl?" I tried to make her talk. No response.

But then my step-mom took spoke up. "Hello Bran, it's Mom here. How are you baby?" She was crying as well, I guess.

"Hey Mom.. Are you alright? What's with Mia crying as well as you?" I asked and never would I've thought about what she told me next.

"Your Dad wants a divorce, Bran. Don't ask me why. Because I'm not aware myself. He just said, he's getting papers ready and that's it." Mom told me and I understood the rest.

"What? Is he for serious? He said he loved you, didn't he?Want me to talk to him?" I asked her but she refused.

"Not now. Is it possible for you to come home, maybe? You haven't been home for years now, baby. Also, he wants Mia to go with him." She told me.

"Bran, I don't want to leave here. I want to stay with Mom and Aiden. Please, you too. Come home soon." She was still crying.

"Mom can you put me on speaker, please? Also Mia is not going anywhere." I requested and she did.

 "Mia, stay with Mom till I come, okay. I won't send you away with Dad. I will speak to him once I'm there. You don't have to go anywhere. I promise." I assured her and could only imagine her smile.

"Thanks Bran.. Thanks for deciding to come home." Mom said and I hung up.

Fine. I sigh. So what if I go home? It should be okay. I will speak to Dad and see what he wants. Once all is sorted, I will come back. Maybe I can also see my brother this time, who is a very busy business man.

I called my hospital. "Hello, Lizzy. This is Brandon." And a very cheerful voice was heard. "Dr. Brandon King. Yes, Hello to you. Why are you calling in?" She asked me.

"I want to apply for a week's leave. Family issues. Have to go back home. Mom wants me back soon as possible. Could you please pass on my message to Dr. John?" I asked her, and he asked me to hold on.

Two minutes later, she was back. "Hello, Dr. Brandon, I have passed your message and Dr. John is very happy that you're finally taking some time off. He's given you a month off and has asked you to call in anytime if you need any help." She relayed my Chief's message to me.

"Alright, thanks Lizzy. See you in a month." I thanked her and hung up.

Now, second call, to my girl friend, Natalie.. She is a doctor as well. About her? She is good. And we look quite good together. Her phone is ringing, but maybe she is busy, so I decide to call her later..

I quickly packed some clothes and set out. I decided to take the bus first, but ended up driving my Rover to home. It was an hour and half's drive. I put on some Coldplay and started driving.

When I reached home, there was a Maserati parked outside. It's probably Aiden. He's already here. I parked my car besides his and then went in. Mom and Mia were going out probably, as they were dressed.

"Mom, I'm home." I greeted her, and she engulfed me in a hug just like my mom did. "I know, baby. Thank you for coming." She almost cried seeing me.

"Hey, are you alright?" I asked her and she nodded.

Then it was Mia who stood in a corner crying. I am seeing her after 5 years in person. She's grown taller has become more beautiful. I walked to her and tilted my head giving her a smile.

"Hey." I whispered enough for her to hear. And that's it. She started crying. I pulled her into a hug and kissed her head.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I should've come over but I didn't. But hey, I am staying for a month." I told her and a look of shock and disbelief shown across her face.

"I promise." I assured here and she smiled. Finally.

"Baby, freshen up and find something to eat. We will go buy some groceries and stuff and be back. Your brother is here. He's upstairs in his room, probably sleeping. Don't wake him up. Let him sleep. You could have a nap as well." Mom told me and left.

I was by myself now for. I didn't want to bother him because I don't know how he will react. As it is, we will me meeting at dinner so..

I freshened up a bit and came downstairs. There was a sandwich in the fridge which i took out warmed up. I ate it and then thought of cooking something. But then I remembered Mom asking me to have a nap as well..

I washed my plate and was putting it back, when I felt a presence behind. But then again, it can be imagination, right? I don't sleep well and work hard.. I shook my head and continued doing my work.

But a man, a little shorter than me, walked straight up to the fridge, drank water and was also leaving.

Arrogant. I thought to myself, but then again Mia loved him for God knows why. He turned around and looked at me as if I was a thief?

"Hello Aiden," I greeted him, and he nodded.

Wait. Don't you greet back if someone greets you? Good. Not just arrogant, but full of himself too. But, oh, he greeted me back. okay, i take back my words.

"Hello, to you Brandon." He said and walked out.

I kept standing there, thinking may be I did offend him somehow.. Or else why that cold look?!