7 his brother

It seemed that all wealthy children shared a common trait: they took pleasure in toying with those they considered inferior.

Over the past two years, I’d maintained a solitary existence, embracing my outcast status. Despite having a small circle of friends, I still felt like an outsider in this school, a place predominantly populated by students from privileged backgrounds. As a scholar hailing from modest origins, I’d chosen to steer clear of mingling with the affluent students. But with Raige Victorious continuously shadowing me, I was certain to draw significant attention, unwelcome attention.

Yesterday, Raige had explicitly expressed his desire to be with me, though it felt more like he viewed me as a mere amusement, a plaything for his entertainment. I dreaded the thought of being thrust into the spotlight, of being scrutinized by the privileged students at this school.

During breaks, I typically retreated to the rear of the school to have my meal. I found it uncomfortable to dine in the cafeteria alongside the affluent students. Their potential mockery of my food choices coupled with the high prices in the canteen made it an unappealing option.

As I made my way through the soccer field, I eventually reached my favorite spot, a secluded bench next to the sprawling narra tree. Sitting in silence, I opened my lunchbox, eager to savor the homemade meal my mom had prepared for me.

While I was in the midst of eating, a voice pierced the silence, startling me.

“Why are you dining solo?” he asked, his voice laced with a touch of amusement. “Don’t you have any friends? I thought my brother had taken an interest in you. Why are you on your own?”

I quickly stood up, turning toward the speaker. I recognized the face, but I couldn’t quite place him. Despite his warm smile and cheerful demeanor, I couldn’t shake the sense of déjà vu.

“Pardon me,” I said, my voice hesitant. “Do we know each other?” I gazed into his familiar blue eyes, wracking my brain for where I might have seen him before, but to no avail. He appeared friendly, albeit a bit eccentric, with his red hair and scattered earrings, a style that surprisingly suited him well, unlike the stereotypical tough-looking teens.

“Oh, that’s a shame,” he said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Have you fallen for me already? Your gaze suggests love at first sight, Aliyah. My brother wouldn’t appreciate that.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, mister,” I retorted, gathering my belongings, deciding to dismiss the encounter. I didn’t have the patience for someone like him, despite his good looks. His conceited demeanor was a red flag, a warning to steer clear.

“Why the haste?” he pressed on, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity. “Aren’t you curious why I seem to know you?”

Letting out a resigned sigh, I realized that getting entangled with individuals like him would only lead me to further exposure, to the snobbish clique of students out there.

“Why should I be curious?” I said, my voice firm, ready to leave. “I’m preoccupied with plenty right now. Trivial matters like this don’t register in my thoughts.”

As I turned to walk away, the guy reached out and took hold of my wrist. Startled, I instinctively pulled my hand back, wary of encountering yet another unsettling character in my life. Another strange encounter was the last thing I needed.

“By the way, my name is Rojan,” he said, his voice friendly, trying to establish a connection. “I’m Raige’s brother. Perhaps you notice the resemblance between us.”

Stepping back, I withdrew my hand from his grasp, feeling unsettled. The thought of dealing with another individual like this was disheartening. I shook my head, silently lamenting the situation.

“You don’t appear pleased,” he said, his tone laced with a hint of disappointment. “I assumed you were friends with my brother. Maybe we could be friends too?”

Did he genuinely believe that Raige and I were friends?

“Raige and I were never friends,” I clarified, avoiding delving into the details of our past interactions and how I ended up in this situation with his brother. “So there’s no need for us to become friends now. I simply know Raige, nothing more.”

As I prepared to leave, Raige suddenly materialized, his presence as imposing as ever. He seized my wrist, pulling me closer to him, clearly signaling his reluctance for me to engage with his brother.

Could there be some underlying conflict between them? Sibling disagreements were common, but was it typical for them to exchange such intense glares?

“Why are you speaking to her?” Raige demanded, his voice tinged with anger. “What do you want from her?”

“Relax, brother,” Rojan replied calmly, though the tense set of Raige’s jaw revealed his displeasure. “I just wanted to be friends with her, nothing more.”

Despite Rojan’s relaxed and unhindered demeanor, it was clear that he had no issues with his brother.

“Let’s go,” Raige said, his voice laced with authority. “I don’t want you talking to or getting near him from now on, understand?” His command prompted a furrow in my brow. Who did he think he was, dictating my interactions?

I pulled my hand back from Raige’s strong grasp, feeling a twinge of pain as I managed to free myself.

“Are you out of your mind?” I retorted, shooting him a piercing glare. “We’re not even friends, Mr. Who are you to dictate who I associate with? Stay away from me, both of you. I have no intention of being around someone as controlling as you.”

With those words said, I turned to leave the situation behind, seeking refuge from their suffocating presence. Yet, it seemed that their stubbornness and obstinacy proved stronger. Within a few steps, both Raige and Rojan positioned themselves on either side of me, effectively blocking my escape.

I sighed in frustration, attempting to push them away, but deep down, I sensed that they wouldn't stop until they had their way. Reluctantly, I found myself walking alongside them, feeling trapped in a situation beyond my control. The curious gazes and judgmental stares from the other students intensified my discomfort, fueling a growing sense of unease.

As we walked together, attracting unwanted attention, I couldn’t help but wonder what was amiss with these siblings. Their intrusive presence was unraveling my college experience, turning it into a chaotic ordeal that I never anticipated.