It was as if a knife had cut through his heart. And the pain he was feeling was the blood pouring out. His brother, his little brother had said he wished it was him. Wished he was the one who had inherited the disease. Of course, Cal didn't blame him. He blamed him. If he could take away his brother's suffering he would do it in the heartbeat. But, as it was under the circumstances there was nothing he could do. All he could do was stand and watch as his brother pushed him away. Cal wanted to help, but Ethan wouldn't let him. As soon as the words left Ethan's mouth Cal had done what he'd always done when faced with a tough decision. He ran. He wanted to run as far as away he could but, only managed as far as Jeff's memorial bench. Having reached the bench he collapsed down on it and let the tears roll down his cheeks. Even though in his heart he knew Ethan didn't mean what he said it was still painful to know his brother felt like the only way to cope with his situation was to shut those who cared about him out. To shut him out. Despite him constantly teasing Ethan, Cal loved him and his brotherly instincts told him not to run away this time. His brother needed him even if he was pushing him away. Ethan needed Cal to be the big brother he was. He needed to be the big brother Ethan deserved. Wiping away his tears, Cal felt a presence beside him. He didn't need to look up to know who it was. Ever since Cal had found out about the adoption, the loss of little Matilda and the subsequent discovery of his birth mother resulting in the revelation of Huntington's Charlie had been a constant rock. He had 'adopted' the role of a fatherly figure and he and Charlie had developed a bond that Cal never shared with his adoptive dad. He was grateful Charlie had been there to offer his sound advice and at that moment in time he was glad for the company.
"He's got it, hasn't he?" Charlie announced suddenly. "Ethan's inherited the gene."
When Cal didn't give him an answer, Charlie knew he had guessed correctly. When Charlie had been informed of Emilie's death he understood the shock would have hit them both hard, but Ethan's behaviour had been different. And it had been even before Ethan discovered the truth about his adoption. Charlie knew there must have been something else that was troubling Ethan. Knowing that Ethan had inherited Huntington's truly shocked Charlie.
"I'm really sorry, Cal. But, you know we're all here for you."
Cal only nodded.
"Ethan's going to need you."
"I know."
There was silence before Cal spoke again.
"But, what if I can't."
"What do you mean?"
"What if I can't be there for him?"
"You'll be there for him. You haven't given up on him yet."
"I know I haven't given up on him yet, but that's what I do. That's what I've always done. I run because that's what's in me." Cal told Charlie truthfully.
"Cal," Charlie began to say. "You're stronger than you think you are. You'll be there for your brother because the bond between you is one that can't be broken. Your love for each other is constant and it will help you to do what's right."
Cal looked towards Charlie. His words were as wise as ever.
"Thanks, Charlie." Cal smiled.
