Discordant Hearts
Four.
Jack rested his head against his locker, holding his Biology textbook close to his heart. Memories of last night continued to steal his attention. He remembered the wide-eyed look on his younger brother's face. Jerry had been so upset. Ever since yesterday night, Jerry avoided him. He ran his fingers through his hair, watching the students walking around. The beginning of the day school bell hadn't rung yet, so he decided to try to enjoy his time alone.
"I never thought I'd see the day that Jack Brewer loves Biology," Milton commented, amusement in his voice. "Who knew getting a B on your Biology exam would open your eyes. I mean you are literally embracing your textbook."
Jack narrowed his eyes, voice unamused as he spoke. "It is too early, Milton."
"Yeah, you look like you had a late night," Milton pointed out, adjusting his backpack.
Jack debated on whether or not to share what he witnessed last night. He snapped his mouth shut before he spoke. Milton was a good friend, a best friend, but he didn't want to go into too much detail about his more personal matters. He may change his mind later on in the day, but at the moment he kept quiet.
"You could say that," Jack remarked, turning his attention to the school bell ringing. "Hey, I'll catch you at lunch, okay?"
Milton nodded, heading to his own locker. Jack snorted as he heard the redhead reprimand himself for running late to class. He shook his head and then smiled. As the last warning bell rung, he headed toward his class.
The clink of silverware filled the air as Jack spooned mashed potatoes and gravy into his mouth. All the usual chatter at dinner had died down and instead everyone's attention was set on their meals. Jack shifted his gaze to Jerry. The younger boy seemed more focused on his cellphone then the thick slices of chicken breast on his plate.
"Is there a reason why you are staring at me?" Jerry asked.
Jack shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck, a grin on his lips. His parents' attention drifted toward them and he sighed. He analyzed the crease between his mother's furrowed brows. His parents had to know about his unstable relationship with Jerry.
"Is everything okay, Jerry?" their mother asked. "You boys have been awfully silent around each other. Anything you need to talk about?"
Jerry dismissed her worry with a wave of his hand. "Really we are fine."
"Jerry, dear, I know it is a difficult time for you," she said, eyes soft as she gazed at Jerry. "I mean, we expect things to be difficult. Adapting to family you know nothing about can be hard. I can't imagine how you feel about the investigation. You must hate being reminded of the ones that kidnapped you."
"What are you talking about?" Jerry asked, eyes wide.
"Jerry, son," his father said, placing his silverware down. "Your mother and I were talking and we have been thinking that some therapy and –."
Jack's fingers twitched as he sliced more pieces from his chicken breast and popped them into his mouth. He turned his gaze toward Jerry and frowned. Jerry held onto his fork with a tight grip, knuckles white. He made eye contact with Jack.
"What the heck have you been telling them?" Jerry questioned, eyes narrowed. "First you betray me and then you talk behind my back. What the heck is wrong with you?"
Jack dropped his knife, his heart pounding in his ears. "I've told them literally nothing. Only things I've said had to do with the kidnappers."
"Jerry, please," their mother said. "We are just worried. You were young when everything happened and you haven't had the time to properly address all you experienced. After being for those people for so long, I just fear –."
"Those people raised me," Jerry reminded.
Jack snorted, hands braced against the table. "Those people kidnapped you at the age of four. Those people ripped you from my hands when I was six, Jay. Those people are criminals. Mom, has a point. I'm glad I gave the police exactly what they needed."
"Shut up, Jack!" Jerry spat, slamming his fist to the table. "I'm perfectly fine, Mom and Dad. Sure sometimes I get shakes but that isn't anything new."
Jack glared at Jerry, fists clenched on top of the table. He gritted his teeth, trying to keep his breaths even. He couldn't believe Jerry would call his concern betrayal. He opened his mouth a couple of times before he closed it. After he collected his thoughts, he narrowed his eyes at Jerry.
"You call that betrayal? Are you serious?" Jack said, ignoring the growing worry on his parents' faces. "I call that saving you. Why doesn't this bother you? Why aren't you worried?"
Jerry turned in his chair, avoiding Jack's gaze. "Why should I be worried? Maybe you should just stop worming your way into my business. Calm the heck down!"
"Jerry Caesar Brewer, you do not speak to your older brother that way," their mother warned.
"How else should I speak to him?" Jerry questioned, voice wavering. "I'm sorry I can't eat anymore. I'm heading to bed."
"Jerry," his father called out. "You can't –."
Jerry dropped his utensils, pushed away his plate, and disappeared up the stairs. Jack kept his gazed fixed on the stairs, heart hammering against his chest. His mother grasped his hand and he turned to her. She smiled at him and patted Jack's hand. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but he couldn't. Jerry had left in such a huff that Jack feared the worst.
"We will be just fine, honey," she promised, voice soft. "After the investigation, we will be able to get back into the swing of things. Everything will be fine."
He nodded, eyes on his half empty plate. "May I be excused?"
"Yes, you may. Don't worry about the dishes. Your father will do them."
"I'll what?" his father asked, eyes wide.
Jack smiled and then retreated from the table. He walked up the stairs and stopped before Jerry's room. He pressed his ear to Jerry's door, curious. He heard a muffled conversation and sighed from sheer relief. Jerry was on the phone with Milton.
"What do you mean I'm overreacting?" Jerry argued. "Jack is –no, okay, maybe you are right, but wait! Why are you only taking his side? I'm your friend too."
Jack chuckled, running his fingers through his dark locks. He slid down Jerry's door, eyes focused on point ahead of them. Jerry didn't sound as upset as he did at the table. He was thankful for Milton's voice of reason. The episode at the dinner table had been so terrifying. Jerry looked like he wanted to cry tears of frustration. As much as he hated it, he would try his best to give Jerry some space.
Jack rested against the blue mats in the dojo, limbs heavy and sore. Between the hours of noon and six, weekdays, they had a lot of down time. Jack knew students had other after school activities and the adults had jobs. He was thankful for the time to themselves. It allowed him to relax and spar with his friends.
"Did you have another late night?" Milton questioned.
Jack chuckled, eyes focused on Milton towering over him. The other took a sit next to him arms around his knees. Jack got to his feet and headed for the smoothie bar where he kept his water bottle. He guzzled some water and waited for Milton. Milton grabbed a stool.
"You okay Jack?" Milton asked.
Jack nodded. "Never better, why?"
"Okay," Milton said, hands fidgeting in his lap. "Just— Jerry called me and he sounded angry, exasperated really."
Jack shook his head, voice soft as he spoke. "Honestly, I was wondering when you planned to ask me."
Milton rubbed the back of his neck, voice light as he spoke. "No reason to be subtle, I guess?"
"What do you have to say?"
Milton launched into a complex psychological analysis of Jack and Jerry's behavior. Jack admitted to missing the entire conversation except for the last sentence. Milton hunched forward and rested his head upon the smoothie counter after he was done.
"I'm sorry if we stressed you out Milton," Jack said, patting his friend on the back. "We shouldn't burden you with our family problems."
"No, problem. We are friends, I'd be insulted if no one contacted me about these things. I like to think I'm a confidant you all can trust in."
"Hey, Milton."
Jerry stood a few feet away, resting his elbow on the smoothie counter. Jack greeted him and received a small wave in return. He tried to ignore the unenthusiastic greeting, because he knew their relationship was strained. He got down from the stool and walked over to Jerry. He forced a carefree grin onto his onto his own lips as he threw an arm around Jerry's shoulders.
"Don't worry, Jerry, Milton and I had a talk. I understand you a whole lot better now, so we are good now. You and I are good."
Jerry eyed him and then shot Milton a look. Jerry's shoulders slouched, almost throwing Jack off balance. He gave Jerry two pats on the back before he returned to his stool.
"I'll buy you a smoothie when Taylor returns. What do you think?" he asked. "Will you accept my apology?"
"Fine. I want a large smoothie. You can't be cheap about it."
Jack shook his head. "No worries, one large smoothie coming up. If I'm feeling generous, I may throw in fruit explosions."
Jerry grinned, eyes bright. Jack gave Jerry another pat on the back before ruffling his hair. Jerry narrowed his eyes at him after the gesture for a second, but then continued to smile. Yes, their relationship was all better. Jack had no reason to worry, because everything was a simple misunderstanding. Arguments were inevitable. As long as they returned to their normal dynamics he could handle an argument or two.
When Taylor arrived, he bought Jerry a large smoothie and added a pack of fruit explosions from Phil's vending machine. He smile as he watched Jerry drink his smoothie. Maybe being an older brother was easier than he expected.
Hey Everyone! Here is another chapter. Hope you liked it.
Special thanks to reviewers:
Vicky2015, thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Thanks for your support.
Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed the scene between Taylor and Jerry as well as Jerry and Milton. I liked those scenes as well. Who will be the key? Stay tuned to find out! Thanks for your support.
Special thanks to follower:
Srbinsrbija
Thanks to srbinsrbija for the favorite.
Sorry for a short chapter. It seemed more natural to end there. The next update is 10% (estimated) of the way done. I might have time to update sooner, but it all depends, so stay tuned. Feel free to check my profile page for news.
Thanks to those who read, review, favorite, and follow. I appreciate every single one of you.
Until Next Chapter,
Bye
