You Don't Have to be Alone

Chapter 6 - Putting it into Words

Disclaimer: Hey guys! I do not own Summerland or anyone affiliated with them! I do, however, own all the fictional characters, the story line and the title. No stealing! I don't own NSYNC's song, You Don't Have to be Alone.

After Bradin had left Genesis at her home, he felt terrible. He lounged out on the patio chair and watched the trees sway in the soft breeze.

"Bradin, are you going to be home tomorrow? It's Christmas Eve and, well, Susannah and I had this thing planned for you and the kids because we were worried about the whole parent thing--" Ava rambled on about her plans and suggestions for Christmas and Bradin continued to stare into space. "Bradin?" Ava realized he wasn't paying any bit of attention."

"O-Oh," Bradin snapped out of his thoughts. "Y-yeah, great idea." He nodded and folded his hands in his lap. He continued to drift into his own thoughts.

"Bradin?" Ava frowned and watched her teenage-nephew intently. She knew something was wrong…what it was, she wasn't sure. He looked up at her and raised his eye brows. "What's up?" She frowned.

"Nothing," he shook his head, in complete denial. "Nothing's wrong. Why would something be wrong?" He frowned and played with his thumbs. He examined his hands and tried to keep his attention away from his aunt's eyes. He had this problem with telling people things once he looked into their eyes.

"Bradin…" Ava said softly and then looked at him realistically. "You can't be serious. I know you…I know when something's bothering you. I thought we talked about your parents and the issue with everything. Susannah, Johnny, Jay and I are trying really hard to make things easier for Christmas--"

"It's not about Christmas," Bradin sighed, cutting her off. "None of this has to do with us." He shook his head and looked up at his aunt. "We don't realize how awesome we have it, and yet I still feel…disappointed."

"Why do you feel disappointed?" Ava frowned, confused.

"Just…because," Bradin sighed and closed his eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair and then rubbed his hands over his face. "It's about Genesis."

"I know about Genesis," Ava said softly and touched her nephew's hand gently. "I know about her home life, Bradin. I've always known. Ever since Susannah got involved in this business." Bradin frowned up his aunt in confusion. How would she possibly know? "Listen," Ava sighed. "I researched Mr. Alexander, Genesis's dad, and found all of the places he and his wife had traveled in the world. This life of luxury and glamour. Then I read that he had a sixteen-year-old daughter. She stays at home with the nanny when they travel. I used to think that wouldn't be so bad…until I got you, Nikki, and Derrick."

"It's not fair, Aunt Ava," Bradin sighed. He was so grateful that his aunt actually understood him for once. She actually got it and was on his side. "It's not fair that she has to sit at home on Christmas Eve and Christmas and be by herself. It's not fair that she's under the impression that she's this huge mistake brought on to her parents' lives!" He exclaimed in anger. "It's…it's not fair." He sighed, the anger finally fell to a calm sense of frustration.

"That's where you can help her, Bradin," Ava smiled a small smile. "You're a great person to help. And Genesis is nothing like Sara. She isn't crazy and this isn't a lie. She really needs you."

"But how am I supposed to make her believe she's here for a reason? How am I supposed to make her feel like she's not an accident? She blows my mind," a small smile curved over Bradin's lips. "She's amazing in so many different ways. She's beautiful…that's for one." He chuckled.

Ava smiled. "Maybe you should tell her those things. I can only imagine how good it would make her feel to hear those things."

"But how am I supposed to put that into words?" Bradin frowned and sighed.

Ava smiled, once more and rubbed his hand. "You just did."