Chapter 5 – Interaction with Andy

CASEY'S POV

After running from the house I found myself sitting on the beach staring out at the ocean. I always felt so free out there and I wondered if I was to go all the way out into the ocean how much of my life I would forget.

I was stupid to think I was acting in self defense the day I shot Danny Braxton, my mind must have been so clouded over, but in truth I was a cold blooded killer. The three I once could call my brothers, I had taken away their father and they were strangers.

I was ashamed at the person I was and knowing I was part of another gene pool just made me feel so weak and small in a big world, knowing I could now never fit in. I didn't know how to take it all in. I have never felt so alone in my life.

I was shaken out of my thoughts when I heard a yell coming from down the beach. I slumped and tried to ignore the calling when I noticed Andy and Josh walking towards me. I did not want to be dealing with them right now. I did not want to be dealing with anyone.

NORMAL POV

"Hey there Casey." Andy laughed.

"Andy let's just go, okay." Josh pleaded as he noticed Casey's paled face.

"Relax Josh. I'm just having a little fun." Andy smirked.

As much as Josh was curious to get to know Casey better, Andy would not allow it. Josh could sense Casey was upset and figured he did not need to hear his brother's taunts.

"Case my man, what are you doing? Not even gonna say a hello to ya new big brother?" Andy laughed.

"Andy come on." Josh pushed.

"Nah wait a minute." Andy waved Josh down.

"Just leave me alone Andy." Casey whispered.

Andy laughed at how hurt Casey was feeling he couldn't stop now, he was loving this.

"How's it feel to know you aren't a proper Braxton?" Andy laughed.

"Andy stop. Leave him alone." Josh protested and received a glare from Andy.

"No-one asked for your opinion and last I checked Josh, you don't tell me what to do." Andy told his brother forcefully.

"Everything I've ever known is a mistake." Casey whispered as he went back to a daze, forgetting Andy and Josh were standing before him.

Andy laughed. "Nah little bro, you got it all wrong. You're the mistake." Andy said frankly.

"Andy!" Josh snapped and grabbed his sleeve, but Andy pulled away and stepped closer to Casey.

"What Josh? Casey needs to understand that just because his Mum screwed with our Dad doesn't mean he's wanted in our family. He'll never be part of our family and I bet he won't even be part of the Braxton's family anymore. I mean the bond between those real blood brothers with the same father...they can't have a half-bred in there."

Casey stared at Andy. "It's true you know. I remember Dad talking with a woman one day and they were arguing. Maybe they were arguing about not wanting you and I bet Brax, Heath and Kyle won't give a stuff about you anymore." Andy laughed and walked off with Josh chasing behind him yelling.

Casey stared into the distance and gripped handfuls of sand, even as a baby no-one really wanted him and Andy was right about his past brothers, he was just some strange kid to them now.

"What's the point?" Casey whispered and stood up. "What's the point? I am nothing but a mistake! I don't belong here!" He shouted and ran up the beach towards Angelo's bar.

CASEY'S POV

I drank bottle after bottle of alcohol, but no matter what I did I could not stop the racing thoughts going through my mind. Andy was right, how could Brax, Heath, or Kyle want me anywhere near them? They believed family was everything, but now our unbreakable bond was no more. I was not their proper brother, a Braxton.

I just can't stay here anymore. I had to make things right. I didn't know where I would go but I knew I could no longer stay in the Braxton house. I had to head home and pack my things.

NORMAL POV

Brax paced about in the house, it was getting late and the time had reached after 9pm and he had not heard back from Casey.

"Brax settle down. I'm sure Case is just laying low somewhere thinking this off. You should get some rest, you look tired." Kyle spoke.

Brax sighed. "How can I? Our brother is out there and I don't know what's he's feeling." Brax replied distressed.

"I know you're worried about him. So am I, but getting this worked up isn't going to help anyone. Look, try and get some rest and I'll work your shift at Angelo's tomorrow, that way you can stay here and look for Casey if he doesn't come back." Kyle offered.

Brax rubbed his hand through his hair. "Thanks mate."

Brax walked down into his bedroom and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Had he been responsible for this? If he had protected Casey better would it have made any difference?

It was early morning when Casey stumbled back towards the Braxton house. He felt dizzy and could barely walk, tripping up on several occasions. A few houses down Casey leaned over and vomited into the bushes and groaned. He continued on his way until he reached the house.

By the time Casey had walked up the path dividing the house and Heath's extension house he could no longer function and collapsed onto the ground, vomiting as he fell to the floor.