The following day, Kyle wakes up before his alarm was to go off at seven-thirty.
Rubbing his eyes he pulls himself up on the couch and flaps back his covers.
It is the first day in three days that he doesn't feel so irate, and he puts it down to getting some space from his little brother and the fun time he's had with Heath the night before playing games.
He piles up his quilt, blanket, monkey, and pillows and places them next to the couch before grabbing some fresh clothes from his bag and getting changed, ready for the day.
Heath comes out of his bedroom, already dressed in a pair of cargo shorts and a long-sleeve dark green top.
"Up and ready for your final full day at the restaurant, huh? Did you sleep okay?" Heath asks and walks into the kitchen.
Kyle nods.
"How come you're up so early if you don't need to work?" Kyle asks.
"Thought you could do with a good breakfast before a big day of work," Heath replies.
"Thanks, but that's not necessary. I don't mind just having toast if that's all you have," Kyle replies.
"Pfft, you need more energy than just toast if you're going to be working all day," Heath adds as he grabs the fry pan out; ready to cook some scrambled eggs.
"So, sit your backside down at the table and let your big brother make you a hearty breakfast," Heath orders and smiles at Kyle.
Admitting defeat, Kyle takes a seat at the table and watches as Heath prepares the scrambled eggs and pops a few pieces of bread into the toaster.
Once the breakfast meal was ready, Heath spoons the eggs onto the plate with the freshly buttered toast and adds a few spoonfuls of baked beans on the side then places the plate in front of Kyle.
"Thank you," the teen praises.
Heath huffs and goes to put a few pieces of toast on for himself.
"At least I didn't have to put vegemite on your toast, at all let alone a certain way, before placing the eggs on top," Heath comments, referring to Casey's usual habits of liking his eggs on toast with just the right amount of vegemite.
Kyle smirks and goes about eating up his breakfast.
A while later Brax knocks on the door and Heath answers.
"Morning big fella," Heath greets.
"Morning; are you just about ready, Kyle?" Brax greets and asks.
Kyle finishes cleaning his breakfast dishes and turns to face Brax in the doorway.
"Yes. I just need to brush my teeth," Kyle replies.
"Alright then; I know we still have a bit of time but make it quick please; I'd like to get in a bit earlier today as I have a big delivery coming."
Kyle nods and makes his way to the bathroom.
"Have a good day, bros," Heath says as Kyle walks out of the flat, following Brax to his Ute.
Kyle smiles at not having to compete with Casey for the front seat as he hops into the front passenger side.
"I'm probably going to need a lot of help from you today Kyle with the delivery and all. I'm not just going to need you to serve and clean, I'm going to need you to help unpack part of the delivery and mark it off; can I trust you to do that for me?" Brax asks.
"Of course; well, I'll try my best," Kyle answers.
Brax smiles and gives Kyle's shoulder a squeeze and continues driving towards the restaurant.
As the day at the restaurant passes by, Kyle works harder than ever to assist with the high demands of the busy day and Brax couldn't help but be proud of his younger brother's work ethic and come the time for Kyle to have a lunch break, Brax instructs Kyle to take an hour break.
Kyle furrows his brow at his big brother.
"But you've only allowed both Casey and me to have a half hour break, except for the first day when you found I was hurt, but even then, that was only forty minutes," Kyle questions.
"Yes, but given the intensity of the workload today and how hard you've been working I'm giving you an hour to have a good rest," Brax replies, "I've already asked Henry to cook you up a tuna and avocado salad, some hot chips and garlic bread."
"That's too much," Kyle instantly protests.
"It's not too much. You've done a lot today Kyle and you need to keep your strength up and I've told you before you need to eat decently for a growing teenager," Brax says, shaking his head.
Kyle slumps his shoulders, knowing there is no point protesting further and makes his way into the back office to have his lunch.
When four-thirty comes, Brax informs his afternoon staff of the night-time bookings and special orders before allowing Kyle to clean up and get ready to go home.
On the drive home, Kyle yawns on several occasions while Brax smiles every time he catches a glance of Kyle's tiredness.
"You look pretty tired, little man," Brax says.
Kyle looks over at Brax with dreary eyes.
"I'm sorry," Kyle mumbles.
"Don't be sorry. I'm really proud of your efforts today," Brax praises with a chuckle.
"So: when will my next day be?" Kyle asks as he yawns again.
"Given today, I think I'll have Casey finish his days on the weekend and you can finish your half day on Monday morning," Brax informs.
Kyle nods just as Brax drives into his driveway.
Brax rests his hand on Kyle's back as they walk toward the flat.
Brax knocks on the door and Heath instantly answers, giving a cheerful greeting.
"Hey little brother; how was the day at work?"
"Good; but very busy," Kyle mumbles, walking into the flat.
Heath furrows his brow curiously.
"Something happen?" he queries.
"Nah, just been hectic and he worked himself off his feet, so he's tired," Brax replies then adds: "I'll leave you both to it; got to get checking on Casey, make sure he cleaned his room like I asked.
"Have a good night, Kyle; see you later mate."
"Bye Brax," Kyle says, already getting his pajamas out of his bag.
Heath farewells Brax and closes the door.
"Heath, is it okay if I have a shower?" Kyle asks.
"You don't need to ask; I already told you: make yourself at home," Heath informs.
Kyle takes a fresh towel from Heath's bathroom closet and heads into the bathroom for a shower.
"Casey; I'm home!" Brax yells as he walks into the house.
Casey emerges from the bedroom and greets Brax.
"Have you been in your room all day? You better have finished cleaning it like I told you and not use it to go back to sleep when no-one is home," Brax implies.
"I didn't. It's clean. I just kept getting distracted," Casey replies.
"Hmmm; distracted how: with stopping for snacks or procrastinating?" Casey shrugs, Brax knew him too well.
Sure, he'd spent a lot of time in the kitchen either eating: crackers, two-minute noodles, some fruit and nuts or various flavoured sandwiches, either to procrastinate or because he was continuously hungry.
"Let me have a look," Brax says and walks down to the boy's bedroom.
Brax glances around the room and sees that the room isn't as spotless as it is when Kyle cleans it but Brax nods in approvingly; being impressed by Casey's efforts.
"See: I even vacuumed in here," Casey announces.
"I can see; good job, Case."
Casey follows Brax back out into the dining room.
"What's for dinner, Brax?" Casey asks eagerly.
Brax rolls his eyes as he sees the mess Casey left in the kitchen from his endless snacking.
"You honestly can't be that hungry Casey, especially by the look of the mess you left in the kitchen," Brax says in warning.
Casey gulps having forgotten about all that.
"Sorry, I was hungry," Casey admits sheepishly and Brax sighs.
"Did you even make yourself a decent lunch?"
"Yeah, I had a couple of sandwiches; one with vegemite and one with peanut," Casey says.
"Very well; get and clean up your mess and I'll make some macaroni cheese and vegetables," Brax announces.
Casey's eyes light up at the mention of his favourite pasta meal.
"Yum: but do you have to add the vegetables?" Casey pleads.
Brax raises his brow.
"Okay, okay; I get the point. It's just I prefer it with just the pasta," Casey grumbles.
"I know you do, but I wouldn't be looking after your health if I didn't add vegetables. Besides, it's just going to be: beans, carrots, peas, and corn; you like those."
"Yeah, I guess," Casey moans, defeated, and makes his way into the kitchen to clean up his dishes and throw out his wrappers and noodle container as Brax goes into his room to freshen up before proceeding to prepare dinner.
Heath is mindlessly flicking through television channels while waiting for Kyle to finish in his shower. Heath groans when all that he comes across is news coverage and cooking or antique shows.
Kyle finally comes out of the bathroom, dressed in his pajamas, and Heath flicks off the television, giving his full attention to the teen.
"You sure take your time in a shower," Heath teases, referring to Kyle's one hour time frame he took in the bathroom.
"Sorry, I was just worn out from the day. I didn't mean to use all your water," Kyle apologises.
Heath chuckles and stands up to approach Kyle and ruffles his wet hair.
"Hey, no need to justify; it's okay. You feel better now?"
"Yeah, still tired though," Kyle replies.
"I was thinking we could order pizza for dinner. How does a: Supreme and a Ham and Cheese sound? We can share both and get garlic bread too," Heath suggests.
Kyle nods, "Sure, but can we please get a cheesy garlic bread?"
Heath smiles and grabs his phone to make an order.
After dinner in which Heath polishes off nine slices of pizza and Kyle four, Heath suggests for the two to play games like the previous night.
"Um, as much as that was a lot of fun, I'm really tired tonight so can I just read?" Kyle replies.
"If that's what you want." Kyle nods and makes his way towards the couch where he flaps his blanket and quilt, and positions his pillows before climbing in.
Heath watches Kyle reading for a bit before he decides to sit down at Kyle's feet in which Kyle gives Heath a smile.
Heath continues to glance over at times, and he takes sight of Kyle's monkey poking out from under the blankets and he remembers the comment Kyle made the other day that he didn't get to the bottom of.
"Can you put your book down for a sec Kyle? I want to have a talk with you," Heath instructs calmly.
Kyle furrows his brow and slowly puts his book down on the coffee table.
"Did I do something wrong?" Kyle asks worriedly.
Heath immediately shakes his head.
"No way; don't think like that, little brother; this is about what you mentioned two nights ago. You said about me not being one to tease you about your monkey," Heath begins and points towards Kyle's monkey.
Kyle awkwardly shifts on the couch.
"But you implied someone had. What did you mean?"
Kyle stares down at his blanket and sighs.
"Well, no-one technically teased me besides this one person, but the whole school could have if I didn't do as this person asked," Kyle explains.
"Did anything else happen?" Heath urges.
"Well, this person also called me a baby, a loser, and a chicken..."
"Just tell me who this person is," Heath demands, interrupting Kyle.
Kyle turns silent, sensing Heath would let his temper fly if he found out.
"Stop tip-toeing around, Kyle and just tell me."
"If I tell you, can you please not hurt this person?" Kyle asks.
"Why? Having someone even think about teasing you in what actually sounds like blackmail over something that is so personal to you does not sit well with me. I want you to tell me Kyle, you know I'm not going to let this go," Heath prompts.
"Say you won't make a big deal about this. He's already gotten in deep trouble."
Heath sits to attention.
"That all depends on who you are referring to Kyle," Heath warns, having some inkling on the culprit given Kyle's forgiving nature and knowledge of the trouble said person has gotten into.
Kyle hangs his shoulders and shifts in his blankets again.
"It was Casey," Kyle mutters.
Heath shakes his head.
"I knew it! The way you were trying to protect him even after what he did; does that kid ever stop to think of anyone but himself?" Heath yells, "He is going to get a gutful, next time I see him!"
"Heath, don-t..." Kyle's pleas are quickly cut off.
"What exactly did he do?" Heath demands.
Kyle flinches at Heath's tone and feels guilty for ruining his fun brotherly time with making Heath angry and remains quiet.
Kyle feels Heath move closer towards him and rest his hands on his legs.
"Kyle: what did he do? You've opened up about it this much you have to tell me," Heath demands, in an unsettling tone.
Kyle sighs heavily. Heath is as stubborn as all of them; it was their family trait and Kyle knew he wouldn't back down from this.
"He said he would post a photo to the whole school of me with Milo and even take him to show off in the school field if I didn't go ahead with the prank that was meant for your Ute. I hated having to do it and I kept saying no but he wouldn't listen and kept taunting me of the repercussions if I didn't go along with it. I was too anxious over the school finding out about me relying on a stuffed animal and then having to suffer more grief than what I already do or like that really bad time. Then the night of the prank he threatened to spray my hair again with that spray you used on me," Kyle explains sadly.
Heath frowns and stares hard at Kyle as he listens to every word.
At the mention of the hairspray Heath shifts, knowing how much that prank hurt Kyle and the bullying he copped because of it and for Casey to use that on Kyle as well...was really making Heath angry.
"And remember the night we had a fight and I said he swore at me, well he did that after he called me a loser and a baby, but also said I wasn't human," Kyle blurts out; feeling good to be able to talk it over, given it being a main reason behind the tension between himself and Casey.
Heath angrily shakes his head; he'd heard enough; his baby brother was in serious need of a firm reminder on respect
Heath then remembers back to the day Kyle got hurt because of Casey causing him to trip.
He'd kept his mouth shut but now he was wishing he'd pulled Casey up on his behaviour.
Heath instantly gets up from the couch, alerting Kyle and charges towards the door.
Kyle jumps out of bed and chases after Heath.
"What are you doing? Please don't do anything," Kyle says with a hint of panic.
"Our baby brother needs to be taught a serious lesson!" Heath states angrily.
"Forget my original plan of giving him a torturing payback wedgie, he's going to be getting a spanking from me instead and one that will make him never do anything like that to you again!"
Kyle's eyes go wide.
"No, Heath: please, just leave it," he begs and grabs a hold of Heath's arm.
"Don't try and stop me, Kyle; Casey needs to learn, especially after everything he did to you!"
Heath snaps and opens the door to the flat.
"Heath: please listen! Brax already punished him; just don't add to that!" Kyle yells.
"I don't care if he has already been dealt with because this is not okay, Kyle, so I intend to give him something he so richly deserves!" Heath announces.
"Please Heath, don't do this. I get you want to punish him for hurting me, but I don't need you to. Please just do this for me and leave it, please," Kyle begs following it up with a wide yawn.
He is exhausted and this reminiscing of past emotional events is just making it worse.
Heath sighs heavily, taking a look at his emotionally and physically worn out brother and glancing into his pleading brown eyes.
Heath shuts the front door and Kyle releases his hold on Heath's arm.
"Very well, little man, but if Casey ever went through with any of his threats or blackmail, or even dares do anything like this to you again; I will end him and I mean it!" Heath states firmly and points his finger at Kyle to emphasise his point.
Kyle's eyes remain wide as he looks up at Heath then suddenly yawns again.
"Come on Ky, you need your sleep," Heath encourages and wraps his arm around Kyle's shoulders, guiding Kyle back towards the couch.
Kyle climbs back into his bed and Heath kneels down in front of him.
"Listen Bubs: don't take any notice of what Casey says. He is the baby in this family, and he needs to treat his big brothers with respect and that includes you," Heath states.
Kyle shrugs.
"I'm hardly his big brother, he's only six months younger than me; practically the same age, and he's bigger than me and always able to push me around," Kyle says.
Heath shakes his head.
"My point exactly: the way he treats you is disrespectful, and disrespect doesn't stand in this family. Anyhow, it wouldn't matter if he's six minutes or even six seconds younger than you. You are still his big brother and are to be respected and you are much more mature than him," Heath explains.
Kyle smiles at Heath's statement and realises how right he was.
Brax had always taught the boys about respect and Casey was younger than him.
"Goodnight Bubs, you've had a big day; time to get some sleep."
Heath pulls Kyle out of his thoughts with a gentle pat of his hair.
"Goodnight, and thanks for letting me talk about things that happened," Kyle replies.
"What are big brothers for?" Heath says smiling and walks away to switch off the light.
Kyle thinks for a moment and realises he too has been the listener of many of Casey's problems and tempers and that's what a big brother does.
He shuts his eyes and soon fades off into sleep.
Heath gets into his own bed, still reeling from the events of the night and although Kyle stopped him confronting Casey tonight, he believed the youngest still needed a lesson in respect and this time he wasn't going to let it go.