Jeff and Harvey are siblings.


SIXTEEN – BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER

Another school day loomed upon them. Their parents were already settled behind their desks within their big London offices, asking the most recent University graduate – non-too politely – to make them their first cup of tea for the long arduous day ahead. Bill and Teresa loved their children dearly, however their work schedules seemed to blow that declaration apart. Their insistent denials that their work was more important to them than their two boys fell on small deaf ears.

Well… one believed them. The one who didn't have the responsibility of ensuring that himself and his brother woke up on time, consumed enough nourishment to last until lunch time, bathed, brushed their teeth, and dressed all before eight o'clock.

No, it was all down to Jeff. Jeff had to take care of Harvey. It was his responsibility.

After all… what were big brothers for?

"OW!"

The wail sent shivers crawling up Jeff's spine, and for all the wrong reasons. Gleefully grinning, he pulled the chunk of fair hair again.

"OW! STOP! IT HURTS!"

"Well, you should have eaten all your porridge then, shouldn't you?"

Despite the pain, his younger brother's expression wrinkled into one of disgust. "It was all stodgy, Mum makes it better!"

"Yes, well-" Another tug. "Mum isn't here right now. So, tomorrow morning, when I make our yummy breakfast, there won't be enough porridge to go round…" Jeff leant in closer to Harvey. "How do you feel about making your own breakfast, H?"

"I-I-I don't know how to use the t-toaster!" The body in his grasp flailed, chubby hands scrabbling for freedom.

Jeff chuckled, sneering at his sibling. "Don't be stupid, that isn't the truth."

Pink flushed Harvey's cheeks and his struggles lessened slightly. "It is." He whined. "I don't know how to use it. I'm only-"

"Ten, yes I know." The sneer dropped as Jeff rolled his eyes. "Honestly H, how have you made it this far in life? When I was your age, I could cook a three course meal to perfection-"

"Tasted like old people!" Harvey snapped back petulantly.

Jeff blinked, before snickering cruelly. "Dear brother of mine, at least let your witty comebacks make sense. Honestly, I don't believe Mum when she said you weren't adopted, you cannot be related to me biologically."

"Yeah, well you're a crap brother!"

"Oh dear, Harvey James." Jeff pouted as he finally let go. "I'm going to tell Mum you said a bad word."

"But I didn't!" Harvey screwed his face up in annoyance and anger, rubbing his sore head. "Crap's not a bad word!"

"Oh, but shit is." Jeff snickered again and broke into a wicked grin. "Now hurry up and get dressed. I'm not waiting for you, you know that. You're late, you're on your own."

His younger brother's eyes widened in horror and his mouth flapped open and shut, like a startled fish. "You wouldn't! I never said that! Don't tell Mum and Dad!"

"Depends," Jeff shrugged and spat out a bitter laugh, grin souring. "Hurry up, you little bastard, I don't have time to waste."