After a cold shower, I dragged my wasted body downstairs. Following the inviting aroma bubbling from the kitchen.
My expectations were shut by a male's figure by the cooker.

"Vince?"
He turned around wearing a stupid smirk.
"Hey Daisy... Ah, you're up?"
I looked around lazily. "Where's mom?"
He turned down the heat then faced me. "They called, and, they're not coming. Something about some business party!"

"Oh! Okay."
I walked across to the refrigerator to get some milk. Ignoring Vince's eyes.
"Do you need a massage? You look so low and fatigued."
"No, no, thanks," replied with a small smile.
"I know someone who can offer a relieving massage...for free."

I chuckled pouring some cold milk in a glass. He shifted his attention to the food cooking, but still kept talking.
"It's the least I can do to the daughter of such a nice family."
He sounded really honest and meaning every letter.
"Okay. I guess I can use a massage. But who's this person?"

Our gazes collided as I abandoned the milk to squeeze the small of my back. Ah, my entire body felt on fire. How could such little workouts send me to a painful abyss.
"Me."
My right brow lifted questioningly. "You? Are you sure you know how to?"
Vince laughed it off while turning off all the fires.
"Let's have dinner then a massage later."

"Calm down Daisy," Vince laughed adding pressure to my shoulders. "You're so tensed."
I tried to laugh but was so nervous. Never had I let any other guy part from Alex to touch me. And with the way Vince's hands were flowing down my back to my waist, I couldn't help but feel so anxious.
Vince shifted his weight on the space close to my waist.
"You know, I couldn't have been in a better home than yours. Everything here is so put together. The location, the people. But I noticed you don't like me as much as everyone."
True.
And I couldn't answer why if he'd ask.
"I'm just not used to...having a guy in my house."

Vince's anticipated laugh had me fully tensed. "That's ironic cause you do bring a guy."
My body jerked to look up at him, the hand at my waist went flat on my bare stomach.
"Have you...been spying on me?"
"Spying is a strong accusation Daisy. Your door was so wide open that anybody could clearly see you were making out with someone."
Immediately, my cheeks heated up like the fireflies burning my intestines.
The hand moved across my skin to the waist. "But, that's our little secret... Your dad told me about that Alex guy. And I'm curious why he dislikes him so much."

"He...he did?"
Vince let a sly smirk tease me, as the fingers busy drawing circles on the bare waist.
"Do you know what your dad asked of me?"
I started sitting up, but his hand pressurized me to stay put. "Make her fall for you Vince. I trust you can take care of my daughter if anything was to happen to me and her mother... You have my blessing son."
"No!" I cried, doubting him to the core.

"You're lying."
"Am I now? How would I know that he bought you a bike for your seventeenth birthday if he hadn't told me."
By then, bitter tears were scorching my eyes like acid. Wanting to pour and just wash away the anger rising.
So dad trusted this intruder over the one guy I'd been with for months?

The hand left my body, and Vince rose. "But for the record, I won't force you to like me. Though I find you really attractive and lovable... Don't worry, your dad won't know that you hate me."
The last smile spoke of silent hurt... But, did I really hate him?

No.
I just didn't want anything to do with Vince. Alex had sounded edgy about him, yet, I was seeing a different side of Vince. He was understanding.
His words echoed through my mind as I slept...Don't worry, your dad won't know that you hate me. "

Saturday.

For thirty minutes, I waited for Alex's text... I was ready for our day out together. Wearing a pair of green shorts and a white tank top.
My busy parents had left in the early morning. Vince was, probably watching TV. He never left the house unless for school.
Buzz.

My heart jumped like the rest of my body as a broad smile surfaced. But it was quickly wiped off by Alex's text.
Alex: Damn! Sorry babe. But there will be a change of plans, let's hang out tomorrow. I need to go do some studies for the upcoming test. I need to ace it. I'll make it up to you, and don't be mad. I love you a million times.

My eyelids squeezed together.
"Take it easy Daisy. He needs to study... Tomorrow ain't bad either," I comforted myself.

Making my way to the kitchen, I caught Vince's head popping from the couch. He was facing the TV so I couldn't tell if he was asleep or watching.
Some bit of guilt slowly made way... The last time we had talked, it hadn't ended well. Not forgetting the fact that it was two nights back.
I need to apologise.

Like a grounded kid, I walked inside the lounge in a slow pace.
His head snapped to me.
"Daisy? I thought you left?"
"Well, something came up and he canceled it. Anyway, can I have a sec of your time, please?"

"Sure, sure." He swung his legs to the floor, offering me a seat next to him. Then tuned the volume down.
It was a little awkward at first. I had never been in such a situation before.
"I... I wanna say sorry for...the other night."
"Daisy!" He took my hands in his large ones. "There's nothing to be sorry for."
"But...but you... I just wanted you to know that, I don't...hate you."
"Come here." He hugged me friendly.
And that, that was the start of my new path... Vince kept me company whenever I needed a friend, and I did the same whenever he needed someone to talk to.

For two good weeks, I managed to keep the two brothers from ever meeting.
But on that Monday, fate kicked in with a terrific blow.
* * *

The phone rang.
Alex's photo on the screen brought the smile that warmed me up for miles.
"How's my cute short doll?"
"Don't be naughty, where are you?"
"Somewhere you will never know."
I laughed. "Are you outside my house?"
His laughter was more pleasing.
"A close guess. How about you come downstairs."
It was alright for me to smile. After all, Vince had gone out for some movies.

After slipping my jacket over the short blue dress, I ran out of the room and down the stairs.
Getting to the floor, every cell in that body of mine iced. I froze dead on my ground.
Two worlds had collided.
And the firm tension turned my insides numb.

"What are you doing here?" Vince demanded.
"I should ask you that!" Alex growled plunging forwards Vince.
"Stop!" I yelled dashing to stand between them.
Alex's scowl fell on me.
"Daisy? What's going on here?"

It felt as if I had played the worst game on earth towards Alex.
"Alex! So you're the useless boyfriend that kept turning her down over and over. And for what?"
"Just shut up!" Alex ordered darting for him, but I pushed him back. "Get a hold of yourself Alex."

"What's he doing here?"

"Alex, I can explain."
"Oh gawd! Are you seeing this jerk now?" He bellowed grabbing my arms.
"What? No. He-"
"Oh shut up. I should have known you would betray me like the rest of them. You know, Gray had warned me about you and that good-for-nothing bastard-"
Someone yanked me from the harsh grip. "You're such a fool Alex. And let this be the last time you lay your filthy hands on her."

"Please, stop." I whispered helplessly.
It was too much to bear. How could Alex accuse me of such a crime? How could I betray him, with his own brother?
And what was worst than him believing that Gray over his own girlfriend and not giving me a chance? God knew nothing was going on between Vince and I other than normal friendship.

But Alex didn't seem ready to hear me.
It was my fault. I should have told him from the beginning that his brother was staying at my house.

"Can you just get your ass out of here before I do something stupid."
Alex huffed, sounding irritated to the gut. "Superb, your lover now threatens me...." His eyes came to stab mine. "You know what, I don't want to ever see your face again."
With that, he stormed out.
"Alex wai-"
Vince's arms stopped me from running after him. "Let him go."
"No, let me go. I need to explain."
"Shh." My face was plastered to his chest. His hands on my back for comfort.

"He would have given you a chance to explain if he really loves you Daisy. He's a sick man to doubt you."
"Nooo, Alex loves me. And I lo...o...ve him." I sobbed hard, clutching Vince's shirt.