A/N: currently OBSESSED with Shakespeare's quotes. WHY DID I NOT READ ALL OF THEM BEFORE?!? (They're on my bio) Also, guys - #6 now?? wow, THIS made me update. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!

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"Family is not an important thing, it's everything." ~ Michael J Fox.

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                 •BRAD•

I spread out the blue print in front of us on the library table. Ron was hovering over with his hands on our seats.

"Mom might be in the garage." Chad said.

Mom?

"Yes, mom. My mom. Your mom. We're family remember?" He asked.

I gave him a confused look, realising that I had said that aloud.

"Look, I want you to know that even if this mission fails – which it won't –" he added quickly and continued after he saw that I was fine, "I will always be there for you. You have the support of my whole family. So just think of it like this – you have two moms. You're trying to save one. Okay?"

I was stunned. But I composed myself, some how and said, "Okay." And tried for a small smile.

'We're your family', 'Your mom is also my mom', 'I will always be here for you.'

Not really. I don't think Chad understands – you can't just replace a member of your family. If you lose them, you lose them forever. You can't join a family like you'd join a club – it doesn't work like that. You're born in your family. You're brought up with your family. Chad is trying his best to help me, but he doesn't really know what I'm dealing with. Not that I'd ever want him to experience my pain. Ever.

"The plan." I said, stopping him from saying anything sappy.

"So, mom's probably going to be in the garage. Let's check that area first – together. Then we split up." He said.

"I'll check the living room and the kitchen, you check the rooms upstairs."

"Dude, there are about ten rooms upstairs."

"You check six rooms, I'll check five." I said.

"And once we find her, we have to get her into the truck. How?" Chad asked, putting on his thinking face.

"We can just tie her to a rope and lower her down into the truck through the window. Or, we can cannon ball her straight into my house. Perfect, right?" I said, rolling my eyes.

He looked at me as if he was actually considering it.

"Of course not, you idiot! We just untie her and take her to the truck!" I said.

"But what if there are obstructions? You never know." He said.

Oh.

"Then maybe tying her to a rope and lowering her down to the truck is a good idea."

"Yeah, we just need to carry some... Utensils."

"Utensils?"

"Max knows." He said, getting up exactly when the bell rang.

He got up and left the place, with Ron behind him. I sighed, getting up and walking towards my next class. The only thought that was running in my head were my parents.

My real ones.

Did they really die when I was three? How am I alive? Why did mom and dad leave Alex and Rose? Am I really just adopted? What if I save my mom but she wouldn't want me anymore after she found her real daughter?

I'm just a fake son. I'm not her blood. Obviously, she would not want me back.

Doing this was a waste of time. I might as well try to fit in Chad's family.

"Mr. Bond, is the window more interesting than my class?" I suddenly heard a sharp voice bring me out of my thought. I looked around, realising that I unconsciously entered my class and had sat in my seat.

"No, sir." I answered, hoping I wouldn't get into trouble.

"Then would you tell me what electrolysis is?" He asked.

Oh, it's chemistry. I had learnt this before school started this year.

"The process due to which a chemical compound in the fused state or in an aqueous state conducts direct electric current, resulting in the discharge of ions of an electrolyte so as to form neutral atoms at their respective electrodes is called electrolysis." I blurted. I had memorised this whole chapter before.

His jaw dropped.

I'm smart. I know.

"Try to use my words more often. I can see that is a text book definition." He nodded, trying to scold me.

That's not even an excuse. I can tell you whatever answer I want as long as it is correct.

"Right, sir." I said instead, sitting down and going back into my thoughts.

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The bell rang, signalling the end of school. Chad had detention today — as usual, so I had to walk back home alone.

I shoved my hand in my pocket and gripped on to my school bag with the other. Suddenly, it thundered.

Just perfect.

I walked in the rain, ignoring the fact that my books might get wet. I kicked random stones on my way as I walked, imagining them to be the parts of my life.

Why is Chad even helping you?

Because he's my friend. Best friend. He's my brother now – he does not have any bad intention in doing so. He is helping me, he won't abandon me.

How do you know?

I can't explain that. It's just something about him that makes me trust him. He is my brother.

Step brother. Just like how even Alex and Rose are your step siblings.

They're different.

How? Can you really trust Chad?

Yes. End of discussion, brain.

Aye, aye, captain heart.

I clicked the door open and stumbled inside, saying hello to mom.

Whose mom?

I said, 'End of discussion, brain.' I forced myself, running upstairs, trying not to stain the carpet.

I locked myself in my room and took a long shower.

Any reminders, brain?

Meet Max for the instruments.

Thanks.

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