just drained by looking after the boys. The house was still messy which she didn't find time to

The boys didn't stop there. They had pulled out the entire

heir bedroom floor. How was she supposed to fold that all? He

se other than the chores. There was no doubt she wou

lf an hour scrubbing the dried paint off the walls. She couldn't expe

or how much extra works the boys gave

and forced to work. Considering her medical history and few complications sh

for first six months, they were normal and grew up healthy

ve. Soon she will have to look for another well-paid job or part-time j

s droop in hopes of

-

partment as she contemplated

many voice messages from her brother. He has been calling h

ays adored him. It was his father who

father who shunned her. He didn't want to acknowledge her as

the best examples for a dysfunctional family. The society didn't know about. They all c

ate. She knew about his marriage and divorce, how hi

mber and a few seconds la

. um...

len

ill remember

you meet m

When an

ll message you

... Ah... Helena, t

y. See you

close, they were the only sane people that lived under the roof of Stanfield's

rk, something that helped her to numb the never-ending

--

led through the darkne

l have to go on another business trip. He hated this life, think

ng her. Thoughts of Jessika once again haunted him as he battl

as he was late for work. He couldn't believe he overslept, getting up he

re in half an hour. Being a Sunday, he didn't have to bother with the office work. Dresse

knocked over a garbage bin down the street. Reason-lost

ards the car opening the passenger seat for him. His debate seemed poi

r in front of Helena's apartment. He rubbed hi

elevator. Soon he was in front of her door, once again debating when to

showing his only sister Helena. Kevin swallowed as

, " she

t simple with beige coloured walls and matching the carpet. A comfortable sect

ling. Kevin sighed as he occupied one chair and relaxed when the arom

akfa

ur

ing a cup of coffee, just the way

liked his coffee. The though

e and orange juice. Kevin ate relishing the food

meeting me,

e to you. I knew nothing until I came back

se years stirred many emotions within her and she d

hese years were shaking at th

t you several times, but you never returned my calls, " Kevin sai

hy

e than me, " he stuttered. A part of him was afrai

in. I left all that behind me tw

ece of hash brown into her mouth. Its deliciousness ex

business, " he blurted out sippi

" she r

d moved on with my dreams, my f

art ached for her brother. Her maternal instincts kicked in as she scooted closer engulfing him in a on

Helena? You know, to

stomach knotted at the question.

N

ve jumped at the opportunity twelve years back

u have achieved, but the business is your

ed twelve years ag

Hell, I didn't even understand why I would refer to t

ack?" He asked again. "I-I mean th

llecting their empty plates before car

she felt her heart melt. Her brother didn't look like the old carefree Kevin she knew. He alwa

to be. The new Kevin did not crack jokes, he didn't bother to comb his hair,

e reached out

d switched on the TV. It has been over tw

she said after a while. Their eyes fixed o

crush my hopes and dreams on the

ow this part, they never spoke of it. His father always

r me and always respected my wishes. He always put my nee

so-called parents threatened me with all the family honor bullshit. When I wouldn't budge th

d. He looked at his sister with wid

free. He had so many contacts at the higher level, and he made sure that Austin

I never saw Austin after that. They jailed him for three years and Austin woul

you, " Kevin whispered. He felt disgust

unch? Hang out for old time sake, " she offered as sh