*Brothers

Intro: This is a short story that gives a little history about two characters who are in a novel I'm writing. This story is meant to be complete by itself. (Though it doesn't matter in this story, this is currently the year 2247. The genre is Sci-Fi.) Because I can say so, my novel is called Game Over and hopefully, eventually, you'll see it in stores. Probably not in the near future though. Give me a couple years. Enough rambling, let the games begin.

William looked at Samson and felt the burn of jealous. That’s how he often felt being one of a matched pair. Why not him? His only advantage was the ability to learn by the book. Not much of an advantage when compared to someone who could pick it up on the first try.

“William, are you coming?” Samson asked; his usual smile in place.

With careful hands, William organized his papers and books before sliding them into his satchel. Samson was brawnier and his well muscled arm rested across the shoulders of his girlfriend. Fae smiled at William.

“Are you coming with us to the movie?”

It burned William that there was only kindness in her voice. Part of him wanted to argue that he’d seen her first. He should be dating her.

“I have some studying to catch up on.”

“You can always study later.” Samson said.

“One of these days, you’re going to be forced to be the obedient one.”

“Yeah, yeah. Catch you later.”

William waved good bye and watched his older brother saunter off with his arm still lazily holding her close. At home William finished his homework and then played video games with his younger brother, Justin. Even though William was nearly six years older, Justin could beat him at nearly every game. It was still fun though. Eventually, their mother ordered them to set the table.

“Where’s Samson?” Mother asked.

“On a date.” Justin drawled. “With the ever so lovely Fae.”

Mother threw a dish towel which he caught easily. “You’d better not say anything when he gets home. I’m glad to see him getting out more.”

William carefully set down the plate he was holding. He was sixteen too; shouldn’t he be getting out more? No one ever said that to him. When Samson came home, Justin drilled him about the movie. It was an action flick that was doing well.

“You should have come, William. You would have enjoyed it.”

William chuckled. “Naw, I don’t want to see it with someone as squeamish as Fae. I’ll go with Justin this weekend.”

Justin punched his fist into the air, “Yes. You’re the coolest William.”

“Cooler than me?” Samson asked.

“Completely.” Came the quick reply.

Justin hugged William quickly before running off to his room.

Samson scowled. “He never hugs me.”

“Would you rather have hugs from your little brother or your girlfriend?” William asked drily.

With a laugh, Samson replied, “Pretty obvious answer.” He sobered and flopped down on the couch. “I made a decision tonight.”

“What?”

“I’m dropping out of school. There’s a tech school that offers the program I want. If I start now I can finish in just under a year.”

“What are you going to do?” William asked. He couldn’t picture Samson not being in class with him. Though William studied more, Samson got decent grades in everything but math. In math he was the star pupil without even trying.

“It’s a mechanical repair technician.”

Before William could say anything, Samson pushed on.

“That’s why I was late coming home. Fae and I went to the school before heading to the movie.”

“And what does Fae think of you changing schools?”

“She’s fine with it. I asked her.”

“What about mom and dad?” William asked. His throat was dry as he sat on the edge of the chair.

“We’ve already talked about it. I finished filling out the paperwork today. I start next week.”

“Next week? But we’re halfway through the semester?”

Samson raised an eyebrow. “They don’t have a set schedule. It’s a self-paced class. I can start whenever I want. There’s no point to wait until the end of the semester.”

“Are you crazy? You could get a degree in engineering, or architecture, or design. You’re going to throw it away to become a mechanic?” William stormed to his feet. “Are you stupid?”

“What’s your problem? It’s not like I’m forcing you to come with me.”

William shook his head and stormed out of the house. Since it was nearly midnight, the streets were deserted in the small suburban neighborhood. Though it was chilly, William didn’t turn back. The park was technically closed at dark but it was relatively easy to climb the large fence. He sat with his back against a tree for the rest of the evening.

When morning came, he stretched his cramped legs and left. He skipped school and instead went for a hike in the nearby hills. At dark, he made himself comfortable in the park again. He heard someone call his name, but ignored it.

The third night from home, William was hungry and ventured towards his favorite hamburger joint. He paused when he saw Fae and Samson sitting in a booth. Fae rubbed Samson’s back. Samson stared blankly at the food in front of him. Dark circles were under his eyes and occasionally shivered.

William watched them for nearly half an hour before sneaking away again. This time, instead of going to the park, he went home. There was a large wisteria bush next to the house by his window. Though he’d grown from the last time he hid in it, he made himself comfortable.

At three in the morning he woke to the sound of Samson’s muffled screams. William closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. The nightmares were back for the first time in nearly two years. Though he wanted to climb through the window and help, William forced himself to stay where he was. Samson was always angry when he helped.

The next evening William walked in, just in time for dinner. Justin hugged him and Samson smiled briefly. His eyes were red and his hands shook.

“If you’re not careful,” William said as he took his seat. “I’m going to steal Fae.”

“Give it your best shot.” Samson replied.

That night, William listened but Samson’s nightmare didn’t return.

“I’ll leave her to you.” William murmured as he drifted off to sleep. “For now.”