Chapter 1

Chapter 1

 

January 2020

 

Ryan felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, the dark-haired student glanced at the screen and a frown creased his brow.

 

Waving at a friend as he exited the university, the nineteen-year-old answered the call with a hint of unease evident in his tone. Any call from the Roseville institute usually didn't mean anything good.

 

The uneasy feeling gave way to shock and then fear as his brother's doctor informed him that Jake had disappeared.

 

The psychiatrist went further and explained that his brother had last been seen at breakfast that morning.

 

Dr. Mason Chambers had made the call with some apprehension, he knew how much the young man cared about his big brother. He told Ryan that they had informed the boy's parents and that the police had been contacted as well.  There was nothing on the security footage either.

 

The last bit of information Mason shared was that the institute didn't have security cameras at the back exit and told Ryan that that was the only logical way someone could have taken Jake without too many people noticing.

 

The drive back to Roseville was a two-hour trip and the young man had a lot on his mind to keep him occupied. His thoughts went back to the first night his brother had spent in the institute.

 

A 15-year-old Jake had freaked out in the new environment and Ryan promised him that he would not leave. The twelve-year-old had spent that first night with Jake, he refused to leave his side even when the orderlies tried to remove him. The doctor had eventually agreed to have the tenacious boy sleep in, he could see that the younger boy had a positive, calming effect on his brother. And he assumed correctly, even that first time he met the brothers, that they would be a formidable team.

 

July 2013

 

"It's okay, it's okay." Ryan whispered for what felt like the hundredth time as he realized his brother's breathing had evened out.

 

"I'm sorry". Ryan recognized the voice but he had never heard that voice utter those words so clearly. Slowly turning around he gasped when Jake repeated the apology as eloquently as before.

 

"Yo-, you cccan talk?" Ryan stuttered, flabbergasted.

 

"I guess I can..." Jake said, a strange edge to his voice.

 

Ryan gaped as his brother walked without as much as a limp towards the window. Jake could usually walk short distances with some assistance. He could however see a big difference in his brothers gait just in the small distance he walked from the bed to the window.

 

After some inspection, Jake proceeded towards the door.

 

"I guess these are my new accommodations." Jake's voice was low and quiet and Ryan had to concentrate to hear the statement.

 

Ryan could feel his anger and resentment towards his parents rise as he pulled Jake into a hug. Ryan tried to ignore the way Jake's first reaction was to stiffen, but he was quickly relaxing into the embrace.

 

Ryan had a bizarre thought as he held his brother, Jake felt firm and real, and that puzzled the young man. If they were in a dream, they weren't supposed to be able to touch, right? But then again they weren't supposed to have shared dreams and Jake was not supposed to be able to talk, so being able to touch things in the dream was probably not that big of a stretch.

 

"I will get you out of here, I promise." Ryan vowed.

 

Ryan sat down on Jake's bed and started to fidget with the frills on the bedspread. He was trying to figure out how he was able to communicate with his brother.

 

Jake was obviously having the same problem as he sat down on the other side of the bed and did exactly the same with the frills on his side.

 

The brothers' eyes locked and they both gave a small laugh.

 

Jake was the first to speak. Ryan listened with awe to his brother's soft and fluent voice as he explained that he thought they were actually asleep, having the same dream, and somehow they were able to communicate in their shared dream. Jake looked expectantly at Ryan and turned an interesting shade of red at his brother's shocked expression. Ryan stood up from his side of the bed and sat down next to Jake, his arm circling around his shoulders.

 

"I don't know how this is possible, or what caused this, but to be able to speak to you like this has always been my biggest wish." Ryan's voice was raw with emotion. "Me too, kiddo, me too." Jake replied, a tear rolling down his cheek.

July 2013

 

Jake had been living at the institute for a week. He was settling in surprisingly well. The staff were very friendly and made him feel welcome. His brother had "visited" him in his dreams every night. And that was probably the thing that helped the most with the new transition in the young mans life.

 

It was a Wednesday night when Jake had a vision of his brother.

 

Jake had just fallen asleep when he opened his eyes on the road next to his parents house. He saw a familiar figure riding a bicycle and as Ryan approached, recognized his brother. The next instant a grey sedan came speeding towards the young boy and before Jake could scream his brother was lying in the road, covered in blood, his leg at an unnatural angle. Jake stood frozen as the scene played out in front of him.

 

The next instant Jake was back in the institute in his bed and a nurse was speaking to him but Jake was unable to respond. His arms were flailing around and he was close to passing out. 

 

Dr. Chambers was contacted and told the staff that he would be in shortly. He made a point of driving in to check any situations that may arise with this specific young patient. He ordered a mild sedative to be given stat and told the staff that he would be there within a few minutes. 

 

Jake opened his eyes in their parents house and frantically started searching for his brother.

 

Throwing the door open, he almost collided with his brother as he ran into the room. 

 

Ryan gasped when he saw Jake's face, his brother was pale and shaking. 

 

"Listen, little brother. I don't know how I know this, but please believe me, you can't ride your bike to come see me for a while." Jake was sure his brother would think he was crazy, how could he explain to the kid how he knew this? He couldn't explain it but he knew the vision was real, he could feel it.

 

Ryan was taken aback by the broken and pleading tone of his brothers' voice. He still had no idea how he was sharing dreams with Jake or how his supposedly non-verbal sibling was speaking clear sentences to him in his dreams.

 

Ryan started to argue, wanting to disagree with his brother but the look of absolute fear on Jake's face made him nod instead. He offered a compromise, he would force his parents to drive him until Jake gave the all clear. He also added that it would give them time to work out when the vision was supposed to happen and why Jake had a vision of it in the first place.

 

Jake felt relief flood him and agreed that the compromise should work. He definitely liked the sound of working with his brother to find the answers to their shared questions.

 

Jake took a good look at his surroundings and for the first time registered that they were in his parents' house. He didn't really know how he felt being back there even if just in a dream and the uncertainty of the situation was causing him to panic. 

 

Ryan was about to ask Jake more details around the vision when he noticed his brother surveying the room and realization set in. They were in his house, the house that was no longer home to his brother and he let out a curse. 

 

He noticed how pale and sweaty the other boy was and realized his big brother was seconds from a meltdown. 

 

The younger boy steered his big brother to the bed and made him sit down. Ryan gently went about massaging his brothers shoulders. Jake relaxed into the massage and marveled at the comfort he got from his brother's touch, he couldn't tolerate anyone else touching him but Ryan had always had the opposite effect. He could calm his brother with only a look. Jake didn't really want to talk to his brother about their parents, he was still working through his feelings and he didn't want to influence his brother in anyway.

 

Jake gave his brother a grateful nod and stood up, still a bit unsteady but he was headed for the door. Ryan quickly followed as Jake went down the hall and into the kitchen.

 

The kitchen looked different to Jake. Something was missing, he looked around and stood frozen when he finally realized what the difference was. Ryan had followed his brother's gaze and knew exactly why his brother had that haunted look on his face. His parents had taken out the security gates they had used to lock Jake out of the kitchen.

 

They had removed the gates while Ryan was at school, he was sure they did it while he was away to avoid a showdown with their youngest.

 

White-hot-rage filled Ryan and before he could think he hit the wall where the security gate used to be. The rage was blinding as he kept hitting the wall with his fists until his brother grabbed his hands and forced him to look at him. He held his brothers hands in his and told him that he never wanted him to hurt himself for any reason.

 

Jake gave a curse when he saw the damage to his brother's hands and told him to get some bandages and disinfectant.

 

As he set about bandaging Ryans fists, Jake told him that he didn't blame his parents for the gates to the kitchen. He explained that the medicine he had to take at that time always left him hungry, and he would eat anything he could get his hands on. Their parents had resorted to the security gates out of necessity, he had gained too much weight and was bordering on overweight for a while before their parents had installed the gates.

 

Ryan thought it was just like his mother to stress about their family image, how would an overweight disabled son reflect on her. He kept his last thought to himself though, he didn't want to cause his brother any further pain by pointing out their mothers vanity.

 

Ryan had a strange thought as Jake finished with the bandages. He wondered out loud if he would have the bandages on when he woke up from their dream. Jake spoke up and told him that he didn't think he would. He explained that they were in a dream and whatever happened in dreams didn't carry over to the waking world. Or at least that's what he thought usually happened. Ryan just stared at him and finally gave himself a shake, telling his brother that he had a valid point.

 

Ryan opened his eyes and was saddened but not surprised to find no bandages on his knuckles, he also noted that his knuckles didn't have a scratch on them.

 

January 2020

 

"Jakey, I know you're probably frightened, but please, believe me, I had no choice". May was standing at the window in the big bedroom she had hastily prepared for her unexpected guest. As she explained her actions to her non-verbal patient, she marveled at the depth of feelings she had developed for not only Jake but his brother as well. May hoped that Jake was paying attention to what she was telling him. She needed him to give Ryan an important message. Although there was no indication that Jake understood anything she said, she had seen and heard some unbelievable things while taking care of the amazing young man. She had also kept the brothers' shared dreams and Jake's abilities secret. Crouching down to his eye level, May took one of Jake's hands in hers and gave it a squeeze. She felt a stab of sadness as Jake withdrew his hand, not able to tolerate the touch.

May stood up and walked towards the door, telling Jake about her plans for dinner over her shoulder. As May worked on preparing dinner her thoughts went to Jake and Ryan. She knew how strong the brothers' bond was, she also knew that it had weakened in the last two years. She had observed sadly the deterioration of their relationship.

 

She prayed that Jake would be able to reach his brother through their connection because she wouldn't risk calling him the conventional way. The safest way to contact him was through the siblings' shared dreams.

 

Ryan had arrived at his parents' house late that afternoon. After a tense dinner, he had excused himself, telling his mother he was tired after the two-hour drive home.

 

During the dinner, Liz and Stan took turns bringing him up to date on the last two years of his brother's life. They told him that Jake was doing really well at the institute and that the new medicines had done wonders to calm and stabilize him. They also expressed their shock and disbelief at his disappearance. Saying that they had no idea who would want to kidnap a handicapped young man.

 

Ryan slammed the door shut and started to pace his childhood room. He had no idea how his parents could be so clueless. He wasn't blind, he knew what Jake looked like to most people. He looked like an invalid, a handicapped person who would need help with basic activities for the rest of his life. And they were right, he would need assistance for the rest of his life. But they didn't look closely, they didn't bother to get to know him. If they did, they would see what Lily and May saw. An amazing young man who brought only joy to the people lucky enough to really see him.

 

Ryan felt sad for his parents. They never allowed themselves to get close enough to really see Jake, to see the Jake hiding behind the outer layers.

 

Ryan had showered and popped two sleeping pills into his mouth. He dry-swallowed them and climbed onto his bed, not even bothering to climb under the covers. He had made an attempt at meditation but after a few minutes gave up on that idea. As he settled on his back he started to quiet his mind. Slowly, purposefully, he calmed his breathing.

 

It was about 10 minutes after Ryan had calmed his breathing, and he was already fast asleep. The years of shared dreams had taught Ryan a few tricks.

 

He could be asleep within a minute of hitting his pillow. It had taken a bit longer this time as he had not interacted with Jake in their sleep in years. Another trick he had learned in the years of shared dreams was that he could usually predict where they would meet, at his place or at the institute. But he was pretty sure his brother would not be at the institute and he was worried they would meet at the kidnappers place. On the other hand, it could give him an opportunity to look around and maybe find some clue as to his brother's whereabouts.

 

Ryan looked around him suspiciously, the room he was in looked familiar. Before he could look around further he heard his brother's shy voice from the door.

 

"I'm okay Ry." Jake's voice was steady and he had a smile on his face. "It was May, she staged the kidnapping to keep me safe".

 

Ryan listened skeptically as his brother explained the Matrons involvement.

 

The morning of 7 January, May had intercepted a file with a criptic note attached. It mentioned several patients who were involved in clinical trials not sanctioned by the FDA, and Jake was one of them.

 

A photo of Jake accompanied the note. The note mentioned new therapies they were to start on Jake. May didn't know anything else. After reading the note she had grabbed a few items from Jake's room and had slipped him out via the back exit.

 

Jake didn't know how his brother would react to the next bit of news. May didn't want him to make any real contact with them yet.

 

May had warned him that they didn't know who was behind the threat and that she didn't want to involve Ryan unnecessarily. Jake agreed that his brothers safety was the most important thing.

 

He was unsure if his brother would want to be involved anyway, he knew his brother loved him but he was uncertain of a lot of things. Ryan had stopped all their interactions and had stopped visiting him two years ago. He knew it was because of what happened at the Roseville Heroes ball and that Ryan had been terrified he would lose his brother but Jake really missed him.

 

Ryan nodded slowly, saying that it was probably for the best and that he agreed they couldn't trust anyone, not even their parents.

 

Ryan had been wondering how he would react when he saw his big brother again. He was afraid he would give in to his desire to have that special bond with Jake again. He was however going to do everything in his power to keep his brother safe. Their abilities was too dangerous to Jake's health and he would not put his brother's life in jeopardy again.

 

5 May 2018

 

Jake was impatiently tapping his shoe against the floor in his room at the institute, his brother was taking his time to go to sleep and Jake was not a patient person under the best of circumstances. And these were definitely not the best of circumstances.

 

Unwillingly a memory flashed in his mind and he felt the familiar shame overwhelm him.

 

They were all busy getting ready to go out and Jake needed some help with his shoes. The eight-year-old walked with some difficulty over to his mom but he had forgotten to bring the shoes with him. He spent the following ten minutes trying to get his mother to understand what he wanted, he finally lost his patience and, giving his mother a shove he rushed out of the room as quickly as his wobbly legs would carry him.

 

Returning to the present Jake felt the uncertainty start to overwhelm him. The brothers' abilities were growing and Jake didn't know why or how this was possible. He needed to brainstorm ways to implement these new ability developments with Ryan.

 

To make matters worse he had a vision of his brother getting beaten up by some guys a few hours before the big dance thing.

 

Jake was about to go looking for his brother when he felt his familiar presence behind him.

 

"You took your time tonight". Jake said turning around to face his brother, unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Ryan just gave a shrug which served to further annoy him.

 

Ryan had recognized his big brothers' foul mood the moment he saw him. He had seen Jake in all his moods many times and was an expert on what made his big brother tick.

 

Ryan decided to bait him a bit more, being the expert in Jake that he was, he knew how far he could push without his brother going over the edge.

 

"I was busy helping with the preparations for the fancy ball tomorrow night, you know the one you're the star of..." Ryan was in his brother's face as he said the last words. The brothers had a staring contest until Ryan took pity on his brother and broke eye contact first. He took a seat on the couch in his brother's room and pointed for him to do the same. Ryan knew that Jake had never been a fan of crowds and that the ball was going to be hell for him. He had pleaded with his parents not to subject Jake to the ball but they had ignored him and had gone even further by making him the guest of honor. Jake had made Ryan promise to be there to help him get ready and had thereby ensured his brother's calming presence. A presence Jake was very grateful for at that moment.

 

Ryan saw the fear in his brothers' eyes and instinctively knew something was wrong. The only time Jake felt fear was when Ryan was in danger. Jake did not fear for himself or anyone else.

 

Ryan waited patiently for his brother, he knew he would speak when ready.

 

Jake finally seemed to come back from whatever dark thoughts consumed him and told his brother quite bluntly that four guys were going to ambush him next to the post office in the alley and that they were going to beat him up.

 

He went on to explain that the guys didn't look familiar to him.

 

Ryan was quiet for a bit. He stood up and paced around the rather small room. He needed some time to process all the new developments. He knew Jake was worried about his safety, but that was the last thing on his mind. He knew he could hold his own in a fight and if needed he knew someone who would be more than happy to back him up. His  friend was just a phone call away. This had been the second vision his brother had and he was intrigued. He really wanted to find out what triggered the visions.

 

He thought about his promise to be at the institute just after lunch to help Jake physically but much more so emotionally. He was angry as it now seemed something was going to interfere with his well thought out plan to keep his big brother calm (and out of the limelight their mother seemed to want for him so much).

 

Jake could read his brother like a book. He could see the little worry Ryan may have had for his own life change into worry for his brother and he felt the familiar self-loathing creep up on him. He was a burden to everyone around him, but especially to his little brother. Ryan was meant for great things, he was brilliant, funny and he had the biggest heart. Jake was sure Ryan was destined to change the world (or at least their small town) if his big brother didn't manage to mess up his life too.

 

Suppressing his self-hatred for the moment, Jake stood up just as his brother turned around at the edge of the couch. The brothers just managed to avoid a collision, Jake falling back on the couch and Ryan tripping over his brother's feet. Ryan gave a laugh as he turned around to sit on his bum on his brother's bedroom floor. Jake let out a snort and was grateful for the rather rude reminder of more pressing matters than his own personal demons.

 

"Okay kid, I guess tomorrow is as good a time as any to give our enhanced abilities a try." Jake said this in a tone that clearly stated it was non-negotiable. He was going to watch his brothers back, at least in spirit.

 

Ryan knew better than to argue when his brother used that tone so he settled on a resigned nod.

 

Truth be told, Ryan was itching to try out the newly unlocked ability to have Jake with him when he took on the four guys his brother had seen in the vision. Although he knew Jake would not be there in physical form, he would see and hear everything Ryan did and maybe they could unlock something else. The younger boy quickly reigned in his thoughts, not wanting to get ahead of himself.

 

Jake was pleased to see his brother's mood pick up even if it was at the mention of their first fight "together." Jake used the lighter moment to tell Ryan that he would be fine getting ready by himself (and the staff of course). He also reassured him that the staff working that night was his favorite, so there wouldn't be any problems.

 

6 May 2018

 

Ryan woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. He tiredly looked at his watch and saw that it was a few minutes after seven. He was going to ignore the call but something told him to answer. Rubbing at his eyes he grumpily mumbled a greeting. The moment the girl on the other side of the call mentioned her name was Lily, Ryan was wide awake. Lily shyly asked if he remembered her. He was stunned silent. She took his silence as a no and started to explain who she was.

 

This seemed to shake him out of his thoughts and he hastily said that he remembered her. Lily asked him if he could meet her at the diner near the high school around eleven that morning.

 

According to his brother, the misadventures that awaited him was only that afternoon so he agreed to a quick meeting.

Time dragged by as Ryan impatiently sat in his room, he was too keyed up to play a game on his pc. He stood up and started to pace around the house, memories of Lily flashed in his mind. Lily and Jake were about 5 years old when Lily's family moved in next door to the brothers.

 

Jake had learned to walk about a year prior to Lily moving in next door. The two of them had an explosive chemistry from that tender age already and seemed to bring out both the best and the worst in each other. Although Jake couldn't speak, Ryan was the only one who understood him better than Lily did. That's why he knew how much pain she caused when she left town and he would not allow that to happen again.

 

Lily and her parents had decided to move seemingly overnight and Lily didn't even bother to say goodbye to any of them.

 

At a quarter to eleven, Ryan was on his bike and hastily pulled out of the driveway, he was curious about the reason Lily wanted to see him. He was also determined not to get Jake involved. Ryan sped down the tree-lined street, lost in his memories.

 

He pulled into the busy parking lot and decided to stop a distance away from the diner, he would use the walk to collect his thoughts.

 

Ryan felt calmer as he walked into the old diner and had a feeling of deja vu when he saw the petite blonde sitting at one of the booths. He walked over rather awkwardly, she looked up and recognition flashed in her eyes seconds after she saw him. She indicated for him to sit down with a tight smile on her face.

 

Lily had never been one to beat around the bush and she hurriedly told Ryan that someone had hired her cousin, Leo and his friends to rough him up.

 

The pieces all clicked together quickly for Ryan, his brothers' vision must have been of Lily's cousin and his friends.

 

Lily quickly assured Ryan that she had convinced her cousin not to go through with it. He gave her a small smile and shrugged. Pretending not to be bothered in the least, he made a show of waving the threat off. He knew his no care attitude would only add to Lily's worry for his safety, and he would be able to get more information from her if she was distracted by his seeming lack of care.

 

Lily was practically freaking out, she was whisper yelling at Ryan that he had not changed at all and that his thick-headedness was going to get him in a ton of trouble.

 

Ryan had to duck his head to hide the self-satisfied smirk on his face. Looking up he gave her a serious look and volunteered to meet with her cousin if it would make her feel better. Lily gave him a sideways glance, she had a feeling she'd just been played.

 

Ryan gave his watch a nervous glance, it was almost three o clock and he knew his brother would appear at any moment.

 

Ryan stood across from the diner, he was at the entrance of a small alley between the post office and the internet cafè.

 

He had asked Lily to stay back while he spoke to Leo and she had reluctantly agreed.

 

It turned out that Leo was quite an intimidating figure. He was a body builder and he had been working out at the gym when a distinguished looking gentleman approached him. He was looking for someone to handle a problem for him. The problem turned out to be Ryan. The man wanted Leo to beat him up and he promised him he would be well compensated for his efforts.

 

Leo was also an honest man who told Ryan everything he knew about the man who hired him, unfortunately that turned out to be not very much. The man hadn't paid for the job yet so there was no paper trail to go on. Leo did give a general description of the man and added one final interesting bit before leaving. He told Ryan that the guy had been very specific that they had to beat him up that afternoon. The guy had started to say that they needed to delay Ryan but had cut himself off before giving any further information.

 

Ryan's meeting with Leo had just ended and he hoped Lily would stay at the diner a bit longer. He couldn't let Jake see her.

 

Before he could ponder further, his brother appeared next to him suddenly and he gave a small jump.

 

"Damn Jay, don't sneak up on me like that." Ryan whispered while looking down, very much aware no one else could see his brother beside him. Jake gave a small laugh and told his brother it was quite a new experience to be able to sneak up on someone. They both knew that neither of them were exactly quiet or stealthy individuals.

 

Ryan gave a snort in response and made a show of turning his back to the street and entering the alley. Before Jake could object Ryan whispered to him to follow him. Out of the direct line of sight of the diner, Ryan quickly explained that the guys were not going to jump him anymore. He told his brother that Leo had recognized him and that they were friends at school so they didn't go through with the job. Ryan had fabricated some of the story, in hopes of protecting his brother. He comforted himself that most of the story he gave his brother was the truth, he just left Lily out of the details.

 

He did tell him that the guys were hired by someone to rough him up specifically before the Roseville heroes ball that night.

 

Jake had a feeling that his younger brother was holding something back but before he could press he felt the pull of his reality in his mind. The brothers had hypothesized that while Jake was with Ryan in spirit, his body was left vacant, probably just staring into nothingness. He was pretty sure their hypothesis was correct as he not only felt the pull this time but also started to fade out of existence.

 

Ryan turned to face his brother, surprised that he hadn't pressed for more details, just in time to see a confused looking Jake start to fade from existence. He heard his brother's words as he vanished though: "I guess our hypothesis was correct".

 

6 May 2018

 

It was half-past four when Ryan met up with Lily outside the diner. He knew that if he hurried he could still help Jake get ready for the ball. He really wanted to check up on him after the afternoon's events. Lily, however, looked at him with such sorrow in her eyes he couldn't leave without finding out what had caused that look on her face.

 

He suggested a walk to the park a few blocks away to give her a chance to talk to him.

 

As they walked Lily told Ryan about her little sister. Ryan was taken aback as the last time he saw her she had been an only child. Lily didn't seem to notice and continued that Amy was 4 years old and had epilepsy.

 

She told him that her sister was not doing well and that her parents were hoping Jake's doctors could give her a better chance at a normal life.

 

Lily took his hand in hers and broke down crying. She told him through hiccupy tears that she felt terrible about being back after the way she had left things between her and the brothers. Lily avoided looking at him as she told him that she hadn't been able to accept the fact that his parents had sent Jake away.

 

She couldn't bring herself to visit Jake at the institute and she avoided Ryan at school. Lily confessed that she felt relieved when her parents told her about their sudden move.

 

Ryan was quiet while Lily spoke. When she was finished, Ryan put his arm around her as they sat on the bench in the park. He didn't really have a response for her, therefore, he settled for moral and physical support.

 

Ryan was sure that he would never fully accept the fact that his brother didn't live with them. He did however have a theory that the trauma from that horrible first night the brothers had spent together in the institute had triggered the brothers abilities. And he couldn't hate a situation that had started their special connection.

 

Jake meant the world to him and he didn't know what he would do if he lost him.

 

Thinking about Jake, he gave a yelp as he remembered the dance. Apologizing to Lily he hurriedly ushered her back to the diner, explaining that he had an important event he was now late for. He promised her that they would meet for a proper catch-up. He left his bicycle in the alley, praying it would still be there in the morning. He called his mom and winced at the screaming voice on the phone.

 

As Ryan waited for his lift he mentally prepared himself for the lecture he knew would come as soon as his mother picked him up.

 

He glanced at his watch and winced again when he saw it was already half-past five.

 

Ryan finally saw the car approach and opening the back door he heard his mom telling him to hurry up. As expected Ryan had to listen to his mom berate him on his brotherly duties the entire five-minute drive to the institute. The car had not yet come to a stop when Ryan jumped out and ran for the white building his brother was in, he couldn't stay in the car for a second longer.

 

As he entered the ward, he could hear a commotion coming from the direction of his brother's room. Sprinting the rest of the way, he entered Jake's room just in time to see his brother's hands start to shake and hear his distressed mumbling. Ryan knew that he had seconds to calm his brother before the stress would take over and Jake would have a meltdown. With a death glare at the staff in the room, he ordered all of them out. The staff at the Roseville institute knew Ryan very well and most of them knew not to stand in his way. The room was empty within seconds, except for the two brothers.

 

May was watching the younger brother carefully the whole time and dutifully went out with the rest of the staff as ordered. She however slipped back and was watching through the window in the door as the young man figured out the problem in minutes. It had taken the staff almost 30 minutes of attempting to dress Jake and it had almost pushed him over the edge.

 

As Ryan surveyed the room, his eyes landed on the suit lying innocently on his brother's bed. He knew in that instant exactly what had upset his brother. Their mother had ordered a suit for Jake's special occasion. Ryan felt fury and a pinch of sadness as he went to look for a plain t-shirt and pants without a zip. He knew his brother couldn't tolerate the material, his skin was too fragile for the fabric of the suit. The fact that his mother had not considered any of this only added to the resentment he felt towards her.

 

Jake had been watching his brother the entire time and had calmed down enough to change into the clothes his brother picked without much help.

 

Giving his big brother a wide grin Ryan opened the bedroom door and ushered Jake out. Arms linked together, Ryan slowly assisted his brother out of the institute.

 

As they approached the car, Ryan peeked into the back and saw with some relief his parents had brought the wheelchair. It would come in handy at the city hall. Jake got tired very easily and his breathing could become labored if he was too active.

 

Liz let out an anguished cry when she saw Jake. She immediately turned to Ryan and demanded an explanation for his brother's attire. Barely able to remain civil, Ryan explained to his irate mother that the suit material was too rough for his brother's skin, and continued to throw in her face that she should have thought about that before spending so much money on a suit.

 

6 May 2018

 

Ryan nervously looked at his brother who sat next to him in their mother's expensive new SUV. Ryan couldn't care less about his mom's expensive new midlife crisis on wheels. He was worried about what Jake's reaction would be to the news of Lily being back in the picture. He remembered vividly what her disappearance from their lives did to his brother and he wouldn't blame Jake if he had a meltdown, which was exactly what would happen if he saw Lily before Ryan could prepare him for her return. Especially after the near-meltdown at the institute, he knew he had to keep Jake calm.

 

He also knew he couldn't risk speaking to Jake about Lily while his parents were within earshot. The older boy would definitely start a scene and Ryan would not risk a meltdown. Period. He knew how much Jake hated himself after his meltdowns, especially if there were witnesses. Ryan had his own theories about the meltdowns. He knew that they happened when Jake was overly emotional. He had also noticed a strange sensation in his own brain everytime his brother did meltdown. He had not mentioned anything to his brother yet, he first wanted to do his own investigations before he involved his brother.

 

Ryan decided to rather rehearse the ways he could give his brother the news of Lily's return.

 

He knew he would need to get him alone, away from all distractions. He would start with an innocent memory of Lily and then try to go from there.

 

Ryan was about to start going through his memories for a safe choice when the car came to a stop before the impressive entry to the Roseville City Hall.

 

Liz was the first one out of the car and was already waiting impatiently at the back for Stan to get the wheelchair out.

 

Ryan was on his dad's heels as they both reached to open the door at Jake's side of the car. Ryan felt a childish kind of glee as he opened the door before his dad could. He helped Jake settle into the wheelchair and gave him what he hoped came across as an encouraging wink. Ryan pushed his brother towards the intimidating entrance. With his one hand on the wheelchairs handle and the other on his brother's shoulder, Ryan looked up and froze in his tracks as he saw Lily wave and practically run towards them. Ryan had come to a stop in the middle of the walkway and was watching the scene unfold, frozen in horror.

 

Ryan saw the exact moment Jake recognized Lily. His curious expression turned into astonished recognition and then his eyes closed. When Jake opened them again he had a look of such betrayal on his face that Ryan was snapped out of his frozen state and he took a step back.

 

Unfortunately that was the moment Jake went into full meltdown mode. He was hitting his head with his hands while rocking back and forth in his chair. Liz was yelling at Stan to do something. Just as Stan was about to forcefully push Jake away from the crowd that had formed, Ryan stepped in the way. He took his brother's hands from the wheels just in time to avoid his fingers getting caught. Giving his dad a heated look Ryan turned all his attention to Jake and spoke to him calmly and clearly. Ryan took his brothers hands in his and made sure to keep his eyes level with Jake's. He calmly told him that it was over and that he was going to get him away from the crowd. He knew that Jake would make eye contact when he was calm enough to return to reality. Ryan let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding as brilliant blue eyes locked with his. Ryan gave his brother's hands a squeeze and stood up straight. He gave one look at the people still around and told them to leave, his voice turned ice-cold as he told them the show was over. He abruptly turned his brother away from the prying eyes and pushed the wheelchair into the nearest deserted room.

 

Ryan's heart broke when he finally got a good look at his brother. Jake was quietly sobbing, and refused to make eye contact with his brother again. 

 

Ryan still had the strange tingling feeling in his brain, and distractedly noted that it was the first time it had lasted that long.

 

He had theorized that their brains were somehow connected and that was why they could communicate in ways Jake couldn't with anyone else. He could feel his brothers frustration when he couldn't communicate his needs to someone, and their almost telepathic bond was growing stronger. He was picking up on his brothers moods more strongly and it was sometimes almost crippling. It was overwhelming Ryan now and he had to take a breath to calm himself.

 

January 2020

 

Ryan may have promised May not to make direct contact with Jake, but that didn't mean he couldn't snoop around the institute on his own a bit. He wanted to confront Dr Chambers, he had a few questions for the doctor.

 

Ryan saw Dr Chambers approach and turned his head away. He gave a step to the right and in so doing walked into the doctor. Faking surprise he greeted the doctor eagerly, telling him that it had been too long. He was about to ask the doctor about his brothers disappearance when he saw a ghostly hand take the doctors office keys from his scrubs pocket.

 

Ryan gave a choked off exclamation of surprise and quickly grabbed the doctors hand to distract him as he looked into his brothers face. He mumbled something about missing his brother and sputtered an apology as he excused himself and made an escape before the doctor had a chance to catch up.

 

Ducking into a broom closet Ryan switched on the light and whispered his brothers name furiously. He was sure his brother would hear him. A blushing Jake appeared and apologized, not looking at his brothers face.

 

Ryan was however not interested in apologies, he instead asked his brother how he was able to be here with him, after the last time had turned out disastrous. Before Jake could answer however, Ryan told him to go, he didn't want to risk his brothers health unnecessarily. Ryan left the closet without a backward glance.

 

It was two hours later and Ryan had slipped into the institute's admin building. He was going to break into Dr Chambers office and see if he could find anything suspicious. Ryan stood in front of the doctors office, trying to convince himself he could do this, when Jake appeared next to him. Giving an exasperated sigh, he toyed with the keys in his hands.

 

"You shouldn't be here". Ryan whispered to his irritatingly cheerful older brother. Jake just gave a laugh, which did not improve his younger brothers mood.

 

Ryan was regretting his brilliant plan as he stood outside Dr Chambers office.

 

The psychiatrists office was in the institutes admin building. Ryan had turned left at the entrance, and the brothers were now standing at the third door to the right.

 

Jake had trouble understanding his brothers foul mood. Sure, there was some risks to his health when he astral projected but in some instances the risk was worth the reward. And it was definitely worth the risk if it meant he could watch his brothers back like older brothers was supposed to. And if he was honest with himself he wondered if maybe Ryan just didn't miss their bond as much as he did.

 

Ryan had his own thoughts haunting him as he slipped into the office and sat down behind the lone desk. He put the flashdrive into the desktop computer and started searching through the files for anything suspicious.

 

His mind however was filled with flashbacks of his brother's convulsing body after their last encounter together ended with Jake in a medically induced coma for a week. After that nearly fatal incident, Ryan had distanced himself from their shared abilities. He stopped going to the institute, and eventually stopped their shared dreams altogether.

 

Ryan let out a frustrated sigh and was about to give up when a file grabbed his attention. It read: PROJECT MENTALITE. Before he could open it his brother appeared at the table and told him to get out, and just as soon disappeared. Ryan quickly copied the file to the flashdrive and hurried for the door. He was about to open the door when he heard his brother's voice in his head telling him to stay put for five minutes and then to leave the building asap.

 

Jake, who had been keeping an eye outside the office, saw Dr Chambers approach from his right. The doctor was hurriedly walking towards his office. He knew his brother would be caught, so thinking quickly he astral projected on the other side of the approaching doctor. Mason sensed someone behind him and turning around he froze. Jake stared at him blankly and after a minute turned around slowly and then just as slowly walked towards the therapy area, further into the building. He hoped his brother would take the time to slip out unseen.

 

Ryan stared at his stubbornly slow ticking watch and tapped it to make sure it wasn't broken. Five minutes couldnt take that long, right? He was worried about what his brother might do as a distraction to get Dr Chambers away from his office.

 

But he also knew it was only Jake that could get him out of this predicament of his own making.

 

Ryan felt the sensation in his brain, and marveled at the familiar sense of belonging it brought. He knew his brother was using his ability and decided that five minutes was an estimate given. Ryan peeked around the door and saw Jake slowly turn around and just as slowly walk, all the while Dr Chambers was speaking to his back in a tone you would use on an invilid.

 

The young man was torn between following the doctor (and his brother) as they headed deeper into the building and making his get away.

 

Before he could make a decision either way he saw his brothers back stiffen, the next moment he started to seize and then Jake disappeared before their eyes.

 

Mason and Ryan both gasped, turning around, Dr Chambers saw the younger man's ashen face, a stricken look on his face. Before the doctor could say anything Ryan had turned around and ran to the exit.

 

As Ryan jumped into his car, memories of his brothers lifeless body, hooked to countless machines flashed through his mind. Ryan didn't bother with his seatbelt, he had his phone against his ear and was speed dialing May. "Please answer, please answer" Ryan muttered out loud and gave a curse when the automated voice said to leave a message.

 

As he sped down the road praying to a God he wasn't sure he believed in, the young man had an unwanted memory replay in his mind.

 

MAY 2018

 

Ryan had trouble keeping eye contact with his big brother because of the betrayed expression on Jake's face. He had just seen Lily again and from the lack of reaction from Ryan, his younger brother had known she was back.

 

It registered with Ryan somewhere that Jake was standing and talking to him while his body sat in the wheelchair right there with them.

 

Jake repeated the question to his younger brother. "How long have you known she was back?"

 

Ryan replied in a voice sounding much calmer than he felt that he had met with her that morning. He went on to explain the days events, not leaving anything out.

 

The betrayed expression gave way to shame and sadness and Ryan's heart ached for his big brother. He knew Jake well enough to know that he felt terrible about the meltdown and what made things ten times worse was it had all played out in front of a crowd.

 

Ryan could feel his own anguish grow as he felt his brothers pain.

 

Before either brother could say anything further, Jake's body in the wheelchair started to convulse and the astral projection of Jake started to seize as well and then disappeared.

 

Ryan ran to the door and screamed for help. He could feel Jake's mental anguish get the better of him and knew that they both needed help. Before Ryan blacked out he heard Jake tell him telepathically that he was sorry, and that he was going to be okay. Ryan was wondering if his brother was talking about himself as he passed out.

 

13 May 2018

 

Ryan had been discharged the day after the incident. And he hated the fact that people had started to refer to it as The Incident.

 

His brother had been in a medically induced coma for almost a week and Ryan had never felt more helpless.

 

"I'm sorry big brother. I can't risk your life, you're to important to me". Ryan held Jake's hand in his as a tear rolled down his chin. Ryan told him that their shared ability was to dangerous and that he would not meet him in his dreams anymore. Doctor Chambers had lowered the sedation and expected his patient to wake up soon. Ryan had not tried to make contact with his brother the entire time he was in the coma. He had decided after finding out Jake could wake up anytime, that he would talk to his brother. He told him that he would not use their shared bond again. He went on to say that their shared abilities was not worth Jake's life. Ryan could feel the sensations in his brain start and knew his brother was going to communicate even before he spoke.

 

Jake's eyes were still closed, and he still looked comatose but the words came out fluently. He was begging Ryan not to leave, to please not give up on their abilities.

 

Ryan could feel Jake prodding at his mind, asking for entry but Ryan kept the door closed and told his brother he should get some rest.

 

Ryan didn't notice Lily standing just outside the open door to his brothers room. She stood, frozen in shock, she had never heard Jake speak words before and here he was speaking fluent sentences.

 

Her heart broke for both brothers, the desperation in Jake's voice combined with the determination she could hear from Ryan told her that the brothers had reached an impasse in their relationship. She was still reeling from hearing Jake speak, and had a million questions, but she decided to find the answers at another time. She had to convince Ryan not to give up on the brothers bond.

 

She saw Ryan give his brother a final hug and then turn to leave the room. She quickly ducked into the hallway and waited for him.

 

Ryan was surprised to find Lily waiting outside his brothers room. He didn't have the energy to deal with her and gave her a nod as he tried to sidestep her.

 

Lily was having none of it. She stood in his personal space and refused to move before he would agree to a coffee in the cafeteria.

 

As Lily walked determinedly towards the cafeteria, Ryan close on her heels, she decided not to tell Ryan about her overhearing Jake speak.

 

She ordered a coffee from the small lady behind the counter at the cafeteria and sat down at the table. Ryan didn't bother to order anything, he didn't plan to stay long.

 

Lily didnt know where to start so she decided to start with the truth. She told him that she had always been jealous of the brothers close relationship. Ryan looked at her sceptically and told her that their relationship was definitely different from normal brothers. Lily went on to explain that she had always been jealous of the way he could calm Jake down when no one else could. Ryan just shrugged as if it was no big deal. Lily shook her head at the young man's stubborness and told him that she had always admired him for the way he seemed to understand Jake in a way that no one else could.

 

Ryan blamed the remaining sensations of his brothers pleas in his mind for the nasty comment he gave Lily next. He told her that she could have learned a few tricks if she had bothered to stick around.

 

Lily visibly paled at the remark and Ryan gave a self deprecating laugh as he told Lily to ignore him, and that he was a jerk.

 

As he stood up to leave, Lily took his hand in hers and gave him a sympathetic squeeze, telling him that she was there if he needed someone to talk to.

 

Ryan barely acknowledged her last words and with a wave fled from the hospital.

 

January 2019

 

Jake heard the two woman arguing just outside his door and sighed. It was the same argument every time. Lily wanted to tell Ryan about Jake's progress with his abilities but May was adament not to tell the younger boy. He knew they both were worried about the effects the treatment could have on him. He also knew the people behind the treatment was bad news, and May did too. That was the reason he was against telling Ryan, he didn't want his brother in any danger.

 

Lily argued that keeping Ryan in the dark  was wrong and that he deserved to know about his brothers abilities growing stronger and about the effects it could have.

 

Jake took a deep breath and manifested beside himself in the wheelchair. Both woman let out a small gasp, and Lily knew she would never get used to seeing that happen.

 

Jake's baritone voice filled the room and if she was honest, it was still eerie seeing and hearing him while his body sat lifeless in the wheelchair.

 

Jake said that he understood her desire to tell Ryan but he further explained that his little brother had to focus on his studies now. He was extremely proud of his brother who had been accepted to the neuroscience program that would start the following year.

 

May could see the strain on Jake's face as he turned to face her. He told her that the mixture of drugs they had given him the previous night was helping to relieve the constant headache he had, but he was having trouble concentrating enough to maintain the contact he had with them at that moment.

 

He had just made the statement when he flashed out of existence. May quickly checked Jake's vitals and was worried to see his blood pressure was dangerously low. She quickly transferred him to the bed and pressed the buzzer for help. Dr Chambers came rushing into the room and yelled for an explanation. May had to think quickly, she told him that Lily had come to visit Jake. She stretched the truth even futher and told him that Lily had given Jake some bad news which agitated him so she decided to check his vitals. That was when she buzzed for help.

 

Lily had been removed from the situation and the activity in the room was calming down.

 

The doctor gave May an unconvinced glance before checking his patients' vitals himself. Jake was awake and glancing anxiously between the doctor and May.

 

Dr Chambers made a few notes in Jake's file and was out the door without a greeting.

 

May gave Jake's leg a squeeze and told him that everything would be fine, she would make sure of it.

Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

 

January 2020

 

Ryan didn't care about May's concerns about him reaching out to Jake. After seeing his brother have a convulsion again, he was worried he would find him in a coma again or worse. But he wouldn't think about the worst case scenario, he couldn't.

His car had barely come to a stop in May's driveway and he was already running towards the front door. To his surprise the door opened before he could knock and a nervous looking May peeked outside. She ushered him into the house and glanced around outside. She saw nothing suspicious and hurriedly closed the door behind her.

When May turned around to face Ryan she saw that he stood frozen with his back to her. She could imagine the shocked expression on his face as he stared at his brother. His brother who was standing inside the living room, very much alive and not comatose.

Jake was speaking a mile a minute, trying to explain to Ryan how he was fine after the incident at the admin building that afternoon.

May took pity on both boys and told them to sit down while she made everyone some coffee. She told Ryan that she would help Jake explain what happened the two years he had not been around.

After she fixed everyone a coffee, May went into details about her involvement and ultimately her reason for taking Jake from the institute.

May confessed that she had known from that first week Jake was admitted to the institute about his dream ability. She had walked into his room one night while he was sleep talking to Ryan. He spoke fluently and she could understand every word he said. May had kept it to herself, but had also kept a close eye on Jake.

She went on to explain that she had started her own investigation into the institute, specifically the treatment plans of some of the residents. Jake had been one of the patients with the most complete workups and intense treatment plans.

She made sure to make copies of all the notes and documents in Jake's files.

The morning of 7 January she received a file with notes on new treatments they were to start on Jake. The nurse she got the file from told her that Jake wasn't safe and to get him away from the institute and specifically away from Dr Chambers.

May did not have time to check out the information, she grabbed Jake and left as soon as she could. 

Ryan had tried to interupt a few times during May's monolog, but she told him to keep quiet until she finished. When she finally stopped talking for more than five seconds, Ryan gave her a look and she nodded unconvincingly for him to go ahead. 

Ryan had a ton of questions, but asked the one pressing most on his mind and heart. He turned to Jake and asked him how he was able to stand and speak to them after he saw him convulsing that afternoon. 

Jake cleared his throat and looked down trying to hide the guilt he felt. When he spoke to his brother his voice was soft and measured. He pointed to the room on his left and told his brother to look in but not to overreact. Which of course had the opposite effect on his younger sibling.

Ryan gasped when he saw Jake's body lying on the bed, an iv stand was next to the bed, an iv bag dripping a clear fluid into his brothers veins.

May quickly spoke up, telling Ryan that Jake was fine, that the medicine in the drip would keep him stable while he spoke to them. She went on to tell him that the seizure that afternoon was partly her fault, she had not given the medicine at the correct dosages, and when Jake had to astral project again to distract Mason, it took to much out of him and that's why he had the seizure.

Ryan had trouble keeping up with all the new information. Jake was alive, he was fine, but he was unconscious and hooked up to an iv. May had known about their abilities all this time. But what really got to him was the secrets. They had kept all of this a secret from him. He was indescribably thankful that his brother was alive, but he also felt hurt and betrayed. His brother had kept these secrets for almost two years, not once bothering to make contact with him. He tried to supress the small voice trying to remind him that he had given up on their abilities. 

He walked into the room where his brothers body lay and took his hand in his. He gave it a squeeze and let a tear slip down his cheek. Jake sat down next to him and placed a hand on his back. Ryan had a strange sensation as he felt his brothers hand on his back while he held the actual hand in his.

"I'm sorry Ryan." Jake whispered brokenly.

Ryan let his head rest on his brothers hand and just as softly whispered back: "me too".

Jake told him that it would take a while to bring his brother up to speed on everything but he explained that the medicine he was on was amazing and that he felt better than he had in years. 

Ryan listened to his brother speak about the wonder medicine and he had a sinking feeling that it sounded to good to be true. He told his brother as much but Jake disagreed vehemently and tried to assure him that Dr Chambers knew what he was doing. He continued that the doctor had been really good to him the last two years and that they had actually grown quite close. 

Ryan left his brother at May's and as he drove home he had more questions burning in his mind than he had when he drove there in a hurry that afternoon. 

 

JANUARY 2020

 

Ryan was up at seven o clock after a fitful night's sleep. He yawned as he sneaked into his parents kitchen, he tried to be quiet, he did not have the energy to deal with his parents.

He felt confused and frustrated. He needed time to process everything he had learned from May and Jake in the last 24 hours.

While he fixed himself a cup of coffee, an idea suddenly came to him. He was going to confront Dr Chambers about the medicine and therapies they were doing on his brother and hopefully he would get a chance to snoop around as well. The files he had copied from Mason's desktop didn't copy properly and the data had corrupted. He had no leads to go on and he was getting desperate. He didn't want to risk breaking into the office again as the security would be hightened after their last break-in.

He considered calling his brother and asking him to go with but decided against it, he didn't like the sound of the medicine Jake was on and didn't want him exposed to it unnecessarily.

He was truly amazed at the progress they had made with Jake's abilities in the last two years. The fact that he could just call his brothers name and Jake would hear him was mind boggling to the young man. Jake had explained that the telepathy only worked with a handful of people. 

May made the two brothers promise to sit down and catch up on each others lives. The session was scheduled for two days later. They had all agreed that it would take the better part of a day to catch up, especially if Jake wanted to illustrate his abilities. 

 

Ryan sneaked into his dad's office, praying that he would find Dr Chambers home address somewhere between his dad's things. The doctor was not available at the hospital and his receptionist had told Ryan that he had taken a few days off. Finding nothing in the desk, he was about to search the file cabinets when he heard his father approach the office. Ryan quickly grabbed a pen from the desk and turned around in time to see his dad open the door. "Just needed to borrow a pen". Ryan threw over his shoulder as he headed past his father. Before the nineteen year old could make his escape his father grabbed his arm and gave him a sympathetic smile. He told him he was worried about Jake but that he was worried about his other son too.

The young man gave a shrug and was about to duck out when a thought occurred to him. Giving his dad the most pathetic puppy dog eyes he could muster, he asked if he knew where Dr Chambers lived. He told him that he needed to talk to the doctor about Jake's disappearance, explaining that he needed to feel like he was doing something to find his brother. When his dad suggested he try the hospital he quickly said that the doctor had taken a leave of absence.

Stan gave his son a frown but proceeded to take out his phone. Ryan let out a small sigh of relief when he saw his dad forwarding the doctors address.

Shouting a thanks over his shoulder, Ryan rushed out the front door before his father could say anything.

Stan was left speechless as his youngest son sprinted from the house. He knew how worried Ryan must be and he wished he could tell his son everything he knew, but he was scared for both boys safety and decided to keep the little information he had to himself for now. He hoped that Mason was not available to talk to Ryan, he didn't know how much the doctor knew but he was afraid of what the man might tell his youngest. He quickly tried phoning the doctor but his phone went straight to voicemail. 

Ryan parked his car around the corner from Mason's house. He surveyed the doctors house, there had been no movement yet and Ryan wasn't sure if he was home or not. The garage was locked and he didn't know if the doctors car was in there or not. The house had a typical white picket fence and he rolled his eyes at the cliché.

Ryan determinedly made his way down the picture perfect walkway to the impressive wooden door. He would talk to the man and hopefully he would get an opportunity to look around for information. He held his breath as he rang the door bell. After two minutes he rang it again. Another five minutes later Ryan decided that the doctor was not home and glancing around he quickly walked around the house, looking for a way to gain entry.

There were a few open windows but Ryan tried his luck and, not expecting the door to be unlocked, half fell into the kitchen at the back of the house. Chuckling to himself he quickly closed the door again and set about searching for an office.

 

Dr Chambers was running late. He had an important meeting but he forgot his notes and as he rushed home he was sure he would be getting a few speed fines in the next week or so. 

He blamed his hurry for not noticing Ryan's car parked around the corner. 

He was however not surprised when he found the young man in his office, searching through his files. 

 

Ryan stood frozen behind the doctors desk, he had been caught red handed. He was already rehearsing the story he would tell at the police station. To his utter surprise, the doctor gave a chuckle and invited him to sit down. 

Having no other choice he did as he was told. The doctor asked him what he knew about the Mentalite program. 

Ryan tried his best to keep his expression neutral but he was sure he was failing miserably. 

Dr Chambers took pity on the young man and told him that he was the one who sent the nurse with Jake's file and notes to May. He told the nurse to tell May to disappear with Jake. 

He went on to explain that May and Jake didn't know about his involvement. Ryan looked at him scepticaly. The disbelieve was evident on his face. 

Mason ignored him and went on to tell him that they had isolated a gene mutation in some of the patients at the institute. They called it the Mentalite gene. 

Mason paused for a second, then softly added that Jake had the gene mutation. 

Ryan's head was spinning with the new information. He had a lot of questions for the doctor, but after an unwelcome thought crossed his mind he had only one. He asked the doctor if May and Jake knew about the mutation. 

Mason had been studying Ryan's reactions closely while he told him about the mutation. He probably knew what Ryan was going to ask before he did. Mason kept his features carefully blank when he answered Ryan that as far as he knew they did. 

Mason knew that he had to be careful with the manner he used to break the next bit of news to the young man. 

Schooling his features to concern he told Ryan that the mutation was degenerative and that Jake would deteriorate faster if he used any form of enhanced brain activity. He knew he was probably overplaying his hand but he decided that now was as good a time as any to place some of his cards on the table. 

Ryan was caught of guard for a second but quickly recovered and told the doctor he had no idea what he was talking about. 

Mason gave an impatient shrug and stood up, saying he was late for a meeting. The doctor basically dragged Ryan to the front door and told him that he was available any time if Jake needed him. Mason left a shell-shocked nineteen year old on his front porch as he sped away. 

 

JANUARY 2020

 

Ryan wasn't sure if the ability showcase his brother had planned was a good idea. He had said as much to Jake, but his brother gave him a hurt look and Ryan quickly gave in.

He now stood in May's small garden at the back of her house. He was watching as Jake made a small red ball roll from one side of the garden to the other side with his mind. He was honestly impressed but also growing more worried as every ability his brother showed was more intense than the previous one.

He glanced into the window of the room his brothers body was lying in and watched the iv stand apprehensively.

Ryan's attention was drawn away from the scene by his brothers excited voice but he knew that it would haunt him for a while.

Ryan tried his best to give his brother a reassuring smile but was sure he failed miserably. Jake smiled back weakly and said that the next thing he wanted to show him took some more energy out of him but that it was worth it.

Ryan was about to object but Jake had already closed his eyes and was taking his hand in his. Before Ryan could pull his hand back Jake gave a choked gasp and dropped his brothers hand. He looked at Ryan sharply and asked him where he had been two days ago. Ryan mentally added psychometry to his brothers list of abilities and knew he was busted.

Jake turned to May and told her that Ryan had seen Mason and that he told him about the Mentalite gene.

Ryan spoke up heatedly, telling them both that they should have told him and that he shouldn't have heard it from Mason.

Jake looked at May guiltily who in turn didn't look in the least bit guilty only angry. She got into Ryan's face and heatedly asked him what he was doing at Mason's in the first place.

May had known about the young man's visit to Dr Chambers as she had someone keeping an eye on Ryan. Mason had an unnatural interest in the youngest brother and she was worried what the two of them may have planned for Jake. 

 

The younger brothers own anger took hold and he ignored the matron. Instead, he turned away from her, which only added to her anger, and asked his brother how long he had to live if he kept using his abilities the way he did. He decided that blunt honesty would be the only thing that could possibly get through to his stubborn brother. 

Jake paled a bit at the blunt question and stuttered that he didn't know, no one could predict the speed of degeneration. Ryan told him what Mason had said about the enhanced brain activity. May had been listening and she immediately spoke up and angrily asked Ryan how Mason knew about the abilities. 

Ryan shrugged and told her that he hadn't mentioned anything, that the doctor already knew. May didn't believe him though and it was evident on her face. 

Jake placed a hand on May's shoulder and asked her for a few minutes alone with his brother. She wanted to object but only nodded angrily and headed inside. She was more suspicious of Ryan than ever. 

Jake looked at his brother seriously and contemplated the words he could use to convey his feelings. 

"Ry, please listen to me, and listen to my heart. The fight for me, for my life, it's all you've ever known and that's not fair. It's not fair to you". Jake spoke to his brother like he was a wounded animal. He went on to tell him that he deserved his own life and that he deserved to study and do what he wanted with the rest of his life. 

At the last part Ryan gave him a sharp look and asked him what he meant. Jake told him that he knew he wasn't happy studying neuroscience. 

Ryan gaped at him as he retreated, he didn't know how to respond. 

His voice shook as he said: "You don't know what you're talking about. You couldn't be bothered to contact me for almost two years, I feel like I barely know you and now all of a sudden you're an expert on my life." 

Ryan had reached the front of Mays house and was climbing into his car as he told his older brothers astral projection that he was going back to his parents house and that he would come see him if he found out anything. 

They both knew that was a lie, but then again they were getting good at lying to each other. 

 

Jake was left staring at his brothers car speeding away and felt like things were spiraling out of control and he had no way to stop the spinning before someone got hurt. He was afraid that he was only pushing his brother further away and he didn't know how to stop that from happening. 

 

April 2019

 

Ryan did a double take and headed towards the curly blonde haired girl standing to his right. He was at the NYRE (national yearly robotics expo) which was hosted in Roseville that year.

Lily was one of the last people Ryan expected to see at a Robotics expo. And he told her as much after greeting her awkwardly.

Lily smiled warmly after the initial shock passed.

Ryan gave her a shy smile and asked if she wanted to walk through the expo with him. He was very aware that the last things he had said to her were not friendly or kind. 

Trying not to seem to eager, Lily nodded shyly.

The young woman was enthralled with the passion in Ryan's whole being while he gave her a tour. She could tell by his choice of terminology that he knew what he was talking about.

When they came to the last exhibition Ryan stopped and introduced Lily to its owner. Justin gave Ryan a sideways glance but gave Lily a wink and asked her what she was doing with a dork like Ryan.

Ryan in turn feigned a mortal wound and collapsed dramatically in front of the thankfully thinning crowd.

Lily giggled at the two friends antics and she was thankful for this glimpse at an unfamiliar Ryan. A relaxed and cheerful seventeen year old who acted his age, not the stressed, worried and wise beyond his years version of Ryan she usually got to see.

Lily hated to admit but some part of her agreed with May about keeping Jake's growing abilities a secret from Ryan. She knew it would only add more worries to the very long list the young man already had. But deep down she knew that they were wrong keeping it from him. She had however promised not to tell him and she was not in the habit of breaking promises. 

 

JANUARY 2020

 

Ryan drove to the small house in the shadier side of Roseville and wondered if he was making a mistake. He really needed to speak to his best friend but he wasn't sure if he was welcome anymore. The fallout after Ryan decided to go ahead with his studies in neuroscience had been epic. Justin felt betrayed as they had been planning their shared studies in electical engineering and robotics for years, but Ryan in the end couldn't give up on his research to help his brother, and the neuroscience program promised some amazing potential for treatment. He had not spoken to Justin in months but he had no one else he could talk to and found himself in the familiar driveway. 

 

Ryan had just locked his car when the front door swung open and Justin's very drunk father came stumbling towards him. Ryan just managed to sidestep him when Mr Simon tripped over an imaginary obstacle and lay sprawled on the lawn, fast asleep.

Ryan was about to check on him when he heard his best friends voice from the door telling him to leave the dead beat and to come in.

Ryan went into the house and saw Mrs Simon hurriedly cleaning up broken glass in the small lounge area. Justin rushed past him and told his mom to leave the mess, that he would clean up. The nineteen year old took his mom's hand and escorted her to the bedroom. He rummaged in her nightstand and took out two pills, he poured some water in a glass and gave her the medicine while tucking her into bed.

Ryan was silent while he watched the scene, he was impressed with his friends ease of movement as he balanced the glass with his deformed left hand while closing the tap with his right. He however quickly remembered that his friend was much more than a simple birth defect. 

He had seen similar scenes a few times while he had been friends with Justin and knew not to say anything until his friend was finished with the ritual. And it had become a ritual. The meaning of ritual as found in the dictionary is: a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. And that was what Justin did everytime his dad went over the edge. First he locked his dad out of the house. He then took care of his mother, and after that he cleaned up the mess his father left. And these actions were performed according to the prescribed order everytime.

Ryan knew if he interrupted the ritual he would only push his friend further away and he really needed him back on his side. And from the scene he had just witnessed he knew his friend could use someone in his corner as well.

Ryan was pulled from his musings by Justin's voice. And from the look his friend gave him, he had not heard him for a while.

Justin pushed a beer into his hand and showed him to sit down.

"So, the prodigal friend returns". Said the dark haired nineteen year old engineering student while playing with the lone pinky on his left hand.

Ryan snorted and took a sip of his beer. He knew his friend well enough to know that that was his queue to tell him the reason for his visit.

Justin knew about Jake and their shared abilities, he knew everything Ryan did up to four months ago. Therefor it didn't take a lot of time to bring Justin up to speed on the Mentalite gene or Jake's "disappearance".

Justin seemed to take the latest events in his stride.

His first question threw Ryan off balance a bit. He wanted to know what he thought of Dr Chambers. 

Ryan gave a sigh and put his head in his hands, it felt good being back. It felt like he was finally home for the first time in months. 

He answered honestly that he didn't know what to think of the man. He didn't trust him, the doctor was to smooth. He explained that it felt like he had a response ready for any situation. 

But on the other hand the doctor hadn't called the police when he caught him red handed in his office. He also told him about the Mentalite gene and the side effects when his own brother hadn't said anything. 

Justin had been quiet while Ryan answered his question. The silence stretched on until Ryan threw his hands in the air and irritated, asked him if he had any insights.

Justin put his hands up in mock surrender, knowing full well he had pushed his friends buttons with his lack of response. Patience was not a virtue Ryan had a lot of. The boys had always enjoyed an interesting friendship, they told each other everything but also enjoyed the healthy competitive nature they shared. 

Justin smiled slyly, enjoying the little victory of wills.

He didn't know Dr Chambers very well, and he had some trouble forming an opinion of the man. He did however trust his friends instincts completely and knew if Ryan felt apprehensive about the doctor he had good reason.

Justin told him that he thought the doctor sounded a bit dodgy and that he thought Ryan should stay clear of the man. Justin futher told his friend that he thought Ryan should talk to his brother about everything on his mind. He told him that he remembered how close the brothers once were and that they could have that again. Justin could see the havoc the brothers troubled relationship was wreaking with his best friends emotions. 

 

The friends came to an agreement and it was decided that they would meet at May's house the next morning. Ryan felt that a new perspective would help, especially from his genius best friend. Justin on the other hand wanted to make sure the brothers got a chance to really talk to each other. He knew they had a lot to catch up on and that Ryan was in for more surprises. 

 

January 2020

 

It was 10:00 when Ryan and Justin arrived at May's house. The greetings were awkward and uncomfortable, Ryan felt tense around Jake and he hated it.

May invited them to have a seat in the living room. Jake was sitting in his wheelchair while Justin and Ryan shared a couch. 

Jake's astral projection appeared on the single couch left open and Justin noticed that he looked pale and he could see a slight tremble in his hands.

Jake however spoke clearly and apologized to Ryan again for the secrets, who in turn just gave a shrug and told him that they needed to find out what Dr Chambers agenda was. Why he wanted Jake away from the institute and they needed to find out who, if anyone, was after him and what they wanted from him. They would deal with the rest after the problems at hand were dealt with.

Jake nodded reluctantly and glanced at May who spoke up for the first time. May took the glance as her queue and suggested that Ryan and Justin confront Dr Chambers and ask him directly what his involvement were. Ryan replied that he had a similar plan and that he thought the direct approach would work best with Mason. May quirked an eyebrow at him and wondered, not for the first time, how close Ryan and Mason really were. She would not mention anything to Jake yet, but her suspicions about Ryan and Mason hiding something were growing with every meeting they had. 

Jake spoke up and said that he would go with but he would stay invisible, all three his companions shook their heads at the same time. Jake gave an exasperated sigh and asked May if he could see her in private for a moment. May gave Ryan an eyeroll but agreed and moved out of earshot of the two younger boys.

Jake looked at May seriously and told her that he knew about her suspicions of Ryan and Mason and that he wanted to go to prove to her and himself that she was wrong. May was taken aback for a second but quickly recovered enough to shake her head in denial.

It was a weak attempt and Jake only glared at her. She knew he had won, but she told him anyway that, if she was correct, he would need back-up. He glared at May as he asked her back-up for what, he couldn't believe the matron would think his brother would actually harm him. May just shook her head as she headed back to the other boys. 

 

Ryan knew before May opened her mouth that his brother had convinced her somehow to let him participate. "Damn, you're good", he said to his older brother with a mixture of awe and disgust, before May had a chance to say anything.

Jake just shrugged happily and turned to Justin. He gave him a smile and said that it was really good to see him and that it had been to long. Ryan watched the strange exchange between his brother and best friend and knew there was more to the simple comment. Justin in turn just smiled back and nodded in agreement.

Ryan looked from Jake to Justin slowly but spoke to May, asking her if she had enough medicine to keep Jake stable if he were to go with. Ryan had decided to let his brother go with just to try to find out what the exchange between his brother and best friend was about. 

May told him that she had enough and that she would get more from the institute that night as she was on duty then.

 

They all agreed that the three young men would visit Dr Chambers at the institute that afternoon. 

 

JANUARY 2020

 

The drive to Dr Chambers office was tense but quiet. Jake was meeting them at Mason's. Each friend caught in their own thoughts. The boys had no way of knowing how similar their thoughts were. Ryan was still pondering the strange exchange between his brother and Justin. He knew his brother well enough to know he didn't do small talk and that the comment to Justin had been intentional. As far as he knew Justin and Jake had lost touch the same time Ryan had stopped visiting his brother. But now he wondered if something had happened between the two in the time he had spent away from his brother.

Justin was silently bristling at his best friends brother. He knew exactly why Jake made the comment, it was to peek his brothers interest and thereby make sure he would let him go with to meet Mason.

He was really regretting his involvement with Jake and the institute as he imagined his best friends reaction when he found out.

Justin stayed carefully behind Ryan as he followed him to the doctors office, being careful not to let on that he knew the way quite well. 

Jake stood just outside the office door, impatiently tapping his foot. "What took you guys so long?" he whispered impatiently. 

Ryan just gave him a glare as he knocked on the door. Jake went invisible next to him and Justin steeled himself, preparing for the inevitable fallout he was sure to come. 

Dr Chambers answered the door with a friendly greeting and invited the two young men inside. 

Justin extended his hand in introduction, and the doctor shook his hand with a hint of amusement in his eyes. 

Justin silently sucked in a breath, he knew his secret was going to be revealed soon. 

As if on queue Ryan spoke up and demanded to know what was going on, he had obviously seen the small exchange and Justin knew his very observant friend would have picked up on the vibe. 

The very close to genuine confusion on the doctors face left Ryan speechless for a second, and he wondered if maybe he had imagined the whole thing. 

Justin spoke up and told the doctor to drop the act and that his friend knew something was going on.

Dr Chambers gave a shrug and told the two to sit down.

Next he asked if Jake was there to which Jake's astral projection became visible next to Ryan. Mason gestured for him to take the remaining seat in the small office.

Mason gave a nod and told Ryan he would start at the beginning and that things would make more sense when he was finished.

Mason told the three young men that he had noticed an increase in Jake's brain activity at night that first year he was admitted to the institute. He started an investigation into the findings and shared some of the information with certain investors in the institute. He had been monitoring Jake closely upto the night of the Roseville Heroes ball and after that nights events he was sure there was something special about Jake's brain. In the time Jake was in the hospital he had placed cameras and extra monitors in his room without anyone knowing. When they brought Jake back to the institute after the two days in hospital he monitored his brain activity closely and he found the anomoly at that time. He named it the Mentalite gene and shared these findings with the investors. He had mentioned the brothers close connection to the investors before and they became interested in Ryan as well. Ryan and Jake had drifted apart at that time and Mason had no way of getting info on Ryan. He had his suspicions that Jake could communicate with people he was close to and that was when he decided to speak to Jake about the Mentalite gene. He sat at his bedside and told him that he had isolated the gene and that he could help him if he trusted him enough.

Jake had tried to contact his brother but Ryan was adament about protecting his brother by staying away from him and his abilities.

Mason was patient and kept asking him to trust him and that he could help.

Mason went on to explain that Justin showed up at the end of April and told him that Jake had sent him. That was when they started with the medicine to help with Jake's newly diagnosed "Mentalite disease". Dr Chambers got approval from the board of directors of the institute for the new treatment.

The investors was however getting impatient and wanted information on Ryan as well. That was when Mason sent the nurse to May who started the events to get Ryan back into the picture.

All three boys were staring at the doctor with varying degrees of disbelief evident on their faces. Ryan was the first to find his voice and thanked the doctor for his honesty. He then asked him if he knew what exactly they wanted with him. Mason replied that they wanted to check if he maybe had an anomoly in his brain to and if he could be the key to stopping the degeneration of Jake's condition. He went on to tell him that the people who was interested in him was however dangerous and not to be trusted. He said that if Ryan agreed to the tests he would be involved closely to protect the young man.

Jake and Justin both spoke up at the same time, both vehemently against the tests and Ryan getting involved. Ryan ignored them both and told the doctor to schedule the tests. He then turned around and walked out of the office without acknowledging his brother or his friend.

Jake was left speechless and frozen as his brother stormed out of the office. Justin however was in the doctors face and grabbed him by the collar. He pushed him up against the wall and asked him what he was up to with barely contained rage. The doctor was both surprised and impressed with the young man's reaction. He was a lot stronger than he pretended to be, the fact that he had the visible disability had helped in his cover. The doctor chuckled dryly and told him that he had always been honest with them. He had just omited a few details. The doctor knew he was taking a gamble by provoking the young man, but he wanted to see how far he could push. He was willing to face the consequences. Justin however surprised him again by releasing him. He watched as the interesting young man took a step back and turned to Jake. His voice was soft, almost tender as he spoke to him. He told him to go back to May and to wait there until he contacted him. Jake nodded and giving the doctor a heated look he disappeared. 

 

April 2019

 

Lily wondered again if this was a good idea. She was on her way to see Justin. As she drove into the shadier parts of Roseville she hoped Jake would find her as he had never astral projected to an unknown location, with only the caller as anchor before.

Lily parked her car in the short driveway and made her way to the door uncertainly. She knew Ryan was at his parents house, she had made sure that he was out of the picture before she drove to see Justin.

Ryan's best friend was her last hope of convincing Jake to tell his brother about the Mentalite program and the possible treatment options.

Jake had told Lily about Dr Chambers visits and had asked her opinion. She had told him to tell his brother and that the two should then decide together what the best course of action would be. He was not convinced and told her that Ryan had made it clear that he didn't want him to use his abilities. He wanted to respect his brothers wishes.

Lily had seen Ryan and Justin interact at the expo earlier that month and she had been surprised and overjoyed at seeing a side of Ryan few people probably got to see. She realized that Justin was the only person who could possibly convince Jake to confide in his brother because he arguably cared for Ryan as much as Jake did.

Lily took a deep breath as she knocked on the old door. She heard a male voice shout that he was coming and she recognized it was Justin.

Lily suppressed a giggle at the young man's surprised reaction. Justin quickly remembered his manners and invited her in. Lily saw that the small house was thankfully empty as she made herself comfortable on the couch. After declining a drink she quickly decided to get to her reason for the visit.

She briefly explained to Justin that she knew about Jake's abilities and that she had a hunch that he did too. She went on to tell him that she needed his help. 

Lily was impressed with the way Justin took all the information in his stride. He waited patiently for her to continue.

Lily closed her eyes and prayed for her plan to work. She quietly called Jake's name. Justin gave her a strange look which she ignored and repeated the name a bit louder. She was sure he was about to call the institute for her when Jake appeared next to her.

 

Justin gave a small gasp and took a step back as Jake appeared out of nowhere. 

Jake was visibly surprised to see Justin but casually apologized for the sudden appearance and with a pointed look at Lily explained that this was a first for him as well. 

Justin recovered quite quickly and told Jake to take a seat, adding under his breath, "if that's possible". Jake gave a laugh and made a show of sitting down on the couch. 

Lily was the first to speak up, explaining to Jake that she had met Justin at the engineering expo a few weeks ago. She went on to explain that Ryan had introduced them. 

She saw the surprise on his face but continued, saying she had seen the two friends connection and she hoped that Justin would be able to convince Jake to trust his brother.

Jake was reeling at the revelation of his brothers outing with Justin. He knew that Ryan had friends outside of him and Lily, but he didn't know that Justin and Ryan spent much time together, not to mention go to expo's together. Ryan had mentioned Justin a few times and he may have met him once, but that was all he knew about the young man.

Justin was in turn torn somewhere between surprise and horror. Surprise at actually meeting Jake for the first time in person, and horror because he knew everything about Jake. Ryan had confided every last detail about the man to him. He probably knew Jake better than Lily did, just because of the things Ryan had told him about him.

Lily saw the disbelief on both mens faces and she was stumped. She had assumed they knew each other rather well. She didn't expect the level of disbelief in the room. 

Justin was the first to recover and asked Lily if she could maybe get him a glass of water, telling her to look for the glasses in the one cupboard there was. 

She took the hint rather greatfully and excused herself quickly. 

Justin looked Jake in the eyes and told him honestly that he knew his brother very well. And that's why he knew Jake rather well too.

Jake in turn was shaking in disbelief. He was having trouble calming down and he knew that he was on the verge of a meltdown. Justin recognized the signs from the descriptions Ryan had given him many times before. He calmly took Jake's hand and looked him in the eye, waiting for him to make eye contact. He softly whispered that he was safe and that Ryan was only a call away. He just as softly asked him if he wanted him to call his brother. That shocked Jake out of his own thoughts enough to grab onto the question. He slowly made eye contact with Justin and shook his head no.

Jake gave Justin a greatful smile and told him he was fine now and that he didn't need his brother.

Jake went further and told him that he actually needed his help, not his brothers. Justin gave him a disbelieving look but gave the appropriate response by asking what he needed help with.

Jake quickly brought him up to date on the Mentalite treatment program and Dr Chambers daily visits. It did not take much convincing on Jake's part to get Justin to agree to help him.

They agreed on a time and place Justin would meet Dr Chambers and tell him that Jake was aboard with the treatment plan.

Justin did however have one condition on helping Jake, he made the young mentalite promise not to tell his brother about his involvement. And Jake in turn was eager to agree to any and all conditions, especially if it meant he could find out more about his brother's secret life. 

 

September 2019

 

Jake laughed heartily as Justin described in great detail how his brother had spilled his poster paint all over himself, and unfortunately the cute girl he had his eye on at that time. 

They were fourteen years old and Ryan had issued a challenge to their whole class.

Jake wasn't really surprised to find out that Ryan was the heart of the class. Justin had told him that when Ryan made a suggestion their peers usually agreed and this challenge had special meaning to him. 

Ryan had challenged his fellow students to go a week, with the use of only one hand. He had discussed the challenge with their teachers and they had agreed to the little experiment. 

Justin gave a small laugh as he thought back to Amy's face when Ryan spilled the neon pink paint all over her perfectly pressed school uniform. 

Justin and Jake had grudgingly become good friends, they found that they actually shared quite a few interests, not to mention they both cared deeply for Ryan. 

Jake was grateful that Justin had been a sounding board for his brother. He found out quickly that Ryan had shared everything with Justin, at first he was a bit shaken by that but he also quickly got to see that Justin was not only trustworthy but loyal as well. 

Jake could see why Ryan had picked Justin to confide in.

Justin in turn had been surprised by Jake. If he was honest, he had pictured the man quite differently. And looking back now he knew that it was his own assumptions that had misled him at first.

As he got to know Jake, almost as intimately as Ryan did, he could finally understand his best friend's devotion to his brother.

Justin was about to go into further detail about the aftermath of the paint incident when he heard a car pull up. As he was heading towards the door he heard Jake's choked exclamation of "it's Ryan". 

Justin turned to tell Jake to chill but he had disappeared. Justin just gave a small shrug as he opened the door before Ryan could knock, catching his friend off guard. Ryan stumbled into the small house and gave his friend a dirty look. 

"You know, you're quite stealthy for a cripple." Ryan said with a twinkle in his eyes. Justin just flipped him the bird with his right hand and told him to make himself at home. He knew that was exactly what his friend would do as Ryan popped open the footrest of the recliner and settled his feet halfway in the air. 

Justin gave him a soda and went to sit down on the couch. 

Ryan looked around and asked if he had interrupted something, he could swear he sensed a familiar presence but he couldn't put his finger on it. 

Justin just shrugged and said that his mom was in her room but his old man was out as usual. 

Ryan decided to temporarily ignore the weird feeling and pressed the footrest back into the recliner. "Might as well get this over with." He thought to himself. 

He quickly realized that it was not going to be that easy as he fumbled for words. 

Justin saw his friends whole demeanor change and knew instinctively that he was not going to like what came next. 

"Just spill whatever is eating at you and get it over with". Justin said quietly, not looking his friend in the eyes. 

Ryan swallowed and just as softly told his best friend that he was not going to study electronic engineering with him. He was going to study neuroscience. 

Before he had a chance to continue, he heard a glass break in the small kitchen next to the lounge they were in. Justin swore and quickly rushed to the kitchen, pushing Ryan back in his seat when he tried to go with. He told him to stay put and that he would handle whatever situation there may be, adding not so subtly, that he was used to doing things on his own anyway. 

Justin found Jake busy sweeping up the pieces of glass he had broken. Jake looked up at him with such sorrow that Justin had to take a step back. Jake was close to tears as he told him that this was all his fault. His brother was going to spend the rest of his life in a job he hated, looking after his handicapped brother. 

Justin put a hand on Jake's shoulder and told him that he would help him make sure that didn't happen. He tried to give him a reassuring smile as he asked him to please leave. He told him he needed some privacy with Ryan. Jake nodded sadly and thanked him for all his help as he disappeared. 

Justin took a deep breath and headed back to his best friend. He had so many thoughts going through his mind he missed the look Ryan gave him as he went to sit down. 

Ryan had been waiting impatiently for his friend to return. He was taken aback at the lost, faraway look on his best friends face. He did a double take when he saw his friends hands were trembling. He had known Justin for years now, and he had never seen his friend give in to his emotions. Ryan knew the trembling was either from fear or from anger, he just wasn't sure which one was currently winning. 

As he locked eyes with his friend however he knew the anger had won. Justin told him that he had nothing to say to him and to get out. He knew his friend well enough to know that although anger had won, the predominant emotion his friend felt deep down was betrayal. And Ryan had never wanted to be one, of many people in his best friends life, to betray him. 

Ryan knew it was a mistake the moment he reached for his friends retreating arm.  

Justin reacted out of years of living with an abusive alcoholic father as he twisted Ryan's hand into an unnatural angle and they both heard the sickening sound of bone breaking. 

Justin had paled and looked like he was about to pass out. Ryan gave him a slap with his right hand and hissed at his broken left hand as he fought a wave of nausea. He was trying desperately to get Justin to respond. 

He slapped his face again, a bit more forcefully this time. And quickly took a step back when he saw his friend snap back to reality. 

Justin saw the way Ryan took a step back and misinterpreted it as fear. He put his hands up to show Ryan he was not going to hit him. He then told him to grab his keys and that he was taking him to the emergency room to get his hand x-rayed. 

He went on to tell him in a tone of voice Ryan never wanted to hear from his friend again, that he was 99 percent sure it was broken. Ryan knew his friend was speaking from experience. He hated himself for the part he played in making his friend experience the other side of his nightmares. Where he was the monster, hurting the people he was supposed to care for and protect. 

Ryan also knew his friend well enough to know that he would not be able to fix this in one night. He decided to go with Justin on this one, he knew his friend would be able to handle the situation at the emergency room better than he would. 

It was after midnight when Justin dropped his friend at his house, they had not spoken the entire trip, and greeted each other awkwardly as Ryan slipped from the car. Not one of the boys even registered that Justin was driving Ryan's car. Justin pulled the car into his driveway on autopilot, he snapped back to reality and let out a curse when he closed the door and finally realized he had Ryan's car. He decided he would drop it of at his friends house the next day when no one was home and then he'd walk home. 

 

JANUARY 2020

 

Ryan had been admitted that morning. It was just after eleven and Jake and Justin were on their way to the institute. May had assured Justin that she would keep a close eye on Jake's body and that she would let them know if she was worried about anything.

Justin had his jaw set and Jake could see that he was barely keeping his cool.

Justin glanced at Jake and asked him if Dr Chambers would let anyone harm Ryan. Jake closed his eyes and replied honestly that he didn't know. He explained that he had trusted the doctor for a long time, and he had been devastated when the doctor revealed his plans for Ryan.

He wanted to believe that the doctor had his brothers best interests at heart but he was not that naive.

Justin just nodded and slammed his deformed left hand against the steering wheel. When he spoke again Jake could hear the self loathing in the young mans voice. He brokenly told Jake that Ryan didn't break his hand in a bicycle accident. He admitted shamefully that he had broken his best friends hand that night, just after Jake left.

To Justin's utter surprise Jake said that he knew, or rather he had his suspicions the entire time. Justin looked at him, feeling completely lost.

Jake took pity on the young man and told him that his reaction that night was born from years of abuse and neglect. He told him that he had seen the loss and devastation in his expression. But he also knew that his brother could handle himself, and more importantly, he trusted Justin. Jake looked him in the eye and told him that he trusted Ryan with him, and that he knew he would keep his brother safe no matter what. He went on to tell him that Ryan also trusted him, probably more than he did his own brother.

Justin was reeling at the confession, not only had Jake known that he had broken his brothers hand, he didn't blame him. Justin was having some trouble concentrating on the road with all of the thoughts going through his mind. Jake put a steadying hand on the steering wheel and gave Justin a look.

Justin snapped back to reality as he thought how pissed his best friend would be if he traumatized his brother by crashing on his way to the institute. 

He didn't need to add anything else to the very long list of things his best friend already had reason to be mad about. 

Jake decided that a change of topic was necessary and with some hesitation confessed that he missed his brother. He told Justin that he missed talking to him and that he missed his brothers calming presence. He went on to tell him quite animatedly that Justin was the only other person who had ever helped him avoid a meltdown. Jake went quiet after the last confession. After an uncomfortable pause Jake told him that he knew he was selfish, and that his need for his brother was going to destroy the life of the person he cared for most. 

Justin was taken aback by the complete desolation in Jake's voice. He thought darkly that he had never met a person with an equal amount of self hatred until he met Jake. 

Justin shook his head and gave a dry chuckle, telling Jake that they were quite the pair. He told him sincerely that he had misjudged him. He went on to say that he could honestly tell him that Ryan had never thought of him as a burden. And that he was glad to have had the opportunity to get to know his best friends brother as well as he had. He gave him a small shove and told him that he now also knew that he was not a burden.

As Justin pulled into the parking lot of the institute he gave a small shudder and told Jake honestly that he was scared for Ryan. That he was worried about all the unknown factors the doctor had not bothered to share with them.

Jake nodded sadly in agreement but told his friend that the two of them would not let anyone hurt Ryan. 

 

 

 

 

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.01.2020

Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Widmung:
This book is not complete yet. I will update regularly and will mark it as complete as soon as. To my wonderful boys. All 3 of them.