“Where’s everybody?”
I hope I’m not too obvious.
“Abi is at her place. And Victor is out for his morning run.”
Alek walks to the coffee carafe and pours another cup.
“Twinkle, I wanna tell you something about Victor. I’m going to practice, so I don’t have time to sugarcoat it.”
“I don’t need you to add sugar to anything, Alek. I’m not the same little girl you used to protect all the time.”
“You will always be that girl in my heart. And I don’t want to argue with you anymore.”
“Me neither.”
I want to hug my brother so much right about now, but fight the urge.
“Victor acts so weird around you. Never seen him turn into such a mush.” He presses his lips. “He fights and drinks. He’s already fought at school a few times. His dad got him off the last time as self-defense, but this time Victor won’t escape the consequences.” Alek pauses to take a sip.
This time? What has he done?
“His dad was an Olympic wrestler, and a popular MMA fighter. A champion. The university doesn’t want the bad publicity Victor’s dad threatened them with. He knows how to play that game. So last time they let Victor off the hook after he broke some dude’s jaw and nose.”
At the first tremble of my hands, I set my mug on the kitchen table and lean on the chair.
“What’s the latest fight about?”
“Under investigation. I don’t care if Victor kicks some stupid dude’s ass on campus. Many guys challenge him just because they know who he is and because they’re jealous.” He pauses and gives me a serious look. “But I don’t want you to be involved in his shit. If you’re Victor’s girl, you’re Victor’s collateral damage.”
I want to bombard Alek with so many more questions, but he’s already turning his back to me, washing his cup. And I don’t want him to be suspicious of my interest in Victor, which I haven’t been able to make sense of myself.
“Is your head okay? Headache?”
His blue eyes meet mine. “I’m fine, Twinkle. I can deal with a headache, but not with a heartache. Please tell me you’ll take care of yourself and will be safe.”
His eyes are pleading.
“I promise.” I manage to steady my voice as my heart plummets. “Go. You’ll be late for practice.”
He sighs. “I’ve always trusted Victor. But now I’m so torn.” Alek shakes his head.
My best guess is that my brother is worried Victor will leave me more emotionally wounded than physically.
“Go, Alek.”
He sucks in air and his cheeks expand like a hamster, then blows it out in a heavy and loud sigh. “Are you okay alone here?”
“I’m not alone. Victor will be back soon.”
“That’s what I mean. Alone withhim?”
“Just go, Alek.”
He walks to the stairwell but stops at the entrance. “Promise?”
“I already promised. Now go or I’ll throw my mug at you.”
Alek disappears up the stairs and returns a moment later wearing his football jersey and shorts and carrying a duffel bag. After he leaves, I’m left alone with my thoughts… about Victor.
