Rowan: Cal, stop. You’re going to scare him away.
Callum: He’s family, he needs to get used to it. Us.
Rowan: You were dropped on your head.
Callum: Lies. You pushed me.
I choke on a laugh.
“They’re insane,” I whisper as more messages start coming through.
Arran: Hold on. WHAT??
Callum: I have a new brother, and we’re best friends already.
Tavish: Are you serious?? We actually have another brother?? I want to see.
Callum: No, Ro and I do and he’s awesome.
Rowan: Derrick seems really nice.
Tavish: That’s not fair. I want a new brother too.
Arran: How is he not our brother when we are your brothers?
Callum: Different parents, dumbass.
Arran: That’s not fair. I don’t want to be stuck with you assholes.
Callum: Too bad.
Rowan: No one tell Mum yet.
Tavish: Why?
Rowan: Because …
Tavish: Because why?
Rowan: Just let me handle it.
Tavish: You always do this to me, I’m a fucking adult, Ro.
Callum: Because we were born out of hate not love like you two pea brains, and Ro wants to make sure Mum is okay.
Arran: Does she know about this brother?
Rowan: Of course she does. She is the one who told us about him. Look, it’s complicated. If you weren’t listening at the family meeting, I’m not going to repeat myself.
Arran: I can’t remember everything, okay.
Callum: Mum’s going to cry and probably redecorate a room for Derrick, which might be overwhelming.
Rowan: This chat is overwhelming for him, I’m sure. Derrick, if you read this, I’m sorry. I thought I would have longer to keep you out of the chaos. And why aren’t you guys in bed? It’s late.
Tavish: Not that late. We aren’t old like you.
Callum: I’m out.
