5—"What is going between you and Neville?"

Elmer Reese

Days blurred together, in between work and Neville stepping on my nerves.

I have finally found a coping mechanism against Neville.

Avoiding him entirely and ignoring any snide comments he made.

Ernest seemed to notice that I was really avoiding his friend, which was weird. I'm not the type to back away from a challenge or stop judging Neville f**king Evans.

So he asked, “What's going on between you and Neville?”

My heart almost dropped into my stomach.

“Nothing,” I quickly denied.

“Nothing?” Ernest gave me a look. “Did he do something?”

“No,” I shook my head.

“Then why are you acting weird?”

“I'm not acting weird, Ernest,” I said, shutting the conversation down.

Ernest didn't push that day, not because he believed me, but simply because he didn't want me to scream at him.

And thankfully, he didn't mention a word about it.

I leaned back against my chair, looking at the telemetry on my PC screen. On my tablet were the data from Ernest's car on the day of his accident.

I didn't believe the problem that caused Ernest's accident could have suddenly developed without any prior notice or alert.

And Ernest wouldn't talk about that day.

I understood because it was like reliving the moment his dream ended before it had barely begun.

At any mention of that day, Ernest would freeze. It was clear he was still affected and in pain but continued to pretend to be fine.

The door to my room opened, and I turned off my PC. I turned around just in time to see Ernest walk in.

“What are you doing?” he asked, carrying a plate with two pieces of pizza.

“Nothing in particular,” I responded, grabbing my tablet and turning it off too before he came any closer.

Ernest gave me the familiar ‘I don't believe you look’ but didn't press.

“I know I said I would make dinner today, but I still have some work to finish before packing…”

I cut him off. “It's okay, Ernest.” I took the plate from him.

He smiled, nodding.

Ernest is the best big brother anyone could ever ask for. He is caring and overly protective at times.

We were raised by a single mother, a very lovely woman. It had just been the three of us from the very beginning, but now it was just Ernest and me.

My mom remarried five years ago to a very good man and now lives far away, across the country.

“What are you thinking about?” Ernest's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I gave him a smile. “Just thinking about how grateful I am to have you as a big brother.”

Ernest laughed, shaking his head. “Really? That's a nice compliment from you, El.” He placed his hands over his chest dramatically.

“Don't let it get to your head,” I mused.

“Alright, El. I appreciate the compliment. I'll forever remember this moment,” Ernest joked.

“Shut up,” I laughed.

“No, seriously. It's rare for you to compliment someone. You know you're quite—”

“Judgmental?” I finished for him, glaring.

“I don't mean it like that—”

“I know what you mean,” I feigned annoyance. “I take back my compliment.”

Ernest chuckled. “Alright, I'm sorry.”

I folded my arms, looking away.

We remained silent for a while before bursting out laughing moments later.

“So, what did the manager say?” I asked, referring to the house renovation.

“Yeah… he said the repairs would be taking place, and they were examining the building for now. We don't have to vacate,” Ernest answered.

“Alright.”

“Will you join Neville and me? We're playing an F1 simulation game,” Ernest said.

I shook my head. “No.”

Ernest gave me a look again. Usually, I would have agreed. Any chance to hurl insults at Neville, I would take it.

But I knew joining them in the game would only add to my embarrassment because Neville had been making subtle remarks about the incident.

“Okay, take care,” Ernest said before heading out of my room.

I let out a breath of relief when he didn't question me.

—————★

I walked into my condo, dropping my keys on the coffee table. I heard Ernest having a phone call in the kitchen.

“I'm home,” I called out, but he didn't seem to hear me, so I walked towards the kitchen.

“You told me there would be no need to vacate—” Ernest said to the person on the phone. He seemed frustrated.

“Okay, you should have let us know earlier,” Ernest said calmly. He paused for a moment. “Alright, no problem.” He pulled his phone away from his ear.

“Hey,” I greeted as I walked towards the fridge.

“Hey.”

“Was that the manager?” I asked as I took a bottle of water from the fridge.

“Yeah…”

“What happened?”

“There is a development concerning the repairs. The drainage system on our floor has some faults.”

I frowned. “So?”

“It's far worse than they anticipated, so we'll need to vacate for a while.”

“But…”

“I know. I thought we wouldn't have to vacate, but I have an arrangement in case this happened,” Ernest assured me.

“What arrangements?”

“The repairs might take a while, and I'll be away for a few months… I told Neville about it ahead of time, and he's fine with you staying with him for a while,” Ernest said.

“No way.” I shook my head, refusing.

“Why?”

“I can't…”

“It's just for a while, and besides, Neville is okay with it.”

“You don't get it.”

“Did he do something to you?”

“No.”

“Then why? Trust me, he'll stay away from you.”

“You can't understand,” I said softly.

“Then make me understand. Neville is my friend, and even though he's a little reckless, I trust him to keep you safe. He used to look after you when we were kids,” Ernest said, reminding me of those times when Neville used to be less of a jerk.

I knew that, at this rate, Ernest would push the issue if I kept refusing to stay with Neville.

He already suspected something was wrong.

It would be bad if he started to investigate.

“Alright, it's nothing… it's just that he can be a jerk.”

“Don't worry, I'll give him a warning,” Ernest joked, a smile spreading across his face.

I changed the topic. “So, have you packed?”

“Yes,” Ernest answered.

“Okay, I'll go to my room now.” I lifted the cup in my hand.

“Don't forget to pack too.”

Someone walked into the kitchen before I could walk out; Neville Evans.

Of course, he is here.

He and Ernest couldn't stay away from each other for long.

He wore his stupid, crooked grin, and I remembered his words that night during dinner.

We'll see.

“Looks like you'll be staying with me, sweetheart,” he said. I shot him a glare as I walked out.

The ground can split open now and swallow me!