UNSPOKEN FEAR

“Bridge College?” Aiden asked, arching a brow.

“Yes.” Rowan nodded.

They had gone to different schools in college. Aiden remained at Crossville College, while Rowan was determined to attend Bridge College. In the end, Mrs. Hale enrolled both of them in their preferred schools

“He was the most feared and notorious guy in school,” Rowan said as Aiden folded his arms, listening, but suddenly, Rowan went quiet.

“Go on,” Aiden urged.

Rowan stared at him, then collapsed onto his bed, brushing his hands over his face.

“You won’t understand,” Rowan said, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

“Tell me first. I promise I will,” Aiden said, crossing his heart. They’d always done this to show seriousness, and each time it worked.

Rowan sat up, he opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come out.

“I’m sorry, I can’t,” Rowan said at last, his voice cold, leaving no room for argument.

Aiden watched Rowan, worry and fear written all over his face. Rowan wanted to open up; he could see it, but it felt as if some invisible force was holding him back.

Rowan lay flat on the bed again, his gaze glued back to the ceiling.

Aiden stood and walked to the door. He paused, glancing back at Rowan, but Rowan was already lost in thought.

He stepped out and shut the door behind him, heading to his own room. When he reached his door, he placed his hand on the knob, and then an idea struck him.

He turned and went downstairs.

The living room lights were off. He reached for the switch and flipped it on, revealing Kai still lying on the couch. He looked helpless and completely exhausted.

“A poor, helpless man. Rowan is mistaking him for someone else,” he muttered, watching Kai. 

Then he switched the lights off again and returned to his room, where he lay exhausted as sleep drifted him off.

When he opened his eyes again, it was the next day.

“Damn it,” he muttered, checking the time as he dashed to the bathroom.

Minutes later he returned, grabbed a white T-shirt, black trousers, and a black zipper hoodie, slipped them on, and picked up his shoes.

He checked his reflection, brushed his hair neatly, grabbed the suitcase on his table, and stomped downstairs.

He saw Kai still on the same couch, but now awake.

“Hi… good morning,” Kai greeted, forcing a smile.

Aiden’s heart dipped as his eyes lingered on him.

“Aiden!” Rowan yelled, snapping him out of it.

“Morning. Hope you’re doing great,” Aiden finally said with a smile, before turning to Rowan, who sat at the dining table, having breakfast, already dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.

“Doing fine,” Kai replied softly. “Thanks,” he muttered as Aiden walked over to join Rowan.

“What took you so long? And what the hell are you wearing?” Rowan asked, his jaw tight as ever.

“I woke up late,” Aiden replied, reaching for bread and sipping his coffee.

Mrs. Hale walked out of the kitchen, approaching them.

“Good morning mum”

“Morning darling”. Mrs. Hale answered and turned to Kai. 

“Kai, you can join them at the dining table. Your breakfast is ready.” 

Hearing this, Rowan slammed his fist hard on the table. Without waiting for Kai’s response, he sprang to his feet, grabbed his laptop, and walked out.

“What is wrong with Rowan?” Mrs. Hale asked, confused.

Aiden took five slices of bread, stuffed beef into them, gulped his coffee, and grabbed his suitcase.

“I’ll speak to him,” he said, finally making his way out. “Bye, Mom. Take care.” He shut the door behind him.

“Thanks, but I’d love to have breakfast here,” Kai replied with his usual cute smile as Mrs. Hale nodded and carried a tray with a cup of coffee, a plate of beef, and several slices of bread.

She placed it beside him. “Call me if you need anything else,” she said, then left, clearing the dining table and returning to her room.

****

Aiden drove the car while Rowan stared out the window, silent the entire time.

“Walking out like that wasn't right,” Aiden said, breaking the silence. Rowan glanced at him and sucked his teeth.

“I don’t get you, Rowan,” Aiden said as he turned onto a quieter street and parked.

“What don’t you get? Start the car. We’re already late for the meeting,” Rowan snapped, then began staring at Aiden’s outfit.

“I wonder how you plan to face the Rodriguezs dressed in such rags,” Rowan spat, irritation lacing his tone.

“Rags?” Aiden asked, furrowing his brow.

“Yes. Your stupid dressing sense must have affected your judgement too. You can't tell danger from safety,” Rowan fired.

“Oh… I see,” Aiden exhaled as realization hit him. “You’re angry because I refused to support you. How childish of you, Rowan. Accusing a harmless stranger of something he didn’t do.”

Rowan drew in a slow breath, fighting his temper.

“Start the car. We'll keep them waiting,” Rowan said.

Aiden hesitated, then started the engine and continued the journey.

Soon, they arrived at the massive building with ‘STERLING BOND FASHION’ boldly written across it. Mrs. Hale was the founder, though she now allowed the twins to manage the company while remaining the CEO.

“Welcome, sirs,” Anna, Rowan’s personal assistant, greeted. “The Rodriguezs just left not quite long ago.”

Both twins froze.

“What? We were supposed to have a meeting with them,” Rowan thundered, his voice cold and loud.

“Yes, sir, but they were impatient and asked to see the designs. I tried reaching you, but it wasn’t going through.”

“What did you do?” Aiden asked sharply.

“I… I showed them the new collection and explained everything, but they said they weren’t interested and left angrily.”

Rowan and Aiden exchanged looks as their hearts sank.

How would they explain this to Mrs. Hale? Their mother could forgive their mistakes, but not when her business was involved.

Just then Aiden’s phone rang inside his suitcase. He pulled it out. Caller ID: ‘Sweet Mum.’

“We’re doomed,” Aiden muttered as his stomach twisted.