Red.

ELIJAH

After that night, she was all I could think about. Her scent lingered on my clothing, and I could still see her in certain parts of my house, as if she had never left.

I made my way to my room, my blazer slung over my shoulder, my hand tucked into my pocket. But before I could even enter my room, I heard the front door open and close with a loud bang. It was Vincent and my sister, Vee.

I wasn't surprised that my mother hadn't made it to the gala - she barely made an appearance in our lives, anyway. But I was surprised she'd shown up at Vincent's house last night.

I headed back downstairs, and my father's footsteps echoed through the hallway. My sister had her shoes in her hand, and Vincent was shoving her further into the house, his jaw clenched. She tried to wriggle free, but he pushed her again, and she landed on the floor. That's when I intervened.

"What the hell is your problem?" I demanded, shoving him away from her. My fists were clenched, ready for a fight. "Where the hell were you?" He spat.

I glared at Vincent, he knew better than to mess with me. "I don't see why that concerns you," I sneered. "Your business partners got to see me with a date, and us as a happy family. Isn't that what you wanted?"

He took a step closer, his eyes blazing. "I wish your sister could learn a thing or two from you son," he said.

"You don't get to talk to me like that," Vicky said, her voice trembling.

Vincent's expression turned ugly. "I can talk to you however the hell I please. You hear me? I am your damn father."

Vicky's eyes flashed with anger. "No, I don't have a father!" she yelled.

Vincent raised his hand, and I caught his wrist before he could strike her. "Don't you even think about laying a hand on her, or I swear I'll forget I ever called you my father," I warned.

I could see it in his eyes - a mix of emotions - regret, anger, guilt. His eyes turned slightly red, and his hand began to shake. He lowered it, and I saw the familiar signs of an episode. He needed his pills.

"Mr. Grey," the maid said, her voice low, "You need to take your medication to stabilize yourself. Otherwise, it'll consume you, bit by bit."

Vincent's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew I was right. He turned and walked away, our maid following him with his pills. I watched him go.

Vincent had bipolar and unfortunately for him, it was stronger than he wanted it to be and soon it'd eat him up.

I turned back to my sister, and my heart ached at the sight of her tears-stained face. Her mascara had run, leaving dark streaks on her cheeks, and her shoulders shook as she sobbed uncontrollably.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as I felt her body tremble. I closed my eyes, my own emotions welling up as I heard her cry. My sister's tears had always affected me deeply, because we'd been through so much together.

We'd always been incredibly close, despite our twin status, and I felt a need to protect her. I remembered the countless times we'd cried together as kids, especially when our childhood was stripped away from us. We'd been exposed to things no child should ever have to face, and it had bonded us in a way that only trauma can. I recalled the nights we'd lain awake, talking each other, and trying to make sense of the world around us.

Even though I was only a few minutes older than her, I'd always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards her. I'd tried to be the rock she needed, the one person she could lean on in a world that often seemed cruel and unforgiving. I remembered the times I'd stood up for her, fought for her, and wiped away her tears. And in this moment, nothing was going to change.

"Don't worry, it'll all be okay," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "I promise." I meant every word, and I knew that I'd do anything to make sure she was safe and happy.

I held her for what felt like hours, until her sobs subsided, and she pulled back, looking up at me with red-rimmed eyes. I wiped away her tears, and she sniffled, trying to smile through her pain. In that moment, I knew that we'd get through this, together, as we always did.

□□□

As I woke up, I couldn't help but wish it was already Monday. I was consumed by thoughts of Nadia, and the fear of being selfish for wanting her in my life lingered.

Who would want to be a part of my chaotic world, anyway? But I couldn't bring myself to care, not when she looked at me with those piercing eyes, not when her smile could light up the darkest of rooms.

I took a gulp of cold water, trying to shake off the thoughts. Vicky was already up and getting ready for the day. Her eyes were puffy, but she smiled as we sat down for breakfast. "What's going on between you and Nadia?" she asked, catching me off guard.

I took a bite of my food, buying time before responding. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. But Vee saw right through me, her eyes rolling in a "don't try to play it off" kind of way.

"Don't try to deny it, Eli. I know that twinkle in your eyes is because of her. You can't lie to me," she said with a smirk. "Besides, it's finally good to see you smiling. That stoic look was getting ugly."

I teased her back, "You're one to talk, Vicky You're just like me - always running from..." I trailed off, "love," She finished off.

"Whatever, Eli. You're just trying to change the subject." But I knew I had hit a nerve. My sister and I were alike in so many ways in the same way that we were so different. We both never planned on falling in love because it was nearly impossible in our world. We never found the use in getting involved with someone who would later become our weakness.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and we both turned to look at each other in surprise. Who could be visiting at this hour? The door opened, and I heard footsteps. Vicky gasped, and I turned to see Nicholas, our old friend, standing in the doorway with a huge smile on his face.

"Nicholas?" I uttered in disbelief. "Yes, brother! I'm back! Now give me a hug!" He spread his arms wide, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

We hadn't seen him in over a year, not since his family moved away. But now he was back.

As I hugged him, I couldn't shake off the feeling that our lives were about to change in ways we couldn't imagine. But for now, I was just happy to have my friend back. "It's been too long, man," I said, clapping him on the back.

Nicholas grinned, "I know, right? I've missed you guys. But I'm back now, and I'm not going anywhere." Little did I know, those words would come back to haunt me and that his return would bring a storm of bloodshed into our lives, threatening to tear Nadia away from me forever.

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