The Brother of My Boyfriend: A Love for Two

"As soon as Mandy entered the college, her friend Megan came running towards her, eyes filled with concern.

"Where were you all day, Mandy? I sent you several messages and you didn't respond. Did you not see?" Megan asked quickly.

Mandy looked at Megan with a heavy heart and replied, "No, Megan, I didn't hear. My phone was on silent, I wouldn't have noticed. I had breakfast with my parents and met..." Megan interrupted, curious, "Who did you meet?"

"Jason," Mandy said. "We've been having some misunderstandings. He has a peculiar way of being and I'm having trouble spending time with Dylan, especially since he was at the apartment, which left me a bit irritated. So, he was going to pick up my mother-in-law, who unfortunately is in town, and we ended up meeting, and talking a bit. He dropped me off here and that was it."

Megan looked at Mandy for a moment and then nodded understandingly. "I see," she said. The two headed towards the classroom to attend the lecture.

****

Jason walked through the airport lobby, eager to find his mother. However, he knew what was coming. His mother had the habit of saying inconvenient words, especially when it came to comparisons between Jason and his brother. As soon as he spotted his mother in the distance, Jason approached with a forced smile, prepared for what was to come. It didn't take long for his mother to start talking.

"Oh, dear Jason, it's so good to see you. But you know, punctuality isn't your strong suit, your brother has always been more punctual. I've been waiting for you for half an hour," his mother said, with a tone that Jason was already very familiar with.

Jason swallowed hard, struggling to maintain composure. He knew his mother's words weren't a true reflection of his worth. He took a deep breath and replied calmly, "Mom, what matters is that I'm here now. You know how traffic can be, even punctual people can get delayed."

Even though his mother's words affected him, Jason had learned to find strength within himself. He was determined to forge his path, regardless of the painful comparisons his mother insisted on making.

Mrs. Morgana looked at Jason with a curious smile and asked, "And Dylan, dear? Why didn't he come to greet me?"

Jason replied, "He's working on something important right now, but he'll be coming home earlier."

Mrs. Morgana chuckled softly and patted Jason's shoulder lightly. "Ah, I forgot that you're the son who never works."

Jason looked at his mother with a disappointed look and said, "Yes, it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, doesn't it?

"What do you mean by 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'? I worked my whole life, if today you can live comfortably, it's thanks to my hard work," she retorted.

Jason looked seriously at his mother, summoning the courage to express what was in his heart. "Look, Mom, I came to pick you up because Dylan asked. I dropped everything I was doing to come and get you. So, stop trying to compare me to Dylan."

He took a deep breath before continuing, his words filled with emotion. "And another thing, you never worked. I know that very well. You've always lived like a queen, with everything Dad provided for you. Your only duty was to give orders to the nannies and maids."

Jason's expression showed the intensity of his emotions, reflecting his determination to be understood. But as always, he couldn't have a proper conversation with his mother. In the end, he always felt hurt by her.

"I'd better take you home, I have things to do."

"Everything is always more important than your mother, that's not news."

"And why do you want me around? To hear how amazing Dylan is, the perfect son, and how I'm the family's disgrace?"

"Enough! I don't want to hear anything more. You're filled with poison and it's hurting me."

"I'm still your mother, you don't have the right to speak to me like that," she scolded him.

"If you're my mother, then act like one, because I spent my whole life in my brother's shadow, hoping you'd notice me, hoping you'd love me, but only dad loved me, only he understood me."

Anger boiled within Jason, and he decided it was better for both of them if his mother left. With trembling hands, he grabbed his phone and called a taxi.

Mrs. Morgana sensed the tension in the air and tried to argue, but Jason was determined. He guided her to the taxi, holding the door firmly as she got in.

"I'm sorry, Mom, but I think it's better this way," he said, closing the door with a heavy sigh. He leaned towards the driver and whispered the address.

Mrs. Morgana looked at Jason through the window, her expression a mixture of surprise and indignation. She tried to protest, but Jason didn't give her room to do so. With a determined gesture, he stepped back and gave instructions to the driver.

The taxi left, leaving Jason there, his heart still racing, but certain that he had made the right decision.

Jason got into his car and drove to the nearest bar. He knew he should avoid it, as he had had serious issues with alcohol before. But at that moment, he was consumed by frustration and anger from the argument with his mother. The clock read only noon when Jason began to ramble, his voice echoing loudly in the space. The other patrons at the bar looked at him sideways, concerned about the situation.

The bartender, an experienced-looking man, watched Jason with growing concern. He decided to intervene before the situation got worse. He took Jason's phone, seeking someone who could help.

Upon calling, Mandy answered on the other end, surprised by the unknown number. Upon hearing the bartender's voice and sensing the urgency of the situation, she swallowed hard. She knew she would have to make a quick decision. "Hello, Mandy. This is Alex, from the downtown bar. We have your friend Jason here, and he seems to be in trouble. It would be good if someone could come get him," the bartender said, choosing his words carefully.

Mandy felt a tightening in her chest. She knew she would have to come up with an excuse for Megan, who was waiting for her at school. She took a deep breath and began to weave a story she hoped Megan would believe. The situation was delicate, but she was determined to help Jason get out of this complicated situation.

Mandy: *hangs up the call and turns to Megan, trying to hide the tension* Megan, something came up at home and I need to leave.

*worried* What happened? Can I come with you? Is it something serious? Megan asked.

*looking at Megan, trying to find the right words* No, Megan, it's not anything serious. They just need a little help at home. I'll explain everything in more detail later, but right now, I need to go.

Megan: *nodding understandingly* Okay, friend. If you need anything, just give me a call. I'll be waiting for news from you.

Mandy thanked her with a weak smile, knowing that Megan was worried about her. She said a quick goodbye and hurried towards the bar, determined to help Jason and resolve the situation in the best way possible.