I slammed my lunch box on the table and the poor boy nearly jumped out of his skin. His eyes widened when he saw me and he slowly took off his headphones. I took a seat opposite him without waiting for an invitation making myself comfortable. Everyone was seated in groups like every high school cliche except for him. Seems like Matthias really was a mystery. How could his brother be so famous and him the exact opposite? They were literally the same person, one was just a prick and other other... Well I wasn't quite sure about Matthias yet.

"Sorry to interrupt, all other tables were full."I excused lamely.

I hadn't bothered checking but I was sure that if I had checked I would have found some space. Matthew would have even made space for me in the popular table if I asked. But I would have rather eaten outside than sit with him and his dumb friends.

Matthias didn't say anything, just stared at me without blinking so I snapped my fingers over his face to get his attention. His blinked rapidly before looking down at his food. Was he ignoring me or just shy?

"I need to talk to you."I said hoping to get his attention.

He continued assuming my presence and it irked me. Why was he ignoring me? I just wanted to apologize and if he didn't want to keep talking after that then I was fine with it. We didn't even have to be friends as long as I got to say sorry. I didn't do well with guilt and at the moment I was feeling guilty for snapping at him when I thought he was his twin.

"Matthias can you hear me?"I asked.

When I called his name, he clenched his plastic fork so hard it snapped into two.

"Don't call me that."He gritted out.

His voice was deep and sultry especially when he talked like that. How could his name make him angry?

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you but your name is Matthias right?"I asked hoping I hadn't gotten it wrong.

He finally looked up to meet my gaze and the color of his eyes got to me. I hadn't gotten a chance to look at them properly but his were an electric blue color while his brothers eyes were a sky blue.

"It is but I prefer Henry."He replied addressing me directly.

"Henry?"I asked confused.

"Second name."He explained shortly.

Looks like Matthias, sorry Henry was much more of a rebel that I thought. He didn't want to be associated with his brother so he had dropped the first name that matched his brothers. He was a puzzle but I wasn't there to piece him together though. I just wanted to get my apology over and done with so I could clear my conscience.

"Sorry, Henry. I'm here because I wanted to apologize for being rude to you that day at the arcade. I mistook you for your brother thus my harsh words. I'm sorry."I expressed.

Instead of a thank you for my apology or at least an acknowledgement of my words he just stared at me for a few seconds before turning back to his food. He went back to ignoring me once again.

"Did you hear a word of what I said?"I asked and all I got back was silence.

I started getting angry so before I said something I'd regret I gathered up my stuff and got up to leave. Looks like I had to look for some place else to have my lunch.

"You know I actually thought for a second that you were different from your brother but you and him are one and the same."I spat turning on my heel and leaving him be.

So much for leaving before I said something I'd regret. I didn't regret it though, Henry might not have wanted to be called Matthias but changing his name didn't make him different from his brother. They were both pricks.

I found the library which was deserted during lunch apart from a few nerds probably running away from their bullies. I found a secluded table and proceeded to enjoy my lunch. I wouldn't let Matthias or was it Henry ruin my day. I had already said my piece and apologized, my conscience was clear and slate clean. For all I cared both brothers could go to hell.

After lunch I had Chemistry, History and then finally PE. I was quite athletic so that last class appealed to me. I also hadn't worked out in a while so that was my chance to get in some exercise.

By the end of the day I had racked up quite the number of assignments for my first day back. I wasn't one to slack so I carried them all home so I could finish before the next day. Everyone was catching up after classes as it was the first day back but I had my brother to pick up so I hurried out of the school. I didn't want to keep Charlie waiting too long.

When I got to the school I quickly made my way to Charlie's class and found him coloring while Miss Genevieve did her own work on her desk. It was quiet so they both looked up when I arrived, probably from the sound of my footsteps. Charlie grinned and immediately started packing up.

"Thank you for watching him Miss Genevieve."I addressed the teacher.

"It was my pleasure, Charlie is a peach."Age replied with a smile.

"Ready to go bud?"I asked Charlie as he wheeled himself towards me.

He nodded enthusiastically making me smile. Looks like I was not the only one who had a long day.

"Miss Cooper, can I have a word?"Miss Genevieve asked before we had the chance to leave.

I nodded before turning to Charlie.

"Why don't you start heading outside, I'll catch up. I just have to talk to your teacher first."I requested him.

"Okay."He agreed."Bye Miss Genevieve, see you tomorrow."He said waving at her.

"Bye Charlie."She replied with a smile.

Once we were alone I turned to the teacher.

"What did you want to talk to me about? Is Charlie okay? Did someone already start picking on him?"I asked getting a little defensive.

"No, nothing like that. This school has a strict no bullying policy."She countered.

"Didn't stop anyone before."I mumbled.

"Sorry what was that?"She inquired.

"Nothing, so what did you want to talk to me about?"I asked.

"It's about Charlie's drop off and pick up. He's been waiting forty five minutes for you. Don't you have someone else who can pick him up so he doesn't have to wait?"She expressed.

"No, just me. I don't like making him wait but I have school too and can't pick him up until I get out."I explained.

Charlie's previous teachers had had the same problem but they all came around after a while.

"Have you considered a bus drop off? The bus is wheelchair accessible and there's always a teacher on board to help out so Charlie's safety is guaranteed."She proposed.

I had considered that but that meant Charlie would be alone with my mom and Robert without me there. I hadn't liked the sound of that so I had already said no to that idea.

"Not going to happen."I informed her.

"Just think about it, consider Charlie and how him being left alone might affect him."She insisted.

I wanted to shout at her that Charlie always came first, that any decision I made always had him as a priority but I didn't need to blow up on the teacher to prove my point.

"I will and if that's all I'll be seeing you tomorrow."I said with a finality in my tone.

"Tomorrow it is."She answered.

I turned on my heel getting the hell out of there. I hated it when someone tried to tell me what was wrong or right with Charlie. I was only ten when he was born and my mom had completely neglected us both. I raised Charlie while raising myself. I had zero clue about parenting, especially a special needs child but I learnt step by step. Most young girls left in my situation would have given up or gone into depression but not me. Charlie had never been a burden. He was my light, my reason to keep going. Everything I did was for him, for the both of us so I hated being criticized. I always did what I thought and knew was right and best for the both of us. It would keep being that way because it was just the two of us against the whole world.

I found Charlie waiting by the truck. I immediately unlocked it and helped him in into his seat strapping him in securely. I folded his chair, put in the bed of the truck before getting into the driver's seat ready to take us home.

"How was your first day Charlie?"I asked driving away from the school.

"It was good. Miss Genevieve is really nice and I made a friend today. His name is Alex and he likes video games and monster trucks."He replied enthusiastically.

"I'm glad you had a good day bud. No one gave you a hard time right?"I inquired wanting to make sure that he was okay.

"Nope, I'm fine."He assured me.

Charlie and I had a pact never to lie to each other so I knew he was telling the truth. I also knew when he was lying so it was easy to catch him in lies.

"Can we go to the arcade?"Charlie requested after driving in silence for a few minutes.

"We both have assignments and need to get home and change. We can go later this week."I answered.

"Please Willow, we won't stay long. Please."He begged.

I wanted to stick my foot down and say no but I didn't have any fight left in me. My confrontation with both twins and Miss Genevieve had left me drained.

"Sure, an hour top then we're both going home."I declared giving the young man what he wanted.

Charlie cheered in the back, the smile on his face making it worth it. I was already exhausted but making Charlie happy was number one priority so I would suck it up and take him to the arcade like he had requested.

When we got to the arcade I helped Charlie onto his wheelchair before wheeling him in. The place was empty as always which was to be expected as it was the first day of school.

"Hi Jack."Charlie greeted cheerfully when we spotted the bushy bearded man behind the counter.

"Charlie hello and Willow, the person I was anxiously waiting for."Jack exclaimed excitedly when he spotted us.

"You were?"I asked confused.

"Of course, Charlie why don't you go read a few comic books. Your sister and I have a few things do discuss."Jack suggested.

Charlie looked up at me for permission. I nodded at him and he wheeled himself away leaving us alone. I turned my attention to Jack who was looking at Charlie's back in awe.

"You guys are really close huh? Like he literally has to ask you for permission before doing anything."Jack said out loud.

"Yes we are but is that what you wanted to talk to me about?"I inquired confused.

"No, looks like Henry didn't tell you the real reason why I called you here huh?"Jack answered.

"Henry?"

"Yeah he was supposed to tell you that I wanted to see you today about a job here at the arcade, that is if you haven't found work elsewhere."Jack explained.

My first reaction was anger, towards the little fucker who hadn't even bothered to tell me about the job. I sat with him at lunch, yet all he did was stare at me like a freak and ignore me. He didn't even have to use words, a note would have sufficed but oh no, he hadn't bothered. My second emotion was happiness because I finally got a job. The joy overshadowed the anger but not completely. I just pushed it at the back of my mind to be unleashed later. Matthias hadn't heard the last of me just yet.

"Oh My God, yes, I mean no, I haven't found a job yet so I would definitely love one."I expressed happily.

"Perfect, why don't you come around this side so we can discuss everything in more detail."Jack suggested pointing to the door that lead to his side of the counter.

I was so happy that I almost jumped over the counter but I held myself back and just walked around. Jack pointed to a seat next to him and I propped myself on it.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I would be hiring when I barely have any customers."Jack began.

"The thought hadn't even crossed my mind but speaking of, why are you hiring me?"I asked.

"Well this place is dead as you can see and I need to revive it otherwise I risk being closed down. Henry suggested I hire someone who could come up with fresh ideas to get more customers and I thought of you. You're young so you understand what kids and teenagers your age would want in a place like this to make this keep coming here. I mean I know it's not the same as staying home and playing Xbox but this place has its own appeal. So I'm hiring you for your fresh ideas. You can work after school and on weekends but you have to make sure that our sales increase."Jack summarized in so many words.

"That's a lot to digest but I'm definitely up for the task."I replied without having to think about it.

It was like hitting two birds with one stone, I got a job where Charlie and I could still hang out as he could be with me while I worked.

"Okay great. Any questions?"

"Not exactly a question but kind of a favor."

"What's up?"

I had just got the idea so I hoped Jack would go with it.

"Charlie gets off school earlier than I do. His teacher suggested bus drop off but I don't want him being dropped off at home, he'll be alone and I don't like that. If I talk to the teacher can he be dropped off here instead. It will only be for like an hour until I get here to work."I pleaded.

"Yeah sure, Charlie seems like a nice enough kid so that won't be a problem. But wait what if he needs to go to the bathroom. Do I need to take him?"Jack asked looking horrified making me laugh.

"No, Charlie can take himself to the bathroom. He will be no trouble."I replied.

"Okay good, then sure thing. He can be dropped off here."Jack said making me smile.

"Thank you, now let's talk about restoring Azgard back to its glory."I promoted.

Jack grinned and we spent the next hour talking strategies. It was going to be hard but I was determined for both me and Charlie. Jack had been the only one to give me a chance and I wasn't going to let him down.

After finalizing all the important talk about my pay and working hours Charlie and I took our leave. I was very happy about how the day had turned out. Charlie was also excited about my new job and didn't mind the bus ride in the afternoon where he would get dropped off at the arcade. He actually seemed to like that idea more than waiting for me so it all worked out okay.

I was helping Charlie out of the truck when a hooded figure walked out of Brown's residence. I would know that figure anywhere.

"Bud why don't you head on over inside. I have a bone to pick with someone."I requested Charlie.

"Okay."He replied as he wheeled himself towards the front door.

I waited by my truck until Henry was close enough before I walked down the drive way to intercept him. Henry looked at me shocked to see me block his way but he had it coming. He tried to side step me but I was having none of it.

"I actually wanted you to prove me wrong, that you weren't a dick like your twin. I even felt a little bit guilty for my outburst at lunch but guess what not anymore. You Matthias are even more selfish and self centered than your brother. Thanks for telling me about the job at the arcade. At least someone out there is actually looking out for me otherwise I would never have gotten the job. Goodbye prick. See you never."I spat before turning on my heel and leaving him standing there.

I didn't even want an apology or an explanation, I'd probably not get it anyway. I didn't want to admit it but the Brown twins got to me, each in a different way and I didn't like it. I would avoid them because they would only complicate my lives more and that was the last thing I needed. My life was already harder as it was without adding boy drama to it. I had been fine before I ever ran into any of them and would continue to be.

Besides things were already looking up for me, I got a job, Charlie was in school and stable. If I just kept everything as it was, minus the twins drama, then my plan of leaving immediately I turned eighteen would go on uninterrupted. I just had to set my priorities right and my first priority was always Charlie. Speaking of, he probably needed my help with homework so I made my way into his room as I kicked away all thought of the Brown twins out of my head.